This is your guide to finding the right eyeshadow for your eyes, plus other tips and tricks to explore with the help of an artistic tool.

Ph. Annie Spratt, Unsplash

The number one factor of identifying which shade of eyeshadow best suits you, is to look at a colour wheel. Which colours are directly opposite to your eye colour?

If you have blue eyes, warmer tones like oranges will be perfect for you. Green eyes are best contrasted with reds; while brown eyes will pop if partnered with greens or purples. Now that you have understood what shades are suitable for you, we will get on to the tricks!

Brown Eyes

Brown eyes are typically dark; therefore, the shades used need to brighten up your face, so that people will be attracted by your eyes. Bright purples are not only eye-catching themselves but, when paired with brown or hazel eyes, this abstract colour becomes more natural, while giving a sense of life to those dark eyes. Lime does the exact same: it will make your eyes look shiny and strengthen their brown hue.

Ph. Nora Hutton, Unsplash

These shades are obviously quite bold and can be frightening when first approaching them, but you can also use bright purples and lime in a discreet way. A tip is to use a light brown or nude in your crease and apply purple glitter all over your lid. You will still gain the effects of this contrasting colour but in a subtle way.

Links to products: Urban Decay Naked Ultra Violet Palette,  Anastasia Beverly Hills Primrose Palette

Blue Eyes

Blue eyes are brighter and there are many different varieties, but the biggest tip is – again – to complement your eye colour with an opposing shade that will accentuate your natural blue.

 Ph. Charlie Octavia, Unsplash

Orange and warm tones are the best due to eyes being a cool tone: they are the complete opposite. Typically, blue-eyed people tend to have round doll eyes or cat eyes. Therefore, when applying the eyeshadow for a cat-eye shape, apply eyeliner and make the edges sharp to elongate your eyes. However, if you have doll eyes rounded both sides, this will create a more circular shape, making your eyes appear bigger.

Links to products: Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette,  NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Eyeshadow Palette 

Green Eyes

Green and red make the perfect combo. Because green eyes are the most unique, the eyeshadow colour of your choice has to be bright and accommodate the green hue of your eyes.

Ph. Nora Hutton, Unsplash

Warm tones like reds or orange-reds should be your number one choice. They will highlight your crystalised eyes, making them the main feature of your face. Due to the red being a dominant colour, no eyeliner is typically needed, because of how bold and abstract both the colour of your eyes and your eyeshadow are.

Links to products: Afflano Red Apple Eyeshadow Palette - Amazon.co.uk: Beauty

Makeup is also a game of opposites and attraction!

In 2021, an estimated 980 thousand women in the UK used hair removal products once a day or more (statista) - that is a lot of razor heads and wax strips! Are you aware of the most common mistakes we make when shaving or waxing? An expert told us...

Courtesy of Sparkle PR

Our trusted waxing expert and founder of Sugar Coated, Rosie Khandwala, reveals the 10 biggest mistakes women are making when it comes to DIY hair removal.

Shaving Mistakes

Ph. KoolShooters, Pexels

1. Not Storing Your Razors Properly
"Storing razors in the shower leads to corroding and weaker blades. You should clean and dry razors after each use and store them outside of the bathroom to avoid moisture and extend their shelf-life."

2. Not Prepping Your Skin With A Hot Towel
"Prepping your skin with a hot towel before you shave will soften the hairs allowing for a closer shave. Never prep your skin with cold water since this can make it more difficult for the shaving cream to fully penetrate the skin and be effective."

3. Neglecting To Exfoliate
"Exfoliating your skin before you wax, or shave will enable you to achieve smoother results. Exfoliating on a regular basis can also help to prevent ingrown hairs."

4. Not Shaving In The Direction Of Hair Growth
"You should always shave in the direction of hair growth. Shaving against the grain can cause irritation and increase the chances of razor bumps."

5. Shaving In The Morning
"When you sleep your legs can swell which makes shaving in the morning less than optimal. Shaving at night will allow you to get a closer shave."

