It’s that time of the year again. Time to start thinking about how you’re really going to shine at all those seasonal social shindigs. If you want to look gorgeous (who doesn’t?) just remember to choose cosmetics with a whole lot of shimmer. Well, all things that glitter are cool because they embellish your best features. Plus, they are very versatile: Your office makeup can be paraded at clubs and even black-tie events.
So, here are some fabulous cosmetic buys that will have you looking like a shining star in no time:
| Sekkisei White Powder Wash |
Sekkisei, a Japanese brand by Kosé cosmetics, is known for skin whitening. Believe it or not, achieving porcelain complexion begins with washing the face. And there’s no better product to get snow-white skin than Sekkisei’s White Powder Wash (available at Essenses, Rustan’s for P1,250). Dig this: The powder completely turns into foam, leaving the skin clean, dull-free, moisturized and highly translucent. So, you get the Geisha look without the makeup, just bright skin with a soft, comfy sensation.
| Clarins Beauty Flash Balm |
A personal favorite and celebrity secret product, this floral, peachy-pink gel-cream gives the skin an obvious glow. Just use a thin layer in the morning and your skin will be moist in a flash. And if you’re suffering from a hung-over from last night’s partying, it gives the face a plumping punch that tightens and helps minimize fine lines and wrinkles. You won’t look that tired anymore, just more "awake." Besides, radiant skin is all you need. Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is totally a pick-me-up beauty treatment and is available at Clarins, Rustan’s for P1,600.
| Awake’s Limited Edition Satin Glam |
Transform your look from work to "wow" with an office-to-party makeover from Awake’s Stardom Collection Satin Glam Set. For P2,450, you get the waterproof- and humidity-proof Roll Curl Mascara that curls the lashes from root to tip. Then, the Satin Shine Powder is a palette of four pearly colors for the face that smoothly blends with the skin to create a satin radiance. To make the eyes more beautiful, the Satin Shine Eye Jelly in Thistle Bloom (lavender) will do the trick. The Volumizing Lip Gloss in Brandied Peach will make the lips luster like a brandied peach. Wait… For the nails, the Beige Couture nail lacquer has a 3D effect that makes the fingers look long and slim. Plus it comes in a red satin box with mirror. So now you could shimmer and shine with makeup that truly sparkles.
Looking for something utterly unique this Christmas? Well, La Prairie’s Silver Rain is a sophisticated fruity-floral fragrance that will complement the slinkiest of party dresses. It combines a sensual blend of rare and expensive essential oils that include luxurious top notes bergamot, fruity green apple and crushed coriander combined with a rich floral heart and long-lasting vanilla, agarwood and musk. Femme-fatales, be prepared to turn heads as this fragrance will last on the skin. Try the body cream also. I just love the silver bottle that’s shaped like a raindrop. For your humble abode, the scented candle creates a sensual mood of Silver Rain, available at Rustan’s Department Store.
| Lancôme’s Exclusive Makeup Artist |
For those who want the ultimate celebrity A-list look, have a makeover done by Abbygale Arenas-De Leon. This former supermodel of the Philippines (1992) and Bb. Pilipinas-Universe (1998) studied professional makeup at the Studio Makeup Academy in Hollywood and is now Lancôme’s exclusive makeup artist. She is like the local Gucci Westman (Lancôme’s international makeup artist) who transforms blank faces into gorgeous beauty queen looks. Plus, she also gives beauty workshops. For more information, call 632-0280 local 611.
So they say straight hair is out and curly hair is in. Think rocker chick or beatnik babe or bohemian lady. Texture is definitely in fashion. So, L’Oreal Professionel brings the Xtenso Digital Perm Machine. This is the opposite of re-bonding so instead of straightening the hair, you get alluring and sexy waves a la Gisele Bünchen. Simon Koh, a Digital Perm expert from Malaysia, was recently in Manila to train the local hairdressers on the latest digital perm and to show different techniques. Book an appointment at David’s Salon near you.
Yes, it’s oh-so easy look like sexy and glamorous for the festive season. Besides, it won’t take a million bucks. Just a lot of really great, cult beauty buys.
E-mail love-hate whatever things to becca_rodriguez@yahoo.com.