Summer has arrived swiftly and fiercely ,just as the pageant season has once again grabbed everyone's attention – it makes you wonder about how our very own beauty queens deal with the summer heat. It's a popular belief that beauty queens wake up looking the way they do, but little do people know that it usually takes a whole team to create that signature glamour look. But what if the team isn't around to whip up its magic? What do the most beautiful women in the Philippines carry around with them to maintain that radiance that each queen is uniquely known for? Take for example our very own Mia Arcenas whose awe-inspiring performance did us Cebuanos proud along with Nicole Schmitz who garnered the Binibining PIlipinas International title during the recently concluded Binibining Pilipinas 2012 pageant held at the Araneta Coliseum in Manila last April 15, 2012. It makes you wonder what these ladies keep handy when they have to endure the summer heatwaves and still come out looking as fresh as the first spring bloom. To give you an idea on how you can do the same, we asked three gorgeous and accomplished beauty queens what their top 5 Summer Essentials are:
Maggie Wilson-Consunji – Bb. Pilipinas-World 2007, Lead designer and creative director of Wanderlust Swimwear
1. M.A.C. Pro Long Wear Concealer in NC30 – Avoid dark circles under your eyes after a night of summer celebration with concealer.
2. M.A.C. Eyebrow Mascara in Showoff – The key to a polished look is well-groomed eyebrows. Make sure everything stays in place with brow mascara.
3. Pure Grace by Philosophy – Everyone has their own favorite scent to put them in a good mood, this one has the perfect combination that is both fresh and comforting at the same time.
4. Acca Kappa Green Mandarin Natural Lip Balm – The best thing about this lipbalm is that you don't have to worry about preservatives or allergens at all, just natural ingredients soothing and moisturizing your pout and some extra vitamin E to help prevent free-radicals.
5. Tarte Tickled Cheek Stain – A great peachy pink stain to give you that natural summer glow that lasts all day especially if you want to glam up your beach look.
Athena Imperial – Miss Philippines-Earth 2011, Miss Earth-Water 201, Researcher and writer for GMA's "Reporter Notebook"
1. Hair Brush – To make sure your crowning glory is fixed and neat
2. Sunscreen – Be proud of your hard-earned summer tan and protected at the same time.
3. Face powder – For those quick touch-ups to make sure you look fresh at every turn
4. Sunscreen lip balm – Who says that your lips can't be protected from the sun either? Moisturize and protect your lips at the same time with your favorite brand of lip balm.
5. Ponytail holder – To keep hair up in a stylish ponytail whenever you are our frolicking in the sun.
Catherine Untalan – Miss Philippines-Earth 2006, Miss Earth Water 2006, Executive Director for the Miss Earth Foundation
1. Sunblock – Never leave home without it!
2. Bug Spray – Some brands can be too strong that it can practically remove nail polish or even melt plastic and no one wants that on their skin. For gentle and eco-friendly products, try Human Nature Bug Spray, the Citronella scent makes you feel fresh as you use it!
3. Hydration – Water is key during the summer time. While fruit juices can be refreshing, nothing beats your basic H20
4. Hair Mask – The sun and sea can be harsh on your locks so make sure to lock in moisture by treating yourself to a hair mask once in a while
5. Reusable bag – Remember the creed "Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time" Be a responsible vacationista and eco-tourist.
Everyone has different ideas of how to spend their summer so whether you are planning to spend a sunny day on the beach or just enjoying the company of your friends at your favorite coffeeshop, remember that preparation is always key to keeping your look polished and ramp-ready. So before heading out, don't forget to bring your essentials to make sure that you can enjoy the sun while being protected and looking good at the same time. Let your summer sizzle as you create your very own top 5 Summer Essentials!