Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Here are some ladies behind it all.
In Africa, glamming up aka make-up by a professional has now become an everyday essential in the arsenal of the African woman. Whether for formal or social outings, her face must be on fleek. Thus, increasing the demand for professional make-up application and giving rise to the proliferation of make-up artists around the continent.
It is true that there is beauty beyond the senses – beyond big bright eyes, a Grecian nose, rosebud lips and high-cheek bones. In other words, beauty is skin deep. However, the first thing on display is almost always the beauty of the senses.
Here are eight female make-up artists, from four African countries, who with their expertise continue to ensure that we fix our attention on the face:
Nigeria
Banke Meshida-Lawal | @banksbmpro |BMpro
In Lagos, some names are synonymous with make-up artistry. Olabanke Banke Meshida Lawal is one of them; for her talent as well as being one of the pioneers of the art of professional make-up business in the country in the 2000s.
From providing make-up services to developing her own line of cosmetic products (BMpro), she is a ‘stamp of unrivalled quality, professionalism and excellent services.’
Honorable mention also goes to her fellow pioneering businesswoman, Tara Fela-Durotoye @taradurotoye, who began the bridal make-up profession in the country and shone a light at its untapped prospects, opening up a vast opportunity in the facial beauty industry.
Bimpe Onakoya | @bimpeonakoya
Another staple within the country’s make-up circles. Bimpe Onakoya is a talented make-up artist as well as artistic director, Maybelline New York, Nigeria
Her work spans international fashion and beauty magazines, and currently retains the position of key artist of the Lagos Fashion Week and Arise Fashion Week.
South Africa
Nomsa Madida | @nomsamadida
This veteran of the facial beauty industry in South Africa is the most sought-after artist by the stars of the country. Her work includes high fashion and backstage make-up sets, models and celebrities alike, as well as make-up for matric dances and weddings. When she is not providing make-up services, she is also an actress.
Her make-up line, Sasa Cosmetics, is less than a year old in the market.
Mihali Ndamase | @Mihalii_n
Mihali is a make-up artist famous for vlogging and her YouTube tutorials about make-up and beauty. Her journey into the world of facial beauty began with a modelling career as a teenager before acquiring a certification of professional make-up.
She has collaborated with such global brands as MAC Cosmetics, Samsung, Aldo, Urban Decay, NYX Professional makeup, Benefit Cosmetics and BMW.
Kenya
Muthoni Njoba | @muthoninjobamakeup | The Make-up Lounge
She is one of Kenya’s renowned make-up artists who found her passion for the art of facial beauty at 9. However, it wasn’t until 2009 that she began to put her skills to use, transforming top public figures, celebrities, and personalities in the country.
She is the official brand ambassador and make-up artist for Maybelline New York Kenya, and also has a YouTube channel where she runs a beauty series titled BE.YOU.TIFUL.
Kayte Macharia | @kaytemachariamakeup
Kayte discovered her passion for make-up early on, and by high school she was famous for glamming up her friends. This led to enrolling at a beauty school.
She specializes in bridal make-up, and is touted as one of the best in Nairobi. She also proffers facial beauty services for wedding and editorial parties, print, photoshoots, tv and celebrities.
In addition, Kayte offers one-on-one make-up tutorials and consultations.
Egypt
Dina Ragheb |@dinaraghebteam
She is a make-up artist, YSL beauty ambassador and a bonafide beauty guru.
Her signature style – flawless and natural/airbrushed – and work with brides and editorial shoots have made her become one of the most sought-after make-up artists in the country.
Zeina El Naggar | @zeinaelnaggar
A self-trained make-up artist who has worked with some of the country’s biggest names, Zeina’s love for make-up was inspired by a stylish mother who always made herself up.
The combination of Zeina’s curious nature and her love for propelled her to learn about make-up artistry. She has made a strong name for herself through her classic looks with brides.
