Makeup and gele is a big deal for most women in Nigeria. We want to step out looking like a million bucks and with our heads held high. This explains the wide variety of styles and looks that creators keep coming up with for people to choose from.
Makeup and gele artists bring our dreams to life whichever way we want it. A gele that is a mile high in the sky or just sleek and petite? Full glam makeup or something sweet and subtle? There are different looks to play with, but not everyone is for every occasion.
In this interview with Mauvelli, Oluwapelumi Adesina of Faces by Lumey shares the top factors to consider before choosing a gele style and makeup look.
My number 1 is the Client’s Preference
The first thing to consider in tying gele is what the client wants. I ask what style they have in mind. If they have something in mind, I go with it.
The same goes for creating makeup looks for clients. All the time, before I do anything on any client, I ask if they have anything in mind. Some clients bring a picture and want exactly what is there, sometimes I go with it completely. Other times, it gives me an idea of what they want and I do something close to it.
Some clients don’t have an exact picture in mind but might say they want something subtle so I know we are going to go light on the make up and small with the gele. If a client wants something glam and loud, I do that.
#2 I Check the Gele Fabric and Length
The fabric of the client’s gele and its length plays a major role in the style of can tie. There are some styles I cannot achieve with a short gele and some styles will look too bulky with a long gele. Sometimes, it’s the fabric of the gele that brings restrictions. For example, we have damask, aso-oke, Sagoe gele and so on and there are specific styles that are best for each.
So, the first thing I ask is what style they want and the next is if I can see their gele. If it can do the style they want, I go ahead to do it, if not, I explain to them why that gele is not suitable for the style. If the client wants just anything and the gele goes well with any style, I find out if they like it small or big. This determines what I then do.
#3 I Ask ‘What Is The Occasion?’
I like to also consider the occasion in tying gele. I want to know if the client is the mother of the bride, an aso-ebi girl, or a guest at the event. All of these inform my choice of style.
This also happens for choosing makeup looks. I want to know what the occasion is and who my client is at the occasion. Is this person going to a wedding, is the person a bride, is the person a party goer or is the person going for a shoot? If it’s a shoot, I consider the effect I am trying to achieve with the shoot.
#4 The Client’s Personality Matters
Some clients might say, “just do anything”, while some have a cool, gentle vibe to them that makes me know they would prefer something subtle. Others are classy and I know full glam will work for them. For whoever the client is, I do something to match their personality.
This goes for both makeup and gele tying. If your client’s personality makes them want to be noticed, I do follow suit with the gele and makeup. This helps me keep my clients happy and satisfied.
#5 The Client’s Outfit
After asking the client what they want, if she is not yet dressed for her event, I ask if I can see her outfit, especially if it’s for a shoot. For example, if it’s a birthday shoot and the client will wear 3 different outfits, I try to go for a makeup look that will go with all 3 outfits, though we can touch up the lips.
#6 The Client’s Age
Very few times, I consider the client’s age. Naturally, when I see an older client, I know we are going to go light on her makeup. I also know her gele will not be too extravagant. I said few times because sometimes, even someone like the mother of the bride wants you to go full glam on them.
So, the next time you are picking a makeup look or gele style for your client, consider following the above tips to help you out. Did you find this helpful” Tell us in the comments section below!
1 comment
490454 211164hi good page i will definaely come back and see once more. 960130