Before African beauty became a global conversation, before inclusive shade ranges became a standard, and before local makeup brands became widely celebrated, there was House of Tara.
House of Tara isn’t just another beauty brand. It is one of the oldest and most influential African makeup brands, and it played a major role in shaping the beauty industry in Nigeria and across Africa. Its story is not just about makeup. It’s about vision, courage, and creating space where none existed.
It all began with one woman’s vision.
House of Tara was founded by Tara Fela-Durotoye, a Nigerian beauty entrepreneur and pioneer. She started the brand in 1998, at a time when there were very few African makeup brands. Back then, most makeup products available were imported. And many of them were not designed with African skin tones in mind. Instead of waiting for foreign brands to understand African beauty, Tara decided to build something herself. She created House of Tara to serve African women, fully, intentionally, and proudly. What started as a small vision soon became a movement.
House of Tara wasn’t just selling makeup, it was building an industry
One of the things that makes House of Tara different is that it didn’t just focus on products. It focused on people. The brand trained makeup artists when professional makeup artistry was still new in Nigeria. It created opportunities, built careers, and helped shape the modern beauty profession in Africa. Many successful makeup artists today were influenced, trained, or inspired by House of Tara.It helped turn makeup artistry into a respected career path.
Products made for African skin, climate, and lifestyle
House of Tara created products designed specifically for African skin tones. Foundations that matched properly. Powders that blended seamlessly. Lipsticks that complemented deeper complexions beautifully.Their products were also designed to perform well in Africa’s hot and humid climate.
â—Ź Makeup that lasts.
â—Ź Makeup that works.
â—Ź Makeup that understands you.
This made people trust the brand deeply.
A brand present in life’s most important moments
For many Nigerians and Africans, House of Tara has been part of their most important memories.
â—† Brides wore House of Tara on their wedding day.
â—† Graduates wore it for their photos.
â—† Women wore it to job interviews, birthdays, and special events.
It became more than makeup. It became part of people’s confidence. Part of their story.
House of Tara helped African beauty believe in itself
House of Tara proved that African brands could create world-class products. It showed that African beauty didn’t need validation from outside. It had its own identity, its own standards, and its own power. Because House of Tara existed, many other African beauty brands found the courage to start.
â—† It opened doors.
â—† It created possibilities.
â—† It built a foundation.
More than two decades later, its impact still lives on
Today, House of Tara remains one of the most respected beauty brands in Africa. But its true legacy is bigger than products. Its legacy is empowerment.
â—† It empowered women.
â—† It empowered artists.
â—† It empowered an entire industry.
It showed that African beauty deserves to be created by Africans, for Africans. And that’s why House of Tara will always be remembered, not just as one of the oldest African makeup brands, but as one of the most important, because it didn’t just follow the beauty industry. It helped create it.
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