Pros' Picks

Whenever I read magazines, I instantly flip to the pages where beauty experts talk about their favorite products. I learn which ones are effective and worth all the hype, and I end up saving time and money since I don't need to test and buy everything in the department stores. I asked some friends from the magazine industry for their must-have lotions and potions and here's what they happily divulged: - ROC

BARBI CHAN

Makeup Artist

1. Physiogel AI Cream - "A moisturizer for sensitive skin. It also makes your skin regenerate its protective barriers against external pollutants. And the best thing is it's cheap!"

2. Benefit Dandelion Powder - "Can be used as a blusher for fair skinned women and highlighter for morenas."

3. Enormous Lash - "Makes your lashes grow longer and thicker in a matter of weeks."

4. Maybelline Cat Eyes Mascara - "Doesn't smudge and adds considerabl length and volume."

5. Olay Total Effects Eye Cream - "Hydrates the sensitive eye area and prevents wrinkles and fine lines from forming!"

ISABEL ROCES

Model/Inquirer Columnist

1. M.A.C Mineralize Blush - "It enhances my cheekbones and gives it a dewy glow."

2. Bobbie Brown California Coral Pot Rouge Cheek Tint - "It looks very natural, giving me that 'just-back-from-a-run' flush."

3. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo - "It smells really good and it’s formulated to preserve hair color, keeping its vibrancy and radiance."

4. Kiehl’s UV Protect Sunscreen Stick - "It’s a fabulous sunscreen that doesn’t leave me looking white with residue."

5. Pevonia Phyto-gel Facial Cleanser - "It’s 100% organic and perfect for daily use."


Agoo Bengzon
Preview Contributing Editor

1. Stila Oil Free Sheer Color Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 -"I like how this keeps my face protected and doesn't feel oily like most SPF products do."

2. Guerlain Orchidée Imperiale Cream - "I've really seen a difference in the quality of my skin with this one. My fine lines seem less visible and my skin seems more radiant. This doubles as my eye cream, too."

3. L'Oréal Brow Stylist in Light Brown - "I'm obsessed with this! The problem is it isn't available here. I get it whenever I happen to be in Singapore or have someone who's going there get a couple for me. The shade of brown is PERFECT."

4. Lancome Teint Idole Liquid Foundation - "A mattifying foundation that manages to erase all your flaws yet still looks natural."

5. Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Champagne - "Aside from its hydrating properties, the shade is a nice nude-ish pink. Oh, and the minty after-feel is addicting."

Home Cook

Unlike my sister, I am a fish out of water in the kitchen. Oh, I love food all right – nothing better than good eats! But preparing it? No way. I never saw the need to learn because my mom and sister took care of everything in the kitchen. The only thing I was tasked to do was cook the rice.

Now this was all well and good before I got married and had children. In the beginning of our marriage, dining out was our solution. But when our son was born, leaving the house just to get a bite was out of the question. I knew I had to learn – or find a very able cook.

So with my mother’s help and a dozen or so calls a day to my sister, I slowly built up my repertoire of basic Filipino dishes. I can proudly say that I now can do these dishes in my sleep. But these are dishes that the women in my family have taught me with much time and patience.

But, I am still not a natural born cook. Give me a recipe for anything else and I’ll still manage to mess it up. This is because most cookbooks assume that the reader is already an able cook. Well, what about people like me? As always, my personal saint saves the day!

Martha Stewart’s Cooking School Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook. Unlike other cookbooks, this has over 200 recipes arranged by cooking techniques with step-by-step photographs. It explains all aspects of the kitchen and cooking process. It literally is How to Cook for Dummies. More valuable than the recipes in the book, Martha thoroughly explains the techniques needed in the kitchen. While some people may find this book too intimidating, I love the fact that she actually takes the time to show proper knife skills and explain which cuts of meat go best with a certain technique. If I’m going to cook something I want to make sure I’m doing it right! - KGG

* Photo from Amazon.com

The Bolso Babes' Summer HOT List

RORIE'S SCORCHING HOT SUMMER STYLE  

Flower Power - Go for vivid colors and bold prints but stick to a sleek and simple silhouette.

 
Raving Over Ruffles - Dress down a girly frock with a wide belt and wear a frilly top with khakis or cargo jeans for a chic yet casual look.

Animal Attraction - Pair cheetah or leopard prints with neutral staples.

Look at the Bright Side - Slick on bright red or pink lipstick for the prettiest pout.
 

Nail It - Chanel’s taupe Particulière is the shade du jour of the season.

* Photos from Polyvore, Net-a-Porter, Style, and Sephora

NOT HOT
 

Shunning Sunblock - Whether you’re at the beach or city, you should slather on sunblock EVERY SINGLE DAY. It’s the best anti-aging product out there.
 

A Hairy Situation - If you’re going to wear a skimpy bikini, don’t forget your date with the Brazilian.
 

Blast from the Past - Stop reliving the 80s — faux leather, accessories galore and dark makeup. Think happy, light and minimalist!
 

Wearing the Wrong Suit - Make sure you buy the right swimsuit for your body type. Nothing is sexy about seeing all those lumps and bumps.
 

Stiff Tresses - Don’t go overboard with blowdrying and hair products. Touchable, sexy waves or a sleek mane are more natural and striking.
 

