What’s a yearend celebration without looking back at what made 2018 great for makeup, lipstick, fashion and footwear?
I noticed a lot of newcomers taking the forefront, and truly dictating trends. I saw how hard work and vision paid off. I saw how a few reliable names proved themselves still worthy despite all the changes.
I likewise saw how a few individuals stood out further in their respective fields.
These names are the ones I’m giving a special citation for being the best of 2018. Somehow, they made my year better and I’m looking forward to seeing what they’ve got in 2019.
In beauty, I was delighted by the new players in the market. This year, celebrity makeup artist Albert Kurniawan launched his brand Teviant. The initial collection features solely eye makeup products.
My favorites are the eye-shadow palettes: Señorita, Mademoiselle, Amore and Queen. They represent different moods, but all are made of the highest quality. Kurniawan developed his products in Italy for three years. His discerning taste and skill in makeup are salient in the products.
For lipsticks, I was pleased with Sunnies Face Fluffmates. The formula is true to its promise: “Your best lip ever.”
The nine initial shades with a warm undertone is hydrating despite the powder matte, lightweight feel. It’s a line for makeup enthusiasts who know exactly which colors they need on the daily, like Nudist, 143 and Baked.
But it’s also for makeup newbies who are just beginning to experiment with bold shades like Major, Hot Sauce and Mood.
Experimental
In fashion, I need to give credit to Carl Jan Cruz. The designer may be relatively new to the scene, with his first runway show held only last October, but he knows exactly what he’s doing.
His experimental take on denim and everyday fabrics are exciting and project the promise of Philippine fashion. This early, he has already presented in Paris and is carried by Maryam Nassir Zadeh.
Another fashion figure to watch out for is Filipino-American model Kelsey Merritt. This was a good year for her as she debuted on the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. She showed off how years of working and being the best you can be will indeed get you far.
Ask anyone who’s worked with Merritt in Manila, and you’ll hear about her professionalism. And it seems like nothing’s changed despite her recognition abroad. Let’s tune in on which runway and major brand she’ll be working with in 2019.
For footwear brand Daily Schedule, 2018 was also a good year. The brainchild of Betina, Selina and Juliana Ocampo, the fast-fashion footwear that started in 2015 is now visible almost everywhere.
They’re not just the go-to slides for the working woman, but also are the shoes of choice when you’re off the clock. The slides have a chic design, but have some quirky elements as well. So, they look fresh, never trying too hard to be on trend.
What’s fashion without a little something for kids? If you’re looking for something special for your little girls, check out Ta Loulou. The brand aims to help girls dress in their Sunday best while instilling early in them the power to pursue their dreams. If I had a girl, she’d be definitely wearing dresses like the Ramona and the Alice.
If you’re looking for a quick outfit that’s appropriate for most occasions and can be easily mixed and matched with your basics, take a look at the selections of LCP.
ShopLCP has evolved into creating its own products. Standouts for me are the pajama sets that are eclectic in design yet comfortable.
The last but definitely not the least of my favorites on this list are FÄE candles. They’re a must for any home for me-time, and also when entertaining guests. Plus, they’re the perfect gifts.