Dear Lucy,
You shared in your beauty column once that you use a mineral skin foundation called Bare Minerals. Sadly, it is not available here and I need it immediately. Is there a substitute that you can recommend?
Bea
I know someone who brings it in, please call Elaine at 09189078831. Usually, you place an order and she brings it in for you, but there are times when she may have the shade you need in stock.
In case she does not and you really cannot wait, you can look for wonderful skin foundation mineral makeup from Bobbi Brown over at Rustan’s. You can’t go wrong with Bobbi Brown, she who revolutionized the way we desire foundation and how it must look like skin even as it does its job. Her Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup has SPF15 and provides a unique translucency while counteracting dullness. You will love it for three other things, too — skin looks like skin, it contains moisturizers and skin conditioners, and the special mineral formula provides slow release of antioxidant application.
If you want light to medium coverage, you apply it with a face brush (it looks chubby and short) in a circular motion that allows the powder to bend seamlessly into the skin. The one I use is from Body Shop, I love how soft and gentle the bristles are. If you wish to have medium to full coverage, work it into the skin with a powder puff. It picks up more of the product and after you press it into the skin, you can blend it in by sweeping over it with a face brush. Choose your perfect shade from the nine that are available.
Lucy
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Makeup Brushes On The Go
Dear Rissa,
I saw your last column about fashionable shoes perfect for traveling. My question is about traveling, too. I’m looking for quality makeup brushes that have a good size, are easy to bring around, and don’t cost an arm and a leg. Please recommend something you have tried. Lastly, I’m looking for a new fragrance. Any suggestions?
Chris O.
Makeup professionals have stated that a good makeup brush is a beauty secret and is akin to what a good set of knives is to a chef. For us women, quality makeup brushes perfect for traveling mean we can achieve a beautiful look wherever we go! A favorite of mine is the Charm Travel Pro 14-pc. brush set (only P2,200, available online at www.beautyand minerals.com, The Ramp Crossings Shangri-La, and at PurBeauty in Serendra). This set features 14 outstanding travel brushes made from the softest blend of animal and synthetic hair. It includes all the brushes you’ll ever need: a stippling brush, powder brush, foundation brush, angled blush brush, concealer brush, wet/dry eyeshadow brush, blending brush, pencil point brush, angled eyeshadow brush, flat liner brush, bent eyeliner brush, eyebrow shading brush, brow spoolie, and lip brush.
I’m quite picky with brushes myself. I’ve seen brushes at the malls that feel so soft on the skin but disappoint in performance once you’ve brought them home. I love the Charm Travel Pro brush set because not only are they amazingly feather soft, they pick up and blend makeup so well, too. They really make me feel like a makeup pro! Despite being travel sized, the length and weight of the handles are very comfortable on the hand. They’re really easy to take with you wherever you go (without sacrificing space in your bag) because the brushes are housed in a fashionable black faux croc case with hot pink zippers, which are spill-proof and easy to clean, too! With an easy-on-the-pocket price, they also make the perfect gift for sisters and girlfriends this Christmas.
As for fragrance, try the new DKNY Golden Delicious Eau de Parfum (available at Rustan’s). It’s a modern scent that exudes luxury with sensuality and warmth. Housed in an elegant golden glass and metallic apple-shaped bottle, you won’t be able to resist not taking a bite out of this — the scent makes you feel classy, feminine, and seductive at the same time. Use it for a night out and for special dinners. For every day, a light spritz of this will make you feel dressier even on your worst day. After all, sometimes fragrance is the last but most important accessory we put on to complete an outfit.
Rissa
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Applying Lipstick At The Dining Table
Dear Ms. Tingting,
Is it improper for a lady to apply lipstick during a formal sit-down dinner? I saw a prominent society lady do this during a ball, and her tablemates found it not okay.
Loraine
It is appropriate for a woman to excuse herself and apply lipstick in a private area such as a restroom, unless it’s too far. Everyone appreciates good grooming, mostly not at the dining table. If applying lipstick by the table is a must because as I said, the restroom is far, make a slight turn to one side to hide your intentions, say “excuse me” to your seatmate, and make your face disappear a bit as you apply your lipstick.
Tingting
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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.