HI, REGINA!
I’m doing my own makeup for an event and the only thing I’m missing is a primer. I have sensitive, acne-prone skin; what should I use? CATHERINE
Veer away from any primers that contain oil, since your acne’s an indicator that your skin may already be pretty oily.
Your primer selection depends on what you want to achieve. If you have deep acne marks, a primer with silicone can help fill in the divots, or help even out large pores. (Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer’s an oil-free, lightweight pick. Benefit’s The PoreFessional is another great option.) If you want to minimize shine, a mattifying primer (like The Body Shop Skin Primer Matte It) may be your best bet. If you want a little lightweight moisture (makeup adheres better to moisturized skin), try Laura Mercier’s hydrating primer.
Working with sensitive skin can be a bit touchy, so don’t go out and buy just any product. If you know which ingredients you’re allergic to, check the labels on your options to make sure they don’t contain those ingredients. If you’re not sure, head to the counter and do a spot-test near your jaw and give it a little time to see if your skin reacts before making your purchase. Good luck! REGINA
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Lip Balm Tips
DEAR RISSA,
Our weather has been nice and cool lately, but I will be traveling soon where it will be even colder. Can you recommend a good lip balm that moisturizes and at the same time gives a natural color to the lips? I’m not so fond of the other lip balms that come in candy-colors. I just want a subtle color.
SHEILA
It’s good you make it a habit to moisturize your lips. Most women religiously slather on their favorite face creams but often neglect the lips. Our lips are some of the thinnest layers of skin on our body and they don’t secrete oil to keep themselves moisturized.
Do try MAC Mineralized Tinted Lip Balm (available at Rustan’s). I’ve been a fan of MAC’s mineralized moisture gel for the face so when I first came across their mineralized lip balm, I had a good feeling it would not disappoint. It comes in five shades — no saccharine sweet candy colors but beautiful shades of pink and nude that make lips healthy and kissable! Stay Warm (creamy light pink), Slightly Nude (nude coral and subtle pink pearl), Pure & Tender (plummy creamy nude), Nice & Simple (bronzy gold with multi-dimensional pearl), and Rosy Romance (bluish plum with subtle pink pearl).
The MAC Mineralize Tinted Lip Balm hydrates and moisturizes as good as drugstore favorite Carmex but provides sheer and sexy lip color. Say hello to its great formula: non-sticky and comfy hydration the moment you swipe this on your lips! Unlike other lip balms, I particularly like how it comes in a hygienic squeeze-tube with a slanted lip applicator. This is perfect for women who are addicted to lip balm (like me!) and have a habit of reapplying lip balm all the time!
RISSA
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Clarisonic: No-fuss, All Buzz
DEAR LUCY,
I saw your Clarisonic post on IG and I am very intrigued. I researched and it is not exactly cheap. I want to know if you find it a good product really. IRENE
My Clarisonic was a birthday present from Doc Vicki Belo who is a beauty expert herself. I have heard so much about it also, but it was not till I tried it that I realized what the hype was all about. There’s basis as to why people got all excited about it. It really does a wonderful job of keeping the face clean (in a way that once upon a time you could only get if you went to a professional facialist!). And because of that, the products you use on your face are absorbed better and you get optimum results.
This is perfect especially for those who travel a lot or whose schedules are so busy it is a Herculean effort to make time to go to the dermatologist. On any given day, I would say the Clarisonic is not just a good buy, it is a best buy. I use mine every day! 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.