Tracy Chapman’s Makeup Artist Spills the Tea on How She gave the Icon’s Skin that Glow during the Grammys

We’ve so missed Tracy Chapman—her voice, her talent, her songwriting. And judging by how the 59-year-old radiated at the Grammy’s last week, we haven’t been amply privy to the glory of her glowing skin. She lit up the stage, literally and figuratively, in the most real and effortless way. Not only did her singing soothe us, but her skin served up those refreshed “I just spent a week on a remote island, ate only just-picked fruits and vegetables, and there was no cell service” vibes.

Tiktokers have not stopped trying to guess how the star got that glow. As @hannahdrake628 said, “This is not skin that you get out of a bottle...This is the skin of a woman unbothered. This is the skin of a woman that has chosen peace. This is the skin of a woman that understand she needs to rest.”

But until you can mind our business, get in eight hours of sleep, and do like the lyrics of “Fast Car” suggest and have nothing to prove, you can still make your skin sing. Surprisingly it’s quite doable.

Here’s How She Did It:

Makeup artist ShaDara Holmes created Ms. Chapman’s lit-from-within complexion in just three steps and about 15 minutes using black, female-owned beauty brands, she said on Instagram. “Tracy has such an aura that screams comfort and ease and I wanted to embrace that,” says Holmes. “Her skin is magnificent, and I just wanted her to shine the way I see her.” Here’s how she did it.

START WITH SERUM

Using a serum essentially sets up your skin for success. Its nourishing active ingredients absorb quickly and penetrate deeply into skin, more so than your skin cream. For Tracy, Holmes chose Uzo Stem Cell Serum Complex to get the job done. This lightweight, plant-based formula is new to the skincare scene and helps plump, smooth, and brighten while combating the harmful effects of pollution. Holmes used a flat foundation brush to swipe on the serum and then pat it into Tracy’s skin waiting a few minutes for it to sink in. And if you’re wondering if you need both serum and moisturizer, the answer is yes.

BRING ON THE MOISTURE

As @gen_x_diva commented, “That skin is moisturized to the Gods! This is good living skin.”

Facts: For skin to glow, it needs to be well hydrated. After applying serum, Holmes flipped the foundation brush to the other side and applied Uzo Stem Cell Moisturizer, which has the sheerest pearlescent texture.

ADD SHEER COVERAGE

Here’s where the flawless finish comes in. The key to not making skin look cakey or overly manipulated is sticking to a sheer to medium coverage foundation. You want your own natural complexion to be able to shine through. Holmes used Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder in shade 9. It’s a unique (and award-wining) balm-to-powder formula so it keeps skin looking illuminated while absorbing any extra sweat and oil (perfect for those stage lights). Super versatile, it can be used all over for sheer coverage or to highlight and contour certain spots. Holmes dotted it on Tracy’s cheeks, forehead, and chin and then blended with a fluffy brush. It was all about embracing her actual skin. And remember, as Holmes says, “If you are comfortable in your own skin, you feel yourself, and you start to look at life differently.”

Holly Carter is a brilliant writer based in New York City