The Letter Heads

MANILA, Philippines - I have majorly dark circles under my eyes and I’ve been using a lightening gel under them, except that it’s so mahapdi. I end up getting red eyes because of the gel. Are there any eye creams out there that are gentle? Or is it the way I put the cream on? Hay, ewan.

You have to determine the cause of your under-eye circles before you find a solution. Are you getting enough sleep? Do you have naturally deep-set eyes? (This one’s my problem, actually.) Even something like nasal congestion can contribute to the darkness under your eyes. The skin’s thinner there, so blood vessels are more visible.

Also, because the skin under your eyes is already so thin to begin with, it’s an area that has to be dealt with delicately. Your eye-lightening gel could have an ingredient that’s irritating your skin. Perhaps the way you rub it in is actually too rough on your skin.

I suggest that you sleep more, and quit smoking (if you do). Eat healthier, or take multivitamins, just to be sure that it’s not a deficiency that’s causing the darkness. Cucumber slices or damp chamomile teabags over the eyes works for some people.

For me, though, the most effective way to hide dark under-eye circles (especially for those like me who will have them forever... and they’ll only get worse as the years go by, unfortunately) is a good, creamy concealer. Pick one that matches your skin tone (the nice folks at the counters will be glad to help you figure this out); go for a creamier formula that’s easier to apply on the sensitive skin, and be very gentle in your application. — Reggie Belmonte

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Prom’s done and now I’m thinking if I should have intiated sex — would this have been a good idea?

Are you nuts?! You do not even think about this. Prom night is when you practice stepping out of your boy-self and being a gentleman. Being a gentleman entails carrying yourself in the spirit of chivalry. Yes, being a teenager makes you interested in carnal desires but being a true man is about treating your girl with finesse and respect, or at least acting like it. Go rub your bird at home before putting on that suit if it would help.       — Ramon Bautista

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