How makeup can make one look young

THE WEATHERMEN may warn of rain but our forecast for July is flawless, with a little help, of course. For rainy day makeup essentials, I put together a panel of three makeup artists from Manila’s favorite brands to teach us how to brighten up during this gloomy month.

“For July, flawless and warm skin is in. Choose lightweight foundation that will even out your skin tone such as Brightening Powder Compact Foundation SPF25 to minimize the appearance of uneven skin tone and reflect light for a flattering glow. Use a bronzing powder or Shimmer Brick in Bronze to get that sun-kissed look all year round.

“This season’s looks created by Bobbi Brown are timeless. Always start with clean, moisturized skin. For the Oscar de la Renta Bridal 2011 show, Bobbi Brown created a natural soft matte finish for the foundation. This can be achieved by using Natural Finish Long-Lasting Foundation SPF15. Add color to the cheeks by using a warmer tone of blush such as Desert Rose or Tawny. Use Pink Buff Creamy Lip Color. Use soft-color eye shadow with high shimmer like Champagne Quartz Metallic Eye Shadow. For the lash line, use Sepia Ink Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner for a softer look versus Black Ink and brush on two coats of volumizing mascara such as Extreme Party Mascara.

—Bea Marcelo, senior artist for Bobbi Brown

“Matte foundation finish is very much in vogue, and this particularly suits the Filipina beauty as it makes her look always fresh in consistently warm and humid weather.

Bright bold colors for the lips like hot pink and coral orange still dominate the print ads and runways. Maybelline New York has a new lipstick collection called Color Sensational that includes a range of bright and bold colors like Angel Rose, Bon Bon Pink and Soft Azalea. For flimsy lashes, use Volume Express Magnum that promises nine times volume for a false-lash effect. For dramatic eyes, try Maybelline New York’s Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner or Impact Express Felt-Tip Liner.”

—Archibald Tolentino, chief makeup artist of Maybelline New York and president and founding chairman, The Make-Up Forum

“After getting that beautiful tan, skin is the ultimate accessory. It should be pale palette with moonlight glow—a new skin texture that’s not overly matte.

“MAC’s Prep+Prime products and Lightful skin-care range will altogether make the skin bright and radiant. Its primary ingredient—Vitamin C— helps prevent skin discoloration. Makeup will look best on skin prepped with Fortified Skin Enhancer SPF35/PA+++. It gives texture, adjusts skin tone and protects skin from harmful sunrays. Create the “no makeup” look with the Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder. This will set your makeup without making it look too powdery and cakey.

—Owen Sarmiento, makeup artist for MAC

Knowing how to put makeup on helps hide one’s age. But to permanently shave off years from your face, good hygiene and healthy lifestyle should be a routine.

Tips

If you want to look at least 10 years younger, keep your teeth clean and in good shape. Gray or yellow teeth can age one’s face as much as wrinkles do.

Drinking coffee and smoking not only stain your teeth, but also have adverse effects on one’s youthful appearance. Smoking creates wrinkles, especially around the mouth. It also depletes the body of vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly. Coffee is said to contribute to weight gain
.

Stained teeth, wrinkles, polluted body and weight gain can make you look older. So, kick these bad habits.

You can also look younger by dressing in the newest fashion. Keep a modern haircut and abreast of what’s happening in the world. Looking younger is not only physical, but it’s mental, too.

Try: Changing your diet. It will help a lot. You don’t need to change your entire diet, just add a daily dose of greens. Better yet, just drink it. RAWlicious’ at the Legaspi Sunday market in Makati serves super green smoothies. These are health drinks that use organic green leafy vegetables and natural fruit. Their drinks are a brilliant mix of nutrition and flavor that have no artificial sweeteners and preservatives.

Try their Hella Green Smoothie, Joe’s Green Mind and Green Monster Xavier.

E-mail rawliciousplanet@ yahoo.com; visit www.rawlicious planet.com; social networks— Multiply and Facebook.