Beauty
Beauty Products That Rival High-End Brands
Many of us are drawn to luxury brands with global recognition when it comes to makeup and skincare. They promise flawless finishes, long-lasting wear, and that touch of elegance we often associate with a higher price tag. But here’s the truth: great beauty doesn’t always have to cost a fortune.
In Nigeria today, some local and budget-friendly brands are creating products that not only stand shoulder to shoulder with international labels but in some cases, even outperform them. These homegrown alternatives are designed with African skin and climate in mind, making them an ideal choice for the modern Nigerian woman.
Here are a few standout products you’ll want to add to your beauty box:
1. Zaron Healthy Glow Foundation
Comparable to: NARS All Day Luminous Foundation
Zaron’s foundation has quietly built a strong reputation in Nigeria’s beauty space, and for good reason. It offers full coverage without feeling heavy, delivers a matte but not flat finish, and controls shine like a pro which is essential for our humid weather. Many users say it rivals the performance of NARS, with the added benefit of being tailored for melanin-rich skin.
2. House of Tara Eyeshadow Palettes
Comparable to: Urban Decay Naked Palettes
House of Tara has been in the game for years, and their eyeshadow palettes remain a fan favorite. The colors are pigmented, easy to blend, and thoughtfully curated for melanin-rich skin. If you’re going for a soft everyday look or a night-out vibe, you’ll find a palette that fits.
3. Nubian Skin Lipsticks
Comparable to: MAC Lipsticks
This brand has nailed the perfect lipstick formula. Creamy, vibrant, and long-lasting, Nubian Skin lipsticks come in shades that truly pop on deeper complexions. They don’t dry out your lips and are versatile enough for both casual days and glam nights. Think of MAC but this time, more affordable and made for you.
4. BM|Pro Loose Powder
Comparable to: Laura Mercier Translucent Setting Powder
If you’ve ever struggled with makeup sliding off your face halfway through the day, this is your fix. BM|Pro’s setting powder helps lock everything in without leaving a chalky residue. It controls oil beautifully and leaves your skin looking smooth and refined, just like its more expensive counterpart from Laura Mercier.
5. Yanga Beauty BrowLution Pencil
Comparable to: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
Finding a brow pencil that gives a natural, hair-like finish isn’t always easy. But Yanga Beauty nailed it with BrowLution. It’s precise, smudge-proof, and easy to use, even for brow beginners. It also comes in shades that actually match African hair colors, which is a win on its own.
6. Aesthetics Naturals Vitamin C Serum
Comparable to: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
This local gem is doing wonders for dull and uneven skin. Lightweight and packed with active ingredients, the Taos Vitamin C serum helps brighten your complexion and improve texture over time. It gives you the glow you want without the steep price tag that comes with popular international brands.
Nuban Beauty In My Skin Foundation
Comparable to: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation
With an inclusive shade range and a finish that holds up in the heat, Nuban Beauty’s foundation has become a go-to for many Nigerian makeup artists and enthusiasts. It gives you that smooth, camera-ready look without feeling cakey. If you love the Fenty foundation but want a more affordable option, this one’s worth trying.
The idea that quality always comes with a high price is quickly becoming outdated. Nigerian brands are proving that excellence can be homegrown, accessible, and made with you in mind. Whether you’re refreshing your makeup bag or trying out skincare that actually works for your skin type, these products are a great place to start.
Have you tried any of these products before? Share your favorites or recommend your hidden gems in the comments!
Also Read: From Natural to Glam: 3 Makeup Tutorials for Beginners.
Beauty
Teniola’s Aladese’s Sculptural Knot Braids are Truly Award-Worthy
Red carpet conversations often revolve around gowns, shoes, and jewellery. Hairstyles sometimes sit quietly in the background, though Teniola Aladese has long celebrated her heritage with cornrows and kiko braids, making each new look a statement of style and culture making her latest sculptural knot braids an update to her signature cornrows and kiko braids.

Photo: Instagram
From a distance, the hairstyle looks like a set of raised braids structured arrangement across the head. But when you look closely, the design becomes clearer. The braids are woven into knot-like formations that sit slightly above the scalp, creating a pattern that is structured.
The knot braids appear medium in size. They are not extremely too small or too large. This size choice helps the knot design remain visible. The unique thing about her sculptural knot braid is the inner weaving and “Shunku” braided style added to the knots. Each braid is thick enough to hold shape but still flexible enough to curve into the knot pattern. The finish looks neat from the roots.

