Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s Hair and Makeup Team Share Secrets

When you’re nominated for awards as frequently as Da’Vine Joy Randolph has been this year, a solid glam squad is a professional requirement. For the past two years, the Oscar-winning actress has relied on the consistency and creativity of her team: Stylist duo Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald, hairstylist Tai Simon and makeup artist Sheika Daley. Daley, who also works with Serena Williams, says Randolph “knows what she likes” but trusts her team’s creative vision. “That trust has only deepened over time, which makes our collaboration feel seamless.” 

Their teamwork was on display at the 2024 Emmys ceremony on Sunday, as they prepped Randolph, nominated for outstanding guest actress in a comedy series for her role as Detective Williams on Only Murders in the Building (one of the Hulu series’ 21 nods). The group congregated at a hotel, where the vibe was chill and relaxing, per Daley. “We listened to classic ‘90s R&B, laughed, joked and created magic.”

For this bold and controversial look, one of Randolph’s key directives was that it differed from the classic, old-Hollywood styles she favored throughout the film award season earlier this year (where she cleaned up for her role in The Holdovers). “We definitely wanted to switch it up,” explains Daley. “The Oscars was a huge moment, so for this look, we wanted to bring a different kind of energy — still glam, but more playful and fresh.”

Simon was up first. She and Randolph “have several shared hair folders of reference ranging from colors, styles and different cuts. You name it — she’s just as obsessed with hair as I am,” says Simon, who also tends to Zendaya’s tresses. The brief for the Emmys hair? “She wanted something that was a staple but still pushed the envelope.” 

Though her hooded Sophie Couture gown covered the hair, a wet look was visible with a rusty red hair color, courtesy of myDentity by Guy Tang.

Then it was time to hand the primping reigns to Daley, who took around 90 minutes for the makeup. “I like to do makeup after hair so I can see how everything’s coming together.” In reality, however, she began her process days before with skin prep. “We focused on hydration and keeping the skin calm. I suggested she use Lancôme’s Advanced Génifique Serum a few days leading up to the event to boost that glow. And I always remind her to drink plenty of water.

“We’re both on the same page about keeping the skin fresh and not overloading it with product,” says Daley, who used Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation to give “coverage without feeling heavy. Heavy contouring isn’t her thing — we love to enhance her natural structure rather than masking it.” Soft matte skin isn’t the only fall ’24 trend that Daley referenced for the look.

“We also played with metallic eyes, but with our own spin.” Daley used Lancôme Hypnose Drama Eyeshadow Palette for the soft purples. And the dramatic inner-corner winged eyeliner—Lancôme Drama Liqui-Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner—“plays off the colors and textures of the dress without overshadowing it.” To finish the eyes as the focal point, Daley layered on Lancôme Lash Idole Mascara and plenty of dramatic lashes. 

For Randolph’s signature brows, which have become a viral discussion topic in their own right, Daley “enhanced what’s already there” with Lancôme Brow Define Pencil “to give them a little more definition without overdoing it, because her brows have such a great natural shape and fullness.” 

When it comes to staying power for award shows and after-parties, “It’s all about layering and setting,” says Daley. She used Lancôme La Base Pro Primer before makeup application and the brand’s Long Time No Shine Loose Setting Powder (which Randolph also stashed in her bag along with blotting papers) and Fix It Forget It Setting Spray as finishing touches. “That way, no matter how long the night goes, her makeup stays flawless.” 

But for hair pro Simon, it’s not necessarily about everything staying where it started; her aim is that when “inevitable falling” happens with the hair, the look “still maintains a beautiful style.” Adaptation — a truly Hollywood notion.