Best beauty buys
CULTURE VULTURE By Therese Jamora-Garceau Updated January 30, 2008 12:00 AM
To make sure you live up to your resolution of looking great this year, we surveyed models, makeup artists and our own Lifestyle beauty experts to bring you the best beauty products on the market today. And, mindful of the fact that not everyone has the budget to splurge on name brands, we’ve included affordable options that — just because they’re reasonably priced and available at your local supermarket/drugstore — don’t mean they’re not the best in their fields. It just means they’re incredible value for money.
Now that we’ve taken care of your outer beauty, the inner beauty is up to you.
Makeup
FOUNDATION PRIMER
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer with SPF 15. Everyone agrees this creates the perfect, makeup-ready canvas. It fills in lines, helps foundation last and has SPF to prevent aging. What more could you ask for?
Available at Beauty Bar.
Affordable option:
L’Oreal UV Perfect (XL Block). “It’s light and makes your skin tone a tad bit lighter naturally,” says “Chuvaness” columnist Cecile Zamora-Van Straten.
Liquid Foundation
Clarins True Radiance Foundation and Make Up For Ever (MUFE). Clarins True Radiance “goes on smoothly, leaves a luminous sheen and has mineral pigments that act as UV shields” says Shopsifter Ana Kalaw.
Available at Rustan’s.
“MUFE Face and Body Liquid Makeup looks and feels so natural no one will guess you have anything on!” raves Lucy Torres-Gomez.
Available at Make Up For Ever Shangri-La, Bonifacio High Street, and SM’s The Block.
Affordable option:
L’Oreal True Match. So-called because it really matches skin tone.
CREAM FOUNDATION
Make Up For Ever and Shu Uemura. MUFE Panstick goes on sheer yet covers every imperfection, so no need for a separate concealer.
Available at Make Up For Ever Shangri-La, Bonifacio High Street, and SM’s The Block.
Shu has many excellent cream foundations “go on evenly and have great coverage,” says beauty columnist Jackie Cohen-Antonio.
Available at Rustan’s.
Affordable option:
Cinema Secrets. “The product name is already a dead giveaway,” says makeup artist Cristine Duque. “Makeup artists find this product indispensable.”
TINTED MOISTURIZER
NV Perricone and Laura Mercier. Perricone Active Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 is simply “the best,” says Lifestyle editor Millet Mananquil.
Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer is “an all-in-one product that hides your flaws when you’re too lazy to put on foundation,” says “Penny Lane” columnist Rebecca Rodriguez.
Both available at Rustan’s Essenses.
Affordable option:
Nivea Visage Tinted Moisturizing Care. “I’ve been using this since 2000,” says Cecile. “I discovered it in Holland and am so happy they have it here now.”
Concealer, Powder
UNDEREYE CONCEALER
Shu Uemura and Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat.
“Shu’s Cover Crayon is a double-tipped pencil in two shades that are a couple tones apart,” notes Bea.
“YSL Touche Eclat brightens up the face when this magic wand is applied to key areas,” says “At Liberty” columnist Jackie Cohen-Antonio.
Both available at Rustan’s.
Affordable option:
Michiko Breathable Concealer. “Super-cheap but super-wonderful,” says Lucy Torres-Gomez.
Available at the second floor of Liberty Center, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.
BLEMISH CONCEALER
Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage or Camouflage Cream. “No matter how red and angry the blemish is, this concealer will camouflage it,” says Lucy. “Plus you do not have to retouch constantly because it really stays put. Best when applied using the Laura Mercier Concealer Brush.”
Available at Rustan’s Essenses.
Affordable option:
The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil concealer. “Just one dab and it heals zits with anti-bacterial tea tree oil,” Becca says.
PRESSED POWDER
MAC. Whether Studio Fix, Select/Sheer or Blot, MAC powders are ultra-fine but still provide matte coverage with a healthy glow. “Because the shades in NC are yellow under-toned, it looks totally natural and goes on light and sheer,” says model Raya Mananquil.
