Known to followers as LilPumpkinPie05, Essence Magazine-featured Youtube guru Jackie Olayiwola Aina is a top name in the world of vlogging. And, from being in the American Army to living in Hawaii, Kuwait and the United States, this self-taught makeup artist has been around and become a huge source of inspiration to beauty-lovers around the globe.
Nigerian by blood, surprisingly Ms Aina has only ever visited her home country once (this year, while in Lagos as part of the panel at the 2014 Social Media Week), calling it a moment she will never forget.
While Jackie’s been busy plotting ways to revisit Nigeria, she has also managed to spare some time to talk with us at SPICE on working with flaws, taking beauty risks and her major “oh no I didn’t” moment…
SPICE: Hi Jackie! Please tell us, what does beauty mean to you?
Jackie Olayiwola Aina: Beauty to me is about being classy, being kind, being confident and going against the norm. Beauty is not always what you see on the outside.
What is your day-to-day beauty routine?
Day to day I typically don’t wear makeup. For the days I’m running errands, I’ll put on a BB cream or tinted moisturiser for SPF protection. Because I have dark skin, traditional sunblocks can give that ashy, purple look, so I try to aim for something that’s got tint to it, so my skin doesn’t look purple.
Do you have a signature look?
Definitely! I’d say a strong brow and a bronze smokey eye with a nude, pink lip – that is definitely my comfort look!
What would be your must-have beauty product?
I cannot pick just one! But I would say a good lip balm and a good mascara…
If we were to open your makeup bag, what brands and products would we find?
BlackUp, Sacha, Ben Nye, MAC and Kevyn Aucoin.
What are your beauty dos and don’ts?
Do take risks and don’t be intimidated. It’s just makeup! It washes off at the end of the day.
Whose makeup do you always admire?
Ciara, JLO and Kelly Rowland’s!
Can you please share an ‘oh no, I didn’t’ moment with us?
Accidentally using lash glue instead of my concealer… Yikes!
If you had to give just one beauty tip or piece of advice, what would it be?
Work on enhancing the beauty that’s already there rather than only focusing on what you think are flaws! Sometimes the features that we think are flaws are what other people would kill to have!
What is your beauty fantasy?
To take up with JLO’s glow every single day.
If you could, what would you like to change in the beauty industry?
The lack of knowledge out there many professionals have about dark skin, the overwhelming shortage of cosmetic brands for women of colour, as well as our minimal presence in the media and ad campaigns.
You can contact Jackie via her website at www.makeupgameonpoint, or on Youtube, Twitter and Instagram via @LilPumpkinPie05
Image source: Jackie Olayiwola Aina