I remain to be skeptical of celebrity-owned beauty brands though a lot have proven their worth.
As a trend that’s caught even here among our local favorites, it’s true how these brands shake up how we consume makeup and skincare. Established companies scramble to collaborate with celebrities and vloggers, banking on their credibility and relatability. The usual model-driven ads can’t quite deliver the same impact a collab with an influencer does.
There’s an individual personal touch which traditional advertising can’t cope with, especially in our highly-digital culture.
Some brands capitalize on the celebrity owner’s most recognizable assets. It’s smart marketing, but it’s also a standard that consumers can easily understand. Do you want Celebrity X’s cheekbones? Then use this palette she made herself.
These brands also influence the way we purchase. It’s not just about quality. We are also concerned over the message they want to deliver, the lifestyle which it exudes. And when that message is about an artist’s story of creating a company in between shoots and tapings, there’s a little bit more substance to it. We think: “Wow if Lady Gaga spent her time making this lipstick in between rehearsing for a concert and filming ‘A Star Is Born‘ then it must be one damn right product. ”
Or maybe that’s just me.
Regardless, we’re sure to see more and more beauty brands from celebrities. These are all just reasons for us to be always vigilant. A few launches still miss the mark. Social media goes abuzz with accusations of copycats and other fails.
Locally, I’ve been keeping an eye out for standout items from celebrity-produced makeup lines. I thought of how overwhelming it can get to distinguish which ones are good beyond the hype.
Between monthly launches, collections inspired by different trends, and just the sheer number of other beauty brands out there, a celebrity beauty line won’t survive without at least a few valuable pieces people will flock to over and over.
BLK Cosmetics
I had the chance to meet Anne Curtis when she celebrated BLK Cosmetics’ first-anniversary last year. She vouched for how much hard work she puts into the brand. It shows given how she’s launched several collections like such as a ’90s-inspired one, a K-Beauty line, and recently her Universal line which features everyday shades for all skin tones.
Out of all of these, I find that I used the All-Day Intense Matte Lipstick in Fresh. It’s from their #AllThatFeels collection which came out last year. The dusty rose color works well on most skin tones. You can apply it without a mirror because it’s a no-fuss neutral. I also like how it’s creamy despite the matte finish. It’s great if you have thick lips to make it look extra fleshy.
For a signature, Anne Curtis red, try the All-Day Intense Matte Lipstick in Merry, from their Christmas collection. It’s a deep wine red, and is a great dupe for MAC’s lipstick in Sin.
Get at SM Megamall and online via blkcosmetics.com.ph
Vice Cosmetics
Another hard worker in the industry is Vice Ganda. The artist can do everything I suppose from a noontime show to blockbuster films. Vice Cosmetics’ Aura Cheek collection, on the other hand, is a line of products which can do a lot.
There is the Aura Blush in Talyada which became my go-to blush for a bit as it’s this beautiful blend of brown, purple, and red. It’s an exciting mix, but it gives the right “just pinched look” for morenas which you can’t quite achieve with the usual pink or orange blushes.
I would also recommend picking up the Aura Glow in Shining. I can’t believe how this pan is just PHP145. This product is an excellent yellow gold highlighter for those who want a subtle glow. You can also use it as an eyeshadow or inner corner highlight!
Get it at SM Makati
Sunnies Face
When I don’t want to fuss with lip liner, lip balm, and to decide which color goes well with my overall look, I reach for a Fluffmatte lipstick. Sunnies Face, backed by social media It girls Georgina Wilson and Martin Cajucom, launched several different makeup items including highlighter, blush, along with the most recent release called Lip Dip but their first launch of lipsticks is one of the most reliable.
I favor the colors Mood, 143, and Hot Sauce. Mood is a deep taupe mauve that can also be used on the lids while 143 is a unique berry shade that makes for a wearable dark lip. On the other hand, Hot Sauce is a red-orange that’s not too loud or off-putting, especially if you’re not a fan of a cool red lip.
These mattes lived up to their promises of being non-drying and weightless despite being fully-pigmented. So unless you’ve got a bad case of flaky lips, you don’t need to prep with a lip conditioner before applying these on. They’re not the type of lipsticks that bleed beyond your lip lines either, so it’s perfect for a busy day.
Get it at UP Town Center and Zalora
Pop Studio Cosmetics
Sarah Geronimo just added beauty mogul to her resume with Pop Studio Cosmetics. The popstar came out with a makeup line that includes lipstick, mascara, blush and contour duos, primer, lip & cheek tint, along with tools like brushes and sponges.
I quickly added the Covers Foundation Stick and Liquid Concealer in Medium 02 to my makeup kit. The stick packaging and the amount of product make it a convenient piece to bring with you for touch-ups without carrying a big bottle of foundation. The product is useful for those who manage to find themselves preparing in the car for an impromptu event. The formula is also blendable with your fingers.
Get it at Shopee and Lazada
Lustrous by Nadine Lustre x BYS
I’m a combination to oily skin girl, but I still can’t help reach for extra glow. I guess that we’re all fans of that beach look. And even if it’s the rainy season, we’re still all about it since we’re in a tropical country.
If you’re after a natural, glow from within look rather than a beaming highlight, aim for a cream product like the Lustrous Shimmer Cream in Hera. Looking at Nadine Lustre’s cheekbones, something tells me this is what she uses to draw attention to the high points of her face and looking like she just came from a vacation.
All you need to do is blend a few drops with your foundation for an all-over glowy look. You can also dot it on strategic points of your face after you concealer and foundation. You can also blend a few drops of this in your lotion so you can have a little bling on your collarbones, arms, and legs.
Get it at beautybeat.ph
Photo courtesy of @nadine