Anti-aging and whitening for the hands and feet at Maison

DEAR RISSA,

I’m afraid to get maitim and kulubot hands and feet. There are many anti-aging and whitening treatments for the face, but is there anything for the hands and feet?

 NARA

Women always make it a point to care for their face, but they often neglect the hands — one of the biggest indicators of age. The hands, together with the feet, are some of the most abused body parts. They work the hardest and they deserve some pampering, too.

You must make it a point to experience Maîson by Nail Spa. Located on the ground floor of Edades Towers in Rockwell, the interiors boast a luxe, French infusion — every corner is so beautiful to look at and yet it feels like home. I’ve been going to Nail Spa for 13 years already because they’ve perfected meticulous cleaning combined with pampering. They really do it best. Apart from the divine pampering, you’ll also fall in love with their menu of stylish nail colors from the nail care industry’s best and most premium brands — Essie to OPI, Deborah Lippmann to Illamasqua, Chanel to Christian Louboutin. After trying their newly opened Maîson, it’s so hard to go anywhere else.

To pamper your hands and feet, especially during the hectic holidays, you should try their treatments called Maîson Anti-Age Hands and Maîson Anti-Age Feet. These include aromatherapy, an Epsom salt soak, nail cleaning, a 15-minute massage, elbow softening cream, and premium polish. Maîson Anti-Age Hands and Feet both make use of natural and organic products such as argan, which is rich in antioxidants, moisturizing, and healing; coconut, which is protein-rich and essential to cellular and tissue repair; and sweet almond, which reduces inflammation and tightens skin. They’ve made it a point to help slow down the onslaught of aging and manual labor.

 Maîson by Nail Spa also offers the treatment called Maîson Blanc Hands and Feet, which uses papaya extract, cucumber essential, lemon essential, and coconut oil to brighten the skin tone. This whitening line works on melanin-producing cells with constant use. Whichever treatment you choose — whitening or anti-aging for your hands and feet — Maîson by Nail Spa is the perfect way to prep your hands and feet so they’re party-ready during the holidays and you greet the New Year with beautiful hands and feet!                          

RISSA

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LEARNING MAKEUP 101

HI, REGINA!

How do you get into makeup stuff? I really want to learn how to put it on, but I don’t know where to start. I love how dark red lipstick looks!       

MINA

You start with whatever you feel is necessary, basically! Everyone starts in different ways. I started with red lipstick, and then slowly picked up other products (and the techniques necessary to use them) as the years went by. Lipstick is actually a great way to start, because it requires no expertise to use; you just swipe it on. Some might start with a concealer because they have things they want to cover up (I learned to use this later in life, when my dark circles started to get worse), others learn to use eyeliner first. Lipstick is a great idea!

If you want to cover all the basics, though, the essentials are the following:

• Lip color: This can be lipstick of any finish, or lip tint, or even lipgloss. It instantly switches up your look, and a change in shade can evoke an entirely different feel.

• Eyeliner: This is always worth learning, because using different colors of eyeliner or different application techniques can also change your look. I’d suggest starting with pencils, which are easier to use and more versatile than liquid liners. Pick up a black cream pencil liner and a brown cream pencil liner. Brown is great for daytime, if you want definition but not so much intensity. Black is great for stronger looks. Apply just along the upper lashline for slight definition, wing it out for a little style, or ring all around your eye for depth. Your choice.

• Mascara: If you’re too lazy for liner or have thick enough lashes, mascara’s all the definition you need. It also really works wonders to open up your eyes and make you look awake.

• Cheek color: Blush or cheek tint in a flattering color (peachy pink is universally good) is essential; it’ll make you look fresh.

• Brow definer: Neat, defined brows are a small but essential detail. If you don’t want to attempt a pencil, at least get your brows shaped by a professional on the regular.

Everything else, only get if you need. Use a base, like BB cream or foundation, if you have redness you want to even out or minor discoloration to cover up. Use concealer if it’s more intense. Use powder if you need to set your base or if you tend towards oiliness. Use a highlighter if you’re prone to dryness and want to fake a glow. Experiment, and have fun with it.                

REGINA

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FUN & SEXY FASHION

DEAR LUCY,

Half of my closet is made up of dresses, in a structured shape. I want to infuse someting fun and flirty but not necessarily short. What should I be looking out for?

Also, I recently had back surgery so heels are out of the question. Can flats be as sexy as heels? Help!                   

NELLIE

How about dresses in a drop-waist silhouette? It is sophisticated yet playful and the swishy skirt makes for a youthful vibe. It is also very versatile — can be paired with a blazer or, for a festive night out, you can choose one in a silky and embellished fabric. At any rate, the dressing looks and feels easy, sweet but definitely confident.

Re your back surgery, heels are not the only ones that spell sexy. Flats can be very chic, too, and, especially when chosen in a silk or satin material, can be very dressy. Choose pointy pumps, or ballet flats but embellished with crystals. Put some shimmer on your legs via Benefit’s Bathina. Enjoy the holidays!

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.