Beautiful every day

MANILA, Philippines – The beauty of 21-year-old Erica Patricia Lao radiates with her positive disposition coupled with a spirit of optimism that echoes in all the aspects of her life.

Tricia, as she is fondly called, is a senior Communications student with a minor in Creative Writing at the Ateneo de Manila University. She is the creative director of the Ateneo Celadon, the university’s official Filipino-Chinese organization.

Aside from the meeting demands of school, Tricia helps at the tutorial center her family owns where she teaches creative writing and art. She also leads a bible study at Christ’s Commission Fellowship (CCF).

Tricia, a natural born leader, learns from her experiences brought about by the fast-paced world. She says discipline is key to keep up with the demands of her activities.

“I was inspired by my mom, (Cecile), to be disciplined and be excellent in whatever I do. She’s my No. 1 inspiration in life. I saw her dedication in running our family business while single-handedly raising my two older brothers and me after my dad passed away. I see how she stays strong and depends on the Lord. I told myself that when I grow up, I want to be like my mom who gives her 100 percent in everything. No procrastinating,” Tricia lovingly shares. She also notes that her brothers Bryan and Evan have instilled in her the essence of family and the importance of looking out for each other.

It is in Tricia’s heart where she weaves love and happiness that she gives to the people dear to her. Through the Good Book and her faith in God, she embraces a spirit-filled life. “I always pray to the Holy Spirit whenever I make decisions. I need to show unconditional love. Those are up-there concepts but for me, I try to apply the bible in my daily life out of gratitude to God for how He has changed and transformed me.”

With her zest for life, Tricia does not only nourish her mind and soul but she also takes care of her body. As an avid runner, she does marathons and has recently conquered a 21k finish. She also bikes 40 kilometers around the city and is also into boxing. “I do sports not just to keep fit but to stay healthy. I also believe that working out helps in having good skin,” she says.

According to experts, there are necessary steps in taking care of one’s skin. Having a healthy diet is important to achieve supple skin. Proper hydration is also a factor in having a smooth complexion. Regularly cleansing the face is also essential. Moisturizing and protecting the skin from the harmful rays of the sun complete the regimen.

Flawless, smooth skin is key to having a great canvas for makeup that can highlight one’s best features.

Tricia takes care of her skin by following a simple beauty regimen. She also consults with her dermatologist for skin issues. This ensures her a healthy skin that will match her go-to everyday makeup that only requires a couple of minutes to prepare.

With this, leading local cosmetics brand Ever Bilena shares its affordable and easily accessible products that help women highlight their best features.

Tricia says she barely gets enough sleep given her academics and responsibilities in school. So, when the dreaded eye bags appear, concealer is the beauty arsenal she carries. Together with a concealer, the Ever Bilena Matte Two-Way Cake (available in Golden Beige, White Ivory and Fair Oriental shades) is also great for spot coverage of unwanted minor skin imperfections. This two-in-one foundation creates a weightless feel for a natural matte finish that lasts all day. Use it either wet or dry for on-the-go touch-up or makeup setting.

The eyebrows frame the face. For Tricia, highlighting a perfect set of eyebrows gives her a more “made up” look when she goes by her simple foundation-eyebrows-lipstick regimen. Ever Bilena’s Matic Brow Liner in Earth shade is a perfect friend for those arches. It is a smudge-proof and long-wearing brow liner that allows one to accurately fill in and shape the eyebrows. It is retractable, too!

Give a hint of color to those puckers with the newest shade of Ever Bilena Matte Lipstick — the Sexy Nude. Like Tricia, who is fond of using lipstick with pink and nude shades, fall in love with this neutral shade in velvety matte finish that maintains lip moisture.