Collection: UK Makeup Invades Manila

Heavy rain and traffic did not deter Manila's hip and trendy crowd from making their way to the Rockwell Tent to witness the unveiling of another British brand to hit the market.  

The invitation said to come in sweet, colorful or edgy attire so upon arriving at the venue, the same vibe was seen and felt by guests -- from the design of the tent entrance, to the interior of the tent which was transformed into a colorful London high street.

This latest British invasion is Collection, one of the biggest makeup brands in the United Kingdom and is set to conquer the hearts of fashionistas with its beauty must-haves: the season's fanciest and quirkiest trends in makeup. The product displays were a big hit among the guests who tried out hues to determine which will suit their style.  They have a wide array of makeup for the face, the eyes and lips that is surprisingly affordable.

Collection product display

Collection makeup for the face...

...and colour palettes for the eyes and lips

A hip and edgy makeup brand, Collection celebrates individuality and encourages everyone to flaunt their personality in a variety of makeup colors.  These attributes and more were echoed by LF Asia's  SVP for Marketing, Licensed Brands, and Distribution Mr. Mario Salvatori, and Collection Regional Brand Manager Ms. Donna Dewhurst as they welcomed the guests and introduced the Collection brand in the Philippines.

(l-r) Mr. Mario Salvatori and Ms. Donna Dewhurst

For the launch, three styles/personalities were highlighted and by the Collection brand ambassadors: 

Collection brand ambassadors

pastel clad fashion blogger Camille Co for the sweet and elegant SOFTLY NATURAL look, whose favorite is the Lasting Colour Lipstick Sweet Tart; 

Camille Co

techno aztec inspired fashion blogger Laureen Uy for the hip and colorful POPPING PASTEL look, who raved about the Bedazzled Eye Palette; 

Laureen Uy

and rocker styled model/actress Solenn Heusaff for the the sultry and edgy ROCK CHICK look, who loved the Lasting Colour Gel Eyeliner in Black.

Collection is available in fashion and beauty boutiques in Manila. Check out their website www.collectioncosmetics.com.ph for the list of stores, product descriptions and tutorials on how to achieve the Softly Natural, Rock Chick and Popping Pastels looks. Like them on Facebook at facebook.com/CollectionCosmeticsPH and follow them on Twitter at twitter.com/CollectionPH to be updated with the latest Collection products and news.

Solenn Sizzles

Those who don't know or haven't heard of Solenn Heussaff by this day must be living under a rock. The French-Filipina beauty, who is also a talented fashion designer and make-up artist, has graced the covers and fashion editorials of numerous magazines; is seen on TV and billboards for her endorsements; was a reality show contender and now a TV host and budding actress.

Solenn Heussaff did Q&A before singing before the press

A Jill-of-all-traits? Perhaps. Or maybe she just wants to try out all possibilities in life before she settles on one career to make her mark. Or she is able to do all that and more out of sheer talent plus a combination of good luck and hard work. Now she adds another feather to her cap as she releases her debut self-titled album "Solenn."

The debut album

The album encapsulates Solenn -- fun, sassy and sexy. The carrier single "Fire" is a remake of the Bruce Springsteen original which Solenn transforms into a danceable beat, her seductive singing voice making it hotter. She also takes on hits like Sheryl Crow's "All I Wanna Do", Natalie Imbruglia's "Torn" as well as singing her versions of The Other Two's "Selfish", Prince's "Kiss" and Bruno Mars' "It's Our First Time."

"Solenn" CD plus mini-magazine containing her photos

She shared during the press con that she is more of a singer than a musician (although she took up years of classes for piano and saxophone and wanted to learn guitar because it is "sexy") but she tried her hand at song writing via a collaboration with ex-Rivermaya frontman Rico Blanco for "Chemistry", a song they co-wrote. Another original track to watch out for is "Ladies Night" which features Viktoria Vixen. Solenn's debut album under MCA Music is now out in CD's with a mini-mag of her images.

My signed "Solenn" album

Solenn is nervous about performing before a big audience but her love for singing prevails as she will be having her first major concert "Solenn On Stage" on August 19 and 26, 8 pm at Teatrino Promenade, Greenhills. Joining her are special guests Ogie Alcasid, Geoff Taylor and her brother Erwan Heussaff. For ticket inquiries, please call Ticketworld at 8919999, Music Museum at 7210635 or Teatrino at 7216726.

So what are you waiting for? Whether you buy the CD or watch the concert, Solenn -- the person and the CD -- sizzles.