Beauty should never hide who you are. It should help you feel even more like yourself. That’s the spirit behind the 2026 ESSENCE Beauty Awards, where our mantra this year is simple: let the beauty breathe. We celebrated the products that enhance, nourish, and empower, making space for authenticity across every age, skin tone, hair texture, and routine. From scalp sprays that revive protective styles to body oils that deliver a year-round vacation glow, these are the launches that truly stood out. Tap the link to discover this year’s winners and maybe even your next beauty obsession. essence.com/2026bestinbeauty…

One in a Million. Forever. This year at ESSENCE Festival, we will honor the life, music, and legacy of Aaliyah with a special tribute celebrating 25 years of her self-titled album, 30 years of her debut album, and the enduring impact of an artist who changed culture forever. Who better to curate this unforgettable celebration than the one and only Missy Elliott. Her creative collaboration with Aaliyah gave us some of the most iconic moments in music history. This tribute comes to life with the deepest love, support, and blessings of Aaliyah’s mother, Diane Haughton, and brother, Rashad Haughton. Join us Sunday Night 7/5 for a loving tribute to our forever Baby Girl.

Restored and Ready For It All.   Motherhood changed everything. So did the conversations around it. In her ESSENCE digital cover story, Latto opens up about postpartum, leaning on her village, and learning to navigate one of life's biggest transitions in real time. “It's crazy because I was actually praying for a new motivation in life before I got pregnant. So 100 percent it motivated and inspired me in a whole different way. It unlocks a different version of yourself almost immediately." Read more from Latto's candid conversation with ESSENCE here: essence.com/of-the-essence/b…

Big Mama, for real!  The title started as a declaration. A reminder that Latto was the boss. It was about power. But life has a funny way of expanding our definitions. Now, the rapper born Alyssa Stephens is stepping into a version of Big Mama she manifested before her own eyes. A mother. A protector. A woman balancing new life, new purpose, and a new perspective on what success really means. From navigating postpartum and protecting her daughter from the spotlight to discovering a deeper motivation in life and music, Latto is embracing every part of the journey. And this summer, she's bringing that energy to the ESSENCE Festival stage for her first performance since becoming a mom. I'm so grateful for my life,” she says, and you can hear the waterline rising in her voice. “I've reached a different peak of peace.”  That last line could sound like surrender coming from someone else. For Latto, it’s freedom. Read Latto's ESSENCE digital cover story at the link in bio.

A Tuscany-style link up! 🍷✨ From how she stepped into the rom-com space to what we can expect from her on and off screen, Halle Bailey talks all things @youmetuscany with GU. Catch our full conversation below, and see the highly anticipated film in theaters April 10th! girlsunited.essence.com/feed…

For Halle Bailey, bringing authentic Black girl moments to the screen, just as they show up in her everyday life, was essential to 'You, Me & Tuscany.' Ahead of the film’s premiere, GU Content Editor Danielle Wright linked up with Halle to talk about how she connects to her character Anna and the real-life touches she infused into the role. Make your weekend plans to see @youmetuscany in theaters April 10th! ✨

For The Drama premiere, Zendaya and Law Roach walked us down the aisle of imagination. The pair reimagined the bridal tradition: Something Old. Something New. Something Borrowed. Something Blue, all in true couture fashion. From looks pulled straight from Zendaya’s own closet to borrowed glamour once worn by silver screen legends. The style architect and his ultimate muse remain fashion’s favorite union, and we’ll say “I do” every time.

Romance is back and it’s got a passport stamp.  You, Me & Tuscany brings back the soft, joyful, a little messy magic of Black rom-coms we’ve been missing. Starring Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page, this love story reminds us that sometimes healing looks like laughter. Sometimes, it looks like letting love meet you exactly where you are, and sometimes, it looks like Tuscany. In theaters April 10. Read the digital cover here: essence.com/of-the-essence/m…