Waxing Mistakes

Ph. flaviasaad, Pixabay

Rosie says "Waxing is having a real viral moment right now due to the aftermath of the lockdowns."  You would be surprised but #Waxing has 9.6 Billion views on TikTok!

1. Waxing Right Before Or After Your Period
"If you’re extra sensitive to discomfort, avoid waxing right before, during or after your period. Hormonal fluctuations during these times can make waxing more painful. Instead, opt for a wax mid-cycle."

2. Exfoliating Right After You Wax
"You need to let the treated areas rest for at least 2 full days before it’s safe to exfoliate. Exfoliating prior to that can be very painful and result in redness and irritation."

Laser Hair Removal Mistakes

 Source: Sugar Coated

1. Expecting Permanent Results
"Despite often being marketed as providing permanent results, laser hair removal simply offers significant hair reduction and won’t get rid of hair forever. Occasional touch-ups will be needed in order to keep you smooth."

2. Not Shaving Before Treatment
"Shaving before treatment ensures that the hair follicle will be destroyed. Any residual hairs will prevent the laser’s heat from fully penetrating the hair shaft. It can also cause the treatment to be more painful."

3. Neglecting After Care
"Your skin will be extra sensitive and more susceptible to skin damage afterwards. Wear sunscreen to prevent hyperpigmentation. Avoid hot showers and steam rooms for at least two full days to let your skin heal."

Rosie says "choosing the correct hair removal method is so personal to the consumer, a lot of thought goes into it such as time, money, results. When creating Sugar Coated I set to make something that gave salon-worthy results, without breaking the bank, or taking too long to master."

"Sugar Coated sugar wax is 100% natural and the only UK manufactured wax that is vegan and cruelty-free. This means our formula of just pure sugar syrup and water is gentler on the skin, and more effective for hair removal as it sticks directly onto hair and pulls them straight out from the root - giving you smooth results each time."

You can find Sugar Coated Sugar Wax Full Body Kit available at Feel Unique (£12.99 for 250g). 

Are you making any of these mistakes? You are still in time to shave or wax correctly and get rid of unwanted body hair the right way and for longer.

Whether it has been a long day at work or a cosy day at home, you should always look after your skin. Having a favourite moisturiser or hair mask which becomes a staple in your bathroom, is going to make you feel better. So just relax, and debrief on your day as we go through some necessities.

Ph. Toa Hefitba, Unsplash

Our favourite items from The Body Shop are going to help your skin appear, smoother, younger and clearer. Pair them with our top tips to get the best out of your skin.

1. The Almond & Honey Body Butter

Ph. Toa Hefitba, Unsplash

A soothing and thick moisturiser that really does butter up your body as it gives the illusion of silky skin. The scent has nutty, creamy notes and it lingers on your body for days. What more could you want than a product which is going to help nourish your skin, as well as make you smell great for days on end? The same scent also defines other products like shower creams, exfoliators and soaps.

Links to products: Almond Milk & Honey Exfoliating Cream Scrub | Almond Milk & Honey Shower Cream - The Body Shop®

2. The Japanese Cherry Blossom Kiss EdT

Ph. Pratiksha Mohant, Unsplash

A beautiful spray edition for springtime. The fragrance is very light, which is perfect for warmer weather. It is a fruity scent infused with notes of strawberries, amber and peony. Smother your body in the matching shower gel or body lotion, and spray with the eau de toilette for a longer-lasting smell.

Links to products: Japanese Cherry Blossom Strawberry Kiss Eau De Toilette 50ML  | Japanese Cherry Blossom Shower Gel - The Body Shop®

3. Hand Creams

Ph. Toa Hefitba, Unsplash

Especially during a time when you are washing and sanitising your hands more than ever, you need to remember to take care of them. Hand sanitisers are known for drying out your skin and they can also cause blisters in some cases. Therefore, The Body Shop hand creams are going to be a lifesaver, making a perfect balance with soaps, gels and sanitisers. These hand creams come in various scents, so you have many options, whether to match with your existing scent or to try something new.

