Words By – Rita Okoye

For over 20 years, Makari (which means ‘beautiful’ in Swahili) has catered to people of colour globally with innovative groundbreaking skincare products Made for Melanin.

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Recently, they had a ‘LoveLife Campaign’ which captures different demos of women and how they are pulling through with work, family and their respective lifestyles.

Allure Vanguard captures four of these women who have successfully made beauty and skincare an everyday lifestyle.

Tania Omotayo, a 29 year old model, brand ambassador, entrepreneur, Bisola Omoregha, a versatile makeup artist, Mariam Bakre, a content creator and Diana Eneje, a fashion enthusiast, model, vlogger and social media influencer.

1. Tania Omotayo… Fusing beauty into fashion

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Tania Omotayo is a Fashion entrepreneur, Style Star and Content creator. She is founder of fashion brands, Ziva Lagos and Ziva kids. Recently, she was unveiled as the brand ambassador of Makari Suisse’s 24 Karat Rose Gold Collection.

Omotayo speaks on how she has successfully made fashion and beauty a huge part of her life and how the Makari brand made this fusion seamless in her everyday life.

What inspired your kind of fashion and style?

Comfort is key for me. I’m not really a fan of complicated and uncomfortable outfits unless, I, absolutely have to which is not very often thankfully. 

How long does it take you to dress up for red carpet events and what are the steps you take?

It takes me about 2-3 hours. I usually get my hair done first then my make up. I, also, have to have a full jam up and Karaoke session to hype myself up and that usually takes another 20-30 minutes.

Can you tell us more about Makari’s 24 karat Gold range?

It’s amazing! And I’m not just saying that because I’m a Makari Babe. I’m really obsessed with skin care and the 24k range really excited me. The 24k dry oil is my absolute favourite because there’s nothing I love more than glowing! And it gives my skin just the right amount of glow for all occasions. Another absolute favourite of mine is the 24k hydrating mask, it’s basically a facial on the go and the glow it leaves your skin with is surreal. 

Fashion and beauty is a huge part of your life, how has Makari brand amplified that?

In my opinion, fashion and beauty go hand-in-hand. What’s the point in dressing glamorous and your skin isn’t matching? Taking care of my skin is key and Makari makes that so easy. With the Makati 24k range, I don’t require a million products to get my desired glow. 

Can you share your top 5 skincare routine must haves?

A great face wash,  toner, moisturizer, sunscreen and night cream.

What are the 3 beauty items you can’t do without daily?

My Makari sunscreen, Lipgloss and Face masks. 

How do you cope with life as a mum and entrepreneur?

I don’t cope (Laughs). Honestly, it’s not easy and every day is so different. So, I just take each day as it comes. Also, prioritizing is very important so one does not suffer. It’s important for me to be at work and it’s also important for me to spend time with my daughter, and be available for drop off and pick up from school. I have learnt to manage my time, because that’s the only way to balance it. 

What lessons has motherhood taught you?

Motherhood has taught me patience. It has taught me to want to be the best version of myself. I wake up everyday and I choose to be a better person because I want my daughter to grow up, and have a mother she can be proud of. Most of all, it has taught me a love I have never experienced before. A love that only your own child can give you.

Bisola Omoregha…Fuelling Her Passion For Make-up

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Bisola Omoregha is a celebrity make up Artist and has built a successful career in beauty with intricate detail to skin work. She shares how Makari is a huge part of this journey and how it is essential for her craft.

Make-up has become a huge part of life for almost everyone, how did the journey begin for you?

It started in my 4th year in the University of Lagos, UNILAG. I came across my first makeup YouTube video, and since then I’ve been hooked. 

How has Makari been a huge part of this journey and how it is essential for your crafts?

I really like the range of products I’ve tried from Makari. From the very pigmented eye-shadows to the top quality skincare line. Everything just works and performs beautifully when I use them.  

How has the Makari brand influenced your everyday lifestyle?

My daily skincare routine feels special mostly because I’m seeing results. I know I’m not just applying products just to feel fancy, they work. 

What has been the major challenges as a celebrity Make-up artist?

It is customizing routines to suit their ever changing lifestyle and needs. I think it’s also exciting. 

What determines the choice of products you use on your clients?

