Basic Beauty: Budget-friendly makeup

Dear Rissa,

I really like makeup, but I get frustrated because some brands are too expensive for my budget — especially the hypoallergenic brands. I find some a bit tricky to apply. It’s like you have to be a makeup expert to make the eye shadow or blush color work for you. Please recommend a budget-friendly makeup brand that looks great, is easy to apply, and suited for sensitive skin.

Cai, Quezon City

True, some hypoallergenic brands can get quite pricey. I recently discovered a local beauty brand that solves all your concerns — Basic Beauty Philippines (available at the cosmetics department of Landmark TriNoma, The Ramp Crossings Shangri-La Plaza, and The Ramp Crossings in Glorietta, For more info, join the Basic Beauty Facebook page or visit BasicBeautyPhilippines.webs.com). All their products are below P400, average price is P249 only.

 Combining the expertise of one of the Philippines’ top dermatologists, Dr. Sylvia Jacinto, with the know-how of her daughter, fashion and beauty writer Therese Jamora-Gaceau, Basic Beauty is a cosmeceutical line that is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and fragrance-free. I don’t have sensitive skin, but like other women, I occasionally break out with some makeup brands. When I first tried Basic Beauty, it immediately earned my two-thumbs up because it didn’t cause any breakouts, rashes or irritation.

The Basic Beauty lipstick range (P150 each): Pink Lady (a natural pinkish-brown), Passion Play (a healthy pink), Lipstick Rose (a rosy peach), Sexy Red (red-pink with yellow undertones for Asian skin), and Your Lips But Better (a sheer berry tint).

 The Basic Beauty makeup line features a two-way foundation powder, blush, eye shadow, lipstick, and concealer. To make it easy for women to find shades that best suit their skin tone, Basic Beauty classifies each makeup line into light, medium or dark. Beauty made easy, indeed! If you seek affordable yet hypoallergenic skincare products, too, they also offer SPF 30 sunscreen (one of their bestsellers!), facial wash, body lotion (with 10-percent lactic acid to soften, smoothen, and moisturize skin), shampoo, and conditioner.

 One of my favorites is the Basic Beauty Two-Way Foundation. I’ve tried other foundation powders which match my exact shade, but it’s still obvious that I’m wearing powder. Basic Beauty’s Two-Way Foundation has such a fine texture that it goes on so smoothly and flawlessly. This is a face powder that makes you look like you are not wearing powder at all! Using it dry gives enough coverage to conceal tiny imperfections and even under-eye circles. If you want more coverage, use it wet.

 Their eye shadows are a breeze to apply. Basic Beauty’s Eyeshadow Duos feature a highlighting shade for the brow bone and a darker shade for the lid. Their Eyeshadow Duo in Dark features a silver grey shade and a frost white highlighter. When you first see it, it might look too shimmery, but once you apply it, the color is a flattering grey hue that works for me both day and night. I’ve finally found an awesome shade of grey that doesn’t make me look tired or pasty! Best of all, it’s practically foolproof! Even when I’m in a rush or doing my makeup in the car, it’s so easy to apply. The last time I used this, a makeup artist complimented me on my eye makeup. She probably thought I took pains to do my eye makeup when all I had to do was sweep on this great color! The color intensity is great so even a little goes a long way.  

 You’ll love Basic Beauty’s blushes, too. I’ve been using their blush in the dark shade and it gives great color in just one sweep! On days that my complexion looks so dull and tired, this takes me from blah to beaming! For women who seek that warm J.Lo glow, this is your blush for the summer season.

Concealers (P120 each) in Dark, Medium, and Light have a lightweight cream-to-powder formula in stick form so you can just swipe it on and blend with your fingers.

 As for lipstick, the shade Your Lips But Better says it all! Whether you’re morena, chinita or tisay, this sheer berry lip color is incredibly flattering! I also really like how it glides on so smoothly without feeling too thick or creamy. Currently a staple in my handbag, this lipstick always saves the day. If you’ve been looking for the right shade of red, Basic Beauty’s Sexy Red shade is a red-pink with yellow undertones — the perfect red for Asian skin.

Rissa

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Wanted: A Wardrobe That Works

Dear Lucy,

I am a working girl and I would like to have a functional and stylish wardrobe. I like nice stuff, and I want them to be of good quality, too. That said, I do not believe that ultra expensive is always better. Where should I start looking for trousers? How about a work bag that is big enough? Shoes — flats or heels?

Lucille

I agree with you on all points! I hate disposable clothes because I feel it is the easiest way to waste money. I do not mind buying just a few pieces at a time, for as long as I know I can use them through the years.

For pants, I am partial to Banana Republic because the quality is good and the fit is lovely. They have different cuts to choose from. If I like a pair, I always buy at least two, one for flats and one for heels.

For bags, I really like Tod’s because the size is wonderful and the leather is excellent. Especially for work bags, I always go for function and form, never just one for the other.

As far as shoes are concerned, for flats, I like Tod’s and Tory Burch. Repetto is very good also and I would love for it to be available in Manila! French Sole at Adora is comfortable and pretty except that they do not have my size so it can be quite frustrating if you wear a size 10 like me.

For jewellery, a good watch and understated jewellery will do. No danglers on the ears, unless you wear Filipiniana to work and even that you have to tone down a bit.

LUCY

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The Right Way To Wear White

Dear Ms. Tingting,

I would love to hear from you on how to wear white. Summer season is around and when the temperature starts to rise, white is what I would like to wear.

Ms. Dainty

Innocence, lightness, and effortlessness — that’s what white conveys aside from romance and purity. Whether it’s the fear of dressing too girly, the maintenance factor as white gets dirty too fast, or the “indecent” panty line, women must venture to wear even once in a while.

Here are the key points to remember when you’re incorporating white into your look.

Wear a shirtdress. This clean classic is the ultimate in versatility. You can wear it loose or with a belt, for the office, or without a belt for the beach.

A fitted blazer and pants will always be super sleek and sophisticated.

For your whites, belts are bigger than ever or thinnest ever. Just keep it and any accessory in natural leather, or any color that shows a contrast.  

Pick dainty lace is romantic and Victorian. But don’t overdose on lace!

White shorts are a warm-weather classic. Consider your age and lifestyle when choosing a length, and pick more conservative tops for when you’re not at the club or beach.

White with a tan, “real or fake” is great. Wear glossy tinted lips and pink cheeks so you don’t look washed-out.

Tingting

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Send e-mail to tingtingcojuangco@yahoo.com, ltg@pldtdsl.com, and stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com.