Must-have hot-weather travel makeup

DEAR REGINA,

I’m going out of the country next week and apparently, it’s really hot and humid where I’m headed. What makeup do you suggest I wear? I still want to look good in the photos, haha!                       

NICOLE

I would suggest skipping base if you can manage it. If you can get away with just wearing under-eye concealer and spot-correcting where it’s necessary, definitely do that, because full makeup can feel so uncomfortable in the heat, and you’ll feel reluctant to wick your sweat off if you’re worrying about taking your foundation off with it. Trust me, I’ve been there!

When it comes to color, tints and creams are going to be your best friends. Cheek tints, or cream blush, will make it longer through sweltering heat than your average powder blush, so toss those in your travel makeup kit. A cream highlighter on the tops of your cheekbones will make your skin look glowy, too, if you think you need it, but if you’re expecting to get sweaty, you probably don’t.

I would suggest getting your eyebrows shaped before you leave so you don’t have to think so much about them, and all you have to do is fill in with a product to define a little further (either powder or pen, whichever you’re already using). This is something I do before a beach trip, because in the event that the ocean washes off my brow makeup (likely), at least my brows are still perfectly shaped and defined.

As for your eye makeup, if you’ve got great lashes, curling them, then topping them off with a great waterproof mascara should be enough. But if you want a little extra definition, use a brown pencil and line your upper lashline (and part of your lower lashline, if you are so inclined) with it. It’s subtler than black, and if it blends out or fades a little over the course of the day, it won’t be such a noticeable difference — matter of fact, it can look a little intentional. But if you want to do something like a stark black wing, then use gel liner, which is more lasting. (Always a fave: Bobbi Brown’s.)

As for lips, they don’t sweat, so anything goes. Toss some oil-blotting paper and a pack of tissues in your purse for touch-ups, and have a great trip!                  

REGINA

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Denims and pearls

DEAR LUCY,

I am in my late 50s and I have maintained a slim figure.  My daughter who is in her 20s says I should wear denims.  Do you think it is becoming  at my age?  Is it okay to wear a pearl necklace every day?  Or should I also wear something more fun?                                          

TITA ELLA

I think denims are classic, and can be carried well by most anyone regardless of age.  There are many styles, washes, and cuts to choose from.  I would suggest that you be very definite about what you will not wear — offhand, do not go for anything ripped, patched, too faded.  I would go for a dark wash, in a flattering trouser cut.  Keep the look sleek.  Pair it with a crisp shirt, accessorize it with nice jewellery or a scarf.  Choose a mid-rise, since you are slim you can even tuck in a button-down shirt.  Wear a smart belt with it.

I have no problem about wearing a pearl necklace every day.  Especially if that makes you happy.  I love pearls and I wear them often because I love how pretty they look and feel.  There is something about a pearl necklace that is quietly elegant.  I love how easily it can dress up even a plain white shirt, and how it can go from day to night.  You can keep the look classic, or if you feel like you want to try something new, you can always layer your pearls with chains. Have fun being a lady, wear not only what looks right but also feels right!

Enjoy your denims and pearls, Tita Ella!                                                       

LUCY

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Beyu-tiful lashes

DEAR RISSA,

What’s a good waterproof mascara that gives natural but beautiful looking lashes? The others I’ve tried make me look like a drag queen.                

IYA

I know what you mean. I once was wearing a lengthening mascara and my lashes looked so long that someone said they looked like spider legs. Another time, my lashes were so thick and inky black that a person asked me if I had just come from a show. When it comes to mascara, we all just really want something we can wear every day without looking like it’s show time. We want to look like ourselves but better.

I recently got to try BeYu Beauty Queen Volume Mascara (P880 for the waterproof variant). I’m starting to like it for daily use because it can really keep hold the curls! I even tried sleeping with it to test its long-lasting powers. I woke up with smudge-free sheets and lashes that looked like I had just freshly curled them. Quite impressive. And yes, no scary spider legs or drag queen-like lashes. They give you lashes that look like yours but better.                                                

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.