The world of fashion, like it is in many other worlds is not a static one. Indeed, change has come to be known as the only static thing in this world. With the entry and exit of each year and the build-up into decades, beauty; lifestyle; and fashion have witnessed several phases of trends. While some trends are recurrent, others are new.
One of the most recent trends that have graced the world of fashion is the dark circle make-up accessory. It is one unexpected trend that has enjoyed wide acceptance, especially from celebrities. The beautiful part of this trend is its root.
The trend came to be as a way of lending a voice to women who suffer the condition. Originally, a dark circle is a source of insecurity for some women that have it. Most carriers engage the use of makeup for temporary coverage, for example under eye primer for wrinkles works well as both a concealer and moisturiser. Others apply different homemade and over-the-shelf remedies. With this trend is a possible change in the narrative.
Well, if you’re on the other side of the screen looking lost and wondering what dark circles even mean, then you shouldn’t feel alone. We’ll take a short break on this journey just for you. During the break, we’ll take a tour back in history to explain the whole concept of dark circles to bring you up to date with this trend and get your opinion of it.
Sit back while we enunciate the concept of dark circles.
What is a Dark circle?
A dark circle is a facial hyperpigmentation that discolors the skin right below the eyes. It is also called dark under-eye circles. This condition varies largely in severity and color. So, while some dark circles are caused by stress, lack of sleep, or diet patterns and hence short-lived, some others originate from heredity, allergies (like hayfever), and the natural aging process.
There is a large host of other causes that include aggressive touches around the eye, overproduction of melanin in the body, dermatitis, low amount of fatty tissues around the eyes, too much exposure to the sun, anemia caused by insufficient iron in the body, thyroid, smoking, insufficient water in the body, some overly powerful drugs for the eye.
Like earlier mentioned, the dark circle condition also varies along the lines of color shades. So, depending on your skin color, the dark circles may turn out in purple, blue, dark brown, or black shades. But generally, it is the darkening of the skin just below the eyes as a result of constricted blood vessels that go on to cause hyperpigmentation. Sometimes, it could come from the thinning of the skin around the eyes.
To better understand this, we will take a quick jog through the anatomy of the eyes. Ready?
The Anatomy of the Eye
To understand the way the eye works, it is best to understand its anatomy first. So ultimately, the facial skin is delicate. And when compared to the general skin on the body, it is designed with thinner fat. And as a result, it is more sensitive and responsive. The eyelid skin under the eyes then takes this thinness a level more as the thinnest skin in the body.
So naturally, the skin around the eye is one of the most delicate on the body. It irritates and reacts easily. Therefore, the further thinning of the skin results in the darkening of the skin.
Remedies for Dark Circle
Dark circle around the eye is not a very difficult condition to fight. In some cases, more sleep, rest, and a change in sleep patterns are all you need to fix the condition. But in other cases, any of these remedies will work• Cucumber slices on the eyes• Cold compress• Teabags. (Green tea, black tea, or herbal tea bags)• Skincare products with antioxidants• Vitamin E• Vitamin C• Caffeine• Vitamin A• Vitamin B3• Concealer makeup• Medical regiments as directed by your dermatologist.• Surgery
Having discussed the causes and remedies of dark circles, remember that that was not the initial goal. The goal is to get your opinion of the emerging dark circle beauty trend.
The Trend
The crux of this trend is to accentuate the skin below the eyes in whatever way possible. Some people go on to contour that area of the face. This would give them the look of an actual dark circle. While some others use different colors of shadows and jewel detailing for the under-eye skin. According to The Cut magazine, the trend started with a set of fashion-bold TikTok kids and was made popular by the likes of TikToker @abbyroberts and @saracarstens. According to @saracarstens, she hopped on the trend because she had genetically induced dark circles and could relate with the pain of other women who hid their dark circles. She recounted that the first makeup product she ever used was a concealer. But in hindsight, she regrets her insecurity and now embraces them. She hopes to help other people embrace their insecurities as she incorporates the look in her makeup collections.
Inarguably, the goal of this unique trend is for dark circles to become a once-upon-a-time fashion mishap. It started early this year 2021 and it is finding foot faster than imagined. Although this trend is not designed to suit your everyday look, it is definitely something to pull off to a red carpet event, gala night, fashion show, or just about any event. The more intense the under-eye outfit, the more vogue the look.
Conclusively, for the longest time, the eye has always been a major object of attention in makeup. Now, the under eyes are beginning to share in the spotlight. Celebrities, fashion icons, and big names (like Helen Mirren, budding model- Ella Emhoff, models at Daniela Gregis spring/summer 2022 fashion show, Lucia Pieroni, and a host of others within the industry) are already heralding the budding trend ahead of Spring 2022, are you prepared? What is your opinion? Any reservations? A nay or a yay?
