WE were all crazy for pinks and browns until Anne Curtis started appearing on a noontime show wearing red lipstick. She broke the rules and would wear red lipstick with a bare face. Before that, red lipstick was a high-maintenance look that required a full face of makeup.
Anne’s full lips made red lipstick look so good. She made it cool and look uncomplicated.
A month or two ago, we attended the launch of a cosmeceutical product which Anne was endorsing and, of course, the interview with her included questions about makeup.
“I’ll have a surprise for everyone. It’s very exciting,” she said.
Last Wednesday the surprise was finally revealed. Anne has teamed up with entrepreneur Jacqe Yuengtian Gutierrez for a makeup line, called blk cosmetics.
“Makeup is something I’m very passionate about. It’s part of who I am,” the actress-TV host said. Why the name “blk”? It stands for black, and black is a basic wardrobe color. Anne’s makeup line and passion project keeps things simple. There are lipsticks, a powder foundation, a cheek palette composed of blush, highlight and contour, eyeliner and brow duo. Nothing too complicated, thus, the tagline: “Uncomplicated Beauty”.
The line is priced reasonably. Prices start at P299 and nothing is more expensive than P499.
If you’re a college student or a young lady on her first job, blk cosmetics is a good choice. For P1,500, you’ll have enough for a powder foundation, two lipsticks and a brow product. Then you can build your collection from there.
When Jacqe said Anne was very hands on during product development, I believe her.
Days before the launch, Anne tweeted an online friend of mine who had bought a lipstick at The SM Store. blk cosmetics had released five shades as a sneak peak.
“The products are of the best quality,” Jacqe said. “The products are affordable but of topnotch quality.”
The goal, according to Anne, is keeping things simple.
“I’m someone who likes to keep things simple, clean, yet still have an impact. And so [the idea that we came up with was to deliver] quality products that make it ‘uncomplicated’ to piece yourself together.”
Anne became an expert of sorts on makeup largely via trial and error. She’s taking the guesswork and mystery out of makeup and coming out with products that work well together. “I would tell all girls to keep a bold lipstick in your purse at all times. You’ll never know when you’re going to need that extra pop of color,” Anne said. Oh, if there is one compelling reason we should support Anne, it’s that blk cosmetics has received an official cruelty-free certification from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Here are Anne’s choices:
- blk cosmetics All-Day Matte Powder Foundation, P399. This compact foundation offers buildable coverage and a soft matte finish. It also has built-in SPF 15 and is infused with antiaging vitamin E. Comes in two shades: Natural Beige and Light Beige.
- blk cosmetics Contour, Blush and Highlight Palette, P499. This palette has a matte contour, an iridescent blush and a champagne highlighter. It’s also infused with vitamin E to keep skin young looking. Comes in two shades: Flushed (rose blush) and Sun-Kissed (peach blush).
- blk cosmetics Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeliner, P249. This smudge-proof, fool-proof liquid eyeliner promises intense pigment that lasts all day while also soothing your lids’ delicate skin with aloe vera. Comes in two shades: Black and Brown.
- blk cosmetics Brow Sculpting Pencil Duo, P249. Define, fill in and groom brows in place with this pencil-and-brush duo. The triangle tip has a pointed end to create thin lines and a flat tip for thicker strokes, while the creamy pencil is infused with aloe vera to gently condition your strands. Apply lightly for a natural look or heavily for a full brow. Comes in two shades: Taupe and Natural Brown.
- blk cosmetics Lipsticks. A certified lipstick junkie, it’s no surprise that Anne’s favorites are the lipsticks, which come in three formulas. “Lipstick is my secret weapon. It makes all the difference!”
- blk cosmetics All-Day Intense Matte Lipstick, P299. Think intense color at first swipe, a true matte finish—zero sheen, just all-out boldness—and a nondrying, all-day wear. The winning formula, which is enriched with vitamin E and camellia oil, moves comfortably on your lips, never caking or feathering as you go from day to night. Comes in six shades: Chic, Charming, Bubbly, Elegant, Brave and Fearless.
- blk cosmetics Velvet Lip Cream, P299. Extra hydrating velvet lip cream, which protects and conditions with vitamin E and camellia oil. One swipe is all you need for full, creaseless coverage—you get a beautiful solid hue with a smooth satin finish every single time. Comes in four shades: Alluring, Refined, Classy and Flirty.
- blk cosmetics Long-Lasting Liquid Matte Lipstick, P349. The mousse texture dries to a freshly blotted look with a soft matte finish—never tight or drying, thanks to hydrating vitamin E and softening rosehip seed oil—and the pigment stays put all day long. Comes in five shades: Brazen, Bold, Sassy, Sophisticated, Simple.
- blk will be exclusively sold in top Watsons and SM Department Stores nationwide, www.zalora.com.ph and through the official web site (www.blkcosmetics.com.ph).