Available at Rustan’s.
LOOSE POWDER
Chanel and Christian Dior. Makeup artists use these for shoots, and their clients love it. Both boast superb quality and give transparent coverage, not the “polvo” look.
Available at Rustan’s.
Affordable option:
Maybelline Expert Finishing Loose Powder. “Sets makeup for hours and gives a translucent finish,” says Becca.
Blush, Bronzer, Glowifier
POWDER BLUSH
Nars in Orgasm. The unanimous favorite. It’s “crazy beautiful,” “so natural,” gives a “cute flush,” and “you don’t have to do the act to get the AS (After Sex) glow”! Raya sums it up thus: “Love this pinky-peach shade with subtle gold flecks!”
Available at Rustan’s Essenses.
Affordable option:
The Face Shop. Has just the right amount of sheen to look like you glow from within.
CREAM/GEL/STAIN BLUSH
Smashbox O Glow. A clear gel that, blended well on the cheeks, works with your own body chemistry to give you the shade you blush naturally.
Available at Beauty Bar.
Affordable option:
Mistine Liquid Blush. Makeup artists like this because it doesn’t rub off.
Available at Watsons.
BRONZER
Lancome Star Bronzer and Guerlain Terracotta.
“Lancome Star Bronzer is an all-in-one bronzer and blush for body and face and it’s a limited edition,” says Becca. “I hope they bring it back because it was presented so prettily,” adds Ana.
“Guerlain’s Terracotta Tan Booster is an active bronzing powder that prepares, activates and prolongs your tan,” says Bea. “Ideal for use when you’re tanning, I use this powder every day to relieve my pallid complexion.”
Affordable option:
Artdeco Bronzing Powder, available at Rustan’s Essenses.
GLOWIFIER/ILLUMINATOR
Red Earth Secret Potion. “Radiant skin in a flash,” promises Cecile. “Almost makes me feel like a movie star.”
SHIMMER PRODUCT
Awake Aqua Trans Powder Stardom. “It feels cold when applied. Like ‘a magic,’” laughs Cecile. “It’s water-based, feels cool on the skin and leaves a shimmering glow,” adds Becca.
Available at Rustan’s Essenses.
Affordable option:
The Body Shop Shimmer Waves compact
Eye Makeup
POWDER EYE SHADOW
MAC. “Makeup artists I’ve asked swear by the pigmenting powers of MAC’s shadows,” declares Ana.
Available at Rustan’s.
Affordable option:
Elianto. Bright, highly pigmented colors that are longwearing, plus the shadows come in pans that can be stuck inside magnetic palettes.
Available at Elianto stores in SM Malls.
CREAM EYE SHADOW
Awake Eye Tint Stardom liquid eye color. Says Lucy, “My favorite shade is Cognac. I love that it is so easy to apply. I just use my ring finger to dab a small amount on my eyelids and instantly my eyes looks like they were made up by a professional!”
Affordable option:
Revlon. “I love the colors,” says Lifestyle assistant editor Ching Alano.
PENCIL EYELINER
Lancome Le Crayon Khol. Water-resistant, lines like a dream and soft enough to smudge for a smoky look. Brun Noir is the most versatile shade: softer than black but more intense than brown.
Available at Rustan’s.
Affordable option:
Ever Bilena Eye Pencil. “The most long-lasting one,” says Millet. “Fashion models recommend this.”
LIQUID/GEL EYELINER
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner. “It doesn’t smear. It’s easy to apply with a thin brush and you never have to wet it,” says Cecile.
Available at Rustan's Makati.
Affordable option:
VOV Liquid Liner. A Korean brand that has already won a following because all its products are value for money.
Available at Landmark.
NEW FIND
Artdeco Glam Couture liner. “Over black, your lids will look like they have diamonds on it,” reveals Lucy.
Available at Rustan’s Essenses.
MASCARA
Lancome. Hypnose, Definicils and Virtuose are tops for thick, long, curled lashes.
