In our own words, we’re redefining beauty as something deeper than appearance – honest, evolving, and powerfully personal
As we close out the Beauty Issue of Marie Claire Nigeria, it only feels right to return to the question that inspired it all: What does it mean to be beautiful? Not as dictated by glossy ads or ever-changing social media filters, but in the truest, most personal sense — in the words of the women who live, question, and redefine beauty on their own terms.
Here, we share our raw, evolving, and deeply personal definitions of beauty. Our reflections are honest and intimate — a reminder that beauty isn’t a standard, but a story.
Denise — “Beauty is the profound sense of freedom found in love.”
For Denise, our Acting Managing Editor, beauty begins within. It’s not about surface-level aesthetics but the quiet, powerful love she has cultivated for herself.
“Beauty is the journey of loving myself through and through, embracing every facet of who I am with unwavering acceptance.”
In her words, true beauty is “the quiet strength of feeling calm in my own presence,” and “the awe and wonder” she feels when looking at herself — a recognition of her uniqueness and the intricate tapestry of her being.
Tobi — “Beauty is whatever I decide that it is.”
Tobi’s relationship with beauty has been a transformative one. Our Content Editor shares that growing up, she didn’t see herself reflected in mainstream beauty ideals and internalised those exclusions. As a teenager, she hid her body under layers of clothing and shame, burdened by the belief that she wasn’t beautiful. However, maturity brought a different perspective. Today, Tobi embraces a new truth:
“Beauty for me is a deep, unapologetic acceptance of myself, a daily reminder that the only person’s opinion that matters is mine.”
In seeing her own beauty, she’s also learned to see and celebrate it in others.
Esther — “To be beautiful is to be unfiltered and unbothered.”
For our Copy Editor, Esther, beauty is both bold and freeing — it’s in showing up exactly as she is. After years of believing she needed to lighten her skin with makeup to be considered beautiful, she’s now confidently bare-faced and proud of her melanin glow.
“Now, I walk out fresh-faced, skin gleaming under the sun. I love my melanin glow and how exceptional it makes me feel.”
To her, beauty lies in the care she gives herself, the confidence to shine differently, and the freedom to choose her own expression — glam or not.
Wumi — “Own beauty, don’t chase it.”
Wumi, our Fashion and Beauty Editor, speaks of beauty as a process of unlearning and coming home to herself. She’s also learnt that real beauty is rooted in authenticity and self-respect.
“Beauty is acceptance, confidence and authenticity.. There’s beauty in embracing and accepting one’s quirks and imperfections… in the confidence that requires no external validation.”
Her journey has been one of reclaiming power — no longer performing for others, but choosing to “exist fully in her skin and personal style.”
Keno — “Beauty is sitting with myself.”
Keno, our Social Editor’s definition is tender, physical, and deeply present. She finds beauty in the rituals of care — the quiet joy of morning and evening routines, the surprise of discovering a birthmark, the act of loving a scar. Beyond her body marks, she expresses love for the occasional markers of womanhood. “Beauty is also spiralling over a pimple, then getting over it because my skin is forgiving,” she shares, with refreshing honesty.
She sees beauty in softness — in love handles, in the curve of her hips, in a nose that reminds her of her grandmother. Most of all:
“Beauty is sitting with myself — in a body that’s constantly evolving but will always be mine to love, accept and care for.”
Oyindamola — “Beauty that transcends the physical”
Personally, I rarely use the word “beautiful” to describe people. I tend to say “pretty” or “attractive” — especially when I don’t know them well — because, to me, beauty goes far beyond physical appearance.
When I call myself or someone else beautiful, I’m acknowledging something deeper. It means they’re exceptional — that their words carry wisdom and their actions reflect kindness.
“It’s about character, presence, and a certain grace that can’t be manufactured.”
That’s why, for me, calling someone beautiful is one of the highest compliments I can give.
And in all these reflections, a common thread weaves through: Beauty is not about perfection. It’s about presence. It’s not about pleasing others, it’s about peace. Whether it’s the power of self-acceptance, the freedom to take up space, or the love we show ourselves in quiet ways — beauty, as we have shown, is personal, powerful, and endlessly evolving.
Because in the end, beauty isn’t a standard. It’s a story. And these are some of the most beautiful ones we’ve had the privilege to hear.
