Bobbilicious

With almost 100-percent accuracy, it’s safe to say that every right-minded gal has attempted to achieve the "no makeup" makeup look. I’ve spent countless mornings attacking this feat without success on the horizon. Well-applauded for the "barely there" makeup look that seems so effortless, Bobbi Brown has the tricks and tools to enhance our assets while also celebrating natural beauty. Her philosophy is plain and simple: women would like to look and feel like themselves, just prettier and more confident. This mantra dictates that every woman can attain beauty by celebrating a feature, so play up those attributes and use products to enhance what you already have. Makeup should not always be about transformation but more along the lines of empowerment, so apply it to feel positive and fabulous.

Being Bobbi Brown’s right-hand man is a prestigious and highly coveted position in the ultra-competitive beauty industry. Luckily for Canadian-born Sebastien Cardiff, he’s nabbed and held that rewarding position for nearly a decade before becoming the regional director for artistry in Asia Pacific. Under the tutelage of Bobbi Brown herself, he is out to enforce what the brand represents. His schedule is jam-packed with travel all over Asia, Australia, New Zealand and — naturally — Bobbi Brown’s base, New York City. Sebastien only stops to service his celebrity roster that boasts of Paris Hilton, Nelly Furtado, Debbie Harry and Helena Christensen and to work with glossies such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour and Seventeen. As part of Bobbi’s New York Fashion Week team at mega shows like Matthew Williamson, Roland Mouret and Imitation of Christ, one would think Sebastien has no time to breathe. Armed with an entire suitcase brimming with makeup and a charming personality to match, Sebastien recently whisked through Manila from current home city of Singapore to demonstrate the latest from the highly acclaimed brand.

Familiar with our exceptionally hot and humid climate by being stationed in Singapore, Sebastien can relate to the need for weatherproof glamour to beat the heat. Long-wear cream eye shadow stays put and deals with the punches life throws us. There’s really no need to look like you’ve been dragged through the mud at the end of the day. Looking fresh can be achieved by selecting the proper products.

While most brands normally feature pastels for spring, Bobbi offers vibrant hues for the season, paving the way for a fresh look with an emphasis on violets. Individual skin tone determines the shade of violet one can sport, whether orchid, ultraviolet, lavender or plum. Seven sheer shades for eyes, lips and cheeks are in the limited-edition violet face palette made to make faces bright and eyes pop. It’s relatively easy to use and is sincerely flattering on everyone.

Inspired mainly by music and fashion, but always adhering to Bobbi’s beauty principles through his own interpretation, Sebastien’s makeup wizardry skills are mesmerizing. He can whip up a look that would take ages for others to achieve, if at all. Personal faves in his makeup kit include eye cream, moisturizer, lip balm, blemish stick and medium bronzer while favoring best-selling products, all-over bronzing gel SPF 15, opal shimmer shadow and luminous moisturizing foundation for clients. Run to the counter today to seal that effortless chic look.

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Bobbi Brown is available at Rustan’s Cosmetics Department.