Getting into the swim(wear) of things this summer

Dear Rissa, 

Summer is here and I’m clueless as to what kind of swimwear would enhance my body and hide my flaws. I’m petite and quite flat-chested. What swimwear can I wear so I can look sexier and maybe taller? Hope you can show some pictures.

Alona

 Women with a small bust should look for tops with a touch of padding, an underwire, or a semi-bra style. But make sure the padding isn’t larger than your chest. A top with adjustable straps at the shoulders and around the back helps you tighten and adjust things, to help give an extra “lift” and fill out the top. Avoid swimsuits in solid colors with no padding. Instead, try a patterned suit. Bright colors, prints, and graphic designs tend to look very attractive on people who are small on the top and can make a difference to your appearance. Any kind of ornamentation like ruffles can also give the illusion of a larger bust. Visual trimmings like these add dimension and visually increase your bust size.

 With your petite height, play up your figure by finding a suit that is cut high on the thigh. This will make your legs look much longer. Vertical stripes are another illusion as they can visually lengthen the body. Another trick is to wear a solid bottom bikini with a printed top. This will draw the eye upward and give you a longer look. Avoid boy shorts and skirted bikini bottoms as they draw the eye downward and can make you look shorter.

 Check out the Gap 2010 Swim Collection (stores located at SM Mall of Asia, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, TriNoma Mall, Glorietta 4, Bonifacio High Street, Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, and Robinsons Place Manila).  It’s perfect for any woman who wants to look taller and sexier. The collection features classic lines with playful prints. Their ruffled tops, polka dot and plaid prints help add oomph to your chest. You can also easily mix and match the plaid and polka dot patterns for a fun two-piece look. Another reason to love it — Gap’s new fit features more coverage in the right places and removable pads in most of the tops. If you aren’t comfortable wearing a two-piece bikini, go for Gap’s essential halter one-piece, which features a slimming leg shape and halter pads for extra padding and coverage. A solid one-piece suit with a plunging neckline like this creates a continual, long appearance and is absolutely drop-dead sexy to boot.

Rissa

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Pink And Pretty And Young

Dear Lucy,

In a Hollywood show on TV, they were talking about a new color for the lips that is in vogue. I only know it is pink, but I did not catch what kind of pink it is. In The Sweet Life, lately you are also wearing a pink shade a lot that I really like. Can you share with me what brand it is please?

Another question: Why does my powder look so cakey by the end of the day? How can I retouch but keep it looking light and fresh?

Emilia

You are right, pink is wonderfully it now in as far as lipcolor goes. It is young and pretty, and makes the lips look luscious. Generally, what you should be looking out for is a bright pink that falls just a tad short of being called fuchsia. Think a more vibrant bubblegum color. The one I use is by MAC, called Pink Nouveau. I love it. To achieve the look, do not put gloss over, it is nicer when it is matte with just a hint of satin. It would be best to deposit and layer the pigments, which you do by swiping the tube on your lips, and then blotting it with tissue. Repeat three times. Your lips will look lovely.

For your face powder, there is a basic trick I do as taught to me by Wilma Doesnt. When your face becomes oily, use oil blotter or facial absorbent paper first to take out the oil (I use Prescribe from Bench, I am never without a pack of it) and only then should you pat on a new, thin layer of powder. Better yet, if before that you can refresh with facial water spray. By doing these seemingly small steps, you are actually ensuring that your pores do not get clogged because of trapped oil.

Lucy

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Jolly Good Pillow For Expectant Moms

Dear Ms. Tingting, 

I will be attending my boss’ baby shower in April. I want to give her a present that will help ease the sleeping problem she’s now having on her eighth month of pregnancy. Her tummy’s kinda heavy and she told us she’s having a hard time finding a good position when lying in bed. I am looking for a gadget that answers to her particular need. Could you help me please?

Diana

Look for the Sensomemory Wedge Pillow at Baby & Co. in SM Makati or in Rockwell.

This wedge-shaped pillow fits snugly between the belly and the mattress when lying sideways to provide better sleep for expectant mothers.

Tingting

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Send e-mail to tingtingcojuangco@yahoo.com, ltg@pldtdsl.com, and stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com.