A moisturizer-wrinkle filler at The Face Shop

Dear Rissa, 

I’ve been stressed lately. The skin on my face feels dry, even the under-eye area. Can you suggest a product that can hydrate it? Can you also recommend a room spray with a scent that is relaxing?

Debbie C.

I recently couldn’t resist buying new products from top Korean beauty brand The Face Shop (stores are located at Glorietta, Bonifacio High Street, Eastwood Mall, TriNoma, Alabang Town Center, Festival SuperMall, and SM Malls nationwide). When I first saw these new beauty finds, I was trying hard not to shop again for more beauty products. When I couldn’t stop thinking about them, I went back to buy them. 

For dry skin, try The Face Shop’s Flebeaute Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule Filler (I bought mine at Eastwood Mall). I was first drawn to its packaging — shaped like a syringe, it was just too cute! When I read the product’s name, I had a big feeling I’d come back for it. And I did. Hyaluronic acid, known for its ability to retain water, is an extremely effective moisturizer and can provide a wrinkle-filling effect. The Face Shop’s Flebeaute Hyaluronic Acid Ampoule Filler offers maximum hydration to the skin, giving you a youthful appearance. I bought it because my skin was feeling dry a few weeks ago. Dry skin has the tendency to accentuate fine lines and make you look older! Excited about my new syringe-looking beauty product, I tried it. No needles are needed to use this one. The clear gel-like serum simply comes out of the syringe, which acts like a dispenser. Don’t let its light consistency fool you — it was extremely nourishing and hydrating. It felt relaxing on the skin through the night and I woke up with skin that looked and felt more supple. It moisturizes skin so well that even fine laugh lines around the mouth and eye area are hydrated and plumped out. I’m so glad I went back to buy this. Now, I know what to reach for when my skin needs an extra boost of moisture.

Your partner for good beauty sleep: Bench Alcogel Aromatherapy Antibacterial Air & Linen Mist has the calming and soothing aroma of lavender that helps ease stress, putting you in a state of pure bliss.

The Face Shop is my go-to beauty store for effective face masks. When I saw their Raspberry Roots Collagen Eye Patch, I knew it wouldn’t disappoint. One pack contains a pair of under-eye patches already. Made with raspberry roots from the Himalayas and marine collagen, it lifts and tightens the skin and hydrates the under-eye area well. You can use it at night for 30-40 minutes, but I like using it in the morning. I leave it on my side table so it gets cooled from the air-conditioned room come morning (or you can place it in the ref). The cool patches also double as my morning treatment for puffy eyes. 

For a good night’s sleep, you must try the Bench Alcogel Aromatherapy Antibacterial Air & Linen Mist (available in Bench stores nationwide). It comes in several scents, but my favorite is the lavender one. Not only does it freshen and cleanse the air, the calming scent of lavender also relieves headaches and stress, and always puts me in a state of pure bliss!

 Rissa

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Tips for Supple, Smooth Lips

Dear Lucy,

I have average lips — not thin but not exactly full either. I have been using lip liners for years, but my best friend insists that they make my lips look thin and harsh. I don’t get it. What could she mean by that? Lip liners are supposed to make lips fuller, right?                                                                HELEN

It depends on how you use it. I cannot tell you the right or wrong way because it will vary from one person to the next, but I can share with you my way. I like keeping my lips supple and smooth, that is why I am never without a lip balm. I have shared in this column countless times my favorite brands of lip balm, like Kiehl’s, Smith’s, Malen+Goetz. Smooth lips make for a perfect base.

When I use a lip liner, I never use a newly sharpened tip as I find that it gives a very sharp line that can make lips look thinner. A harsh line also makes one look more mature. After lining lips in feather strokes, I always use cotton buds to soften the line and make it look more natural. I concentrate on the bow of the lips and make sure that I do not line every inch, all the way to the corners because I do not want a “fixed” or drawn-on look.

You do not need a different liner for every shade of lipstick you have. The perfect nude will do just fine. Benefit Cosmetics has this fantastic version called Cupid’s Bow. It comes in a nude shade with a highlighter of sorts on the other end, and there is a separate tool just for blending and softening. I love it and I hope you will, too!                                                               

Lucy

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For your lips only: Your lips will love Benefit Cosmetics’ Cupid’s Bow. It’s got a separate tool just for blending and softening.

Fillers for Sagging Lips

Dear Ms. Tingting,

I started noticing that when I reached my 40s, my lips started flattening and sagging. What help could I get?

Trisha

For dermatological and professional treatment, fillers are the solution. Restylane is a stiffer gel that outlines the lips, while Juvederm is softer and goes into the whole lip. Definitely, applying a topical anesthetic or ice before injections will alleviate the pain. Awaiting FDA approval is Evolence Breeze, a new, softer filler that molds in a beautiful, natural way, so I am told.

In the meantime, use a lip liner to accentuate lips — dark or lighter, depending on the time of day. 

Tingting

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