Between the humidity and hustle in Nigeria, achieving and maintaining glowing skin can feel impossible. But with these expert tips, you can master long-lasting glow.
Glowing skin may be the ultimate beauty goal, but in Nigeria’s hot and humid weather, it often feels like a challenge. With the risk of sweat, oil, and product melt, many of us default to matte makeup for staying power.
But if you’re like me and still adore that soft, dewy finish, don’t fret. With the right skin prep, products, and techniques, it’s absolutely possible to stay radiant and resilient in the heat. Lilian Adebanjo, a makeup artist and Lolami Davies, a data analyst and beauty enthusiast, share their expert tips on achieving glowing skin without turning into a hot mess.
Lolami’s hack for glowing skin in humid weather
Beauty enthusiast Lolami breaks down the smart and sustainable way to achieve lasting glow in heat and humidity.
Understanding the common mistakes
“Everyone wants to glow, but Nigerian weather doesn’t always want you to win,” Lolami says. With intense humidity and pollution in the mix, achieving a dewy look is a bit more complicated — and many people get it wrong from the first step.
According to Lolami, one of the biggest skincare mistakes is poor cleansing. “People either under-cleanse or over-strip their skin with harsh products,” she explains. “Sweat, sebum, and environmental buildup can clog pores fast in this climate.” Her solution is a gentle, balanced cleanser and daily double cleansing if you wear sunscreen or makeup.
Layering products incorrectly is another culprit. “Many pile on serums and oils without proper understanding, which can lead to pilling or breakouts.” The golden rule, she says, is to layer from lightest to heaviest. Start with a hydrating toner or essence and finish with moisturiser or oil.
Then there’s the widespread myth that oily skin doesn’t need moisturiser. “Oily skin can still be dehydrated,” Lolami warns. “Skipping moisturiser often leads to even more oil production as the skin tries to compensate.” Add to that the number of people still skipping sunscreen, you’ve got a recipe for dull, tired-looking skin.
“You can skip everything else,” she says, “But never SPF.”
Ingredients, routines, and products that work
Lolami’s go-to glow-friendly actives include:
Glycerin – A humectant that draws moisture into the skin and helps soothe.
Green Tea – Packed with antioxidants, it controls sebum and calms inflammation.
Azelaic Acid – Brightens, unclogs pores, and fades dark spots gently.
Niacinamide – Reduces oil, smoothens texture, and strengthens the skin barrier.
Panthenol – A barrier-repairing hydrator that’s also great for calming heat rash.
Liquorice Root Extract – A gentle brightener that tackles hyperpigmentation.
Lolami also shares a glow-boosting skincare routine that’s easy to follow and tailored for Nigeria’s humid climate.
Read also: “Glowing through your 30s: A holistic guide to radiant skin and self-confidence.”
In the morning, focus on protection:
A gentle cleanser
Antioxidant-rich hydrating toner, essence, or serum (think niacinamide, green tea, or liquorice root)
A lightweight gel or water-based moisturiser (optional if your sunscreen is moisturising)
A non-greasy, broad-spectrum sunscreen — ideally sweat- or water-resistant
At night, switch to treatment and repair:
Double cleanse if you’ve worn SPF or makeup
Hydrating toner or serum
Treatment serum (e.g. azelaic acid, lactic acid, or retinol depending on your needs)
A non-comedogenic moisturiser to seal it all in
“You don’t need a 10-step routine, just know your skin and keep it hydrated and protected,” she insists.
Read also: Clean & radiant: A Beauty Editor’s minimalist beauty routine
Exfoliation, SPF and myths that need to go
Exfoliation is a glow-boosting essential, but Lolami warns against overdoing it. “Yes, we need it because heat and sweat cause dead skin to build up, but too much exfoliation will backfire.”
Her advice is to start slow, 1–2 times a week, and if your skin tolerates it, work up to 3. But always pay attention. “If your skin feels tight, stinging, or starts flaking, you’re doing too much.”
