Which comes first — sunblock or moisturizer?
HI, RISSA!
I want to moisturize my face in the morning because I have dry skin. At the same time, I want to put sunblock on my face because I’m often under the sun. My problem is, I don’t know which to put first. Is it the sunblock or the moisturizing cream?
JOJO
I recommend you apply the sunblock first, then the moisturizer. Your first layer on the skin should always be a layer of protection. I suggest you also try getting a moisturizer with sunblock. It’s simpler, easier, and less messy. For every step in my beauty routine, I try to seek products that benefit my skin in more ways than one. It’s best to go for a product that multi-tasks so you avoid slathering on too many layers of products on your skin and aggravating it.
Try Bioré UV Aqua Rich Whitening Essence SPF 50+ PA++++. It’s famed to be Japan’s number 1 sunscreen brand and I like this product because it is not sticky and does not leave a white residue on your face, which most sunscreens tend to do. It’s also easy to blend and melts instantly into the skin. Living in a humid country like ours, you’ll enjoy the tingly, cool, refreshing feeling you get on the skin when you apply it. This multi-tasker also acts as your sunblock, moisturizer, and skin brightener. Super important for me is that it is equipped with SPF 50+ PA++++, which provides long-lasting protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Hyaluronic acid is the secret ingredient that keeps skin soft, supple, and moisturized. Chamomile naturally whitens dark spots, brightening the skin. I’m glad you make it a habit to wear sunscreen religiously. Since it protects the skin from burning and the aging effects of the sun, it really is the best way to get better-looking skin.
RISSA
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Expert cover-up: Lancome’s UV Expert BB Complete gives good coverage.
Peel-good moisturizer
DEAR LUCY,
I am on a skin-peeling regimen and it is an absolute ordeal for me to put on makeup in the morning. It appears patchy and flaky. I will be on this regimen for a few more months, what can I do so my makeup looks nice and smooth?
KORINNE
Moisturizer. That is the key. Never use powder or foundation unless you have moisturized. Only then will makeup glide and stay on smoothly. Use foundation after applying moisturizer. Or you can use a tinted moisturizer for sheer coverage. I prefer applying with my fingers as it somehow looks most natural. You can also check out cushion compacts. Already popular in Korea, these foundations infused into a sponge feel very light, almost watery, and when applied on the skin gives good coverage. Try the brand Sulwhasoo, it works nicely. If you use tinted moisturizer or BB cream (my favorite is still Lancome’s UV Expert BB Complete), make sure to set with the finest loose powder you can find. Never attempt to remove oil by patting on more powder. Always blot first, with face paper, and then re-apply loose powder. 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.
