Replicating with drugstore finds

MANILA, Philippines - Every beauty expert will say that some of the greatest gems in their beauty arsenal are found in drugstores. Watson’s ups the standard by providing almost everything you need. Body-sized Spanx and fat BMI machines are just some of the few unique tools available on their shelves.

Watson’s recently launched its “Live Beautifully” campaign in which beauty and lifestyle experts were invited to have their own Watson’s experience.

I was fascinated by their vast selection of beauty products with complete color lines from large US brands to local lines (Fanny Serrano tops!). Here I found the tools to create the latest Spring 2011 looks.

Sleek waves

Product photos by SARA BLACK Products available at WATSON’S

At Stella McCartney, loose waves tumble casually, a departure from the Helmut Newton heads from minimalist winter. The best tool to create these sexy curves is using a straightening iron: choose a ceramic-plated one so it distributes heat without burning. Clamp it on almost-dry hair. Run it through hair while twirling it. It will create defined curls, but don’t panic: some glossing spray will tame them into submission and leave you with shiny locks. Condition often when using heating tools. Mark Hill makes lightweight products that allow hair to get its groove on despite the sultry weather. The ceramic wand will set you back a thousand pesos but it will last forever with the proper care and the Mark Hill products are all under P300.

Flush news

Red is the hot button color for this coming season. Used with a light hand it creates a blooming flush that lasts all day. It comes off more as a hybrid of fuschia and orange. I like using eyeshadow as it contains just a little more pigment and stays more color true. Dream Girl eyeshadow in Happening gives a great wash of color. The muting iridescent pink blush keeps it real. Finish up with a great gloss. I chose this sheer red by Nichido: starting at the center of the lip, just blend outwards with your finger. Both products are below P300! The effect you want to achieve is almost like a watercolor: the look of the Carolina Herrera 2011 shows.

The shape of things

Chanel has emerged from its Lolita phase marked by pinned hair and insouciant eyes to a more sophisticated clean look. I like using the Wave by Neutrogena, which runs about P500, to thoroughly clean the face and finish by toning and slightly moisturizing the face with a collagen-rich wipe like the one by Watson’s Beauty Treats. It goes for P100 for a big batch. Then I just apply concealer on the inner corners of my eyes. One big mistake that a lot of women do is applying concealer all over the under-eye area, which not only creates a raccoon-like look but also a flat finish. Applying a concealer in this area brightens up the eyes and casts away shadows. Pick a shade one step lighter than yours to amplify the brightening effect. I love the Cover Girl Age Defying Concealer that has skin-nurturing eye cream that smoothes wrinkles. Lastly, finish with some contour with a brown shadow. Elf has a great option that also has a shimmery beige as part as the duo. Tap contour brush five times on the brown and draw a gentle number “3” from temple to cheek to chin. Blend and tap a blush brush on the beige powder and apply on top of cheeks. YouTube has some great video tutorials on contouring. The concealer is a bit steep at P750 but it’s a great beauty investment and the Elf shadow is available at a pocket-friendly P200.

Brown eyed girl

A relief from the Madame Butterfly eyes that have plagued us for years. A great throwback to the ‘70s and ‘90s, brown eyes make a subtle comeback. Elf has a great kit available with everything you need to create this look, sold at Philip Lim for P479! (I have to add that the creator of Elf took his MBA at AIM here in the Philippines and was the classmate of Tim Yap. Just some trivia.) Lashes included! If you’re not the falsie type Lash Blast by Cover Girl adds calories to skinny lashes instantly and with minimal smudge. It’s P600 but worth every dime. Asian eyes will benefit from a little definition using black liner as brown can sometimes be too light especially for morena skin tones. In2it eyeliner does the job for less than a hundred bucks.

Skin flick

Lastly, a timeless to-do is great skin. One Naturales by Charade, an all-natural skincare line made locally, is world class with its great packaging and soul-loving ingredients. Soft skin is everywhere even in avant-garde shows like Alexander McQueen.