Kehlani’s 2026 iHeartRadio Awards Glam Breakdown

Wow, Kehlani is absolutely on fire this year! Fresh off winning two Grammys and gearing up for her new album, she also snagged an iHeartRadio Award for R&B Song of the Year. But beyond the accolades, she always shows up looking incredible. Let’s dive into the stunning glam that makeup artist Troye Antonio created for her big night at the 2026 iHeartRadio Awards.

Soft Glam with Serious Presence

Troye Antonio’s vision for Kehlani’s look was all about balance: soft, yet impactful. “We wanted something that felt soft but still had presence,” he shared with ESSENCE. The goal was radiant skin with subtle definition that would look amazing both on camera and in person.

To achieve that luminous glow, Antonio focused on a hydrated base. He masterfully layered Beauty Creations’ Liquid Blush in ‘Pink Thing’ and the Blush Hush Powder Blush in ‘My Favorite.’ This technique built dimension without making the skin look heavy, letting Kehlani’s natural radiance shine through.

Eyes and Lips That Captivate

For Kehlani’s eyes, the approach was equally delicate. Antonio kept the look softly sculpted, using the Riding Solo Single Shadow Vol. 2 in ‘Shooting Stars.’ The finishing touch? Take Me Somewhere Silk Lashes in ‘Bahamas’ added just the right amount of flutter.

And those lips? Pure perfection! A glossy finish was achieved using the Wooden Lip Pencil in ‘La Vida Mocha’ paired with the Tinted Luxe Lip Oil in ‘Headliner.’ It’s the kind of detail that pulls the entire look together flawlessly.

The Vibe Behind the Glam

Getting ready for a major event is often a whirlwind, but the atmosphere for Kehlani’s glam session was reportedly “calm, focused, and grounded.” With good music and positive energy, it’s no wonder the results were so spectacular. Antonio emphasized his love for being part of these creative moments and helping to boost confidence.

I love being part of creating a moment. Also being able to help bring confidence to life, especially with someone as expressive as Kehlani! — Troye Antonio

Kehlani also switched up her look throughout the night, rocking three distinct outfits styled by Alejandra LaPilusa. From a chic corset dress to a dazzling halter gown, she truly owned the red carpet. Her hair, styled by Quran Smith, featured elegant waves with a middle part, complementing her new pixie cut beautifully.

As we eagerly await Kehlani’s performance at the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture, we can take inspiration from this iHeartRadio Awards moment. It’s a perfect example of how subtle makeup choices can create a powerful statement.