Behind Cailee Spaeny’s Glowing Skin and Timeless French Twist at the Met Gala

The Met Gala is the perfect stage to prove yourself as a fashion heavy-hitter. Yes, there are those we always wait with bated breath to see—Zendaya, Kim Kardashian, and Rihanna come to mind (though the latter was sadly missing last night due to the flu). But for up-and-comers, a first Met appearance can make or break your status as a fashion darling. And last night, Cailee Spaeny just cemented her place in the fashion world.

For the 2024 Met Gala, the Priscilla star opted for a gorgeous white Miu Miu gown. Blending her (and the fashion house’s) trademark mix of classic and cute, the gown had a sleek column shape and a sweet, rounded collar. Metallic 3D flowers were a nod to the evening’s “Garden of Time” theme, and she finished the look with diamond earrings and a stunning diamond cuff.

On the beauty front, Spaeny went for a classic French twist and youthful, blush-forward makeup (we’re sensing a theme here). “We wanted her to look and feel natural, classic, and timeless,” the actor’s go-to makeup artist, Loren Canby, tells Byrdie. “For Cailee, it’s all about beautiful skin and minimal foundation. Any way we can stimulate the skin and create a hydrated glow from within is key.”

For the aforementioned “beautiful skin,” Canby used the Bio-Therapeutic bt-sculpt tool to prep her complexion. “I first applied the Bio-Therapeutic Restyfluid ($68) all over her face to optimize conductivity before using the Bio-Therapeutic bt-sculpt ($395),” says Canby. “Using the LIFT mode, which I turned onto setting Two, I began the facial sculpting movements, starting along the jawline and working my way up to the eyebrow bone. I periodically misted the face with Bio-TherapeuticAquafuse Hydrate ($41) to keep the skin damp and hydrated during the session. The results were a more sculpted and lifted facial structure while providing a perfect canvas for skincare and makeup to follow.”

Aside from the actor’s glowing skin, her pretty blush and soft lips are the obvious focal points of the look, but Canby credits something less expected as the secret to the makeup: “Top and bottom lashes were a key part of the look.” She recommends using “delicate individual lashes” if you want the same bright-eyed effect as Spaeny.

Her final step? “I always touch up the lip right before and a slight dusting of powder on the T-zone.”

 For hair, Spaeny teamed up with her longtime hair stylist, Kiley Fitzgerald. “Cailee’s dress was so timeless and chic,” she tells Byrdie. “We wanted to do something that complemented but didn’t overshadow her stunning dress. We opted for a chic modern take on the French twist, keeping it soft and elegant in the front with a middle part.”

Fitzgerald used Monday Haircare products to prep and style, including the Moisture Leave-In Conditioner ($6)  to de-frizz and hydrate. She used the Kristin Ess round brush to blow dry before polishing with the brand’s flat iron. After pinning the twist into place, she added a custom Jennifer Behr crystal and pearl pin as a finishing touch.