A surprise in Room 1206

At the peak of a breakout-fest earlier this week, I had the pleasure of having a facial treatment courtesy of La Mer, the brand that patented the Miracle Broth, salvation of all skin types and bearer of hope. The treatment was performed at Room 1206 of the Makati Shangri-La, at the ungodly hour of 10 a. m. Apprehensive that putting a ton of product on my face might aggravate my pore situation, I briefed the aesthetician about my concerns: oily skin, enlarged pores, and the occasional cystic pimple. The resulting treatment was tailored precisely to my skin’s needs, plus some that I didn’t even know I had (like fine lines around my nose, yikes).

My face was rid of all traces of makeup with the La Mer Cleansing Lotion, followed by the Mist, a toner that renews, hydrates and rebalances skin –– I especially needed this because while I am naturally on the oily side, my current skin regimen encouraged a lot of flaking. This was followed by a second layer of toner, the Oil Absorbing Tonic, which gets rid of excess oil that leads to breakouts. A thin layer of La Mer Hydrating Infusion, a potent gel that conditions the skin and boosts the benefits of moisturizers, was then left on my face for three minutes while the aesthetician performed the firmest, most determined face and hand massage I’ve ever had.

To spot-treat fine lines, the Regenerating Serum, which firms and smoothens skin, the Lifting Intensifier, which tightens skin’s surface and “trains” it to maintain a lifted appearance, and the Concentrate, a deeply nourishing treatment, were used. The best was saved for last, with a final layer of the Moisturizing Gel Cream and the Oil Absorbing Lotion ––  the product that the La Mer experts recommended for my skin issues. It’s created for normal to oily skin and warmer climates, but still bears the benefits of the legendary Crème de la Mer. With the hydrating Miracle Broth that calms skin, lime tea extract that neutralizes free radicals, and oil absorbing powders that draw oil away from the surface of the skin, the Oil Absorbing Lotion keeps the face matte –– through a hearty lunch, a press event and an hour-long trip to the office without blotting, not even once.

La Mer conducts facial treatments every six months for its VIP clients and soon, it will also be offering express treatments at La Mer counters. For its 2013 Holiday Collection, La Mer has collaborated with artist Yellena James to create a limited edition design for La Mer’s holiday collections. The Supreme Crème, for instance –– the one gift to rule them all for the ultimate La Mer enthusiast — is presented in a limited edition lacquer case.

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La Mer is exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati (812-2507) and Rustan’s Shangri-La (633-4636 loc. 114).

SKIN From lackluster to blockbuster

Whether your skin is oily, dry or wonderfully well-adjusted, exfoliation is a must. A regimen, done once weekly, keeps skin from looking dull, rough and completely devoid of any sort of that coveted “natural glow.” Aside from facilitating cell turnover, exfoliating decongests pores which leads to fewer blackheads, hyperpigmentation and the appearance of fine lines. The process also aids in hydration because new cells carry moisture to the skin’s surface. For skin that’s prone to breakouts, exfoliating regularly is the best preventive measure since acne starts with clogged pores. There are several ways to do it; it’s just a matter of finding a method and product that doesn’t irritate your skin and only makes it criminally smooth.

Pevonia Enzymo Spherides Peeling Cream

Enzymes, my new favorite word. This peeling cream, meant to be used once or twice a week, uses cutting- edge technology to entrap papaya and pineapple enzymes in micro spheres for maximum effect upon contact with skin. Immediately after rinsing, skin is brighter and smoother. Skin starts to peel after two to three uses. Available at spas and pevonia.com.ph.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Squeaky Clean Scrub

Nothing beats a squeaky- clean feeling. This scrub is created for blemished skin, so it cleans without over-drying. The soft, micro-fine exfoliating beads help unclog pores by releasing tea tree extracts, a natural defense against acne.

Philosophy The Microdelivery Purifying Peel

Like it says on the tube, it wipes the slate clean as you clear away past

clutter — like the effects of last night’s bingeing spree compounded with makeup residue and tiny grits of shame. Seriously though, this one-minute purifying enzyme peel is the quickest way to improve overall skin tone and texture. It makes your skin instantly radiant.

Cure Natural Aqua Gel

Leave it to the Japanese to create products that are at once questionable and effective. Upon contact with skin, the gel, made of 90 percent water, turns into a viscous liquid that you gently massage on your face. The procedure causes dead skin to come off gently and instantly. This may sound ridiculous, but it does make skin bright and fresh. Available at Beauty Bar.

Shut up and take our money

Mirror, mirror

My horoscope said I will find love if I keep my doors and windows open. Well, I kept a window open –– my browser window, that is — and found something that made me feel what I can only describe as love at first sight. These Limited Edition Zodiac Powder Compacts by Estée Lauder are TDF –– golden compacts decorated with a brilliant birthstone clasp made of clear crystal with Lucidity Translucent Pressed Powder inside? We’ll take 12, please. Available at Rustan’s.

MAKEUP It doesn’t get any redder than this

Mauves and oranges come and go but reds are here to stay. No matter the season, a good enough reason to pull out all stops and wear our best reds always comes along. Here’s a fresh batch of the reddest, baddest reds, for your pouting pleasure.

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Mysterious Red

Velvety, hydrating and oh-so-opaque –– this red has showstopper written all over its chubby stick self. It has the ideal consistency for that perfectly precise, bold red lip that clearly every woman has to be all about.

Mac Indulge Lipglass in Utterly Tart

Don’t like lipsticks? Try on some gloss, though this one ain’t for the shy either. Utterly Tart is a deep, subversive red that’s easy to dress up and dress down. Its in-your-face, unapologetic shine is great for fall (or “ber” months, as we’ve christened them).

Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Color in Mod

This is Laura Mercier’s teetering-on-purist approach to makeup at its best. Rouge Nouveau is 100-percent wax-free and delivers pure, long-wearing color and extreme hydration. Plus, it’s really red –– as in 100 percent M and 100 percent Y.