Behind the Scenes of Alicia Keys' Luminous Digital PEOPLE Cover

Alicia Keys can light up a room — and she takes that responsibility seriously.

“She ensures that the vibes on set are always uplifting and light,” makeup artist Ayako Yoshimura says of working with the “Girl on Fire” singer.

So, when the Grammy winner, beauty businesswoman and mom, 43, walked onto the set of her PEOPLE digital cover shoot, it was no surprise that the word of the day was luminous. Her glam squad, also including hairstylist Tanya “Nena” Melendez and stylist Jason Bolden, worked together to create an overall radiant and colorful look that translated Keys' aura to a tee.

Ahead, the experts reveal what went into every aspect, from her glowing skin to her braided hair to the dramatic styling.

About Her Skin

“I always want to bring out Alicia’s inner light, so I focused on accentuating her natural features,” says Ayako Yoshimura. She chose to do a "minimalistic and fresh, but glowing” glam to go along with Bolden's vibrant outfits.

To achieve Keys' luminous complexion, Yoshimura used what the singer calls "offerings" from her own beauty line, Keys Soulcare, including the Let Me Glow Illuminating Serum to prime the skin and the It’s Like Skin 2-in-1 Concealer + Tint (using shade 340W) for additional coverage.

She then dabbed the punchy pink Sheer Flush Cheek Tint in shade Powerful for a “natural flush of color" followed by the Gleam On Highlighting Balm on the eyelids, cheeks and the tip of Keys' nose. Yoshimura's hack for the subtle coral lip? Mixing the brand's Comforting Tinted Lip Balm with the aforementioned cheek tint.

Those beloved items can all now be found on amazon.com, as the lifestyle beauty brand launched in the Amazon Premium Beauty Store in January. Everything from color and body to skin care is available, including Keys' brand new Amazon-exclusive offering Deeply Replenishing Squalene Facial Oil, a lightweight blend that hydrates and nourishes skin overnight — and doesn't clog pores — making it a wonderful option for all skin types.

Yoshimura says that what she loves most about collaborating with the award-winning artist is "each time is a surprise! She always has something new to show us."

About Her Hair

Tanya “Nena” Melendez dubs Keys the “Braid Queen." The pro wanted to pay homage to the superstar's signature style, but also create a braided look that she's never worn before.

“Alicia loves her hair, fashion, culture and is big on self-expression. This style felt right for the cover because it highlighted all those things,” Melendez explains of the “playful yet elegant” bun with side plaits that were "a modern twist [on] and a nod to traditional African braid hairstyles."

Melendez used the Rizos Curls Refresh & Detangle Spray, RastAFri Pre-Stretch Silky hair extensions, as well as a pomade for Keys’ edges coupled with scalp oil, to create the work of art.

"Alicia is pretty involved in the process when it comes to her glam," notes Melendez of the singer, adding that their collaborations tend to be "fun and meaningful and relaxed."

About Her Clothing

On and off stage, Keys is a big fan of a bold look. "She just loves color," stylist Jason Bolden says. "That’s part of the DNA when it comes to clothes for her."

Whenever the two work together, the Bolden makes sure to stock his clothing racks with bright, eye-catching items, each with an "architectural feel and texture."

Keys also has a strong sense of what silhouettes work for her figure. According to Bolden, she loves "high-waisted anything, a crop top to show off her midriff" and an open neckline that accentuates her collarbones. Why is the latter such a favorite for the two of them? "It opens things up, let's the look breathe," he says.

With this arsenal of knowledge, it made it "easy" for Bold to select the L'idée pleated marigold gown for the cover, and the magenta version featured throughout the shoot, as well as the two-piece turquoise Hanifa look.

When it comes to Keys' relationship with her glam squad, the word trust comes up repeatedly, and each looks forward to special moments like this. Says makeup artist Yoshimura “I love her energy and her presence is always an honor to be around.”