HowThe Makeup Fair Series is putting Nigeria’s rising makeup artists in the spotlight

Beyond creating marketplaces for beauty businesses, The Makeup Fair Series (TMUFS) has continued to invest in initiatives that support talent development and create opportunities for professionals within Nigeria’s beauty industry.

One of these is the Beauty Face-Off Competition (BFOC), TMUFS’ talent-development initiative designed to discover, showcase and provide greater visibility for emerging and mid-level makeup artists.

Introduced as part of TMUFS’ broader Social Impact and Industry Development initiatives, the competition provides makeup artists with a platform to demonstrate their skills before a live audience, gain industry exposure and connect with brands, professionals and potential opportunities.

That commitment to talent development was once again brought to life in Abuja as TMUFS hosted the 15th edition of the Beauty Face-Off Competition during the 15th Abuja Makeup Fair (AMUF15), held on July 11–12, 2026, at Palme D’or Gardens, Garki 2, Abuja.

Held under the theme “Born to Be Seen,” the competition placed the spotlight firmly on some of Nigeria’s emerging makeup talent and demonstrated the growing need for platforms that give creative professionals opportunities to move from behind the scenes into greater industry visibility.

The Abuja edition attracted more than 30 applications from aspiring makeup artists, from which 10 finalists were selected following a screening process.

All 10 selected finalists participated on competition day, bringing a 100 percent finalist turnout and reflecting the level of commitment among the artists selected for the competition.

Before a live audience and a panel of industry judges, the contestants interpreted the “Born to Be Seen” theme through their individual makeup looks, demonstrating creativity, technical ability and artistic expression.

At the end of the competition, Glambynemo emerged winner, with Facesbyada taking first runner-up and Ellareebeauty emerging second runner-up.

The seven other finalists also received beauty products and gift items contributed by participating beauty brands, ensuring that every artist who made it to the competition stage was recognised for the work, creativity and commitment required to compete.

The support came from Nuban Beauty, Omaricode Beauty, Msmetics, Niya Beauty, Paula Beauty, Deegutu Beauty, Chee Lashes, Voan Beauties, Kaima Cosmetics, Flirtshade Cosmetics, Ceendies Creation, Sylvimak, Champion Skin CPD, Juba Cosmetics, Barney Beauty Pro, Aniepro Cosmetics, Kleenup Cosmetics, Dr Kayla and Fillybeauty Cosmetics.

The involvement of these brands highlights an important part of talent development within the beauty ecosystem: the role established and growing businesses can play in supporting the professionals whose skills and creativity contribute to the industry.

For many emerging makeup artists, talent is only one part of building a sustainable career. Access to visibility, professional networks and opportunities to demonstrate their abilities before wider audiences can be equally important.

This is the gap BFOC was created to address.

By placing emerging artists on a public platform within The Makeup Fair Series, the competition gives participants an opportunity to showcase their work beyond their existing client and social media networks.

The experience also allows them to build confidence, strengthen their portfolios and gain exposure to beauty brands, consumers and other industry professionals.

As Nigeria’s beauty industry continues to expand, initiatives focused on talent development are becoming increasingly important. Makeup artists are not only service providers; many are also educators, content creators, brand collaborators and entrepreneurs who contribute directly to the wider beauty economy.

Through BFOC, TMUFS continues to complement its work in creating market access for beauty businesses with investment in the people and creative talent that help drive the industry.

Lagos is next

Following the Abuja edition, preparations are underway for the 16th Beauty Face-Off Competition, which will take place on August 9, 2026, during the 19th Lagos Makeup Fair (LMUF19) Summer Edition at Classique Events Place, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Lagos competition will open another stage for emerging makeup artists to showcase their abilities and gain greater industry visibility.

As the initiative grows, TMUFS also hopes to deepen collaboration with beauty brands, sponsors and industry stakeholders interested in investing in emerging talent and creating more opportunities for makeup artists across Nigeria and ultimately Africa.