Matching makeup with a splashy outfit

DEAR LUCY,

I am a fan of loud and bright prints and I know it attracts attention (although that is not the point here).  What kind of makeup should I match it with?

DIANE

Although you can really go ahead and do what feels and looks right for you, I would say that a splashy outfit could work really well when all the extras (the accessories and your makeup) are kept at a minimum.  For instance, your makeup can be some sleek neutrals — your eyes defined with a bronze eyeliner, your lips glossed with just a hint of color.  Your bag can be just black or white.  If you are off to work in a quite conservative environment and you still are itching for something flashy, then maybe you can keep your dress simple but carry a graphic clutch or wear printed pumps, on your arm a statement cuff in a bold color or print.  Whatever the case, just keep in mind balance.  Play items off against each other so that even with a lot of things going on, you still look pulled together.                LUCY

Bye, bye, dry lips!

DEAR RISSA,

There are a lot of anti-aging creams for the face on the market. Is there an anti-aging product for the lips? My lips are sometimes dry. Hope you can recommend one that moisturizes and also contains SPF.

TANIA L.

I think it’s great that you look for SPF when choosing a lip product. After all, the skin on our lips is thinner and can burn easily, too. It’s essential that we protect even our lips from sun damage, darkening, and wrinkles. To treat your dry lips, please try Supergoop! 4 Lips Pocket Stick Set. Each stick boasts SPF 30 to protect lips from both sun and wind damage. Supergoop is so safe, it can be used by those with sensitive skin and even newborns. Supergoop is also proud to be a cruelty-free line of sun protection — they don’t test on animals. This is a great lightweight lipstick that rejuvenates dry lips and you can pop it in your purse. It provides instant comfort and long-term hydration so you can kiss those dry chapped lips goodbye. I’ve seen a lot of lip balms with SPF, but this one from Supergoop contains one of the highest I’ve seen on the market. An anti-aging product ultimately starts with sun protection. Protecting your lips daily with SPF 30 is the singular best way to prevent wrinkled and aging lips.

Also make it a habit to moisturize your lips every night. We religiously slather on our favorite face creams but never neglect your lips. Our lips are some of the thinnest layers of skin on our body and they do not have the ability to secrete oil to keep themselves moisturized.

RISSA

* * *

Acne marks: let there be light!

HI, REGINA!

What can I use to lighten dark marks left behind by acne? And how long does it usually take to see an effect?

JANIS

Look for products that contain natural brighteners (and antioxidants), like Vitamin C (my personal fave) and licorice. Lots of serums include Vitamin C, at varying price ranges. Some of the ones I’ve used in the past are The Body Shop’s Vitamin C capsules, Clinique’s Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, and Perricone MD’s Vitamin C Ester 15, and all of them were great. Not only did they help even out my complexion, they made my skin glow, too. I still use a Vitamin C serum, even when I don’t have discolorations to fade anymore.

It typically takes about a month before you start seeing results (it takes quite a while for your skin to turn over), so be very, very patient. Products with alpha hydroxy acids can also help speed up the process, but check with your derma first to make sure your skin can handle them. Speaking of your derma, if you really need a faster fix, it would be good to see him or her to ask if you can benefit from a peel. There are varying strengths of chemical peels; perhaps a mild one will work for you, or if your derma sees fit, a stronger one like a Spanish peel. (Word of warning, though: Spanish peels feel like your face is burning off! But you definitely see results.)

REGINA

* * *

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.