This sunblock is ultra hot

Dear Rissa, 

I make it a point to use sunblock religiously. But can you recommend one that doesn’t sting the eyes?

Andrea, Cebu

Two thumbs up for making it a point to use sunblock all the time. It’s a must to protect the eye area, too! Cumulative sun damage can cause raccoon circles and darkening, as well as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. My personal preference is Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ with Helioplex (available at leading department stores, supermarkets, drugstores, and personal care stores). With my bad eyesight, I wear graded contact lenses every day and my eyes have become quite sensitive to products. Among the sunblocks I’ve tried, Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ with Helioplex doesn’t sting when you wear it around your eyes. Even as I sweat or swim, any residue that comes close to my eyes never gives any stinging feeling. Another reason why this sunblock is an essential in my bag for every beach trip? The Helioplex technology provides broad-spectrum sun protection and powerfully shields against both damaging UVA and UVB rays. Remember that UVB rays are responsible for burning or sunburn while UVA rays cause the skin to age with fine lines, wrinkles, age spots. Yes, these are the harmful UV rays that damage the skin from within. If you’re concerned about any greasy feeling, worry not because this sunblock is equipped with quick-dry properties and is wonderfully oil-free and waterproof. 

Rissa

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Brand Names: Shoe What If They’re Expensive?

Dear Lucy,

Summer is here and I am looking for wedges that are pretty but affordable. What are your picks?

I am also looking for ways to update my wardrobe. I want to invest in brand names, but I cannot as yet afford designer clothes. Where can I start realistically?                                                              

Tess

I was able to stock up on very pretty, very comfortable wedges from Schu. They are very affordable, too. Been wearing them a lot with summer dresses, both long and short. Michael Kors also has some very chic wedges, especially if you have wide feet. I love Michael Kors, but because I have narrow feet, there are only certain styles I can wear. I am all for quality, quality, quality over quantity. Whenever you buy something pricey, divide it by the number of times you can and will wear it — that is the real value of the item. Even if you buy several pieces every few months or so, as long as they are well cut and well made, and will serve you well, then they are all well worth it. You can try getting designer accessories first, like belts, bags, and shoes. I especially like nice belts because they can really make an outfit come together, but never in a screaming, glaring way.

Lucy

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Acquiring Self-Confidence

Dear Ms. Tingting, 

I admire you and Mikee and China, too. You display such confidence which I really admire. Please give me some pointers on how to get such self-confidence. Any secret beauty regimen you can share?

Hannah

The most difficult challenge in life is to exude enough confidence to face the world. It can be hard, but it’s not impossible. And here’s the real secret: I suggest you pay particular attention to  your looks:

• Good fit — whether you’re wearing hand-me-downs or designer clothes, make sure it fits you well. Check that your top sits nicely on your shoulders. You should neither be bulging in it like a sack about to burst nor should it hang on you like you’re a clothes rack.

• Tidiness — again, old or new, cheap or expensive, what’s more important is that your clothes are clean. The same rule applies to your shoes. Make sure that they are clean and polished. You don’t want your unclean shoes to be the only thing they will remember of you. 

• Lastly, a great attitude can spell the difference!

Tingting 

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