Before the breakthrough of BB creams and mineral makeup, women swore by the power of the powder-and-lipstick combo—and they still do.
Cosmetics brand Avon sells 11 lipsticks, four face powders and three mascaras every minute. The brand has been around for 125 years, making it a trusted brand since the time of our great-great grandmas.
What started out as a small perfume brand in California is now a global bestseller not just in beauty, but also in skincare, intimate wear, fashion, accessories, even home wear.
To celebrate the milestone, Avon Philippines recently held the “Big, Bold, Beautiful Party” at Republiq Club, Resorts World in Pasay.
Endorsers Lea Salonga, Ruffa Gutierrez and Angel Locsin hosted the event, with singer Billy Crawford and makeup artist Lala Flores.
The Philippines is a major market for Avon, said Avon Philippines general manager Mike Gudgin. Even with a tight budget, he said “women buy Avon products as a treat for themselves and their family, and they are confident in the products because they’re something they are familiar with.”
The direct-selling brand also paved way for women to earn, what with the high number of Avon Ladies who also help educate buyers on trends in beauty and skincare.
Skin vitality
Salonga, a long-time Avon makeup user (since she was a kid in theater), sang John Lennon’s classic “Imagine” before introducing the newest addition to the Anew anti-aging and whitening line—Anew 360º White Ultra UV Shield SPF 50/PA. The moisturizer is of lightweight cream formula packed with SPF 50, and promotes not just fairness but also “skin vitality,” explained Carla Enage-Cruz, skincare cluster category head.
The 40-year-old actress, in purple sequined cocktail dress, said she is happy with her fair skin, but uses the Anew whitening line for a more even skintone. While her regimen is quite simple, regular application of moisturizer and sun protection is a must.
Red lips
Good skin needs little makeup, but for a quick pick-me-up, a good lip color does the trick.
Actress Angel Locsin loves the red-lipstick trend. Her wholesome girl-next-door roles usually call for dewy pinks. For a quick bombshell transformation, she puts on a rich red hue.
The Moisture Seduction Lipstick is the latest among Avon’s lipstick line. The lipstick provides plumpness to the lips and keeps chapping in check.
It comes in sleek black packaging, has “marbling” of visible ribbons for extra moisture and nice pigment for long-lasting wear, said Christa Jacinto-Sarao, category manager for Avon Color.
Flores said even tanned women can get away with red lips; but they must keep the rest of the face almost bare and skip the blush; they should also line the eyes with dark eyeliner and coat the lashes with mascara.
She added that the most common misconception Pinays have with makeup is using dark blush to contour the face.
Locsin’s tip: “Don’t be afraid of makeup. Or, at least start with a nice shade of lipstick to keep your look fresh and alive. Don’t overdo it as well.”
The Moisture Seduction Lipstick comes in 10 shades—Red Kiss, Fuchsia Fever, Marashino, Mocha Plum, Raspberry, Tangerine, Perfect Pink, Silky Peach, Rose Ribbons and Nude Perfection—sold at P375 each.
Anti-violence campaign
Gutierrez, svelte in a royal-blue evening gown, hosted the event wearing Avon accessories—silver- and gold-plated trendy pieces.
She introduced the following collections: Plaid and Plenty silver line with necklace, earrings and watch with interchangeable straps; the ’50s-inspired Retro in the City with caged gold hardware and pave peridot in a set of earrings, ring and necklace; and Shimmer Sensation, brilliant light-blue sapphire set in silver which comes in matching earrings, ring and necklace.
The former beauty queen said Avon accessories are an affordable way to instantly glam up. A women’s rights advocate and spokesperson for battered Filipino women, she recently opened the “Speak Out against Domestic Violence” exhibit in SM Mall of Asia. Featured are photographs of her, and of celebrities Boy Abunda, Amanda Griffin-Jacob, Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Amy Perez shot by photographer Raymund Isaac.
Capping off Avon’s 125th birthday party was a fashion show that featured fresh-faced models wearing plain and printed lingerie and sleepwear as they sashayed on the catwalk to a Beatles medley. They also showcased Avon bags and shoes.
“The sizes of the intimate apparel cater to the extra-small to the full-figured,” said Patricia de Leon-Rodriguez, category manager for Avon fashions intimate apparel. “But it’s the trademark Asian fit that made the undergarments a hit.”
