Kehlani is part of the 2026 Essence Festival of Culture lineup. Don’t miss out—tickets here: Get Tickets
Undoubtedly, it’s Kehlani’s year. Kicking off 2026, the “Folded” artist has already won two Grammys for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song, is set to put out her self-titled album next month, and has been announced as a 2026 Essence Festival performer. But the blessings don’t stop there. Last night, she also took home an iHeartRadio Award for R&B Song of the Year.
As usual, the star stepped out in style. This time, she rocked three different looks—a black and red corset dress, a yellow two-piece with white appliqué, and yellow, silver-studded halter dress—styled by Alejandra LaPilusa. For hair, she traded in her new pixie cut for a middle part and elegant waves by her trusted hairstylist Quran Smith. And, of course, everything was tied together with incredible glam by Celebrity Makeup Artist Troye Antonio.
For the evening, Antonio’s inspiration was simple. “We wanted something that felt soft but still had presence,” he tells ESSENCE. “I wanted her skin to look radiant with subtle definition that translated both on camera and in person.” And he did just that, with specials thanks to a slough of Beauty Creations products.
“I focused on a hydrated, luminous base to keep everything seamless and glowing,” he shares. Specifically, he layered Liquid Blush in Pink Thing and Blush Hush Powder Blush in My Favorite, “to build dimension without heaviness.” For the eyes, “I kept them softly sculpted with Riding Solo Single Shadow Vol. 2 in Shooting Stars and finished with Take Me Somewhere Silk Lashes in Bahamas,” he adds. And, of course, you can’t forget the glossy lips, done with Wooden Lip Pencil in La Vida Mocha and Tinted Luxe Lip Oil in Headliner.
It certainly helped that the vibes while getting ready were “calm, focused, and grounded. Good music and good energy,” too, he says. And, of course, that he simply loves what he does. “I love being part of creating a moment. Also being able to help bring confidence to life, especially with someone as expressive as Kehlani!”
Until the looks, vocals, and vibes the queen will bring to the Essence Festival’s 2026 stage, below, for a dose of major glam inspiration. Cheers to our girl!
