We’ve all been caught in the most awkward or high-pressure situations where sweat trickles down your back, your palms get clammy, and your heart starts racing. But how long can you keep your cool before the sweat betrays you?
Take the test:
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If there’s one thing every Nigerian can relate to, it’s the unpredictable nature of NEPA (or whatever they’re calling themselves these days). One moment, you’re enjoying full AC blast, and the next, you’re sweating like a Christmas goat. But no worries, we’ve got you covered with a foolproof guide to staying fresh, even when NEPA is doing you dirty.
1. Invest in a Solid Rechargeable Fan
First things first, if you don’t have a rechargeable fan, what are you doing? These lifesavers can keep you cool for hours while you wait for power to return. For extra freshness, place a bottle of frozen water in front of the fan to create a budget-friendly AC.
2. Stay Hydrated Like Your Life Depends on It
Sweating profusely? That’s your body’s way of crying for water. Drink up! Staying hydrated helps regulate your body temperature and keeps you from feeling like you’re melting.
3. Use a Long-Lasting Deodorant
Let’s be real—there’s nothing cute about smelling like a damp rag just because NEPA is misbehaving. A good deodorant, like NIVEA Deo Dry, will keep you feeling fresh and dry. Bonus: It helps you avoid awkward “armpit-raising” moments.
4. Wear Breathable Clothes
Forget thick fabrics—this is not the time for “fashion over comfort.” Stick to lightweight, breathable materials like cotton and linen to allow proper airflow. Sleeveless tops? Yes, please.
5. Take Strategic Showers
Cold showers are your best friend. If NEPA is gone and you’re already feeling sticky, hop into the shower for an instant cooldown. Pro tip: Don’t dry off completely—let some water stay on your skin and stand near a fan for a natural cooling effect.
6. Reduce Movement
This is not the time to be jumping up and down like you’re on a mission. Less movement = less sweat. Sit still, read a book, scroll through TikTok, and let the heat pass.
7. Avoid Cooking Heavy Meals
Cooking in this heat? Do you want to bake yourself too? Stick to light meals like fruits, salads, and anything that doesn’t require you standing over a steaming pot for hours.
8. Keep Your Room Ventilated
Open windows, doors—anything to create a cross breeze. If you have mosquito nets, even better. Just make sure fresh air is coming in and not heat trapping you inside like suya in an oven.
9. Use a Cooling Body Spray or Wet Wipes
A quick mist of body spray or a swipe of a wet wipe can work wonders in making you feel fresh, even when you’re battling the heat.
10. Find an Escape Route
If all else fails, run to a friend’s house, a mall, or anywhere with a generator and AC. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
Until NEPA decides to behave, these tips will help you maintain your freshness, confidence, and social acceptability. And of course, don’t forget to keep that NIVEA Deo Dry handy for 24/7 freshness!
ALSO READ: I’m a Woman with Oily Skin. This is How I Survived
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Hot babes, HERtitude 2025 is about to be the hottest one yet, and we’re levelling up the glow with our headline sponsor, NIVEA!
HERtitude is the party for hot babes only, where you can show up as your boldest, most confident self. Think of it as your ultimate girls’ day out, filled with music, fun activities, and all the hot babe energy you can imagine.
Who better to help us celebrate than NIVEA, the skincare brand that has kept hot babes soft, smooth, and confident for nearly 140 years? Whether it’s locking in moisture, keeping you fresh all day, or giving you that effortless glow, NIVEA understands that real confidence starts from the inside out.
Fiyin Toyo, Central, East & West Africa Marketing Director at Beiersdorf Nivea Consumer Products Limited, is super excited about this collaboration:
“We are skincare. For nearly 140 years, we have cared for people from the outside in. Care represents both the physical nurture of skincare and the emotional care of empathy. Our goal is to help people feel good in their skin, giving them the confidence to reach out and build meaningful connections—an essential human need. Sponsoring HERtitude is a key pillar in driving meaningful connections, enabling young women to feel confident and equipped to take on leadership roles in every aspect of society.”
But babes, that’s not all. NIVEA is bringing the ultimate glow-up experience to HERtitude. Imagine:
- A NIVEA booth where you can experience their top products firsthand.
- Fun challenges & giveaways for the chance to snag exciting cash prizes up to ₦500k.
- NIVEA merch to flex your hot babe status.
The best part? You don’t need to do anything extra. Just show up, have fun, and bask in the confidence that comes with being a HERtitude hot babe.
