Celebrity Coverage
MAC Celebrates 40 Years with Black Women – Essence
Arnaldo Magnani/Getty Images
Since 1984 MAC Cosmetics has a unbroken influence on the black community, providing us with essential tools and a variety of shades.
Think: their annual Glamour Ball VIVA— which has welcomed glam-clad guests like Mary J. Blige, Eve, Fantasia, Diana Ross, and more. Additionally, with its backstage presence at fashion weeks over time, with supermodels Naomi Campbell and Iman, MAC has proven to be accountable for the makeup behind a few of the biggest beauty moments in popular culture history — including Lil’ Kim’s archival metallic lipstick.
Now, as we have fun their fortieth anniversary during Fashion Week (where the brand will sponsor shows by Area, Kim Shui and Luar), we glance back on the legacy they built for black women.
“I think the brand, more than ever, is still rooted in what made MAC special from the beginning,” Aïda Moudachirou-Rebois, senior vice chairman and general manager of MAC, tells ESSENCE. “Artistry, inclusivity, culture… that was the heart of the brand, so that we could help people in our community who needed it the most.”
Despite the noise and competition in a saturated industry, MAC has remained the loudest within the room—largely due to its ability to take heed to its community. That means internally, too.
For MAC makeup professionals, Romero JenningsBeing with a brand for nearly 30 years means being heard. “I feel like I helped build and sustain that brand all those years ago,” he says. “Now, a lot of brands would say it’s on, but we had it from the beginning, which is why we had such a huge following of Black and brown people back then.”
Jennings recalls women from Harlem and the Bronx visiting MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation because no other brand had their shade. “A lot of people would say it was their first time doing makeup because before you had to mix or the colors weren’t right or they were too light,” says Jennings, as a powdered Grace Jones and the Prince.
Meanwhile, lip pencils developed firstly, we use them to at the present time (as Uche Natorifavorite shade chestnut) alongside the lipsticks we crave like CD 96, gave black women the representation they deserve.
Beyond products, MAC has built initiatives to support its teams and customers from inside. From participating in Black Beauty List to investing in funds, grants and creating internal secure spaces like Black At MAC and MAC Movement, the brand’s foundation is rooted not only in culture but in addition in influence. “We don’t have a ‘one size fits all’ approach because that’s kind of performative and a box-ticking thing,” says Moudachirou-Rebois.[We’re] “we really continue to strive to elevate culture in all its nuances.”
With 22% of MAC customers identifying as black (in comparison with the common 8% of U.S. luxury beauty consumers), the brand’s future is in our hands. “We don’t like to think of ourselves as a makeup brand, but as a cultural brand,” she says. “We have a responsibility to that consumer to really meet their needs.”
Celebrity Coverage
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is predicted to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Nineteen Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a have a look at 17 of the perfect celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
Celebrity Coverage
Black artists shine with 2024 Christmas albums – Essence
This holiday season, a few of the most talented Black music artists are reimagining the sounds of Christmas. From the soulful sounds of gospel legends to the contemporary kind of rising stars, these albums offer something for everybody who wants so as to add splendor to their celebrations. Whether it’s fresh takes on timeless classics, moving original songs, or reissues of beloved favorites, these projects bring joy, warmth and a way of community to everyone.
Jennifer Hudson makes her holiday debut with a track that mixes powerful vocals and heartfelt melodies. CeCe Winans brings a spiritual touch and Coco Jones adds her unique talent. Celebrating her thirtieth anniversary, Mariah Carey returns to the zeitgeist, and the reissue of Boyz II Men offers the right, cozy soundtrack.
As you decorate the halls and meet your family members, let these albums fill your space with music that uplifts, inspires and sets the right holiday mood. Here’s a more in-depth have a look at Black artists bringing joy to the world with their Christmas 2024 releases.
Celebrity Coverage
Let Anok Yai’s spiky bun inspire your holiday hair look – the essence
Images by Dave Benett/Getty
Earlier this week, Model of the Year nominee Anok Yai appeared at the Fashion Awards gala at London’s Royal Albert Hall. And regardless that the night ended there controversial joke for this yr’s award, the look of her hair stood out, as did her skilled achievements.
Paired with an archival John Galliano gown from 1994, her hairstyle was as avant-garde as the supermodels of the day – and was the most groundbreaking look of the night. On the foundation, a pixie cut with micro-mushrooms framed her sculpted features, and the sides stopped just at the tip of her eyebrows.
However, the summit took an unexpected turn. Almost like a headdress, straight, long strands gathered at the top of the head, overlapping right into a bow. The look was romantic and evoked the essence of Mugler’s Alien Hypersense, of which it’s the face. “I carry a bottle in every purse, it’s an addiction” Yai said in front of the red carpet.
The iconic outfit was repeated by Rihanna, who two days later arrived in an identical style at the thirty eighth annual Footwear Awards Gala in New York. With slight moderation – longer, blunt bangs and full updo – hairdresser Nafia Biała used an identical technique. Could this be the hottest hair trend of the season? These two icons actually suggest that.
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