- This topic is empty.
-
The heat may be relentless, but giving up on looking good is simply not an option.
Nigeria is hot — always. That’s something we’re all familiar with, unfortunately. Lately, the heatwave has crossed the line from typical to completely unbearable. For the past month, it has felt almost impossible to exist comfortably. I wake up every morning with my neck slick with sweat and my sheets damp, as though someone emptied a bucket of water atop my head overnight.
Paired with inconsistent electricity and rising fuel costs, many of us are spending long nights without power, no fans, no AC, no relief. Cue the uncontrollable sweating. It turns out, though, that this isn’t just in our heads.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the federal body responsible for monitoring weather and climate patterns, had already warned of a prolonged heatwave that could persist even with the onset of rainfall. This is partly because Nigeria is currently at the tail end of its dry season, when the sun is at its most intense before the rains arrive. This means higher-than-usual temperatures are, regrettably, expected.
So, if you want to survive this heat without looking like you’ve been marinating in a locked oven, this guide has everything you need to stay cool, composed, and very much still that girl.
The beauty edit
For the girls who want to step out in full, skincare, makeup, the whole routine, don’t worry, you don’t have to abandon it all because of the heat. With the right products and techniques, you can still show up all glammed up without your face giving up halfway through the day.
Start strong: primers & sunscreen that actually work
Girl with glowy skin via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for proper credit. A sweat-proof primer is non-negotiable for this weather. It creates a barrier between your skin and your makeup, helping to absorb oil and reduce the chances of melting, smudging, or fading in humid conditions. e.l.f. Power Grip Primer and Bellazuri Primer are some great options.
Sunscreen is just as important, even if it feels like the last thing you want to layer on. Weightless formulas like La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid or Matte Sun Stick SPF 50 by Beauty of Joseon give you protection without the grease or white cast. In this heat, protection is essential; you just need one that won’t sit heavily on your skin.
Hydration without the heaviness
Girl with hydrated skin via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for proper credit. As tempting as it is to skip moisturiser entirely (I get it), your skin still needs hydration. Instead of thick creams, opt for gel-based moisturisers such as CosRx Hydrium Green Tea Aqua Soothing Gel Cream. They absorb quickly, feel weightless, and help control shine — perfect for hot, humid weather, especially if you’re acne-prone.
Clean skin, always
Dark-skinned woman washing her face via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for proper credit. In this hot weather, cleansing properly is everything. At the very least, wash your face morning and night to remove sweat, oil, and product buildup. If you’ve had a particularly long or active day, a third cleanse won’t hurt.
Foaming cleansers are great for unclogging pores and helping prevent breakouts — because the last thing you need right now is heat-induced acne. CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser is a good go-to in times like these.
Read also: Looking to support your skin this holiday season? These cleansers are worth trying
Cool it down
A hand spraying mist into the air via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for proper credit. Before using your makeup, a facial cooling mist can make all the difference. It instantly refreshes the skin, reduces heat, and creates a smoother base for application. The Water Drench Ice Facial Cooling Mist by Peter Thomas Roth is a good option, as is Eau Thermale Avène Thermal Spring Water. Just remember, it’s not a setting spray. Use it before makeup, then lock everything in with your usual setting spray after.
Makeup that won’t betray you
Minimal makeup look via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for proper credit. We all love a full glam moment; however, this weather is firmly on the side of minimalism. It is your clean girl era — at least for now. Swap out heavy, full-coverage foundations for lightweight skin tints that even out your complexion while still letting your skin breathe. Bases like Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint, or Maybelline Fit Me Tinted Moisturizer give you coverage without the heaviness.
For keeping everything in place, a strong setting spray is essential. No matter how light your makeup is, you want it locked in. Urban Decay All Nighter and NYX Matte Finish Setting Spray are reliable options that hold up in heat.
Finally, instead of layering powder throughout the day, use blotting papers to absorb sweat without disrupting your base.
Hair that lets you breathe
Braided bantu knot hairstyle via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for proper credit. Right now, anything heavy or heat-trapping is not your friend. Lean into styles that keep your neck free and your scalp ventilated. Styles like all-back, shuku, koroba, kiko, or even the viral patewo.
These can be done with your natural hair and, of course, extensions. Your natural hair, though, is a great option because it’s lighter and more breathable.
If you’re adding extensions for simple braids, choose to pack them in an updo to ease discomfort. Sleek buns also work well, just go easy on the gel, because you don’t want the sun melting that off too.
Read also: Long hair, don’t care: 5 heat-friendly braids for women who love their length
Dress for the weather
Summer look via Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for proper credit. Let’s be honest, clothes are everyone’s biggest enemy right now, and if there’s one thing this weather will teach you, it’s that fabric matters. A lot.
This is not the time for anything thick, clingy, or remotely suffocating. Instead, go for breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or silk. They allow air to circulate and help moisture evaporate, which makes a huge difference. Loose silhouettes over tight fits will save you every time. Choose flowy dresses, sleeveless or oversized shirts and relaxed trousers. Keep it simple, light, and comfortable.
Your “what’s in my bag” survival kit
Bag essentials Pinterest (original creator unknown). If this is your work, please contact us for proper credit. This season, your bag should be less of a cute accessory and more of an emergency kit. Essentials include: a mini deodorant, sunglasses, lip balm, blotting papers, and a rechargeable hand fan (non-negotiable). Most importantly, hydration. Not just water, but electrolyte-rich drinks that actually help your body retain moisture, like coconut water, milk or fruit juices.
Navigating the heat, one day at a time
There’s no perfect way to beat this heat. Some days you get it right, other days, the sun clearly has other plans. Still, somewhere between the sweat, the sunscreen, and the general chaos of being outside, you’ll figure out what works for you.
Beyond fashion and beauty tips, the basics remain essential. Drink at least two to three litres of water daily to avoid dehydration, and avoid overly strenuous activity where you can. Besides that, take showers when you can, and stay in cool, shaded spaces as much as possible. The heat will pass, but until then, it’s about finding ways to navigate it as comfortably as possible.
Read more: These are the makeup artists every beauty lover needs on their radar
React to this post!The post Nigeria feels hotter right now — here’s your ultimate fashion & beauty guide to surviving it in style appeared first on Marie Claire Nigeria.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
