A softer alternative to black eyeliner

Dear Lucy,

I love wearing eyeliner, but my boyfriend says black is too severe. I thought it was just him, but when I asked my girlfriends, they all agreed! How can I lighten up a bit without having to give it up completely?

Aida

The good news is you can have the best of both worlds! In several shoots I’ve had over the past few months, when the look calls for eyeliner, not just a few makeup artists dip their brushes into colors other than black. They use everything from cobalt blue to olive green to eggplant. And surprise, they use gold powder on the lids! It really opens up the eyes even as it is dark and sexy because of the liner. Somehow the combination of gold and a color is fresh and sophisticated. Don’t be very perfect about it; just sort of brush everything in nonchalantly so the look is easy. The point of the liner should be softened between clean fingers so that it draws on in a smudgy way and the eyes will not look small. 

Lucy

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Deodorant That’s Safer and More Natural

Hi, Rissa,

I am an avid reader of your column and your beauty tips help. I am a mother of two boys and would like your best advice. I’m really concerned about the deodorants I use. You see, I’m a very active person so I tend to sweat a lot. I’ve tried deodorants, but none of them work on my underarms. I need one strong enough to prevent sweating and BO, but that can also whiten skin. Is there any deodorant that fits the bill?

Working Mom

Sweating is the body’s natural way of regulating temperature. Unfortunately, it often comes with wet underarms and body odor. Thus, deodorants and anti-perspirants come to our rescue — or so we think. Most underarm products sadly contain aluminum salts and parabens, both of which can be harmful. A form of metal, aluminum salts work by blocking the pores to prevent sweat from reaching the surface. They’re listed in the ingredients as aluminium chlorohydrate or aluminium zirconium. Parabens are preservatives found in deodorants, anti-perspirants, and other products such as shampoos, body lotions, and liquid soaps.

Many articles have been written linking both these ingredients to breast cancer. While there is no proof yet, applying a mix of chemicals on the underarms and around the breasts over the years can cause buildup and toxic overload. If you’re concerned about whitening your underarms, your deodorants and anti-perspirants laden with aluminum salts may be the culprit. Mixed with sweat, they cause your underarms to darken over time.

For a safer and more natural approach, try switching to The Body Shop’s DeoDry (available in roll-on or stick). This dry-effect deodorant does not contain aluminum salts or parabens and provides 24-hour protection. The Body Shop DeoDry’s unique blend of volcanic minerals in ultra-fine powder promises remarkable water absorption and dryness. DeoDry also contains a blend of essential oils that provide a natural anti-bacterial effect for odor control.

I was initially skeptical to try this but I decided to set aside my trusted deo for several days. The results were pleasantly surprising. Not only did this control sweat and odor wonderfully, it was easy to wash off, too. Yes, I hate the way some deodorants leave a residue that is hard to soap off. With DeoDry, I felt my underarm pores were no longer clogged and they did appear noticeably smoother. To see how awesome this new deodorant is, I asked my better half to try it. There is no better test to see how this fares than with sweaty men in the gym or on the court. His verdict? Dry and fresh, even after a long day. And my verdict after hugging him? Satisfied, naturally.

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The Skinny On Coconut Oil

Dear Tingting,

Would you recommend using coconut oil to moisturize hair?

Myles

It’s not surprising that many of the plants that provide medicinal remedies can cure. How else could indigenous people live longer?

Remember this: Coconut oil is a moisturizing remedy for the skin and hair. It penetrates the skin. Its triglycerides serves as a replacement for lipids lost to aging and dehydration in the skin’s barrier, according to Dr. Vermen M. Verallo-Rowell, author of Rx: Coconuts! (The Perfect Health Nut). Coconuts are rich in growth factors, including kinetin. It’s a plant hormone that promotes cell division to slow age-related changes in human skin cells. Additionally, the antibacterial monolaurins in coconut oil outperform isopropyl alcohol as an antiseptic, making it a soothing acne-fighter and non-drying natural alternative to Purell.

Coconut oil moisturizes and strengthens hair to stop breakage. Oily as it is, it prevents water and protein loss in the hair shaft.

Tingting

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