BEAUTY BLOGGERS TO KNOW: ISABELLE IKPEME
ISABELLE IKPEME
Isabelle Ikpeme is a beauty guru and influencer from Atlanta, Georgia. With her glowing skin and bright and fun makeup looks, she encourages women to experiment with their beauty routines and challenge their comfort zones. As a self-taught makeup artist, Isabelle naturally developed her skills on Instagram and inspires us to take chances with our interests because you never know where you’ll find your passions.
SHEER: Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you're from.
ISABELLE IKPEME: I am from Atlanta, Georgia! Growing up, I played a lot of sports and believe it or not, makeup and modeling didn't come into action for me until the last 3 years! However, I always wanted to be on America's Next Top Model since I was little, and I told myself once I turn 18 I would audition. But it seems as if the show disappeared once I hit that age! :(
SHEER: How did your interest in makeup develop & where do you mainly draw inspiration from for your looks?
IK: My interest in makeup developed within the last year honestly! I never wore it growing up and did not know the slightest thing about it, but one day I decided to switch up and add something different to my Instagram photos. So I went to my beauty supply and picked up my first color liner ever (NYX Vivid Brights), and that is where it all began! As for inspo, I usually freehand it, OR I just recently started using Pinterest! It's great when I have artist’s block!
“I only started using it for makeup within the last year. I really just posted around two times a week constantly and ALWAYS used hashtags (still do!). As for Youtube, I started trying to take it seriously around 2 or 3 years ago, but I never really knew my niche at the time so I didn’t know what audience I was trying to target. Now that I know my audience and that I want to be a beauty guru, I will definitely be posting on there regularly!”
SHEER: Your skin is amazing! What are your skincare essentials and how do you maintain its radiance?
IK: Thank you! Recently I have been loving the Starface cleanser, moisturizer, and star patches to clear up pimples! Normally however, I believe less is more! So my basic routine is to just wash my face with DOVE soap ONLY (It can be the bar but I use any of their shower gels), and then moisturize with unscented body lotion. My go-to is SUAVE Advanced Therapy Body Lotion!
SHEER: When did you start using IG & YouTube as a way to share your makeup looks? How did you grow your audience?
IK: I’ve had IG since I was maybe 12, when it first came out. I only started using it for makeup within the last year. I really just posted around two times a week constantly and ALWAYS used hashtags (still do!). As for Youtube, I started trying to take it seriously around 2 or 3 years ago, but I never really knew my niche at the time so I didn't know what audience I was trying to target. Now that I know my audience and that I want to be a beauty guru, I will definitely be posting on there regularly!
SHEER: What are your top 5 beauty brands/products you swear by?
IK: NYX Vivid Brights for eyeliner beginners, ELF Wow Brow, MILK Kush mascara, MILK flex concealer, and STYLE FACTOR EDGEBOOSTER for brows!
SHEER: How do you believe mainstream beauty culture can improve in being more inclusive and diverse?
IK: Include models of all skin types, genders, and body shapes! Also, create products not just suitable for light skin (foundation shades, eyeshadows, etc).
SHEER: What are some stereotypes and myths you've challenged when it comes to makeup on darker skin?
IK: Definitely wearing bright colors! I try for all of my looks to be bright and colorful and very rarely will I do a dark look! Dark skin looks great in bright makeup!
SHEER: What words of advice do you have for women looking to experiment with their makeup and find their niche?
IK: Just do it! I never thought two years ago that today I would have this following and be considered a "beauty guru" ! It's crazy and I am proof to just try anything, you never know where it will end up taking you!