Enitan Balogun
Beautician and weight loss expert, Ibidun Enitan Balogun, talks about the art of creating special effects make up for movies and why she’s uncomfortable with the notion that being fashionable entailed going with the flow, writes Azuka Ogujiuba
Tell us about Lise Beauty Studio; what makes it stand out?
Lise Beauty is a makeup and skincare brand I established in the US before moving back to Nigeria. Basically, our line of cosmetics targets the African woman, which enable us cater for women of different ethnicity and also skin tones and shades. We stand out as our product is exclusively produced in the US and only distributed by our company. We also have one major distributor in Abuja. We stand out as a brand of quality, consistency in the ingredients our products contain (we always perfect and recreate our brands). We are widely known also for the Lise International Pro Beauty School. Our methods and techniques have produced over 500 makeup artists.
You are professional make-up artist and considered to be one of the pioneers of movie make-up in Nigeria. Tell us about it especially with regard to the sort that gives an impression of being stabbed?
Yes, we are known for gory-looking makeup called special effects makeup or FX. I personally enjoy doing that kind of makeup. I get to see the look on my students faces and others when they view the actual images – scary but a lovely way.
Why do your friends refer to you as Brooklyn’s finest fashionista?
I guess they call me that behind my back. It’s because I was a tomboy. I am a tomboy trying to be girly. I just love being me, with a little hood to my personality and being raised in Brooklyn doesn’t help issues much. But at least I hold my own.
As a young woman growing up in America what where you aspiring to be before you became a make-up artiste?
Investment banker; but I’m glad I went into the beauty industry. I get bored easily but beauty has a whole lot to offer; it just never ends!
What does fashion mean to you and how would you describe your personal style?
Fashion to me, I think, is overrated. I’m casual – jeans, sneakers, flats and just simple. I don’t go with the trend, my style is comfy and trend right; it could be an 80’s trend or a 90’s trend. I just have to be fashionably trend right.
What is your most memorable fashion moment?
I wore a four-inch heel, tripped and sprained my ankle five years ago. It was a royal fall I’ll never forget.
Which celebrity in the world would you like to make up?
Keri Hilson.
Which world leader will you like to dine with?
President Barack Obama and Michelle.
Which star’s phone would you like to flip through?
Blair Underwood.
How old are you?
You shouldn’t ask a woman her real age. I’ll simply say I’m a 70’s kid and in my mid 30’s.
Which celebrity in the world do you think has a near complete perfect life style?
I don’t think anyone has a near complete life. It could be close but very rare – I don’t mind being Kimora Lee for a week.
Which celebrity in the world do you think has the sexiest body?
Way back then I’ll say Sean Connery. Now I’ll say Mark Wahlberg.
Which designer do you think creates designs that can stand the test of time?
Nobody else but YSL and Roberto Cavalli.
What outfit can you not be caught dead in?
Corduroys.
If a fashion police were to search your wardrobe, would you be arrested for any fashion blunders?
Oh, yes, my hands are so up… sneakers on dress and loads more. But I can always get away with it.
Who is Enitan Balogun?
She’s a pretty, fun and cool cat, wonderful personality, great mum to three beautiful lilies and a fab wife and, yes, a great editor too.
Tell about us about your background?
My parents are Chief Bukola and Caroline Fagbemi and they married in the United States in the 60s. I had my secondary education in Nigeria and read further in the US. I’ve been happily married for 11 years and going strong.
If you are to go on an island for a weekend, what are the five things you will take along?
My make-up bag, ipad, my robe, chocolates and a copy of Beauty Overdose magazine.
What is the most memorable Valentine gift you have ever received from a woman or man?
My daughter was conceived between Valentine’s Day or day after.
What does the word love mean to you?
Love is everything good and everything bad.
What is your most expensive fashion accessory?
Rolex Daytona watch.
What is your fashion fetish?
Jeans.
What is your present BlackBerry ringtone?
Foxy brown’s Ill Na Na.
If you were president, what will be the first law you will implement?
Twenty four-hour electricity.
What are your views about the Nigerian make-up industry?
Makeup artists in Nigeria need to follow international standards, based on being certified, having enough field experience, understanding the concept of hygiene, using the right tools and always upgrading their skills. I don’t see much of it, though some are trying.
How did you meet your husband; what was the attraction?
We met through his friend, not based on dating; just a house gathering and we were hooked.