The Heavenly Hands

Since 1970, ESSENCE covers and features have made us feel seen and beautiful. Here, we're celebrating the groundbreaking hair and makeup artists that helped bring some of these moments to life

- By Akili King

In a world that has, historically, tried to make Black women feel less than, ESSENCE has stood tall for the past 55 years, always lifting us up. The magazine’s proud stance has often felt like a life raft in a sea of chaos: a constant reminder that we are beautiful, excellent, strong and magical. For many of us, just glancing through the magazine—which I, personally, often found on my mother’s coffee table growing up—helps us to feel seen and celebrated, and to dream big. Makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks echoes this sentiment. “ESSENCE always felt like mine—fresh, vibrant and deeply connected to my generation,” she says. Makeup artist Keanda Vivar, who has worked on countless ESSENCE projects, adds, “ESSENCE reflects our grace, strength and excellence.” Renowned makeup artist Sir John chimes in about what it’s meant to him to be featured over the years: “It’s a cosign from the universe.”

Mikki Taylor, ESSENCE’s esteemed former Beauty & Cover Director, pushes this notion a step further. “ESSENCE is more than a magazine,” she asserts. “ESSENCE was like a good friend that arrived at your house every month to remind you of the truth of who you are.” Renowned makeup artist—and Taylor's dear friend—Sam Fine agrees: “It felt like family.”

Master hairstylist John Atchison sums it up by saying that the magazine has always been the “Black Fashion Bible.” Atchison is known for what Taylor describes as his “architectural haircuts,” featured on the pages of ESSENCE throughout the 1980s. He also crafted civil rights activist Dorothy Height’s layered bob for the first ESSENCE Awards.

A plethora of hair and makeup artists behind the scenes have played major roles in the magazine affirming our beauty. Each brought trendsetting spreads and captivating covers to life—all a welcome “home,” warmly depicting our beauty as only we can. Below, a few of these artists reflect on their favorite moments.