Dark circles are a very common concern among people of all ages and backgrounds. It is often associated with tiredness, stress, or lack of sleep. They can also stem from a variety of lifestyle, genetics and health related issues. Dark circles are a shadowy or discolored area that appear beneath the eyes. It can be blue, purple, brown, or black in colour depending on your skin tone and the underlying cause of the dark circles. 

The skin under the eyes is thinner and more delicate than the skin on other parts of the body and this makes it more susceptible to changes in blood flow. pigmentation , and hydration. While dark circles are not typically a sign of serious medical issues, they can affect self esteem and appearance and that is the reason why many seek for solutions to it. 

Meanwhile, let us explore some causes of dark circles. 

Read Also: Best Sunscreens for Every Weather

Causes of Dark Circles. 

There is no exact or single cause of dark circles as it is usually a combination of a number of factors. Some causes of dark circles include: 

Genetics.

For a number of people, dark circles are hereditary. If any of your parents have dark circles, you are most likely to develop them too. This is because genetic dispositions can influence skin thickness, pigment levels, and other skin issues. 

Lack of Sleep. 

This is probably the most popular cause of dark circles. Inadequate sleep can cause the skin to look pale, allowing blood vessels beneath the skin to become more visible and give the appearance of dark circles. 

Aging. 

As we age, our skin loses collagen and becomes thinner. The loss of skin elasticity exposes the blood vessels beneath the skin, causing dark circles. 

Dehydration.

When the body lacks water, the skin under the eyes can look dull and sunken, making dark circles more prominent. 

Exposure to the Sun. 

Overexposure to the sun can increase melanin production, especially in delicate areas of the eyes, leading to pigmentation and darkening. 

How to Avoid Dark Circles. 

Now that we have figured out some of the causes of dark circles, here are a few ways to avoid them. 

Prioritize Sleep. 

Beyond avoiding dark circles, adequate sleep is important for your overall health.  You should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, keep a consistent sleep schedule, avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before you fall asleep and create a calm sleeping environment. 

This would keep you well rested and keep dark circles away from your eyes. 

Adequately Hydrate. 

Since we have discovered that dehydration is a leading cause of dark circles, it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the day to improve skin elasticity. 

Drink at least 2 litres of water daily, eat fruits rich in water such as cucumber, watermelon, oranges, etc and reduce intake of dehydrating substances like caffeine. 

Use Cold Compress. 

Cold temperature constricts blood vessels and reduces swelling. To use, place chilled teaspoons, cucumber slices, ice block, or a gel eye mask on your eyes for 10-15 minutes. Then, repeat in the morning to reduce puffiness and dark circles. 

Protect your Eyes Against Sun Exposure.

As sun rays is one of the leading causes of dark circles and aging, it is important to protect yourself from the sun. 

You can do this by always wearing sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on days that are not sunny. You can also use sunglasses to protect yourself from UV radiation. 

Putting these steps to action, you can as well say goodbye to dark circles.

Imagine waking up with perfectly shaped, fuller brows that frame your face and boost your confidence. With microblading, this dream can become a reality. Microblading is that go-to cosmetic procedure that will save you loads of time during make-up sessions as drawing brows during a make-up session can take up a good amount of time because you are trying to get the perfect shape and arch; but with microblading it’s already made for you. For those with scanty brows and have developed low self-esteem about their looks, microblading will help you bridge that gap. The fuller the brows, the increased confidence you have. Microblading can go a long way to enhance your natural beauty.

Microblading

However, when it comes to microblading understanding your face shape and the microblading techniques that will complement it matter. Without this knowledge you can end up with a brow that scares people away and you don’t want that.

Understanding Face Shapes

Before we dive into the best microblading methods, let’s identify the different face shapes and their characteristics:

Oval face shape

– Oval: Balanced proportions, with the length being 1.5 times the width. Oval faces are considered the most versatile.

Round face shape

– Round: Curved lines, with the length and width being roughly equal. Round faces benefit from microblading techniques that create angles and definition.

Square Face Shape

– Square: Strong, angular features, with a prominent jawline. Square faces can be softened with the right microblading approach.

Heart Face Shape

– Heart-Shaped: Broad forehead and temples, with a narrower chin. Heart-shaped faces require balance and harmony in their microblading design.

Triangular face shape

– Triangular: Narrow forehead and temples, with a broader jawline. Triangular faces benefit from microblading techniques that add width to the upper face.

Best Microblading Methods for Each Face Shape

Oval Face Shape:

Oval face microblading

For oval faces, aim for:

– Soft, Natural Arches: Enhance your natural brow shape with soft, gentle arches that follow the natural curve of your brow bone.

– Feathered Strokes: Use fine, delicate strokes to create a natural, effortless look that adds depth and dimension to your brows.

– Balanced Thickness: Maintain a balanced thickness throughout your brows, with a slightly thicker head and a more defined tail.

Round Face Shape

Microblading done on a round face

You can create the illusion of length! For round faces, try:

– Angular Arches: Define your brows with more angular arches that create a longer, more oval-shaped face.

