The Sterling Secret
Insider tips to improve your nails
Think of the world’s top stars: Brooklyn-native Dawn Sterling has likely painted their fingertips. Here, she shares what’s in her kit. “My staples are 99% alcohol: Manicurist,
Opi, Essie, Chanel, and Dior. And Chanel actually has one of my favorite hand creams right now. It’s really hydrating—not sticky, not shiny, but Dior Nail Glow ChanelLaCrémeMain OPI Big Apple Red just perfect. And I love disposable nail files, buffers, and nail pushers.”
y of Jawara
The hairstylist extraordinaire recommends products to elevate your ‘do
Jawara is known for styling hair for the likes of Doja Cat, Beyoncé and Solange, he is also the creator of the Black Hair Reimagined Hair Show. Now the Jamaican-born artist returns to where his career started—with ESSENCE—for our 2026 Beauty Awards.
“I love this AirLight Pro from L’Oréal, which is great for all hair types and prevents heat damage. I used that on the girls today, for the shoot. I also used Hair Rituel by Sisley. Lastly, I used a concoction that I’ve been working on, on some of the models today, for textured hair.”
Production Credits:
Models: Angeer Amol at Muse, Coco Mitchell at Muse, Delar Gaston at Muse, Nadia Blocker at One, Ayak at New York Models
Photographer: Brendan Wixted
Video Director of Photography: Kiymora Smith
Hair Stylist: Jawara
Makeup Artist: Mila Thomas
Nail Artist: Dawn Sterling
Wardrobe Stylist: Dione Davis
Photography Assistant: Justin Mulroy
Digital Technician: Tisha Harmsen
Hair Assistants: Jadis Jolie, Tiffany Blake
Makeup Assistant: Lauryn Scriber
Styling Assistant: Keanu Mohammed
Production Assistant: Eddie Claudon
Visuals Director: Breanna Hall
Senior Beauty Editor: Akili King
Production Director: Lauren DiLello Stair
Producer: Sharon Viera
Casting & Talent Management: Anne Marie Andrews
