Guinness World Record: Theresa Emegwara of Nigeria secures world record for longest continuous Makeup Application
Nigerian makeup artist Theresa Emegwara has broken the Guinness World Record for the longest makeup application by an individual. Her achievement, known officially as the "Longest marathon applying make-up," stands as a monumental feat of endurance and skill in the beauty industry. Emegwara, the CEO of the makeup brand TesGlam, successfully applied makeup for a grueling 144 consecutive hours, equivalent to six full days without proper sleep. This effort surpassed the previous record of 103 hours, 25 minutes, and 33 seconds set by Ghana's Akosua Mantey Roselyn in April 2024.
The record attempt, officially verified and approved by Guinness World Records, took place from August 14, 2025. It was conducted under the official title 'Glam-4-144' and was supported by House of Tara International, a major Nigerian beauty brand. The rigorous rules required that makeup be applied to actual human models, not mannequins, with each full face application including foundation, contouring, eye makeup, and lip color. Evidence for the attempt included continuous video recording, detailed logs signed by independent witnesses, and photographic documentation of every completed look.
Theresa Emegwara, a native of Anambra State, Nigeria, is an established professional in her field with over a decade of experience. Her preparation for this marathon involved intense physical and mental training, including specialized exercises to build stamina for prolonged standing and precise hand movements. A dedicated support team, including models, timekeepers, and medical personnel, was essential to managing the challenge's demands and adhering to strict Guinness World Records guidelines.
This accomplishment holds significant cultural importance, highlighting the growing global influence of Nigeria's beauty and entrepreneurial sectors. Emegwara's record has inspired many aspiring artists in Africa and beyond, demonstrating that extraordinary goals are achievable with determination. Furthermore, her success brings positive attention to Nigerian small businesses and the creative industry, potentially opening doors for increased investment and international recognition. The verification process, which confirms the record's authenticity, involved submitting extensive evidence to Guinness World Records for official review, ensuring that every requirement was met without exception.