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Meet Bimpe Onakoya, the African Queen of makeup!

Danica Van Der Veen

March 24, 2016

Meet the woman behind Minnie Dlamini’s INCREDIBLE makeup at the SAFTAs 2016 – Bimpe Onakoya!

Bimpe is an award winning international makeup artist based in Africa, AND the Artistic Director of Maybelline New York Nigeria. With over 11 years in the industry, this creative lady has done it all: from being published in Vanity Fair Italia to working with top designers (including DKNY and Lacoste) at New York Fashion Week.

With her solid reputation in the beauty and fashion industries, she has become a celebrity favourite and an makeup icon. She’s worked on stars like Alek Wek and Jourdan Dunn, and now we can add our very own Minnie to that list!

What is the inspiration behind Minnie Dlamini’s SAFTAs look last Sunday?

The inspiration for Minnie’s looks came from fairy tale characters and their variations: The Whimsical, the Princess, the Wicked Witch etc. I just wanted her to be the focus of all attention, the most beautiful at the SAFTAs, to glow like a diamond and make her fairytale-like beauty captivate and blow away the audience.

A while ago, we reported on Minnie’s first Nigerian magazine cover, and you were responsible for her flawless look. How did you find that experience?

When I first saw Minnie, I was totally blown away by her beauty and her flawless skin. In the process of getting her makeup done, I discovered that there is more to her than her beauty. Minnie is bubbly, intelligent, confident, full of energy, fun to be with and completely alluring. All I could think of was to bring that beauty alive and showcase the essence of Queen Minnie as I fondly call her with my artistry. I decided to go minimal so the real Minnie could shine through.

You’ve worked with some of the industry’s most influential stylists, photographers, models and designers. Which of those moments were most memorable for you?

I am completely blessed and honoured to have worked with some amazing people: from Alek Wek, Jourdan Dunn, Diandra Forest, Jasmaine Sanders, Agbani Darego and Oluchi Orlandi to Lacoste, DKNY, Public School, Deola Sagoe and Gert-Johan Coetzee, to Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Ty Bello, Yemi Akerele and Dimeji Alara. Each time I pick up my brushes to do makeup is always exciting. Every moment is memorable.

As the Artistic Director of Maybelline New York Nigeria, what are your top tips and tricks for GLAMOUR readers who love a good makeup haul?

When getting makeup, always swatch. Check out the colours to see if they match your skin tone. Also always try not to get carried away with product packaging as you might be buying products you already own, so check, check and check again.

Which Maybelline products are your favourites and why?

I love, I don’t just love, I’m crazy about EVERY Maybelline product we carry in Africa because they have been carefully formulated to suit pigmented skin.

Do you have a go-to beauty look for when you’re in a hurry? Can you describe it and the products you use.

When I am in a hurry, I apply the Colossal Kajal to line my eyes, and add a little wing to open them up. I’ll swipe some Baby Lips on to hydrate my lips, and then a good helping of dark lipstick which helps make my skin look brighter. To keep the shine at bay, I use the Maybelline Dream Matte Mouse Foundation, or the Maybelline Clear Smooth Powder in Cinnamon and Cacao does the shading magic all the time!

Which autumn/winter 2016 makeup trends should GLAMOUR readers invest in?

I think people should invest in a blue pencil like Maybelline Master Kajal in Navy Nights. Go out of your comfort zone and try a dark lippie. They are interesting, fun and I am loving them right now. Catch the glow with an illuminating primer like Maybelline Master Prime Blur+Illuminate and Maybelline Master Highlight Bronzing Powder.

Check out the GLAMOUR Instagram account to see all of Minnie’s looks from the evening. To keep up with Bimpe, follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

Want some tips from the best in the fashion industry? Allow us to introduce Law Roach, our new favourite celebrity stylist.

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