The Ultimate ‘Lagos Baddie’ Makeup Guide—Tips from a Lagos-Based MUA

Lagos is a city that never sleeps, and neither do its baddies. The ‘Lagos Baddie’ makeup look goes beyond being a simple beauty routine; it has now become an art and a statement. Before I go further, you might be wondering what a “baddie” is.According to Urban Dictionary, a baddie is a girl who is extremely put together and always looks phenomenal. Although the name might imply a “bad girl” personality, it’s actually far from that; it’s about being confident and attractive. That being said, Lagos girls are known for showing up and showing out regarding their appearance, from their clothing to their skin, makeup, and hairdos. It’s no wonder the #LagosHairline trend on TikTok came about; it showcases the immaculate “invisible” hairline that Lagos hairstylists achieve with their clients’ wigs. But in this essay, we’ll look at the steps and products to help you achieve the ‘Lagos Baddie’ makeup look. It’s the kind of glam that makes you look like you just woke up flawless (even though we both know it took some serious blending). To get the scoop on how to achieve this iconic look, I spoke to renowned Lagos-based makeup artist FacesbyMaraan (Obidike Uchechukwu), who broke it down with all the sass, humour, and expertise you’d expect from someone who paints the faces of Lagos’ finest.So, if you’re ready to ensure that your face card never declines, grab your brushes and read this guide. What Defines the ‘Lagos Baddie’ Makeup Look? According to FacesbyMaraan, the Lagos Baddie aesthetic is all about soft, effortless glam. It’s that makeup look that screams, “I woke up like this,” but in reality, took a full hour of meticulous blending. The key features are defined brows, a seamless base, fluttery lashes (strips or extensions), and lips that stay glossy and inviting. The goal is to look expensive, even if your bank account disagrees. And the secret weapon? Flawless skin prep. “The skin work has to be well blended to give the illusion of an effortless glam moment,” he says. In other words, patchy foundation and unblended concealer are unacceptable! Building Your Lagos Baddie Makeup Kit If you want to serve face like a true Lagos baddie, your stash must be elite. From a foundation that melts into your skin like butter to a lip gloss that makes your lips look positively edible, here’s what you need: Step 1: Start with a Killer Base (a.k.a. Healthy Skin) A flawless base starts way before you even pick up a foundation. “Moisturise your skin no matter your skin type!” Maraan insists. If your skin is drier than Lagos harmattan air, your foundation will cling to dry patches, and that’s not cute (see our sunscreens that feel invisible and look flawless under makeup).  Step 2: A Luxe Foundation That Screams ‘Old Money’ A Lagos baddie’s foundation must be high-end – no questions asked. “Trust me on that,” Maraan says. His top picks are; NARS Light Reflecting Foundation – Known as a makeup-skincare hybrid product, this foundation provides medium buildable coverage, feels weightless, is transfer proof and actually strengthens the skin barrier. It contains biomimetic oats, which evens out the skin complexion; Japanese lily turf, which helps the skin barrier; cocoa peptides; and milk thistle, which helps to reduce blue light effects. It’ll make your skin look naturally glowy, and it comes in 30 shades. Price: ₦107,000. Where To Buy: Shop Skincare Plug. Price: ₦40,000. Where To Buy: Shop Mama Tega. Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation – A classic for its long wear and flawless finish. Rihanna knew what she was doing when she released this Pro Filt’r Foundation that shook the beauty industry. Available in 50 shades, this oil-free foundation gives the skin an instantly smooth finish and will stand strong come rain or shine. Price: ₦77,000. Where To Buy: Shop Essenza.Haus Labs Triclone Foundation – A new favourite for its lightweight but buildable coverage. This award-winning foundation from Lady Gaga’s makeup line quickly becomes everyone’s favourite due to its awesome formula. It’s a medium coverage foundation that feels less like a foundation, but more like a skin tint that will give your skin a complexion boost.  Also, its ingredients are quite interesting. It contains 20+ skincare ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, squalene, centella asiatica, and many more. It’s a very moisturising foundation, but oily skin might need to be wary of it due to the oils in it. Price: ₦107,187. Where to Buy: Shop Mirrors Beauty.For my budget-conscious baddies, don’t worry because Maraan has you covered, he recommends: Maybelline Fit Me Foundation—Maraan describes this foundation as a “Chef’s kiss in a bottle.“ It does a great job covering up discolouration, redness, or acne scars (if you have any). People with oily or acne-prone skin will thoroughly enjoy using it. Price: ₦11,000. Where to Buy: Shop Nana Hawa Beauty. Step 3: Concealer and Powder (Because the World Can’t See You Looking Tired) Maraan states that “even if life is showing you shege, as a baddie with these concealer and powder recommendations, the world will never find out.” A good concealer and setting powder will keep you looking well-rested and radiant. Yanga Beauty Smooth Match Concealer – Made in Nigeria, this concealer from Yang Beauty is a hidden gem that blends like a dream. It covers imperfections and supports the skin with nourishing ingredients like Glycerin and Vitamin E for hydration and healthy-looking skin over time. Price: ₦9,000. Where To Buy: Shop Yanga Beauty.  Step 4: Lashes That Command Attention FacesbyMaraan’s top picks: