Dear Lucy,
In preparation for the holidays, I am in search of pretty, ready-to-wear dresses that don’t cost an arm and a leg. I want flowy frocks that are not sugary-sweet but are still very feminine.
I am also into the smoky-eye look and I am looking for a palette that will help me achieve that. I have been practicing for quite some time and I think I have the technique down pat.
I have also decided to really invest in my skin and although I do not have acne and/or marks, I feel I can really benefit from a treatment that will give my skin a radiance boost. Any ideas? - Marthena
I am loving now Laura Mercier’s fall 2007 makeup collection. Based on your letter, I have a strong feeling you will, too. The Eye Color Quads in Stormy come, true to its name, in the stormiest shades of gray and blue. I like this better than the usual black/brown combos because I find it softer and sexier, but just as intense. The quads come in Blue Sky (black with blue pearl, cobalt blue shimmer, peacock blue shimmer, and pale blue with white pearl) or Storm Cloud (black, grayer version of Margaux, shimmer version of Twilight Grey and Sparkling Dew). Complement it with the Kohl Eye Pencils in black gold, black navy, and black turquoise and the eyes will look just great. You have the option to smoke out just the lash line or the entire lid.
As far as dresses are concerned, you can check out Max Studio. They have the dreamiest dresses and the prices are fantastic. The clothes are of such good quality and fine workmanship that even at first glance, and more so when you fit it, you will know that you are getting more than your money’s worth. I will never tire of this brand; there is something to love about it in every collection. Each dress is a good buy because it really is for keeps.
For a more radiant complexion, try Imedeen Radiant Complexion. It is made specially for the skincare needs of women in their 20s and 30s to counter late-night partying and work stress, poor diet, and pollution — factors that lead to skin losing its glow and youth. It contains skin-revitalizing and renewal booster ingredients, like its exclusive Biomarine Complex, which works to improve the quality and structure of the skin, restoring its radiance, vitality and clarity. It also defends the skin against the early signs of aging.
Max Studio is available at Greenbelt and Laura Mercier and Imedeen are both available at Rustan’s Essenses. Lucy
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Can shaving cause armpits to darken?
Dear Rissa,
I started shaving a year ago and I think my armpits have darkened. Is that possible? Can shaving cause my armpits to darken? What should I do to get them whiter again? Please help! Emmy
According to dermatologist Dr. Clare Palabyab, your armpits can darken depending on how you shave. Normal shaving simply cuts off the hair and a little skin unavoidably comes off. But if you shave too hard and too closely, it’s not only hair you’re cutting off but some skin as well. This can sting and irritate the skin. It becomes red and inflamed so when it heals, it darkens like a wound. Don’t even think of scrubbing your armpits when bathing in an attempt to remove the unsightly discoloration. Doing so will make it more inflamed and eventually darker.
So how do you wake up from this dark nightmare? You can try over-the-counter whitening creams. These inhibit the formation of melanin, the pigment responsible for our skin’s color. You can also try ditching the blade and try switching to electric razors. They’re not as sharp so they don’t irritate the skin as much. On the other hand, I personally prefer the latest Gillette Mach razors. They provide a shave so clean and precise without the need to apply any pressure, providing a silky-smooth shave. Shaving creams and gels help a lot, too. They soften the hair, making the razor glide and slide as you shave. Simply said, that means less irritation. But if the skin on your armpits is already super-irritated and super-inflamed, give it a rest. Stop shaving for a day and skip the deodorant to lessen the irritation. Rissa
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RX for sagging skin
Dear Tingting,
I notice that my face is sagging! Before I reached my present age of 52, my cheekbones were plumper. They have lost their fullness now. They say it’s natural as one ages. Is that true? I’ve heard of procedures that fill up the face. Do you know where such treatments are available? Ehlit
Think of Restylane, the legendary antidote to fill up frown lines and plump up hollow cheekbones, lips, and fill in those deep grooves from the nose to the mouth that appear as we age. Fillers are tremendous tools in replacing the volume lost due to aging. With dermal fillers, the immediate effect is seen right after treatment but with temporary redness and swelling for a day. It’s still the gentler alternative to surgery. There are also fillers just for deep lines and creases, like Hylaform Plus. Ask your dermatologist, who can recommend the proper fillers or tightening procedure for sagging skin. Tingting
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Send e-mail to tingtingcojuangco@ yahoo.com, ltg@pldtdsl.com, and rissa_samson@yahoo.com.