Women of style share tips on fashion and beauty

To start 2011, I have asked some good friends to share their fashion and beauty tips. Many not only look great but also look better as the years roll along, which means they are doing something right.

While cosmetic procedures may be the fastest way, it may not necessarily be the best for everyone and it certainly isn’t the first choice of many.

My mother had beautiful skin that literally glowed till the day she passed at 72 years. She taught me to gently use a moist towel to clean the day’s grime away after taking off makeup simply with Johnson’s baby oil. That was her method of daily exfoliation before the word was coined. Plus, a daily moisturizer in the morning and evening using Oil of Olay, as that was considered the best cream of that era. There were no anti-aging creams then and simply cleaning one’s face before sleeping helped maintain one’s complexion.

My tips for 2011 are quite simple:

1. Be happy with yourself. Gaining weight and having a few more wrinkles shouldn’t make you feel inferior or old. Having a positive attitude is much better than being slim and negative.

2. Don’t wear too-tight clothes. They can’t make you look slimmer or younger. They will only look ill-fitting and make you feel ill at ease as you will be tugging on your clothes around the bulges you want to hide.

3. Stay away from negativity. Life is full of bad news and bad people, so let them stay away from you.

4. Make sure your foundation makeup matches your neck. It looks odd that one’s face is either too pale or too dark for your skin tone. Filipinas tend to use a foundation that is too white and look ghostly because the neck-area color doesn’t match. When in doubt, ask the makeup girl at the counter or your best friend to tell you the truth.

5. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. I can’t say it often enough because our facial and body skin definitely needs it! Use whatever works for your pocketbook.

6. Move your body, whether you go to the gym, do yoga or just plain window-shop. Don’t be a couch potato as the fat will accumulate in the wrong places.

Here are the beauty tips of my friends:

Vicky Zubiri

Health, exercise, and a positive, happy attitude are what are most important with regard to beauty and fashion.

I don’t eat rice, bread or meat. I eat lots of fruits and vegetables and occasionally indulge in seafood.

I do body combat and capoeira four times a week, lift weights and do a lot of sit-ups, mainly for health reasons. It releases stress and strengthens the muscles.

 With regard to maintaining clear skin, I’ve used Pond’s cleansing cream and wipes since I was 15 and after that, I wash with Erno Laszlo soap for dry skin.

 I’ve tried most creams but Shiseido is very good for Asian skin.

 With regard to fashion, I’m not very fond of trousers. I prefer classic skirts and dresses that are closely fitted and stiletto shoes.

 Above all, think happy and always be grateful for all your blessings.

Conchitina Sevilla Bernardo

Age graciously. There is something very dignified about a woman who accepts the gentle passing of time.

Yvonne Yuchengco

Regular exercise and deep faith in God.

Audrey Tan-Zubiri

I use sunscreen daily as I have a tendency to turn red as a shrimp when exposed to too much sun. I’ve been moisturizing since I was 15. I also never sleep with makeup on; I wash it all off every night, no matter how tired I am. When it comes to fashion, I stick to classic designs and styles that I’ve tried and tested over the years. I only incorporate trends into my outfit if I see that it is something I actually like and that fits me but I try not to go overboard. 

However, at the end of the day, no fashion or beauty secret can compete with the aura that a truly happy woman radiates, especially when she is at peace with herself and God, and in love — whether with life, her partner or her family.

Sandie C. Poblador

Know what suits your body shape and wear that basic silhouette with variations and varying accessories.

Wear age-appropriate fashion. There’s nothing more distasteful than wearing something meant for someone 20 years younger or older.

Buy the best shoes and handbags you can afford.

Chanel Sublimage and Shiseido Future Solutions to keep the skin moist and youthful-looking.

Avoid the sun. It hastens aging, causes wrinkles and brown spots.

Drink lots of water, don’t stress-eat and be asleep by 11 p.m.

As one grows older, wear lighter makeup; less is more!

Be happy and stop worrying!

Kaye Tinga

One can wear the fanciest clothes or put on the most luxurious makeup; however, every woman must never forget the famous line from the musical Annie: “You’re never fully dressed without a smile.”

Bettina Osmena

I always change brands so I can’t really endorse any brand because I easily get bored using the same products. I cleanse and use Retin A plus tons of eye cream every night. I don’t use any heavy cream on my face because my skin is very oily.

