Dawn’s beauty secrets and more

Inarguably still with one of the most beautiful faces in showbusiness, Dawn Zulueta continues to soar. This time, not only as a brilliant actress, but as a topnotch product endorser. In her mid 30s, she still looks as fresh as the day she burst into the scene in the mid-’90s. Remaining so doesn’t come effortlessly though. During a recent get-together, she reveals her beauty secrets both for the inside and out.

"My beauty regimen is full of routines that ought to be called rituals because it takes some time to complete," she says. "I spend about an hour cleaning my face and body thoroughly twice a day. I also see to it that I take in vitamins daily and watch what I eat so as not to gain unwanted pounds. To aid in keeping fit, I do cardiovascular exercises." And of course, Marie France is the key to all these.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Dawn says that keeping a healthy mind and heart are keys to looking the way she does. Apart from reading inspirational books and those that deal with travel and child psychology, she indulges in quality conversations with family and friends; joys that she only came by with husband, Anton Lagdameo.

"Anton introduced me to a whole new world I took for granted when I was neck deep into my career. Biggest among these is enjoying family life. My parents are separated and most of my relatives are abroad. Reunion was hardly in my family’s vocabulary unlike Anton’s that’s so closely knit. Now, I’m a fixture in his — our — family reunions. I even set up one for my clan much to their pleasant surprise."     

Dawn’s disposition also stems from her leading the good life, again, thanks to Anton. She says that her husband taught her how to eat good food, taste fine wine and appreciate places she could only dream of or read in books. He has no fuss about her female vanity. Anton even encourages Dawn to go to her favorite salon regularly.

"My husband understands that for me, good grooming and hygiene are habits. When I come home from work and Anton’s there, he knows that I could only give him a quick peck until I shower. Only then could I hug him and then we tell each other how our day went."

Out of respect to her husband, and because she values his opinion, Dawn always presents herself to Anton before stepping out of their dressing room. Mrs. Lagdameo wants Mr.’s approval when it comes to how his wife presents herself publicly "because I’m his other half and whatever one does redounds to the other."

Besides, Dawn understands the responsibility that comes with being a celebrity, make that a beauty icon. She knows that public eyes are always on her whether she likes it or not. "It can be difficult sometimes because you’re pressured to look impeccable. It’s the curse of the celebrity!" she says. "Then again, it also means people in showbusiness are role models. It’s just a matter of taking advantage of the opportunity to lead others into something good."

Proofs of Dawn’s influence on people are the slew of products she endorses. From milk formula (Gain Plus) to shampoo (Pantene), clothing boutique (meg*) to feminine wash (pH Care), vitamins (Myra E), Johnson and Johnson’s milk lotion and Marie France, Dawn, it seems, is a person many believe in and would like to be.

"Credibility is the single most important factor to become an effective endorser," she  says. "I make sure I like and actually use every product I endorse. In truth, I don’t need to endorse anything so when I do, it means the product more than meets my standards."

Being at peace with the world is another secret to Dawn’s ravishing looks. Though her career as an actress has not been without controversies, she says she has learned to take negative talks about her in stride.

"At the end of the day I know that my track record would serve me in good stead," she says. "When unsure of someone, look at how his mind works, how he operates and how he has dealt with issues in the past. This is a good barometer of who that person really is and what he’s capable of."

Then again, it’s not as if Dawn has time and interest to dwell on intrigues. Right now, she is just too busy attending to her son, Jacobo, and campaigning for Anton who’s running for public office in Davao del Norte where the Lagdameos are based.

And as she puts it, she chooses her battles. "Can’t help if I do,"  she says. "Life has been too good for me to even complain."

What does Dawn dislike? "I don’t like it when someone pretends to be your friend just so he could get something from you that he would use against you later. I don’t like people who treat me like a trophy person. I am more than my job," she says.

Asked what else does she want from life, Dawn was at loss for words. Then, finally, an answer. "None. I am already complete."