The Christmas season also includes planning for out-of-town gatherings. For me, this December means my best friend is about to get hitched, and in Boracay, no less.

 

Recently I realized that beach makeup can be tricky, because the heat and the sun play a huge role in your choice of brand and application. Having said that, I searched high and low for helpful tips on how to prepare properly for a beach event.

 

Sunscreen and primer

 

With beach makeup, less is always more, except for sunscreen. If you will be out in the sun the whole day, make sure to apply sunscreen with a high SPF (at least 30-50) generously on your face and let your skin absorb it properly. If you are planning to wear light makeup on the beach, apply an oil-free, pore-refining primer to extend its staying power. Try the Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone Treatment by MAC.

 

Coverage

 

Being under the sun means being under high humidity and heat. This implies avoiding anything creamy and greasy on your skin. You won’t look cool if you have cakey foundation

melting on your face.

 

If you need to cover splotches, and you need to even out your skin, find an oil-free tinted moisturizer with coverage. Try the ultra lightweight CC Cream by Smashbox. Apply sparingly on your face, just enough to even out your skin tone. Don’t apply powder as that will make your makeup look heavy. Use a blotting film to control shine.

 

Eyes

 

If you want to wear makeup that is subtle but will make a huge impact, curl your lashes and apply some waterproof mascara. It will open up your eyes, giving you a youthful and bright-eyed look. Try Clinique Lash Power Mascara in Black Onyx for a natural but long-wearing formula.

 

Lips

 

This is the part of your face that you wouldn’t want matte. Wearing a matte lip color would make you look too heavy and made up. Look for a lip balm with high SPF with a pinkish or reddish tint. Wear a lipglass/gloss over it for a flirty and playful shine.

 

Bronze

 

Nothing can give you a better glow than applying some nice bronze color. You want your tan to look natural, so find a bronzer with no shimmer on it, and dust lightly on your cheeks, cheekbones, forehead, chin and eyelids. Apply some blush on your cheeks for that oomph factor.

 

Nutrition and diet

 

No one wants to look bloated on the beach. Manila’s latest healthy meal provider might as well be NUIU. Celebrities and socialites alike run to NUIU for diet support and for good

reason: It has devised a great way to shed pounds without pills, starvation or torture. It helps clients lose weight the good old-fashioned way—with a nutritious menu and the right amount of calories. It designs a special menu for each client, taking into consideration results of blood tests performed before the diet and the client’s special health requirements.

 

I try my best to prepare before a special trip, but the best way to appreciate going on the road is to have fun. I am thrilled that December is here, and that I can watch my best friend walk down the aisle. Congratulations, Chris and Coco, we love you!

 

For inquiries on NUIU, contact 0917-5283283 and 5531888.