Absolutely fabulous

A woman is considered most beautiful in her simplest state. But if you get tired of having a bare face and tousled hair, then it is time to revamp your look by putting on makeup. Besides, makeup is the universal means women can use to feel a little hotter. And there is nothing wrong with looking drop-dead gorgeous once in a while – or even all the time.

Apparently, The Body Shop is experiencing a bit of mainstream makeup revival. That is right, the company recently invited The Philippine STAR to witness the re-launch of their makeup line – Make Me Fabulous in Hong Kong. This fabulous collection of makeup boasts a whole new look with cool metallic packaging, which is perfect for flaunting. Dig also their innovative products which will make you steer clear of boring old shades in favor of something sheer and shimmery.

"We’ve revamped our entire collection to provide a comprehensive range of over 250 high-performance, wearable products," says Lisa Gaynor, product director of The Body Shop. "Our best products are now even better. We can now promise innovation, performance, and lots of luxury but without the premium price tags."

The truth is, expensive does not mean better. Some of the best beauty booty can be found at The Body Shop. When they opened 10 years ago in Manila, I became such a huge fan and even more now because of their makeup line. But one thing that I love about the company is that they live by the mantra that all things are made with passion. From that come their core beliefs of being against animal testing, supporting community trade, defending human rights and protecting the planet. That’s so hippie!

"We are also passionately committed to ethical cosmetics. The majority of our products has a high level of natural ingredients and contains Community Trade moisturizing marula oil (from Namibia – the African country made popular by the Jolie-Pitts). Over 73 percent of our packaging contains recycled materials," explains Gaynor.

If you think that is cool, well, their Make Me Fabulous makeup line is even cooler. After three years in the making, this makeup collection features products for the face, cheeks, eyes, and lips that have very wearable shades and unique textures made from natural ingredients. Plus, accessories like makeup brushes come in handy. Hey, playing matchmaker with makeup won’t be a risky business anymore.

Here is a preview of the Make Me Fabulous looks that will make you look hip, natural, glamorous, and ready to party in a jiffy. Just don’t forget to spray the Vitamin E Face Mist after to set the makeup.

Jet-Setting Queen

If you want an all-year-round sun-kissed look perfect for poolside posing, use a lot of shimmer products. Just mix the Sun Gel with Tinted Glow Enhancer and blend all over the face for a golden glow. For tropical ocean blue eyes, dab Cream Eye Color in Blueberry all over the eyelids and lower lash line. Blend a dot of Golden Pink Cheek Blush on the apples of the cheeks. Don’t forget the Hi-Shine Lip Treatment in Bronze Beam for a glossy pout. Glowing and gorgeous!

Office Chic

For an easy 9-to-5 look, the Lip and Cheek Stain in Rose Pink will rule the office. Add a few drops on the cheek and blend with the fingers. Don’t forget to put on the lips together with the Liquid Lip Color in Sunrise Pink. For the eyes, dab Cream Eye Color in Dust Pink and Pink Champagne Eye Color. Groom the brows with the Brow and Lash Gel. So polished and fresh!

Viva Hot Date

The perfect makeup for a hot date should steal the limelight. After blending Moisture Foundation all over the face, use a Blusher Brush to sweep Shimmer Waves over the apples of the cheeks and above the eyebrows. For sexy and flirty eyes, sweep Eye Color in Golden Paprika above the eye crease. Then, use Eye Color in Calico over the eyelid. Draw a line with Liquid Eyeliner in Brown over the upper and lower lashes. Pucker up with Sheer Lip Shine in Sheer Pink. Smoky and seductive!

Red Carpet Ride

For a show-stopping, screen siren look, blend the Ultra Smooth Foundation all over the face. Contour the cheekbones with Bronzing Powder or Bronze Shimmer Waves. The eyes have to stand out with shimmer. Use the Cream Eye Color in Mink and sweep Slate Eye Color above the crease and under the lower lashes. For luscious lashes, use Super Volume Mascara in Black. Then pout your lips with Garnet Lip Color (my ultimate favorite red lipstick that matches all skin tones). Dramatic and glamorous!

24-Hour Party Girl

If you are ready to party and want twinkling nighttime skin, apply Oil Free Balancing Foundation with SPF 15 all over the face. Cheeks should sparkle with Brilliance Powder in Shimmer Gold. For the eyes, sweep the Eye Shimmer in Violet up to the brow bone. Then, add Gold Eye Shimmer on top. Draw a line with Black Liquid Eyeliner under the lower lash line. Finish off with Hi-Shine Lip Treatment in Bronze Beam. Edgy and daring!

Makeup has never been this fun. Achieving all these high-maintenance looks with The Body Shop’s Make Me Fabulous makeup collection is easy as one, two and three. You can even do it with your eyes closed. Plus, you will never run out of the wow factor.

Gaynor concludes, "Whether you’re going clubbing for a night out with the girls, want to look great for that special day or want something for everyday, The Body Shop’s new makeup promises to make you look fabulous."

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The Body Shop’s Make Me Fabulous makeup collection will be available in the country in September. E-mail love-hate whatever things to becca_rodriguez@yahoo.com