Dear Rissa,
I love accessories. I remember your August Mega cover with Celine Lopez, where you were wearing a big silver gem-shaped ring. Where can I find it?
BEA T., Alabang
Accessories are my weakness, especially rings. I also fell in love with that ring the first time I saw it! The stylist brought it to Shanghai for our cover shoot. It’s from Vita Fede, a line of Italian-made accessories that offers an extensive collection of bracelets, rings, and necklaces. Although pricier than your typical accessory, I learned that Vita Fede accessories are hand manufactured in Italy by the same skilled artisans tapped by Fendi, Gucci, YSL, and Dior. Their pieces feature genuine leather, 24K and sterling plated metals, Swarovski crystals, buffalo horn, pearls, and lucite. With their signature leather and hardware combination, these accessories will effortlessly rock your wardrobe. Layer the bracelets, wear multiple rings in one hand or wear the accessory alone, every item is a conversation piece. I love how they can transition from everyday wear to red carpet events. Vita Fede is a favorite among Hollywood A-listers like Kate Hudson, Fergie, Jessica Alba, Lindsay Lohan, Cameron Diaz, Eva Longoria, Emmy Rossum, and Halle Berry. You can find their latest collections at Luca, Shangri-La Plaza Mall and Eastwood Mall, Culte Femme in Rustan’s Makati, Chocolate Schu Bar in Power Plant Mall, and Firma Greenbelt 3. You can also catch the big Vita Fede sale (up 35-percent discount) December 8-10. Log on to The Mall @ stylebible.ph to shop at the sale.
Rissa
* * *
Hair’s how to keep your crowning glory in place
Dear Ms. Tingting,
Does hairspray or gel work better at holding a hairstyle in place? Is one better for the hair than the other?
I’ve always had problems keeping my hair up and I’m wondering which product would work better.
Dione
Holding a hairstyle in place has never been easier, what with the many new gels, mousses, and sprays. Now, gels, mousses, and lotions come in a wide range of options — from light to strong holds — and they all offer more than style durability. The biggest drawback — buildup of sticky hair — has almost been eliminated.
John Murphy, PhD, vice president of research and development for Matrix, explains, “We’ve made products more and more lightweight for the hair. We’ve added thermal-resistant silicone compounds to some products in order to dissipate heat during drying, which protects hair and also makes it more manageable (Matrix Essentials Sculpting Glaze, Styling Gel).”
Botanicals are key new ingredients, providing conditioning, manageability, and a pleasurable feel and scent. Vegetable, fruit, and plant ingredients are believed to strengthen porous hair — even hair damaged by an overdose of chemicals, without causing buildup. Pelisima’s new Root Director Spray and Style Gel, for example, uses lemongrass and marigold to strengthen the hair cuticle.
“Alcohol-free” means products are less drying to both hair and scalp. Among the many on the market are Clairol’s Conditioning Styling Mousse for dry, permed, or color-treated hair; L’Oreal’s Free Hold Ultimate Control Mousse, Nexxu’s Versastyle Designing Lotion, and Vidal Sassoon’s Alcohol-free Styling Gel, especially for fine hair.
To add lift to your hair, spray gel on the roots and moisturizing mousse on hair ends for lightweight control. Or set hair in large pin curls with Alberto’s VO5 Sculpting Gel spray.
Tingting
* * *
Send e-mail to tingtingcojuangco @yahoo.com, ltg@pldtdsl.com, and stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com.