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Tag: makeup

  • Delphine Okoronkwo: I have traveled around the world as makeup artist

    Delphine Okoronkwo: I have traveled around the world as makeup artist

    Delphine Okoronkwo is a top celebrity makeup artist and cosmetic manufacturer. As the CEO and Creative Director of Bare to Beauty, she has successfully grown her brands and mentored others. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she opens up on her success story, inspiration, working with celebrities, and more.

    Tell us about your experience as an entrepreneur.

    My entrepreneurial journey has been a very interesting one. I knew I ultimately wanted to be a beauty entrepreneur, but I needed to raise the capital. So, I started a series of businesses including procurement and logistics, subcontracting with Hitech Construction Ltd, and real estate, all to get me where I needed to go.

     What inspired you to go into the beauty sector?

    I have always gravitated towards beauty.  I have always liked makeup. When I was in university, I used to do makeup for my friends. I am self-taught, this is my natural talent. So when the time came for me to leave the corporate world, I already knew that the beauty business was a no-brainer.

     What are some of the achievements and challenges?

    I have won both local and international awards as a brand and as a makeup artist. Bare To Beauty is a household name not just in Nigeria but all over Africa and soon to be all over the globe.

    Like most entrepreneurs in Nigeria, I have faced economic challenges such as the exchange rate issue, inflation, taxation, and finding dedicated and competent staff.

    What is your assessment of the performance of women in the sector?

    Beauty has mostly been a female-dominated sector in Nigeria. I feel like women have thrived in this industry and it shows. There are women who have become established symbols of inspiration in the beauty industry and have and are still paving the way for aspiring up-and-comers. Amazingly, women can become extremely successful and make a good and sustainable living from beauty as a business.

    What are the things that drive what you do?

    Simply put, as my brand name (Bare To Beauty) implies, the joy of seeing the happiness and satisfaction on my client’s faces after a makeover or using any of my products is all the drive I need.

    How would you describe your experience working with established brands and multi-national organisations and how has it influenced your business?

    I have worked with quite a few multinationals on various projects and have noticed a few common themes that I have been able to effectively apply to my business. Discipline and consistency are key. You have to maintain a global professional standard always, to which you must hold yourself accountable. Strategy before action is critical. It is important to weigh and measure all the moving parts when embarking on a project.

     Tell us about your experience as a makeup artist and working with celebrities.

    As much as there are a lot of upsides to being a makeup artist, it comes with its own challenges which require a lot of patience. I work regularly with celebrities and high-end clients with hectic schedules who may not keep to appointment schedules, which can cause an overlap with another client’s appointment. Shout out to Aunty Mo Abudu with whom I have traveled around the world as her makeup artist. Her punctuality never ceases to amaze me.

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    What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the country today?

    For the country? Honestly a better, safer, more prosperous Nigeria. But specifically for the beauty industry, I would love to see more unity, collaboration, coordination, regulation, and structure.

     Did you have mentors at the beginning? What has been their impact?

    At the time, I never really had mentors in the space, but there was an American makeup artist called Jay Manuel who was also the creative director for America’s Next Top Model. His energy and enthusiasm for beauty fueled my passion.

     What advice do you have for young people about the current challenges in the beauty industry?

    My advice is that they should try as much as possible to be consistent. Don’t give up, just like any venture in any other industry, the makeup and beauty industry is filled with many ups and downs but you must continue to push and one day, you’ll get your big break.

     Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?

    My mother, because of her tenacity. She is truly one of the most hardworking people I have ever known.

    What lessons has life taught you?

    Life has taught me many lessons, but one of the most important ones is putting God first in everything you do.

  • Youtube unveils makeup video content for looking good

    Youtube unveils makeup video content for looking good

    Mr Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Google’s Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Anglophone West Africa, on Monday said Youtube had unveiled tips on how to look good and trendy with makeup.

    Kola-Ogunlade, in a statement in Lagos, said that Youtube was sharing video content for one to have a perfect face, even after fumbling with the brushes.

    According to him, as the makeup business is now on top, either personally or in business, Youtube was sharing free makeup lessons at a click.

    “Some of us are just plain terrible when it comes to applying our own makeup.

    “It is not always like one is trying to get a career in makeup artistry, but it would be quite great to have a perfect brow, even after fumbling with the brushes.

