How to apply foundation and avoid a mask-like effect
DEAR RISSA,
I have dry skin. Everytime I apply makeup, it looks patchy and rough. What kind of foundation should I be using? MAUREEN
Dry skin will luckily never have to deal with oiliness and shine, but it will tend to look older because makeup will be prone to cracking and wrinkling. Always make it a habit to moisturize your skin very well before starting your makeup. In fact, moisturize your skin religiously to improve your skin condition. Avoid water-based foundations; they often have a matte finish which will make dry skin look drier. Choose a silicone-based foundation, which most foundations in the market are. What makes this type of foundation popular is because of its skin-like finish without giving a mask-like effect. It also has the ability to fill in lines and wrinkles, making skin look smooth and supple.
When applying makeup, keep layers to a minimum. The more products you pile on, the more prone it will be to cracking. Also try to use a Beauty Blender. This is a pink, reusable, edgeless, cosmetic sponge applicator which helps ensure impeccable, streak-free application of makeup. I always thought it was all just hype, but when I was able to use it myself, I was convinced. When I saw this special sponge used on my friend’s dry skin, I was blown away. Designed to be used damp so it doesn’t absorb or “eat up” your foundation, the Beauty Blender makes patchy, dry skin look flawless and impeccable in just minutes. You can find this in specialized makeup stores like Pure Beauty in Serendra, Fort, and TriNoma. RISSA
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Home remedy: Treat acne in the comfort and convenience of your home with Mario Badescu Drying Lotion.
How to Zap those Zits
DEAR LUCY,
I have relatively good skin, but I break out every so often. When I see the zit about to pop, I pop it myself —sometimes I am successful, other times it just gets worse. I have a 9-to-5 desk job and with traffic, it is not always an option to go to the dermatologist (there isn’t one near the area where I work). What remedies are available to me? AILEEN
Don’t pop them. I know it is easier said than done (been there, done that) but there is much to lose. We cannot be better than the pros, we do not have the tools or the knowhow. Worse, we just end up traumatizing the area further, pushing here and there, and that is when it gets even more inflamed. Dermatologists use the right needle to prick zits, they know exactly how to drain each one (if at all) and they can recommend the right medicated ointments or gels.
I would suggest though that you equip yourself with an arsenal of potions to treat acne in the comfort and convenience of your home. My favorites include Mario Badescu Drying Lotion, or I also have two natu-ral remedies shared by good friends that have worked very well for them. 1) Mix three tablespoons of aloe vera juice or gel and four drops of tea tree oil. Apply potion twice daily. Aloe contains active ingredients that kill bacteria, plus anti-infammatories to soothe irritated skin, heal scars, stimulate new skin growth. Tea tree oil is rich in antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Together, spots disappear, their recurrence is prevented. Please be sure to dilute tea tree oil though, never use it on zits full strength. 2) Another remedy is ascot acid powder. Apply directly to the zit and it disappears very quickly, sometimes practically overnight!?I hope that helps. 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.