Their skin needs, their lifestyle and the brief. 

What are the top 5 makeup products you can’t do without?

Moisturizer, Lip gloss, foundation, concealer powder 

What are the first steps to take before applying makeup?

Cleanse, massage, moisturize, primer and then finally, set your intention. 

What does it take to start up make-up as a career?

Lots and lots of passion and patience.

Mariam Bakre…Juggling Dual Roles

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Mariam Bakre, popularly known as Mory Coco, is a comical content creator, a YouTube lifestyle vlogger, food blogger and an entrepreneur.  As a new mum,  she lets everyone in on how she juggles her dual roles and still shows how beauty is still represented in a world of seemingly impossible beauty standards.

As a new mum, what are the major challenges?

Hmmm, as cliché as this may sound, I wouldn’t say they are challenges. They are more like responsibilities. I’ve had to be more responsible, and I’ve had to double my hustle. I can’t just leave the house and say, I’m going out; I have to plan ahead. On some days, it takes its toll, but every day, I enjoy it. 

How has it been joggling the role of a new mom and that of a content creator?

I have all the help in the world! I don’t think I can do it all on my own, not even if I tried. I have an amazing partner, the best grandmas, awesome domestic staff, all willing to help. All I have to do is ask. And sometimes, I don’t even have to. They know. I’m so blessed to have such amazing support system. 

What has motherhood changed about you?

It has made me so vulnerable, bold, and fearless, knowing that I have a little human looking up to me and a lot of the decisions I make would most likely affect her in one way or the other. I can’t afford to be slack anymore. I love the feeling.

Some new mums lose their beauty, proper skincare shortly after delivery, what can be done to be different?

To be honest, a healthy mum is a happy mum. If you don’t take care of the beauty within, no matter how much you do on the outside, it won’t reflect. No mum wants to loose her physical beauty; a lot of times, it comes from exhaustion. Stop trying to do everything on your own!  Open your mouth, ask for help, no award for suffer head! A healthy mum is a beautiful mum which automatically means a happy baby. If you’re well-rested, you would definitely have the zeal to do your facials, skin care routine and so on. 

What are those skincare routine that has become your everyday lifestyle?

I have to use my toner, moisturizer with hyaluronic acid, sun screen and anti aging moisturizer 

What would you advice a new mom about skincare, beauty and lifestyle?

Dear moms, you’re doing amazing! You’re the best thing since sliced bread! You are strong, your are beautiful and you’re perfect. You’re not supposed to do this alone, it takes an entire community. All you have to do is ask and we’ll be there. When you’re well-rested, that is only when you’ll have time for face routine.

Diana Eneje..Young and getting it

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Diana Eneje is young, determined and getting it as an influencer and refuses to be placed in a box. She expresses how influencing has affected her style, life and views on beauty.

As an influencer, what are those things you consider first before accepting to work with a brand?

My work is my lifestyle and I influence other people’s lifestyles. So, I look out for how the brand and my lifestyle correlate, a good reputation is key.

What are the pros and cons of being an influencer in Nigeria?

Nigeria is essentially a growing market with vast opportunities. Being an influencer in Nigeria is like taking first part in something new, and having the ability to explore my creativity.

The cons might revolve around the fact that, a number of people are yet to adapt to the huge shift to digital media, but it’s only a matter of time.

How has the Makari brand affected your life and style?

Waking up, going out, getting back home, Makari has a product for my needs at each time of the day.

What makes Makari different from other products you must have tried?

Every Makari product has it’s perfect touch, if you use a Makari product you can tell.

What are your views on beauty and melanin in Makari’s Naturalle?

I’m a lover of clear skin and the NATURALLE collection is amazing, gentle and keeps my skin flawless, no dull days.

What are your daily skincare routine and beauty products that you’re obsessed with?

I absolutely love moisturizing products, skin, lips, hair, you’d always find me in that shine and of course,my signature graphic liners, they make me stand out.

How lucrative is influencing as a career?

Influence built, translates to so many other areas of life. Building interpersonal relationships with brands and the people behind these brands, have created more opportunities and networking beyond the influencing career scope. So, I can say, it’s a very lucrative career. I’m still on the ride and it gets even better everyday.