DEAR LUCY,
I diet so much, but I still have a belly. I am in my late 40s and I want to wear those bandage dresses over the holidays — I’ve lost so much weight already. What is a quick fix for this?
CONCHING
Congratulations on your having lost so much weight! I hope you did it the healthy way. Re wearing those tight bandage dresses, maybe you can reconsider if you are still feeling iffy about it. It wouldn’t be great if you do wear those and then end up being so uncomfortable the whole time. What you can do is highlight your best assets and go for the foolproof tight-and-loose fashion rule (if you are wearing a tight skirt, your top can be relaxed and vise versa). You will look very chic and, most of all, you will be able to move with ease and confidence. Should you decide to wear tight all throughout though and are worried about your belly, then I suggest you invest in very good underwear, the kind that will hold you in and make your silhouette sleek. For this, Spanx is the only way to go. You will find many styles to choose from, depending on your needs. A corset will also be wonderful. For slimming dresses that use a corset as the foundation, go to Regine Tolentino of Regine’s boutique (call 09175090878). She does it so well!
Happy holidays to you! LUCY
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TRAVEL BEAUTY BASICS
HI, REGINA!
I’m going on a trip out of the country. Any advice for what beauty stuff to pack? PIA
It really depends on the country you’re visiting. For instance, a warmer climate will require a lighter moisturizer, a colder one might mean that you’ll need one that’s a little heavier. Sunblock, however, is a requirement from sunny Australia to snowy Antarctica (except for the six months that it’s totally dark there, but I’m pretty sure you’re not going to Antarctica).
Basics are best! Your usual cleanser will be fine; a toner and serum, too, if you use them. I would suggest bringing a moisturizer with you, not just in your luggage, but also on the plane (up to 50mL is allowed), because plane rides are extremely dehydrating. Dry skin looks dull and lifeless, and is more susceptible to damage, so keep your skin hydrated, and drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated, too. Pack a spot-treatment if you tend to get the occasional pimple (benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin combos are great; ask your dermatologist).
If you’re nitpicky about what you use in the shower, or if you’re not sure whether your hotel/hostel will be providing them for you, bring smaller-sized bottles of your usual shampoo, conditioner (a must, no matter what the climate), and body wash.
The makeup you take along with you also depends on how high-maintenance you are. You can definitely get by with just BB cream, concealer, powder, lip and cheek tint, an eyelash curler, and something to fill in your brows; just enough to give your face color and definition. Throw in eyeliner, mascara, a shade of lipstick or two, and a basic neutral eye shadow palette if you think you’ll need them. It’s all up to you ... and your itinerary.
Bon voyage! REGINA
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CARING FOR MAKEUP BRUSHES
DEAR RISSA,
I just bought my first set of makeup brushes. I saved up for this and I want them to last long. I’m not really sure how to clean them. Please advise me on how to care for my makeup brushes. Thank you! LESLIE
Clean makeup brushes are an often overlooked ally to clear, great skin. A dirty makeup brush is not only unhygienic, it’s also quite likely to worsen or cause more breakouts, rashes or any other pre-existing conditions. You should always clean your makeup brushes as they almost always have a build-up of makeup, oil, and bacteria. It’s best to give them a frequent wash every two weeks especially if your skin is oily, if you use multiple colors of a product, or if you switch from products with powders to those that are cream-based. It also helps to wipe off excess color and powder by dusting the brushes against a clean tissue after every use. This can help avoid product build-up.
I particularly like J&C Super Clean Solutions makeup brush cleaner (only P400, available at www.beautyandminerals.com). It gives makeup brushes an intense deep clean and can remove even stubborn, hard-to-clean liquid foundation or concealer. It’s super easy to use: Simply spray on the cleanser with the brush facing downward and gently wipe with a soft cloth or tissue. Never leave your brushes to dry upright or, worse, with the brushes facing down in a container. It’s important you lay your brushes flat and lightly press it back into shape when being air-dried. You want to avoid cleaners or water to collect inside the ferrule (the metal part of the brush which holds the hair, keeping it bound to the handle) because this can weaken the glue and eventually lead to “wobbly handle syndrome.” I love that this brush cleaner leaves my brushes petal soft and smooth. It’s also quick dry! Always remember, if well cared for, your brushes can last a lifetime.
RISSA
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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.