Wanted: Long-lasting eyeliner

Hi, Regina!

Every time I use eyeliner, it smudges, and not in a sexy way. What can I do to keep it in place?     

Christine

Your eyelids sweat, too, which plays a big part in your smudged eyeliner. You can try an eyelid primer to help makeup adhere better. (As an added bonus, since makeup sticks to primed lids, eye shadow color is intensified.) If you can somehow get your hands on Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion, which we (unfortunately) do not carry in the Philippines, go for it! Laura Mercier’s Eye Canvas is also great for absorbing excess oil on your lids and giving you, like the name says, an even canvas for eye makeup.

Another great way to help your eyeliner stay on longer (especially if you’re using a creamy formula or a soft pencil) is to use a slanted eyeliner brush to press black eye shadow over your liner to set it. For seriously long-lasting liner, though, a gel formula is your best bet.

Regina

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Giving Eyes The Illusion Of Youth

Dear Rissa,

Light is right: Try MAC’s Jaunty eye shadow — its light yellow beige frosted hue is the prettiest shade for highlighting the inner corners of the eyes.

Why do women highlight the inner corners of the eyes? And what’s a good shade or product to use?

Tessa 

Most people say that highlighting the inner corners of the eyes opens up and brightens the eyes. But a makeup artist once told me that highlighting the inner corners of the eyes gives the illusion of youth. I can’t help but agree. If you look at young children, the inner corners of their eyes amazingly have a natural glow. This is the freshness and youthfulness we are trying to replicate. 

Please avoid white eye shadow; it looks harsh and very unnatural. I also stay away from shimmery eye shadows — ladies, please leave the glitter to the kids. It’s best to use a reflective or light colored powder. Try MAC’s Jaunty eye shadow from its Hey Sailor collection. This light yellow beige frosted hue is the prettiest shade I’ve seen for highlighting the inner corners of the eyes. I’ve never made it a part of my routine to highlight the inner corners of the eyes, but this MAC shade makes it easy and irresistible! It looks natural, genuine, and mimics the youthfulness of children’s eyes! What I like best about it is it’s great for highlighting other areas, too, like the brow bone. Dust it on your nose bridge to give the illusion of a sharper nose or even use it to highlight the cheekbones. It’s a versatile yet natural-looking shade that lends the illusion of youth and perfection. 

Rissa

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Amazing Lace

Lacey Susan: Lace is timelessly elegant and pretty, like this lace top from Marc by Marc Jacobs. www.fashionfuss.com

Dear Lucy,

I see so many lace dresses now, but I am worried that if I wear them, I will look either dated, too formal, or like I am about to attend a wedding. What can I do to not fall under those categories?

Amanda

I love, love, love lace and it is especially wonderful how they now come in such gorgeous colors! What you must keep in mind I guess is how to wear it without making it look cloyingly sweet. Rule number 1: You don’t always have to wear them with pearls. In fact, wear them with all else but pearls. Choose accessories that are bold and beautiful, and unexpected — chunky but tastefully made, in color, and even your shoes and bag can help demystify it. Like brocade, it is a luxe fabric, but you do not have to treat it reverently. A beautiful lace top, for example, can be worn with dark-colored denims in a slim and lean cut, with very high heels and a lace dress can be in a very sleek cut, not frou-frou, no beads. That is the easiest way to date the look of lace. Enjoy using lace, it is timelessly elegant and pretty.    LUCY

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Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil. Send Regina Belmonte your questions at vivatregina.tumblr@gmail.com or tweet her @vivatregina.