Summer staples: Fashionable swimwear & must-have sunblock

DEAR RISSA,

For anyone who wants impressive sun protection, this is a must! Belo Essentials Sun Expert is also available in a spray bottle so you can protect even hard-to-reach areas. Like them on Facebook: Belo Essentials SunExpert.

Do you know where I can find good-fitting but fashionable swimwear? Imported brands never seem to fit perfectly on my Pinay body frame. Also, what sunblock do you recommend for summer? Thanks!

KATELYN

I know how it feels to go around the mall and see your “dream” swimsuit, only to try it and realize the fit isn’t flattering at all. Imported swimwear brands seem to be built for Americans and Europeans. The Pinay body generally has a shorter torso. Add to this that even in a bikini, we are still quite shy wearing bikini bottoms that reveal too much of our butt and still prefer a little more coverage.

It’s really hard to find a bikini that fits well. I love the beach and the water, but what kills all the fun is when my swimsuit turns loose and lousy after hitting the water. I had a photo shoot recently and it was here that I got to wear Anemone Swimwear (available at Swim in Power Plant, Makati). The moment I slipped it on, I fell in love with it! I’m very particular about my swimwear. I’d rather have a few bikinis that fit really well instead of having so many that I can wear only once. It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen local swimwear this well-made. In fact, the first time I saw them at the shoot, I thought they were imported! The prints of the fabric are divine, feel snug but have great stretch. You can buy your bikini tops and bottoms separately so even with different sizes, you can find the perfect fit for yourself. Apart from the most gorgeous prints that you can combine, Anemone swimsuits also feature details like ruffles, metal hoops, and leatherette bands with gold rivets. I liked the swimsuit I wore at the shoot so much that I immediately went to the store to buy it for myself. And I’m still aching to buy more! Their prices are wonderfully pocket-friendly!

For summer, my must-have sunblock is Belo Essentials Sun Expert. It never feels irritatingly sticky and never leaves an unflattering white film. I love how they provide a separate sunblock for the face and body. After all, the skin on our face is one of the most delicate and needs special attention. I also love that it comes in a spray bottle so you can protect even those hard-to-reach areas.

RISSA

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Open your eyes: When done right, Shu Uemura’s eyelash curler creates a curl that lasts all day without mascara.

How to look fresh & fab at the gym

HI, REGINA,

I know it’s considered super high-maintenance to wear makeup to the gym, but is there any way to make myself look human without going over the top? I feel like I look sickly without it.

AYA

Join the club! When I forget to wear concealer, people ask me if I’m not feeling well.

You actually don’t need much to look decent, and I swear you won’t look overly made-up at all. (In fact, those less versed in kakikayan might not even realize you have anything on.)

All you need is concealer, if you think it’s necessary (I do, because I have deep-set eyes, which means dark circles 24/7) to cover up blemishes; groomed brows, which you can opt to fill in with powder for a more defined look (get brow shaping done on a monthly basis); and lip and cheek tint to give you a little color. (Though I reckon at the end of your workout, your whole face will be one shade of red. Mine always is!) As a final touch, curl your lashes. Don’t bother with mascara; just curl them to open up your eyes a bit. (The best eyelash curler for me is still Shu Uemura’s. When done right, the curl it creates lasts all day without mascara.) All of this takes just three to five minutes.

And voila, you’re fresh, looking fab, and ready to hit the gym!

REGINA

Hip to be square: A practically foolproof way to show skin tastefully would be to revisit the square neckline.

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Showing skin tastefully

DEAR LUCY,

I want to show some skin but am wary of plunging necklines, sleeveless and backless options. Also, how do I wear jersey and what can I do to maximize shape?

KRISHNA

Showing skin can be very tastefully done, and a practically foolproof way to do that would be to revisit the square neckline. Keep the silhouette sleek, the color solid, the length at the knee or a little beyond. You can play with the angles and the length of the sleeves, very assured that the geometry of this neckline is very flattering. For jersey, I always say it has to graze rather than cling to the body. The suman look is only good when you are in your 20s with the body of Gisele Bündchen; otherwise, just skip it. As for maximizing shape, wise color-blocking can do wonders. When done right and edited well, it can be a very good thing.

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.