Last week was nothing short of a beauty showdown, as Black celebrities rose to the occasion with looks that were bold, memorable, and right on the mark. One could hardly ignore EssenceFest, where the stars paid homage to Black culture through mesmerizing makeup and head-turning hairstyles, each one more irresistible than the last. Meanwhile, a series of editorial spreads offered a playground for experimentation, turning beauty into art with striking results that hit every time. All in all, the assignment was clear: make an impact. And without a doubt, our favorite celebs delivered flawlessly.
The Looks
Makeup
Monica Denise is still going full throttle with the promo for her and Brandy’s The Boy Is Mine tour—and she’s making every beauty moment count. Last week in Glasgow, she stepped out in a head-to-toe denim ensemble, elevated by a glam beat that was impossible to ignore. Think smokey eyes, fluttery spider lashes, a hint of soft blush, and matte neutral lips—the perfect recipe for a look that was both subtle and striking. In true Monica fashion, it was effortlessly cool with just the right dose of drama.
As the 2025 EssenceFest took over headlines, Keke Palmer made sure to captivate us, not just with her powerhouse vocals, but with a makeup look that hit all the right notes. Taking the stage to perform a soulful rendition of Brandy’s “Sittin’ Up In My Room,” she leaned into nostalgic glam with shimmering eyes, pencil-thin brows, and glossy lips—a clear nod to the ’90s makeup revival that’s stealing the spotlight this summer. It was a pitch-perfect blend of tribute and trend, delivered with Keke’s signature flair.
Hairstyles
Singer Ari Lennox graced the pages of RollingStone Africa, making a compelling case for voluminous curls. Rich, textured, and full of movement, her multi-length hairstyle framed her face beautifully while radiating a sultry, effortlessly sexy vibe.
Check out the makeup looks and hairstyles spotted at the 2025 EssenceFest and other events last week…
Ciara
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Lizzo
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Ashanti
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Monica Denise
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Chloe Bailey
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Ari Lennox
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Keke Palmer
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Kandi Burruss
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Jasmine Tookes
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Danielle Deadwyler
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