Holiday makeup must-haves: 'Tis the season to glow

Dear Rissa,

There are so many Christmas get-togethers to attend this December. I’m so harassed with work and I will have to go straight from the office to these parties. Please suggest makeup that will last all day but does not feel heavy.

Mara C.

For makeup that’s ready to party, you must explore the makeup brand Becca (available only at Adora, Greenbelt 5, Makati). Becca was founded by Rebecca Morris Williams, a makeup artist from Perth, Australia who was first in search of makeup that was light, long-wearing but with great coverage. From there evolved her Becca line of makeup which continues to please not just the most discerning beauty editors and the most demanding makeup artists but also a long list of Hollywood celebrities like Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Cameron Diaz, Mary-Kate Olsen, Natalie Portman, international artists Kylie Minogue, Fergie, and Beyonce, and even supermodels like Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell.

Here are my favorite Becca makeup products. They do not only multi-task but are also the perfect solutions to your skin sins!

• Becca Rejuvenating Primer. So much of how makeup looks depends on the condition of the skin. The first step to long-lasting holiday makeup is to make sure you equip your kikay kit with a good primer. Primers are special products you apply to the face prior to putting on makeup to create an even flawless base for makeup. They help hold foundation and makeup in place all day.

When work takes a toll on your skin during the busy “ber” months, Becca’s Rejuvenating Primer (P2,950) will save the day. It instantly hydrates and softens tired and dehydrated skin. Used alone or under makeup, this multi-tasker not only preps the skin but also boasts anti-aging properties. Thanks to the age-defying flower extract called Gatuline Intense, it creates a visible tightening effect and improves the long-term appearance of lines and wrinkles when used regularly! For those with sensitive skin, this product is wonderfully alcohol-free, paraben-free, and fragrance-free.

• Becca Compact Concealer. This season focuses on polished, clear skin. With all the parties lined up, your stressed skin will need a little help. I love how this small product can pack in so much power. It cleverly combines two formulations of concealer (extra-coverage version on the left and the medium coverage on the right). What most women don’t realize is when you apply thick concealer under the eye area, it accentuates smile lines and wrinkles. The Becca Compact Concealer (P2,450) offers the medium coverage concealer which provides great coverage for dark under-eye circles but is light enough so the eye area never looks heavy and tired. The left side features the extra-coverage concealer for spots, scars, birthmarks, and blemishes that require heavier coverage. This definitely won’t fail your holiday beauty in every party! It might be one of the most expensive concealers you’ll ever try, but it’s the only one you know you’ll repurchase.

• Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector SPF 20+. This guarantees to give you that much needed holiday glow! The Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector SPF 20+ (P2,950) is a water-based moisturizer with shimmering properties to help illuminate the skin and even out the skin tone. From work to a night-out, you can easily achieve the holiday sparkle even when on the go. Apply as a base to make skin look healthy and glowing. Or apply over makeup to highlight the cheekbones. Use it on your collarbones and shoulders, too — perfect for a quick subtle and sexy look! This multi-tasker will be your best friend for the season.

• Becca Lip and Cheek Crème. Because this combines a travel-friendly mirror for tinting not just the cheeks but also the lips, this is a handy must-have for the holidays! I’ll admit I was never a fan of crème blush. But this one completely changed my mind about everything I disliked about crème blushes. The Becca Lip and Cheek Crème (P2,150) is surprisingly light, amazingly easy to blend (even over makeup and powder!) and is never greasy or oily even with our Manila weather. It blends seamlessly on the cheeks to create the most natural-looking finish — the most natural I’ve ever seen in my modeling career! We all secretly covet the rosy cheeks of artistas; they always seem to possess the most natural pinkish cheeks that look like they have no trace of blush on (even if they do). When I tried the Becca Cheek and Lip Crème in the shade Blossom, my jaw dropped from disbelief — it instantly gave the artista pinkish glow to my cheeks! I knew I was wearing blush, but it looked like I wasn’t wearing any. The shade of pink gave the healthiest and prettiest flush to my cheeks. Try it in their other shades Petal and Rosebud, too. Just make sure to never leave it in your car so it doesn’t melt. Otherwise you will not resist buying a new one for yourself!

Rissa

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RX: Soy Milk For Weight Loss

Dear Ms. Tingting,

I heard from some people that the dietary intake of calcium seems to be of most benefit to weight loss. What’s your opinion on this?

Irene

In the past, research has shown relatively high rates of weight loss among dieters getting 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily from their diet, such as from low-fat milk, cheese, and yogurt.

More recently, there were studies made with overweight volunteers who drank three cups of either light soy milk or skim milk daily and followed a diet that slightly increased their protein consumption and reduced their daily intake by 500 calories. After eight weeks, the average weight loss was between eight and nine pounds.

Skim milk has been touted as a weight-loss aid for dieters, and this study suggests that light soy milk works just as well — good news for the millions of people who are lactose-intolerant.

Tingting

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Something For The Man Who Has Everything

Scents of a man: Santa Maria Novella offers lots of great little gifts for men and women like soaps, scents, and body care products. Available at Rustan’s

Dear Lucy,

I want to give a man who can afford to buy anything something he will appreciate. He is like a father to me, middle-aged, a very dear friend, and has helped our family a lot with sound advice. He is celebrating his birthday first week of December. He loves to travel and is appreciative of the fine things in life. I cannot afford an utterly extravagant present, but I would very much like to give him something thoughtful. What do you suggest?

Lalaine

For your friend, I would suggest products from Santa Maria Novella. They make such nice presents, and there are lots to choose from for both men and women. Personally, I would like to recommend Russo cologne and shaving cream (if he uses that). It is one of their bestsellers, and with good reason. Please check out also Melograno EDT and Melograno soap set. Chances are, he will love it. Santa Maria Novella is available at Rustan’s.

A good hand-carry luggage should also be most appreciated. There are lots of good ones to choose from Rimowa. A neck pillow from Tempur is heaven during a long trip ­— in the car or on the plane. It makes being in transit less stressful and definitely more comfortable. 

I hope this helps.

Lucy 

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Send e-mail to tingtingcojuangco@yahoo.com and ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Mananquil at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil.