Beauty

Everything You Need to Know About Toner Pads

Published

3 months ago

30 July 2026

Photo: Google/@Byrdie

If your skincare shelf doesn’t have toner pads on it yet, you’re really missing out on one of the easiest ways to improve your routine. These small, soaked cotton discs have taken over bathroom cabinets everywhere, and once you understand what they actually do, you’ll get why so many people never skip them.

Toner pads are basically what they sound like, pre-soaked pads filled with toner that you swipe across your face, no pouring into your palm, no digging through a bag of loose cotton rounds. The formula inside each pad determines what it can do for your skin, from hydration and soothing to exfoliation and brightening.

Toner pads help rebalance your skin right after you clean it. Washing your face, especially with certain cleansers, can leave your skin’s pH a little off, so the pads bring things back to where they should be while also getting your skin ready to soak up whatever comes next, your serum, moisturizer, anything. This is where something like the Torriden Balanceful Toner Pad does really well, made with centella asiatica extract so it calms your skin right after washing.

Photo: Pinterest/@Bibi

Getting enough hydration is another big reason people turn to toner pads. Some, like the Biodance Collagen Gel Toner Pads, are soaked in a gel-like liquid that leaves your skin feeling plump almost immediately, which works well if your skin often feels tight or dry after washing since the ingredients like collagen can help give skin a smoother, more hydrated appearance

Then there are the pads made for brightening and evening out skin tone. The Anua Niacinamide 5 TXA Brightening Pad works a bit differently from the rest, it’s shaped like a half-moon and made specifically for the under-eye and cheekbone area, the spots that dry out and dull first. You leave it on for 10 to 20 minutes like a mini mask before wiping it in, and the niacinamide and TXA combo goes to work on dark circles and uneven tone right there.

If you want something stronger for vitamin C, the Medicube Deep Vita C Pad is worth trying too, the pads are noticeably thicker and more soaked than most, delivering vitamin C-infused formula with every swipe, great for anyone hoping for a clearer, more glowing look.

Photo: Pinterest/@Joobeauty.fr

Convenience is a huge part of why toner pads became so popular. No toner spilling all over your sink or dressing table, no guessing how much cotton to use, barely any waste. You open the jar, take out a pad, and you’re done, which is exactly why it works so well for anyone who travels a lot or just wants a routine that doesn’t take thinking.

They’re also great for light exfoliation. Many toner pads have a slightly rough surface, sometimes with tiny ridges or bumps, so they lift away dirt and buildup that a regular toner splashed onto your hands would probably miss, sloughing off dead skin along the way and leaving things smoother underneath.

After cleansing, take a pad and gently sweep it over your face while avoiding your eyes. Some people like to press the pad down for a few seconds first so the product sinks in before wiping. Just don’t rub too hard, your skin isn’t a floor you’re scrubbing, gentle strokes do the job better anyway.

Photo: Pinterest/@Glowbeautyguide

You can use toner pads morning and night depending on the type, but if yours contains exfoliating acids or stronger treatment ingredients ease into it. Two or three times a week is a safer starting point until your skin adjusts, then you can build up from there once it’s tolerating it well.

Not every toner pad works for every skin type, so if your skin is sensitive or breaks out easily, go easy on pads loaded with strong actives since they can trigger irritation or redness if you overdo it. One thing worth doing before you try anything new, dab a little behind your ear or on your inner arm first and wait a bit, that way you know how your skin will react before it ever touches your face.

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Beauty

Dabota Lawson and the Rise of Her Luxury Beauty Brand

Published

5 days ago

14 October 2026

Ene Unazi

Photo: Instagram/@dabotalawson

Dabota Lawson’s interest in beauty began long before she launched her cosmetics business. After working in modelling and pageantry, the Nigerian entrepreneur turned to developing makeup products for women with different skin tones. She founded Dabota Cosmetics in 2015. She is now looking to expand into international markets.

Lawson’s early exposure to fashion and makeup influenced her career. In a March 2025 interview with Vanguard Allure, she recalled growing up around her mother’s fashion and makeup collections. She started modelling at five and won Miss Nigeria UK in 2010. After returning to Nigeria, she saw an opportunity to offer premium cosmetics in shades suited to different complexions.

