Evening bag essentials

DEAR RISSA,

Whenever I have to attend formal events like weddings, I have to carry an evening clutch bag. Not a lot can fit because it is so small. What are the most important things to put? Hope you can share your essentials. Thank you.

— ELENA

DEAR ELENA,

Whenever I have to attend dressy events, which require a small evening purse or minaudiere, I never leave the house without three beauty essentials. First is a small pack of tissue. I’m not a fan of relying on face powder to retouch throughout the night — the thick layers result to unflattering makeup. If makeup is done right, it should last throughout the event and tissue is more than enough to blot off any excess oil. Keeping tissue on hand also prepares you for tear-jerking wedding ceremonies and unexpected food or beverage spills. Remember, messy makeup and a dirty gown are not the best accessories.

Red lipstick is my second essential. It punctuates your look in a single swipe and it can work wonders even on a bare face. My current favorites are Chanel Rouge Coco in the shade Gabrielle No. 19 and Clinique’s Chubby Stick Intense in the shade Mightiest Maraschino (both available at Rustan’s).

Lastly, is a pack of mints or breath spray. Lately, I’ve been partial to the latter and I especially like Swish Breath Spray in Artic Chill (available at leading drugstores, supermarket and personal care stores nationwide). Fact is, even if you have the prettiest gown, killer heels, and beautiful jewelry, bad breath is never fashionable! It can ruin even the most red carpet worthy look. Swish Breath Spray instantly kills germs and bacteria in the mouth caused by eating, drinking or smoking. I really like it because it feels so fresh in the mouth, as if you had just brushed your teeth. The fresh feeling is amazingly long lasting, too. And yes, there’s no unwanted stinging feeling because it is wonderfully alcohol-free and sugar-free. Big beauty bonus: it takes up less space than a pack of mints — it’s just as big as a tube of lipstick. 

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Skincare 101

HI, REGINA!

I want to put together a skincare regimen for myself. What are the basics I need to keep covered?           — JESSIE

Your skincare routine will depend on what your skin requires. If you have a dermatologist, it’s best to consult him or her for something truly tailored for your needs. But as for the basics, everyone needs:

1. A gentle cleanser, used morning and night. Pick one that’s safe for all skin types (from the most sensitive to the most resilient) like Physiogel’s or Cetaphil’s.

2. A non-comedogenic sunscreen. Yes, even when it isn’t summertime. The sun is the number one cause of aging, and it can aggravate any skin conditions you might already have, so it’s good to keep your skin protected. (You’ll thank me 20 years from now if you follow this step!)

Everything else is optional. If you think you can benefit from a mattifying toner, or something with tea tree or witch hazel, especially if you’re oily, go for it. If you think your skin requires a moisturizer, go for it. Same goes for mild exfoliators. (I would throw a serum in there; serums pack a hell of a beauty punch because the ingredients are so concentrated and the formulas usually feel so light.)                  — REGINA

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Investing in a good bag

DEAR LUCY,

I want to buy a leather bag, but I cannot afford all those “it” bags just yet like the Hermes birkin. It is way over my salary and I am the breadwinner in my family. But given my position in a firm, I also know that I have to invest in a good bag. What should I get?

— KAREN

A basic rule when it comes to shopping: quality over quantity.

When it comes to leather goods especially, always buy the best your money can afford. Even if you just have to buy one or two bags in one year, let them be good quality ones that will stand the test of time. Make sure also they are bags you will still use even when the fashion magazines have moved on to herald the next “it” bag. If you cannot afford a designer bag just yet then by all means you can still be just as happy with a brand that, although not exactly mainstream, is made of good leather. When you do get to save enough, check out the Tods D Bag. It is iconic, well-priced, and will serve you well  for many, many years to come.                        â€” LUCY