HI, REGINA!
I had bad acne and the product I was hiyang to got phased out, so I went through facial treatments and peels to clear my skin. The problem is these treatments left dark marks and “holes” on my face. I’ve tried glutathione and bleaching but to no avail. Can you suggest any concealing/foundation products that also whiten? Also, my skin is sensitive, so a hypoallergenic product would help.
ROXANNE
While glutathione is a good antioxidant (and antioxidants are so, so good for you!), it won’t necessarily do anything to whiten your skin. Bleaching agents may actually be further aggravating your sensitivity, and irritation can cause even more dark spots. There’s no quick fix for any skin problem; skin usually takes at least a month to turn over new cells, which is why the labels on many skin care products ask you to start looking for results after four or so weeks. Patience is key!
If you want to cover up while waiting for your skin to clear up, though, look for a medium- to full-coverage foundation that will conceal any dark marks. (VMV Hypoallergenics makes sensitivity-friendly foundations in sheer, medium-, and full-coverage formulas in lots of shades.) To fill in “holes” for a smoother look, use a primer beforehand. (The Balm’s silicone-based Time Balm primer contains antioxidants vitamin E and vitamin C.)
If you’re determined to lighten your dark spots, a foundation’s not likely to do the trick. Look for a serum with a higher concentration of vitamin C. Given your skin’s sensitivity, though, it’s important to spot-test first to make sure you don’t react badly to the product. (Kiehl’s Dermatologist Solutions Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution contains Activated C, and you can try it before you buy it at the shop.)
REGINA
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Bright and beautiful lips with The Face Shop
DEAR RISSA,
I’ve been seeing bright lips all over. They look pretty in pictures, but the matte effect is so drying on the lips. My boyfriend hates the look and says it’s like kissing a corpse. Please recommend a lipstick that gives a nice pop of color without looking scary. Preferably not matte, please. TISHA D.
Beautiful color starts with well-conditioned lips. It helps to prep your puckers with a lip balm or lip salve. What I do is apply Carmex (available at PCX) before I even start my makeup. After I’ve done my whole makeup routine and I’m ready to apply my lipstick, I press my lips on tissue to blot off any excess lip balm; this gives a smooth and supple base for any lip color.
Pops of color are pretty for summer, but super bright tones can look clown-like, too. I personally like and use The Face Shop’s moisture lipstick. You must try them in my favorite shades PK 103 and OR 201. These pink and peachy-orange hues give the lips an extra boost of color that still look like your own lips. They instantly brighten the face without drowning out your other features. They’ve been my summer staple because they’re so lightweight on the lips — you not only look fresh but feel fresh, too! And don’t worry, these moisture lipsticks don’t dry out the lips. They glide on smoothly and moisturize with staying power. Very, very kissable! RISSA
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Wanted: An anti-aging product
DEAR LUCY,
What anti-aging product do you use? I want something that works as I feel that my face is starting to sag.
Also, how do I make a chic chignon myself? SUNO
I have been using for almost a year now Anew Genics Treatment Concentrate. I use it day and night under my sun block. It has the YouthGen Technology designed to stimulate the Youth Gene to make skin cells act younger. This breakthrough serum is age-resisting and will restore skin’s vitality. It eradicates wrinkles and makes skin look 10 years younger. Who does not want to look 10 years younger?
The improvement and change in skin texture is remarkable. To give you an idea of how well the product works, it tallies in the billions in terms of number of units sold worldwide, testament to the fact that it is a beauty must-have that works and delivers as promised. I am never without it.
For the chic chignon you want, the Goody Bun Spiral should be your new best friend. You can get the perfect bun in three easy steps:
1. Gather your hair into a low ponytail.
2. Twist hair into a bun with ends tucked inside the ponytail.
3. Twist on the bun spiral in a clockwise motion until secure.
LUCY
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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.