When it comes to beauty influncers, no one does it quite like Nigerian women. With bold, unapologetic styles and a flair for the dramatic, they’ve always been ahead of the game. And now, thanks to social media, these beauty queens have taken their talents global. Whether it’s glowing skin, on-point brows, or the perfect red lip, Nigeria’s beauty influencers are serving looks and setting trends that the whole world is taking note of.
From the pioneers who paved the way to the new wave of influencers bringing a fresh perspective, these women are doing more than just showing us how to beat our faces.
Ready to meet the queens ruling Nigeria’s beauty scene?
Dimma Umeh: The queen of subtle glam
Also known as “That Igbo Chick,” is one of the pioneers of beauty influencing in Nigeria. With her flawless, soft glam looks and tutorials that even beginners can follow, Dimma has built a solid community of beauty lovers. Her content is approachable yet stunning, with a focus on enhancing natural beauty. She’s the go-to for everyday glam, where less is more and skin is always glowing. Dimma is loved for her effortless style and relatable vibe. She makes beauty feel accessible, breaking down looks in a way that everyone can recreate, from students to busy professionals. Her tutorials are calming and simple, making you feel like you’re chatting with your best friend about how to perfect that winged liner.
Jackie Aina: The Nigerian-American powerhouse
A global beauty icon, her Nigerian roots are an integral part of her identity, even though she’s based in the U.S. Jackie has used her platform to champion diversity in beauty, calling out brands that don’t cater to women of colour. From her hilarious reviews to her impeccable makeup skills, she’s an inspiration to beauty lovers everywhere. Jackie’s influence extends beyond tutorials—she’s a game-changer in the industry, using her voice to demand inclusivity. With millions of followers worldwide, Jackie Aina is more than just a beauty influencer. She’s a trailblazer, advocating for representation in the beauty industry and using her platform to address important issues. And let’s be real—her makeup looks are always on point!
Ronke Raji: Bold, bright, and unapologetic
If you love colour, Ronke Raji is your girl. Known for her fearless approach to makeup, Ronke isn’t afraid to experiment with bold hues, dramatic eye looks, and head-turning lip colours. Her tutorial is a mix of high fashion and everyday beauty, always with a touch of drama. What sets Ronke apart is her focus on empowering women to embrace their uniqueness. With her popping colour palettes and fierce makeup looks, she’s all about confidence and individuality.
Ronke’s makeup is like art—vibrant, expressive, and always pushing the envelope. Her bold style speaks to women who want to stand out, not blend in. She shows her followers beauty is about having fun and breaking the rules.
Ezinne Alfa: The skincare maven
While makeup often gets the spotlight, skincare is having its moment too, and Ezinne Alfa is leading the charge. Founder of the skincare-focused platform Beauty in Lagos, Ezinne has become the go-to source for all things skin-related. Her mission? To teach Nigerian women the importance of proper skincare and self-care. Whether she’s talking about sunscreen for melanin-rich skin or sharing reviews of local skincare brands, Ezinne’s content is all about achieving that #glowgoals. Her platform has become a community for skincare enthusiasts, offering practical tips, product reviews, and skincare advice tailored to African skin. Ezinne is all about long-term beauty—because a great face beat starts with great skin.
Dodos Uvieghara: The makeup artist turned influencer
A talented makeup artist-turned-beauty influencer, is all about that flawless finish. Whether it’s an ultra-glam bridal look or a soft, dewy glow, Dodos knows how to create magic with makeup. She’s one of the influencers bringing professional artistry to everyday women, sharing tips and tricks that make her followers feel like they’ve got a MUA in their pocket. Her aesthetic? Clean, chic, and timeless. Dodos’ platform is perfect for those who love sophistication and elegance in beauty. She bridges the gap between artistry and accessibility, offering tutorials that are both aspirational and attainable. Every look she creates is a masterpiece, with a focus on enhancing her clients’ natural beauty.
Layefa Beauty: The viral beauty guru
Makeup artist turned beauty influencer, Layefa Ebitonmo, better known as Layefa Beauty, is the viral sensation you’ve probably seen everywhere. Her makeup tutorials are simple yet effective, often focusing on achieving that flawless base and showing how to enhance your natural features. Layefa brand is all about helping women feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. Her vibrant personality and stunning looks have helped her build a loyal following, making her one of Nigeria’s most sought-after makeup artist and beauty influencers. She’s relatable, down-to-earth, and her tutorials on YouTube are packed with practical tips. Layefa makes it easy for her followers to recreate her looks without needing a professional kit. Her content is about glam beauty, making sure everyone can feel like they’ve nailed their routine.
Kelechi Mgbemena: Natural hair and beauty advocate
Being a vouch advocate for loving your natural hair and beauty, Kelechi Mgbemena, is a beauty influencers known for celebrating natural hair and beauty in its rawest form. Her focus on embracing natural textures and showcasing protective hairstyles has garnered her a strong fanbase. Kelechi is all about empowering African women to love their natural hair while still experimenting with beauty trends. From skincare to makeup, her content is rooted in authenticity and self-love. Kelechi is a breath of fresh air in a beauty world that can sometimes feel overly curated. She encourages her followers to embrace their true selves, imperfections and all. Whether it’s rocking a natural fro or a no-makeup makeup look, Kelechi’s message is clear: beauty starts from within.
Influencing beyond beauty
These Nigerian beauty influencer aren’t just about pretty faces and flawless makeup—they’re creating communities, shaping the industry, and empowering women across the continent and beyond. Whether they’re pushing for better representation, sharing skincare tips, or serving up bold looks, these women are making sure that Nigerian beauty is seen and celebrated globally.
So, next time you’re scrolling through your Instagram feed, be ready to hit that ‘follow’ button. These influencers are the real deal, and they’re only just getting started. Prepare to be wowed!