    “on the internet, you will find out there are so many resources on how to apply makeup. And even if I decided on getting a career in makeup, it is possible to do it right from a computer.

    “The internet has several articles and websites that will get one very confident. With several how-to videos, makeup tutorials and favourite picks of beauty products and cosmetics offering the right makeup tips.

    “You can find out how to have fun to handle makeup tools, and also turn out good results at the same time,’’ he said.

    The google manager urged makeup lovers that are interested in keeping up with being trendy and looking good, to visit the regular Youtube sites to get tons of help.

    He said that one could find several content creators sharing top skills on how to get the perfect finish for the face on the Youtube site.

     

  • Flawless makeup application this Val!

    • Apply primer

    After you moisturise, spread on a light primer with silica, which has a filling effect. A foundation that is creamy and moisturising will not settle into fine lines and wrinkles but use it sparingly, the more you add, the more pronounced lines will look.

     

    • Pick foundation wisely

    Choose a liquid foundation with silicone. Avoid luminous or matte ones (they make the skin appear either too moist or too flat to be natural), and instead look for the words “lightweight,” “sheer,” or “invisible.” Some lightweight foundations won’t mask every flaw, for extra coverage, you need more pigment, not a heavier texture. Try M.A.C. Match master Foundation.

     

    • Find your shade

    To find a foundation that matches your complexion, test the colour on your neck. Your skin tone is more uniform there than it is on your face, so you will wind up with a shade that is just right for you. You will also avoid that dreaded demarcation along the jaw line.

     

    • Apply sparingly

    Dab on six dime-size dots of foundation: two on your forehead, one each on the tip and along the sides of your nose, and the last on your chin. Using two fingers spread the colour over your forehead, down your nose, across your cheeks, over your chin, and along the sides of your face. Always blend down or sideways, never up to prevent foundation from catching in peach fuzz.

     

    • Use your fingers

    Blend the liquid toward the perimeter of your face. It will get sheerer as you move closer to your hairline and jaw, preventing any harsh lines.

     

    • Diffuse with a sponge

    Tap a clean, damp makeup sponge around the nose, over wrinkles, and anywhere your base is noticeable to remove excess that could crease or emphasise lines. The Beauty blender’s (sponge) pointed end gets around your nose; its oval base is perfect elsewhere.

     

    • Hide imperfections

     

    • With a fine-tipped brush, dab a solid concealer over blemishes or dark spots that are still visible.

     

    • Get rid of redness with a yellow-based foundation and smooth it over any discolouration with your fingers, and then blur the edges with a damp makeup sponge.

     

    • Hide under-eye circles with a creamy formula, tapping it on with your ring finger.

     

    • Powder your nose, cheeks and fore head. Dip a large, fluffy brush in loose translucent powder. Tap off excess and dust powder where you tend to get shiny.
  • Genevieve Nnaji’s daughter opens makeup school

    Genevieve Nnaji’s daughter opens makeup school

    Theodora Nnaji, daughter of Nollywood diva, Genevieve Nnaji recently set up her own makeup school called NAJ Makeup Artistry, located on Herbert Macaulay way, Yaba, Lagos.

    The Mass Communications graduate of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka recently completed her National Youth Service with stints at Cool FM, Wazobia Info, and WAZOBIA FM.

    Dora, as she is fondly called is the only child of the actress, and chip off the old block, as she is as beautiful as her charming mother. Her business has enjoyed patronage from quite a number of Nigerian entertainers, apparently due to having a star actress as mother.

    Although it is no longer news that sultry Genny is the mother of a daughter, what is surprising is that the youthful looking Nnaji could be the mother of a grown up lady and a graduate.

  • Makeup and you

    Makeup and you

    For most ladies, applying makeup by themselves is a constant K to use the calculation term. It is only occasionally that the service of a makeup artist is employed. When you first start to do your own makeup, it isn’t a taboo to commit certain errors, especially as regards eye shadows and lipsticks, but refusing to learn, improve on yourself and cease to commit such errors will only bring you ridicule.

