18/06/2025

LYFE WEDNESDAY | JUNE 18, 2025

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Hiding dark circles o Try bronzer instead of concealer to erase signs of tiredness

I N the world of beauty, TikTok has become a melting pot of the most surprising tricks and trends. A popular trick involves using bronzer on dark circles instead of the usual concealer. This hack, which is all the rage among makeup fans, promises a brighter, more natural complexion. But it is not to everyone’s taste. The idea is simple: apply bronzer rather than concealer to dark circles for a healthy-glow effect. The trend was brought to the fore by TikTok user @sierracannon, and has racked up millions of views. In her video, we see the TikToker comparing her dark circles after applying bronzer on one side and concealer on the other. Unlike concealer, which can sometimes appear too thick or artificial, bronzer offers lighter coverage and adds a touch of warmth to the face. The idea is based on colour theory. Bronzer, often in a warmer shade, neutralises blue and violet tones under the eye, not to mention dark circles for some people, while avoiding the mask-like effect that concealer can cause. What is more, bronzers reflect light in a way that can give the illusion of brighter, healthier skin. You do not have to be a professional to try this trend. Opt for a shade that is slightly darker than your natural skin tone, but avoid shades that are too orange. Use a brush, sponge or your fingers to apply the THE first Birkin bag that was designed by French luxury brand Hermes for actress Jane Birkin in 1984 will be auctioned in Paris on July 10, auction house Sotheby’s recently said. The large black leather tote, whose design went on to become one of the most famous and expensive bags in the world, will be the centrepiece of the “Fashion Icons” sale, the auction house said. This “historic, handcrafted prototype”, engraved with the initials J.B., has several unique features, Sotheby’s said, including closed metal rings, non-detachable shoulder strap and a built-in nail clipper. The birth of the Birkin bag has become a modern fashion legend. During a Paris–London flight, the Anglo-French singer and actress – who died in 2023 – complained to a fellow traveller about not being able to find a bag suited to her needs as a young mother. That fellow passenger happened to be Jean-Louis Dumas, then head of Hermes. The result of their conversation was a spacious tote with room for baby bottles, created in 1984 and named the Birkin. 40 years later, the leather handbag has become the flagship product of the luxury French leather goods maker. Produced in very limited numbers, it maintains an aura of exclusivity, with prices ranging from several thousand euros for the simplest models to several hundred thousand for the most luxurious. Beloved by celebrities including Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham, the bags are not displayed in shops and cannot be ordered online. The prototype Birkin was exhibited at Sotheby’s in New York early this month and will be put on

Highlighters can help brighten the under-eye area.

bronzer, while others report a “black eye” effect under the eye when trying it out. However, other TikTokers said to get the best results, you need to use bronzer as a colour corrector, then add concealer, rather than trying to use it as a concealer. So, with or without a drop of concealer, applying bronzer to dark circles is a simple, brightening way to hide any signs of tiredness and add a summery touch to your makeup. – ETX Studio

Bronzers can give the illusion of brighter, healthier skin. – PICS FROM PEXELS

bronzer in light dabs under the eyes and even on the eyelids, taking care to blend well to avoid lines. While this new hack has found its

fans, it is also drawing criticism. In the comments posted under the video, some users said that the side with concealer looks better, while

others say that the bronzer makes her look tired, while concealer wakes up and brightens the skin. Some users said they prefer the result with

First Birkin bag to be auctioned in Paris

Kenya’s plus-size fashion show says ‘big is beautiful’

Nyamama, spoke of the sneers she has faced when performing. “I have encountered so many problems... people are like ‘Yo big mama, what are you going to do there, you cannot dance, get off the stage’,” she said. “But I am here portraying... not just any beauty, not just plus-size beauty, but the African beauty in me,” added Odire, who swayed her hips on the runway in a leopard-skin skirt. Coming from all walks of Kenyan society, the models did not have this level of confidence when they started training in March. “They were very timid about their body sizes,” recalled Walcott, adding that there was now a “huge difference”. The fashion show addresses health issues but also focuses on “accepting curvy women” and “celebrating their appearance by blending it with fashion due to the difficulty they face finding clothes,” said Walcott. Walcott created the show to honour her own mother – so she could “see herself as beautiful.” “You see how big I am, I really hated my body, but she really encouraged me,” said Walcott’s mother Seline Aoko, speaking at the fruit stall in Kisumu where she works. “Big is beautiful!” – AFP

IN African wax print dresses and tight-fitting evening wear, the “plus-size” models strutted up the runway in Kisumu, western Kenya, in a special event designed to celebrate the beauty of larger women. Started nine years ago, the East Africa Plus Size Fashion Affair is, according to founder Winnie Wenga Walcott, the only event of its kind in Kenya despite the fact the region “has mostly really plump women”. “We have seen the media really trying to focus on a certain body type of women. And in so doing, this has really affected their self-esteem,” she said. In front of more than 300 screaming spectators, a dozen amateur models walked and danced their way along the catwalk. Unlike traditional haute couture shows, there was a lot of smiling. Among them was Oprah Odhiambo, a Kenyan entrepreneur, who wanted to show that “plus size can do what the petite can do, so I feel joyous.” “There are those plus-size women who are in hiding because they are afraid that people will body shame them,” she said, adding that she hopes the show will make them reassess their self-image. Singer and model Rosemary Odire, stage name Nyakusa

The bag is named after actress Birkin, who complained to Dumas about finding a suitable carryall as a young mother. – PICS FROM INSTAGRAM @SOTHEBY’S

A model gets her makeup done during the East African Plus Size Fashion

The first Birkin bag will go under the hammer at Sotheby’s on July 10.

including Christian Dior, John Galliano, Thierry Mugler and Alexander McQueen. Bidding will open online on June 26 and close on July 10. – AFP The prototype has a few distinct features, including initials of the actress it was designed for.

show in the French capital before the sale. In addition to the Birkin bag, the Sotheby’s sale will feature iconic runway pieces from designers

Affair in Kisumu, Kenya. – AFPPIC