See Aja Naomi King Get Glam for the 2023 L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth Celebration (Exclusive)

The brand ambassador, who helped select the honorees for a second consecutive year, takes PEOPLE inside her process to get ready for the meaningful event

Aja Naomi King is always one to share the spotlight. It’s part of the actress, activist and L’Oréal Paris brand ambassador’s DNA. Last year, she helped choose L'Oréal Paris's Women of Worth national honorees, an experience so uplifting she's back for a second year — L’Oréal Paris’ 18th — to help recognize and amplify the women leading various meaningful causes around the U.S.

“These women are extraordinary,” King told PEOPLE exclusively of the “wonderful human beings” being honored. “I am utterly grateful to have the opportunity to help others learn about these causes, how they can support and get involved to amplify these organizations.”

King shares that ahead of the event, "the last thing I’ll do during touch-ups is look at the women's videos at WomenofWorth.com. I love hearing their voices and passion." Scroll through for an inside look at how else King prepped for the special evening.

All About That Base

"The most important thing is skin," says King. "As long as I have all my skincare products on — including L'Oréal Paris' Revitalift serum to make sure my skin is looking supple and perfect — then everywhere we go from there is going to be perfection. Another must-have: L'Oréal Paris Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation in a Powder."

The Eyes Have It

King says when it comes to working with her makeup artist Joanna Simkin, "we like to experiment together, but I really let her take the lead."

"She gets really inspired in the moment with me. Of course, I send her inspiration in advance so she has some ideas, but we really like to riff and improvise and see what comes up for us."

Lip Service

King touches up her lips with L'Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick. The brand ambassador since 2017 previously told PEOPLE that growing up watching her mom, aunts and grandma carve out time for their self-care has empowered her to do the same.

Lady in Red

King sums up her dress in one word: "gorgeous!"

"I love working with my styling team [Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald], they just have impeccable taste. They know I don’t like trying on a lot of things, so they pull spectacular options, and we go from there. I am really excited about this dress this evening and I don’t think I’ve worn anything like this either."

Squad Goals

"My hair, makeup and styling teams are my friends, so it’s a vibe," says sims, with hairstylist Randy Stodghill and the rest of her glam crew. "We just have fun together, playing music (Beyoncé!) and enjoying putting the look together. And I don’t mind having a little glass of bubbly with me. It just makes me feel festive."

Last Looks

King says everyone on her team "are such artists. They dive into the opportunity to craft something spectacular. It is really exciting to be a part of." As for this look, it came together in a flash. "I feel like when you surround yourself with the greatest of professionals it always comes together really quickly and really easily so I don’t need a lot of advanced planning."

All Smiles

The key to feeling yourself, King says, is "to surround yourself with people that know you and understand your style how you like to look, what makes you feel comfortable, special and sexy. Everything comes together so perfectly because the team around you knows you so well. The process becomes magic."

The Gang's All Here

King strikes a pose with her fellow L'Oréal Paris brand ambassadors (from left): Eva Longoria, Camila Cabello, Andie MacDowell and Helen Mirren.

And the Honorees Are

King shares the stage with Mariya Taher of Sahiyo U.S., one of 2023's 10 honorees joining a network of 170 other women. The founders in this year’s group span across causes, cities and even age. The youngest activist, Shrusti Amula of Rise N Shine Foundation, is in her teens and the oldest, Carin Forin of Twilight Wish Foundation, is in her 60s.

Standing Strong

King shares another moment with Judaline Cassidy of Tools & Tiaras. This year's honorees also include Sophia Kianni of Climate Cardinals, Estefanía Rebellón of Yes We Can World Foundation, Tonya Sandis of Free2Luv, Sonia Su of Kits to Heart, Samantha Wettje of 16 Strong Project, and Stephanie Woodward of Disability EmpowHer Network.

A Day That Made a Difference

King says she is "so touched by what these women have been able to achieve. "At the end of the day, I think everyone walks away from the event feeling like it doesn’t matter what you do but being able to take some action, big or small, matters."

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