Behind the Scenes of Alicia Keys’ Luminous Digital PEOPLE Cover

Alicia Keys can light up a room – and she takes that responsibility seriously.

“She makes sure the vibes on set are always upbeat and light,” makeup artist Ayako Yoshimura says of working with the “Girl on Fire” singer.

So when the Grammy-winning beauty and mom, 43, walked into her PEOPLE digital cover shoot, it was no surprise that the word of the day shining. Her glam team, including hairstylist Tanya “Nena” Melendez and stylist Jason Bolden, worked together to create an overall bright and colorful look that channeled Keys’ aura into the headlines.

Below, experts reveal what went into each aspect, from her glowing skin to her braided hair to her dramatic styling.

Alicia Keys is all heart (and soul)

Alicia Keys for PEOPLE.

Erik Carter

About her skin

“I always want to highlight Alicia’s inner light, so I focused on accentuating her natural features,” says Ayako Yoshimura. She chose to create a “minimalist and fresh yet flamboyant” glamorous style to go with Bolden’s colorful outfit.

To achieve Keys’ glowing complexion, Yoshimura used what the singer calls “offerings” from her own cosmetics line, Keys Soulcare, including Let Me Glow Illuminating Prep Serum and It’s Like Skin 2-in-1 Concealer + Tint (using shade 340 W) for additional coverage.

She then dabbed on a deep pink Sheer Flush Cheek Tint in Powerful for a “natural flush of color” before applying Gleam On Highlighting Balm to her lids, cheeks and the tip of Keys’ nose. Yoshimura’s trick for subtle coral lips? Mixing the brand’s Comforting Tinted Lip Balm with the aforementioned cheek tint.

All of these darling items can now be found on amazon.com, as the lifestyle beauty brand launched in the Amazon Premium Beauty Store in January. Everything from color and body to skincare is available, including Keys’ brand new Amazon-exclusive Deeply Replenishing Squalene Facial Oil, a lightweight blend that hydrates and nourishes skin overnight—and doesn’t clog pores—making it a great option for all types skin.

Yoshimura says that what he loves most about working with the award-winning artist is “the surprise every time! She always has something new to show us.”

Behind the scenes of Alicia Keys’ digital cover shoot for PEOPLE.

Erik Carter

About her hair

Tanya “Nena” Melendez called Keys “the queen of braids.” The pro wanted to pay homage to the superstar’s signature style, but also create a braided look she’s never worn before.

“Alicia loves her hair, fashion, culture and is very into self-expression. This style was appropriate for the cover because it accentuated all of those things,” Melendez explains of the “playful yet elegant” bun with side braids that were “a modern twist [on] and a nod to traditional African braided hairstyles.”

Melendez used Rizos Curls Refresh & Detangle Spray, RastAFri Pre-Stretch Silky Hair Extensions, as well as Keys Edge Pomade combined with Scalp Oil to create the work of art.

“Alicia is pretty involved in the process when it comes to her glamour,” Melendez notes of the singer, adding that their collaborations tend to be “fun, meaningful and relaxed.”

Behind the scenes of Alicia Keys’ digital cover shoot for PEOPLE.

Erik Carter

About her clothes

On and off stage, Keys is a big fan of bold looks. “She just loves color,” says stylist Jason Bolden. “It’s part of the DNA when it comes to clothes for her.”

Whenever the two work together, Bolden makes sure to stock her clothing racks with bright, eye-catching items, each with an “architectural feel and texture.”

Keys also has a strong sense of what silhouettes suit her figure. According to Bolden, she likes “anything high-waisted, cropped tops that show off her midriff,” and plunging necklines that accentuate her collarbones. Why is the latter such a favorite of the two? “It opens things up, lets the eye breathe,” he says.

With this arsenal of knowledge, it was “easy” for Bold to choose the marigold-colored L’idée pleated dress for the cover and the crimson version featured in the shoot, as well as the two-piece turquoise Hanifa look.

When it comes to Keys’ relationship with her glam squad, the word trust comes up again and again, and everyone looks forward to special moments like this one. Makeup artist Yoshimura says, “I love her energy and it’s always an honor to be around her presence.”

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Source: HIS Education