The country almost lost Paolo Maranan to brain drain. Thankfully, the makeup course he took to keep him busy while waiting for the nursing board exam results encouraged him to stay put. Since then, Paolo has made a name for himself with his barely-there perfection.

 

Paolo’s style pays homage to skin, welcoming it back in luminous, healthy form as seen on Solenn Huessaff, Lovi Poe, Isabelle Daza, Piolo Pascual and Sam Milby.

 

In 2013, global beauty brand Clinique took notice and recruited him to be its Clinique Color Artist.

 

I asked Paolo to zero in on the products he thinks should be added to our makeup essentials, and give a few tips to looking fresh.

 

The key to get makeup looking like it’s not there at all is to use… A light foundation or base where you can still see the skin. I focus more on the eyes, always do the wing-tip liner, allowing it to be really short or long, depending on the look. I believe it always gives a lift on the eye. It makes it look awake and younger-looking.

 

When applying makeup on celebs… I make the face smaller or reshape it to a better version of the person with contour; but I put it on the base so it comes out naturally, not drawn.

 

The looks my celeb clients are into right now are… Almost no foundation, a contoured face and just natural-looking shadows on the eyes.

 

In this industry you have to… Always be professional, regardless of what your mood is on a given day. There are many types of people and personalities. You should always be ready to listen and please them, deliver what they want but still suggest what you think is right. Give respect and earn it as well. At the end of the day, it’s a job. It is not about you.

 

My secret weapon to keeping celebs looking fresh even after long hours of work is… Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream. The key to keeping the makeup last longer is well-moisturized skin, and this moisturizer not only provides hydration, but also color correction.

 

The biggest mistake women make with their makeup is… Choosing makeup products based on fads, and not really addressing specific issues. Women should identify the problem they need to address. For example, with blemishes, get a foundation or a powder that has more coverage. If your skin tone is on the darker side, don’t use BB cream—it will make you look grayish and zombie-like.

 

My gotta-have-it products for Fall are… Clinique’s All About Shadow quad in Galaxy Polar Blue, Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing lip color balm in Mightiest Maraschino, Even Better Powder Makeup, All About Shadow Primer, Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, Blushing Powder brush in Cupid, and Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream.

 

What I like about Clinique products is… One word: Hypoallergenic. As a makeup artist, I want to use products that work, look good on photos and last longer, at the same time really compatible and good for the skin. Clinique’s formulation is safe and gives me peace of mind that no allergy will bother my

clients.

 

My favorite go-to makeup trick to add impact to your look is… Curling your lashes. This instantly opens up the eyes and makes you look awake and alive.

 

One thing I can share with girls who have no clue how to wear makeup is… Using a  cream concealer under the eye area. Include the nose bridge, forehead and the chin. Make sure the cream concealer is a half shade lighter. This trick will only take you two minutes to blend the product. Use your fingers, blending the product with a tapping motion. It will instantly give you a fresher and younger look, plus a bonus highlight on the face.

 

Top tip: There are many good products released this Fall—from crazy-advanced technology for skincare to beautiful hues for makeup. For guidance on

which products are worth dropping some dough on, try a few of Paolo’s gotta-have-it beauty goodies. Start with the new Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ at P1,900 (125ml) and P880 (50ml). It’s a state-of-the-art moisturizer loaded with ingredients which, research has shown, are beneficial to the skin. Then try the new Clinique Even Better Powder Makeup SPF 25/PA+++  at P1,950 which offers a liquid-smooth application that transforms into a natural powder finish in the convenience of a compact. Add a bold lip using Chubby Stick Moisture lip color balm (P920), in any of its eight new shades. Paolo is particularly stoked about the rich red hue of Mightiest Maraschino.

 

Clinique is available at Mall of Asia and Rustan’s nationwide.