Makeup & Hygiene in Nigeria

I met Gbemisola, the owner of Hegai & Esther Makeup Tool Store, while I was in Lagos earlier this year at the Excellence in the Industry Seminar for Makeup Artists.  During the seminar, I spoke about makeup hygiene and changes that needed to be made in the industry. Inspired by the seminar, she started a campaign for improved hygiene and sanitation practices among Makeup Artists in Nigeria. I couldn’t be happier about this because I think this is a very important and necessary topic.

If you are a makeup artist based in Nigeria or you just need to pick up disposable and sanitation products to stock up your makeup kit, you can contact her here or here.

Check out images from the Excellence in the Industry Seminar 2012, HERE. It was an amazing day and I am soo proud to have been part of this successful event with the super talented Lolade Ogunjimi of Dainty Affairs Beauty. For me,  meeting the inspiring and successful speakers, as well as all the makeup artists that attended was the highlight of the seminar.

LIFT: 2012 BET Awards

L.I.F.T = Look I’m Feeling Today!!

Hey Guys!!!

I had to drop off my thoughts about the 2012 BET Awards. Ironically, the same things I liked about the BET award show last year are the same things I enjoyed about the show this past Sunday. I loved “The Real Husbands of Hollywood” skit. I am so glad they are making it into a full fledged show. Sign me up…I know it will be hilarious. And, wow…the Whitney Houston tribute was soo touching.

Two years in a row, my favorite artists were the winners of the Best International Act (Africa) category. Congrats to Wizkid! Check out two of my favorite songs of the moment by Wizkid.

For the past few years, Monica’s style has been right up my alley. She looked amazing on the red carpet. That structured blazer and the sequined pants were everything! Sexy but classy all at the same time and of course her makeup and hair was on point as usual.

Monica Brown at the 2012 BET Awards

Monica Brown at the 2012 BET Awards

Images from Here

Any thoughts from the 2012 BET Awards?

Thots,

Tiwa

Excellence in the Industry: A Seminar for Makeup Artists

Something special is happening on April 30th, 2012 in Lagos, Nigeria. I am so excited to announce this event and I hope to see you there.

Excellence in the industry: A Seminar for Makeup Artist on April 30th, 2012

Trust me, this event is a must for any makeup artist who is looking to take their career to the next level.

UPDATE: Check out pictures from the event, HERE. It was an amazing day!!!

Thots,

Tiwa

 

LIFT: Nail Edition

L.I.F.T = Look I’m Feeling Today!!

Lately, I have been feeling this nail polish by Essie called Pretty Edgy. I love the consistency and color payoff of the nail polish…just two thin coats was all I needed.   

 

Essie Nail Polish: Pretty Edgy

 

 

Pretty Edgy

 

 

Pretty Edgy

 

The color also reminds me of my Nigerian colors. Do you have any Nail Polishes that remind you of something? Please share 🙂

Thots,

Tiwa

Tradition, Remixed: The New Gele?

Some call them Turbans, some call them Headwraps or Headties …whatever you want to call them, this trend seems to be the new thing. Turbans take inspiration from traditional Nigerian culture, in which a Gele is worn to complete a woman’s traditional attire. Geles are headwraps created by tying a long and wide fabric (usually fabric with body, like Aso oke or Damask) around a lady’s head, to create an amazing piece of art. When I have on a Gele I feel regal. They bring focus to the eyes and the facial structure of the face, because traditionally all your hair should be covered with the headwrap. In the image below, I am in the process of tying a Gele for the beautiful Ashlee.

Tying Ashlee's Gele

Headwrap I tied for the Fela Wives photoshoot

With that being said, the new trend inspired by the Gele is a matter of taste. I personally love the trend and I think it is a great way to add interest to an outfit. Check out how this trend is being rocked by some of my favorite people:

Solange

Solange

 

Beyonce

Chrisette Michele

Chrisette Michele and June Ambrose

Images from: Here and Here

What do you think of this trend?

Thots,

Tiwa

Nigerian Independence Day Inspired Makeup

My Nigeria…I love you soo much. I want the best for you. Sometimes, I get frustrated… Sometimes, I want to scream for you and shout for you, because I know you have soo much potential. Ohh well…another story for another day.

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Nigeria’s Independence (which is today, October 1st, 2010) I did a wearable Naija look inspired by the Nigerian Flag. My friend Dele, was a great sport and lent me her beautiful face. Thanks Girl!

Happy Birthday, Nigeria!!!

Dele Before...Cute as a button!!!

Dele After...a Nigerian Queen!!!

Another Look!

This is what I used to create this look. All products are by MAC unless otherwise stated:

Face:

Studio Moisture Fix Lotion

Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone Treatment

Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in NW50

Studio Tech Foundation in NW40 (as concealer under the eye)

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Deep Dark

CoverGirl Queen Natural Hues Minerals Bronzer in Ebony Bronze (as a contour powder)

Nars Taj Mahal Blush

Iridescent Powder in Golden Bronze

Prep +Prime Transparent Finishing Powder

Eyebrows:

Spiked Eye Brow Pencil

Eyes:

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Make Up For Ever Flash Color in White (as base on inner lids)

Make Up For Ever Flash Color in Leaf Green (as base on outer lids)

Tete-A-Tint Eyeshadow (to highlight the brow bone)

Ben Nye Eyeshadow in Ice (Inner lids)

Lime Eyeshadow from the Dare to Wear collection (middle of lids)

Sassy Grass Eyeshadow from the Dare to Wear collection (Outer lids and Crease and lower lids)

Plumage Eyeshadow (to darken Crease)

Float on By Dark Eye Kohl from the To the Beach collection (in waterline and as a base around lower lash line)

Urban Decay Heavy Mental Glitter Eyeliner in Stagedive

Lashes:

Maybelline Colossal Volum’ Mascara

Red Cherry Lashes #505

Lips:

Prep + Prime Lip

Nightmoth Lipliner

Lollipop Loving Lipstick

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Smokey Look

Happy Birthday, Nigeria!!!!

Thots,

Tiwa