Links to products: Palms & Pinkies Hand Cream Trio  | Joy & Jasmine Hand Cream - The Body Shop®

4. The Tangle Taming, Nourishing Hair Mask

Source: The Body Shop UK

A thumbs up from us. The formula will really help to calm down your wild hair, whilst making your locks glossy and smooth. The mask also comes in a banana scent, really incredible.

Links to the product: Banana Hair Mask- The Body Shop®

All Body Shop products are vegan friendly and made out of all-natural ingredients. They have also started to become a sustainable company by bringing out new ecological packaging to help save the world.

Holidays are for relaxation and self-indulgence but your skin is not always that happy with it. Bruce Green, chartered scientist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare, explains why.

Ph. Audrey Fretz, Unsplash

Overindulging during the festive season does no good to your skin. Bruce Green, founder of SOS Serum Skincare, reveals how it goes hand in hand with some skincare dilemmas.

Holidays And Your Skin, What Bruce Says...

"First of all, we throw our healthy habits out the window and enjoy many alcoholic beverages, and eat more sugary treats, fatty foods. Alcohol is a diuretic, which forces water out of the body making it harder to rehydrate. It can cause the skin to look sallow and make pores and fine lines more visible. Sugary foods can result in a quick rise in blood sugar which can cause a spike in insulin. This jump can increase skin and hair oiliness leading to inflammation and potential breakouts. But this isn't me saying not to enjoy yourself! Here are a few tips that can help your skin this festive season."

Rehydration

Image courtesy of SOS Serum Skincare

"This is the big one. For every drink of alcohol, drink a glass of water – the one for one rule. Water flushes out toxins and restores your hydration levels."

Cleanse

Ph. Ron Lach, Pexels

"I know it's tempting after a sparkly social evening to reduce or even skip your facial cleansing routine but DON’T! After hydration, this is the next most important factor to protecting skin from party fallout. But be gentle and use a non-alcoholic, mild or no perfume face cleanser. SOS Cleanse (£15) is perfect for this as it is lightweight and rehydrating."

"Give exfoliation a miss until your skin cell regeneration batteries are re-charged. Follow cleansing with natural non-fragranced serums and moisturisers like our  SOS Serum (£15) that delivers comfort, moisturisation and protection to the skin."

Rest

Ph. Kelly Sikkema, Unsplash

"Take advantage of an alcohol-free night in your schedule and have an early bedtime. Your body, mind and skin regeneration is crucial and you will instantly look and feel better for it."

Wait

Image courtesy of SOS Serum Skincare

"New cosmetics, skincare products and perfumes will often come to you as Christmas gifts but don’t slap them all on at once or your skin could have a freak-out! Wait until your skin has settled and balance restored before trying out a new skincare formulation; your skin could reject something for all the wrong reasons."

With these expert tips in mind, you can be sure that 'festive skin' can be healthy and glowy for the new year!

No crystal ball is needed to predict the biggest beauty trends for next year! We have Tia Roqaa, beauty expert and founder of beauty subscription box Roccabox, doing the job for us and sharing her expertise.

Ph. Ron Lach, Pexels

What has the beauty industry in store for us in 2022? Roccabox founder and CEO, Tia Roqaa, foresaw the hottest beauty trends we will see and wear next year.

Tia knows well which products and beauty trends will be hot next and you should not be surprised by her foresight. Tia Roqaa is a real beauty expert, a woman who turned her passion for cosmetics and experience in PR into a curated and elegant beauty experience. In this blog, Tia delighted us with her 2022 beauty predictions.

Themes

Ph. Rodnae Productions, Pexels

“Inclusivity across beauty is really gaining pace, which is great to see. From race to gender, identity to ability, the beauty scene is finally responding to our very unique sets of needs and we’re seeing certain brands becoming genuinely more inclusive – rather than just talking the talk. It’s a conversation consumers have been having behind the scenes for a while, and it’s great to see brands are joining the narrative. At Roccabox we champion and support this movement, having already worked with some beauty brands such as Jecca Blac – a gender-free make-up collection that’s truly authentic and innovative in its brand mission of inclusivity.”