Photo: Instagram
The hairstyle begins with neat braiding at the scalp. From there, the braids are guided into loops that form rounded knots. Instead of hanging down the shoulders like regular braids, they are arranged upward and inward. The result is a pattern that builds across the head in sections. Each knot sits close to the next, creating a layered arrangement that looks woven.
A key feature of the braid design is the spacing. The knots are placed carefully so they do not crowd the scalp. This spacing allows the pattern to remain clear from different angles. When viewed from the side, the knots appear like braided loops stacked in rows. From the front, they create a gentle structure across the crown.

Photo: Instagram
In a red carpet space filled with long curls, wigs, and elaborate styling, knot braids provide a unique look. It relies on technique rather than volume or length.
Beauty
Guinness World Records Confirms Tesglam’s 146-Hour Makeup Marathon
Guinness World Records has confirmed Lagos-based makeup artist Theresa Emegwara, popularly known as Tesglam, as the record holder for the longest makeup application marathon. The medal presentation took place on February 3, 2026, following a thorough verification process.
Tesglam completed the marathon in 146 hours, 23 minutes and 56 seconds. The attempt, titled “Glam 4–144,” was held at Landmark Boulevard in Lagos, in August 2025, and was monitored in line with Guinness World guidelines, including witnesses and timekeeping.

Theresa Emegwara – Instagram
The marathon began on August 14, 2025, and lasted for over six days. During the attempt, Tesglam worked on more than 200 faces, applying makeup without stopping according to Guinness World Records rules, including scheduled rest breaks. During the marathon, the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth paid a visit to the venue and later sent a message of congratulations after the record was confirmed. He said,
“She has not only represented Lagos with pride but has also inspired young creatives to pursue excellence on a global stage.”

Theresa Emegwara – Instagram
Her time surpassed the previous record of 103 hours, 25 minutes and 33 seconds, which was previously held by Ghanaian makeup artist Akosua Mantey Roselyn, placing Tesglam as the current global record holder in the category.
After the attempt ended, all required videos, documents, and witness reports were submitted to Guinness World Records. Following weeks of review, the organisation approved the record and presented Tesglam with a certificate and medal.
Tesglam’s name has been officially added to the Guinness World Records database. The achievement is being recognised as a major win for Nigeria’s beauty industry and a boost for local creatives on the global stage.

Theresa Emegwara – Instagram
This was also Tesglam first successful official attempt at the longest makeup application marathon. Tesglam’s record joins other Nigerian entries in the beauty categories. On 11 October 2025, Lagos-based entrepreneur and reality TV personality Anita Natacha Akide (Tacha) set two Guinness World Records for the highest number of cosmetic makeovers completed within 8 and 24 hours.
Beauty
Bella Okagbue Goes Full Caramel Blonde
On January 15th 2026, Bella Okagbue shared some new photos with us on her Instagram page showing a lighter blonde caramel hairstyle. The former Big Brother Naija housemate and fashion influencer appeared a shade she hadn’t worn before.

Bella Okagbue – Instagram
Her hair was styled in soft waves that enhanced the warm honey-and-gold tones. The lighter shade is different from the dark hair she usually wears and refreshes her style.
The pictures show that Bella paired the new look with a tailored two-piece outfit. She wore a fitted blazer paired with a matching mini skirt, along with heels and minimal jewellery. The outfit was simple, in a neutral shade that kept focus on her hair.

Bella Okagbue – Instagram
Her makeup was kept natural. Skin tones appeared even, eyes were softly defined, and lips stayed in nude shades. The combination of hair, outfit, and makeup appeared well together.
This change marks one of Bella’s most noticeable hair updates since leaving the BBNaija house. She has mostly maintained darker shades in the past, so this caramel blonde shows a different side of her style.

Bella Okagbue – Instagram
Bella has continued to build her career in fashion, beauty and lifestyle beyond reality TV. She has worked with several brands, including Fashion Nova and Guinness, keeping her profile active in the industry. The new hairstyle fits into her aesthetic, adding diversity while remaining recognizable to her followers.
Whether she keeps the blonde long-term or returns to darker tones, the hair change adds a new element to Bella Okagbue’s look. It shows her willingness to try out new colours offering fans a fresh perspective on her fashion choices.
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