Beauty Picks

Ready for romance

MANILA, Philippines - Romance novels are my guilty pleasure. It’s not something I readily admit (although I’m doing so now) because when you tell people that you like to read period romances, they tend to look at you differently and then don’t take you as seriously, which is a little ridiculous because some of the cleverest, most well-read women I know are the ones who feed my romance reading list. But I digress. If you count yourself among those of us who love reading about rakes romancing demure damsels, MAC’s latest makeup collection, A Novel Romance, is definitely for you. The promotional material alone is probably the most amusing I’ve seen in a long time — long-haired shirtless hunk and heaving bosoms straight off a romance novel cover. The shades are likewise the feminine stuff of romances, ranging from natural nudes to pretty pinks to ravishing reds to plush plums; with something in the mix to flatter any complexion. It should be on counter this month, shirtless piece of man meat not included (unfortunately).

Nailing it

Always Coca-Cola

Unlike everyone else on the Internet, I did not get a Coke bottle with my name printed on it. Instead of having a special bottle of Coke in my fridge, though, I’m wearing it on my fingertips. (So much better, in my opinion.) OPI just released a limited edition set of nine mini nail lacquers with colors inspired by Coca-Cola variants over the years — from classic to Cherry to Vanilla to Zero, with some Sprite and Fanta thrown in. Minis are always the ideal purchase if you’re bad at commitment and can’t wear one shade of polish for longer than a week. (I have dozens of bottles of varnish that I’ve only ever worn once or twice. It’s an illness.) Switch up at will, and don’t worry about letting an entire bottle go to waste. Plus, the shades in the OPI Coca-Cola 10 Pack of Style are all super cute, with a mix of classic red, neutrals, brights, bolds, and metallics. Snap a box up, stat!

I definitely Do Nails

I’m so used to doing my own nails that I haven’t really had to get a manicure in years. (The money goes to Chanel polish instead.) But every once in a while, I feel the need to spoil myself with a professional mani-pedi.

The latest nail salon on my radar: I Do Nails at McKinley Hill (idonailsservices.com). I’ve had my nails done at their Eastwood branch more than a few times, and have always liked that they use premium polish (Chanel, Deborah Lippmann, Zoya and OPI) and have a whole slew of available services to satisfy even the most hardened Japanese nail art junkie, if that’s your thing. (They go beyond standard nail art. Foil, charms, stamping, stickers — you name it, they can do it.) All that, and their prices are really easy on the pocket, plus you can pick what flick to see while you get your nails done. If you’re looking for a pampering, this is the place to go.

It’s Christmas?!

It’s September, and in the Philippines that means one thing: the holiday season has officially begun. We’re going to have to listen to carols for the next four months, heaven help us. The Body Shop is kicking off Christmas a little early, too, but in a way that won’t grate on our ears. They’re having a pre-holiday sale (up to 60 percent off) from Sept. 26 to Oct. 19, the perfect opportunity to get the bulk of your gift-shopping out of the way well before the Christmas rush turns Manila’s streets into hell on earth.

Touch and glow

Perhaps the most intimidating thing about makeup, if you’re new to it, isn’t how much is available out there (which is a lot). It’s actually putting it on. With so many products and so many techniques for applying said products, it can be a confusing world to step into. What I’ve always liked about Benefit — and what other women have liked, too — is that they make it almost absurdly easy to put your best face forward, with newbie-proof products that don’t require a degree in Cosmetology to use. The latest addition to their range: The Majorette, a cream-to-powder peach-pink (read: universally flattering) booster blush that you swirl on your cheeks and then blend out with your fingers for a natural-looking flush. For extra luminance, add their new Instant Comeback Age-Defying Booster Serum to your regimen to hydrate, plump, and energize skin. Makeup can only do so much, after all. The best base will always be a flawless face. (#SalamatDoc) If you’re down South, pick them up at the brand new ATC branch.

All About Oil

Liquid gold

The only beauty sin worse than being too lazy to bother is using baby powder as face powder. (Believe me, this still happens.) But laziness is still pretty bad. I can understand not having enough time to devote to a regimen, though, or not having a big enough budget to invest in products that will keep you looking good from head to toe. But here is my argument: Oils. They exist. Use them. Argan oil, in particular, can be used on your face, hair, and body, and comes packed with Omega 6, Omega 9, and vitamin E, all of which are great for your skin. But with so many argan-tagged products out there, the tricky part is finding one that’s pure, instead of packed mostly with fillers and just a small percentage of the good stuff. Lift’ Argan’s 100% Pure Organic Argan Oil (available at Rustan’s) is exactly that, and it also serves as the essence of the rest of their range, which includes a BB cream with SPF — perfect for those who cannot be bothered to use three products to nourish, protect and cover. Now you only need one.

Everything’s coming up rosehips

There’s an oil for everything these days, but if you want to take a page out of Miranda Kerr’s book, then rosehip is the way to go. While argan oil is rich in the Omegas and vitamin E (crucial for hydrating and plumping skin), rosehip comes with the Omegas, vitamin A, and vitamin C. This means that if your goal is to speed up skin cell turnover and brighten, then rosehip may be the oil you’re looking for.

The newest on the shelves: Human Nature’s Pure Rosehip Oil, which comes premium grade and cold-pressed in a 15mL bottle. I can’t promise you’ll look anything like a Victoria’s Secret Angel with regular use, but your skin will definitely thank you.

Look fresh

Fresh-looking and dewy skin is one thing, a face like an oil slick is another. The secret is to keep it matte in the center and limit dewiness to the outer parts of the face by faking it with highlighter or letting nature (a.k.a. sweat) do its thing. A tall order when the center of your face is typically oiliest. It’s even harder when you have oily or combination skin.

The oily-skinned try to compensate for oiliness by skipping essential skincare steps like moisturizer; a no-no because even oily skin needs hydration. If you’re looking for something lightweight and oil-friendly, French skincare brand Yves Rocher’s Sebo Végétal line was literally made for you, with an ingredient called Baikal powder that helps maintain balance. No heavy creams here — all formulas are water- or gel- based, ultra lightweight and mattifying.

Wear sunscreen all Daylong

“But it’s so heavy, I don’t want to look oily!” is the most common excuse I get from people of all complexions when I tell them they need to wear sunscreen on a daily basis, and I admit, layering products in the kind of humidity we live in can be uncomfortable. The less you put on — or the lighter the formulas, if you’re one of those who really can’t sacrifice any of your 10 skincare steps — the better.

Now there is no more excuse for skipping out on sunscreen. Daylong, a new sunscreen range from the makers of Cetaphil, is perfect for people with ten zillion skin problems to contend with. Their SPF 50+ Daylong Gel is oil-free, light, and quickly absorbed, for those who are concerned with the heavy sunscreen feel. It’s non-comedogenic, if you’re obsessing over your pores. And it’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and paraben-free, if you’re an allergen nerd. Say goodbye to all your excuses, say hello to sunscreen; it’s still the best age prevention cream out there, bar none.