Dear Lucy,
I am looking for a thoughtful present for a mommy who already has everything and who just gave birth to a baby who also already has everything. Any suggestions?
Kate
The nice thing about recipients perceived to already have everything is that they are, more often than not, most appreciative of the smallest things. A thoughtful present, as you said, will go a long way. My suggestion is: How about a package of many little things instead of just one big thing? Anyone would be delighted to get a care package that would include latest issues of two or three of her favorite glossies, some pretty thing to delight the senses. For instance, something from Santa Maria Novella located at Rustan’s Makati — they have lovely old world soaps, scents, and potpourri that smell luxurious, to say the very least. I love that little shop and I can stay there a whole day and not get bored! And maybe something from VMV Hypoallergenics that both mommy and baby can use. I am a fan of their Grandma Minnie line (lovely packaging, too), especially their Oil’s Well Nurturing Do-It-Oil and The Big, Brave Boo-Boo Balm. The former can be used for moisturizing the skin, preventing diaper rash, for massages, to detangle hair, to clean wounds. The latter can help treat skin infections, insect bites, minor burns. As with all things to be used on babies though, always consult your pediatrician first.
Also, never give a gift without a handwritten, sincere note. It will tie everything together.
Lucy
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Sweat Talk
Dear rissa,
The summer heat has turned me into a sweat machine! To keep the shine away, I always retouch with face powder, but I end up looking super cakey. What should I do? I also bring my kikay kit with me wherever I go. But the hot weather melts all my makeup into a mess. Any suggestions?
Ttc
To fix your first problem, use blotting papers instead. These soak up excess oil and shine but don’t leave you with an unflattering cakey look. Try Clean & Clear Oil Control Film (available at leading department stores, drugstores, and personal care stores). I always have this with me in my bag. There’s no better way to easily control that unwanted shine, especially when you’re on the go. It instantly removes excess oil without smudging makeup. Another reason to love this is it absorbs only the excess oil on your face — it doesn’t strip off the skin’s natural moisture. Their true test: If you dip the product in water, it doesn’t get wet at all. But if you dip the product in water with oil, it will absorb only the oil from the water.
As for your makeup kit, keep it in the fridge overnight to prevent lip balms and lipsticks from melting. Doing this also protects lip pencils and eyeliners by keeping them sharp and easy to use. Plus, everything will stay cooler for longer once you leave the house.
Rissa
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Send e-mail to tingtingcojuangco@yahoo.com, ltg@pldtdsl.com, and stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com.