Available at Rustan’s.
Affordable option:
Maybelline. Maybelline’s Great Lash, Sky High Curves, XXL and Lash Discovery are all longstanding model and makeup-artist favorites.
NEW FINDS
Awake mascaras. Says Lucy, “I love that the wand is purely metal — it looks like a screw. You don’t get any ugly clumps, just neat, long lashes.”
Scott Barnes Eye Ices. “Rock-star loose powder shadows in iridescent shades,” says Ana.
Becca Cosmetics Line & Illuminate Pencil. “Quick and easy way to get the eyes gorgeous,” shares Becca. “Color lids and use the eyeliner at one end and then you’re ready to go.”
Hylexin anti-dark circle treatment. “Works like a charm,” says Jackie. “For me, it’s the best to combat dark bags.”
All available at Rustan’s Essenses.
BROW FILLER
ModelCo Eyebrow Kit and Shu Uemura.
“ModelCo’s cute little kit contains everything you need to shape, color and define brows, even a tiny tweezer and brow stencils,” notes Ana.
Available at Beauty Bar.
Shu’s Retractable Eyebrow Liner and Brow Pencil boast the perfect browns to give natural-looking brows.
MAKEUP REMOVER
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil. “This is a total winner for me,” says Raya. “It’s the only one that can remove waterproof mascara and layers of foundation after a fashion show or shoot.”
Available at Rustan’s.
Affordable option:
Pond’s Cold Cream. A vintage classic that still works.
Lips
LIPSTICK
Chanel, Shu Uemura and MAC. Chanel Rouge Allure feels trés luxurious, looks glossy and rich, and features beautiful colors (nothing beats Chanel’s classic red).
Speaking of red, “I love Shu Uemura’s red lipstick; makes me look great even when I’m stressed!” enthuses Lifestyle assistant editor Ching Alano.
MAC has a vast range of colors that are long-staying and leave a pretty tint when they come off.
Available at Rustan’s.
Affordable option:
Avon. Colors and moisturizes at the same time.
LIP TINT
Bobbi Brown Lip Tint with SPF 15. “Nice, minty flavor and shine,” says Becca.
Available at Rustan’s Makati.
LIP GLOSS
MAC Lipglass. The original megawatt-shine gloss for patent lips, in a staggering range of shades.
Available at MAC in Rustan’s.
Affordable option:
Elianto. Cute colors and fills in lip lines for ultra-smooth shine.
LIP BALM
Kiehl’s Lip Balm. The balm that became the bomb, Lip Balm #1, is now available in tinted variants with SPF 15. “You can’t refute the hype about this product,” states Ana. “It’s one great lip moisturizer; works on the most parched lips.”
Available at Kiehl’s Greenbelt 5.
Affordable option:
Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm. All-organic, and “ironically enough, these don’t feel ‘waxy’ on my lips,” says Raya. “The moisturizers are absorbed (as opposed to other cheap brands that just feel like wax on your lips) and keeps my lips soft.”
Available at Beauty Bar.
LIP PENCIL
MAC. Spice and Chickory are the most universally flattering shades.
Available at Rustan’s.
Affordable option:
Wet ‘N’ Wild. Despite its unfortunate number, the nude #666 is already a hall of famer among bargain beautistas.
NEW FINDS
• True Gold Lip Gloss. Becca finds this “super-cheap, moisturizes lips and gives lasting color and shimmer.”
Available at Rustan’s Essenses.
• Philosophy Kiss Me Exfoliating Lip Scrub. “Smoothens dried, cracked lips and is a great primer for lip color,” shares Ana.
Available at Beauty Bar.
Makeup Tools
MAKEUP BRUSH LINE
Shu Uemura and MAC. “The best,” the soft, all-natural bristles “feel lovely against the skin,” “beautifully designed,” “last forever” are just some of the raves about these professional-quality brushes.
Both brands available at Rustan’s.
Affordable option:
Elianto. You can buy a whole set in its own nifty brush roll for P999.
