Immaculate complexion

The most common beauty blunder that women make is wearing the wrong
shade of foundation. You are either wearing a shade darker or lighter, which makes your complexion look "fake." Finding the perfect foundation shade is like the quest for the Holy Grail, which can be really frustrating.

Dig this: Australian makeup artist Rebecca Morrice Williams was obsessed with the flawless complexion. Perhaps this was the driving force behind the creation of her miracle makeup line – Becca features complexion-perfecting products that make it possible for women to experience the un-made-up look.

Williams explains, "The whole philosophy of Becca is about creating a natural, flawless look. It’s really about skin looking amazing – everything else is secondary." No wonder the brand has taken the celebrity world by storm with a cult following that includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts, Kate Moss, Serena Williams, Elle MacPherson and even Kylie Minogue. All have ethereal, to-die-for complexions.

"Becca speaks to women of all colors who want perfect skin," says Steven Schapera, CEO and managing director of Becca. "The models you see in magazines are air-brushed to perfection. In the real world, women need the right color of foundation. Our multipurpose products have skincare benefits like moisturizing and protecting the skin."

If you are wondering what the buzz about Becca is all about, it lies in the brand’s iconic next-to-natural foundation formulas that come in an extraordinary array of colors. To be more exact, there are 34 shades suitable for the fairest Norwegian goddess to the ebony skin tones of African maidens and even the sun-kissed tans of Filipinas.

"In the US, we had a foundation challenge for women," adds Schapera. "If we didn’t have your color, we would give $1,000. We didn’t have to give anyone because we carry 34 shades." The color palette of Becca focuses on classic colors, which never go out of fashion. It is all about being timeless and sophisticated. It also has a fashionable edge without being too over the top.

Perhaps the greatest thing about Becca is the Skin Perfecting Makeup System for a glowing complexion. First, you need to prepare the skin with a Becca’s Hydrating (for dry skin) or Mattifying Primer (for oily skin), which smoothes the skin. Follow up with Becca Luminious Skin Color with SPF 20. As a perfect base, it contains antioxidant vitamins and SPF to protect the skin. Step two is perfecting the skin with Becca Stick Foundation SPF 30 and Compact Concealer to hide blemishes. Lastly, lock the products into the skin with Becca’s Fine Loose Finishing Powder or Fine Pressed Powder. Now, you get flawless skin with the most natural finish that lasts all day.

Here are some products I love from the wonderful world of Becca that will surely be a staple in your beauty booty:

Best in Glow

To be honest, I first got into Becca because of the name (of course) around two years ago. My friend just came from a US trip and gave me two tiny samples of the Luminous Skin Color in Cashmere, I got completely hooked instantly. This multipurpose and ultra sheer foundation works like a tinted moisturizer that improves the complexion. Plus, it blends really well on the skin and creates a fresh-faced glow that looks and feels completely natural. And oh, it is loaded with SPF 20 that protects the skin against UVA and UVB. Definitely a beauty must-have.

Double Coverage

If you want a concealer that covers the most stubborn skin problems without caking, try Becca Compact Concealer. Two blendable shades provide total camouflage problems. The Extra-Cover shade on the left is perfect for spots and blemishes like scars and birthmarks. While the Medium-Cover shade on the right has a creamy texture to hide under-eye dark circles. Just mix, blend and say goodbye to imperfections.

Pretty when not Pinched

Aside from the foundation, another iconic Becca product is the Crème Blush. Just dab this ultimate blush on the apples of your cheeks with fingers to get a natural, just-blushed look. The best-selling color is Turkish Rose, a neural brownish rosy nude shade. If you want a dual-purpose lip and cheek product, try Becca’s Beach Tint. Named Best Lip Stain Allure magazine’s "Best of Beauty," this watermelon-scented, oil-free crème lip and cheek stain is waterproof and kiss-proof, and is meant to last all day.

Schapera concludes, "Becca cosmetics are for real and modern women. Our makeup combines skincare and sun protection in one and feels weightless on the skin. I guarantee, women, that there is a shade right for you."

At last, we can now achieve an immaculate complexion.

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Becca Cosmetics is exclusively available at Marionnaud, SM Mall of Asia. For more information, log on to www.beccacosmetics.com. E-mail love-hate whatever things to becca_rodriguez@yahoo.com.