Essentials for Harmattan

If you are in Nigeria especially in the North or are planning on coming to Nigeria, I am sure you are aware that Harmattan is Coming!! Ghen Ghen. 

Harmattan in Nigeria is characterized by Dry, Cold and Dusty weather conditions. During the harmattan season, the weather tends to appear harsh to our hair, dry nostrils, dry skin, white feet skin and health. It can be frustrating if you do not prepare yourself this season cos the harmattan is not a respecter of person.

Hence, to prevent your lips from splitting into two like river Jordan, dried and cracked  especially if you are planning to kiss this period, to prevent your skin from looking like dust, and prevent your makeup from looking like ekpo calabar, here are some essentials you must have this coming harmattan season to be able to stay on top of your game. 

Lip Balm or Vaseline: ensure to carry lip balm everywhere you go to avoid lip cracking and having ugly blisters. A lip balm moisturizes, heals and protects the lips from breaking and dryness. I strongly recommend Legendary Care from Oriflame Skin Care products, i also recommend Vaseline

Body Oil or shea butter: apply them thoroughly on your face, neck, hand and legs because the skin needs to retain moisture. I recommend the locally made shea butter (Ori)

Water: the importance of water cannot be overemphasized. Water is very important this period to hydrate the body, hair and skin. Water is your best friend in this season trust me

Hair Oil

The the worst thing harmattan leaves you with is dry hair! It’s even worse if you are a natural haired person. The effect of the harmattan is terrible, it leaves your hair tangling and extra dry because of its harsh weather conditions. I stick with Cantu products and some other hair products like Love Nature Coconut Oil, I make my own carrot oil and Coconut oil to leave my hair shiny and moisturized. You can make your coconut oil and carrot oil by yourself. Check my previous posts to see how to make your own oil from the comfort of your home without breaking a bank.

Hair Scarf: to protect the hair from dusts, looking dry and brittle. Any stylish scarf can go.

Body Scrub: Due to the fact that it can be very dry during this season, there is need to exfoliate at least twice in a week to help get rid of all the dead, dry and flaking skin cells. If you can, also invest on a foot scrub as this weather can lead to excessive cracking of the feet. For me, I use Milk and Honey Gold Scrub for my face,I also recommend Essentials Fairness Exfoliating Scrub, For my body i use Fresh Skin Apricot Exfoliating Body scrub, 

Protective Shades: protect your eyes from dust and flying particles, buy sun shades!

Hand Cream

You will need this item to keep those palm soft and avoid it being dry and hard. To avoid embarrassment when you shake hands with someone (that fine girl or guy) your palm will just feel like sand paper. Not nice. I recommend Milk and Honey Hand cream or SoftCaress Protecting hand and nail cream. It hydrates skin and conditions the nails

Moisturizing Cream for the skin

We know how fast water dries off surfaces during this season. Hence it is more advisable to moisturize right in the bathroom while your body still has moisture because a few steps out of the bathroom door dries you up completely. This method will help your skin lock in moisture. I would recommend what I use for my skin, I recommend Happy Skin Body Lotion or Aveeno body cream

Sunscreen

Your skin can easily get sunburned during this season so it is best to protect it using sunscreen. 

Hats

Protect your hair and stay fashionable while at it with a hat

Hair Conditioner

To ensure your hair is not dry, brittle and dirty,ensure your hair is well conditioned and well moisturized. I would recommend Oriflame HairX Volume Boost Hair conditioner for the Naturalista sisters and the Love Nature Conditioner for Dry Hair 

Sweater and Cardigans

During the season, the weather is usually very cold in the mornings and at night, you should have them with you always, also ensure it is stylish in case you have to wear them all day

Socks

To keep warm and avoid the feet from looking dried up and dusty

Shoe Brush

I think it is essential to have shoe brush in your bag for the dusts on the road as going out becomes challenging due to the dusty shoes, very embarrassing

White clothes are not your best friend this period! X

Your Makeup Foundation shouldn't be Matte to avoid  you looking like willi willi!X

Do not leave your doors or windows open!X

Equip yourself with these items, don't say I did not tell you oh. Harmattan is Coming!