Available at Elianto in SM Malls.
EYELASH CURLER
Shu Uemura. “I think everyone loves this one,” observes Cecile, and she’s absolutely right.
TWEEZERS
Tweezerman. Very precise, good grip, angled just right, stays sharp longer, plus cute colors to boot. Tweezerman’s design for Laura Mercier is a particular favorite: “I’ve used it for years and it gets every single hair, even the fine baby ones,” Raya admits.
Available at Beauty Bar and Laura Mercier in Essenses.
NEW FIND
• Bobbi Brown tweezers by Rubis. Rubis is a Swiss brand that manufactures high-precision instruments and top-of-the-line tweezers. Some makeup artists find that Rubis grips better than Tweezerman.
Available exclusively at Bobbi Brown in Rustan’s Makati.
BLOTTING PAPERS
Clean & Clear by Johnson & Johnson. The makeup artists’ choice for retouching during shoots. This blue film absorbs oil like crazy, won’t lift makeup off the face, and you don’t need much to get the job done.
Skincare For Face
CLEANSER
L’Occitane, Shu Uemura and Chanel. L’Occitane’s range of cleansing oils, gels, milks and waters use the finest natural ingredients and are gentle to the skin.
Shu Uemura’s Cleansing Oils have already achieved near-legendary status.
Chanel’s Purifying Deep-Cleansing Foam with micro beads sweeps away every trace of makeup yet never leaves skin feeling dry.
Affordable options:
Pond’s and Cetaphil. Pond’s Deep Cleanser Cold Cream takes off the most stubborn makeup while leaving skin clean and soft.
Cetaphil is soap-free so it’s gentle to sensitive skin and doesn’t cause pimples. “I’ve used this product since high school and still nothing can beat it,” says Ana.
TONER
Mario Badescu. With variants to suit every skin type, these toners cleanse and tone without drying. Try the addictive Seaweed Cleansing Lotion or Glycolic Acid Toner, which keeps breakouts at bay while renewing skin.
Available at Rustan’s Essenses.
EXFOLIATOR
L’Occitane Almond-Apple Sweet Peel. “It has the fresh scent of apples,” says Cecile. “You can feel the small crystals gently exfoliating. An instant pick-me-up for me.”
MOISTURIZER
Guerlain Orchidee Imperiale, Lancome Hydra Zen and Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. Guerlain’s is all-in-one for all skin types. Lancome provides instant moisturization to dry skin and calms irritated, sensitive skin. Clinique is hypoallergenic and does the trick for incredibly dry skin.
All available at Rustan’s.
NEW FIND
• Clinique Continuous Rescue Antioxidant Moisturizer. Has a unique complex of eight delayed-effect antioxidants that help repair skin even hours after exposure to sun and environmental damage.
ANTI-AGING TREATMENT
Murad, La Prairie and NV Perricone. Murad’s Age Reform regimen is clinically proven to improve smoothness by 33 percent in two weeks, and diminish fine lines and wrinkles by 55 percent in 12 weeks.
La Prairie’s Caviar and Anti-aging Creams are luxuries that really work.
Perricone’s skincare with retinol,DMAE and NTP Complex leave skin dewy, firmer and more even-toned.
La Prairie is available at Rustan’s. Murad and Perricone are available at Rustan’s Essenses.
Affordable options:
Olay Total Effects, Pond’s Flawless White and Avon Anew. Rapid anti-aging benefits, moisture and protection are all available in these high-tech creams.
NEW FIND
• Clarins Lift-Affine Visage. “I love this; it makes my face look thinner and smaller,” reveals Cecile.
Available at Rustan’s.
FACIAL MASK
The Face Shop Mask Sheets. “Those individually packed sachet masks feel sooo good on the skin, especially after a long, stressful day,” says Ana.
EYE CREAM
Lancome. Blanc Expert gets rid of dark circles and discolorations under the eyes. Primordiale Skin Recharge absorbs quickly and goes on lightly. Progres provides intense moisture and leaves skin dewy.
