Rx: Lemons to whiten dark armpits

DEAR LUCY,

I have really dark armpits and I have tried on so many products, but none has worked significantly.

I would also like to know where I could find beautiful and comfortable ballet flats that do not cost an arm and a leg.

CLAUDIA

I know of quite a few people who swear by lemons. Lemons brighten the skin and maybe that is why they work well. They are all one in saying that rubbing sliced lemons daily on their armpits not only whitens but also deodorizes and smoothens the skin there. One of them was very insecure about what we know as “chicken skin,” but the lemons really reversed it. I asked if calamansi worked as well and they said it would. Maybe you can try that? But best to consult a dermatologist first, and make sure that skin is not broken or irritated.

Re the ballet flats, I know just the brand for you. Please check out Lupe Saenz, a local Philippine brand. It hails from Marikina, home of some of the best shoemakers, and I am in love with their Susan flats. It is very easy to order, just go to lupesaenz.com, and click on NEWS for guidelines on how to order customized flats (you can choose color of upper and garter). You can even have them monogrammmed! They’re really lovely, comfortable, and the quality is very good. Best of all, it is proudly Philippine-made. Love local!

LUCY

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Say ‘i do’ to perfect nail polish

DEAR RISSA,

I’m getting married in a few months. I don’t regularly have my nails done, but is it really important for my wedding day?

AMANDA

Your wedding is a special day. Even if you don’t normally get your nails done, it’s nice for the bride to be pampered by getting a manicure. Everyone will be focused on your hands, too, as you and your groom exchange I do’s — and your hands certainly deserve to also be picture-perfect for the occasion!

Since you’re not used to having your nails done, I suggest you already try having a manicure. This way, you get to try wearing polish already even before the big day, and you get used to having polish on your fingertips. Last thing you want is to feel conscious on your wedding day because of nail polish you aren’t used to.  Get a manicure with friends so the pampering session becomes a bonding session, too!

As for nail color choices, Sally Hansen has made it easier by coming out with a bridal collection. The colors they’ve selected are perfect for modern brides who have different wedding themes and looks. What I like about Sally Hansen polishes is that each bottle baosts seven nail benefits: base coat, strengthener, growth treatment, color, top coat, gel shine finish, and chip resistance. So it’s the perfect polish to appease concerns of first-time users. With seven colors featured in the collection, you’re bound to find The One for your big day. Good luck!

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. Send Regina Belmonte your questions at vivatregina.tumblr@gmail.com or tweet her @vivatregina.