Trends

Image courtesy of Roccabox

“There are plenty of trends within the clean beauty movement that show signs of becoming even bigger and more exciting. I’m looking forward to seeing waterless products grow and innovate. Waterless products are products where the water has been removed which make them more sustainable. Water within a product requires a preservative to prevent bacteria from forming, so immediately you’re taking away the need for this preservative, making a cleaner product. You’re also reducing the need for plastic packaging, making them naturally more environmentally friendly. The result is a formula that is more potent as it’s undiluted.

I also love the growing trend for emo-beauty: products that have an additional impact on our emotional wellbeing as they perform their beauty function. It’s a beauty space with so much potential: in fact, we’re planning a limited edition emo-beauty Roccabox for 2022. I also think our fairly recent interest in scalp-care and our shift in perspective on the importance of treating our scalp for better hair health will continue to grow.”  

Trends To Leave In 2021

“TikTok will remain a fun outlet for showing off beauty tips but I don’t think the beauty trends emerging on the platform will continue to hold much weight. They provided a fun distraction during the 2021 misery of lockdowns but I think in 2022 as lives get busy again we will leave those behind.”

Blue Light

Image courtesy of Roccabox

“Just as we came to understand how the sun damages our skin, and now protect it daily, it’s time to now consider other ways our living environment is impacting our skin and how to better protect it. We work in such a technological era - we’re sat in front of multiple screens for most of the day - so it’s time to adapt our skincare to protect ourselves from its potentially skin-damaging effects. Blue light is now proven to increase inflammation, prevent collagen production, and increase hyperpigmentation, particularly in darker skin tones. Both mainstream and smaller niche brands have already brought out some great protective products but I think we will soon start to see blue light protection added commonly to our daily moisturiser – in the same way, SPF is often added. I also think additional protective products, such as serums that offer blue light protection will become far more available, with brands offering us greater choice.”

Nostalgia Beauty

Image courtesy of Roccabox

“The emerging makeup nostalgia trends seem to be all about being as extra as possible: I think it’s a natural reaction to us all socialising again, and wearing all the make-up we sent into hibernation for a year! In 2022 I think we will see elements from different decades that favour high-octane glamour, look-at-me colour and playful looks. So for example high-shine plastic-looking glossy lips will be huge next year: a look that is borrowed from the ‘90s, ‘80s and the disco ‘70s. High-shine nude, lacquered red, vinyl berry tones: we’ll see it all next Spring. Victoria Beckham does a great line in super-glossy clear lip gloss, which we’ve been raving over at Roccabox, as does Fenty Beauty. I also love MAC’s range of lip glosses, including their classic Lipglass.”

Less Is More

“For many reasons, we’re seeing consumers looking to scale down their skincare and reduce the amount of products they use. We’re craving a ‘less is more’ approach to skincare right now and I believe this will continue. It’s going to call the beauty industry into creating more streamlined product lines, for sure, but just because we’re favouring a more simple and more gentle approach to skincare doesn’t mean we don’t expect to see the same results. So I expect brands will create more hybrid multi-functional products and will create cleaner formulas to reduce the chemical load we’re applying to our skin.”

Shopping Online

Image courtesy of Roccabox

“The online beauty shopping experience has definitely improved - online beauty retailers really had to up their game over these last 18 months and now shopping for both make-up and skincare online is no longer as challenging as it once was. Ingredients-search tools are always a handy way to navigate skincare purchasing and a good starting point for skincare shopping. Sites with visible independent reviews of products play an important role too, as customers often want to know how other consumers found the product in real life.

Colour-matching can be tricky online but I’ve seen some really innovative and effective colour-matching options on independent brand websites – the ‘find my shade’ option on ILIA’s website for example is particularly effective: it cleverly gives examples of hair and eye colour, as well as undertone, to help you determine your most seamless skin tone match.”

In 2022, the beauty industry will continue along the path toward inclusivity and holistic wellbeing seen during the pandemic. How Roccabox will reflect the new state of things in 2022? We asked Tia again...

