As much as I love makeup, blowouts and beauty tutorials, I am an advocate of an easy routine. That’s half the reason I’m such a skincare advocate–the appeal of being able to walk out the house without a smidge of makeup is worth the investment on creams and serums. Besides, I really just don’t have the time (or the energy).
Thankfully, being a fan of lazy girl beauty doesn’t mean you have to walk around looking like you just rolled out of bed. My pursuit of the mostly effortless has introduced me to beauty hacks that go a long way in sprucing up your appearance. Trust me–these are some of the things you need to cut your prep time in the morning, and look good anyway.
YUMI Lashes by Winked
There’s no denying the impact that long, defined lashes have on your face. It’s really all you need to get that extra oomph for your everyday look. Thankfully, you don’t have to resort to wearing false eyelashes everyday. (Although the women who do definitely deserve recognition–I can barely put them on myself!)
Having studied the craft in Hong Kong, Mikee Li Bi has been giving girls the gift of better lashes since she opened Winked last year. The gentle procedure lasts about an hour and a half, and uses a silicone pad and a series of treatments. Lashes are treated so they turn naturally upward, and a tint is also applied to create more volume. “We also include an eye treatment during the procedure, to brighten the under-eye area,” she explains.
After-care is as simple as brushing your lashes upward everyday, and taking care not to rub your eyes (which you shouldn’t be doing anyway!). The upside–your eyes look bigger and brighter, even without mascara.
Le Beau Monde Salon, Rivergate Building, Gen. Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City
Open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM Mondays to Saturdays, and 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Sundays.
For inquiries and reservations, call +63 917 325 5700
Lived-in Hair Color by Piandre
Every girl knows that walking out of the salon with freshly colored hair is one of the best feelings in the world. What’s not that great, though, is having to run back whenever your darker roots start making an appearance.
I’ve been known to let my hair grow out until a very clear demarcation line between my natural and artificial hair color runs from one ear to the other. (It’s hard to find the time to squeeze in an hours-long salon visit!) Thankfully, Piandre introduced Lived-in Hair Color, and I have not looked back. Six months later, and my hair color still looks like it was deliberately styled.
Trained top Australian stylists Edwards and Co., the staff at Piandre try to mimic how sunlight naturally brightens your hair. Think of it as a more subtle take on ombre–the lighter color is concentrated towards and the ends and around the face, with the roots noticeably darker. It’s a sun-kissed look that’s perfect for the summer (or in the case of Cebu’s always balmy weather, all year long).
Oakridge Business Park, AS Fortuna Street, Banilad, Mandaue City
Open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM on Mondays to Saturdays, and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays.
For inquiries and reservations, call +63 32 412 1824.
Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm from Clinique
Sometimes, all you really need to look good is a pop of color on your cheeks. Thankfully, I live in a tropical country, where sun exposure is practically a given (and sunblock is so important). Most of the time, I can count on that subtle tint on my cheekbones from where the sun hits my face.
Some days, though, you need a little boost. There are a number of great blush options out there–but Clinique’s Chubby Stick is one of my favorites. It’s easy to use, and the Robust Rhubarb is great on Filipino skin. On weekends when I don’t even bother with foundation, a quick swipe of color instantly adds warmth to a tired face.
It can be multi-purpose too–I also use it on my lips, when I want a more subtle, natural color.
Available at Rustan’s, Ayala Center Cebu; Robinsons Galleria; and SM Seaside City.
DKNY Nectar Love
A nice scent goes a long way in making you feel put together, and these days, I’ve been spritzing on DKNY’s Nectar Love in the morning. It brings to mind the freshness of spring, with its mix of citrus and floral scents. The subtle fragrance gives me a great energy when I’m facing a long, busy day. Its cute packaging–the embossed gilded bee on top of a reimagined DKNY apple–makes me smile when I see it in my bag too.
Available at Rustan’s, Ayala Center Cebu.
]]>Nectar Love is a floral fruity fragrance, that has top notes of yellow freesia, mandarin, grapefruit, nectarine and solar salicylates. The citrus scents are complemented with mid notes of jasmine, muguet, orange flower and mirabelle.
The packaging is a play on the brand’s signature apple. The golden Nectar Love bottle features an embossed bee. It is in homage to how a bee is captivated by the pull of a blooming flower.
Rustan’s Department Store, Ayala Center Cebu
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