Our Queen Riri doesn’t just walk the Met Gala red carpet; she owns it. 👠 From headline-making couture moments to nails that deserve their own close-up, Rihanna (born on February 20, 1988) has turned every Met Gala appearance into a masterclass in beauty dominance, all while building her Fenty Beauty empire on boldness, inclusivity, and unapologetic self-expression. She’s such a force in the fashion industry that Anna Wintour included her twice in an interview about some of The Met’s greatest looks of all time! In this article, let’s deep-dive into Rihanna’s most iconic Met Gala nail looks and know how to recreate them using modern, TPO-free, and year-round nail must-haves. Rihanna’s Nails at Met Gala 2025 (Superfine: Tailoring Black Style) Rihanna understands contrast better than anyone. While the 2025 Met Gala night buzzed with speculation about her pregnancy, her nails had already revealed something. Set against the super-fine black tailoring, her choice of light pink, bubblegum-toned nails almost felt like a hint of her baby’s gender (she’s now a girl mom!). Our Dip & Dap - DD009 Ballerina Gown, also available in dip and acrylic powder, is the perfect match that can soften your black-tie look, adding a touch of femininity. Rihanna’s Nails at Met Gala 2023 (Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty) It isn’t Karl if there’s no white present. For the Met Gala 2023, Rihanna leaned into harmonious consistency with pale pinkish-white nails adorned with delicate 3D white florals. The look mirrored Lagerfeld’s devotion to detail and craftsmanship, translating couture-level embellishment into something unexpectedly romantic. To express the same true atelier vibe, wear natural, long square tips and dip your nails into Dip & Dap Powder - DD165 Ciao Bella (available in gel and lacquer duo) for understated elegance. Rihanna’s Nails at Met Gala 2021 (In America: A Lexicon of Fashion) A stark red pulsing through a dark, obsidian ensemble–that’s what 2021 badgalriri’s almond nail look was all about. Echoing the strength and symbolism behind In America: A Lexicon of Fashion, the rich yet not overpowering deep burgundy-red tone felt classic yet commanding, grounding the look in confidence. Similar to Rihanna’s manicure, our Rosé Duo - R092 Breakup, Makeup (also in powder form) is not just a trend-led red, but a timeless one that you can wear with ease for everyday life. Rihanna’s Nails at Met Gala 2018 (Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination) We’re now entering reverent territory with Rihanna’s Met Gala 2018 attendance. Admired by many celebrities and fashion magazines, her platinum-silver nails with a cross and royal motif brought sophistication and a once-in-a-lifetime experience to the whole Heavenly Bodies theme. The LB Powder - LB107 Pure Platinum (available in gel) is as luminous, almost celestial, reflecting light like sacred metalwork. Decorate your mani with our Nail Art Charms - 037 to ring a religious and intentional illustration. Rihanna’s Nails at Met Gala 2017 (Rei Kawakubo: Art Of The In-Between) The ultimate nod to Kawakubo’s philosophy of balance and embracing imperfection (wabi-sabi). Described by her nail artist, Maria Salandra, as a “modern-day Marie Antoinette look”, Riri’s Met Gala 2017 head-to-toe glam wowed us by blending art with clothing. Choosing baby blue gel polish accented with delicate gold foil details provided a softer interpretation, completely lightening the conceptual, visual weight. To achieve this, wear our Dip & Dap - DD123 Clarity, available in acrylic powder, and include some metallic stickers or foils for dimension. Rihanna’s Nails at Met Gala 2015 (China: Through the Looking Glass) Looking like a moving, breathing piece of art, Rihanna solidified her fashionista status in this iconic moment. Enclosed in this 55-pound, hand-embroidered imperial-yellow cloak was an electrifying magenta pink inner garment. This is why it suits her to pair her sparkling gold nails with vibrant medium pink French tips, bringing a surprising modern twist to a historically inspired night. Aligning with the spectacle of Rihanna’s Guo Pei yellow gown, apply LB Powder - LB103 Fine Gold (gel form here) as base, then paint the tips with LB - LB167 Raspberry Cake Pops to transform yourself into a 21st-century empress. Rihanna’s Nails at Met Gala 2014 (Charles James: Beyond Fashion) Rihanna resembled a breath of modern, minimalist air, redefining “less is more” in a two-piece Stella McCartney work of art. Her Charles James Met Gala 2014 manicure seemingly featured the color of that year (Radiant Orchid) with a pale lavender shade, nearly grey in tone, drawing a romantic, rebellious kind of elegance. Minimal in execution but rich in mood, the LB Powder - LB045 Iris Mist (available in regular and gel polish), topped with a no-cleanse or no-wipe HEMA-free top coat, can prove that subtlety can be just as powerful as statement art. Rihanna’s Nails at Met Gala 2011 (Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty) The theatrical nature of Alexander McQueen’s own designs truly transpired in Rihanna’s gorgeous gothic mermaid silhouette. Her iconic scarlet red hair styled in a long braid acted as a streak of fire against the peekaboo black lace, embodying the Savage Beauty theme. The glossy, midnight black nails were stripped back and intentional, allowing the drama of the evening to speak for itself. Our LB - LB090 Dynamic Black and LB Powder - LB090 Dynamic Black have a striking blend of darkness and finesse, allowing you to channel a “good girl gone bad” persona. Rihanna herself once said, “The minute you learn to love yourself, you won’t want to be anyone else,” and her Met Gala looks over the years represent exactly that philosophy. She values authenticity, creativity, and being fiercely independent; the reason she’s been a role model in the music, beauty, and fashion world. Whether you’re a certified Rihanna Navy or a simple supporter of her works, you’ll surely appreciate how she keeps her manicures honest and effortless. Which Met Gala manicure of Rihanna are you planning to recreate? Show us your application process by tagging us on TikTok: @igelbeauty or Instagram: @igelbeauty. Now, you can find love in your nails, not just in a hopeless place. 🤭 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── Written by Alyssa Bueno on February 12, 2026 Alyssa Bueno, a true beauty enthusiast, brings her passion for writing and beauty to life as a writer for iGel Beauty. With a diverse editorial background and industry expertise, Alyssa shares the latest trends and curates tutorials and tips to inspire nail lovers worldwide.
