Rihanna, Sabrina Elba and more gave Major Beauty Inspo – Essence

Last week, stars took a moment to define their beauty through hair extensions, light, summery makeup, and trendy nail styles. Dark lips met layered mascara, waist-length braids and wigs replaced the beloved bob, and manicures were divided into three categories: pink flesheasy patterns or French suggestions.

For example, Mary J. Blige arrived in New York with red pigtails (much like singer Ravyn Lenae) and square pink nails. Meanwhile, Lizzo used her brown French suggestions with multicolored flowers to ward off her curly faux locks. Megan Thee Stallion, meanwhile, wore face-framing bangs with ruffled, hand-painted acrylics that resembled chopsticks.

Hair and nails complemented the makeup — Rihanna wore her latest Fenty Cheeks Suede Powder Blush in certainly one of the rare blush moments of the week — for a lightweight, end-of-summer feel. No-makeup duo Sabrina and Isan Elba set the skin tone with a serious, dark lip. Janelle Monae, meanwhile, opted for a matte red on a yacht. To round out the week, Love Island’s Serena Page appeared in fake lashes, glitter eyeshadow and lip gloss for the show’s Reunion.

If you missed it, take a look at 14 celebrity moments from this week.