When you’re up in arms against sweat

HI, RISSA!

I’m an avid reader of your column and decided to consult you about my problem. I’m an 18-year-old student and I have been experiencing sweating in my underarms. I’ve tried using different brands but to no avail. My underarm sweats all the time even if I am not doing anything and worse, the sweat leaves stains on my white uniform. It’s very uncomfortable and I’m starting to lose my confidence. Any effective anti-perspirant you can recommend? It would be great if it is affordable, too, since I’m on a tight budget.

A. RIVERA

Please try Dove Minimising Anti-Perspirant deodorant spray. This affordable drugstore brand may be known to be gentle but this softie is a toughie on sweat! True story: One time, my husband ran out of his favorite men’s deodorant so I offered the Dove deo spray sitting on my bathroom shelf. He was so surprised it kept him dry and sweat-free throughout an entire day, even after hours of being in a hot and humid basketball gym! Men generally sweat more than women, but this Dove deo spray was able to handle it!

As for the sweat stains on your uniform, they say you should never use bleach on a perspiration stain, especially on white cotton fabrics. The chlorine in the bleach will react chemically with the proteins in sweat and cause the stain to set even darker! One friend of mine tried using bleach, and the pale yellow stains turned almost mustard in color! Also never iron or put a stained garment in the dryer — any heat will set the stain permanently.  Do not dry or heat the garment until the stain is gone. Hope these tips will be of help. Good luck!

 RISSA

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Handy tips on using a clarisonic skin brush

HI, REGINA!

I bought a Clarisonic Mia, a handheld exfoliator with an oscillating brush that promises to remove dirt and buildup. After my first use, my face turned red and blotchy. I paid $120 for it; definitely not cheap! I don’t want to give up on it just yet. What do I do?

PAMELA

I own a Clarisonic, too! I asked a friend to swing by Sephora and buy me the Clarisonic Plus when she was in New York, and I’ve been in love with it ever since. However, if your skin’s turning red and blotchy when you use it, you may be a little too sensitive. Maybe you can switch to a softer brush head (I use the Sensitive ones, but there’s also a Delicate one that’s even gentler). Maybe you can turn the intensity setting down (I’m not sure about your Clarisonic, but mine can be set to low, medium, and high vibration). It may also be the cleanser you’re using in conjunction with the Clarisonic. Perhaps a gentler cleanser will cause less (or no) reaction.

Or, you can lessen the frequency of use. Like, instead of using it twice a day, just use it once (or even just a couple of times a week instead of daily), and instead of using it for a full one or two minutes, use it just long enough to give your face a full pass. Also, don’t press it tightly against your skin; let the Clarisonic glide lightly over it instead and the brush will do all the work.

I hope your Clarisonic starts to work for you as well as it has for me (and for all my other beauty nerd friends who own one!), but if it doesn’t, you might have to pass it on to a family member or friend. With a fresh brush head, it’ll be mostly like new anyway.                                                                    

REGINA

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Feel good, look good after giving birth

DEAR LUCY,

I have just given birth by normal means and my tummy area is pouchy still. It is making me sad. I feel far from beautiful even if I am happy to be a mom. Any tips?

KISHA

I can relate. The body has gone through a major change and what you are feeling is but natural. First, I would advise you to buy a good binder. You can get it from medical supply stores. Wear it 24/7. It will help trim your midsection, although that has to be coupled with a healthy diet and exercise. When I had given birth to Juliana, I wore my binder all the time, even when sleeping. I’d only take it off when I shower. I also always wore a bra so my breasts would not sag. Your breasts swell with milk and it will need support more than ever.

In terms of feeling beautiful, well, you must embrace and celebrate what you can on a daily basis. Give yourself time to transition gracefully into your new role. Offhand, nothing can make you feel more ugly than when you lack sleep, so try to really prioritize and get enough sleep. The basic rule is: When the baby sleeps, drop everything and get some sleep, too. You will have nothing to give if your own cup is empty. Do things that will make you feel pretty, even and especially if it is for your own pleasure. Have a manicure or pedicure (treat yourself to home service), get a blow-out for your hair, wear cheek tint and lip gloss. There will be a steady stream of visitors, most of them unexpected, so at least you are ready to face them anytime. You must feel good to also look good.

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. Send Regina Belmonte your questions at vivatregina.tumblr@gmail.com or tweet her @vivatregina.