Bibyonce

6 Hacks Nigerian Beauty Artists & Creators Swear By

We have all spent twenty minutes in front of a mirror trying to recreate a viral beauty look, only to end up looking like a completely different person—and not in a good way. You watch your favourite Nigerian beauty creators glide through a full-face application or whip up a sleek natural hairstyle in under ten minutes, making it look so simple. Meanwhile, your foundation is separating, your false lashes are sticking to your fingers instead of your eyelids, and your ponytail tie just snapped in half.

The secret isn’t that they have special genes; they just have a vault of clever, battle-tested tricks that streamline chaotic beauty routines into clean, stress-free results. Through BellaNaija Beauty’s popular #5ForHer series, we sat down with six top Nigerian makeup artists and beauty creators to get the inside scoop on the game-changing hacks they actually rely on daily.

If you are ready to stop fighting your products and start achieving a polished look, here are six creator-approved beauty secrets you need to copy immediately:

Bibyonce’s Layering Makeup Trick

Photo Credit: @bebeomagbemi / Instagram. Apply cream products in thin layers for flawless skin finish

“Apply cream products in thin layers and build gradually. Whether it’s foundation, blush, or bronzer, less is more. The most beautiful makeup looks like skin, not makeup.”

 

Marycolette’s Trust In Braids

Photo Credit: @marycolette_ / Instagram. You can never go wrong with braids, especially when they’re blonde

“When in doubt, get braids. They’re my ultimate beauty hack because they’re low-maintenance, versatile, and instantly makes me feel more put together without doing too much!”

 

Sophie Nwachukwu, a.k.a. Highlights By Sophie’s Skin Prep Secret

Photo Credit: @sophiepaulberry/ Instagram. For a flawless soft glam like this, a well-hydrated skin is a must

“A beauty hack that has never failed me as a makeup artist is proper skin prep. Hydrated, well-prepped skin makes every makeup look smoother, longer-lasting, and more flawless because, the makeup is only as good as the canvas underneath it”

 

Onaopepo Babarinsa’s False Eyelash & Glue Hack

Photo Credit: @onaopepo_a/ Instagram. Apply lash glue to your eye-line directly so your false lashes stick on easier

“I used to REALLYYYY struggle with applying false lashes until I started applying the lash glue to my lash line directly. I actually have a video on this that went viral, it’s my favorite hack ever.”

 

Tobi Adebiyi’s Hydration Tip For Smoother Makeup Application

Photo Credit: @tobiadebiyii/ Instagram. A well moisturized and hydrated skin makes your makeup application smoother

“Hydration before makeup. As someone with dry skin, I’ve learned that beautiful makeup starts long before foundation. Well-hydrated skin makes makeup apply smoother, last longer, and look more radiant throughout the day.”

 

Oyinn Abdul’s Natural Hair Styling Tip

Photo Credit: @oyinnabdul/ Instagram. Use bobby pins and a piece of attachment to secure your bun or ponytail

“One of my favourite hair hacks is using an old, stretched-out hair tie to pack my hair quickly. I usually cut the hair tie and attach bobby pins to the ends, which makes it so much easier to secure my hair in different ways. I use it to pack my natural hair, create a base for a ponytail and even style my braids in different ways. It takes seconds, and it’s one of those little tricks that has genuinely never failed me”.

 

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Makeup Trends 2026: Expert Makeup Artists Predictions

Makeup Trends 2026: Expert Makeup Artists Predictions

Experimenting with colour, texture and technique is the crux of what we love about makeup, and this coming year has it all. Whether you want to embrace the ‘quiet luxury’ look or opt for bold soft goth makeup and grunge, you have options aplenty.

I spoke to a roster of brilliant, top makeup artists to hear first-hand what we can expect, and our conversations left me more excited than ever for the next 12 months in beauty. Inspired by catwalk looks as well as celebrities and product development, these 2026 makeup trends are here to shake things up. Keep reading to learn more about the top seven.

1. Quiet luxury

For Makeup Artist Kenneth Soh, there’s only one makeup trend on his mind for 2026: ‘quiet’ luxury. We’ve seen the rise of ‘expensive’-looking hair and fashion in the last couple of years, and now makeup will be joining them.


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“I think there’ll be a shift to subtler quiet luxury kind of red carpet glam that focuses on soft textures, softly defined features that makes the person look healthy and luxurious,” he explains, referencing Greta Lee and Zoe Kravitz.

