Make up does not need to be complicated says self-confessed makeup lover and celebrated actress Anne Curtis believes in.
This “uncomplicated beauty” philosophy is also what drove her to come up with her own make up line in partnership with businesswoman and beauty maven Jacqe Yuengtian Gutierrez.
Named BLK Cosmetics, Curtis’ own brand of make up consists of “absolute essentials” like lipsticks; foundations; contour, blush, and highlight palette; eyeliners; and brow and pencil duo, among others.
“It stands for the color black—something timeless, elegant, and uncomplicated, which is what we want for the brand to be,” shared Curtis. She added, “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.”
The actress shared every other woman’s struggle for make up: being clueless on which products to use especially in the beginning. Curtis said she was able to learn how to do make up through trial and error thus she understands the need for simple yet top-quality products that work.
On the other hand, Gutierrez shared, “We’re not trying to sell numerous complicated products to women. Our goal is to keep things simple. Plus, I’m also proud of the fact that we are one of the few local brands that has an official cruelty-free certification from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).”
Apart from featuring basic, uncomplicated, and cruelty-free products, BLK Cosmetics also prides itself in being affordable, with price ranges from only Php 299 to Php 499.
“We felt that there is a scarcity of high-quality brands in this price segment, so there is clearly an opportunity to introduce a brand like BLK. We’re out to prove that luxe-looking, premium makeup doesn’t have to be a splurge,” Gutierez noted.
After the brand’s exciting launch held last September, both Curtis and Gutierrez hopes to improve their products further.
“Our dream is to level up the quality of local brands, and this means ensuring that we deliver the best consumer experience, from creating appealing packaging and ensuring top-notch product quality at a reasonable price,” Gutierrez said.
Check out these BLK products with a few tips from Curtis:
BLK cosmetics All-Day Matte Powder Foundation, P399
This foundation has ultra fine pigments for seamless, buildable coverage. It leaves a fresh, soft matte finish, and an even complexion that looks like real skin. It also has built-in SPF 15 and is infused with anti-aging Vitamin E.
Comes in two shades: Natural Beige and Light Beige.
BLK cosmetics Contour, Blush, and Highlight Palette, Php 499
This three-step face palette has coordinated shades to flatter every complexion: a matte contour, an iridescent blush, and a champagne highlighter. It’s also infused with Vitamin E.
Comes in two shades: Flushed (rose blush) and Sun-Kissed (peach blush)
BLK cosmetics Long-Lasting Liquid Eyeliner, Php 249
This aloe vera-infused product is smudge-proof, foolproof, and glides like velvet during application. It delivers intense pigment that lasts all day with no need for touch-ups.
Comes in two shades: Black and Brown.
BLK cosmetics Brow Sculpting Pencil Duo, Php 249
This pencil-and-brush duo will allow you to define, fill in, and groom your brows. 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 brows’ strands. Apply lightly for a natural look or heavily for a full brow.
Comes in two shades: Taupe and Natural Brown.
BLK cosmetics All-Day Intense Matte Lipstick, Php 299
There’s something about a good lipstick shade that makes one’s beauty stand out. Anne complements her gorgeous full lips with BLK Cosmetics’ All-Day Intense Matte Lipstick. The product doesn’t easily smear, has zero sheen, and non-drying. All lipsticks are enriched with Vitamin E and camellia oil, and never cakes as you go from day to night.
Comes in six shades: Chic, Charming, Bubbly, Elegant, Brave, Fearless
BLK cosmetics Velvet Lip Cream, Php 299
Try this hydrating velvet lip cream, which protects and conditions your lips with Vitamin E and camellia oil. One swipe is enough for a full, creaseless coverage and smooth satin finish.
Comes in four shades: Alluring, Refined, Classy, Flirty
BLK cosmetics Long-Lasting Liquid Matte Lipstick, Php 349
BLK claims that the color payoff of this long-lasting lippie is beyond intense. The mousse texture of this lipstick dries to a freshly-blotted look with a soft matte finish, which is never tight or drying because it is enriched with hydrating Vitamin E and softening rosehip seed oil.
Comes in five shades: Brazen, Bold, Sassy, Sophisticated, Simple
BLK cosmetics is available at top Watsons and SM Department stores nationwide, Zalora.com.ph, and through www.blkcosmetics.com.ph. For more information, visit BLK Cosmetics’ Facebook page.