    Makeup is as easy as painting and sketching. Below are a number of misconceptions people have about lipstick and eye shadow application:

    1.                     That your makeup must be the same colour as your clothing(s)

    2.                     That your natural look must be completely altered when you wear makeup

    3.                     That your beautiful only when your makeup shouts

    To start with the first, it is not a compulsory affair that your makeup must be the same colour as the cloth you’re wearing. It may simply just agree with what you’re putting on. The consideration of the colour of your skin, ‘what colour(s) suits you’ should come first in makeup even before what you’re putting on. Then, from the colour(s) that suit you, you get what matches what you’re putting on. For instance if you’re wearing blue and pink is the colour that suits you in terms of lip stick and eye shadows, they match even though they are not the same.

    It is very wrong to think you are only beautiful or you have done a perfect job when your makeup shouts. In as much as the occasion determines what you wear; the occasion also determines what type of makeup you put on. A natural or cool make up will do for a formal look, while for a red carpet event, it is a different story. Certain makeups (mostly the loud ones) are made evenings.

    Also note that when you have bright colours as eye shadows, you should use a cool colour lipstick and vice versa.  The two shouldn’t be dull at the same time neither should they be bright at the same time. These are rules that can give your personal makeup a professional touch.

  • Do men prefer women with natural looks or those with makeup?

    Do men prefer women with natural looks or those with makeup?

    Do Nigerian men prefer women with natural looks or are they thrilled by and want their women to apply makeup to enhance their beauty?

    Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) conducted vox pop on Friday in Abuja to seek the views of a cross section of men on this interesting topic.

    Mr. Issac Mbah, a sales rep at a business cafe located in Area 10 Shopping Centre, said he does not have problem with his woman using makeup to enhance her beauty.

    “I do not have problem with my woman choosing to wear makeup. If that is what she desires then it is okay with me,” he said.

    Mr. Samuel Ikedebe, the owner of provisions store in Area 10 Shopping Centre, said he does not care about makeup.

    “If my woman prefers her natural look, I am okay with it and if she likes makeup, I don’t have a problem with that,’’ he said.

    On her part, Miss Cynthia Okonkwo, a makeup artist said she loves applying makeup.

    “I am in love with makeup and I do not expect my man to tell me he prefers the natural look because it will cause a huge issue in our relationship.

    “We women are generally drawn to applying makeup no matter how little. Therefore the option of being natural will be difficult for us,’’ she said.

    Miss. Tolulope Adetayo, a student of University of Abuja told NAN that her boyfriend does not care if she applies makeup or go with her natural look.

    “Honestly, my man does not care if I apply makeup or not.

    “If we are going out, I apply a little makeup to ensure I look good; if makeup would help me look good, then why not,” she said.

    Mr. Johnson Benson, a typist at Area 10 Shopping Centre, said he prefers his woman to be natural, adding that he does not like makeup.

    “I love my woman to be natural because I do not like makeup generally,” he said

  • Look radiant and natural

    Look radiant and natural

    Do you want to be a blushing bride? If your answer is yes, then it means you must look so good to get a number of compliments that would make it a day to remember. Yetunde Oladeinde looks out for ways to be radiant on your wedding day.

    EVERY bride wants to glow with elegance on her day. You can either achieve a wonderful effect on your own or make use of the services of a professional makeup artist to get the required transformation.

    For a wedding makeup to last all day, you can brush a light translucent powder on areas of the face susceptible to shine. Today’s bride wants to show her beauty in a natural, sensual way. The makeup artist should therefore provide the bride with confidence and easy elegance that will be reminisced often.

    A bride must have a natural shine that revolves on everything that she does on her day. Interestingly, recent trends in bridal makeup and hair show a preference for combinations that are soft and restrained.

    The effect is sexier, romantic and less harsh.

    No longer do the lips have to be lined heavily and matte foundation with loose powder applied. While this is traditional, today’s bridal makeup is more radiant and natural.

    Here, it is better to wear a flawless foundation as a basis. This is so important, so that you get the picture perfect outlook in your wedding photos. It gives you a good foundation and even colour. You can choose from liquid foundations or cream-based compacts. Even mineral powder makeup is great for wedding make-up because it takes all day!

    Eyes also need to look beautiful. Here you can make use of false eyelashes as part of your wedding makeup look. This will be your lashes, so they look nice and long. You also need to give your lips a hint of shine or light colour for a pretty pout. You need to remember that kissing lips will naturally lead to breathtaking beauty for your wedding makeup.