So round up your girls, get your Retro Glam fits ready, and come experience a HERtitude like never before, powered by Zikoko and NIVEA!
Tickets are available now at hertitude.zikoko.com
Follow @Zikokomag and @NIVEA_ng for all the HERtitude tea!
Also Read: Nigerian Women on Their Life-Changing Female Friendships
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Have you ever planned to conquer the world but had to pause because sweat had other plans for you? We’ve all been there, especially with this heat wave. There are things you can do when you’re dry that feel impossible when sweat is running down your back like it has rent to pay. Let’s get into it.
When You’re Dry: You’re the Main Character
1. Hug People Freely – No fear of pit stains or that awkward “Should I?” hesitation before going in for a hug. Freshness makes you fearless.
2. Pose for Pictures Like an Instagram Baddie – Raise your arms, stretch out, be dramatic. No sweat patches ruining your aesthetic.
3. Wear Any Colour You Want – Grey, navy blue, silk? No worries. Your outfit stays looking crisp all day.
4. Sit in an AC Room Without Feeling Sticky – The joy of AC when you’re dry? Bliss. No embarrassing “Ew, who’s that damp person?” moments.
5. Enter Public Transport Without Worry – Whether it’s a bus, keke, or train, you can sit comfortably without the fear of sweat mixing with someone else’s.
6. Stay Confident in Any Situation – First date? Interview? Random video call? You’re ready, because sweat isn’t turning your shirt into a wet wipe.When You’re Sweaty: The Struggle is Real
1. Awkward Side Hugs – You suddenly appreciate the art of the one-shoulder hug. No one needs to feel your personal sauna.
2. Wave Goodbye to Tight Clothes – That bodycon dress? Those fitted shirts? They’ve all betrayed you. Only baggy tees and loose fabrics can save you now.
3. Avoid Raising Your Arms – Holding a bus railing? Stretching? Dancing? Forget about it unless you’re trying to make a bold, wet-stained statement.
4. Your Phone Screen is Fighting for Its Life – Trying to scroll but your fingers are slippery? Your phone is tired of you.
5. Becoming the “Smell” in Public Transport – You thought you could manage, but now you’re hyper-aware of every side-eye and open window around you.
6. Constantly Wiping Your Face Like a Nollywood Actor – You might as well carry a towel because tissue paper has already given up.The Solution? Stay Dry, Stay Winning
Sweat doesn’t have to dictate your life. With the right deodorant, like NIVEA Deo Dry, you can move confidently through your day without worrying about embarrassing sweat stains or odour. Stay fresh, stay dry, and enjoy all the things you love—without the sweat struggle.
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There are only two ways to step out of a danfo in Lagos during rush hour: drenched in your own sweat or drenched in the sweat of the passenger beside you. If you’ve ever used public transport in this city, you already know it’s a battle against heat, body odour, and a deep questioning of your life choices.
Since NIVEA is out here trying to save our armpits with their new Deo Dry campaign, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to rank Nigerian public transport by how urgently you need deodorant after the ride.
6. BRT – A Breath of Fresh Air (If You’re Lucky)
BRT buses are air-conditioned (sometimes), have actual seats (most times), and give you enough personal space (if you fight for it). But even the best BRT can betray you if the AC decides to go on strike, turning the bus into a slow cooker. You might not need deodorant immediately after, but a quick top-up won’t hurt.
Sweat Level: 2/10 – Slight armpit dampness, nothing crazy.
5. Keke Napep – Open Air, Open Smell
Keke is like being in an Uber but with a natural breeze and a 50/50 chance of inhaling either fresh air or market woman sweat. The wind makes it manageable, but if you get stuck in traffic with the sun directly above, it’s game over.
Sweat Level: 4/10 – You’re fine unless it’s a particularly hot afternoon.
4. Danfo – The Sweaty Olympics
A danfo is where you realise deodorant isn’t just self-care, it’s a public service. Packed tighter than a bowl of party jollof, you will leave the bus with sweat patches in places you didn’t know sweat could reach. The body heat from the conductor alone is enough to warm up a cold drink.
Sweat Level: 7/10 – Bring extra deodorant, trust me.
3. Okada – Ride Fast, Sweat Faster
Okada should be a cheat code because of the wind factor, but here’s the catch: the second you remove that sweaty helmet (if you’re lucky enough to have one), it’s over. Your head smells like every passenger before you, and if you’re wearing a backpack, your back is already drenched.
Sweat Level: 8/10 – Your armpits are fine, but your head? Different story.
