Beauty Picks

Your skin in HD

MANILA, Philippines -  What a scary thought, right? Most of us  even those with the best skin, would not want to see our faces in high-definition clarity, not even on those round bathroom mirrors that magnify pores tenfold. This is what Esteé Lauder’s newest Cyberwhite range promises to address: to erase the fear that comes with having one’s skin scrutinized up-close along with dark spots, hyperpigmentation and other skin discoloration. Esteé Lauder research found that exposure to pollution activates a receptor called AhR and this leads to the excess production of melanin. Esteé Lauder Cyberwhite HD, with HD-90 technology, whitens dark spots and prevents discoloration caused by sun exposure, stress, aging and even pollution. The Cyberwhite HD Spot Correcting Essence and the CyberWhite HD Advanced Brightening BB Balm SPF 30/PA++ are a joy to use; the beauty balm is especially convenient, too, since it comes it in a portable compact case. Available at Rustan's.

Right on the Armani

Cate Blanchett’s face is so Armani, the brand got her to sign a $10 million deal to be the face of their fragrances. Cate, who is also the face of SK-II, is always in Armani Privé anyway, so the partnership is pretty much right on the money. (Is there really any doubt? It’s Cate “one-ring-to-rule-them-all” Blanchett!) In other news, 36-year old Diane Kruger also landed a campaign for Chanel Skin Care. Giorgio and Karl sure know how to pick ‘em.

In-between days

A few weeks ago I got a package that contained a curious-looking product called Cure. It was one of those in-between-facial-treatments weeks, and Cure’s promise made it sound every bit like a “facial in a bottle.” So I tried it, and it did offer benefits similar to an in-office facial treatment. Apply the aqua gel on your face and rub lightly to exfoliate the top layer of skin and at the same time remove grime. It feels like you’re just scrubbing away at dirt, but once you wash the product off, the difference in texture and clarity, even brightness. You can also use it on other parts of the body, like on the neck, décolletage and elbows. While it can’t take the place of a professional facial treatment, it’s quite the cure for those in-between days. Available at Beauty Bar.

Beach face

Spring/summer runways have given us lots of “shore hits” in the makeup department, but nothing beats this look from the Balmain catwalk. They call it “enhanced minimalism” and it’s the best excuse to wear makeup at the beach –– whether out of necessity or to satisfy a guilty pleasure, you gotta admit hardly anybody goes absolutely bare-faced at the beach. This season’s “natural” look is all about a flawless finish through prepping and contouring. The look is accented by curled lashes and a light dusting of blush.

Wanted: Sheer coverage

So this made me drool atop my Underwood: Chanel’s Les Beiges collection. On one hand, the brand’s been known to bring on the glamour –– red lips, matte face, smoldering eyes. Les Beiges takes a detour from this usual route. To quote Chanel’s website, “Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Powder gives your skin the fresh, pure radiance of days spent outdoors.” It could just be the must-have product for summer. It’s an antioxidant powder powered with SPF, after all. Giselle Bundchen is the face of the line. Available at Rustan's.

Double D’s

Just when almost every major cosmetics brands, from luxury to drug store, came out with a BB cream, and just when we were about to get used to the idea of CC cream, Seattle-based beauty brand Julep decided to jump way ahead of the alphabetical curb by launching “DD cream.” Short for Dyamic Do-all” creams, this product promises to be a primer, moisturizer and anti-aging agent, while providing ample coverage and SPF 25. Over time, the product should diminish fine lines and balance uneven skin tone. Although Julep started out as a nail polish start-up founded by former Starbucks executive Jane Park, the brand has been growing quickly, thanks to Park’s knack for social media and Julep’s Maven beauty box subscription. According to Park, “We’ve received an overwhelming number of requests to broaden our reach in beauty, and a response to the multi-tasker makeup trend seemed a great place to start. Our loyal Mavens have inspired us to create truly revolutionary products we believe in, including the new DD Creme and Concealer.”             â€”C.V.S.