Bye-bye under-eye circles!

HI, REGINA!

Apart from sleep, is there a remedy for my dark under-eye circles?   

JULIA

Speaking from experience, sometimes not even sleep can eliminate those under-eye shadows. Maybe you have deep-set eyes (like I do), or allergic rhinitis that causes the discoloration in the area (like I do), and no amount of rest will ever amount to any significant change. Most brightening under-eye creams contain the slightest touch of reflective particles in them so that when applied to the area, they’ll reflect light, making them appear brighter, but this is a purely cosmetic fix. Other active ingredients in the formulas can certainly help, but there’s no one-stop cure. (That said, though, I would still highly recommend using eye cream daily!)
Cosmetics are really your best bet. Concealers and correctors (they are two different things) can easily even out the tone in your problem areas. A proper corrector — you need a peach or salmon one depending on how deep your skin tone is — will negate the violet hue of your under-eye circles. Then, you apply an under-eye concealer in exactly your skin tone (or one shade lighter at most) over that and blend it with the rest of your skin to eliminate the darkness. If your circles are as hardcore as mine, I would suggest going for a thicker concealer formula. I personally use MAC’s Studio Finish concealer (it comes in a little pot, and one pot lasts me an entire year), and have not found another concealer that can cover my circles up quite like this one does, although I switch to creamier alternatives in colder climates.
But of course, get as much sleep as you can, too!

REGINA

Sexy, not girly, in gingham

DEAR LUCY,

I love fabric printed with big blooms, but I feel I may look overwhelmed in it. I also like to wear gingham, but I do not want to look like I am trying to channel the look of a little girl. Please give me pointers.                                        

TONIE

For floral prints, choose a cut that, at the very least, nips you in the waist. If you are wearing a full skirt, make sure your top is fitted. Always remember that bigger prints can also make you look bigger and vice versa. Wear sleek heels for a touch of sexy.

I love gingham, and the key is to choose a sexy cut for such an innocent-looking fabric. Think flirty dress with spaghetti straps, a camisole top paired with skinny pants, a pencil skirt with a high slit. Make gingham hug your curves, flirt with a low V-neck (just not too low that you will spend your time worrying about your breasts being exposed). Wear bold jewellery so that it contradicts the sweetness of the fabric. Sexy heels are again a must here.

LUCY

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SOS (SAVE OUR SOLE)

DEAR RISSA,

My feet are so dry, even intensive creams don’t seem to work. Is there anything else I can try?            

CHERIE

I’m a believer that skin is a reflection of your health and the way you take care of yourself inside out. Make sure to drink a lot of water and hydrate, especially now with the coming hot summer. If you always shower with warm or hot water, your feet will tend to easily get dry, too.

With the summer season coming, you’ll also want your feet to be pretty enough for all the summer sandals you’ll be wearing. What always works for me is to slather Vaseline petroleum jelly all over my feet — from the soles to the top part of the toes — and wear socks overnight. My feet get amazingly softer and smoother when I wake up the next day. It even helps soften cracked heels! Another product I love is Earth Therapeutics Intensive All-Over Moisture Gel Booties (available at Beauty Bar). This only used to be available abroad so I was so happy when Beauty Bar brought it here. This works even doubly hard in moisturizing the feet. Just like socks, you wear these overnight and, thanks to a super hydrating gel matrix inside the sock, your entire foot is actively moisturized from heel to toes. But unlike socks, which can get dangerously slippery, it has a rubberized anti-slip sole. These really work wonders to revive dry, damaged heels and feet.                                                                

RISSA

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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.