You can tell a lot about a woman by the contents of her handbag—but if you really want to know her, unzip her makeup bag. That tiny zipped pouch is less about vanity and more about vibes, survival, and a peek into the psyche. Nigerian women, in particular, don’t play when it comes to their face beats. Whether it’s a five-minute fix-up in the back of an Uber on Third Mainland Bridge or a full glam session before brunch at RSVP, that bag is the secret weapon.
So, what does your makeup bag reveal about you? Let’s unzip the layers.
1. The Minimalist: Lip balm, powder, brow pencil—done.
You, my dear, are a “don’t stress me” kind of girl. You know the power of a clean face and a defined brow. You likely walk into a room and command attention without trying. Your beauty philosophy is: less is more, and effort should look effortless. You probably use coconut oil for everything from moisturising to removing makeup, and if someone checks your makeup bag, it’ll be a tiny pouch that could double as a coin purse. Your go-to makeup brands? Zaron, Nuban Beauty, or that one product your cousin brought back from the UK that just works. You are low-maintenance, but don’t be fooled—you know exactly what you’re doing.
2. The Glamazon: Foundation, contour palette, lashes, gloss, setting spray, full brush set.
Darling, you are a walking beat. Your makeup bag could double as a studio kit. Whether you’re going to work, church, or a party in Lekki, your face is coming correct. You likely follow at least five makeup artists on Instagram, and you definitely watched every single moment of the last Makeup by Ashabee masterclass. Your confidence is magnetic, and your face card? Never declines. People often assume you’re high-maintenance—but you just understand the power of presentation. After all, you never know when you’ll run into an ex or a future bae.
3. The Sentimentalist:That same MAC lipstick you’ve had since NYSC, a powder that’s now pan-level, and a mascara that’s… older than it should be.
You’re loyal, no doubt. You find what works and stick with it, even if the world has moved on to new trends. Your makeup bag tells a story. You’re nostalgic and sentimental, and chances are you also keep random things in there: old receipts, a pair of earrings, maybe even a bottle of anointing oil. There’s a quiet beauty to your routine, and while you might not be the trendiest, there’s an authenticity that draws people in. You’re the type who still swears by Black Opal or Iman and will fight anyone who disrespects it.
4. The Chaos Queen: Half-empty products, no cap on the concealer, foundation stains on everything.
Your makeup bag is a battlefield, and you are the warrior. You live a fast-paced life—your car doubles as your dressing room, and your calendar is always full. Things are always happening around you, and you’re usually running 10 minutes late, but somehow, you still show up looking fly. You don’t have time to arrange your bag because you’re too busy taking over the world. Your brows might be drawn in a moving car, but girl—you will arrive looking like money. People admire your hustle, even if your makeup bag gives anxiety.
5. The Trend Follower: Rare Beauty blush, Fenty gloss bombs, Charlotte Tilbury highlighter, Hegai & Esther brow gel.
You are the IT girl. TikTok, Instagram, YouTube—if it’s trending, it’s already in your bag. You’ve definitely watched Jackie Aina’s GRWM, and you know what shade you are in at least three different foundations. You don’t just wear makeup—you curate it. Your makeup bag is aesthetic, filled with beautifully packaged products that work and look good. You probably post “soft glam” selfies that make your followers ask, “Please, what foundation are you using?” And, of course, you know the answer. In detail. Your makeup bag is not just about beauty—it’s about status, knowledge, and being ten steps ahead.
6. The All-Rounder: A bit of everything, but nothing in excess.
You’re balanced. Sensible. The kind of woman who knows how to blend her concealer and her life decisions with equal finesse. Your makeup bag is like a well-edited capsule wardrobe—everything has a place and a purpose. You have your ride-or-die black eyeliner, a good compact, one reliable nude lipstick, and a gloss for when you want to switch things up. You wear makeup not to hide, but to highlight. People trust your opinions; your makeup bag reflects that: curated, calm, and never boring. You know when to glam and when to chill.