2. Molue – A Moving Sauna
A molue is a danfo but worse. More people, more sweat, more struggle. It’s so packed that even the breeze from the open window refuses to enter. The only people who survive are the ones who apply deodorant like it’s a daily ritual.
Sweat Level: 9/10 – You don’t need deodorant after. You need a shower.
1. Train from Agege to Iddo – The Ultimate Sweat Generator
If you’ve ever been on a Lagos train, you already know. Forget deodorant; this is an out-of-body experience. Between the overcrowding and the human heat, you’ll step out wondering if you ran a marathon. The only way to survive is to accept your fate or carry NIVEA’s Deo Dry in your pocket like your life depends on it.
Sweat Level: 11/10 – It’s a jungle out here.
Moral of the story? Nigerian public transport will humble you, but at least your armpits don’t have to suffer. Stay fresh, stay dry, and may your seat partner never be someone who forgot to use deodorant.
ALSO READ: I’m a Woman with Oily Skin. This is How I Survived
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Oily skin struggles are real, especially for women, yet many don’t have access to the right information or products to care for their skin—the body’s largest organ. On beauty forums, women with oily skin often share frustrations about constantly blotting away shine or feeling like makeup isn’t an option for them.
But for Beatrice**, who works as a content creator in Lagos, everything changed when she realized her skin wasn’t just oily—it was actually dehydrated. Once she started using the right moisturizer, what she once saw as a problem became her superpower. In this As Told To, she shares when she first discovered she had oily skin, the challenges she faced, and how she finally took control of it.
This image is of models from NIVEA’s “Love Your Skin this Harmattan” campaign and is not affiliated with the subject.
This is an As-Told-To Dennis, sponsored by NIVEA.
The first time I realised my skin was different, I was ten years old. It was a humid afternoon, and my friends and I had been playing outside for hours. When we finally sat down to rest, I noticed how their faces were damp with sweat while mine felt slick with oil. I wiped my forehead and stared at my greasy palm in confusion. No one else seemed to be dealing with this. Was something wrong with me?
Growing up, I never felt particularly insecure about my oily skin, but I was always aware of it. It was like an annoying little secret my body kept from me. Why did my face shine so much in pictures? Why did I have to wash my hands after touching my forehead? I didn’t have the answers, but I did know that my skin was different from my mom’s or my best friend’s, and that made me feel a little out of place.
My biggest struggle came when I started wearing makeup. The matte look was everything back then—perfectly flat, powdery skin that looked flawless in photos. I wanted that look so badly. I would carefully apply my foundation, set it with powder, and admire my work. But within an hour, my face would betray me, transforming from matte perfection to an unwanted dewy glow. I felt defeated every time I looked in the mirror. What was the point of even trying?
In my desperation, I experimented with all kinds of skincare remedies. I remember one time I tried a homemade turmeric face mask after reading about its magical skin benefits online. I slathered it on and waited for the glow-up. Instead, I woke up the next morning covered in hives that refused to disappear for a week. That was the last time I put blind faith in DIY skincare hacks.
Click here to get the NIVEA Nourishing Cocoa 5in1 Complete care
It wasn’t until I discovered YouTube skincare gurus that things started making sense. I would watch video after video, trying to understand why my skin behaved the way it did. I also practically lived on WebMD, cross-referencing every ingredient and product. Slowly, I learned that my skin wasn’t the enemy. It just needed the right care.
Day to day, my oily skin doesn’t rule my life, but it does come with its challenges. Finding a good sunscreen, for example, is a never-ending battle. The wrong formulation can leave me looking like I dunked my face in a frying pan, and worse, it transfers onto everything—my phone, my clothes, even my pillows. For a while, I carried oil-blotting papers with me everywhere, dabbing at my face like I was hiding a terrible secret.
Then, I had a breakthrough: dryness made my skin oilier. It seemed counterintuitive at first, but I realized that when I let my skin get too dry, it would overcompensate by producing even more oil. The answer wasn’t to strip away the oil, but to give my skin what it actually needed—hydration.
This image is of a model from NIVEA’s “Love Your Skin this Harmattan” campaign and is not affiliated with the subject.Now, my skincare routine is simple and effective. I use a fragrance-free cleanser, follow it with Nivea lotion, add a layer of aloe vera gel, and finish with sunscreen. It’s not fancy, but it works for me.
If I could give one piece of advice to someone struggling with oily skin, it would be this: Babe, you need a GOOD moisturizer. Your skin isn’t the problem. It just needs to be understood.
