Mas

Dear Denise:

Can you tell me why make-up companies don’t know how to create foundations for a Latina? I have been searching forever and a day for the right foundation for my pretty brown skin. I hate it because I either end up white like a ghost (as my husband says) or orange like la fruta! Do I need to go a professional make-up artist? I don’t have that much money. I just want a good foundation that will last me throughout the day and now leave me toda manchada. Ayudame!

Not Miss Cover Girl

Dear Not Miss:

First of all, mujer, throw away all your Wet N’ Wild and Dollar Tree foundation out of the make-up drawer, and you will find that you have at least $50 of wasted money. My recommendation is to go to a professional, and you don’t have to pay for it, chica. All you need to do is visit a salon or professional make-up counter, such as Lancome or Estee Lauder, in major department stores and tell them your problem. They will help you find the right color. I have tried almost every single line because I used to work in that same business before I started my salon. My favorite is Lancome because that was the line I worked. But they do have a great foundation for every skin condition and tone.

Realistically, you are probably going to spend $30 on a good foundation. But professional lines have a return policy so you can return it if you are not satisfied. Most make-up lines offer foundation samples so you can test it out.

Plus, those mujeres — and hombres, too — at these counter lines know what they are talking about. They are trained to know their line and understand which products are best for certain skin types and colors.

My other advice: Don’t be trying to test a foundation on your wrist. Your wrist color is not the same color of your face.

Good luck in your quest for the perfect mask and tell your man don’t be mad when you come home with $200 bill from all those holiday special add-on sales.

Or you can just stick to your guns and buy only your foundation, but you know how we Latinas love shop. We gotta look good, que no?

Pero por favor, please stay away from bright blue eye shadow. That just doesn’t match cinnanom skin-toned Latinas.

Denise

Dear Denise:

Do you know anything that could prevent stretch marks? I got these around my waist, all thanks to my kids!

Is it too late to get something done

 about? I hear something about laser surgery. I just want to wear those cute low-cut lowrise jeans and look good in them.

Missing my old self

Dear Missing:

Don’t we all wish for some miracle cream or for men to have babies so they know what it’s like?! Unfortunately, stretch marks are hard to clear up. I suggest you consult a plastic surgeon who can explain some options, including laser surgery or tummy tucks.

Stretch marks naturally occur when you gain then lose a lot of weight or when you have a baby so you are not alone in this. And don’t be calling those 1-800-I-CAN-GET-RID-OF-YOUR-STRETCH-MARKS lines that often appear in fliers around town. Go professional. Your body deserves that.

For a quick fix, you can use a body make up or find a salon that does body airbrushing.

Best of luck. Now, get in those jeans and concentrate on diamond earrings that your man should be buying you this holiday season.

Denise

Denise Ornelas, a former Miss Teen Kern County Latina, is a local beauty salon owner. Send your questions for Denise to ogarcia@masbakersfield.com or leave your question at 661-716-8644.