I exercise at least one hour a day and try to diet, but it’s really difficult. I also try to sleep well but with a night owl of a husband it’s quite difficult. But I think the real beauty tip is being in love with my husband and being very happy with my life.

Dayang Umali-Charles

My beauty tip is drink plenty of water, hydrate yourself. Wash your hands thoroughly before you touch your face. Cleanse and moisturize daily. Finish every meal; you should be able to eat more should you wish. Not the other way around! Smile. Everyone looks beautiful when they smile!

Ana Tuason Munnich

I start the day with natural yogurt and fresh fruits. 

No matter how tired you are at the end of the day, always cleanse and mosturize before going to bed. Loads of fruit, vegetables and water. Exercise is very important at our age and makes one feel so much better! Last but not least, always try to look at the positive things in life; your face reflects this!

Eva Reyes

My daily routine starts with meditation around 5:30 a.m.

I use Environ from Africa — a little pricey but it is worth it. Have been using this for over 10 years now and love it.

Wash my face with cold water, followed by toner, moisturizer and other creams. High levels of vitamin A and C are a must at this stage of my life and I mix the moisturizer with the vitamin A and C, followed by the eye cream, which I refrigerate.

Use sunscreen daily — this is a must!

Start the morning with fruits (papaya, blueberries, strawberries and kiwi are a must), Irish oatmeal (a good source of fiber), and at least eight glasses of water a day.

For lunch, fresh juice of broccoli, carrots, cucumber, celery, beets, and spinach, plus a veggie sandwich.

 Snacks with raw almonds, walnuts, a handful every day.

Exercise is a major part of my life. I do yoga, Zumba dance, stretch band and treadmill) — interchange them every other day.

I drink a shake made from tea, almonds, flaxseed, vanilla yogurt and lots of blueberries before going to the gym — it gives you plenty of energy and it’s perfect if you want to have a flat tummy.

 For dinner, salmon and salad, or just salad.

 I stay away from beef and pork and haven’t eaten it in over 10 years. When animals are being killed they go through tremendous stress, anxiety and pain and I do not want that in my body.

 At night I make sure my face is thoroughly clean.

 This is the most important part — why this is very effective is I massage my face with Environ’s Cosmetic Roll-CIT, a handheld needling device designed to dramatically increase the effectiveness of Environ skincare products by allowing improved penetration of essential vitamins into the skin. It has hundreds of tiny needles that open up your skin so that when you apply the moisturizer it penetrates 100 times more deeply into the skin cells. I think if you are not using this and just applying moisturizer you are wasting your money.

 Then I follow the same routine I do in the morning and the only difference is I add Retinol to my cream twice a week in the evening. 

 All the products I use are on this website:www.environ.co.za.

 Staying beautiful is a conscious decision. We only have one body and we should honor it.

Rima Ostwani

Work around a daily beauty regimen, which you can keep very simple in case you always have a tight schedule. Essentials include cleansing gel, toner and moisturizer for the face to deliver a soft and healthy, more luminous and radiant appearance.

Make it a habit to regularly apply lotion on your body so your skin is always smooth and healthy-looking.

Try to get enough sleep, drink lots of water, take vitamins daily, exercise regularly, have a well-balanced diet and most importantly, always have a positive outlook on life so as not to get stressed easily.

Apply makeup to enhance your natural beauty and not drastically change the way you look. For everyday wear, go for a light, natural and fresh look — just simple and pretty.

Lastly, always find time to take a break, relax and pamper yourself.

For fashion, build up on basics and key pieces. A short list of classic must-haves include a white shirt, tailored blazer, pencil skirt, cashmere cardigan, the ubiquitous little black dress, a great-fitting pair of jeans, high-heeled pumps, ballet flats and a great bag. This is your foundation — long-term pieces that you will love and cherish. Your look is built upon this list. Having conquered the basics, the sky really is the limit.

You don’t have to be boring, just avoid anything too extreme or too trendy. Trends come and go and it is great being up to date with fashion, but what matters the most is being comfortable with your own personal style and what fits you best. If you feel good then you look great.

Style comes from within. It is having the confidence to play with fashion, to be creative, to innovate. As Vivienne Westwood would say, buy less, choose well and mix it all!

