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| Town & Country fashion and beauty director, Rorie Carlos |
I’ve traveled with Bengzon on press junkets, and we’ve shared a room in some trips. Not once did I ever see her looking unkempt and without poise, even en route home on the plane, where the best of us tend to be sprawled in jet-set disarray.
Carlos, on the other hand, is French-chic epitomized. I may have stolen the idea of wearing Ray-Bans when strolling in to the office sans makeup from her.
A quick look at Carlos’ Facebook profile will yield photos that can elicit delighted gasps from even the most nitpicky haute-couture aficionados. Carlos is simply a fantastic, unadulterated, fashion-forward dresser.
These days, I think of them a lot, especially when I want to evoke a sense of glamour and elegance, without trying too hard. True, I have to wake up earlier to look put-together as they do—from hair to footwear. But, whenever I make that effort, I reap rewards in the form of a confidence boost, clearer command of myself and conviction that I’m doing the right thing— frankly, exactly how one must feel when living and working in New York City.
And whether you live in Manila, Singapore, or wherever in the world, these key characteristics and traits, plus good old beauty and style habits, can be quite helpful.
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| Preview Magazine contributing editor, Agoo Bengzon |
Heed the classic advice of being aware of your “scent circle”: the circumference you create when you stick your right arm out and do a twirl about. That’s how far your perfume should reach. With a multitude of options, how do you find a signature aroma?
“Make good use of those testers that are readily available,” offers Bengzon. “Spritz some onto your wrist, then walk around and wait for the scent to settle and mix with your [body chemistry] (if you’re in the mall, do a little window shopping first). If you’re happy with the scent, it’s a keeper!” She adds, “Trust your instincts… you’ll simply know when you’ve found the perfect scent.”
For tropical climates, Bengzon points out a choice between “day” and “evening” scent, over “seasonal” fragrances more common in colder regions. “For day, it’s best to stick to light florals or sweet and fruity concoctions,” she suggests. “For night, you can bring out the bolder and more serious perfumes.”
When in doubt, go for a unisex perfume that can easily be worn throughout the year, anytime of the day.
Skincare
Bengzon is a personal fan of La Mer Moisturizing Cream and Guerlain Orchidee Imperial Cream. Both products command premium prices, but for people who have used them, the splurge seems worthwhile. I personally like La Mer’s super gentle formula for those times when the skin around my nose gets cracked during a cold.
Bottom line is, find the best skincare products you can afford, then stick to a daily regimen of cleansing, moisturizing and sun protection. (And, don’t forget the lips. Carlos uses Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF15.) Many creams and lotions are available at a fraction of department store prices. For as long as you’re diligent in applying them, they can be effective in clearing complexion and keeping skin supple.
What you wear
“The harsh reality is that women are judged by their looks,” says Mireille Guiliano, author of “Women, Work & The Art of Savoir Faire” and “French Women Don’t Get Fat.” “Your looks count. How you dress, how you are groomed, how you present yourself, and more.”
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a fortune on clothes and the latest trends and items off the fashion mill. “It’s all in the accessories,” says Carlos. “Even with a simple white shirt or LBD, it’s about adding on some finishing touches—standout earrings or necklace, a great belt or whimsical shoes. SM Department Stores and Forever 21 have a lot of cheap yet chic finds.”
If you’re out looking for investment pieces, Carlos recommends a pair of diamond studs or a pearl necklace.
“Buy the best that you can afford. [Their] value won’t depreciate—you can wear them over and over and pass them on to your kids in the future.”
Stress management
Stress and fatigue can put a damper on your fashion and beauty quotient. When you allow yourself to be aggravated by a situation—be it at work or in your personal life-it, more often than not, manifests in your look and bearings. Your shoulders slump, the pimples come out—definitely not a glamorous sight. Realistically speaking, stress will always be a part of life, so the earlier you figure out ways to effectively combat it—through exercise, therapy, or even regular doses of good clean fun-the better for your health, well-being and of course, looks.
Minding your manners
You could be wearing the oldest, most faded frock from your closet, but if you exude grace, are polite, and show impeccable manners, you become the most dashing person in the room. And when all else fails, take this tried-and-tested tip and quick beauty pick-upper from Bengzon: “Stay positive and wear a peachy-pink blush.”
Mariel Chua is the former beauty editor of Seventeen, Cosmopolitan and Ok! Magazine Philippines and is now based in New York. Visit http://BeautyintheBigApple.com and her blog, http://NyMinuteNow.com.
(Photos courtesy of Isha Andaya and Rorie Carlos. Original Inquirer article link here.)
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