Are you looking to channel your inner rock star?
Here’s our list of Kenyan beauty icons whose bold & unorthodox creative looks are quickly becoming the blueprint for out of the box make-up looks.
Dennis Karuri
A self-described icon blending the rules, he’s an artist who needs no introduction. Dennis is definitely known for his out of the box looks that catapulted him into the spotlight. He is openly queer and uses his platform to raise awareness and share his love for all things beauty.
His background in makeup is rooted in passion but alongside that passion was the safety and exploration of identity that he found in the beauty community. It’s no secret that homophobia is rampant in Kenya but what Dennis’ career trajectory shows is if you are true to your most authentic self, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Jaimie Kimani
He tells me that he can trace his love for beauty all the way back to his mothers’ wedding when he was 4 and fell in love with glitter for the first time however in a binary society like ours he found it hard to follow through. Fast forward a few years when he found himself in fashion school and began frequently interacting with the beauty community in Kenya.
When he’d watch fashion shows he always saw the MAC makeup artists doing their thing and couldn’t help but feel like he’d love to be a part of that too. When he heard of an opening at MAC itself he though to himself “Why not?” and managed to land himself a job working the counters. The rest as they say is history.
Grace Murema aka
Grycelle Studio
When I first came across her page I had to pinch myself a few times before I actually realized it wasn’t a dream. Could it be that Special Effects (SFx) makeup have truly emerged in Kenya? The answer is yes! She studied SFx in Johannesburg and got a chance to work there but saw a gap in Kenya beauty community so opted to come back instead (we thank GOD!).
She not only offers classes to teach artists and enthusiast alike but also has her own line of various SFx products like fake blood, scar wax and liquid latex expanding the availability of products for the rest of us.
Wandia Mugo aka
Wandiology (She/Her)
During her recovery from surgery in 2019, she discovered her love for painting which soon turned into a love for makeup. After 3 years in the game, it’s safe to say she’s pioneered a creative lane all her own. Her looks are unpredictable which gets you excited to see what she will conjure up next.
Another aspect I appreciate about Wandia’s looks is her attention to detail outside the makeup. I’m talking hair, props and background. Her looks feel well rounded and so clean which is a testament to a skill well honed.
Mokeira Oyaro
The Queen of TikTok beauty transitions, Mokeira is definitely a beauty chameleon who shift easily between full glam and creative looks. From Harley Quinn cosplay to SFx looks with blood and gore she has definitely done it all on her page and still manages to surpasss herself.
Her Tikok is also super active and where she further shows off her makeup skills on herself and all the concepts she builds from her own mind.
