How To Apply Makeup Like A Pro In Nigeria

Makeup has become an essential part of many Nigerians' daily routines, with trends constantly evolving and new products hitting the market. Whether you're preparing for a special event, looking to enhance your everyday look, or pursuing a career in the beauty industry, knowing how to apply makeup like a pro can elevate your appearance and boost your confidence. In this blog post, we will guide you through the process of mastering professional makeup application in Nigeria, considering the unique factors such as climate, skin tone, and local preferences.

By the end of this post, you'll have a comprehensive understanding of how to perfect your makeup game, blending global trends with Nigerian beauty styles.

1. Know Your Skin Type

Before applying any makeup, it’s crucial to understand your skin type. This knowledge will help you choose the right products and techniques that suit your skin, ensuring a flawless and long-lasting finish.

• Oily Skin: If you have oily skin, focus on oil-free and mattifying products. In Nigeria's warm climate, oily skin can lead to excess shine, so using mattifying primers, foundations, and powders can help reduce that shine.

• Dry Skin: For dry skin, hydration is key. Opt for moisturizing products like hydrating primers, dewy foundations, and cream-based blushes and highlighters.

• Combination Skin: Combination skin requires a balance. You might need to mattify oily areas like the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin) while moisturizing the drier parts like your cheeks.

Once you've identified your skin type, invest in skincare products that prepare your skin for makeup. Cleansing, toning, and moisturizing are essential steps before makeup application.

2. Prepare Your Skin

Prepping your skin before makeup is essential for achieving that flawless, professional finish. Here’s how to do it:

• Cleanse: Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser that suits your skin type. Removing dirt and excess oil will help the makeup sit better on your skin.

• Tone: Follow up with a toner to balance your skin’s pH levels and tighten your pores.

• Moisturize: Moisturizing is crucial even for oily skin types. It helps create a smooth canvas for makeup application. Opt for a lightweight moisturizer if you have oily skin and a richer formula for dry skin.

• Prime: Primer acts as a barrier between your skin and the makeup, ensuring longevity. It also helps with pore minimizing and smoothening out skin texture. For oily skin, choose a mattifying primer, while a hydrating primer works best for dry skin. In Nigeria's often humid conditions, primer plays an important role in making your makeup last longer.

3. Foundation: The Base for Your Look

Choosing the right foundation is essential for any makeup look, and it's crucial to match your foundation to your skin tone and undertone. Nigerian skin tones vary widely, and so do the available shades of foundation, making it easier to find one that works for you. Here’s what you need to know:

• Choose the Right Shade: The right foundation shade should disappear into your skin when applied. To test, apply a small amount of foundation on your jawline, not your hand, to see if it matches your face and neck.

• Foundation Types: There are liquid, powder, and cream foundations available. For oily skin, a matte, oil-free foundation is recommended. For dry skin, opt for a hydrating or dewy-finish foundation.

• Application Tools: A makeup sponge (beauty blender) or foundation brush can help you achieve a flawless finish. Start by applying a small amount of foundation in the center of your face, then blend it outward. Use a damp beauty sponge for a natural finish or a brush for full coverage.

• Set with Powder: In Nigeria’s tropical climate, setting your foundation with a good translucent or setting powder is a must, especially for oily skin. This helps control shine and keeps the makeup in place throughout the day.

4. Perfect Your Brows

Eyebrows frame your face, so perfecting them is essential to achieving that professional look. Nigerian beauty trends often focus on well-defined, bold brows.

• Shape Your Brows: Start by shaping your brows. Use a tweezer, brow razor, or visit a professional for threading or waxing to define the shape.

• Fill in the Brows: Use a brow pencil or pomade that matches your natural hair color to fill in any sparse areas. Start from the middle of the brow and work towards the tail, keeping the strokes light and hair-like. Blend the product for a natural look.

• Conceal for Definition: For a crisp, defined brow, use a concealer a shade lighter than your skin tone to clean up the edges of your brows. Blend the concealer well to avoid harsh lines.

5. Eyeshadow and Eyeliner

Eyes are often the focal point of a makeup look. Here’s how to apply eyeshadow and eyeliner like a pro:

• Eyeshadow Application: Start with a neutral shade as a base. Apply it all over your lid. Then, choose a darker color to add depth to the crease of your eyelid. For a pop of color or shimmer, apply a lighter shade on the inner corners of your eyes or the center of your eyelid.

• Blending: The key to professional eyeshadow application is blending. Use a soft, fluffy brush to blend the colors seamlessly together, avoiding harsh lines.

• Eyeliner: Whether you prefer a bold cat-eye or a subtle line, eyeliner defines your eyes. Gel, pencil, or liquid liners work, depending on your preference. For a sharp winged eyeliner, practice makes perfect! Start from the middle of your lash line and flick outward.

• Mascara: Finish the eye look with mascara to add volume and length to your lashes. If you prefer a more dramatic look, false lashes can enhance the eyes even further.

6. Contour and Highlight

Contouring and highlighting add dimension to your face. Nigerian makeup trends often lean toward sculpted cheekbones and glowing skin.

• Contour: Use a contour product two shades darker than your skin tone to define your cheekbones, jawline, and the sides of your nose. Blend it well using a makeup sponge or brush to avoid harsh lines.

• Highlight: Apply a highlighter on the high points of your face – the tops of your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, and on your cupid’s bow (the top of your lips). This gives your skin a radiant glow.

7. Blush for a Flush of Color

Blush adds a healthy flush of color to your face. Choose a blush color that complements your skin tone:

• Fair to Medium Skin: Opt for peachy or pink shades.
• Medium to Dark Skin: Rich berry or deep orange tones work best.

Apply blush on the apples of your cheeks and blend it upwards towards your temples for a natural look.

8. Lipstick: Complete the Look

Lip color can completely transform your makeup look. Whether you’re going for bold or subtle, the right lip color adds the finishing touch.

• Line Your Lips: For definition, line your lips with a lip liner that matches your lipstick shade. This prevents your lipstick from bleeding and gives your lips a fuller appearance.

• Apply Lipstick: Choose a lipstick shade that complements your overall makeup. Matte lipsticks are long-lasting and perfect for Nigerian weather, while glosses give a hydrated, youthful appearance.

• Set Your Makeup: Finish off your look by using a setting spray. This helps lock your makeup in place and ensures it lasts throughout the day, even in the heat.

Conclusion

Applying makeup like a pro takes practice, but with these tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of makeup. Whether you're attending an event, heading to the office, or just looking to feel your best, these steps will help you achieve a flawless and professional look that complements your Nigerian beauty. Invest in good quality products, understand your skin, and don't be afraid to experiment with different looks and techniques. Happy makeup application!