Five Nigeria’s Next Generation of Makeup Artists

Tai-lo My name is Ofure Akisanmi and I’m a professional makeup artist. I’m attractive, sassy, loveable,dependable, a little selfish,very smart, incredibly sensitive and I love to make people look beautiful. I love God and I find fulfillment in making people happy.My love for makeup began in earnest in 2002 while working with a media house.The flame was fanned by my active interactions with visiting and consulting makeup artists while on duty. I learnt that makeup could be a lucrative hobby…in other words, work that was not work.I resigned two years later to pursue my passion through professional training and guidance from internationally skilled makeup experts as well as obsessively experimenting with makeup. Its been years since I first picked up my brushes and It’s been fun as well as a lot of work.Tai-Lo is run by Titi Ogundipe-Gbenjo and is fast becoming a household name in Nigeria. Titi graduated with a degree in Economics from Covenant University and also graduated with a Masters Degree in Business Information Systems from the University of Bolton. While she was studying at the University of Bolton, Titi attended a couple of makeup workshops and also worked with Banke Meshida-Lawal of BMPro. Her quest to know more led her to the London School of Beauty and Makeup, where she gained a Diploma in Beauty Therapy and Makeup and in her own words ‘… learned everything there is to know about makeup.’ Titi explains “I always knew since I was a kid that I would go into something fashion-related. My mother was my major inspiration.”Titi currently offers all types of makeup services – day & evening, bridal, fashion, editorial, press, media, TV, film and special effects and also runs a studio which offers facials, massages, spa treatments, manicures/pedicures, and other special beauty packages. On her website, Titi describes Tai-Lo as “a full-service beauty studio dedicated to consistently providing high customer satisfaction by rendering excellent service and quality products.” Some of her clients (past and present) include Genevieve magazine, Malta Guinness Street Dance Africa 2010 Tai-Lo’s Tips • Cleanse, tone and moisturize your face every morning and every evening • Exfoliate and mask your face at least once a week • Never go to bed with makeup on. • Always have carry around in your purse – pressed powder, blot paper and lip gloss. You never know when u’ll need to touch up. GlamTouch is owned by Simileoluwa Keshinro, who graduated with a B.Sc. in Business Administration and also holds a certificate issued by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Simi has always been passionate about make-up and saw a need for good make up artistes and decided to gain formal training at Flawless Touch makeover. Simi describes herself as a “very service oriented person and takes customer satisfaction very seriously.” GlamTouch Makeovers currently offer makeovers for brides (pre-wedding, traditional and white), photo shoots, fashion shows, advert exhibitions and video shoots (music videos and concerts). GlamTouch also offers monthly training sessions for intending makeup artistes and individuals who just want to learn. GlamTouch Tips • After applying your blush, dab it with your powder foam or brush, this makes it look more natural and blends in well with your overall look. • T.R.U.E. is run by Tomi Adenuga. Tomi studied Mass Communication at Covenant University and currently works as a Strategic Media Consultant. On what inspired her to venture into the world of makeup, Tomi says it’s her ‘love for beauty, fashion and the transformation makeup can give, if done properly.’ Tomi was trained by Oluchi Thompson in 2010 and also attended a refresher course with Abeke makeovers in 2011. Makeup services currently offered by T.R.U.E. include events (weddings, anniversaries, christening), fashion shows, photoshoots etc. •Tomi is currently running an offer tagged KME( Know Makeup Essentials). The first three brides who send the correct answer to the question below get free makeovers on their wedding day. This offer is only available for weddings taking place between April- August 2012. ISABEL’S SIGNATURES Isabel studied Law at the University of Lagos and graduated in 2007. Her venture into the world of makeup artistry was inspired by Tara Fela Durotoye (House of Tara International – HOTI). She went on to study for a diploma at the Cinema Makeup School in Hollywood CA. Isabel’s Signatures currently offers bridal and day makeup, avante garde, high fashion and character makeup for TV and cinema. Isabel’s Tips •Always prep your skin before applying makeup, cleanse, moisturize and if needed apply a mattifier before makeup. •Avoid oil-based products as they clog your pores. Always go for water or silicone based products. ARA •Ara is run by Dara Odunlami. Dara graduated with a Masters of Science degree in Management from the University of Bristol. Dara has always been interested in the art of make up artistry and is inspired by her artistic skills and passion to create unique looks. Without any form of professional makeup training, Dara constantly learns and picks up tips by understudying renowned professional makeup artists. She presently offers makeup services for weddings, press, photo shoots and cartoon characters. •Ara’s Tip •Always define your eyebrows, this frames your whole face whether you are wearing makeup or not and gives you an edgy look. Trust me its makes all the difference