sponsored by: AMBI Body Beautiful Hall Of Fame SKINTASTIC Flawless Face Natural Beauty The Risk Taker Gotta Have It Hair Style Queen ESSENCE 2009 Celebrity Beauty Awards - home

NATURAL BEAUTY

WINNER: ERYKAH BADU

She’s an urban wonder whose boho-chic dos captivate us as much as her neosoul sound


She knows how to take natural to the tenth power!

—Carter on Badu’s down-to-earth abilities

THE RUNNERS-UP
FROM L TO R:
JILL SCOTT & JANELLE MONAÉ



MIKKI SAYS…

Do consult a natural hair salon/stylist or barber to help you work out a variety of style staples for your hair texture and lifestyle.

Don't be shy about working with hairpieces. Stylists often use clip-in pieces on their celebrity clients to add thickness or color, or to experiment with a new look. The key to pulling it off is to make it look like lustrous, healthy hair that grew right out of your scalp. Achieve it with such superior hair care picks as SoftSheen Carson's Weave Care Featherlight Detangler and Weightless Styling Foam (beauty supply stores).

Do look to products that nurture hair—from hydrating shampoos and conditioners to styling aids that defrizz and shape without drying strands out—such as Jane Carter (Whole Foods Market), Ojon (beauty supply stores) and Miss Jessie's curl products (missjessies.com).

STELLAR TIPS
Try Piper Carter’s tried-andtrue beauty treasures
For extremely sensitive skin
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè 24-Hour Miracle Cream ($25, beautyhabit.com).

For a photo-friendly smile
Energie Vitale lip moisturizer ($19, cosmetique.com).

For luxuriously textured natural hair
Dr. Miracle’s Tingling Intensive Deep Conditioning Treatment ($2) and Intensive Spot Serum Hair & Scalp Treatment ($9, both available at drmiracles.com).

THE A-LIST
MIKKI TAYLOR, BRIAN EVANS, M.D., SUSAN EVANS, M.D., PIPER CARTER, TYRON MACHHAUSEN, TIPPI SHORTER, & WOURI VICE