MANILA, Philippines - In the thick of wedding preparations, Heart Evangelista should be in a furious mess of tying up the last few ends for her big day on Feb. 15. While other brides would be at their wits’ end, on this day, during the launch of Closeup Diamond Attraction at Blackbird Restaurant in Makati City, Heart is calm, cool and collected, radiant as a new bloom.
“There’s so much to do, but I’m so lucky that Chiz is doing everything. He’s the one calling up everyone and making tawad (haggling with the suppliers). So I just have to smile,” she admits with a laugh to host Teresa Herrera as she looks over to Sen. Chiz Escudero, who is also in attendance to support his fiancée.
As Closeup Diamond Attraction’s newest brand ambassador (she rejoins the Closeup family after 11 years, having first teamed up with TV heartthrob John Prats at 18), Heart shares her secrets to looking the part of a stress-free bride. “Be simple. It’s about accentuating what you already have,” she reveals. And this includes making sure she never leaves home without a perfectly crafted brow, a flattering shade of lipstick and most especially Closeup Diamond Attraction, her newest, favorite makeup necessity.
“It’s practical and convenient, and it gives you instant white teeth,” she beams, flashing her own pearly whites. “Being an artista (actress) for 16 years, I’ve learned that it doesn’t matter whether you’re a model or an actress, what’s really important is that you have a great smile. You carry yourself better. You’re more confident to face the world,” she says.
Renowned makeup artist Xeng Zulueta, who has tagged the new toothpaste innovation as one of the Best in Beauty picks for 2015, agrees, saying: “Other blemishes can be masked with makeup, you cannot, however, hide unsightly teeth stains. It’s best to treat it with a great whitening teeth regimen. Closeup Diamond Attraction is perfect for women-on-the-go because it’s easy to apply and creates an instant beautiful result.”
True Blue
Inspired by the latest technologies in cosmetic dentistry, Closeup Diamond Attraction promises instant white with the help of Blue Light Technology. Activated through a blue covarine foam, it coats the surface of the teeth and neutralizes the yellow tones, instantly making teeth look whiter and brighter. For added benefit, Diamond Attraction also includes other whitening ingredients like silica, which whiten teeth over time.
Dr. Cecile Infantado, renowned cosmetic dentist and one of the Women of Allure awardees, shares, “Today, teeth whitening has become such a popular treatment. Number one because it makes you look younger and number two, it gives you confidence. Typical whitening treatments at the dentist’s office cost anywhere from P20,000 to P25,000, promising teeth that are three to five shades lighter. On the other hand, Closeup Diamond Attraction is easy on the pocket and is safe for everyday use. Also, there’s no annoying teeth sensitivity (pangingilo) that usually comes with the typical whitening treatments.”
To further illustrate the power of Diamond Attraction, Dr. Infantado dips a strand of pearls (symbolizing our teeth) in a bowl of mixed caffeinated drinks. Unsurprisingly, when the strand was lifted, the pearls were stained an unsightly shade of brown. Quickly, the strand was washed in a Closeup Diamond Attraction solution and left for blue foam do its magic. After a few quick dips, the strand of pearls regained their original luster and instant white shine.
Finding the perfect match
Neil Trinidad, Unilever marketing director for deos and oral care, shares, “When we were looking for our ambassador, we wanted to find the right fit. And we looked at all our past endorsers and found Heart. Eleven years ago, she was just starting her career. Now she’s in a very different stage in her life and we wanted to bring her back and have her embody the new Closeup brand.”
From a fledgling actress to now an acclaimed painter and wife-to-be, who’s revelling in her well-earned fame and happiness, Heart equally inspires as she does create. “(Unilever and Closeup) didn’t just get me for my smile, but the reason behind my smile. (Since I started my career,) I’ve learned a lot, grown in wisdom. I’ve matured. It’s my disposition. It’s nice to be appreciated for the person that you’ve become,” she shares.
“From the girls my age, ako na siguro yung may pinakamaraming (I have gone through the most) ups and downs, in both personal life and career,” she laughs, hinting at her strained relationship with her parents. “Hopefully, they’ll come to the wedding,” she says, admitting later that she is ready to walk the aisle alone.
“In life, we all face our battles. It’s never perfect. Sometimes, the more blessed you are, the more problems you have. But it’s really about going on with life, understanding why it’s there. If you don’t understand it, then there is going to be a reason for it and just be grateful for what you have. Be content and be happy,” she ends with a smile.