You and eye makeup: It takes the right tools

DEAR LUCY,

I need to be able to do my eye makeup by myself. But no matter how much I try, I do not get the same effect as when I have it done by the pros. They make it seem so easy.

ROWENA

It is so often said but really, practice makes perfect. That,  plus the right tools. When I have to do my own eye makeup, I stick to just three makeup brushes from MAC — 217 which I use for blending, 239 which I use to apply eye color (I always apply from the outer corners at an angle going in), and 231 to define eyes like eyeliner does but in a smudged, sexy way. First, I prime the eye area with MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study. Then I apply MAC’s How To Marry (my new favorite shimmery white powder) from the eyelids up to right under the crease. Then I use MAC’s Tall, Dark, and Handsome (don’t you just love how MAC names their colors) to apply shadow at the outer corners with my 239. Then I line my eyes using my 231 brush.

I use Maybelline Hyper Liner to define the upper line and make sure the color is blended very well. I do not use liquid liner at all for the lower lid; the line looks very severe. I like using powder for this, in a midnight blue or dark brown color just to really open up the eyes. For the lower lid, it is better to just line halfway, not all the way through.

LUCY

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Brow power: Clean brows instantly make you look more polished. It’s really worth it going to a professional like Browhaus, where the threading service costs P580. Photo from sansartifice.com

EVERYDAY MAKEUP BASICS

HI, REGINA!

I’ve always been a boyish type of girl and I don’t wear makeup at all, but I think I might need to start. What are the basics you think I need to start with?

BERNARDINE

The basics depend on how much you’re willing to use or what features you want to enhance. The truth is that you don’t need a lot of makeup at all to look just a little more alive every day.

I think the most important thing is to keep your brows well-shaped and well-groomed. If you’ve never touched your brows before, go to a pro. (Browhaus’ threading service is P580, but it’s totally worth it!) Clean brows instantly make you look more polished. Consider using a brow pencil or brow powder to further define or fill in if your brows are sparse.

If you’ve never worn makeup before, a lip and cheek stain is a handy two-in-one product that will give your face just the right hint of color without looking over the top or unnatural. If your skin is clear anyway, skip foundation. If you have a little redness you’d like to even out, go for a BB cream instead, but as much as possible, keep your face free of heavy base.

You can even skip eyeliner! All you need to do to really define your eyes is to curl your lashes. If you have fine lashes, maybe a coat of mascara to enhance them a little more, but that’s basically it.

Doesn’t sound too complicated, right? Brows, lips-and-cheeks, and lashes, and you’re all set with an everyday fresh look.                                 REGINA

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Her name is Laura: The Laura Mercier Foundation Primer, a tried and test industry favorite, will help hold your foundation and keep your makeup in place all day. Available at Rustan’s

A PRIMER ON PRIMERS

DEAR RISSA,

I’m a college graduate and I will be starting to work soon. I’d like to start putting on a little makeup to make myself more presentable in the corporate world. I’ve heard of primers. What exactly are they for? Do I need them before I put on makeup?

DIANNE 

So much of how makeup looks depends on the condition of the skin. Primers are special products you apply to the face before putting on makeup to create an even flawless base, preparing your skin for makeup. Since you’ll soon be in a 9-to-5 job, a primer will help hold foundation and keep makeup in place all day. Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (available at Rustan’s) is a tried and tested industry favorite. Celebrity users include Angelina Jolie, Celine Dion, Glenn Close, Cher, and Patricia Arquette. Since you’ll most likely be working in an air-conditioned office, you may want to consider Laure Mercier’s hydrating variant to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Since the summer heat will be kicking in soon, here’s a tip: Try cooling the primer in the refrigerator — it’s refreshing for the skin and also reduces puffiness.

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.