Wanted: A concealer that gives a flawless look

DEAR LUCY,

My face is clearing up already, after all the acne I had during pregnancy, and what is left right now are flat but dark marks, the type that when covered well with concealer will make me look flawless. My concern is that I do not like the look of pasty concealer. I want that dewy finish that makes skin look so healthy! What products can I use?     DEARLYN

I know what you mean and I think I have just the right product for you. On days when I want coverage that looks very natural still, I turn to Lancome’s UV Expert GN-Shield BB Complete. It has triple potency — it protects, corrects, covers. It is an all-in-one product that works wonderfully! That alone can already cover marks significantly (depending, of course, on how dark they are), and should you need some extra coverage still, then you can apply some concealer (my favorite is from Youngblood, available at Beauty Bar, because it does not cake). After you use the Lancome BB Complete (available at Rustan’s), you can set with loose powder so that it looks natural. If you use foundation over it, your face will already look very flawless but also quite heavily made up so I suggest just very fine loose powder.

Spray on some rose face mist to really give you that natural look. Don’t forget to curl your lashes and wear lip color for some added pretty.                     LUCY

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How to achieve the no-makeup look

DEAR RISSA,

My boyfriend hates it when it’s obvious that I’m wearing makeup. He always tells me my skin looks better without makeup. But I feel conscious about my blemish marks. Is there a makeup powder that gives coverage but is undetectable (especially to guys!)? Hope you can recommend something you’ve tried.                       

JACKIE G.

My husband dislikes it, too, when my makeup is obvious. To many guys, thick makeup reminds them of grandmothers or a corpse! Yikes! Before anything else, make it a must to have a good skincare regimen. It’s simple: The better you take care of your skin, the better you look and the less you’ll need to cover. Always keep your face clean and never go to sleep with makeup. Use SPF during the day, invest in a good anti-aging regimen and moisturize every night. It takes diligence and time, but it will help ensure better-looking skin even when you grow older.

In the meantime, you can get some help with makeup. Right now, there are only two powder foundations that give me the no-makeup look: Becca Boudoir Skin Collection Mineral Powder Foundation (available only at Adora, Greenbelt 5) and Clinique Even Better Powder Makeup SPF 25/PA+++ (available at Rustan’s). After trying on so many brands, these two are the only ones that are husband-approved! They both make skin really look like skin while providing ample and buildable coverage. They cover my dark circles, blemish marks, the occasional zit that pops up, even tiny veins on my face. It feels AND looks like you have nothing on. Yes, even he won’t be able to tell! I love these two powder foundations — you will, too, because they will make you look great not just in photos but even up close. I carry the Clinique one in my bag all the time while with the Becca one, I’m a loyal repeat buyer. I’m on my fifth compact already!                         RISSA

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How to tame thick locks

HI, REGINA!

I have thick, wavy hair that just won’t cooperate no matter how much conditioner I use. Is there any way I can make it look more professional?     ANDREA

Conditioner will help seal in moisture, making your strands softer and healthier, but it does nothing about the thickness of your hair. If you have thick, coarse locks, Alex Carbonell, creative director of Studio Fix by Alex Carbonell in Greenbelt 5, says you need to look into products that are really made for styling. Hair spray or clay will help keep your strands in place. Serums may also be able to help, but you have to be sure to distribute it evenly throughout your hair, and then comb it through to help everything become more sleek.

REGINA

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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.