ALSO READ: 7 Things That Go Missing During Harmattan (and How to Get Them Back)
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The harmattan season is here again, which means your skin is flaking, your lips are cracking, and your entire body is questioning its existence. But that’s not all—harmattan is a known thief, and it will surely steal from you this year.
Enter…me to tell you what to do at this time of the year.
Here are seven things it will steal from you and how you can get them back:
1. Your Voice
One minute, you’re belting out your favourite song in the shower, and the next, you sound like an I-better-pass-my-neighbour generator struggling to start. Harmattan will dry out your throat so badly you’ll be whispering through life like a lost spirit.
How to get it back: Drink water like it’s your side hustle. Now is not the time to raise your nose at people carrying stainless steel cups up and down. You don’t want to sound like a broken radio, especially since Valentine’s Day is coming.
ALSO READ: Your Harmattan Starter Pack: Because Dry Skin and Dusty Nostrils Are the Vibes This Season
2. Your Moisture
Harmattan is a sworn enemy of hydration. Your skin, lips, and even your soul will be drier than a gist partner who says, “I’ll call you back” and never does.
How to get it back: Slather on moisturiser like rent is due. With NIVEA Nourishing Cocoa 5in1 Complete Care, you can upgrade your self-care routine and enjoy 48 hours of deep moisture, dry-out protection, smooth skin feel, deep nourishment, and a healthy-looking skin throughout the Harmattan season and beyond.3. Your Nose’s Functionality
Wake up one day, and your nose will either be leaking like a faulty pipe or blocked like Lagos traffic. Harmattan doesn’t care about your comfort.
How to get it back: Steaming is your best bet. Or just accept your fate and walk around with tissue like it’s a fashion accessory.4. Your Ability to Breathe Properly
The dust in the air? It’s not here to play. By the time it’s done with you, your lungs will be questioning their job description.
How to get it back: If you have a face mask from the pandemic era, it’s time to bring it out of retirement.5. Your Sense of Fashion
Harmattan doesn’t care about aesthetics. It will have you wearing mismatched sweaters and socks in the name of warmth.
How to get it back: Layer smartly. A fine jacket over a sweater can still have you looking like a fashionista instead of a walking pile of laundry.6. Your Laundry’s Freshness
You wash your clothes, spread them out, and six hours later, they still smell like damp regret. Harmattan doesn’t believe in easy drying.
How to get it back: Spread your clothes under direct sunlight or just stick to wearing darker colours till the weather behaves.7. Your Will to Leave the House
When the weather outside feels like an icebox, staying indoors under your blanket seems like the best decision ever.
How to get it back: Bribe yourself with hot tea, warm snacks, and the reminder that the outside world exists. Or just give in and hibernate till further notice. -
Ah, Harmattan. That time of the year when the air is so dry, your skin starts plotting against you, and every breeze feels like a personal attack. But hey, it’s not all cracked lips and dusty car windows—Harmattan has its own unique charm. If you’re going to survive (and maybe even thrive) this season, you’ll need the ultimate Harmattan Starter Pack. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
1. Your Trusty Lip Balm
Your lips are about to go through it. One minute they’re fine, the next they look like they’ve been through a desert storm. The NIVEA Lip Care is your best friend this season. It will keep your lips moisturised for 24 hours. Pro tip: If you lose it, you’re basically signing up for lip cracks that’ll make you regret every life choice. Get yours here.
2. A Bottle of Lotion (Or Three)
Harmattan is the season your skin decides to act like it’s never seen moisture in its life. You’ll need lotion—lots of it. From your elbows to your knees, every part of your body will be begging for hydration. And don’t even think about skipping your hands unless you want them to look ashy. The best bet? A powerhouse lotion like NIVEA Nourishing Cocoa 5in1 Complete Care. With 48 hours of deep moisture and dry-out protection, it’s the ultimate harmattan lifesaver. Keep a bottle in your bag, another in your room, and maybe even one at the office—you’ll need them all. Get yours here.
ALSO READ: 7 Things That Go Missing During Harmattan (and How to Get Them Back)
3. A Scarf or Face Mask
The Harmattan haze is real, and breathing in dust is not the vibe. A scarf or face mask is essential for surviving the dusty winds. Plus, it doubles as a fashion statement. Who knew looking chic could also save your lungs?
4. A Water Bottle
Hydration is key, people! Your body is about to lose more water than a leaking tap, so keep a water bottle handy. If you’re not drinking at least 3 litres a day, are you even Harmattan-ing, right?