Hourglass

Curator Eyeshadow Palette, Minimalist

Summer Fridays

Lip Butter Balm in Coffee

Bobbi Brown Senior PRO Artist, Zara Findlay, says that we’ll be seeing metallics worn in new ways this year, meaning festival and party seasons are sorted. “2025 was all about ‘glitter toppers’, but I think 2026 will bring subtle metallic eyeshadow either swept softly all over the lids (giving more of a wet look) or as a pop in the inner corner of the eyes.”

She continues: “I think consumers are always evolving their makeup style, and the ‘subtle metallic’ is the ‘glitter eye toppers’ older, more sophisticated sister.”

Another easy way to wear this? A hint of metallic liner on an otherwise-bare lid. This can have an incredible impact, with minimal effort. Just be sure to practise a steady hand!

Makeup Forever

Aqua Resist Ink in Copper Lava

Bobbi Brown

Eyeshadow Stick in Mica

3. Soft goth makeup

Noughties goths: it’s your time to shine, because 2026 is set to see the ‘return’ of all things goth, but with a ‘softer’ approach. “2024 brought back grunge makeup, 2025 was all about the comeback of cool-toned 90s looks, so it seems only right that 2026 will bring the edginess of soft goth makeup,” explains Findlay.

Want to know more about what this looks like? Findlay says that dark eyes, dark lips and muted blush will all be big, “but sophisticatedly done.” A deep plum lip stain with a ‘bitten’ quality is a great entry point for a goth-inspired lip, paired with smoky, softly lined eyes.

L’Oréal Paris

Matte Signature Liquid Eyeliner

Victoria Beckham Beauty

Bitten Lip Tint in Bisou

4. A new ‘barely-there’ foundation

Every year, there’s some variation of ‘barely-there’ makeup, but 2026 really centres around the base, and is all about a super natural-looking foundation that has a level of coverage but with a skin tint feel. This evolution has been a long-time coming, says Findlay.


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“Over the years, consumers have gone from high coverage, super matte foundations to slowly embracing their true skin. With the surge of Korean skincare and makeup making its way to the UK, I think 2026 will be all about finding a foundation that is completely weightless, a perfect match to the skin tone with a beautiful satin finish that makes skin look like skin.”

Expect an influx of impressive new formulations with plenty to offer.

Victoria Beckham Beauty

The Foundation Drops With TFC8®

Guerlain

Terracotta Le Teint Glow Healthy Glow Foundation

5. The confident lip, reimagined

If you love a bold lip, you’re in luck this year. However this time, it’s being done a little differently. Aarti P, Beauty Expert and Founder of South Asian Beauty Collective, says that the confident lip is being notably ‘reimagined’ for 2026, making it more wearable (and gorgeous!) than ever.

“Lips are returning as a focal point, but with a softer, more modern energy,” she explains. “Instead of sharply defined, ultra-matte statements, we’ll see blurred edges, satin finishes and rich pigment that feels lived-in rather than rigid.”

The makeup artist looks to Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sonam Kapoor Ahuja and Deepika Padukone for the ultimate inspiration.

Rare Beauty

Lip Soufflé Matte Lip Cream

6. Grunge

Grunge, says Chanel Makeup Artist Anna Payne, was “a strong presence on the catwalk, with statement eyes paired with clean, fresh skin.” This look is all about making the eyes pop, meaning minimal makeup elsewhere. If you tend to highlight your eyes as your main feature, grunge may be your 2026 go-to.

“The focus is on a smudged, smoky eye that feels effortless rather than overworked,” Payne adds. In short, you needn’t be too precise or polished; this is about having fun and going with the flow. An eye crayon or soft, smudgy eyeshadow quad will become your new best friend.

Natasha Denona

Mini Xenon Eyeshadow Palette

Chanel

Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long Lasting Eyeliner

7. Cool-toned ’90s lips

Cool toned makeup really enjoyed the spotlight in 2025, but this coming year hones in more specifically on the lip, and how it was worn in the 1990s. “Cool-toned ’90s lips are continuing to trend, reflecting the strong ’90s influence we’re seeing in fashion right now,” says Payne.

“The look is all about using cool-toned brown liners that are softly blended and diffused to add depth and dimension to the lips.” Both Chanel and Vieve offer great cool-toned neutral lipsticks, whilst you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping for smudgy brown lip liners right now.

