Beauty
How to Prep Your Skin for Makeup.
There is every possibility that the last makeup session that left you almost in tears was not because the makeup artist did not know her job well. It is probably because she did not prep your skin properly.
Achieving a flawless makeup look is not just dependent on the quality of products used and your expertise in blending the look; it also depends on how well the routine you used to prep you skin is. The skin preparation of any makeup look largely determines the outcome; from its longevity, to the healthy and smooth glow.
Whether the event is a casual one or a big wedding with the creme la creme of the society in attendance, the preparation of your skin before the makeup makes all the difference.
Sit tight as I walk you through a detailed skip prep routine that will make your face pop.
Clean your Face Properly.
This is the most crucial step in skin prepping. Our faces collect dirt all day long, sebaceous glands on our face secretes oil and dead cells on our face clog the pores on our face. In addition, these dirts when not cleaned properly can even lead to breakouts. Besides, applying makeup over a face without cleaning it properly first will make the makeup looks tacky, uneven or patchy.

To cleanse properly;
-
- Use warm water. It helps to strip your face of natural oils.
- Choose the right cleanser. If you have an oily skin, go for a foaming or gel based cleanser. However, if you have dry skin,a hydrating cleanser is best.
- Massage gently and avoid scrubbing so hard to avoid irritation.
- Double cleanse if you regularly wear heavy makeup or sunscreen. First with an oil based cleanser to remove buildup, and a water based cleanser to deep clean.
Hydrate with a Toner.
Contrary to popular opinion, cleansing your face is not all there is to do when you want to prep your skin for makeup. After cleansing, your skin might feel light and dry. A toner will help moisturize your skin and balance the skin’s PH, and make it ready to absorb products better.
Toners also helps to remove leftover impurities and tightens the pores. A few toners you might want to try include:
Zaron Skin Regenerating Toner, Neutrogena Oil-Free toner are suitable toners for oily and acne- prone skins.
Nivea Perfect and Radiant Face Toner, Cerave Hydrating Toner are suitable for dry and dehydrated Skin.
Pixi Glow Tonic, Beauty Formular Brightening Vitamin C Toner are suitable for all skin types.

Apply a Lightweight Serum.
Serums are made specifically to solve skin concerns like hydration, dullness, acne, or fine lines. Using the right serum will not just provide extra nourishment but also make a huge difference to how the make up will sit on your face.
A few recommended serums include hyaluronic acid, Vitamin C, Niacinamide, retinol and so many others.
It is best to pat the serum into the skin rather than rubbing it in to maximize absorption.

Moisturize.
Moisturizing your face properly prevents your makeup from settling into fine lines or clinging onto dry patches. If you have oily skin, a lightweight moisturizer will ensure balance and prevent your skin from over producing oil.
Read Also: Best Face Cream For All Skin Types
Apply an Eye Cream.
The skin under your eyes is more delicate than the skin in every other part of your face. This makes it prone to creasing and drying. Applying the eye cream before commencing the makeup makes the concealer application smoother.
Use a finger to gently pat the cream around your eyes then let it fully absorb before applying concealer or continuing makeup.

Prime your Face.
A primer acts as a barrier between your skin and the makeup. It aids smooth application and enhances longevity.
Allow Products to Set Before Applying Makeup.
When you are done with the skin prep, it is necessary to wait for the preparation to set for a few minutes before applying makeup.
This is to let the products used to absorb completely and prevent the makeup from pilling.
Conclusion.
I know that skin prepping might seem like too many steps to go through before the makeup proper. However, prepping your skin makes your makeup look smooth, flawless and last longer.
A perfectly prepped face is the recipe for a flawless makeup.
If you follow these steps judiciously, you will not only up your makeup game but also keep your skin healthy at all times. The next time you try to do your makeup, take out time to prepare your skin for what is ahead. You would see the difference.
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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