The invisible power of beige

MANILA, Philippines - Achieving the “natural look” involves the trickiest tricks –– getting a flawless base alone could take up half your prep time, and even then, at least not with the wrong products, you could end up with an unflattering shade of cakey and dull. Not so natural.

Chanel’s Les Beiges collection takes beige to the next level. Peter Philips, creative director of Chanel Makeup, knows how hard it is for Asian skin tones to achieve the subtle naturalness of a healthy glow. “They are systematically given the choice between an immaculate white complexion, a tone-matching shade, or tanned skin,” he says. So he created a universal, complete range called Chanel Les Beiges, which is neither bronzing, iridescent nor whitening, and offers the most invisible sophistication. It takes the color beige to the next level, from boring to beautiful, in multiple shades to flatter Asian skin.

The Les Beiges collection interprets the concept of well-being with Open Air Complex, a formula enriched with cotton flower and white rose plant cells — this complex gives each product biometric action. The membrane of these natural ingredients is in perfect affinity with the membrane of the epidermal cells: this allows the ingredients to diffuse their protein-and vitamin-rich active molecules inside the epidermis. The skin is better protected against pollution, dehydration and environmental stress factors. Les Beiges contains SPF 15 to 30, depending on the product, as well as anti-UVA protection.

For lightweight coverage and a sheer glow

Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder comes not in Chanel’s trademark black lacquer case, but in a nude compact that reflects its contents. “You have to be able to apply your makeup without thinking about it,” says Philips. This explains the brush shaped in a sculpted half-moon, designed to follow the curves of the face. “And even though the case contains a wide-angle mirror, you can sweep on some beige with your eyes closed. I guarantee that the result will be perfectly natural.” It comes in a range of subtle beige shades that meet the needs of Asian skin: from N°10 to N°70 –– seven shades with reliable, refined, and precise results. It offers SPF 15 protection and protection against UVA rays.

Also included in the Les Beiges range is the All-In-One Healthy Glow Cream, which comes in N°10 and N°20 shades, and renders the complexion with a burst of freshness while nourishing the skin. Both shades come with a sun protection factor of 30 and UVA protection.

For sublime protection

Sun protection that is a joy to apply is hard to come by. Chanel’s Sublimage La Protection UV, which contains vanilla planifolia, offers daily sun protection in a creamy formula. Sublimage La Protection UV ensures dual protection, thanks to the combination of sun filters and a unique UV complex that protects skin against sun damage both internally and externally. The sun filters protect the skin’s surface against UVA and UVB rays, while the protective UV complex targets cellular DNA and the stem cell environment to prevent damage caused by radiation at the epidermis.

The formula provides anti-aging benefits through the regenerating properties of the water extracted from the vanilla fruit, while liquorice root extract reinforces spot action against dark spots. It is incredibly lightweight, so it swathes skin in comfort while leaving a matte and powdery finish for a fresh, flawless and clear complexion even in humid conditions.

Use Sublimage La Protection UV every morning as a last step in your beauty routine, before applying makeup. Dab on face and neck and smooth into skin. Reapply throughout the day if exposed to the sun. It can also be used on the hands and décolleté.

For a scintillating pout

A natural look doesn’t have to be devoid of color. The Collection Révélation de Chanel includes the multi-faceted Lèvres Scintillantes, the iconic Chanel lip gloss. Its 10 gentle and glossy shades can appear subtle in daylight and may be amped up for a more sophisticated look. Add a swipe of Lèvres Scintillantes to top off your natural glow.

Chanel is available at Rustan’s.