Chanel

Rouge Coco Flash Colour, Shine, Intensity In A Flash, 54 Boy

Vieve

Modern Matte Lipstick in Ninetease

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2026 Makeup Trends to Try ASAP, According to Pro Makeup Artists

2026 Makeup Trends to Try ASAP, According to Pro Makeup Artists

“In 2026, the most significant flex is skin that looks like you’ve done almost nothing to it,” says Briceno. “Skinimalism is that line between skin care and makeup: you can correct and shape, but you never lose the skin’s life. Clients want their skin to look like skin, healthy, hydrated, and genuinely cared for before a single drop of makeup goes on. This beauty approach is perfect on mature faces: less product, more respect for texture.”

To get the look, Briceno recommends using an emollient moisturizer (which is ideal for mature skin) with a face-sculpting massage “promote circulation and release muscle tension. Then, apply a tinted moisturizer, preferably one with SPF to protect skin from harmful UV rays. He recommends the Mineral Fusion Sheer Tint SPF 50 paired with the Concealer Palette to give your skin a breathable, radiant finish and their Hydro Shine Lip Gloss, which adds a healthy sheen.

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Makeup, advice, women

A top makeup artists’ advice for women over 60 to enhance their natural beauty

Women over 60 often want their makeup to look light, flattering, and expressive without feeling overdone. One of the easiest ways to bring life back to your face is through your eyes, and professional makeup artists agree that a little color and a soft cat-eye can make a world of difference.

This isn’t about bold, dramatic lines or neon tones. We’re talking about subtle color that lifts, brightens, and enhances your natural eye shape. Here, we’ll look at how to use color and a gentle cat-eye to wake up your eyes, and share a few more expert tips to help your makeup look fresh and modern at any age.

Add a touch of color and lift for youthful eyes

After 60, eye makeup can easily look too harsh or flat. That’s why top makeup pros like Tim Quinn suggest swapping heavy black eyeliner for softer, more colorful tones. A deep brown, navy, or forest green pencil can bring warmth and contrast to your eyes without looking too severe. These shades make the whites of your eyes appear brighter and your overall look more relaxed and vibrant.

Creating a cat-eye doesn’t mean going for a dramatic wing. A small upward flick at the outer corner of your eye is enough to lift your features subtly. This trick visually raises the eye area and gives a gentle, refreshed expression. A creamy pencil or gel liner works best, as it glides easily over mature skin and can be smudged for a natural effect.

You can pair your liner with a neutral eyeshadow—such as beige, taupe, or champagne shimmer—to make your eyes stand out even more. If you wear glasses, go a bit bolder with your liner color so your eyes remain defined behind lenses. Finish with lengthening mascara to open up your gaze without clumping or weighing down your lashes.

This small pop of color and lift can instantly make your whole face look brighter and more awake, without drastic changes or heavy makeup.

More makeup tips for women over 60

Once you’ve mastered this soft cat-eye technique, a few more adjustments can help you get the most out of your makeup routine.

  • Use a luminous primer. It preps your skin and adds a subtle glow that smooths out fine lines before foundation.
  • Choose a sheer, hydrating foundation. Avoid thick coverage. A lightweight formula lets your natural skin show through while evening the tone.
  • Add cream blush high on the cheekbones. This lifts the face and gives a healthy flush that looks like real skin.
  • Keep brows defined but natural. Use a tinted gel to fill sparse areas and soften gray hairs.
  • Pick warm, glossy lip shades. Hydrating tints in rose, mauve, or coral give lips shape and moisture without accentuating lines.

At 60 and beyond, makeup should enhance, not hide. Using color thoughtfully—especially around the eyes—can make you look refreshed, confident, and full of energy. A soft cat-eye, flattering tones, and skin-friendly products are all you need to feel naturally radiant every day.

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makeup, senior woman

A quick beauty tip from artists for women over 60 that makes a visible difference

Beauty trends are evolving fast, and for women over 60, that means it’s time to rethink old routines. The once-popular matte looks and heavy foundations are being replaced by lighter, glow-enhancing techniques that highlight natural radiance. Yet among all these changes, one particular beauty trick stands out for making a visible difference, according to professional makeup artists.

After years of focusing on coverage and control, experts now say that a single change in texture and finish can completely refresh mature skin. Forget about rigid beauty routines — this easy update not only softens features but also helps restore natural radiance in seconds.

What’s the best beauty tip for women over 60, according to makeup artists?