– Thicker Tails: Add depth and dimension with thicker tails, drawing the eye downwards and creating a more defined shape.

– Defined Edges: Use a more defined edge to create a sense of structure and angles on a round face.

Square Face Shape

Microblading on a square Face Shape

You can soften strong features! For square faces, opt for:

– Soft, Curved Arches: Soften angular features with gentle, curved arches that add a touch of femininity.

– Less Defined Tails: Balance strong jawlines with less defined tails, creating a more harmonious balance between features.

– Feathered Strokes: Use feathered strokes to add softness and texture to your brows, reducing the angularity of your face.

Heart-Shaped Face

Microblading

For heart-shaped faces, try:

– Balanced Arches: Create balance by focusing on the arch and tail, rather than the head of the brow. This draws attention away from the width of the forehead.

– Softer Heads: Use softer, more delicate strokes for the head of the brow to reduce width and create a more balanced look.

– Defined Tails: Define the tail of your brow to create a sense of balance and harmony, drawing the eye downwards.

Triangular Face

You can add width! For triangular faces, aim for:

– Fuller Heads: Add width to the forehead by creating fuller heads of the brow, balancing the narrower upper face.

– Defined Arches: Define the arch to create balance and harmony, drawing attention to the center of your face.

– Soft Tails: Use softer tails to reduce the angularity of the jawline, creating a more balanced look.

See also: Top Concealers for Acne

Microblading is an art that requires precision, skill, and an understanding of facial structure. By tailoring your microblading design to your face shape, you can enhance your natural beauty and boost your confidence. Whether you have an oval, round, square, heart-shaped, or triangular face, there’s a microblading method that will complement your features and leave you looking stunning.

Having acne prone skin makes you doubt how far makeup can go on your face. Have you ever heard someone complain of how they had further breakout after wearing makeup for sometime? You all probably just blamed it on the makeup artist’s brush; saying it was dirty. While that might not have been entirely a lie, did you ever consider the fact that the wrong foundation was probably used? 

Making up acne prone skin is usually very challenging as you have to put in extra effort to deliver lasting coverage while avoiding further breakouts. Thankfully, many brands now offer non-comedogenic, oil-free formulas that help conceal blemishes while supporting skin health. 

What Makes a Foundation Ideal for  Acne Prone Skin? 

Not every foundation is suitable for acne prone skin due to its content. Here is what to look out for when picking or buying a foundation for an acne prone skin. 

• Non-comedogenic Formulas: these products are formulated not to clog pores, thereby reducing the risk of acne flareups. 

• Oil-free or mattifying properties: oil control is necessary to prevent breakouts. 

• Lightweight textures: formulas that let your skin breathe minimizes irritation. 

• Active skincare Ingredients: it is necessary to get foundations that contain acne-fighting components like niacinamide, salicylic acid and so on.

Listed below are six foundations ideal for your acne prone skin. 

Zaron Healthy Glow Foundation. 

Zaron is a Nigerian owned brand that is designed for medium to full coverage and is ideal for controlling oil under humid conditions. It is lightweight and this texture makes it easy to blend while keeping the skin hydrated and blemish-free. It is dermatologically tested and formulated not to clog pores. The zaron healthy glow foundation is also non-comedogenic and enriched with hydrating properties to prevent dryness. 

However, it is advised to use it with a mattifying primer as it may oxidize slightly over the day. 

Milani Perfect 2-in-1 Foundation + Concealer. 

This is great for those seeking full coverage on a budget. The Milani 2-in-1 formula serves as both foundation and concealer. It delivers an impressive foundation that covers blemishes and hyperpigmentation. Due to its reputation for affordability, Milani is the go-to among Nigerian beauty enthusiasts that want both value and performance. 

Read Also: From Natural to Glam: 3 Makeup Tutorials for Beginners.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation. 

This is a great fit for everyday wear, especially for younger, acne prone skin. Being a worldwide favorite, maybelline foundation is especially popular in Nigeria for its fine matte finish and pore-blurring properties. It is perfect for those facing hormonal acne or oily skin as it controls shine and provides a smooth base. 

Nuban Beauty in My Skin Foundation. 

Nuban beauty is another Nigerian owned brand that has gained recognition for its innovative approach to makeup and skincare. The foundation offers full coverage while hydrating and nourishing your skin. It is designed to support sensitive, acne prone skin without clogging pores. It is also lightweight and non-comedogenic. 

Revelon ColourStay Makeup. 

This is renowned for its long lasting performance, up to 24 hours of wear under even the most challenging conditions. This formula keeps oil at bay while ensuring that your makeup stays intact throughout the hot days while perfectly hiding your acne and blemishes. 

L’Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation. 

This foundation has the heart of many Nigerian makeup enthusiasts due to its shine-free finish and long lasting effect. Its formulation is designed to keep oil in check while providing full coverage and concealing all blemishes.  It is non-comedogenic and does not clog pores. 

So you see, having acne is not a reason to not apply makeup. All you need to do is use the right foundation that will hide your blemishes and promote your skin health, and you are good to go.