Summer makeup trends 2006: Sunshine daydream

May is when the golden sphere in the sky makes more than just a guest appearance in our weekly routines. But since summer is almost over, there is still time to choose from the plethora of makeup brands that will match your skin’s spun-caramel color.

Think bronze. Think gorgeous. So, here are the brands that will make you shimmer like a Brazilian beauty for dreamy days and steamy nights:

Shu Uemura

The look: Amber and nature – inspired by the stone of the sun, imagine the reflection of the sun’s rays that show an explosion of color, energy and of course, joie de vivre.

Dig the products: The great thing about Shu Uemura is that the makeup always comes in limited editions, like the summer palette comes with three shimmering shades of eye shadow in orange, beige and blue. Plus, a coral flush blush for a sun-kissed radiance. I just love the liquid shimmer eyeliner in blue, brown and green. It has a cool, peel-off texture that adds impact to the eyes with its hint of gold shimmer. For the lips, the Lolishine Rouge in sexy gold beige and sophisticated rose beige help plump up glossy lips. Paint on the mineralized gold enamel to finish off the amber look.

Available at: Rustan’s Department Store in Makati and Shangri-La Mall

Laura Mercier

The look: Sheer madness – the soft hues and sheer luminous colors of this collection show the sophisticated beauty of the face.

Dig the products: Laura Mercier is famous for her crème cheek colors that illuminate the skin. Try the Praline, Blaze and Canyon. To add more sparkle, the Shimmer Block in Pink Mosaic is really handy since it adds a pearl sheen to the face, eyes and body. Don’t forget to make the eyes glow with eye colors in Cashmere, Mermaid, Guava and Vanilla Nuts. If you want a part lip-gloss, part lip-color, try the Stick Gloss. I love this because it is super emollient. Just make sure to top it off with the Lip Sheer pencils. Voila!

Available at: Essenses Rustan’s Makati, Essenses Rustan’s Tower, Rustan’s Cebu, Essenses Rustan’s Alabang and Essenses Robinsons Place Manila

The Body Shop

The look: Sunbeam shimmer – Sunshine splendor is in the air. Whether fair or dark-skinned, the bronze goddess look is perfect for the urban beach babe.

Dig the products: Thanks to the artistic hands of Marge Apacible, Pia Guanio and Nicole Hernandez are given individualistic looks with the merest hint of quenching colors. For a subtle glow, the Sun Domes hold three shimmering shades with a flower-etched design. Perfect as a bronzing base or blush to light up the face. For an eye-catching way to wear color, try the Shimmer Smudgers. Packed with light reflective pearls, it comes in four shades (Pink Blossom, Summer Blue Sky, Aqua Dewdrop and Silver Edelweiss). Since the lips will be oozing with gloss, use the Hi-Shine lip treatment in fresh peach or wild rose pink. So fresh, fruity and totally luscious.

Available at: The Body Shop stores nationwide

Lancome

The look: Delicious, fruity and juicy – light eyes and super glossy lips. Plain and simple but super kissable in a rainbow of colors.

Dig the products: Lancôme has new products that will surely be a winner in everyone’s bag. Color the eyes with Lancôme’s eyeshadows Color Design, with intense pigments and effects. But the highlight of this season is Be Juicy, Baby with the new Juicy Gelée. This clear, crystal-clear gloss provides a syrupy shine in a non-sticky way. It comes in seven flavors in a mini jelly jar. For plumper lips, try the Juicy Tubes Plump. Thanks to the glama-pump pigments, your lips will be hydrated for four hours and it doubles the volume of the lips in just one application. Pick from eight yummy shades.

Available at: Rustan’s Department Stores

Christian Dior

The look: Torrid and exotic – the colors of summer transcend catwalk trends to create sheer, lightweight looks.

Dig the products: Dior’s Beauty Confidential collection has a kaleidoscope of colors. Accessorize cheekbones with radiance and light. Each of these gorgeous, Dior signature compacts contains four side-by-side shades of bronzer, highlighter, and cheek color that can be applied separately or together for a sunny glow, no matter the weather. For the eyes, create the look that you want with the five- color eyeshadow palette and make sure to use the DiorShow Mascara to give the lashes a just-off-the-catwalk look. I actually love the DiorKiss – Dior’s innovative, "Wonder Booster Complex" nourishes and plumps the lips to smooth, supple, perfection. The transparent shine, non-sticky texture, and long-lasting wear is sure to grab attention.

Available at: Rustan’s Department Stores

* * *

E-mail love-hate whatever things to becca_rodriguez@yahoo.com.