Makeup is not just about looking good. Especially in Nigeria, where the weather can be hot sometimes. The aim of your makeup should be about surviving the weather while looking good and fresh all day. Before starting your makeup, always consider your daily activities, how stressful or smooth they will be. This will always guide your makeup routine. If you’re just starting your beauty journey, these five beginner-friendly tips will help you look fresh, flawless, and confident all day long.
- Prep like a pro
Before you even think of foundation, start with your skin. Think of skin prep as your secret weapon; it’s what makes everything else last.
* Make sure to always clean your face to have a clean base, and cleansing also helps keep your pores clear, while moisturizer prevents dryness, especially during harmattan.
* And yes, sunscreen is non-negotiable, especially if you will be out all day.
* Before you start your makeup journey, one of the first things you need to get is a good primer. A good primer will lock everything in, helping your makeup survive the hassles of the day.
- Find your shade and stick with it
Nothing screams “off” faster than a mismatched foundation.
* Always test shades along your jawline, not your wrist (because most times, your face and your body might not be the same shade. The face tends to be darker because of exposure to the sun).
* Nigerian brands like Zaron, Nuban Beauty, and House of Tara already cater to African undertones, so you’re covered. The right shade blends into your skin seamlessly, making your makeup look natural instead of like a mask.
- Keep brows simple and natural
Eyebrows frame your face, but that doesn’t mean they should look overly sculpted or intimidating.
* For beginners, skip the complicated “carving” process. A spoolie to brush them up, a pencil to fill in sparse areas, and a clear gel to set them is all you need.
* Natural brows are not only faster but also more practical for the Nigerian lifestyle no stress, no smudge.
- Less is more with foundation
In our humid climate, heavy layers of foundation rarely survive the day. As a beginner, you also need to be careful with foundation application if you have not gotten a hold of how to blend your products.
* Instead of caking it on, apply a thin layer and build coverage only where needed. If your skin is relatively clear, a tinted moisturiser or powder foundation is even better.
* The goal isn’t to hide your skin but to enhance it. Light, breathable makeup will always hold up better under the sun.
- Keep it simple, always
Between traffic, unpredictable power supply, and the rush of daily life, no Nigerian has the time for a 20-step routine. Stick to the essentials: brows, light foundation, concealer, powder, mascara, blush, and lipstick. With these basics, you’ll always look polished without the stress. Once you’ve mastered them, you can experiment with contouring or bold eyeshadow. Remember, makeup should be fun, not frustrating.
At the end of the day, the Nigerian weather is a tough opponent, but with the right techniques, you can win. Start simple, invest in the right products, and let your natural beauty shine through.