When it comes to sunscreen, Lolami is clear. “Sunscreen is your skin’s glow bestie,” she says. “Melanin doesn’t exempt us from UV damage. In fact, we’re more prone to hyperpigmentation with it.”
Daily SPF prevents dark spots and uneven skin tone, preserves collagen, and keeps your skin smooth and firm. It also protects the results of all your other skincare — because you’re undoing your progress without sun protection.
This debunks the myth that dark skin doesn’t need sunscreen. Melanin offers some protection, but not nearly enough to skip SPF in high-UV environments like Nigeria. Skipping sunscreen leads to sun damage, dullness, and stubborn dark marks.
Another myth is that shea butter and coconut oil are all you need for glowing skin. The truth is, natural oils can seal moisture, but they don’t hydrate or treat concerns. In heat, heavy oils can clog pores and trap bacteria. You need lightweight hydrators and targeted ingredients.
Read also: Burnproof: Here’s how to maximize your SPF protection
Product recommendations
As someone prone to dehydration, Lolami prioritises hydrating serums and toners, particularly those with antibacterial and antioxidant ingredients.
Her favourites include:
COSRX Propolis Synergy Toner
LAB Matcha Hydrating Toner
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Serum
Niche Beauty Lab Azelaic Acid Treatment
Prequel Lucent-C Serum
Naturium Niacinamide + Zinc Serum (especially for acne-prone skin)
“Glow is a combination of smart choices, not shortcuts,” she concludes.
If you’re in pursuit of that soft, luminous finish, the key, according to Lolami, is hydration, sun protection, and consistency.
Lilian’s hack for dewy makeup in humid weather
Glowing skin is the ultimate beauty flex, and it starts with taking care of your skin. However, many of us still desire that glow with our makeup. But under the intense sun, it requires serious strategy, and that’s Glow with Lilian’s speciality.
For Lilian, it all starts with skin prep. “A flawless, glowing look begins with balance,” she shares. Her routine includes a thorough cleanse followed by a toner or mist, a lightweight gel-based moisturiser, and a gripping primer that locks everything in. But the secret is in the technique. “I massage the skin to boost circulation and tighten pores before applying makeup,” she says. “That glow should start from within.”
Lilian favours water-based, moisturising foundation with a satin finish. She uses a layering system with lightweight, hydrating products for long-lasting wear. First, she starts with a hydrating primer on the outer areas of the face, follow with a gripping primer in the centre, and finishes with a mattifying primer on the T-zone. This method keeps the glow while reducing excess shine in the right places.
Setting sprays with formulas that strike a balance between holding power and a luminous finish are the best. “Since I mostly work on event-ready makeup, I always choose camera-friendly products and lock in with a reliable setting spray,” she says.
Lilian builds glow using cream blush and highlighter, then lightly sets the face with powder. She finishes with a dusting of powder highlighter on key areas like the cheekbones for that lasting radiance. “The key is layering — but always with intention,” she says.
Makeup tips for a radiant look
Although the heat can still pose challenges, Lilian’s top tip for maintaining a long-lasting glowing look is targeted baking and strategic touch-ups. “I bake only in the areas that truly need it — usually under the eyes and around the nose. That way, you don’t risk camera flashbacks or caking. I also give my clients blotting papers and a mini touch-up kit to keep the finish fresh.”
She makes sure to remind her clients about the importance of healthy skin. “I always advise them to exfoliate the night before and come in with clean, moisturised skin,” she says. “Hydration is the foundation of any good glow.” She also cautions against trying new skincare right before a session, “It’s not the time to experiment.”
As for mistakes to avoid? “Going overboard with highlighter or using oily products thinking they’ll add glow — they usually just make you greasy,” Lilian warns. “Glow is about intention, not shine.”
If you’re planning a soft glam and radiant look, Lilian’s approach proves that glowy makeup in Nigerian weather is more than achievable.
Product recommendation:
Primer – Embryolisse crème.
Foundation – Christian Dior Forever Skin Glow. NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation.
Primer – Milk Hydro Grip, E.L.F Power Grip, One Size Secure the Sweat.
