Is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie The Most Influential Woman In Africa Right Now? – CNN

(CNN)Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was named as the new face of Boots No7 beauty range, Tuesday, further securing her position as one of the most influential African women in the world.

The move is more than a meaningless celebrity endorsement. Adichie’s love of makeup is no secret: “I love make-up and its wonderful possibilities for temporary transformation. “And I also love my face after I wash it all off,” she said in a statement published in British Vogue.

“There is something exquisitely enjoyable about seeing yourself with a self-made new look.

“And for me that look is deeply personal. It isn’t about what is in fashion or what the rules are supposed to be.”

Adichie has not hidden her issues with the beauty industry. Like many women of color in the spotlight, she has previously admitted to carrying her own foundation with her at all times, in case the makeup artist does not have her shade.

She has also spoken about the false promises peddled to women to world over. “I think much of beauty advertising relies on a false premise — that women need to be treated in an infantile way, given a ‘fantasy’ to aspire to…” she said in an interview with British Vogue.

“Real women are already inspired by other real women, so perhaps beauty advertising needs to get on board.”

The public seem to think Boots got it right with Adichie, choosing someone that is both relatable and influential.

CNN