Of course, the con did not last long. My being low-main-tenance and naïve didn’t, either. These days, it’s all about having the right wardrobe for the next two sweltering hot months, moseying to the right locations and of course having the right arsenal in the right summer bag. (This summer it’s the ultra-cute custom-made Shiseido terry purse.)
El Nido’s resorts in Miniloc and Lagen island have always been one of my favorite locations for summer. Northern Palawan, where the two islands are located, boast massive limestone coves and clear turquoise water. The two island resorts have different atmospheres. Miniloc provides a more rustic experience, while Lagen is more continental and modern.
In both resorts for one leisurely weekend, Shiseido hosted a luxe vacation/ slumber party for all beauty pundits (in my case, hack/whore) to experience
Shiseido Sun products. The Shiseido Refreshing Sun Protection Spray with SPF 16 is a major favorite and staple since it provides cooling protection for both hair and body. Other must-haves are the Soothing After Sun Gel and the Brilliant Bronze Self Tanning Emulsion by Shiseido.
I asked the kikay experts what their essential summer beauty products were and here is my annual roundup once again:
Donna Faylona, product manager, Luxasia cosmetics division (exclusive distributor of Shiseido)
Summer essentials: Sunscreen, a hat and a great tan.
Secret trick for sunburns? Slather on After Sun Soothing Gel or Emulsion to calm over-exposed skin.
Tanning tactics? Apply Self-Tanning Gel or Emulsion about three days before going to the beach – this helps protect your skin from sunburn; then apply sunscreen generously throughout the day. I find that you get a more golden tan with sunscreen, as opposed to using a tanning oil or no sunscreeen protection at all.
Tanning arsenal: Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Self-Tanning Gel or Emulsion for the body, and Self-Tanning Cream for the face.
Fave summer destination? El Nido, Palawan.
Summer look this year? Golden perfection – sheer bronze makeup with light-pink lips.
Summer luxuries? A trip to El Nido!
Summer makeup: Bronze face powders, shimmery gold eyeshadow and super-shiny sheer lip gloss!
Underrated summer product: After-sun soothing lotions
Shiseido Sun must-have: Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion (SPF 50) for extreme sun conditions, Gentle Sun Protection Lotion (SPF 19) for every day, Sun Protection Liquid Foundation (SPF 43),Multi Shade Enhancer in Summer Glow, Sheer Lip Gloss G16 in Pink Sand , Eyeshadow Quad Q4 in Sun and
Sand.
Summer essentials: Bikini with matching coverup, iPod Mini, the latest magazine, a floppy hat/head scarf, oversized sunglasses, a beach satchel for all my suncare products.
Secret trick for sunburns? A mild, light body exfoliator to avoid peeling and an after-sun cooling moisturizer to replenish the skin, like Shiseido’s After Sun Cooling Gel.
Tanning tactics? I keep a beach bag of post-tanning essentials and makeup for a sun-kissed look, complete with eye, cheek and body bronzers for glowing skin. I can fake my tan just in case I didn’t get enough sun.
Tanning arsenal? All my tanning essentials for an easy suntan. First, I apply a waterproof protective sun-care cream or lotion with a reasonably high SPF for UVA/UVB protection (better safe than sorry). Then apply a mild tanning milk, then follow up with a rich suntanning oil and replenish witha cooling spray that’s non-greasy. After-care includes a cleansing oil to rinse out all creams and oils applied throughout the day and a finishing nourishing oil with SPF for tanned skin. For the face, an oil-free moisturizer with a high SPF reapplied throughout the day and a sun-care spray for my colored hair.
Fave summer destination? Lagen, El Nido; soon the South of France.
Summer look this year? The boho vibe: a Melissa Odabash bikini or BCBG Max Azria bikini, a black crocheted bikini, a floppy hat or silk scarf for headgear, Nepalese patchwork skirts from Illu, gypsy skirts, colorful long Talitha Getty-inspired caftans or shorter printed tunics, exotic bangles worn by the dozen.
Summer luxuries? Castaner wedge espadrilles.
Summer makeup? Tinted moisturizer with a reasonably high SPF, a moist eye cream or concealer, lip balm with SPF, cheek gel and lip tint, waterproof mascara.
Underrated summer products? A cooling water mist for face and body! Aqua socks for El Nido action – Havaianas won’t suffice.
Shiseido sun must-have? I super-duper love the Ultimate Cleansing Oil, the Cooling Sun Spray for hair and body and the Sun Protection Liquid Foundation which is very water-resistant – winner!
Summer essentials: Water, shades, sunblock and a tan.
Secret trick for sunburns? With good sun protection you shouldn’t get a sunburn.
Tanning tactics? A wide-brimmed hat, shades and high SPF on the face (50 and above) and shoulders. And medium (15 to 20) SPF on the body. Reapply! Also, a good after-sun cream is key.
Tanning arsenal: Roc or Avene tinted sunblock for face, Shiseido 34 for the body, water, Bailey’s shake or margarita and a stack of magazines.
Fave summer destination? Any beautiful beach or island. So far this summer it’s been the amazing Apo reef in Mindoro and Lagen in El Nido with its spectacular islands, lagoons and sandbars.
Summer look this year? Cropped pants or bermudas, tunic tops, espadrilles and a straw bag.
Summer luxuries? Manolo’s thong sandals beaded with coral, embellished kurtas and cover-ups.
Summer makeup: Sun-protection foundation, bronzing powder, lip gloss and gold shimmer dry oil.
Underrated summer product: Water, water, water!
Shiseido Sun must-have: Shiseido After Sun Cooling Gel
Summer essentials: Bikini, iPod, sunglasses, flip-flops and a good read.
Secret trick for sunburns? I don’t have one! For me, prevention is the best cure. When I’m not so lucky, I just grin and bear it.
