Products that can make skin rosy pink

By Kinny Salas

Philippine Daily Inquire

WHEN testing a foundation shade on my skin, I choose the pale yellow shades. As light-skinned as I may be, that (pale yellow) has always been my undertone.

The last time though, I was surprised when the sales reps of Lancôme, Shiseido, MAC and Shu Uemura commented that the swatches on my jawline did not blend in. They then tested pink undertones on my skin, which were a better match. It could be called a fluke if it were just one or two brands, but four?

I have come to the conclusion that L’Oreal’s Transparent Rosy Whitening Radiance Boosting Double Essence (P845) and Transparent Rosy Whitening Night Cream (P525) do work as I have been using them for about eight weeks on the face and neck. My exposed arms are still yellow-toned by the way.

Their additional secret ingredient, aside from their patented Advanced Melanin Block, is tourmaline stone in powdered form, which helps stimulate skin microcirculation.

This results in a rosy tinge on the skin that neutralizes the dulling yellow tones. Those with very dry skin may want to add extra moisturizer at night.

To counteract dull yellow tones, particularly on the face and neck, L’Oreal offers UV Perfect Advanced Fluid Face Protector SPF 50’s Anti-Dullness variant (P495) which gives the appearance of perfect lighter-toned but natural skin.

Once you have neutralized the yellow tones, switch to transparent or other tinted variants like porcelain. This does not feel greasy and acts as great makeup primer for normal and combination skin.

Neutrogena Wave

Those with active lifestyles, oily skin or dull complexion and those exposed to pollution will benefit from the deep cleansing action of Neutrogena Wave (P575), which penetrates 10 times deeper. The vibrating action revs up circulation, making skin glow.

It removes dead skin cells and other pore-clogging debris like blackheads so that skin is visibly smoother after each use. It may take longer before you go to facial cleaning sessions because of this.

It does not, however, clear out whiteheads, pimples and blackheads found deeper inside the pores, but it can prevent more from coming out. Use either first thing in the morning or before sleeping at night, which is my preference.

The gadget is waterproof so it can be used in the shower. It requires one AA battery. The 30-day supply refill pads are available for P400. The price is actually the same as, if not slightly cheaper than, that in the United States: $12.95.

Big pores are either caused by oily skin or signal skin laxity as part of aging. There have been three brands I have been using lately to combat gaping pores.

Cleansing: Avon True Pore-Fection Skin Refining Cleanser (P250) reduces the appearance of oily skin for up to seven hours of semi-matte finish; Avon True Pore-Fection Toner (P150) purifies skin, removes dead skin cells and reduces oiliness by a good 80 percent.

Treatment: Kiehl’s Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Lotion (P1,450) contains Amazonian White Clay which absorbs toxins and excess sebum. It has antibacterial properties and it sloughs off dead skin cells. This is to keep pores clear of debris so their sizes are minimized.

Extra Cosmetic: Avon True Pore-Fection Soothing Treatment Compact (P375) penetrates pores to treat and prevent acne formation. Plus, it mattifies the T-zone.

The Face Shop’s Pore Minimizer Cover Up applied under or over makeup controls excess oil, minimizes large pores by covering them up and smoothens skin texture so the powder or foundation glides without effort.

Kiehl’s actually offers a whole line of the Rare Earth Pore products. The feedback I got from friends is that it does a great job of sucking up oil without dehydrating skin. The most raves are for the Tonic/Toner (P1,500) and Masque (P2,150).