The fall forecast in Europe and America points to rich hues of eye shadows in burgundy, deep violets and gold, as seen on models in YSL Rive Gauche, Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana during their Autumn/Winter 2002 runway shows. Lipstick colors were either in red hot and crimson for a slightly "bitten look." Nude lips were also a hit, just like in Giorgio Armani, Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton and Donna Karan’s show. These colors are called updated classics rather than trends. Another look: Smoky eyes, using deep purple, gray and black as well the red lips.
Just like in the fashion industry, beauty and skin care companies pump up the volume with the change in seasons–from summer’s sun-kissed glow and sheer skin to the cooler weather’s gutsy colors and slightly dewy skin.
With breakthroughs in beauty and new technology, cosmetic and skin care companies have created new shades, customized colors to modernize their products and improve their textures. Powder form and cream cosmetics now have a finer and more velvety texture while lipsticks, lip gloss and moisturizers are less sticky, non-greasy feel and smoother when applied. All these have been especially created for the growing consumers that are more knowledgeable, secure and truly fashionable!
It took me and a couple of friends a few days to try, touch and feel different beauty products (well it also afforded us an excuse to just hang out and have fun, too) to give
Fashion Persona readers the low-down on beauty babies. We’ve tried everything from the Rolls Royce of creams, a cleansing oil that is all-in-one wonder products, the newest Tinted Glow Enhancer to affordable
kikay cosmetics. These hotties are all for the taking. And for your beauty pleasure, go for some freebies, treatments and discounts on some of the hottest and must-try beauty products. Just bring the coupons that come at the end of this column and present them to avail yourself of the perks (there is a minimum number of giveaways, treatments and discounts, so please hurry!). Bring your mama and all your sistas, and have fun doing the "girl thing!" Be beautiful, baby!
• When asked during Sara Lee’s press launch about her preferred makeup color, Sharon Cuneta revealed: ‘I favor earthly hues for my eye shadow and when I’m not working, I like wearing nude lip colors for a natural look.’
•These products are true to the meaning of their brand name, Alchemy, the process of transforming something common into something special. You will love the lip gloss and lip gels for their unique marine and botanical extracts that heal and soften the lips.
• These affordable yet hip beauty products are for the young and the
kikay. The clear mascara is perfect to hold the shape of those unruly brows and the lip gloss has the perfect shade and texture for that pale-lips look, but without making you look like a corpse.
Don’t be afraid to use this purple blush. It’s so sheer when applied, it turns slightly pinkish.
•Get that smoky eye look with this eye shadow duo and mascara. Never over do it by slapping tons of it on your lids.
•Matt It Face and Lips is great for combination and oily skin. Using a sponge, dab on face to achieve a matte look on areas that become oily. The Tinted Glow Enhancer can be used as a base or foundation but the best part is that it also doubles up as a makeup corrector (imagine a boo boo cleaner).
You must also try their newest lipstick colors in shades of satin, sheer, pearl and matte finish. The lipstick uses the marula nut oil natural ingredient that moistens the lips and glides smoothly when applied.
• La Prairie’s newest Caviar Concealer and Foundation is a wonder. Unbelievably velvety but light, it fills the fine lines of your face so they do not appear cakey and cracked.
•The look of Estee Lauder is not anymore associated with heavy eye shadows and strong blushes. It’s become hip and fashionable. The metallic hue from the Créme Patina for the eyes is not at all blinding. And it’s a fool-proof eye makeup, with a small amount applied on your lids using your finger tips, voila!
You’re ready to party!
•To match your smoky eyes, this lipstick in pink will definitely give you that slightly ‘bitten look’ without any worries of retouching it. That is why it is called ‘Invincible’ honey!
• If you haven’t tried Shu Uemura’s star product, High Performance Cleansing Oil, then you have to run and grab one. We were at first apprehensive because the idea of putting oil on an oily face was just not acceptable. But the product took out the grease and the toughest makeup grime. Having a hard time taking out your sticky mascara? How about your lip stain? Yup, this oil is the answer.
• When asked about the hottest beauty products, Mel Cuevas says, ‘I’ve noticed a lot of beauty companies fuse skin care with their makeup lines. The likes of Sue Devitt studio, Chanel, and La Prairie have recently launched makeup products that go on smoothly on the skin and also contain vitamins and minerals. The best one I’ve heard of is La Prairie’s newest Caviar foundation and concealer. It is the only product so far that has caviar extract that helps firm sagging skin. Some products have also what they call ‘Smart Technology’ (found in Estee Lauder’s Equalizer makeup and La Prairie smart creams) that are tailored to your individual skin care needs like mattifying oily areas while moisturizing dry ones.’
• Asked about makeup and skin care, Joyce Jimenez says, ‘I am not into heavy makeup, but since my body is constantly exposed to harsh elements, I can’t stress enough the importance of taking care of my skin. I invest a lot in lotions and pampering products. They not only make you feel more at ease but enhance your inner radiance and attractiveness as well.’ Her lotion is a must-try! We love it, specially ‘Flirtation’–light and fresh.
I’d like to thank everyone who sent me beauty and skin care products I requested. Special thanks to Jenny Teves of Rustan’s; Celine Gabriel of L’Oreal; Tina Tinio of Shu Uemura; Mia Macapagal of The Body Shop; and GP Reyes of Sari-Sari.