Diamonds aren’t the only things that are forever

I get the cheapest thrills when I swipe on a spanking new lipstick or when I bat my eyelashes with vivid violet mascara instead of the basic black. The beauty of makeup permits us to be someone else for a moment, whether it’s just a souped-up version of ourselves or an entirely different character. The greatest thing about makeup is that it doesn’t cost a fortune but it has the ability to dramatically alter how you look and feel about yourself. Who said escapism is bad? Shopping for accessories and the latest "it" bag can put a strain on your wallet but makeup is an investment in your confidence.

Frenchwoman Dany Sanz started her career in the fine arts as a sculptor and painter then later moved to theater and fashion productions. A strong creative force, she became principal of L’Ecole Chauveau, a prestigious beauty academy. Unsatisfied with the makeup choices that surrounded her, she created Make Up For Ever in 1984 to better execute the artistic looks familiar in the fashion and theater industries. Fifteen years later, luxury conglomerate LVMH snapped up the brand and grew its presence in over 46 countries. Vive la France!

Make Up For Ever offers a diverse and extensive line of products which can almost be overwhelming, but in the best way. It’s like being a kid in a candy store. A professional line originally designed for artists and which caters to regular folk as well, it’s anything you can fathom at your fingertips. Their products number over 1,400 items in various textures and colors. They even offer special-effect products, such as a sweat effect, and present a range of different types of fake blood you can use, from thick blood to coagulated blood. Bloody hell!

Star products include a corrective makeup base, which evens out skin tone and corrects natural pigmentation for a healthy, flawless finish. Six foundations are available to select from depending on how much coverage you need and which texture you prefer. As they are highly pigmented, you only need a little bit because it goes a long way. Caked-on makeup is so passé; think light. Available to complement the foundations are additives such as diamond cream for a shimmering effect.

Banish blemishes, conceal flaws, eliminate wrinkles and even hide tattoos with special camouflage creams. Powders enhanced with mother of pearl hike up the glam factor and help focus on what needs to be highlighted. The bevy of eyeshadows and blushes to choose from land you in hue heaven as vibrant shades have long-lasting and intense effects. Perfect pencils are aplenty and eye products are so bountiful. Included is a specific product to correct and define eyebrow shape. Lip service includes lipstick, gloss, pencils and palettes that are high on shine and color.

Make Up For Ever is unparalleled in its field. In addition to makeup, they have tools and accessories to enhance makeup by mattifying it to keep it in place or by making it water-resistant to seal in vibrance. With its brilliance and luminosity, I’m pumped to complement my schizo makeup personalities with this brand that has finally arrived on our shores.

Live life to the max and look your finest while you’re at it. Whether you are a professional makeup artist, on the tube as a soap star, a theater thespian or just a gal who wants to exude beauty, empower yourself with Make Up For Ever, available at Marionnaud in SM Mall of Asia, on the third floor of Shangri-La Plaza Mall and soon to open in December on the third floor of SM City, The Block.