Solange Went Nearly Barefaced to the Met Gala Except for Some Ear Makeup

So far, the Met Gala 2017 has brought a mix of looks, from a spurt of almost everyday-seeming hair and makeup (hey, Kim Kardashian) to celebrities in full-on white stage makeup (so theatrical, much like Rei Kawakubo’s designs—a.k.a. the gala’s theme). There’s nothing like an unpredictable night to keep us violently refreshing our feeds, but the combination of Solange’s almost totally bare face, plus a defining line of chalky jaw and ear makeup, was enough to make us pause for at least 30 seconds (which is essentially years in red-carpet time).

Dissecting the look, as one does, we think the showstopper appeal radiates from Solange’s glow-from-within skin. To the naked eye, it looks like she’s not wearing anything other than a hint of potential brow makeup. But it’s possible she’s in on the secret that is microblading. The vibe gives a strong shout-out to Alicia Keys’ memorably barefaced look on the VMAs red carpet last year, and just like then, it makes an important point (whether meaning to or not): There’s power in choosing how you want to present yourself.

Obviously, Solange wouldn’t be the cultural icon she is without putting her own twist on things, though. Enter jaw chalk: Stemming back to the ear makeup trend that pops up on runways now and again, Solange’s take is a beyond cool, minimalist streak of interest. It’s actually kind of similar to the chest line (really no other thing to call it) Cara Delevingne wore last September.

Solange credits designer Thom Browne as the inspo, who sent models down the spring-summer 2017 runway with bright white drawn-on chokers. We’d say it might even be the next highlighter—the way it outlines her jawline reminds us of neon strobing but with a defiantly understated spin. Combined with Solange’s expertly hazy cloud of curls and subtle roll, we might just try it tomorrow. Maybe.

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