Makeup and hair go beyond everyday cosmetic choices. For many women, they serve as a quiet but powerful form of confidence and self-expression. In film, that influence is amplified, where a character’s look can be just as defining as their dialogue.
From global productions like Sinners, Frankenstein, and Bridgerton to Nollywood standouts such as Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Blood Sisters, and The Gravedigger’s Wife, the artistry of makeup and costume has earned recognition on major awards stages worldwide.
With Nollywood continuing to grow in this space, The Nollywood Reporter has compiled a list of character-inspired looks. Sometimes, the characters you are most drawn to reveal more about your personality than you may realize.
Flora from Visa on Arrival
If you are a fan of web series, chances are you’ve come across Bovi’s Visa on Arrival, a comedy series that follows the lives of fictional Nigerian Immigration Service workers. One of its standout characters is Flora, played by Sophie Alakija.
Flora is chaotic, messy, and effortlessly captivating, with makeup that often features bold red tones, reminiscent of street-style aesthetics. This look reflects a personality that can appear polished on the surface but still carries a touch of unpredictability.
If this is your style, it may suggest a balance between calm and spontaneity—you value peace, but you are also not afraid of a little gbas gbos when necessary.
Fikayo from Red Circle
Portrayed by Folu Storms, Fikayo is a sheltered “nepo baby” who is suddenly confronted with the harsh realities of crime and life. Even amid a murder investigation, her appearance remains consistently polished.
Her wardrobe and makeup project a refined, corporate aesthetic, often giving “corporate baddie” energy while still reflecting vulnerability. The look is clean, put-together, and controlled, even in high-pressure situations.
Wura from Wura
The character Wura Adeleke, played by Scarlet Gomez, represents a powerful, commanding presence with a composed exterior. Characters like Wura are often perceived as strong, strategic, and in control, with a personality that can be both likable and intimidating.
Her look reflects confidence and authority, the kind associated with individuals who manage high-level responsibilities while maintaining a carefully curated public image.
Shalewa from Skinny Girl in Transit
Shalewa, from Ndani TV’s Skinny Girl in Transit, is one of Nollywood’s most recognizable characters. Played by Sharon Ooja, she embodies a mix of ambition, charm, and relatability as she navigates family, career, and relationships.
Her makeup and style evolve throughout the series but remain consistent with her character’s soft, feminine, and approachable personality. She presents a polished yet natural look that aligns with her role as someone balancing multiple aspects of her life while maintaining a sense of ease.
KoiKoi from Ms. KoiKoi
For those drawn to darker or gothic aesthetics, characters like KoiKoi from Ms. KoiKoi offer inspiration. This type of look is often associated with horror or thriller genres, where makeup leans into dramatic, moody, and sometimes disheveled elements.
The style typically features darker tones, smudged finishes, and a more intense overall appearance. It can also be inspired by similar characters in Nollywood horror, such as Nneka in Nneka the Pretty Serpent. This aesthetic works well for themed looks or even bold everyday expression.
Tiwa from NollyBabes
In the upcoming short film set in the early 2000s, Uzoamaka Power plays Tiwa, an aspiring Nollywood star navigating ambition alongside her two best friends as they attempt to outsmart a film director to fund their own project.
The Y2K era, which defines the film’s setting, is known for its distinct fashion and beauty trends, including baby tees, mini skirts, wide-leg jeans, lip liner, and glossy, polished makeup looks. This style continues to influence modern fashion and beauty choices, making it a timeless source of inspiration.