Image courtesy of Roccabox

Roccabox 2022

“We’ve confirmed some of my personal favourite brands for 2022 – including Murad and Oskia. We have some incredible limited edition boxes in the pipeline – I can’t reveal much but they include some brand exclusives with a handful of hero brands that I think many of our customers will be really surprised to see! Our monthly boxes will continue to introduce our customers to really effective, results-driven skincare brands. This will include cosmeceutical brands, such as Doctors Formula, which we’ve already started to introduce our customers to – their products are second to none for seeing a genuine change in your skin. We know our customers might not otherwise have discovered this type of beauty brand, or they might have been reluctant to invest in their products given their higher price point, so we think what we do and whom we introduce customers to is really important.

We also plan to introduce our customers to the skincare ingredients that are set to be huge in 2022 – niacinamide is one that springs to mind – with ingredient-focused products that our team of experts have chosen for our boxes because they truly live up to the hype. I’m also really excited about the themes of our boxes for next year: I don’t want to give away any spoilers but the concepts we’ve chosen really tap into what customers are looking for in their beauty purchases right now.”

Meanwhile, In This Month's Roccabox...

Image courtesy of Roccabox

December Roccabox is the editors' wishlist in a box. This month's beauty box contains three full-sized products from brands Laritzy, Doctors Formula and Figs & Rouge, and two deluxe mini samples. This skincare and makeup chest is worth £180 and available for just £15. The beauty experts at Roccabox put these five products together after a year of testing and digging into the best and newest from the industry. December Roccabox 'Winter Wishlist' is all a beauty enthusiast would like for a glowy complexion ready to party and face the cold.

Roccabox monthly boxes and limited-edition boxes are available to purchase online starting from £15. (roccabox.co.uk)

Armed with a brush, pencil and tweezers, we learnt how to map out our eyebrows. Your face also tells you something about the right 'angle' your eyebrows should take. We are going to listen to these suggestions...

Ph. Soroush Karimi, Unsplash

The right eyebrow is essential to give depth to your expression as well as balance. Find how the perfect brow shape balances every face and can even correct it.

Square, heart, oval or round. As beautiful as your natural face is, we know you secretly wish to sharpen those cheekbones or soften your jawline. Here again, the right eyebrow will do the trick. Every face shape has a perfect eyebrow match. To find it, seat straight in front of your mirror - again - and look at your 'oval'. Your face might not be a perfect oval, so follow our guide to find the eyebrow shape that can create harmony.

Oval Face

If you have an oval-shaped face, your lines are symmetric and balanced. Your eyebrows should have a slight arch and a softer shape. There is not so much work to do. Just remember to start and end them at an equal level.

Round Face

If you notice that your face has almost the same width and length, then your face is round. To sharpen and lengthen your oval, opt for a lifted arch.

Square Face

The main feature of a square face is a defined and angular jawline. The width and length are almost the same. Lift your eyebrows with a defined yet soft arch by keeping the body of your eyebrows fuller and natural-looking.

Ph. Hadis Safari, Unsplash 

Long Face

In this type of face, the length is prominent, almost double the width. To give more space and breathe to a long face, elongate your eyebrow and keep the arch low.

Rectangle Face

A rectangle face is long but has a more defined, squared jawline. Focus on the body with full and natural eyebrows with a soft curve.

Diamond Face

If you have a diamond face, your forehead is short, and your contours are well-sculpted with high cheekbones and a pointed chin. Make your face more delicate, choose softer and rounded eyebrows.

Triangle Face

If your forehead is narrow, but your jawline is strong, then you have a triangular face. Here as well, it is all a matter of adding sweetness: your best-friend eyebrows should have a low, curved arch and a full body.

Heart Face

If your forehead is larger than your jawline and your chin is pointed, you likely have a heart-shaped face. Keep your eyebrows straight and a rounded arch without playing too much with your pencil. Do not over-change this shape.

You can also take celebrities with a similar face shape as an example to style your eyebrows. This beauty task is a fine game of balance.

The roaring '20s wanted them super thin; the '80s loved them full and wild. How to have your eyebrows on point? Trends and decades aside, your face suggests the right shape for you. Learn how to use face mapping to find the brow shape that feels truly yours.

