Gabrielle Union’s Met Gala Glam: Sam Fine on Diana Ross Vibes

The Met Gala is always a spectacle, and in 2026, Gabrielle Union absolutely stunned, channeling the legendary Diana Ross. But behind every iconic red carpet moment is a masterful artist, and this year, it was the one and only Sam Fine. He’s the go-to makeup guru for countless stars, and he’s spilling the tea on how he created Union’s unforgettable look.

A 20-Year Collaboration

Sam Fine has been working with Gabrielle Union for over two decades, and their long-standing relationship is built on trust and creativity. Fine gushes about Union’s willingness to experiment, noting her openness to trying new things, like adding bottom lashes or playing with different hairstyles. This trust is crucial for creating show-stopping looks on a night as high-stakes as the Met Gala.

This year’s theme, ‘Costume Art,’ provided the perfect canvas for Union’s transformation. Instead of a literal interpretation, Fine and Union aimed for a muse whose historic beauty deserves its own museum exhibit: the incomparable Diana Ross.

Channeling the Icon: Diana Ross Glam

The inspiration struck Fine the moment he saw Union’s sequined, nude-toned gown. “It immediately reminded me of Diana’s old-school glam—big hair, lots of lashes,” he explained. This vision guided the entire beauty approach, ensuring every element worked in harmony.

To achieve that flawless complexion, Fine used Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation (shade 11.8) and concealer (shade 10) to create a deep, golden undertone. The real magic, however, lay in the lashes.

The Art of the Lash

For the top lash line, Fine opted for Kiss The New Natural lashes in ‘Nude Blazer’ (12mm) to add soft, wispy definition, achieving that coveted ‘no-makeup’ makeup effect. But to truly capture Diana Ross’s signature look, the bottom lashes were essential.

He used the Impress Individual Lash Kit, applying clusters ranging from natural to voluminous. This meticulous placement added subtle dimension and that signature eye-opening effect, perfectly refining the iconic look with a touch of modern drama.

Hair and Nails: The Finishing Touches

Complementing the makeup was Union’s stunning hair, a double halo-like piece designed to evoke the fierce goddesses seen in Kwame Braithwaite’s photography. Union mentioned they initially planned for it to be larger, but adjusted it so her husband could stand beside her. Still, the goal was to capture the essence of Braithwaite’s iconic “Black Is Beautiful” movement imagery.

The nude theme extended to her nails, with artist Thuy Nguyen using DND Gel’s Perfect Nude #867 as a base. A delicate peach cream French tip was painted on with a liner brush, then layered with a chocolate color for a rich, dimensional finish that perfectly echoed her gown.

What I love most is being part of those moments where everything comes together, fashion, beauty, and storytelling. It’s always about collaboration and creating something that feels iconic and lasting. — Sam Fine

Sam Fine’s philosophy perfectly encapsulates the magic of the Met Gala: it’s a collaborative art form where fashion, beauty, and narrative intertwine to create something truly iconic. Gabrielle Union’s Diana Ross-inspired moment was a testament to that.