Affordable option:
Nivea Anti-Wrinkle Q10 Eye Zone Crème. Non-irritating, plumps incoming fine lines and also makes a great base for concealer.
Skincare For Body
BODY WASH
L’Occitane. As lush and renewing as an early morning in Provence. Verbena is especially eye-opening in the morning.
Affordable option:
Dove. Loaded with moisturizers, this softens skin as it cleanses.
BODY SCRUB
Kiehl’s Soy Milk and Honey Body Polish. Smells delicious and removes dead skin without drying.
Affordable option:
Bench Organics Papaya Scrub. Whitens as it softens skin and, layered with the Papaya Lotion, leaves a lingering, heavenly scent.
BODY LOTION
L’Occitane and Kiehl’s. L’Occitane’s lotions melt into skin like a dream with no greasy afterfeel, and its subtle scents transport you to Provence.
Kiehl’s Crème de Corps, now in a light formula with SPF, is another favorite. “Feels awesome on the skin,” says Bea.
Affordable option:
Palmer’s Cocoa Butter. “A thick, non-greasy lotion that smells like chocolate,” says Becca.
DEODORANT
Mistine White Spa Deodorant “because it whitens as it smoothens, eliminating chicken skin!” enthuses Lucy.
Available at Watsons.
HAND CREAM
NV Perricone and Kiehl’s. Perricone’s Phosphatidyl-E Hand and Body Lipid Replenishment “works instantly!” according to Millet.
Kiehl’s Extra Strength Hand Salve “feels like an invisible glove and is not greasy at all,” Becca testifies.
Affordable option:
Cetaphil Hand Lotion. Works after only one application.
FOOT CREAM
Kiehl’s Intensive Treatment for Dry or Callused Areas. With avocado oil and shea butter, “this is perfect for the heels of my feet which are totally abused,” says Jackie.
Affordable option:
Aveeno. Aveeno has a wide range of moisturizing lotions that work like a charm, relieving both stress and skin.
SHAVING CREAM
Gillette. The cream we all steal from our dads, hubbies and boyfriends. Nicely scented, foamy, and moisturizes skin besides.
NEW FINDS
• Intuition shaver. “Comes with soap already. You will never get nicks on your legs, even if you’re not looking,” says Cecile.
Available at Rustan’s Supermarket.
• Stri-Vectin. “Really works on stretch mark disappearance,” says Jackie.
Available at Rustan’s.
• Veet Wax Strips. “It even works on short hair (I swear!),” says Ana.
Available at department stores.
Fragrance
EVERYDAY FRAGRANCE
Acca Kappa, Gendarme, Clean, and L’Occitane. All are unisex favorites that give you that “fresh from the shower feeling,” says Millet, and smell head-turningly good on both women and men.
All available at Rustan’s Essenses.
Affordable option:
Remember by Lucy Torres Gomez for Bench. A refreshing body spray with sexy undertones of musk and amber.
NEW FIND
Marc Jacobs. Lucy’s favorite is Cotton. Bea says that Jacobs’ blends are “so bright and floral that everyone loves them.”
At leading department stores nationwide.
NIGHTTIME/SPECIAL-OCCASION FRAGRANCE
Thierry Mugler’s Angel collection. Whether it’s the youthfulness of Angel Innocent, the femininity of Garden ofStars or the edible sexiness of the original, both ladies and gents notice the Angelic among us.
Available at Rustan’s.
NICHE/BOUTIQUE SCENT
L’Artisan Parfumeur and Annick Goutal. Cecile uses only L’Artisan’s Bois Farine, “upon the kind recommendation of Sofia Coppola — uy, close!Just kidding. I generally don’t like scents, but I like this one.”
“L’Artisan’s La Chasse Aux Papillons smells like you are in France” observes Jackie.
Annick Goutal’s Eau d’Hadrien is a fresh, unisex blend that is the brand’s icon. Also iconic are Goutal’s rose scents and Eau du Ciel.