Tanning tactics? Start with sun protection. It’s a must so as not to get burned, and should be reapplied conscientiously. (Remember: SPF x 10 = amount of time you can bake before reapplying.) Over it, I layer tan amplifier. When in Bora and coconut oil’s within reach, I add that on too for a great golden glow.
Tanning arsenal: Sun protection, tan amplifier, and my iPod to keep my mind off the heat.
Fave summer destination? I think there’s no better place to be than the Philippines during summer. It’s a toss-up between Bora, Palawan, Bohol and Camiguin.
Summer look this year? All white and boho luxe are my favorites.
Summer luxuries? Traveling, manicures and pedicures, piña coladas (calorie-heavy but so yummy at the beach).
Summer makeup: Foundation with SPF, bronzer, bronze and gold-hued eyeshadows, waterproof mascara and lip gloss.
Underrated summer product: Coconut oil
Shiseido Sun must-have: Shiseido Refreshing Sun Protection Spray for Body/Hair SPF 16 – I can’t rave about this one enough. I love it!
Summer essentials: SPF for face, body and hair, big shades, digital camera, a good book, portable music player, and a stash of magazines.
Secret trick for sunburns? Zap parched skin with cold water in the shower, then smooth on an after-sun cooling product. Wear something comfy to bed and make sure sheets are clean and super-soft to avoid scratching tender skin.
Tanning tactics? Layer on your SPF and tanning products to get the "safest" bake. Before heading out, smooth on an SPF 30 all over (this acts as your "base" coat), then apply tanning oil to give you a nice glow while you’re out sunning.
Tanning arsenal: SPF 30 lotion, tanning oil and a leave-on hair product while I fry; an after-sun gel, body oil and deep conditioner for when I’m back indoors; and self-tanner to make my golden glow last way after a beach trip!
Fave summer destination? It used to be Bora but after my recent trip to El Nido’s Lagen and Miniloc, hands down I’m loving Palawan! You can go island-hopping, discover beautiful lagoons while you kayak, explore a sunlit cave, rock-climb, snorkel – the works!
Summer look this year? Super-fresh, makeup-free skin paired with perfectly groomed brows (not too thin), curled lashes, flushed cheeks and soft lips.
Summer luxuries? Great skincare products (cleanser, toner, moisturizer, essence and SPF) so you can get away with not having to wear any makeup – if ever, just blush and gloss.
Summer makeup: Tinted moisturizer, eyelash curler, lip balm with SPF, lip gloss, cheek stain
Underrated summer products: Prickly-heat powder, a nail brush for toes and a small waterproof tote.
Shiseido Sun must-have: Brilliant Bronze Quick Self-Tanning Gel!
Summer essentials: A good summer book. It must be easy to read, amusing, and somewhat silly. A good summer tote for lugging around stuff and lots of ice-cold water. Of course, friends to go on a road trip with, and a tan!
Secret trick for sunburns? Aloe for cooling, then a good moisturizer applied liberally on the burnt area. Apply the moisturizer as often as you can.
Tanning tactics? It’s all about timing! If you want to tan, do it at the right time: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 4 p.m. onwards. Stay out of the sun at high noon. Make sure you have a big glass of water around for rehydration. Use sun protection for your lips and hair. Never, ever fall asleep in the sun.
Tanning arsenal: Before tanning, I like to exfoliate with a brown sugar and extra virgin coconut oil scrub. Then, first layer: sun block, usually SPF 20. Tanning oil on top of that. Separate sun block for the face (usually SPF 30).
Fave summer destination? Pulo near Pagbilao,Quezon.
Summer look this year? Natural fibers like cotton or linen. Embroidered Indian shirts. Metallic flats. High ponytail and homemade seed-pearl necklace in baby pink.
Summer luxuries? The coldest fresh buko juice you can find, new lip gloss, and summer music.
Summer makeup: For cheeks, a peach-toned blush with gold flecks. For lips, a neutral lipgloss. The eye makeup just melts off, but always make sure to groom the eyebrows.
Underrated summer product: Baby cologne for instant cooling down and freshness. Baby Bench has a great selection, and Lemon Drop is my favorite. Also, facial absorbent paper to blot away all traces of grease on my T-zone. Lastly, a nice Spanish fan to drive away the tropical heat.
Shiseido Sun must-have: After a day under the sun, Shiseido’s After Sun
Cooling Gel is the best. Smooth it on after a cool shower. It is non-sticky, fragrance-free, and absolutely soothing.
Summer essentials: Extra-strength sunblock, anti-cellulite cream, anti-shine powder, body powder and citrus-scented cologne.
Secret trick for sunburns? I apply vinegar on the affected area if I run out of cooling lotion. Before sleeping at night I make sure I take a shower and apply lots of cooling lotion or body butter on my very damp skin. This allows the skin to remain moist and elastic. Never go to bed dry or you will wake up in pain.
Tanning tactics? I avoid getting dark by applying sunblock of at least SPF 50 about 30 minutes before I go under the beach sun. I make it a point to look for sublocks that have titanium and zinc oxide to ensure protection from both UVA and UVB rays. I reapply every three hours.
Tanning arsenal: Non-existent (Kinny is the porcelain queen!).
Fave summer destination? Boracay, Palawan and Australia (where it is winter and I actually come back lighter).
Summer look this year? Lots of whites and pastel clothes. Light make-up and lip gloss instead of lipstick. Focal point is blush!
Summer luxuries? Highlights, bikini waxing, manicures and pedicures.
Summer makeup: Gel blush, lip gloss with SPF of at least 15, and oil-free liquid founda-tion with an SPF.
Underrated summer product: Ponytail holder Shiseido Sun must-have: SPF 43+ liquid foundation, SPF 50 face and body sunblock.