Tonight's styling session is just about over. The girls have done their own hair and makeup and donned their skimpy gold outfits. All that remains is the nightly oiling of their skin. "Ashiness gots to go!" Michelle says, as one of the assistants kneels before her, sliding baby oil over her legs.

"The last time, the shins were a little shiny," another assistant warns.

"Shiny is better than ashy," Tina tsks, while attending to Beyoncé's legs.

The New York Times Magazine, 9.9.01


:::