Available at Rustan’s.
INEXPENSIVE SCENT
Bench. Baby Bench Cologne can be worn “anywhere, every day.” Ditto for Bench Bubblegum, which is pure, scrumptious fun.
FAVORITE FRAGRANCES ON MEN
Gendarme and Clean Men for Millet.
ISM’s Deauville. “Light and doesn’t make me nauseous unlike other men’s perfumes,” says Bea.
Bulgari Au Thé Vert and Nenuco, according to Lucy.
CK In2U, “a sparkling-fresh scent,” says Becca.
Marc Jacobs. “It’s light in this weather,” says Jackie.
Boss in Motion by Hugo Boss – “maybe because the ad (a bare-chested guy running) was so sexy,” admits Ana, and Higher Dior by Christian Dior – “crisp, elegant and sophisticated. A man should wear this if he wants to smell rich.”
Any Creed scent, especially Green Irish Tweed, smells money to Therese, who also finds retro classics Drakkar Noir and Aramis dead sexy.
Suncare/Self-Tanners
SUNSCREEN
VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Sport SPF 70. Not oily or greasy, plus we love the high SPF.
SELF-TANNER FOR FACE
Lancome Flash Bronzer Instant Bronze Glow for Face. “I don’t look like George Hamilton when I use this. ‘Nuff said,” says Ana.
Affordable option:
Jergens Natural Glow Face. “It really does give a glow, minus the orangey look. It’s got SPF 20 too ... bonus!” says Raya.
SELF-TANNER FOR BODY
Lancome Flash Bronzer. Quick, effective, and won’t stain your clothes.
LIP SUNSCREEN
Nivea Sun Lip Balm SPF 30. Has vitamin E to nourish lips.
NEW FINDS
• Nars Monoi de Tahiti Body Glow “is the beach girl’s dream tan,” says Bea. “This lovely, coconut-ty formula gives a glossy, brownish glow that is impossible to resist. You can put it all over your legs, arms and décolleté and it smells so good!”
• Scott Barnes Body Bling. “If there’s one thing I like about J. Lo, it’s her overall glow, thanks to this phenomenal shimmer lotion,” notes Ana.
• Maui Tan Browning Formula. “Tans skin evenly after baking under the sun,” says Becca.
Hair
SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
Propoline and Kerastase Soleil. Propoline’s shampoos use aromatherapy and natural ingredients to address a multitude of hair needs, from split ends to healthy shine.
Available at Rustan’s Essenses.
Kerastase’s Soleil range is great for sun-damaged hair.
Kerastase is available at fine salons.
SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER FOR CURLY HAIR
Kerastase Oleo Curl. The moisturizing and curl-defining haircare system of choice for our own ringleted writer, Becca.
SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER FOR COLORED/CHEMICALLY TREATED HAIR
Kerastase Chroma Reflect. Conditions and makes hair shine.
SHAMPOO FOR DANDRUFF
Clear has proven very effective at removing flakes.
SHAMPOO FOR HAIR LOSS
Phytoaxil. Helps avert the horror of watching your strands wash down the drain.
Phyto is available at Essenses and the Univers Phyto Salon in Rustan’s.
DEEP-CONDITIONING TREATMENT
Kerastase Anti-Drying Nutri-Protective Treatment for Dry and Sensitized Hair. As if you just stepped out of a salon.
Affordable option:
VO5 Hair Pack. Minty sensation with long-lasting softness.
AT-HOME HAIR COLOR
L’Oreal – easy to use and not messy
NEW FINDS
• Jason Natural. “This body and hair-care line is mostly organic,” says Ching. “I love that the company signed up with the Safe Cosmetics Campaign.”
Available at Healthy Options and Rustan’s Supermarket.
• Kerastase Specifique vials help thinning hair and hair loss.
• Kerastase Soleil Voile Protecteur is a leave-on spray that protects and beautifies colored hair.
