Bright Brigade

I've been quite shy when it comes to putting bold lip colors, but I recently gathered up the courage to try on a few. And with this new-found liking to bright lippies, I proposed a beauty story to my boss in Manila Bulletin on these eye-popping lipsticks. I hope this photos below inspire you to try something new ;) Here they are below:

HOT PINK - Fuchsia pink lips shows that you have a playful sweet side. Blue undertones whitens your teeth as well. On model: Shu Uemura pink collection in PK369.

Try: M.A.C. Lip Gloss in Crazy Haute, Glorietta; Shu Uemura Pink collection in PK 369, Power Plant Mall; The Body Shop lipstick in 69, The Podium.

FIERY RED - Powerful confident women love having red-colored lips. A fire-engine red is your safest bet that matches all skin tones. On model: Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited in 128.

Try: Elianto Spa Lipstick in Royal Red, available in most SM malls; ModelCo lipstick in True Red, Beauty Bar, Power Plant Mall; Max Factor Silk Gloss in Cashmere Red, available in most SM department stores.

HAPPY ORANGE - Orange lips might be too much to handle, but do try going a notch lower with sexy coral shades. On model: Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited in 581.

Try: Max Factor lipstick in Pearl Orange, available in most SM department stores; Guerlain Rouge in Gina, Rustan’s Makati; Revlon Crème Gloss in Crush on Coral, available in most SM department stores.

URBAN PURPLE - Go for sexy goth in dark or acid purple tints—a refreshing fun option to your usual dark wine red lips. On model: Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited in Purple 050.

Try: M.A.C. lipstick in Purple Rite and M.A.C. lip gloss in Fierce & Fabulous, both available in Glorietta; The Face Shop Color Shimmer Lipstick in PP403, available in most Robinsons malls.

So, which lip color will you try? ;)

*Photography by DIX; Makeup by Ding Espinosa of Shu Uemura; Hairstyling by Elaine Ganuelas for L'Oreal Professionnel; Model: Sai Manzano of Victo Rio

Sun Worship

It might be just a rainy week, but it could also mark the end of summer.  This gloomy cold weather doesn't mean that the bronze-goddess beauty look is over; you can still sport your sexy tan for a month or two.  Here are my top beauty buys for a smokin' fresh-from-the-beach-trip look:

Lancôme's Tropiques Minérale collection's luxurious packaging got me right away.  Both the veil powder and the bronzing powder offer a radiant natural-looking glow without going overboard.  Its formula adapts to your skin, and gives a customized look that brightens up your face.  For makeup newbies, mineral powder is perfect for you.  You don't have to worry about putting on too much; it has a buildable formula that won't make your face look cake-y.

Aptly called Eternal Gold, Shu Uemura has never failed to make me giddy.  My faves would be the cream eye shadows that come in P pink and P brown, P1150, on the bottom right (for a pearly, dewy finish), and the gloss unlimited in BR 755N, P1000, located at the top left (for shimmer lips, with a color that helps make your puckers look more plump). Subtle sexiness!

It's all about the little details for Paul and Joe.  I'm sure you all agree with me when I say this bottle is just too cute!  This three-layered nail polish has gold lamé (very '80s) mixed with a frosty finish for a fun and playful look.  Limited edition, and comes in three pretty colors: golden slumber (brown), goldfinger (above) and all that glitters (pink).  Price: P800.

And here's something to help you prolong your goddess look.  ModelCo's tan extender, P1290, has green tea, caffeine, ivy extract, bladderwrack and horse chestnut extract—all of which nourishes your skin while extending your tan!  Oh, and it smells really yummy, too!  

*Lancome is available at Rustan's and Gbelt 5; Shu Uemura at Rustan's and Power Plant Mall; Paul and Joe at Rustan's; and ModelCo at all Beauty Bar outlets.