Use primer for longer-lasting makeup

DEAR LUCY,

My makeup does not stay on all day. In fact, it clumps up in patches especially in areas where I really sweat — the T-zone and sides of the nose. I want my skin to show through and have a dewy efffect, but finding the right products that will make me achieve this seems to be so hard.  I get overwhelmed with all the choices. Please help me narrow them down.                                  KAIRA

Dear Kaira,

What you need is a primer. It will allow your makeup to stay on longer and glide on easier. One of the really nice ones is Bare Minerals Prime Time. It makes an incredibly smooth canvas out of your face. When completely dry you can then put on your foundation. I have been using Bare Minerals loose powder foundation for years as the coverage is good but light, allowing your skin to show through still. When retouching, avoid patting on layer upon layer of powder so as not to make your makeup look clumpy. Never retouch a sweaty face, it’s useless; the powder will never stay on anyway. Always use tissue first and then blotting paper to absorb the oil before you even begin to retouch. Do not forgo of those steps, the not-so-secret secret of making your makeup stay on fresher. To apply powder foundation, I suggest you use a kabuki brush (I like Body Shop’s version because it is very soft and comes in its own pouch). To make your skin dewy but not oily, use a light reflecting setting powder. I like Nars Light Reflecting Setting Pressed Powder. I learned about it from a friend and I like how it enhances the look of foundation in a most natural way. It is infused with a technology that diffuses light and has vitamin E to address dryness. And since it is colorless it blends effortlessly and evenly.                                            LUCY

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Fashion finds at The Ramp

HI, RISSA!

I consider you as one of my “go-to” girls when it comes to my fashion queries. And you are one big personality who truly knows what fashion is all about. My baby’s baptism is coming up this month. I would like to ask if you’d know of any nice stores where I can find a pretty dress for myself. I prefer Ortigas malls or TriNoma. I seldom go to Makati. Thanks a lot!

NIKKI FAUSTINO ENTRIQUEZ via Facebook

HI Nikki!

How exciting! It’s your baby’s baptism already.  My favorite go-to shop is The Ramp Crossings (stores located at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, TriNoma, Glorietta). They boast a collection of brands both for fashion and the home. I particularly love their in-house label also called The Ramp. Every time I need a great outfit in an instant, I turn to The Ramp. Apart from the great prices, their items are so fashionably unique that you will rarely bump into someone wearing the same thing. I’ve worn pieces which got so many oohs and aahs from designers and fashion editors only to surprise friends that I bought them at The Ramp. For your baby’s baptism, do also check out the brand Florence Fling inside The Ramp. Their jersey dresses are wonderfully figure-friendly but very flattering. I own several of Florence Fling’s ruched jersey dresses and I love how they are wrinkle-free and easy to move around in without making you look haggard at the end of the day. For your baby’s baptism, it will be a long busy day and it will be best that you look polished, pretty and fresh throughout it all. I have no doubt you’ll find a lot of options at The Ramp Crossings at very mommy-friendly prices. Don’t feel overwhelmed that they carry so many brands — it just means more choices and you’re always sure to find a gem.                            RISSA