Essence Fest is the place to be every July 4th weekend and this year the stars came out in full force. Taking place in New Orleans, the music festival has been around since 1995 celebrating all things Black culture, music, and people.
This year, Essence Fest celebrated the 50th anniversary of hip hop with performances by the icon Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, Ludacris, and many more.
Here are our top picks for best beauty.
Lauryn Hill
Superstar Lauryn Hill graced the stage at Essence Fest in a stunning blue eye, pink blush, and deep bold plum lip. Her hair was braided back in cornrows and topped with a chic purple veil.
Kelly Rowland
Kelly Rowland attended Essence Fest in neutral eye shadow, bronzed cheeks, and glossy nude lips. Her hair was styled in a sleek middle part.
Ari Lennox
Ari Lennox took to the stage at Essence Fest in a long high pony, bold lashes, and a dark nude lip.
Dess Dior
Dess Dior hit the streets of New Orleans during Essence Fest in nude eyeshadow, a sculpted face, and a light pink lip. Her hair was styled in a cute middle-part bob.
Reginae Carter
Reginae Carter struck a pose at Essence Fest in full lush lashes, bronzed cheeks, and a nude lip. Her hair was laid in a side-part bob.
Danielle Brooks
Danielle Brooks attended Essence Fest in a stunning purple shimmery eyeshadow, vibrant blush, and a mauve lip. Her hair was a standout in auburn crochet braids.
Fantasia
Fantasia, who stars in the upcoming The Color Purple, had main character energy at Essence Fest, rocking a gorgeous cut-crease eye, peach blush, and a pink lip. Her hair was styled in a blond highlighted cropped look.
Taraji P. Henson
Taraji P. Henson was feeling the vibe at Essence Fest in playful pink eyeshadow, bold peach blush, and a pink lip. Her hair was pulled back in a braided updo.
Shannon Thornton
Shannon Thornton was photographed sitting pretty at Essence Fest in a cut crease eye look, lush lashes, and a glossy brick red lip. Her short bob was styled in a sleek side part.
Quinta Brunson
Quinta Brunson snapped it up at Essence Fest in cute space buns, a neutral pout, and full brows.
The celebs brought their A-game to New Orleans for Essence Fest. Which star’s look is your favorite?
