Katy Perry inspired double takes on tonight’s Met Gala 2022 red carpet—but not for the reason you might think. As the event’s resident risk-taking theme queen, the pop superstar has worn everything from a sparkling Moschino chandelier dress to larger-than-life Versace angel wings with the boldest of beauty statements to match. Tonight, however, Perry dialed things back above her black and cream Oscar de la Renta dress with its floral cut-out lace detail across the chest and sheer tulle evening gloves.

“Katy has such a timeless beauty and has worn so many bold and playful makeup looks, this year I wanted something fresh, taking inspiration from her authenticity, her true natural beauty,” explains her makeup artist Michael Anthony. “It’s a very pared down, stripped back, and genuine approach that I think works so well with her dress and this year’s theme.”

To enhance Perry’s complexion, Anthony first gave her a de-puffing facial then added a veil of Beautyblender’s Bounce Liquid Whip Long Wear foundation, blended in with a moist Beautyblender sponge, before sculpting her features with the Magic Fit Creamy Bronzer & Highlighter Duo. “I didn’t want or need to do much more than provide a radiant complexion to let her authentic beauty shine through,” says Anthony. A roseate smoky eye, sweeps of bright blush, and a pinky nude lip finished the look.

Adding to the timelessness of Perry’s look was a sleek chignon. “With the side placement of the chignon, it accentuates her stunning profile and also complements the design of the dress,” says hairstylist Rick Henry, who prepped her hair with Bumble and bumble’s Bb.Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Primer and used Bb.Strong Finish hairspray for sleek, flyaway-free finish. The pop star’s Old Hollywood-worthy beauty look may not have been her boldest, but ultimately it was a testament to her timeless beauty, which shines no matter what.