If there is one item that is always in style, it is makeup. Nigerians prioritise looking good, therefore a new style is always emerging or the old is being revived, and they don’t play with it.

The glow must be real, whether it’s at a wedding in Lagos, a birthday celebration in Abuja, or a laid-back get-together in Port Harcourt. Makeup is an art form, a statement, an entire mood, and more than just a way to enhance attractiveness.

New makeup trends are shaking the Nigerian beauty industry as 2025 progresses. There is something for every beauty lover, ranging from daring, dramatic styles to minimalist, skin-focused glow.This year, if you’re prepared to step up your cosmetics game, keep reading because we’re diving into the hottest trends you need to try.

Minimal look

1. Skinimalism: Less  cakes foundation and more skin

The days of thick, cakey foundations melting in the Lagos sun are long gone. Skinimalism, a mix of “skin” and “minimalism” is the new beauty philosophy. This trend focuses on lightweight, breathable products that add to your natural skin instead of covering it up. Think tinted moisturizers, hydrating skin tints, and serum-infused foundations that give you a radiant, second-skin effect.

Nigerian brands are catching up, with more local options that suit melanin-rich skin tones while keeping you fresh all day.

Try this: Swap your full-coverage foundation for a lightweight skin tint or BB cream. For that effortless, radiant finish, combine it with a dewy setting spray and a hydrating primer.

Tems rocking glossy look

2. Glossy Lips are Back (And Better!)

Matte lips had their moment, but gloss is officially back! Nigerians are embracing juicy, plump lips with high-shine glosses in clear, nude, and vibrant shades. Whether you’re rocking a no-makeup look or full glam, a good gloss adds instant freshness.

Brands like Zaron, BproM, and House of Tara are stepping up their gloss game, offering non-sticky and lightweight formulas that hydrate while giving that mirror-like shine.

One celebrity that wears this look effortlessly is Tems, this has been her signature look from time.

Try this: Layer a brown or a black  lip liner with a clear or peachy gloss for that effortless, youthful glow.

Bold blush look

3. Statement Blush

Blush isn’t just a sidekick anymore, it’s now the main character. Nigerian beauty lovers are stepping up their blush game with bold, bright colors like deep coral, burnt orange, and berry. This trend isn’t just for fair skin; deeper skin tones look absolutely stunning in rich, pigmented blushes that bring warmth and radiance.

Instead of just applying blush to the apples of the cheeks, 2025 is about blush draping, where blush is swept up towards the temples for a lifted, sculpted effect. Some are even applying a bit on their nose bridge for a sunkissed effect.

Try this: Switch up your neutral blush for a rich orange, berry, or terracotta shade. Apply it slightly higher on your cheeks for a snatched, lifted look.

Bold liner

4. Bold Eyeliners

Say goodbye to basic black liners, graphic liners, bright colors, and metallic finishes are dominating 2025. Nigerian makeup artists are getting creative with floating liners, double-winged looks, and neon accents.

This trend is perfect for those who love experimenting with their makeup without doing too much. Even a simple colored liner can lift your whole look.

Try this: Swap your regular black eyeliner for a colorful liner like royal blue, emerald green, or even white.  If you’re feeling bold, go for a double-winged look or a floating liner.

Soft eyebro

5. Soft but Defined Brows

Brows that are too black and drawn are a thing of the past. The brows of 2025 will be lightly defined, fluffy, and natural. Nigerian beauty enthusiasts are moving away from hard, blocky brows and towards brow gels, pencils, and powders that produce a delicate yet structured finish.

Moreover, laminated brows, where brow hairs are pushed up for a bigger look, are becoming more and more popular since they seem sleek but carefree.

Try this: Brush up your hairs with brow gel and make light, hair-like strokes with a fine-tip pencil. Don’t make it excessively sharp or overly detailed.

Glow and Shine

6. The Return of Shimmer Glow

If you thought glitter and sparkle were out of style, then think again!  Because Nigerians love a good glow, shimmering highlighters, glossy cheekbones, and dazzling eyes, and it is back again in 2025.  Champagne gold, bronze, and rose-gold highlighters will be used with shimmering eyeshadows for a fresh, dreamy look.

Try this:  smudge a liquid highlighter on your cheeks and nose for a subtle sheen, and then apply a gold or copper shimmer eyeshadow to your lids for extra radiance.

Plum lip

7. Ombré Lips: A Nigerian Classic, Reinvented

Although ombré lips are a principal look of Nigerian beauty, 2025 is upgrading them. Beauty enthusiasts are experimenting with more dramatic color blends, such as deep red fading into orange or pink, in place of the traditional dark-brown liner and nude lipstick combination.

This method produces a dramatic yet stylish lip look that is larger and more dimensional.

Try this: Apply a dark brown or deep plum liner to your lips, then blend it in with a lighter lipstick shade, such as soft pink, peach, or nude. Apply gloss on top for added flair.

Natural makeup product

8. The Rise of Clean Beauty: Nigerian Brands Take Over

More Nigerians are becoming conscious of what goes into their makeup products. In 2025, we’ll see more clean, skin-friendly, and locally-made beauty products taking center stage.

Brands are focusing on vegan, cruelty-free, and non-toxic formulas that cater to African skin. If you haven’t started exploring homegrown beauty brands, this is the year to do it.

Try this: Look out for Nigerian beauty brands offering paraben-free, organic, and hydrating formulas your skin will thank you. This also maintains your health while you slay.

Finally, Own Your Beauty This Year

2025 is all about bold, expressive, and skin-loving makeup trends. Whether you’re into dewy skin, statement blush, graphic liners, or juicy lips, there’s something for everyone. The best part? There are no rules, just have fun and own your look.

So, which trend are you trying first? Let’s hear from you.

read: 3 Makeup Tips You Should Try For The Day