The pros agree: the secret is to go hydrating, not matte, especially when it comes to lipstick. Makeup artist Jenna Anton explained to AARP that glossy, nourishing lip products instantly add life to the face — something matte formulas often take away. A bright, moisturizing lip color enhances the complexion, smooths fine lines, and delivers a youthful, effortless finish.

Anton suggests choosing tinted lip oils or soft stains instead of heavy matte lipsticks and liners. “There are two low-maintenance ways to go bright — a tinted lip oil or a soft stain,” she says. These formulas add color without harsh lines or dryness, blending softly into the lips for a modern, natural look.

To recreate this youthful, bright-lip look, apply a touch of vibrant color — like a coral, berry, or classic red — to the center of your lips and gently fade it outward with your fingertip or a brush. No liner is needed; the soft edges give a fuller, smoother appearance. It’s a small step that adds energy to your overall look, especially in video calls or daily outings.

Other pro-approved beauty tweaks for women over 60

If you’re ready to refresh your routine, makeup artists recommend a few more subtle but effective upgrades:

  • Add a vitamin C serum: Revitalize dull or uneven skin by using a brightening serum before applying makeup. It boosts glow and reduces discoloration, meaning you’ll need less foundation overall.
  • Always use primer: A hydrating or illuminating primer creates a smooth base, helps products blend better, and keeps makeup from settling into lines.
  • Switch to luminous foundations: Choose sheer, glowing bases that enhance skin instead of hiding it. Pair with a high-coverage concealer only where needed.
  • Opt for brown eyeliner: Brown gives definition without harshness and flatters every eye color. It’s softer and more natural than black.
  • Use shimmer shadow wisely: A touch of shimmer — not glitter — brightens hooded or crepey lids and adds dimension.
  • Experiment with soft color: Try navy, violet, or emerald eyeliner for a subtle lift. A slight wing can visually raise the eyes.
  • Groom brows with tinted gel: A brow gel fills in sparse areas and tames hairs for a polished but natural effect.
  • Warm up with bronzer: Lightly apply a cream or powder bronzer to add warmth and dimension to mature skin.

Each of these tips follows the same philosophy: enhance, don’t mask. By choosing hydrating textures, soft finishes, and radiant tones, you’ll achieve a fresher, more natural look that celebrates — rather than hides — your skin’s character. Ultimately, embracing luminosity over matte isn’t just about makeup — it’s a mindset shift that highlights confidence and vitality at every age.

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Makeup forecast 2026: Minimal and natural looks will rule, say celebrity makeup artists

Makeup forecast 2026: Minimal and natural looks will rule, say celebrity makeup artists

Every season and year brings a fresh wave of creativity in the world of makeup. But there’s one thing constant: makeup is not only about looking good, but feeling good from within. Year 2025 was about a fascinating blend of minimalist beauty and bold colour statements. The question is what follows next year? At the recently-concluded Nykaaland, team HT Shop Now caught up with celebrity makeup artists Daniel Bauer and Namrata Soni, to discuss the trends worth looking forward to

Year 2026 is going to be all about minimal makeup, expert says(Instagram)

Minimalist, natural makeup looks may rule

According to Namrata Soni, semi-matte skin – “basically very cloudy, gorgeous natural skin” – is here to stay.

Daniel Bauer, who has styled celebrities like Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, and Anushka Sharma, says, “I don’t see a lot of highlighting and contouring happening next year. I think that should go! In fact, I wish it should go.”

At Nykalaand, while Daniel showcased bold makeup styles, Namrata Soni, best known for styling Sonam Kapoor, Rani Mukerji, and Isha Ambani, was all about bridal glow.

Interviewing Daniel Bauer and Namrata Soni at Nykaaland (Instagram)

A makeup trend that should make a comeback

If there’s one makeup trend that should make a comeback, Namrata Soni wishes it is dark, beautiful eyes should definitely make a comeback. “I think eyeshadows should definitely come back in trend. People have veered away from eyeshadows, and a good eyeshadow, powder eyeshadow, can really amp up your look. So I hope that trend comes back”, says Soni.

Most loved makeup technique

Bauer loves to mix a lot of things together. “I like mixing contouring, highlighter, foundation, all together to create a new look. It’s always a little bit better, a little bit more blended”, says Bauer.

Three makeup products to create a glam look

If there were only three makeup products to create a glam look, it would be a kajal, eyeliner, and mascara for Bauer. While for Soni, it would be red lipstick, black eyeliner, and a beautiful contour and blush.

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Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

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