Beyoncé may have been launching her haircare brand Cécred at Space NK London Fashion Week, but the real headline for us at SCHICK Magazine was that a Nigerian creative—Ngozi
Esther Edeme, aka Painted by Esther (@paintedbyesther)— just ticked off what she called her “biggest goal” doing Beyoncé’s makeup. And for those of us watching from Nigeria and across Africa, it felt like a collective flex, the kind of win that makes you want to scream “we did it!”
from the rooftops.
Nigerian Creatives Claiming Fashion Week
London fashion week has often felt like gated communities. But this season, Nigerian creatives in the beauty industry weren’t just present—they were pivotal. Esther proved that Africa isn’t on
the sidelines; we’re shaping the narrative. Watching her artistry on Beyoncé felt like watching Afrobeats conquer the charts all over again—only this time, it was blush, lashes, and lips making
the global statement..
Esther’s Signature Style
Esther’s look for Beyoncé was pure artistry: pastel-pink blush sweeping upward like a halo, brushed-gold smoky eyes with lashes that could probably fan a flame, and a mauve lip glossed to
juicy perfection. This wasn’t just makeup, it was a statement. Her blush philosophy is quietly rewriting beauty rules —making cheeks the main character—was front and center. For Beyoncé’s launch, she didn’t just glam her up, she stamped Nigeria’s creative fingerprint on one of the most-watched beauty moments of the year. Her client list already reads like a hall of fame: Naomi Campbell, Tyla, Kelly Rowland, Olandria Carthen, Viola Davis, Chloe Bailey.
The Bigger Picture
Esther’s rise is proof that Nigerian talent isn’t “emerging”—it’s leading. Her Cécred moment wasn’t just about Beyoncé’s glow; it was about Africa’s glow. Watching her artistry on that stage felt like a reminder that our creatives are global forces. And beyond the glam, she’s loud about crediting Black women creators, calling out copycats, and demanding recognition. That mix of
artistry and advocacy? Chef’s kiss.
Final Take
So yes, Cécred was about hair. But thanks to Esther, it was also about face. And for us, it was about pride. Pride that our artistry is no longer waiting for a seat at the table—it’s building the
table. Esther didn’t just glam Beyoncé; she glam’d up Nigeria and Africa on the world stage.