Ph. Garin Chadwick, Unsplash

Before plucking away those bushy brows, learn everything about face mapping and how to find the right eyebrow shape for your face. Then, you can take your trusty tweezers...

Face Mapping

Ph. Nataliya Vaitkevich, Pexels

Try to imagine yourself without brows for one second. Something will look odd; your face will be rather blank! Your face tells how your eyebrows should be and the technique to decypher 'this message' is called face mapping. Face mapping allows you to find where your eyebrow should naturally start, arch and stop.

To practice it, you will need a mirror and a brush with a thin handle, plus a spoolie brush and an eye pencil. Then a sturdy pair of tweezers to get the work done.

How To Face Map Step-by-Step

Ph. cottonbro, Pexels

Start with makeup-free and brushed-up eyebrows. Sit straight in front of a mirror with your brush and pencil at the ready.

1. Place the handle of your makeup brush - or alternatively an eye pencil - parallel your nose. Where the handle meets the inner corner of your nose, that is the starting point of your eyebrows. You can mark this first point with a light coloured eye pencil.
2. To determine where your eyebrow should arch, point the handle of your brush in the outer corner of your nose to form an angle. Keep looking straight ahead. The handle will draw a line crossing the centre of your iris, follow this line and mark your second point.
3. Now, always from the outer corner of your nose, place the brush diagonally. The handle will reach the outer corner of your eye, there is where your eyebrow should fade to stop. Mark this third point.
4. Use these three points to pluck what grows beyond the imaginary contour. Use tweezers with a comfortable grip like Rubis Gold Slant Tweezers (£22.50).

Rubis Gold Slanter Tweezers

Bobbi Brown once said 'Rubis is the Ferrari of tweezers'. Tweezers should be an investment for years to come. If you are sick and tired of cheap, a-couple-of-use-only pair of tweezers, this is the tool your beauty kit is missing.

Ph. Anthony Shkraba, Pexels

The temptation to get rid of every stray facial hair may still feel very strong at this point. Start gradually with your professional tweezers until you are pleased with the result and see your face harmoniously shaped.

The colder weather only means one thing for the skin; extra work… 

Ph. Sora Shimazaki, Pexels

Many people find they struggle with their skin more in the winter due to the cold weather drawing out moisture. This often results in a dash to the shops and nearly always, a hefty bill. 

Fashions Finest has put together a collection of tried and tested affordable skincare saviours bound to take precedence in your collection this winter. From tackling hair removal to treating yourself to a nourishing overnight mask, these skincare essentials will help you through the frosty months of winter.

Embryolisse, Lait-Crème Concentre (£13)

This winter, treat your skin to the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre. A cult-favourite, the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre is enriched with essential fatty acids and vitamins. This 5-in-1 lotion helps to not only restore harmony where there is imbalance but also nourish areas of dryness and protects your complexion from environmental aggressors. The lotion is light in texture and absorbs quickly leaving no residue and making it perfect for all skin types. Doubling as a multi-functional product that can also be used as a hydrating face mask, skin is left feeling plumped, soothed and hydrated. 

COSRX, Ultimate Moisturising Honey Overnight Mask (£23)

Why not try the COSRX Ultimate Moisturising Honey Overnight Mask formulated with propolis extract known for its healing properties. This luxurious and effective skincare treatment works as you sleep to nourish and hydrate which is perfect for anyone whose skin is more irritated during the winter months. Enriched with a potent blend of propolis extract and natural beeswax, the formula restores vital moisture to the complexion for a softening and brightening effect, as well as soothing any redness or irritation. It can also be used as a wash-off mask or simply as a cream to impart visible radiance and health to the skin. 

SOS Serum (from £5)

The answer to sensitive skin just became our answer to winter skin. SOS Serum is the perfect product for those whose skin is dry or irritated, as it works to heal and soothe skin that has been irritated by environmental aggressors. This face and body treatment is highly moisturising to dry skin and great for soothing sensitive skin. Doubling nicely as a miracle product, this serum is quick and effective for managing allergic flare-ups as well as treating and soothing cuts, bites, plant & insect stings and minor burns.

