Beauty Altars: A Look Into the Most Covetable Makeup and Skincare Closets of Stylish Ladies
Welcome to Town&Country's new beauty series, The Beauty Altar, where we feature the makeup and skincare closets of our readers and friends.
Grace Barbers Baja
Mom of three, Grace is known as @thespoiledmummy on Instagram, based on her lifestyle blog thespoiledmummy.com. She is also an entrepreneur, creating homemade, artisanal food products called Taste by Grace Home under her home brand Grace Home Manila.
Product Spotlight
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil (in mini bottles)
“This is the only one that can remove stubborn dirt and makeup for me. It cleanses the skin well and moisturizes it at the same time! I have them in big and mini sizes because I bring them with me when I travel.”
La Mer Eye Balm and La Mer Moisturizing Cream
“Their eye balm is the best! I use it day and night to prevent eye bags and dark undereye circles. Meanwhile, I use the moisturizing cream at night for my face and neck (and a little goes a long way!).”
Simple Micellar Water
“I use this right after my Shu Uemura cleansing oil as this removes the oily residue left. I like my face to be completely rid of all makeup when I sleep at night, so I need this 2nd step of removing makeup before I finally wash my face!”
I Wish More People Knew…
“Makeup is fun and it can really change the way we look and, of course, feel! Skincare should be a very important part of our lifestyle. Without it, our skin will feel it and it will age dramatically. Everyone has beauty, but not everyone sees it. So learn to recognize and appreciate everyone's uniqueness and be your own kind of beautiful.”
Top Tips
“Never ever sleep with your makeup on. Apply eye cream day and night. Yes, twice daily. Use a daily sunscreen. Even indoors.”
Camille Flores Oloan
Camille is the brand general manager of Jo Malone London, La Mer, and Origins in the Philippines. The devoted wife and mom of an active six-year-old has always been obsessed with skincare and beauty.
Product Spotlight
Crème de la Mer Moisturizer
I cannot live without this product. It keeps my skin looking firm, glowing, youthful, and soft. I use the rich cream at night and a lighter texture (La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream) during the day under my makeup.
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega Mushroom Treatment Lotion
When I discovered this product a couple of years ago, I was instantly hooked. I use it every morning before moisturizing to help calm my sensitive skin and soothe redness.
Jo Malone London Grapefruit Body & Hand Lotion
I love citrus scents and grapefruit is very energizing and uplifting. I especially like this lotion in the morning to brighten my mood and wake me up when I’m feeling tired.
I Wish More People Knew...
"Skincare is a good investment. People tend to skip skincare when they’re young or don’t encounter any concerns, but the truth is, early prevention and protection are very helpful in maintaining youthful looking skin and preventing early signs of aging.
Top Tip
Moisturize, drink a lot of water, take care of your health, and have a positive attitude.
Chary Mercado
Chary is a mom of two teens. Every day of the week is different for her since she wears many hats. "Most of my morning duties are casual so I can get by on just tinted sunscreen in the morning. I could begin in a tile store, rummaging for construction supplies, or spend the morning in an orphanage, carrying and feeding the toddlers. From lunchtime onward, I'm usually in meetings with students I advise or running errands with my kids. I usually put on makeup in the car to make the most of traffic time. Each of my cars is equipped with a full makeup kit just for that purpose," she shares.
Clarins' Beauty Flash Balm
This is my cousin's beauty secret which she shared with our barkada so we all wear it like a primer. I put it on after I've had a full day and have to somehow refresh my skin for a night event. It really does tighten and brighten, as promised on the tube.
Giorgio Armani eyeshadow line
It is the best for me because it is easy to apply, adheres to the skin evenly and doesn't come off for several hours.
Anastasia of Beverly Hills' Brow Wiz in Dark Brown
This is absolute genius. My friend's daughter is a makeup aficionado who always researches the latest hit product. She was so convinced of the Anastasia Brow Wiz she sent me one, and I'm now a convert. The point is so fine it mimics microblading.
I Wish More People Knew...
