Julia Barretto: Controversy won’t get me down

Coming from a family that is as beautiful as it is controversial, Julia Barretto  is stunning at only 16 years of age. She is the kind of girl you want to be and be with. With her youthful vibe and enviable radiant skin, it came as no surprise to anyone that Pond’s selected her as the new Pond’s Girl.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What is the best and worst part of being in show business?

JULIA BARRETTO: The best part for me is getting to do what I want to do, which is acting. The worst part is that everybody’s watching you, they care so much about your mistakes even if it’s normal to make mistakes, you end up being judged without people knowing the whole story and you don’t have as much privacy anymore and I’m a private kind of person.

How does it feel being part of a family that gets involved in controversies and how do you handle it?

I just got used to it. Before I entered show business, my mom told me I had to be strong and not allow controversy to get me down, especially if it’s not true. If it’s not true, why allow it to affect you? I just think about what makes me happy and block everything else.

What’s the best lesson your mother has taught you?

To be kind to everyone, because it’s what’s going to keep you long in the industry.

How do you keep yourself grounded?

I hang out with the people I used to hang out with before I was launched. I’m still normal. I’m just busier and now get to do the things I’ve always wanted to do. I’m still the old Julia. I also have my family to remind me to stay humble.

Who are your favorite designers and what are some of your favorite clothing brands?

I like a lot of designers, but my favorite brands are Top Shop, Zara, and H&M.

What do you like to wear when you’re not working or attending events?

Sometimes I just like wearing shorts or jeans, a nice top, and flats. But my outfits always still depend on my mood.

What are some of your favorite Pond’s products?

The Pond’s Acne-Expert Facial Scrub. It’s what I used when I was 13 years old. Of course, I also love the new face wash I’m promoting.

What beauty advice can you give to other young girls like yourself?

Wash your face often to try and maintain clear skin because it will really help boost your confidence.

Describe yourself in one word.

God-fearing.

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Clad in a gorgeous, pale pink, strapless dress, Julia wowed everybody at the Pond’s launch. She glided onstage to join host Sam Oh, and shared her experiences as a Pond’s Girl, including how she felt when she first found out she was chosen. “I was so excited because I’ve been a Pond’s user since I was 13, so it was a surreal moment.”

Pond’s brand manager Cesca Silvestre said, “A year ago we set our sights on Julia and witnessed her blossoming into the beautiful young lady she is now. Hailing from a gorgeous family, Julia has definitely come into her own. She’s fresh-faced, has a positively vibrant personality, is fun loving, and has amassed quite a devoted fan base.”

Julia’s shot two new TV commercials for Pond’s, one in Seoul, Korea and the other in Bangkok, Thailand, to promote Pond’s newest additions: the re-formulated Pond’s White Beauty Cream and Pond’s Acne Clear White 10-in-1 Facial Wash.

Wait, doesn’t the first one sound a little familiar? You may be thinking of the popular Pond’s White Beauty Daily Spot-less Lightening Cream, or maybe the Pond’s White Beauty Pinkish White Day Cream. Well, this one still has the signature rosy white formula we all love but is now infused with two new ingredients — Korean ginseng to smoothen skin and promote anti-fatigue and blood circulation, and saffron to reduce dark spots. Both work in combination to effectively whiten skin at the same time.

“Filipina women love Korean skin because it’s characteristically dewy, clear, and lit from within,” said Cesca, “In one word: translucent, meaning light is allowed to pass through the layers.”

Available in all major department stores and supermarkets now, the new White Beauty Cream also evens skin tone, moisturizes, provides protection from UVA and UVB rays thanks to its triple sunscreen, and has a unique powder finish to keep you oil-free for hours. If you’ve been dreaming of whiter, translucent skin, then this day cream might just be the one for you to release your inner K-pop star.

Girls with problem skin have reason to rejoice with Pond’s Acne Clear White 10-In-1 Facial Wash, which will be released this month. As a multi-tasking facial wash, it helps to control oil, fight acne, reduce blemishes, calm skin, zap both blackheads and whiteheads, smoothen skin, tighten pores, reduce dullness, and whiten. Talk about a product that works overtime!

With oil-absorbing clay, salicylic acid that unclogs pores, brightening essence, and smoothening beads, consider your skincare regime officially simplified!

What is the difference between a facial wash and a bar of soap? Cesca said, “Bar soaps only tend to exfoliate skin and don’t really prevent pimples. They don’t have the active ingredients that Pond’s facial wash has.” Also unlike regular soaps, the formula is non-drying so it can be used twice a day.

Both the new, re-formulated Pond’s White Beauty Cream and Acne Clear White 10-In-1 Facial Wash make the perfect duo if you want to achieve fairer, clearer skin — just like Julia’s.

Get those Instagram selfies ready, ladies!

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Pond’s is available at supermarkets and department stores.

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