Say goodbye to big hair & thick makeup!

DEAR MRS. PRIETO,

I would like to convince my mom to change her "big hair-thick makeup" look which was in vogue during her prime. I’ve told her she would look younger and more modern if she wore a relaxed hairstyle and less makeup. Please help me change her look!

ELIZA

Take her to a beauty parlor for a makeup job and a hairdo. After she sees herself looking so much better, she will surely comply. And when you get home, throw out all her old makeup.

MARY

* * * Crystal-Clear Advice

Dear Lucy,

Good day! A friend of mine gave me a bracelet made of crystal and she said it brings good luck. I see different kinds of cystals and am wondering if there’s a meaning attached to each of them. Please enlighten me. Thank you.

CURIOUS CRYSTAL

I called up Joy C. Lim, an authority on crystals, and according to her, the belief that crystals bring luck is based on the premise that these natural elements were created for a reason. There are countless books and research materials that extensively discuss the matter but generally speaking, a specific crystal corresponds to a specific function.

Joy goes on to say that normally, a client who goes to her shop is analyzed according to his or her birthdate, feng shui, and specific needs. Whether they fall under the category of a bad year or a good year (in feng shui parlance), specific crystals are grouped according to whether they counter the bad energy or simply enhance whatever good is already there. But apparently, it’s not as easy as just wearing whatever is especially picked out for you because Joy says that for these to be effective, the crystals have to be programmed and cleansed. Here’s a rundown of the most popular crystals and their corresponding "powers" and/or effects:

• Rose/pink quartz – to enhance your lovelife.

• Rhodocrozite – a milky pink crystal that is said to attract a new love.

• Yellow quartz – the stones that fall under this include the citrine, popular among those engaged in business because it is said to attract money. In fact, it is best known as a "merchant’s tool."

• White jade – to promote fertility.

• Amethyst – absorbs stress.

• Ruby – known as the queen of all gemstones, it is a crystal that signifies and attracts beauty. It is also called a wishing stone.

• Green jade – a good luck stone for business.

• Emerald – to attract abundance.

• Aventurine – for good luck and wonderful chances.

• Peridot – to attract new opportunities.

• Iodalite and lapiz lazuli – to sharpen the intellect.

• Blue sapphire – to enhance loyalty.

So there you have it. Joy has a lot of positive insights on crystals. The list above is but the tip of the wealth of information she can share. For more details, call Joy at 742-2597 or visit her shop at 22-B Dapitan St. (near Mayon), Quezon City.

LUCY

* * * Looking Fresh After A Flight

DEAR TINGTING,

I’m planning a trip abroad. How do I look good after a flight?

MARYJANE

First, you want to get on the plane. Don’t use anything tight – for example, a tight girdle, stockings, pants or a strangulating collar or bra.

Shampoo your hair before your flight to feel fresh and clean. Bring a deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, and a light day’s napkin and have them within your reach.

Stay away from clothes that wrinkle. Also, clothes that are difficult to take off and put on when manuevering in a small bathroom.

Bring along a cream, moisturizer, lipstick or vaseline stick for the lips. I also bring eye drops and a nose spray to declog my nose and ears.

When it’s time to land, put on your moisturizer, lipstick, cologne. Brush your hair, taking care that your elbows and arms are not too stretched out as to knock the person beside you.

Pull out your sunglasses after you’ve put on some mascara and blush on. Now, you look fresh and decent enough to face immigration, and start a brand-new day in a new place.

TINGTING

* * *

Send your questions to Mary, Tingting or Lucy via e-mail at lifestyle@philstar.net.ph or snail mail c/o Style S.O.S., The Philippine STAR, 13th and Railroad Sts., Port Area, Manila.