Freshly Cosmetics, Red Velvet Oil Serum (£35)

This powerful and innovative oil-serum uses 15 plant-derived oils to treat wrinkles, expression lines, scars, blemishes, redness, inflammation, irritation, and eczema. Its 100% natural, the oil-based formula makes it the perfect skincare swap this winter, as it treats blemishes and scars, without irritating or drying the skin.

Sugar Coated, Full Body Hair Removal Kit (£12.99)

Hair removal is not just for summer! The cruelty-free, vegan wax from Sugar Coated removes your hair easily and effectively. With results lasting longer the more often you wax, it is essential to keep up waxing in the winter months. The sugar wax is completely water-soluble as well as easy to use and mess-free. The kit comes complete with wax strips that can be washed and reused leaving you with a salon-quality sustainable treatment every time. Sugar Coated full body hair removal kit is instantly biodegradable and all packaging is fully recyclable. 

Tan-Luxe, Hydra Mousse Hydrating Self-Tan Mousse (£35)

For anyone who enjoys a bronzed glow all year round, Tan-Luxe hydrating fake-tan mousse will be your new favourite- especially in the colder months! The tan is scientifically formulated for super-fast absorption to deliver a believable, natural-looking tan while increasing skin’s moisture levels. Featuring skincare grade vitamins B5, C and E and raspberry seed oil, the light formula bestows an undetectable golden glow within 4-6 hours making you ready for any event throughout the winter. 

Dark circles are a common cosmetic problem. This skin concern occurs frequently and in all age ranges due to our hectic lifestyle, but what causes them? Above all, can they be eliminated effectively, once and for all?

Ph. Ron Lach, Pexels

In this blog, we are going to shed some 'light' on dark circles and know more about the problem and how aesthetic medicine can solve it.

What Causes Dark Circles?

Ph. Andrea Piacquadio, Pexels

Dark circles can appear in two ways in the undereye area. On the one hand, they may be a periorbital hyperchromia, known as 'dark circles'. On the other hand, they usually appear by marking the bone of the orbit of the eye, leaving a sunken and marked groove under the eyes. These two types of dark circles can appear together or separately, and they have different causes.

The factors behind dark circles can be:

• Lack of sleep. This is the most common of the known causes. When the body does not sleep the hours it needs to recover, dark circles appear.
• Tiredness. It is directly related to the previous cause, although they do not always occur simultaneously.
• Stress. Nowadays, this is one of the most common factors. Our lifestyle is becoming more and more frantic, causing the body not to have enough energy. Therefore, stress favours the appearance of fatigue and dark circles.
• Genetics. Family history always plays an important role in the appearance of certain aesthetic problems, including dark circles.
• Excess sun. Excess exposure to sunlight and radiation makes the skin age prematurely and contributes to the appearance of dark circles.
• Age. Although it is not a determining factor, it can influence this skin concern.
• Food. A diet rich in salt can encourage these unsightly spots to appear under the eyes, sometimes accompanied by bags.

Aesthetic Treatments VS Dark Circles

Ph. João Jesus, Pexels

There are many DIY and homemade hacks to treat dark circles, of course. However, both types of dark circles can be treated with aesthetic medicine. A previous diagnosis is always essential; hence, before starting any treatment, you should go to a qualified aesthetic doctor.

The main aesthetic therapy involves hyaluronic acid. This facial filler is used with great success to fill in deep lines and also dark circles. An even and smooth skin make a youthful look. Hyaluronic acid treatments conceal the orbital sockets of the eyes and give luminosity to your gaze. This treatment is one of the star techniques for dark circles, although it is not the only one. It is necessary to highlight that hyaluronic acid has multiple beneficial properties for the dermis but does not change the colour of the skin, so it is not suitable to treat dark circles hyperpigmentation. Despite this, it does illuminate the area by filling sunken dark circles with volume, thus achieving an optical effect of luminosity and vitality.

Other treatments such as peeling or laser are usually used to treat excess shadow of the dark circles. For this reason, it is essential to go to an expert in aesthetic medicine to determine the best treatment in each case.

