Joey King’s Met Gala Glow Started With Neutrogena

Celebrity makeup artist Allan Avendaño worked with Joey King for the 2026 Met Gala, creating a beauty look inspired by the flowing lines and decorative elegance of the Art Nouveau movement.

While Joey’s Miu Miu gown referenced the work of artists such as Alphonse Mucha and Aubrey Beardsley, Allan translated that same mood into the beauty direction through luminous skin, flushed cheeks, softly stained lips, and wide, doll-like eyes. The objective wasn’t dramatic contouring or heavy glamour. Instead, the focus was on creating a complexion that looked fresh, even, and radiant from every angle.

As Allan explained, “I was really inspired by the Art Nouveau movement and created a look that emphasized clean, fresh glowing skin, flushed cheeks and lips, and a doll-like gaze. Skin prep was the MVP of this look, and the Neutrogena Evenly Clear Acne Cleanser, Clarifying Spray and Acne Gel Moisturizer delivered the perfect canvas for makeup.”

The skincare preparation began with Neutrogena’s Evenly Clear Acne Cleanser. Formulated with 2% salicylic acid and 2% PHA exfoliant, the cleanser works to clear breakouts, remove excess oil, and help improve the appearance of post-acne marks while leaving the skin feeling smooth and refreshed.

Next came the Evenly Clear Clarifying Spray, which Allan used in place of a traditional toner. Applied generously across Joey’s face and neck, the fragrance-free formula contains hypochlorous acid to help purify and refresh acne-prone skin. Allowing the spray to fully absorb before moving to the next step ensured the skin remained balanced and hydrated.

The final stage before makeup application was the Evenly Clear Acne Gel Moisturizer. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, the formula delivers lasting hydration without leaving behind residue, making it particularly well-suited for red carpet makeup. Rather than creating a heavy layer between skincare and foundation, it sinks into the skin quickly, leaving behind a smooth surface ready for makeup application.

What stands out most about this routine is its simplicity. Three straightforward steps created the foundation for a beauty look that relied on healthy-looking skin rather than layers of product. In a beauty landscape often focused on elaborate routines, Joey King’s Met Gala prep is a reminder that a well-prepared complexion remains the starting point for every great makeup look.

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