A BB cream that’s not heavy or sticky, but just right

Dear Lucy,

I am looking for a BB cream that is light, but gives good coverage. I already have pretty good skin and I always remember what I read in your column that good skin should not be camouflaged with thick foundation.

What BB cream can you suggest? How about blush? And what powder do you use to set? I have difficulty with eyeliner. What do you use — pencil or brush? 

Toffee

Last week, I wandered into The Face Shop and got myself their Power Perfection BB Cream in natural beige. I like it! I use a moisturizing base and very sparingly apply the BB cream. It is best to apply very thinly, and then build up only in areas where you need more coverage. I use a cream blush on the apples of my cheeks (Becca Beach Tint is a favorite) and then set with Laura Mercier loose setting powder. Then I spritz with Urban Decay D-Slick Oil-Free Setting Spray and I hardly need to retouch in the course of the day unless I really sweat.

For eyeliner, my favorite brush to use is Tom Ford’s in number 15. If I could only have one eyeliner brush in the world, then I would choose that. I like using it to line, and then to make wing tips. That brush makes it all easy.                                     

Lucy

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How to make legs look slimmer

Dear Rissa,

I love dressing up, but I always wear pants to hide my legs, which I feel look big. I wish I could wear dresses or skirts, but I’m really super- conscious about my legs. Is there any way I can make them look slimmer?                                                      

Jackie

To make your legs look slimmer, an A-line-style skirt is more slendering with heavy legs. Pleated skirts are big now and the movement of the skirt also helps divert attention away. Flared skirts work well for women with heavy legs, too.

If you love wearing heels, it’s important to wear a heel that’s substantial enough to support your legs and is in proportion to your skirt. You’re better off with a feminine shoe rather than a chunky one. Consider elongating your legs with slingback shoes. Avoid ankle straps because even a thin strap can cut the length of your legs. Another trick to lengthen your legs is to choose a shoe style with a low vamp (the part of the shoe covering the instep and toes). Plus, a pointed toe rather than a rounded toe shape will also elongate your legs.

Don’t stop experimenting with tops, too. Use them to draw attention upward and flatter your face. Looking good is sometimes all a matter of illusion. It’s about accentuating your assets and drawing the eyes to more attractive parts. By playing up what you feel good about, you downplay what you don’t.                        

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.