"Lots of ladies my age don't wear much makeup because they never learned how to or are scared they will look too different if they put too much on. I disagree. Invest in makeup lessons with a professional who knows how to do light makeup well and learn how to copy the moves that suit your face. Experiment during your free time. Whether we like it or not, our faces will change with age. It's time to tap the whole arsenal of products out there that can help put the ageing process at bay for as long as possible."
Top Tip
"I am often too lazy to bother with many-step routines so I look for products that do double or triple duty. The Anessa sunscreens are BB bases with SPF 50. There are some that are tinted in different shades, which make them the perfect daytime foundation for me when I have little time to prepare.
Anne Arcenas-Gonzalez
Anne is an entrepreneur and a mom of two girls. She distributes and retails brands such as Havaianas, CommonThread, and Aura Athletica in the Philippines.
Product Spotlight
Annick Goutal Eau de Parfum
This was introduced to me by my best friend and has been my only scent for about two decades now. I layer this with Para mi Bebe cologne, that I share with my daughters.
Rene Furterer Complex 5
This is the only solution to my dry scalp after frequent sun exposure or a long plane ride.
Creme De La Mer
It's the facial moisturizer that has not let me down for years. I switch it up with other brands once in a while, but always go back to this.
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
I’m a latecomer to daily SPF application because most leave a white, pasty layer on my face. This one goes on sheer and light, and can be easily reapplied throughout the day.
Ambi Fade Cream
A cheap drugstore find that fades my dark spots better than any expensive brand or dermatologist product that I’ve tried.
I Wish More People Knew...
"Beauty is not about perfection. Truly beautiful women recognize that their imperfections are what make them unique. It’s their flaws that make them interesting, intriguing and inspiring to me."
Top Tip
"If you have a good skincare routine, you won’t need much makeup."
Kai Lim
Kai is a wife and mom to three kids. She is an entrepreneur and philanthropist. "Each day is different for me from tending to my young kids to squeezing work and meetings in between. I work with a great team of women, we are each other’s support group," she says.
Product Spotlight
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair
"True to its name it does its magic while you sleep. You wake up with oil-free hydrated skin."
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
"This is what I use to alternate with Estee’s Advanced Night Repair. I choose between the two depending on how my skin feels. I love that it’s lightweight and it visibly restores my skin by morning."
Refa Face Roller
"Best way to de-puff your face. A face massage you can do anytime anywhere! It’s a staple in my skincare routine. "
La Mer Genaissance Eye Cream
"It targets all signs of aging in the eye area."
Jo Malone Grapefruit Cologne
"My go-to scent."
I Wish More People Knew...
"Good skin beats any makeup. The goal is to wake up with fresh and glowing skin. Stick to tried and tested products, I still use Pond's Cold Cream until now."
Top Tip
"Find the best regimen that works for your lifestyle and schedule. There’s no one size fits all with skincare. Oh, and nothing like a good old eight hours of sleep to keep your skin youthful."
Jackie Avecilla
Jackie is the marketing and communications manager of Rustan's The Beauty Source, working with beauty products nearly 24/7. "My team and I handle the advertising, PR, promotions, events, loyalty and digital marketing of some of best beauty brands in the country such as Chanel, Clarins, La Prairie, Murad Skincare, L'Occitane, Diptyque, and more. I am also a wife and a mom of three kids," she says.
Clarins Extra Firming Treatment Essence
"This softens my skin and prepares it to absorb serums and moisturizers better."
Chanel Whitening Moisturizing Cream
"I apply a thick layer of this luxurious cream on my face every single night, and my skin feels so soft, smooth, and refreshed in the morning."
Perricone No Blush Blush
"It gives me that sun-kissed look on those days when I don't really feel like putting a lot of makeup on."
L'Occitane Almond Beautiful Shape Expert Cellulite Control
"This does wonders for my tummy and thighs."
Diptyque Eau des Sens EDT
"The scent is so light, crisp and fresh and I use it every day, especially since our climate is so hot and I am not a fan of heavy scents."
I Wish More People Knew...
"That sunblock is one of the most important beauty items you should never take for granted. I am guilty of going to the beach during my younger days and not putting on any sun protection since I wanted a good tan. Boy, do I regret it now!
"That if you have oily skin, it doesn't mean you don't need to moisturize; or that you should use harmful astringents to strip off the oil!"
