Kehlani is undoubtedly having a stellar year in 2026, and her recent appearance at the iHeartRadio Awards showcased not just her musical talent but also her stunning style. With two Grammy wins already under her belt for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Song, and the anticipation of her self-titled album release next month, the singer is on a roll. Additionally, she has been announced as a performer for the 2026 Essence Festival of Culture.
A Night of Glamour
At the iHeartRadio Awards, Kehlani dazzled in three different outfits, each styled by the talented Alejandra LaPilusa. Her looks included a striking black and red corset dress, a vibrant yellow two-piece adorned with white appliqué, and a stunning yellow halter dress embellished with silver studs. The singer’s hair was transformed by her trusted stylist Quran Smith, who opted for elegant waves, moving away from her recent pixie cut.
Makeup Magic by Troye Antonio
The glam for the evening was brought to life by celebrity makeup artist Troye Antonio, who shared his vision for Kehlani’s look. We wanted something that felt soft but still had presence, he explained. His goal was to achieve radiant skin with subtle definition that would shine both on camera and in person.
Creating the Perfect Base
Antonio utilized a variety of products from Beauty Creations to create a hydrated, luminous base. He layered the Liquid Blush in Pink Thing and the Blush Hush Powder Blush in My Favorite to build dimension without heaviness. For the eyes, he chose the Riding Solo Single Shadow Vol. 2 in Shooting Stars to softly sculpt Kehlani’s lids, finishing the look with Take Me Somewhere Silk Lashes in Bahamas. The glossy lips were achieved using the Wooden Lip Pencil in La Vida Mocha and Tinted Luxe Lip Oil in Headliner.
The Vibe Behind the Glam
Antonio emphasized the importance of the atmosphere while getting ready, describing it as calm, focused, and grounded, complemented by good music and positive energy. He expressed his passion for his work, stating, I love being part of creating a moment. Also being able to help bring confidence to life, especially with someone as expressive as Kehlani!
Inspiration for Your Own Glam
As we look forward to Kehlani’s performance at the Essence Festival, her glamorous looks serve as a source of inspiration for anyone looking to elevate their style. Whether it’s for a special event or just a night out, the key takeaways from Kehlani’s glam transformation include:
- Radiant Skin: Focus on a hydrated base to achieve a glowing look.
- Soft Definition: Use blush and eyeshadow to create dimension without overwhelming the face.
- Glossy Lips: Opt for tinted lip oils for a fresh, dewy finish.
Kehlani’s journey this year is a testament to her talent and style, and her appearance at the iHeartRadio Awards only solidifies her status as a fashion icon. With her upcoming performances and album release, fans can expect even more stunning looks and unforgettable moments from this talented artist.
For those eager to catch Kehlani live, don’t miss her at the 2026 Essence Festival. Get your tickets now and prepare for an unforgettable experience!