5. A Good Moisturizing Soap
Your regular soap won’t cut it this season. You need something that’ll leave your skin feeling like it’s been hugged by a cloud. Look for moisturizing soaps with shea butter, oatmeal, or honey. Your skin will thank you.
6. A Hoodie or Cardigan
Harmattan mornings and nights are cold enough to make you question your existence. A cosy hoodie or cardigan is a must-have. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to stay in bed a little longer.
7. Sunglasses
The sun might not be as harsh as in the dry season, but the dusty winds can be brutal on your eyes. Sunglasses will protect your eyes and make you look cool while doing it. Win-win.
8. A Humidifier (If You’re Extra)
If you’re the type that takes self-care seriously, a humidifier is your secret weapon. It’ll keep the air in your room moist and save you from waking up feeling like a dried fish.
9. A Positive Attitude
Let’s face it—Harmattan can be a struggle. But hey, it’s also the season of Christmas, fireworks, and roasted corn. Embrace the dryness, laugh at the dust, and remember: this too shall pass.
10. A Sense of Humor
Because if you can’t laugh at the fact that your skin is peeling like a snake’s, what can you laugh at? Harmattan is a season, not a lifetime. You’ll get through it.
So there you have it—your ultimate Harmattan Starter Pack. With these essentials, you’ll not only survive the season but might even enjoy it. Now go forth, moisturize, and conquer the dryness like the champion you are.
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Life has been coming on too strong lately. Capitalism is getting wickeder, outside’s getting hotter, and it only makes sense that you find ways to relax and recharge when you finally get home each day.
We suggest you start with these products.
Diffusers
Image credit: Oprah daily A diffuser with your favourite scent is the first step to take to shake all the stress away. The scent will trigger the happy chemicals in your brain, and before you know it, all the rubbish you went through would be a thing of the past.
Body wash
Image credit: Ubuy You’ve had a long day outside, so why remain in all that sweat and dirt when you can take a shower, wash it all off, and feel and smell brand-new?
Roll-on
Image credit: Nivea After taking a shower, you’ll need that brand-new smell to stick, and what better way to do that than with your roll-on? Extra points if you use the Nivea pearl & beauty, because you’ll smell great and also look out for your under-arms.
Moisturiser
Image credit: Qlason This one’s specifically so you don’t look like what adulting is showing you. Continue living your soft life, or at least, look like you are.
Anti-perspirant
Image credit: Nivea Don’t save it for when you want to leave the house. Spray the Nivea pearl and beauty anti-perspirant after you take a shower, and you’ll smell fresh when you wake up. Your under-arms will look great too.
Fragrance oils
Image credit: Skin foodie If you want to wake up and still smell like a flower garden, then make sure you use a fragrance oil just before you go to bed. You’ll wake up smelling great, feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
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Okay, we get it. You don’t have body odour. That’s what you are saying, right? We agree with you. But you won’t be reading this post if you were not afraid of body odour, will you? Now that you’re here, just hear what we have to say. Honestly, you’ll thank us for it.
1. Have you taken your bath today?
Whether you’re working from home or going out to work and perform your other daily routines, a bath is always super important. See ehn, if you don’t want to assassinate people’s children when all this is over, we recommend you shower frequently. Two times a day will not kill you. Your mates are doing more than that.
2. After taking a bath, clean your body well. Abeg.
A lot of you just jump right out of the bathroom and wear clothes. Ahan. Clean that your armpit and the evil forest you have there, please. Dry your something too. Dry it well. Leaving it damp means you’re extending a VIP invitation to odour-causing bacteria. And they will kuku come and dash you odour. And we won’t like that.
By the way, when last did you wash your towel or should we keep quiet and face our front?
3. For the love of God, use a deodorant or an antiperspirant.
If you don’t know, deodorants mask odours, and antiperspirants prevent sweat. Be honest, doesn’t that wet patch in the armpit of your shirt make you feel uncomfortable? Better to buy NIVEA deodorants. They protect against sweat and odours for up to 48 hours.
4. When you’re in Nigeria, behave like a Nigerian.
In other words, our country is hot. Don’t wear cardigan or denim on denim inside hot sun because you want to slay. Wear clothes that fit the temperature before you slay everybody with unnecessary odour.
5. When last did you wash your clothes?
Please, do your laundry. Don’t spray perfume on it and think you’re good to go. No you’re not. You’re good to smell. Brethren in the Lord, wash. your. clothes!
Our gospel should be clear to you by now: Do all what we said, use NIVEA, and you’ll be free from body odour. And who knows, your destiny helper might just locate you and change your story.
