December 3, 2006: Our cover team headed west to Venice Beach, California, and the surfside studio of celebrity photographer Kwaku Alston to prepare for the arrival of our six-time cover girl Nia Long. She slipped in wearing skinny cropped jeans, a cozy sweater and hot leopard stilettos. Our Glam Squad decided on a romantic look for the beloved star. Makeup artist Eric Ferrell crafted a pretty palette of violet and chocolate hues to bring out Nia’s gorgeous eyes and lips, while stylist Neeko created a bedroom do of soft falling waves. Manicurist Von Christmas delivered the final flourish: luscious nail enamel in Caramel painted on Nia’s short, modern nails. Our cover girl loved the clothes too, which she described as “very romantic, dreamy pieces—I basically feel like a queen.” And that’s exactly how she carried on in front of the camera, raising a brow, tilting her chin, working a shoulder here and there as Kwaku captured it all on film. “These are the best times of my life,” Nia said.
—MIKKI TAYLOR, Beauty Director and Cover Editor www.essence.com
Fashion Director Agnes Cammock selects a few pretty pieces.
Nia turns on the charm.
Time to glow in Bobbi Brown Natural Beige Lip Sheer, $21, Eye Shadows in MAlted and Rich Brown, $19 each, Bobbi Brown.com.
Stay rosy with Bobbi Brown Violet Face Palette, $50.
