Gloss that packs the color of a lipstick

Dear Lucy,

I like light-colored lipgloss but my problem is the color fades very quickly.  I find lipstick too complicated to use so my preference really is gloss; I just slick it on and don’t have to worry about perfect lip lines.  I just wish there could be a version that would pack more of a punch in terms of color without compromising the shine.

Another thing: I bought this really nice burgundy dress in stretch gabardine that is very sleek and corporate, except that it rests above the knee, which is a non-no in our office.  How can I still wear it to work?                               

Kristina

I highly recommend Glamglass by MAC.  It is a super-silky gloss that delivers pure color without compromising the shine that we so depend on lipgloss for.  The applicator adds to the quality of the color as it is swiped on the lips.  What is amazing about it is that even as it covers that well, the texture is comfortable and non-sticky.  The shades that you may want to try include Tour de Fabulous (a pearlized peachy pink), It’s a Wow (rose pink), and lastly, Rich and Witty (a wood rose shade of sorts). 

You can still wear your burgundy dress to corporate functions for as long as you wear it with opaque tights or dark stockings (preferably black) and finish it with pumps and minimal accessories, just a nice big watch, perhaps, and sensible earrings. Pearls will always be a flattering and safe choice.                                                  

Lucy

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Bringing on the sexy back

Greetings, Rissa!

My problem is my back. I’m getting married this October and have dark marks on my back maybe because of sunburn before or dead skin. Can you help me? What will I do? Is it okay to do a diamond peel or bleaching? Thanks.      

Yanyan

Let there be lightening: Vaseline Healthy White SPF 24 Triple Lightening lotion protects as it evens skin tone, available at supermarkets nationwide.

Coincidentally, I’m also getting married this October and what’s more, I also had to deal with dark marks on my back. It all started during a trip to Singapore late last year. Being a sucker for massages, we saw this really cool back massager in one of the malls. It was shaped like a big pad that you lie down on as heated roller balls rotate along your back. It gave one of the most heavenly massages I’ve ever tried (even better than going to a spa!). So we bought it. I got so hooked on using it that I set it to focus on just one area of my lower back. Although it felt really good, it wasn’t such a good idea to let the heated roller balls massage only one part of my back for 20 straight minutes — the skin on my back became very red and irritated. A few days later, they turned into big dark scars. I felt terrible about it and opted to find a solution.

Because I was also looking for an everyday body lotion that would provide good SPF (without the unsightly white streaks) I stumbled upon Vaseline Healthy White SPF 24 Triple Lightening lotion at the supermarket. I also wanted to get rid of unsightly tan lines for my wedding so I gave it a try. I would slather it on religiously every day all over my body. I loved that it had SPF 24 because it gave me daily protection from the burning and aging effects of the sun. After using just two big bottles, my tan lines disappeared and the big dark scars on my back are hardly noticeable anymore. Before you resort to trying something harsh or expensive, please do try this. I couldn’t believe it at first but it was even my fiancé who first noticed that the dark marks on my back disappeared. I now enjoy an even skin tone on my body, one that is wedding-ready for October!                           

Rissa

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Home remedy for dry skin

Dear Ms. Tingting,

It’s been raining for two straight weeks. Classes and work were suspended. We hardly had time to go out and I happen to suffer from skin dryness. Would you recommend a home treatment for my face?

Agnes Guzman

If your skin needs a treat, try one of these homemade massage oils; they penetrate more deeply into the dermis than cream and the smell will soothe your brain, too. Mix 5 teaspoons of any vegetable oil with no more than 15 drops of one essential oil. Choose the right one to suit your skin. Patchouli softens and helps to soothe dry skin.

Wash your face so your skin will be free to breathe and sweat will not block your pores.                                 

Tingting

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