Is it just me or is Christmas approaching faster than a speeding bullet? One moment it was just October then BOOM! December 22 naaaa!
If you’re like me who is still working and haven’t totally prepared for the big day (WHAT TO WEAR?!!), I’ve asked a little help from my friends (they are the best in the industry) to give all of us some ideas and inspiration to keep sane and stylish at the same time during Christmas.
Dressed in Holiday Style by Pauline Juan, Editor-in-Chief of Preview magazine
Holiday dressing should be about wearing your favorites.
#OOTD: Betina tee, Charina Sarte trousers, necklaces from Fah Luxe and Forever 21, bracelet from Cova and pointy toe pumps from a trip to Turkey.
It’s all in the details
Festive Food by Bea Ledesma, Hinge Group Publisher
This is a pretty staple dish I prepare when entertaining, simply because it’s easy but high-impact. It looks like it takes a lot of effort but once you’ve mastered the art of boiling the perfect egg, it’s easier than making pie.
Steps:
1. Boil eggs. It’s safe to estimate that 11/2 eggs are good per person. Place eggs in a roomy saucepan or whatever. Make sure it’s covered completely in fresh tap water. Let boil for a good 7-8 minutes then shut off heat and let it steep for another 8-10 minutes. This way you don’t get that ugly gray core that comes from over-boiling your eggs.
2.Peel eggs and then halve them.
3. Scoop out the hardened yolks (though they should be soft and fluffy actually). Mash and mix with mayonnaise. I don’t really measure, I tend to eyeball it but for people who demand measurement, around 3 tablespoons for 4 eggs seems fair.
4. Finely chop some onion, combine with the egg-mayo mixture. For mayo, it’s important to use the good quality kind. I like the one sold at Cibo which is really ritz if you know what I mean. (“it tastes rich,” I say to my mom after she’s all like “will you talk like a normal person, please.”) But if you’re not willing to schlep to Cibo, then go for the Japanese mayo that’s probably in your pantry. Throw in some sea salt and pepper to taste.
5. Once mixed, spoon on top of the white part of the egg. Top with fresh dill.
6. Some people like to add smoked salmon (or any kind of preferred smoked fish) to deviled eggs, which is great too. But if you don’t have it in your fridge then this basic version (which tastes far from basic if done right) is perfectly good.
7. Stuff your face. (Try to do this part in private.)
Christmas Look by Agoo Bengzon, Preview and Cosmo Contributing Beauty Editor/Director-at-Large
The holidays don’t exactly allow you the luxury of time to do a full-on face so opt for a statement lip instead–all it requires is good skin (a swipe off BB cream will do) and curled lashes. Apply an unusual hue like a deep purple, and you’re good to go.
Zoya Pixie Dust
Perfect for days when you don’t have time to get your nails done–I swear, this is the easiest to apply and longest-wearing polish (sans a top coat!) in my book.
Pond’s Age Miracle BB Cream
Packing on the foundation for dressy events just isn’t cool anymore these days. Remember, the more natural, the better. This helps you look ten years younger AND is easy to blend too!
Mac Heroine
I love a good statement lip because it’s a lot easier to do than a smoky eye. This purple hue is a nice break from the all too predictable reds.
Burberry fragrance
Model greats Kate Moss and Cara Delevigne adore this scent. Enough said.
Shu Uemura Eyeliner
International Artistic Director for Shu Uemura Kakuyasu Uchiide visited Manila recently, and revealed that the cateye is making a huge comeback this season. I’m going to wear it every single day.
Thank you ladies for all your help! I agree on what Pauline said, style is all about wearing your favorites! I’m donning my favorite Christmas pajamas and putting on the brightest red lipstick and I will be stuffing my face (in private as Bea suggested) with everything on the Christmas dinner table!
Happy holidays!