Dear Rissa,
I have been burnt out from work and haven’t been getting good sleep. My face looks tired, dull, and dry. Even my moisturizer doesn’t seem to work. I’m so busy that I don’t really have time to get facials. Any easy suggestions I can do at home? Pia Rivera
With a hectic sked and being busy with wedding preps, I’m no stranger to skin fatigue. I know the feeling when skin is so tired — not only does your moisturizer fail you, even makeup no longer does wonders to make you look better! That’s why I’m a big fan of face masks. I used to think that all they do is hydrate, in much the same way that any jar of moisturizer can. But with the right face mask I became a convert — it’s quick, easy to do at home, and you see results immediately.
I recently tried Malin + Goetz Detox Face Mask (P2,350, exclusively available at Adora Department Store, Greenbelt 5, Makati). I’m always drawn to Malin + Goetz because the founders of the brand have sensitive skin themselves so Malin + Goetz products are never harsh or irritating. Unlike other masks which contain harmful detergents or drying clays, this five-minute foaming gel mask is power packed with botanical amino acids and squalene which hydrate the skin; vitamin C, the antioxidant vitamin E, natural green tea extract, and soy protein to firm up the skin, smoothen fine lines, and protect the skin from aging; and oxygenating cleansing agents which lift dirt, oil, and even makeup, giving your skin a deep clean down to your pores. This is the face mask I’ve tried which multi-tasks the most — it hydrates, deep cleans, detoxifies, protects, and fights aging! It’s no wonder it’s a winner of Allure magazine’s Editor’s Choice Best of Beauty Awards.
We had a huge family gathering a few days ago and I thought it was the best time to try Malin + Goetz Detox Face Mask. The product first comes out of the pump bottle as creamy but once you apply it on your skin, it transforms into foam. It smelled sooo good! I couldn’t pinpoint the scent, but it reminded me of my childhood. It was amazingly relaxing, I felt like I had a spa right in the convenience of my own home! It only takes five minutes for this mask to work wonders. Once it starts to oxygenate, you simply wash it off with water or with a warm washcloth. Unlike other face masks, this was wonderfully mess-free and did not feel greasy at all. The result? Not only did this detox face mask nourish my dry, tired skin, my face felt incredibly smooth and plump after, too. My pores looked so much smaller and my complexion was clearer and brighter. I couldn’t believe it at first, I think I had to look in the mirror so many times! But if there’s any way I could describe it best, I genuinely felt like I had the skin of a child! To validate the moment, I even got praises at our family gathering, “Wow, you look so pretty today!” And to think I hardly had any sleep the night before and went to bed at 5 a.m. already. Wow, this face mask is a keeper!
Malin + Goetz Detox Face Mask is definitely value for money — not only does it multi-task by addressing so many skin concerns, a little goes a long way and one bottle can be used over 20 times. Gosh, that’s like having 20 facials for the price of one! I highly recommend this not just for women but for men, too! Yes, men can use this, too! Plus, it can double as a shaving cream. For women whose work has taken a toll on their skin, this is perfect right before a big date, a wedding or a fashion event you have to attend. It’s a must for brides-to-be. Rissa
* * *
The Long And Short Of Dressing Up
Dear Ms. Tingting,
I would like to ask your opinion on how to combine dresses for all occasions, pairing that never goes out of style, no matter the season.
Celimen
* * *
The simple rule for the dress is to work on proportions: ballet flats for full and long or ankle-length skirts. The golden rule is that any big skirt needs a tiny top or a light below-the-waist T-shirt with a tiny ballerina cardigan tied over it. The higher the waist, the lower the heel. Diane von Furstenberg wrap dresses, Grecian drapes, and those slinky numbers look hot with thick-heeled shoes.
Big blouses blossom with ultra-narrow or tight pants. If you’ve got the waist and the legs, you can cinch in a blouse with a wide belt and wear it over pants or knee-length shorts.
What doesn’t go together? Big tops with full skirts (the silhouette would be too fat) — unless you want the “I’m expecting” look.
Cotton is the star of the season. For evening, you can think silk shantung, eyelet lace, or brocade that holds a stiff shape. Or take the opposite route with fluid jersey or a superfine knit.
Here’s where moderation is key. Big brass buttons on a blazer or an A-line coat make for a sharp look. That’s a no-no. Grosgrain ribbon to dress with lace edges, yes.
Bulky shoes are thickening up. I don’t own those monstrous shoes. Barely-there strappy sandals are feminine. They’re Greco-Roman sandals that bring neoclassical back into fashion. Nice.
Tingting
* * *
Send e-mail to tingtingcojuangco@yahoo.com, ltg@pldtdsl.com, and stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com.