Always remember the power of accessorizing!

Gina jane Grey

Aging is natural and is one thing we can’t stop, but perhaps slow down a bit.

For me, dance is the only beauty tip I can share and attest to. I’ve been dancing since I was six years old and still do today. My teaching of dances like flamenco, belly and jazz has helped me a lot in keeping fit enough to be able to maintain a reasonable weight and enjoy being able to wear any type of clothing. Dance has also helped me greatly in fighting cancer and recovering from it.

Mai Kaufman

No clothing or fashion accessory can make you look more stylish and fashionable if you don’t have inner beauty. Inner beauty is knowing who you are and embracing your imperfections and uniqueness.

Dressing up is a great way to express one’s personality and taste. Never fall for the trap of “dressing to impress.” Try to show your individuality by experimenting. Know your body well and have fun mixing things.

Avoid being trendy by always following what is “in” or what your friends are wearing. You are different, special and unique and that is what you want to show ... the real and beautiful you! Being common is boring. Any person with money can achieve the looks you see in magazines and window displays. Try creating your own style. Accessories are very helpful in smartening up a look. Never make the mistake of thinking that being trendy is stylish because it is not. 

Lastly, dressing up should be enjoyable! Stay true to yourself, always reinvent if you can and shine!

Charo Carmona Buencamino

Pamper your skin with moisturizer. Use one that specially locks moisture in and an eye cream before going to bed. It helps get rid of wrinkles and puffiness in the morning. 

Always have a good attitude in life and most of all, don’t forget to smile!

Marian Dominguez Paraiso

I just make sure I sleep with a clean face, using Pond’s cleansing cream to remove makeup.

Have at least five hours of deep sleep.

I visit my derma once every three months for a diamond peel.

Take vitamin supplements such as B complex, vitamin C and Glucosamine.

Drink at least eight glasses of water a day, most especially after eating chips and chocolates, my must-have for dessert.

To this very day, I’m striving to eat in moderation since I eat like a man and am a junk food lover.

I’m trying to have fruits, fish and vegetables in my daily food intake.

I’ve been working out in the gym since 1992, mainly to burn calories because there is a certain weight I have to maintain to spare me from back pain. Being toned and slim is the bonus from working hard at the gym. According to many, it makes me look young for my age.

But the biggest factor, I would say, is having a strong relationship with God. With that, everything seems to be in place.

I have a positive outlook on life and am fulfilled, contented and happy with the blessings given to me. It’s the gift of love that makes me love life itself so I’m always blooming and have that sparkle in my eyes that my friends compliment, and I always compliment back because that’s how I feel: just be happy and in love!

Bubbles Paraiso

My fashion tip: dress according to your body type; not everything can suit everyone. The same goes with trends — don’t follow each and every trend that comes and goes, just follow the ones that suit your personality and style.

On beauty, when you’re about to get a pimple, put ice over it; it will lessen the swelling and redness right away.

Lulu Tan Gan

Maintain good diet and exercise. Have enough sleep.

Do splurge on quality skincare products that suit your skin. 

For women of any age, avoid getting into the trend of face lifting or filling up your face with too much Botox for the nth time.

Fashion is quite liberal now but do take time to research to know what makes it today and not revive what’s outdated.

Marilen Ojeda

I make sure I do this regimen every day: for my age I noticed that products with vitamin C work best for my skin. Everyone’s skin is different so you have to find what suits your skin best. I had to go through different brands till I found what I liked and my regimen consists of Murad products.

Twice a week I do a galvanic spa treatment on my face. After this, I feel like my skin is tighter, similar to a mini-lift. And when I feel the need, or even before I go out at night for an event, I apply a facemask. This always works wonders as I look refreshed. When I feel the need, I exfoliate to retain young-looking skin.

Top that with a healthy diet and exercise. I walk every day to and from work, eat in moderation and the key to all is to be happy inside and out — laugh more!

What makes my day is to have a good hair day — spend if you have to on good hair products.

To make my eyes brighter, I use eyeliner and mascara as it opens up the eyes. Combined with a little blush and lip gloss, and I spray my favorite Tous cologne and I am ready for my day.

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For comments and suggestions, contact the author at jacinto.fa@gmail.com.