Taraji P Henson's Makeup Artist, Ashunta Sheriff, Shares Her Easy Beauty Slay Tips For Summer 

Ashunta Sheriff is the makeup artist of all makeup artists. With over 20 years in the game, Sheriff has beat the faces of stars like Mary J. Blidge, Alicia Keys and is also the go-to artist for Taraji P Henson.

At this year’s ESSENCE festival Sheriff shared her legendary secrets for easy glowing skin. Keep scrolling to get these tips, just in time for summer! 

1. Everything starts with a good base 

When creating flawless glowy skin Sheriff says it all starts with a great base. Before adding fun things like foundation or bold lips, it’s imperative to get skin in tip-toe shape.  “A  good base includes primer, a tiny bit of shimmer and a touch of highlight,” she shares. 

2. Start inward and blend out 

Have you ever finished your foundation only to realize it’s a bit too heavy? Well, thankfully Sheriff has a great tip for making sure that never happens again. “I like to start with a matte foundation and always make sure to apply it to the back of my hand first,” Sheriff says. 

When it comes to the application, apply the product to the center of face first and use a brush, or fingers, to blend outward. Sheriff prefers this method of application because the majority of the product ends up where you need it most and prevents it looking too heavy or cakey.  

3. Your neck is major key 

Sheriff wants all women to remember how important their necks are when creating a super flawless look. It can be easy to forget how important blending your foundation is. “Make sure to bring the foundation down your neck,” she shares. 

4. Uptown, downtown, crosstown 

When it comes to mascara Sheriff has coined the term uptown, downtown and crosstown. First apply in an upward motion, then downward and then across the lashes. Sheriff says applying the product like this will give you the fullest lashes possible.