Runway semblance

While this year’s summer has tapered off quickly into a succession of unexpected heavy rains, the summer season is still hanging on by a thread on our shores. After a bout of severe colors, fresh hues are welcome to boost spirits and to liven up these dire economic times and weather. Always a fan of summer looks, below are two current faves off the runway. Interpret them to suit your fancy and you’ll be rocking around with style. 

Tumbling cascades and cerulean eyes sported at Gucci

Drawing inspiration from the ocean and the sky, eyeshadow shades of late lean heavily towards hues of blue. Lapping lids up with tints in aqua, sapphire or azure ensures uplifting moods through a burst of bold energy on the visage. Showcasing a few hues of blue adds depth — use a darker shade on the lid itself and to line the lower rim. Utilize lighter shades as you work your way up to the brow bone. Max Factor makes an eyeshadow duo titled Color Perfection that can be used wet or dry as a shadow or a liner. Silky and light, it does the job and performs well beyond the call of beauty. A generous application of black eyeliner and mascara lends final impact on the eye area. Cover Girl’s lash blast fantastically grabs and coats every lash upon application. It’s waterproof so your sweat, tears and moments in the rain won’t let it budge. A barely-there baby pink lip caps off the look.  A new, inexpensive winner is Wetslicks Amazemint, a lip gloss from Cover Girl that’s loaded with shine and formulated with Crest peppermint oil which leaves an icy cool sensation on your pucker.  Mwah! 

The look for locks mimics the rolling waves of the sea — full-bodied waves that are fluid, giving ladies the guise of being approachable as they emit a relaxed vibe. Using Pantene’s 3 Minute Miracle helps attain the effect of sleek soft hair. This ampoule treatment rapidly solves dry hair issues that are common after being in the sun, chlorine or salt water. It can also alleviate damaged hair that’s been overstyled with blow dryers, curling irons and chemicals. When left on the hair for three minutes, the vitamins penetrate the hair shaft to strengthen, repair and revitalize its surface layer. Partner it with the matching Pantene shampoo and conditioner and you have healthy locks you’ll love, worthy of the flowing hair in Pantene commercials that we’re so envious of. Henri Calayag, maverick hairstylist who sits on the board of the Pantene Council of Stylists, demonstrates how simple it is to recreate a runway look just by working the curling wand to dish out some kinks. Rock the curling iron and roll out the waves. 

Sweeping updo and constructed eyes seen at Lanvin

This look is all about beating the heat, humidity and rain while looking fresh but feeling it, too. Prepping the face is crucial to achieving a clean and even canvas since having good skin reduces the amount of makeup needed and the skill required to apply it with. Maintaining moisturized skin after exposure to the sun and the air conditioning can be done when implementing a routine. Using the Oil of Olay Total Effects line nourishes the skin in seven different ways ranging from line minimization, pore refinement, subtle lifting, gentle exfoliation, nourishing moisturization, antioxidants and tone enhancement.  An easy jump-start would be applying the de-wrinkle firming stretch mask to add a little boost in your regime. Their anti-aging night cream is quite effective and merely a fraction of the cost of expensive brands. Cutting corners when you can alleviates wallet’s worries. The latest Olay product is the Total Effects day cream with a touch of foundation and SPF 15. Tinted moisturizers are always well loved as they cut out one extra step. For those who still like to add extra coverage, the Miracle Touch Liquid Illusion Foundation by Max Factor is absolutely amazing for a dewy finish. Initially a solid foundation, it becomes liquid upon contact, giving both benefits of liquid and solid foundations- even coverage without feeling heavy.  

Once the base has been applied, the focus is entirely on the eyes, which exude power and sexiness. With just a quick swipe of black liner, dramatic and well-defined eyes evoke a glamazon look that screams ferocious on these humid nights. How can one resist a gesture like that? Though liquid eyeliner is sometimes tricky to use, it’s a cinch to work Max Factor’s Masterpiece eyeliner to maneuver the strokes it takes to achieve a cat’s eye. Line the upper eyelid straight across to gain footing first. Once the liner has been put on, lift the liner up at the outer corners. It’s a bit tough to remove the liquid eyeliner if you make a mistake but after a few takes it should be a bit easier. Coat lashes with the latest mascara from Max Factor, False Lash Effect mascara (folks are crazy over this magic wand) to complete the eye and pair with a nude lip to balance out the look. A good option is the staying power of Lipfinity color and gloss by Max Factor, a double-edged lip wand that seals your Lanvin-inspired look with shine and color that lasts.

Frankly, the best hairdo to sport when the temperature is at its max is an updo to prevent hair from getting all wiry. It sweeps hair out of the way and requires minimal effort — it’s easy to put up and wonderfully hides the frizzies. Suitable for day or night, wearing your hair back elegantly shows off your face. Gently and loosely comb back hair into a high bun and spritz with hair spray to keep it intact. Master Pantene stylist Victor Ortega whipped up this updo in literally just a few minutes. Generally, using too many products can cause buildup and flaking so be sure to wash hair every now and again with a clarifying shampoo. Oftentimes during this season, scalps tend to dry out and flake with added exposure to outdoor elements and extra sweating.  A good and inexpensive shampoo is Head & Shoulders for dandruff control to relieve dryness and to stop itching. Follow it up with the matching conditioner to maximize effectiveness. Not only does it fight dandruff, it regulates the moisture balance of the hair, protects the scalp and lessens hair damage.

The best part of recreating these heavenly looks is that the aforementioned products are so affordable you can grab the whole lot. Since they’ll be jostling for space on your shelves, the only issue you’ll have is how to acquire more bathroom storage.

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Cover Girl and Max Factor are available at all leading department stores. Olay Total Effects are available at Mercury Drug, Watson’s and leading department stores and supermarkets. Pantene and Head & Shoulders are available at major drugstores and supermarkets.