Felix Nguyen, Hong Kong-based assistant manager of education and makeup artist for Bobbi Brown Asia Pacific, was in town recently to give some lessons on career makeup and looks for the season.
The charming Nguyen has been with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics for four years and has been sharing his extensive knowledge throughout Asia Pacific, working tirelessly on photo shoots, revealing beauty secrets and makeup do’s and don’ts.
“Life should be about appreciating what you have and being the best version of yourself,” said Nguyen. What he enjoys most about his line of work is “helping people feel good about themselves.”
Backstage Pass asked Nguyen to answer readers’ often-asked questions about makeup in the workplace.
Instant makeover
A key beauty look for the workplace is… the “no-makeup” makeup look: skin tone-correct foundation that looks like skin with a soft pop of pink or coral on the cheeks; natural lip color that makes people wonder if you’re wearing a lip color or you’re naturally blessed with lips that color; nude, matte eye shadow that highlight your eyes just enough; and anchored down with a fine liner from lash to lash.
Workplace do’s… 1) Know what works or doesn’t work for you. Makeup lessons will always help. 2) Have the perfect skin-tone-correct foundation and corrector and concealer. The workplace is where you want to look fresh, awake and focused.
3) Always have your perfect nude in your handbag for those unscheduled last-minute power meetings—one swipe and you’re ready to go!
Some don’ts… 1) Don’t wear makeup that you don’t feel comfortable in. You want to be at ease and focus on your job. 2) Don’t skip moisturizer and primer. Prep your skin well so that it looks flawless and plump all day long. 3) Don’t overdo it. You want people to notice your work, not how much makeup you have on. 4) Don’t think too much about it. Makeup can still be fun for the workplace.
Lipstick colors to use in the workplace are… soft brown-based that will enhance your natural lip color without taking over your whole makeup look. Great options are Bobbi Brown Petal Lip Gloss, Tutu Rich Lip Gloss, Ballet Pink Sheer Lip Color, Tawny Pink Creamy Matte Lip Color and Carnation Lip Color.
Bobbi Brown products that every girl needs in her makeup bag are… Protective Face Base SPF 50, Hollywood Red Rich Lip Color, Skin Weightless Powder Foundation, Pitch Black Perfectly Defined Eyeliner and Brightening Finishing Powder in Brightening Nudes.
Makeup has the ability to… help you express a different side of your personality. With one swipe of a lipstick or a flick of a liner, you’re pretty powerful.
Trending
The trend right now in Hong Kong is… glowing, dewy skin created by layering a few different types of skincare with only a sheer amount of foundation floating on top.
Lip colors to use for summer are… glossy nudes. Bright pops of lipstick color have been done to death, it is time to bring back the voluptuous glossy nude lip. Try Buff Lip Gloss.
A summer makeup trend to try is… graphic eyeliner teamed with glowing, bronzed skin.
New Bobbi Brown products I’m loving are… Pink Brightening Brick, Extra Illuminating Balm, Pore Perfector and Face Mist—all essentials for summer.
Hot collection
Bobbi Brown’s latest collection channels hot summer days, sexy summer nights and easy confidence. Try the new limited edition Hot Nudes Eye Palette (P3,600). This flirty palette features six wearable shades that flatter all skin tones. Layered or worn alone, the shades in the palette create a variety of signature looks—from subtle and sultry to super smokey.
Pair it up with new limited edition Sheer Lip Color Shade Extensions (P1,350), available in three electric shades: Orange, Berry, and Pink.
Available at Bobbi Brown counters starting June in all Rustan’s Department stores, SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall.
Top tip
Before putting on makeup, make sure your hair is away from your face. Consider pulling it back in a ponytail, or securing it down with a head wrap. Try Goody Slide-Proof elastics pack of 10 (P429.75) and Goody Slide-Proof headwraps (P399.75).
Available in supermarkets and department stores nationwide.