Top Tip
"Start using skincare as early as you can (I moisturize my kids' faces every day!) and your skin will thank you for it when you're 40."
Carole Tagle
Carole is a mom of two and is the former fashion editor of Town&Country Philippines. "I’m a creature of habit and I stick to a beauty regimen that has been my routine for many years," she shares.
Product Spotlight
"I cleanse with Sacred, a cleanser specifically made for babies. My skin is very sensitive; it cleanses without stripping the face dry. It’s so pure and amazing!
I love La Mer skincare. My ultimate indulgence is its Moisturizing Cream, which I have been using it since I was 25. I do tend to be dry so this heavy cream is perfect for me.
For fragrance, my favorite is Byredo Gypsy Water, a gift from my husband. He loves how it smells on me so I love it even more.
My favorite makeup is anything by Charlotte Tilbury. I love all her products. My current favorite is the Hollywood Contour Wand. I’m also into her brushes. They’re wonderful too."
I Wish More People Knew...
"Everything in moderation! Taking care of yourself doesn’t mean you're being superficial. It’s should be part of life."
Top Tip
"I drink a lot of water every day; warm water with some lemon as soon as I wake up and before I got to bed. I also bring a water bottle everywhere I go. I love to take showers and baths two to three times a day. Almost to an excess but I feel it’s part of my daily cleanse, I have a thing for water!"
Mica Agdamag
Mica is an advertising and public relations manager at Rustan's The Beauty Source. She has been with the company since 2012. "I'm so lucky I have a job where I get to do what I love: learn and talk about beauty and get to share everything about it to a lot of people from all walks of life," she says. "I love to travel, discover new places, meet new people, eat, and learn different kinds of cultures, all while creating memories I can keep with me forever."
Product Spotlight
NARS Orgasm Blush
"This matches any kind of skin tone all year round and makes you look fresh and healthy in an instant."
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation
"True to its name, it's really really long-wearing, lightweight, fade resistant, and best of all, it looks so natural that it looks like second skin."
Perricone No Bronzer Bronzer
"Multitasking skincare and makeup in one, perfect for travel too!"
Sisley Phyto So Intense Mascara
"Best and unique mascara wand by far, and it is vitamin enriched too, which helps in lengthening lashes."
La Prairie Skin Caviar Eye Complex
Ideal for anyone who desires an instant firming eye energizer that acts like a mini eyelift and for anyone who needs a base for long-wearing eye makeup.)
I Wish More People Knew...
"Less is more and stick to the essentials. Don't put too much on your skin and choose your products carefully, don't force it just because it's a trend.
Beauty comes from within and it reflects outwardly. If you are deliriously ecstatic about life, love what you are doing and the people around you, your inner beauty will shine through."
Top Tip
"Love life, stay positive and enhance that beauty within you and you will be amazed at how it affects others. Stay healthy, be kind to others, be smart and sexy strong, and of course, invest in the right skincare!"
Erika Reyes
Young and stylish, Erika is the marketing executive for Jo Malone London and La Mer. She has been in the beauty industry for about six years.
Product Spotlight
La Mer Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream
It is a staple as it’s important to have a really good daily moisturizer. What makes it special is that not only does it have the signature La Mer healing Miracle Broth but the texture is perfect for the hot local weather and it has a cooling effect.
La Mer Renewal Oil
This is my all-time favorite multipurpose oil. Not only does it work as a serum, but it can be used on its own as a moisturizer, mixed with foundation, used as a natural highlighter, and it moisturizes hair and even cuticles. It’s a good investment.
Jo Malone London English Oak & Redcurrant
It's a scent I’ve been using regularly. I’m very into woody scents—I lean toward men’s scents—and this one works well for both men and women. The scent is not too musky and is light enough to layer with other scents. I usually layer it with a body crème with a citrus scent.
I Wish More People Knew...
"It’s important to have a good base before anything else. When you have good skin, your makeup will look so much better. That’s why I believe in investing in good skincare. It might be hard to invest at a young age at first, but the results will show in the long run."
Top Tip
"Best beauty tip I could give is to always take care of yourself, whether it's your skincare, makeup or even your wellbeing, health, and how you act toward others. It all contributes to making you look and feel beautiful."
