Unique Beauty

Pinch test for dark circles

Watching Bambi Does Beauty’s video on Instagram was a game-changer for how I approached caring for my undereye area. Not all dark circles are created equal, and causes can range from genetic bone structure to ageing, thin skin, and hyperpigmentation.

The pinch test can help you figure out what’s causing yours. Very gently pinch the skin under your eyes with two fingers. If the darkness disappears, then it’s likely that it’s being caused by the appearance of blood vessels under thin skin. If the darkness stays, it’s more likely to be hyperpigmentation.

Brush your teeth before your skincare routine

One of the beauty tips you’ll wish you knew sooner if you suffer from acne, dryness or redness around your mouth and chin, is to brush your teeth before you do your skincare routine. As beauty enthusiast and content creator Royce Watson explains, toothpaste residue can remain and irritate the skin after brushing your teeth.

Richard Lipari, DDS, cosmetic and general dentist in New York, also agrees. “Everyone’s skin is different, so the degree to which the skin may be affected depends on the person. You should always wash your face after brushing your teeth.”

Use lip liner for a longer-lasting look.
Lip liner is an easy way to make your lip color last all day. "Make sure you sharpen the pencil first for precise application," recommends makeup artist Laramie. "And always choose a color that will match your lipstick — the undertones should be the same."

Use a diffuser for more defined curls.
Taking your blowdryer at face value is a big mistake if you're a curly girl. If you're sick of frizz and heat damage, it's time to try a diffuser, which is "a blowdryer attachment that minimizes a lot of the frizz that comes when curly hair is naturally air dried," explains hairstylist Britt White.

Twirling your hair, then plopping it into the diffuser attachment, and blowdrying it on low can make all the difference.

Fix a broken nail with a teabag.
We've all had it happen: Just when you've finally grown out your nails so they're healthy, strong, and all the same length, you get a snag. But don't reach for the scissors right away — a teabag plus a little nail glue is the perfect fix. Wait a few minutes and you'll be ready for some nail art once more.

Apply blush according to your face shape.
When applying blush, using your bone structure as your guide will give you the most flattering look. For example, oval face shapes should start the application on the cheekbones, sweeping lightly up the temples.

Make blush the ultimate multi-tasker.
Streamline your makeup look by using a sheer watermelon blush (or whichever color is your perfect shade) on your eyes, lips, and cheeks.

Use face gloss for a natural-looking highlight.
Tired of your typical highlighter? Give face gloss a go. Rather than contouring your face, all you need to do is dab a little light-reflecting gloss along the tops of your cheekbones, on your brow bones, and in the center of your lips.

Pick an under eye concealer for your needs.
Got dark circles? Puffiness? Fine lines? Everyone's under eye issues are different, so be sure to take your skin concerns into consideration and pick the best concealer for the job.

Pick a blush hue that flatters your skin tone.
Blush can make your skin look radiant, but if you're using the wrong color, it can actually clash with your complexion.

Choose a blush formula based on your needs.
Understanding which type of blush you need can help you get the perfect results for your face. Powder formulas work great on folks with larger pores, while creams offer a dewy finish and last longer. Gels are great for a nice healthy glow but don't typically have high staying power, whereas stains are perfect for those who tend to sweat a lot.