Photo: Instagram/@dabotalawson

Lawson had to learn the cosmetics trade as she built her business. In a July 2015 introductory statement, She explained that she attended cosmetics trade shows and met manufacturers in different countries. These experiences helped her understand cosmetics production and the process of establishing her brand.

Dabota Cosmetics sells foundations, concealers, powders, lip products and eyeshadows in shades for different skin tones. One of its offerings, the OPULEN Makeup Book, combines several makeup essentials in one collection, including primers, correctors, blushes, bronzers and highlighters.

Photo: Instagram/@dabotalawson

In a November 2025 interview with Marie Claire Nigeria, Lawson discussed the challenges of raising funds and protecting product formulations. She also highlighted the need to understand the science behind cosmetics, particularly when developing products for people with specific skin needs.

In March 2026, Lawson signed a memorandum of understanding with Woodhall Capital International for a structured financing facility to support Dabota Cosmetics’ planned global expansion. She credited the firm’s founder and president, Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, with providing mentorship and business guidance during the process.

Beauty

Venita Akpofure Debuts Bold New Blonde Hair

Published

4 weeks ago

24 September 2026

Laju Odogwu

Photo: Instagram/@veezeebaybeh

Venita Akpofure has gone blonde. The actress and reality TV star shared the new colour in a set of four Instagram photos on her page.

The hair is a golden honey blonde, darker at the roots and lighter toward the tips. She wore it shoulder-length and swept to one side, with loose, rounded waves that curled outward at the ends. The waves are thick and bouncy, so the hair sits wide around her face. The volume sat at the crown and sides, and the sweep lifts the hair off her face to show off her pearl drop earrings.

Photo: Instagram/@veezeebaybeh

At the all-white party where Venita debuted her blonde hair, she wore a sleeveless white feather mini dress with a high halter neck by Everyday by Andra. The feathers covered the dress from the neck to the hem, and ended at the upper thigh. Frontiers Brand handled her styling for the night, and she carried a glittery silver clutch. The colour is a big switch for Venita, who is known for going with darker shades.

The blonde hair was a wig from Laposhair, styled by Hair Smiles. Opulen Dabota did her makeup in neutral tones with a glossy lip, and Gwendilara handled her photos.

Photo: Instagram/@veezeebaybeh

She captioned the post with “If you’re going to ruffle feathers, at least look good whilst doing it.” She added, “Sweet enough to approach. Dangerous enough to reconsider.” and she also thanked Pretty Mike of Lagos and Tosin Akinbo. The caption did not say if she plans to keep the colour beyond the party.

The blonde waves happens to also be a big change for Venita, who is known for going with darker shades. Back in June, she posted some photos with her dark hair pulled into a high ponytail.

Beauty

Meet Nigeria’s Miss World 2026 Representative, Tamunosoye Karibi-George

Published

2 months ago

12 August 2026

Destiny Echobu

Photo: Instagram/@soye_kg

Tamunosoye Karibi-George is a 26-year-old Nigerian beauty queen currently representing the country at the 75th Miss World festival in Vietnam, competing for the international title.

Karibi-George earned the national crown on June 6 at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, where she won the crown after competing against 19 other contestants under the theme “Pride, Power, and Purpose.”

Photo: Instagram/@soye_kg

Although she represented Bayelsa State in the national competition, Karibi-George is a native of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. She is a communications professional who studied at Madonna University, Okija, and is an associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

She had already gained international pageant experience before winning the Miss World Nigeria crown in 2024.

A key part of her profile is her work with children with disabilities and special needs. Through her initiative, Beyond Labels, she advocates for inclusion, dignity and opportunities for children. The project aims to create spaces where children can develop their talents and pursue their ambitions.

Photo: Instagram/@soye_kg

Her advocacy has continued to promote the cause since winning the national title. In June, she met with the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, to discuss ways of expanding Beyond Labels and creating possible partnerships for the initiative.

Karibi-George arrived in Vietnam ahead of the 75th anniversary edition of the Miss World Festival, which runs from August 9 to September 5, 2026. The grand final is scheduled for September 5 in Nha Trang.

Photo: Instagram/@soye_kg

She takes over the Miss World Nigeria title from Joy Mojisola Raimi, who represented Nigeria at the previous edition, reaching the Top 20 and finishing among the Top Five contestants from Africa.

Ahead of her departure, Karibi-George described the trip as an opportunity to represent Nigeria’s culture and values while continuing to promote the Beyond Labels initiative.