Jazz vocalist Samara Joy is fresh off of her 6th Grammy win. Sunday night, the Bronx-born artist took home the award for Best Jazz Vocal Album for project Portrait. And, rightfully so, as her buttery smooth vocals, on songs like “Peace of Mind / Dreams Come True,” feel like a balm in these difficult times. Her Grammys glam team can attest to her soothing energy, too. “She has such a warm, kind, authenticity that radiates in whatever room she’s in. Not only does she trust the process, but she is so sweet throughout, which makes working with her nothing short of a blast,” hair artist Tai Simon tells ESSENCE. Makeup artist Keita Moore echoes this. “I love her music and her energy. She’s beautiful, poised, and timeless,” he explains. “She’s also incredibly easy to work with; passionate yet grounded, and truly such a joy to be around.”
That said, great hair, makeup, and a fabulous dress are merely cherries on top of her talent and grace. To pair with her regal, silver silk dress, and matching overcoat, was a sleek pony and face-framing side bangs. “We wanted to go for something fun and flirty yet still keep the glamour that Samara Joy embodies, so an elevated ponytail was a no-brainer,” Simon says. Bringing it to life were trusted products, like GHD styling tools and a great pair of shears, and even trustier techniques. “For any flawless ponytail, the real key is great tension, of course. When it came to the elevated curls, we’re all about feather layers and curling just enough so that the body remains—but also falls very softly and whimsically.”
The makeup was equally as elegant: soft pink lips, blushy cheeks, with a touch of shimmery smoke on the lids. But the main event? “It was really all about the base,” Moore, who’s known for creating a long-lasting and dewy canvas, says. “We always want to create a synergetic look, so I worked closely with her stylist and hairstylist.” Moore reached for Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Foundation and Stay In Place Matte Powder for Joy’s face, while Tom Ford Lip Pencil and a clear gloss were key players that created the perfect, speech-ready pout.
What’s more? The getting ready vibes were immaculate, too. “It’s important to me to provide a peaceful environment to get her ready before all of the hectic fun that comes with award season,” Simon shares. “You know me, it’s always a good time in my chair,” Moore chimes in. “It’s such a major day, so as much fun as we do have, my client’s comfort is most important. I like to create a space that feels welcoming and where they can share their genuine feedback while enjoying themselves,” he says. “Samara created the vibe!” Unsurprisingly, “she has amazing music taste.”
As for what keeps this glam duo going during busy seasons such as these? Commemorating their clients’ accomplishments. “Award season is just a great time of celebrating the hard efforts and great works put into the world,” Simon says. Moore agrees. “I just love being able to be part of such major moments for my clients,” he says. “They’ve worked so hard for the recognition, and I love being able to help them feel beautiful at such an impactful time.”
Below, get an inside look at Joy’s getting ready process for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
