She’s the woman behind the nice Mosaic dresses you’ve been seeing on your Instagram feed. For someone who only started designing in late 2011, Maureen Disini has achieved much progress. Her trainings in Instituto di Moda Burgo in Milan, Instituto Marangoni Paris and Central Saint Martins have paid off well, and the industry has been responding pleasantly.

 

But, of course, this is still a beauty column. I sat down with the 34-year-old designer and was blown away with her most surprising revelation: She hardly wears any makeup!

 

Where did you get the inspiration for the Mosaic collection?

 

I was inspired by the area I stayed in Paris one summer. I lived in the 7th arrondissement (where the Eiffel Tower and the Invalides are) and spent a lot of time marveling at my beautiful surroundings.

 

What styles are in the series?

 

I came up with 12 styles—mostly clingy, draped dresses in eye-catching hues and intriguing symmetry.

 

What kind of woman do you design for?

 

I designed this collection for women who have an overall classic edge. They are big on comfort but still want to look elegant at the same time.

 

Who is your dream client?

 

Sofia Coppola. I think she is so cool.

 

What is your signature style?

 

Pretty straightforward. I like my clothes to be simple, easy, feminine and utterly effortless to wear.

 

Describe your beauty regimen.

 

I seldom wear makeup, but I like to apply Celeteque Facial Moisturizer in the morning and at night. I also love to use MAC’s Lady Danger lipstick during the day. I always have a busy day and this perks up my mood at an instant.

 

What are the five beauty products you can’t live without?

 

1. MAC Engraved Powerpoint eye pencil

 

2. MAC Driven by Love Pro Longwear lip glass

 

3. Bobbi Brown Honey 2 lip gloss

 

4. Givenchy  Noir Couture mascara

 

5. Guerlain Aqua Allegoria Herba Fresca perfume

 

What is your beauty secret?

 

My mother Monjierra always reminds me to eat healthy and to get a good night’s sleep.

 

Maureen Disini for Mosaic is available at Mosaic stores in SM Aura, Power Plant Mall and Glorietta.

 

New beauty products for non-makeup lovers

 

If you’re like Maureen who prefers a less fussy regimen, here are some products you will love:

 

Clarins Extra Firming Cream Duo

 

Composed of the Day Wrinkle Lifting Cream and the Night Rejuvenating Cream, this skincare duo is an excellent solution for those with signs of aging but have no time or will to pile on the foundation. Skin is immediately lifted, smoothed and refined, and Clarins claims that results are visible in as soon as 14 days.

 

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

 

This product is perfect if you want instantly soft hands. A little goes a long way because the product is thick and rich, an extremely effective formula without greasy traces. L’Occitane comes up with limited-edition holiday sets every year, perfect for gifts.

 

Chanel Vitalumiere Compact Douceur

 

This featherweight foundation is fine and melts right into the skin for an impeccable texture. It contains peach pit extract, an ingredient rich in fatty acids that will hydrate the skin. It

also contains a sunscreen (SPF 10) to protect the skin against UV rays.

 

Bobbi Brown SPF 30 Protective Face Base

 

This product boasts a broad spectrum of SPF 50, absorbs quickly, and stays long on the skin. It contains Vitamins C and E that safeguard skin from harmful toxins, and caffeine, algae and chamomile to soothe and calm the skin. This can be an alternative to foundation, and may be applied on just-cleansed skin or over your moisturizer.