In the scenographic surroundings of St John's in Hyde Park, Fashions Finest's editorial team had a privileged sight on current trends and next Spring/Summer beauty forecast.

Nail art by Julie Bryan & team. Images by V. Chirico

Fashions Finest followed the makeup, hair styling and nail art teams during its LFW showcase to explore this season's most buzzed beauty trends. We had a look at what we should expect for next season, all in the making of the show.

A good old flick through popular magazines would be enough to stay up-to-date with the latest trends. What if you could have a close encounter with the style-makers and learn from the experts? Fashions Finest followed the teams led by Michelle Strain, Julie Bryan, and Amy Tasker on this mission. We popped behind the scenes during Fashions Finest's London Fashion Week event for a preview of next Spring/Summer trends and steal the best for your autumnal look straight from the catwalk.

SS22: a 20s' touch with finger waves. Amy Tasker & team.

The warmer season will see sweet hairstyles doing their come back. 'I would expect to see volumised bouffants with textured raw hair keeping the hair feeling and looking natural, sleek wet hair with styled baby hair on the forehead giving a fresh youthful appearance and finger waves to create the 1920s' glamorous timeless appeal' says Amy Tasker, lead hairstylist.

Streetstyle and low-maintenance updos are totally in these autumn and winter months, helping us to be ready in a snap. In fact, 'the 70's shaggy look is back with the grown out middle-parted bangs and invisible layers. Box braids are really popular right now as well as random plaits throughout the hair', continues Amy.

If you feel it is time to make a change with a new hair colour, pick yours from the warm palette of the moment. 'The seasons most anticipated colours are Caramel, Honey and Gold adding more warmth into the hair. For brunettes, it's definitely Espresso and Chocolate creating more of richer look and image.' This is the expert's advice.

Whether is autumn or springtime, the very essential for your makeup look is within you: 'I think always - for every season - is just a really good skin', international makeup artist from AOFM London Michelle Strain recommends. 

SS22 makeup: bright colours. Makeup by Michelle Strain & AOFM team

The makeup seems to reflect the natural colour surrounding us, as Michelle continues: 'I think we are definitely going to get more, richer colours like very bright lips with deeper tones.'

In Spring/Summer 22, the inspiration for your makeup is just outside the window with 'pastels, beautiful pretty blossom type of colours, because this is obviously what comes through with the clothing. Nice pastel pinks, peachies, blues for the eyes. Just really nice, pretty colours.'
If the next season's colour scheme comes from Mother Nature and our refreshed wardrobe, you need to know that 'definitely just a nice, glow, fresh healthy skin is always the way forward'.'

In winter/autumn nails tinge in sobriety. Julie Bryan, celebrities nail technician notices that 'people wear a lot of black in the autumn and winter. So I think the colour scheme, what we've done here today, will match autumn/winter and spring/summer. So we've got nudes: nude is going to be big as well. Loads of nudes.' As the days brighten up, so your nails do with 'a lot of neons again. They started to creep back in just as we went into lockdown. Lots of bright colours, which will be showcased in all fashion week.'

The models were sporting a rainbow of neons paired with gemstones applied as finger jewels. Without glue and rhinestones, this nail art is the idea to steal if you have some spare time for it! 'We've done the nails on the trend, so you have different neons on each end of the nail, painstakingly done', proudly points out Julie.

Every season has its colour but also its shapes too! This Autumn/Winter sees a drastic - very welcomed - change: 'coffins - some people call it coffins, some people call it 'ballerina' - that sort had its day, the nail trend that a lot of celebrities is going for is coming away from the acrylics and going more for the natural nail look.'

The beauty of nail art is in its everchanging nature, like the weather in the UK: 'the trend with nail art changes monthly, basically, so we had the mirror nails come and go, the chrome nails come and go. So it's using your own knowledge and your artistry... Just go with the flow! Don't make it too hard.'

Go with the flow, embrace natural shades and an effortless approach to hairstyling. Could you believe the catwalk was radiating so much naturalness?

More from our LFW behind the scenes? Follow Fashions Finest on Instagram.