HI, REGINA!
If I already wear BB cream with SPF daily, is sunscreen still necessary?
NORA
Absolutely. The recommended amount of SPF you should be applying to your face and neck is one teaspoon. I’m pretty sure you’re not applying an entire teaspoon of BB cream to your face, because the less base you wear, the better. This is a common misconception, though; the problem with makeup that incorporates SPF is that while the SPF in them serves as a good booster, it’s definitely not enough to provide the UV protection you need. They kind of lull you into a false sense of security. One of the foundations I have on my shelf that I use fairly often has SPF 30+ on the label, but I only use a pea-sized amount for my whole face at most, and I know I’m definitely not getting SPF 30-level protection from that. It’s a good supplement, but nothing more.
Layering SPFs is a good idea, though. Many daytime moisturizers also incorporate SPF. While I’m fairly sure you’re also not applying an entire teaspoon of moisturizer on your face, every little bit helps. There are many sunscreens available that feel almost waterlike; certainly nothing like the thicker, meant for the beach UV blockers that we grew up with. Find one that’s at least SPF 30, try the tester at the store before buying to make sure that you like the consistency and the feel, and that it doesn’t leave a noticeable white cast on your skin.
It’s best to apply sunscreen once your moisturizer has settled, then allow the sunscreen to settle before applying your makeup.
REGINA
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Happy lips
DEAR LUCY,
I like matte lipstick, but by day’s end, my lips are so dry and my lipcolor looks chappy. What do you use?
I also like really sexy dresses, but my mom says I am always inappropriately dressed. She thinks anything tight and cut close to the body is sexy, more so when I wear low-cut dresses and mini skirts. I think she is just being old-fashioned. What is your take on this?
KRISTINE
One of my favorite matte lipsticks is Happy Skin’s Lip and Cheek Mousse. It comes in three shades, and I love using it daily. The color does not fade and even when you retouch, your lips don’t look and feel dry. On the cheeks, the color is subtle but present in a very natural way.
For me, sexy does not always have to mean showing so much skin. A woman’s collarbone can be sexy, the curve of the waist as cinched by a nice belt, the nape of the neck when the hair is up — all that can be sexy. But everything is relative. For others, sexy has to be in the face and obvious — showing legs, cleavage, back all at once. My personal preference is just highlighting one body part at a time. I also think a woman can be completely covered and still be sexy. Always leave something to the imagination. Maybe you and your mom can meet halfway?
LUCY
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Can the flat-footed wear heels?
DEAR RISSA,
I’m flat-footed and I’ve been getting some lower back pain. Just curious if it’s a myth or a fact not to wear heels even if one is flat-footed.
TIIS GANDA
I have a good friend who is flat-footed as well and I would occasionally see her wear heels. According to chiropractor Dr. Anton Cancio, being flat-footed is either hereditary or acquired. The majority of flat-footed people are born with it while a small number acquire the condition when the joints of their feet roll inwards, causing flat-footedness. This is usually the case for overweight men and women. Once flat-footed, it cannot be reversed or corrected.
So can flat-footed women wear heels? “It’s a matter of comfort,” Dr. Cancio states. He explains that it’s definitely more difficult for the flat-footed. Normal-footed women who always wear heels will tend to experience back pains. When you’re flat-footed, you can expect even more aches than that. “You can wear heels, but it’s not advisable for every day,” he cautions.
To minimize foot discomfort, Dr. Cancio recommends placing an arch support insert in your shoes. These pads help minimize the pain. Another alternative is to wear wedges. Stilettos can be unstable and will mean more work for your back. Wedges are a more comfortable alternative.
Another friend of mine was experiencing lower back aches because apparently, one of her legs was slightly shorter. She only discovered this after a visit to a chiropractor. After adjustment, her back pains were solved. Try seeing a chiropractor. It can do wonders for your well-being so you no longer have to endure pain for the sake of fashion and beauty.
You may contact Dr. Anton Cancio at his clinic Cancio Chiropractic, second floor, Missouri Square Building, 101 Missouri corner Connecticut St., Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila. His contact numbers are 722-7530, 502-2882, and 0917-580-7530. For more info, go to Cancio Chiropractic on Facebook or follow them on Instagram @CancioChiropractic.
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.