YStyle beauty picks
Hair-raising
MANILA, Philippines - Last week, Tokyo Posh opened its second branch in Eastwood Mall with a grand launch of the store’s Mane Girls: Ciara Sotto, Melissa Ricks, Dana Gutierrez, and STAR columnist Mons Romulo. Owned by Denise Aquino, who filled a much-needed gap in the beauty industry with her wide array of clip-on hair extensions after witnessing how Japanese women styled their hair along with their outfits, the first Tokyo Posh branch opened in Power Plant Mall. Through word-of-mouth, repeat customers flocked to her store for the Blow Dry Bar, the first of its kind in the country with nine signature looks to choose from, eyelash extensions by i-Lash, and for hair extensions by Hair Talk, which were created by Alex Gunter. Created, as Denise says, for “women who can’t commit,” Tokyo Posh’s selection of clip-on hair extensions are perfect for adjusting hair length (from short to long, and vice versa), or even for coming up with great updos in a pinch, as seen in their Audrey clip-on, which comes in handy for when you need to get ready for a formal in a few minutes.
Shu Uemura and the chocolate factory
Successfully keeping us distracted while we wait for the makeup brand’s collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld (dropping in November!) is the Shu Uemura Chocolat Donna collection. Arriving conveniently during the burnt sienna autumn/winter season, the collection features three eye shadow palettes (Orange and Pistachio, Mint and Vanilla, and Raspberry and Mocha), two shades of blush (Frambosier and Apricot), two nail colors (Dark Chocolate and Icing Glitter), false Choco-lashes, and 12 seriously delicious-looking lipsticks (we have our eye on the Mandarin Orange hue). In addition, Shu Uemura fanatics and makeup artists have been invited to take the Chocolat Donne challenge where they can get the chance to win P10,000 worth of Shu Umemura products. The second half of the competition will continue in TriNoma on Aug. 22.
Clinique to the rescue
Clinique Minimizer Instant Perfector has been helping us save face, literally, since it launched in 2003. Recently, Clinique launched the Minimizer Instant Perfector that’s been upgraded with “Smart” Treatment Technology: contact specialized cross-linked silicone polymers that drape the skin in an invisible, breathable film that fills in and smoothens out pores, creating a flawless matte finish. It’s available in three tints to suit your hue: Invisible Bright, Invisible Light, and Invisible Deep. Accompanying the Minimizer Instant Perfector are the Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum, which reduces the appearance of pores by 58 percent in two weeks, and the Clinique Pore Refining Solutions Stay-Matte Hydrator — a moisturizer that mattifies skin, controls excess sebum, and provides oil-free hydration all day.
The Chroma effect
Because beachy hair (read: textured, ultra-light) may tend to look like a consequence of monsoon winds rather than a style statement, especially during rainy months, it’s time to switch to lustrous locks in deep, rich color. To maintain the sheen and vibrancy of colored hair, there’s a new Kérastase Chroma Captive, a new hair care system that helps protect color intensity for up to 40 days of regular use. It combines linseed oil for shine, UV filter and vitamin E for protection, and zinc gluconate that traps pigments deep within the hair shaft to stabilize color and preserve intensity. You’ve already invested in salon-perfect hair color; why not invest in protection to make it last all season?
Dusky beauty
The setting summer sun is good not just for cinematic inspiration. Cosmetics-wise, it has inspired Bobbi Brown’s new and limited edition Desert Twilight Collection, which combines soft hues with bright color. Southwestern turquoise stands out against the sun-swept rose, plum and bronze shades –– together, they give the skin a tawny glow, mirroring the hues of dusk.