KARISIA'S QUEST FOR SUMMER WELLNESS 

Researches have shown that it takes 21 days to develop/kick a habit. So if you’ve been dreaming of a HOT bod since forever, it’s about time you make exercise a part of your life. Be realistic, set a goal, start your routine and stick to it...And please STOP obsessing over why you don’t have Jen’s fabulous body (She does Pilates, People! As if you didn’t know...) and start breaking a sweat. Find inspiration here: The Sexiest Bodies in Hollywood  So yes, working out is WORK.  

Balance is always HOT. From a balanced checkbook (that's a whole different blog) to a balanced diet. As much as we shouldn't spend more than we make, we should remember that "we are what we eat." Everything in moderation. You can have dessert, just don't eat the whole pie. Fad diets and slimming pills, BE GONE!!! Start by switching your carbs (Even the Skinny Bitch says they're apparently not that evil) from white to brown.

 

Be a lifelong student. Learning is always HOT. Sign up for that black and white photography course, pick up a paint brush, or finally learn how to speak en Français (www.alliance.ph/)...Using your age as an excuse is so NOT fab. Tidbit: At 41-years old, U.S. swimmer Dara Torres won 3 silver medals in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. How’s that for kicking a**?

Believe in something. Religion and politics are always touchy topics, but every girl has that secret little something that she absolutely believes to be 100% true - retail therapy, chocolate being a cure for headaches, or like Carrie she will find her own Mr. Big. Staying true to your convictions is always HOT. Apathy is NOT. Start making a difference by voting in this May’s elections. Not sure you’re even registered? Find out here: COMELEC Registration Verification 


The Dalai Lama said that "My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness." Shouldn't that sum up everything? Random acts of kindness are always HOT. Rudeness is NOT. When confronted with toxic people, remember to count to 10, take a deep breath, and let it go. And remember to always use the magic words. (Just in case, that’s “please” and “thank you”)

* Photos from Barnes & Noble, Why Milk, and Fanpop

KIT'S HOT TO TROT TRAVEL TIPS
   

The ultimate in travel luxury and a fabulous way to keep your belongings organized! The Valextra Frers soft trunk is luxury at it's finest. 

 

Keep all your travel documents organized with our best-selling bolso MANILA Passport Cases.
 
When planning your vacay, check out www.tripadvisor.com It has over 30 million travelers' reviews and opinions on flights, restaurants and hotels in all destinations.
 

With all the restrictions on carry-on luggage, books and magazines sometimes add to the unwanted weight you lug around. Not with Amazon's Kindle. A bookworm's best friend, it's just over 1/3 of an inch thick and weighs only 10.2 oz AND can hold up to 1,500 books! 

 

If you just want to get away from it all consider Bellarocca Island Resort and Spa in Marinduque. www.bellaroccaresorts.com

* Photos from lussorian and Amazon

NOT HOT
 

People who hold up the airport security-check line because they did not heed guidelines for liquids and gels in hand-carry luggage. It's so easy - all liquids and gels must be in 3oz. containers that fit in one transparent quart-sized zip-top bag per passenger. Anything in greater amounts should be in checked baggage.
 

Misplacing your ticket or passport! There is nothing worse than getting to the airport and realizing you left your passport or tickets at home.
 

Tourists who aren't the least bit aware of local customs of the places they visit. When visiting a foreign place, try to learn something beforehand about the culture so you don't inadvertently disrespect the locals.
 

I believe in being prepared for anything, but there is such a thing as packing wisely. You won't need 5 pairs of shoes for a weekend getaway at a beach resort.
 

Vacation spots that have become too crowded and too commercial. What is the point of getting away from it all if everyone else is where you're at?!
 
(TEACHER) JENNY'S OUT-OF-SCHOOL FUN FOR KIDS
 
Arts & Crafts are HOT when given freedom through art space... NOT when restricted by boundaries.

* setting up an art space at home with paper, coloring books, glue, scissors, colored pencils and crayons readily available will not only encourage kids to explore their individual creativity, but it will make art part of their daily routine... give them the freedom to create whatever it is that they feel like making without being 'on-guard' all the time and telling them what to do. =)
 

Cooking can be a HOT summer activity... NOT when presented as chore.

* everyone's gotta eat and what's usually seen as a chore to many adults can be turned into a fun-filled bonding acitivity when done with kids... the kitchen shouldn't be seen as a 'hands-off' area for kids, but rather a place when with guided supervision and basic ground rules laid-out, a fun experience for both parents and their kids. =)
 
Playdates are HOT for social interaction... as it is NOT ideal to isolate kids.

  
* playdates may be difficult to schedule on a daily basis, but do make 'time with friends' a part of your child's summer activities... school is a social environment, and summer, by contrast, can make kids feel quite isolated especially after being used to the constant companionship of friends so try to host some playdates at your home every now and then to give your kids the social interaction they need. =)
 
Reading is HOT for enjoyment... NOT as a pressure-filled activity.
 

* reading for enjoyment is a good habit to teach kids during the summer when there's no fatigue of homework and pressure of school activities... at this day and age when kids seem more inclined to sit back and watch tv or play computer games it's a good idea to bring reading back into the picture by taking your child to the bookstore and having him/her pick out a book or books that you can read read together during the summer. =)
 
Good variety is HOT... strict routine is NOT.
 

  

* a child's span of interest can be limited at times so it is ideal to give kids a good variety of activities during the summer break... remember, kids get enough of a routine as it is during the school year so spice up their summer time by exposing them to a wide-range of fun-filled and productive activities this summer. =)

* Photos from our LLF and family albums