Model And Influencer Isabelle Ikpeme Is On To Bigger And Better Things
"I am still so young! Sometimes, I have to step back and realise that I am only 21 years old."
This December, we shine the spotlight on beauty creators who have stood out to us in their own unique ways this year. Here, Isabelle Ikpeme tells us about her relationship with beauty, how 2022 has treated her, and what she looks forward to in the new year.
21-year-old model and influencer Isabelle Ikpeme (better known by her followers as Bella) has taken the beauty world by storm in the four years that she has been creating content on Instagram and TikTok. The Atlantan now expresses herself through her femme-presenting avant-garde makeup looks.
Ikpeme first fell into content creation by accident. “It just happened,” she says. “I wasn’t trying to become one. I was just being myself and wanted to add a little something special to my regular selfies to stand out a bit.” And stand out she did — the creator now has large followings of 121k and 47.2k on Instagram and TikTok respectively.
“I think that quarantine sparked my creativity,” Ikpeme says of the start of her journey with makeup. “When I first got into makeup in 2019, most people weren’t doing editorial and avant-garde looks. “Baddie” glam was the wave and everyone was on it. I wanted to do something different involving colour as well.”
You put a lot of thought into presenting your content — not just focusing on the creation of your makeup looks, but the outfits that complement them. Why do you think this makes you stand out?
Presentation is everything, in my opinion. The makeup look could be extraordinary, but why just stop there when you can style your hair, add accessories to complement the looks, and just take it to the next level?
Can you describe your creative process?
My creative process is all over the place. I can think of an idea all on my own for one look, but get the idea from Pinterest, my favourite app, for another. I get inspiration from all around me and am inspired daily by celebrities, my creative friends, and the media.
How has makeup artistry changed your life?
Makeup has changed my life in so many ways. The most obvious one is that it has become my job, which I am so so grateful for. I can do what I love every day. It has also become a way for me to relax. Doing my makeup is a form of therapy for me, it helps me calm myself down and I am much at ease while doing it. It has also given me opportunities, from being on billboards to being in magazines, that I could have only dreamed of. It’s insane and I am so grateful.
Tell us about some of your favourite looks you’ve done in 2022.
One of my favourite creations from this year has to be the laced-up doll look that I did in October. I am also obsessed with my blue blush look. It was so cute.
How has this past year treated you?
The past year has treated me very well. Many ups and downs, but I wouldn’t change anything that happened for the world. I feel like I grew the most this year, and it has been one of the best years of my life so far!
Do you think your view on beauty has changed over the years?
My perception of beauty hasn’t really changed much. I’ve felt the same way since I could remember.
What are you looking forward to in the new year?
In 2023, I am hoping to continue to grow more — not just online and through the media, but as a person. I am still so young! Sometimes, I have to step back and realise that I am only 21 years old. I have so much to look forward to in life, and there are so many things and opportunities that can and will happen in due time. I am so excited to see what opportunities this new year will bring.
