The foundation that answers every woman's prayers

Dear Rissa,

I’ve tried so many foundations, but I can’t seem to find the perfect one. Others are too cakey and crack while some are too oily. There are some foundations whose texture I like, but the coverage is poor. And finding the right shade is always a big challenge! I want a foundation that feels light, gives enough coverage but looks as natural as my own skin. I’m not a professional makeup artist so I’d also like a foundation that is easy to apply. I’m sure you’ve tried a lot. Please suggest one.

Miel D.V.

It’s hard to find the perfect foundation. After modeling for almost 10 years, I’ve noticed that MAC is a universal staple in every model and makeup artist’s makeup kit.

During fashion shows and shoots, models backstage will check how they look after having their makeup done. With the long waiting hours, it’s inevitable we all kill time with girl talk. Most models have shared that they feel prettiest when MAC Studio Fix powder foundation was used. And why shouldn’t they? Apart from the awesome finish, MAC always has the best selection of colors — every woman will surely find their perfect shade with MAC. What frustrates models the most is when the foundation looks horrible — poor coverage, overly matte finishes, cracks and creases, and terrible pale and ashy colors that make us look like corpses. And so when models don’t feel great about their makeup, they whip out their MAC powder and secretly retouch their makeup. Yes, I’ve witnessed this (and gone through it), too, many times in the bathroom.

Even makeup artists who are affiliated with other makeup brands rely on MAC powder and foundation. But so that they don’t get into trouble, I’ve seen them cover the MAC label with stickers and black electrical tape. When doing the makeup of clients and models, they quickly produce their MAC powder from their hidden compartments. Makeup artists know how important it is for a client to feel flawless and beautiful in her makeup. And for this, they (secretly) rely on MAC. Revealing all this might get me into trouble, but it’s true.

Known for its legendary Studio Fix powder foundation, MAC has come up with another champion product — the MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 foundation (available at MAC Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-La, Power Plant, and Marionnaud Mall of Asia). This is a new and innovative cream and gel-based foundation that provides medium buildable to high coverage.  It can be sheer or it can be layered to your desired coverage. This is not a heavy foundation. It is lightweight, glides effortlessly onto the skin, covers well but looks polished, finished, smooth and not cakey or overdone. It provides a beautiful flawless and natural finish. With built-in SPF, moisturizers, and antioxidants, this is also very good for your skin. It’s recommended for all skin types.

Studio Sculpt was developed in response to makeup artists wanting a high-end foundation that could withstand backstage use and care for women’s skin at the same time. It needed to be long wearing, with buildable coverage, and hydrating. And so, MAC Studio Sculpt was born. Apparently, MAC Studio Sculpt was tested at Fashion Week for the past two years where makeup artists and models loved the product. According to Gordon Espinet, vice president, Global Makeup Industry, MAC Worldwide, models and makeup artists couldn’t wait for the product to be launched and thus MAC Studio Sculpt was the number one product that “disappeared” backstage. (See sidebar.)

I love the finish. The foundation melts onto the skin and looks flawless, flawless, flawless. It never looks dry or cakey. Unlike other foundations, Studio Sculpt doesn’t easily crease or crack. It makes my pores look smaller and covers all imperfections. Color fidelity is so superb, you will never look ashy or have a different color midway through the day. Despite my oily T-zone, this foundation gives a great finish — never too matte or too shiny. It makes my face glow and look more awake but still natural. It’s also remarkably longwearing that I could go through an entire whole day retouching only once. I top off Studio Sculpt with a dusting of Studio Fix powder foundation and retouch with the same powder. The gel-based formula is so easy to apply and blend — perfect even for makeup rookies. Just when I thought MAC’s Studio Fix line couldn’t get any better, they come up with MAC Studio Sculpt! This is the best foundation I’ve tried. Three words to sum it up? Lightweight. Flawless. And the most important word — natural. This wonder product is the answer to every woman’s prayers.

I caught Bea Alonzo in an episode of SNN several weeks ago where she shared the contents of her makeup kit. (You can find it on You Tube.) I was amazed she had it in her kikay kit even long before it was available here. Apart from seeing a handful of MAC products on her dresser, she said that she uses the MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 foundation. Now, we know the secret to her beauty.

Rissa

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Tips For A Mature, Put-Together Look

Dear Lucy,

I like your style: classy and so feminine. I’ve also read it here before, it’s about looking young. And you do exemplify in that aspect.

 But my problem is the opposite! I’m often mistaken to be way younger than my age. You see, I’m 25, petite and slim, fair-skinned, and a new mom to an adorable boy who just turned one this month. I also do part-time teaching, in college, that is. On the first day of classes, my students always think I am not their instructor, that I’m just one of them. They think I’m kidding. I don’t take it as a compliment though as I’m trying hard to look mature enough to be a teacher. Help! How can I look older, but still within my age bracket?

What fashion tips can you recommend? As I said, I fancy classic and feminine styles, complete with all the florals.

Iyalow

I’m sure half the female population would love to have your problem! That said though, there are things you can wear to make you appear not necessarily older than you actually are, but more mature and put-together.  Try to stay away from anything too floral, especially if it is in some pastel color combination.  Run away from puffed sleeves.  Never wear T-shirts and sneakers, even if it is raining.  There are other options there (check out Melissa shoes, perfect for wet weather). Always wear a little makeup — loose powder to ward off shine, natural blush, lip color that you pat on using your ring finger (trust me, this is the prettiest way to put on lipstick as it makes the lips really luscious and natural looking). Curl your lashes and try not to wear headbands because they scream instant youth.  Stay away from gingham and checkered prints, too, because they evoke a youthful vibe.  Always wear close-toed shoes and to add height, try to wear really comfortable pumps or heels.

Smart cuts would work very well for you — a nice long-sleeved tailored shirt in solid colors, dark denims or straight-cut pants. Pearls are always nice — stud earrings, a necklace, no cutesy watches.  Invest in good quality belts.

You can wear black.  If you are worried about how you might look too slim in it, you can always layer it with a cardigan also in a neutral color, like gray or beige or camel.  

As for accessories don’t use anything too dainty or dangly.  If I were petite, I would still go for nice, chunky pieces.  They make more of a statement and a lot of young girls do not wear them for fear these will make them look old (actually, they won’t).  It’s all a matter of wearing them with style and confidence.

Enjoy experimenting, embrace this fashion challenge. You will learn as you go along.  Lucy

Dear Ms. Tingting,

When I was a teenager, I used to sit and pick the flaking mascara off my eyelashes. I nearly ruined my long eyelashes. It took me years to grow mine back.

These days, I don’t scrimp on purchasing mascara or mascara remover. It’s just not worth it. I wouldn’t think of putting cheap mascara on my eyes.

What product would you recommend?

Salve

Although I use L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, and Lancome, Dr. Val Herbosa suggested RenewTM Eyelash Revitalizer, an effective formulation which conditions and promotes the appearance of long, thick eyelashes, strengthens growth of hair and makes hair grow. Be careful it doesn’t get into your eyes. It could cause reddening. RenewTM uses 100-percent natural ingredients, is hypoallergenic and non-comodogenic.

Tingting

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Send e-mail to tingtingcojuangco@yahoo.com, ltg@pldtdsl.com, and stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com.