• TiGi Bed Head Ego Boost Leave-In Conditioner mends split ends, protects hair and smoothens flyaways.
TiGi is available at fine salons.
Hairstyling Products
GEL
Citre Shine Water-based Gel. “Doesn’t clump hair and no residue,” says Becca.
CREAM
Kiehl’s Crème with Silk Groom. Lightweight, herbal scent and keeps hair in place.
WAX/POMADE
L’Oreal Professional Wax. Gives body to lifeless hair and keeps it in place.
SHINE ENHANCER
TiGi Catwalk Fashionista Smooth and Shine. Smells good and lives up to its name.
Affordable option:
Monea Shine Serum. Cheap and keeps hair shiny without oiliness.
Available at Landmark.
ANTI-FRIZZ/STRAIGHTENING
Phytodefrisant and TiGi Bed Head Control Freak.
“Phytodefrisant works wonderfully,” says Jackie. “Only a pea-size drop is needed.”
“This light, greaseless leave-on works to give silky, straight hair or smooth curls,” Ana says about Control Freak.
Affordable option:
L’Oreal Professionnel Lumi-oil Smoothing Oil Essence. “Controls bangs and baby hair without that awful stiff effect you get from sprays and gel,” claims Bea. “You get control without the greasiness.”
VOLUMIZER
Kiehl’s and TiGi.
Kiehl’s Stylist Series Super Thick Volumizer has a nozzle that lifts hair at the roots.
TiGi Bed Head Superstar Queen for a Day Thickening Spray and Catwalk Root Boost give hair remarkable fullness with just a few sprays.
HAIRSPRAY
L’Oreal. L’Oreal Professional, Elnett and Tecni Art all provide superior hold yet leave hair natural-looking, not stiff.
NEW FIND
Matthew James Res-Q Treatment. “I found this at Beauty Bar,” says Cecile. “It’s a tall bottle that lasts long. I use this to detangle hair. Smells good.”
HAIRBRUSH LINE
Acca Kappa – wide-toothed brushes that are super-gentle.
Affordable option:
Denman - sturdy and bristles are comfortable against the scalp.
HAIR ACCESSORIES
Goody and Evita Peroni.
“Goody hair clips hold my hair just right,” says Ching.
“I am an Evita Peroni addict!” exclaims Lucy.
Nails
NAIL POLISH
Chanel Le Vernis. The most high-fashion colors that dictate the trends, plus they don’t chip.
Available at Rustan’s.
Affordable option:
The Face Shop. “They have the cutest shades,” says Lucy.
NEUTRAL SHADE THAT SUITS EVERYBODY
Essie. Essie is the mistress of nude pinks, though Ballet Slippers and Mademoiselle are the top sellers.
Available at Rustan’s Essenses.
RED SHADE THAT SUITS EVERYBODY
Chanel. Everybody agrees that Chanel has the best reds, like the deep-red Vamp.
TRENDIEST SHADE
Chanel Black Satin. “If Lindsay Lohan and the Olsen twins were spotted wearing it for eons, then it’s official,” says Bea. “I asked my friend to get it for me in the States and the waiting list was like an Hermes bag line — too crazy! But it was worth it. Black Satin is intense and not too shiny — more elegant boheme than goth girl.”
BASE & TOP COATS
Essie takes really good care of nails.
Affordable option:
Sally Hansen. Makes color last longer and doesn’t chip as quickly compared to others.
CUTICLE TREATMENT
Burt’s Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream. Great for dry nails from too much polish.
NAIL POLISH REMOVER
Sally Hansen. “Strengthens nails, moisturizes cuticles and doesn’t leave that white residue that you get from using acetone,” says Ana.
Teeth
WHITENING TREATMENT
Crest Whitestrips. Visible results after just a few uses, and work wonders if you are diligent and finish the pack.
WHITENING TOOTHPASTE
Colgate Advanced Whitening - great taste and effective
MOUTHWASH
OraCare. Bye-bye, morning breath.
