Authentic & affordable dance wear for the frugal fashionista

Dear Rissa,

I remember reading a feature article on you that mentioned you danced ballet before. I am a young mom like you and my daughter will be taking up ballet for the first time this summer. To get back in shape, I am taking the adult ballet class. May I ask a frugal fashionista like you where I can buy affordable ballet wear?

Frances D.

Yes, I danced ballet for around five years. There’s something quite magical about dancing — you express a thousand emotions without uttering a single word. I miss ballet terribly. Sometimes I wish I never stopped. I was taking classes under two amazing ballet mentors — Liza de La Fuente and Lisa Macuja. I became an apprentice for the Philippine Ballet Theatre and performed in CCP for productions such as Swan Lake and Romeo and Juliet. It was challenging to find quality but affordable dance wear back then. I remember how I would beg my mom to buy me everything I needed for ballet and because I was an honor student, she would reward me with a ballet shopping spree in Hong Kong. Yes, I would wait for our family trips abroad before I could buy what my dancing heart desired. While my siblings were at the toy stores, my mom and I were getting lost figuring out how to find the ballet specialty shops tucked in the corners of Hong Kong. There, we would buy leotards, skirts, tights, and pointe shoes because the imported authentic ballet brands were cheaper there. 

Lucky for those passionate about dance, Payless Shoe Source recently collaborated with the American Ballet Theatre to provide authentic dance footwear that is affordable for everyone. Yup, even the Payless Shoe Source stores here in Manila (Shangri-La Plaza, TriNoma, and Rockwell) carry them, too. Known as the American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Spotlights collection, the collaboration features ballet shoes, tap shoes, jazz shoes, and even tights and chic tote bags for the true dancer. Made of quality leather materials with cushioned soles, they are designed to form to the feet to provide maximum movement, comfort, flexibility, and a secure fit. Before all the summer dance classes and activities start, now is the perfect time to buy everything you need for your ballet classes. A pair of leather ballet slippers costs only P1,250. I keep a pretty pink pair with me so that every time I miss the beautiful art of ballet, I can happily dance anytime in my room.       

Rissa

* * *

Lash wish: a mascara that does not smudge

Hi, Regina!

How do I keep from looking like a panda whenever I put on mascara? Some always seem to rub off under my eyes.

Andrea

If you’re applying mascara to your lower lashes as well, don’t. If you’re not, you could be putting on too much product. Try to find a mascara that gives you enough volume in fewer coats. Also, if you’re not using waterproof mascara, maybe you should consider it. (I know it’s a bigger hassle to take off, but it bleeds less and is still preferable to looking accidentally emo. Majolica Majorca’s Lash King mascara is one of my favorites. It builds up length, creates great volume, and really holds a curl.) Keep in mind, however, that waterproof mascara is only waterproof. It can still smudge.

The biggest reason for mascara smudges, regardless of the formula, is the oils in your skin or in the makeup you wear around your eye area, especially if you’re big on foundation and concealer. As the oils build up, they dissolve pigment (which is why oil-based products are the most effective removers for strong eye makeup). Dust a little powder (translucent, or in your shade) on your under-eye area to soak up product residue and set your makeup. If you have oily eyelids, use powder or primer to nix the grease and prevent eyeshadow creases.

Regina

* * *

That hot dewy summer look

Dear Lucy,

It is so hot! My face powder melts in the heat and my face then looks splotchy! How do I survive the heat still looking pretty in the face?

Mutya

Don’t use powder in this heat. I would suggest that you use tinted sun block because it will address two things: It will protect your skin from the sun and even out your complexion. Use a cream blush, stain your lips and moisturize with lip balm, and curl your lashes really well to open up your eyes. In short, go for the dewy look. MAC has this lovely cream color base in a shade called Seaside and I love using it in the eyelids, down the bridge of the nose all the way to the tip, and on the apple of the cheeks. Strategically applied, it gives the skin a healthy glow.

Lucy

* * *

Send e-mail to Lucy Torres-Gomez at ltg@pldtdsl.com. E-mail Rissa Trillo at stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com or follow her on Twitter @RissaMananquil. E-mail Regina Belmonte at vivatregina.tumblr@gmail.com.