MANILA, Philippines - During the Happy Skin x Glam Squad Collection launch last August, co-founders Rissa Trillo and Jacque Gutierrez hinted to YStyle that a major collaboration with a dream global brand is in the works — a first for the homegrown skincare-focused cosmetics line, or any local makeup brand for that matter. Happy Skin x Disney, a limited-edition makeup collection, is a match made in heaven — and it is now available at a store near you.
It was Walt Disney Company Philippines general manager Veronica Cabalinan who reached out to the duo with an email asking if Happy Skin would like to collaborate. “They target the market we are aiming for now, the young adults, those who grew up with the Disney Princesses. We want to bring (Disney) in a fun and compelling way that no other brand like Happy Skin can deliver. They are capable of bringing the brand to women in their everyday lives.”
Trillo says: “It’s a stamp of approval for what the Filipino can do.”
The collection carries eight lippies as well as new skincare-in-makeup products to give you a lit-from-within glow: a luminous mesh blush (in rosy pink and peach) and brightening powder foundation.
At the launch at the Power Plant Mall, Gutierrez wore the liquid lipstick in Ariel and playfully quipped, “I believe in a whole new world.”
Trillo identifies with Belle of Beauty and The Beast. “I like to read books and I like that she did what’s right even if it’s not the easiest.”
“We consulted with Disney on shade selection so that we stay true to the personality of each Princess,” Gutierrez reveals. “We have lippie shades that you grew up watching on the Princesses themselves, but we infused a modern feel by utilizing different textures: a moisturizing finish for Belle and Rapunzel, a matte finish for Snow White, Aurora, Elsa, and Anna, and a trendy liquid lipstick texture for Cinderella and Ariel.”
Mananquil-Trillo adds: “The thrust of Happy Skin x Disney is not to highlight pretty gowns and crowns, or even Prince Charming, but the different virtues that each Princess possesses. The collection is about chasing your dreams, embracing who you are, and celebrating the princess in you.”
Happy Skin further localizes the Princess franchise by handpicking eight exemplary Filipinas as Happy Skin Event Ambassadors. So which princess are you? YStyle plays Magic Mirror.
Heart Ongpauco Escudero
Snow White
She’s just like me: “I love kids. I love animals. When she sings to the animals that’s exactly how I am at home. All the cats and the dogs.”
But not quite: “I know when I need to put my foot down. Snow White didn’t really fight back. At my age and where I am today, I am somebody who puts my foot down and knows when to say no.”
What I’ve learned: “Now I’m 31, I’ve developed a character where I am not afraid to speak my mind. Her being a martyr is still a good quality. It takes a lot for you to just not say anything and let it pass. With everything that’s happening in the world it’s easier to not say anything. That’s something that would be nice to have, to also allow things to unfold.”
Happy Skin tip: “I love all their lipsticks so much so that I have a line with them, Happy Skin x Love Marie. I always blend the colors. Snow White and Aurora come in one pack and I mixed both colors for my look today. I didn’t want it to be bright red so I mixed in Aurora’s brownish matte.”
Carla Abellana
Belle of Beauty and The Beast
She’s just like me: “She is also very family oriented. To her, all that matters is her dad, the only family she has left. She’s also kind to animals. Anything for her family, she will fight for. She makes sacrifices just so her family is safe and secure. I’m very family oriented, sheltered, I’ll do anything for my family.”
But not quite: “If I were in her position hindi talaga ako papayag to be kept in the castle. I’d escape. She did escape, but from the beginning I’d say no. I would stand up for my decision. Unlike her, she gave in.”
What I’ve learned: “Somehow even if she gave in to be The Beast’s slave, she fought against it. She didn’t just allow herself to be pushed and shoved. She didn’t do it in the way I would have if I were in her shoes. She tried to be understanding. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
Happy Skin tip: “Always double cleanse with Make A Clean Sweep Revitalizing Micellar Makeup Cleanser. It’s a cleansing water. I use their moisturizing lippies all the time when I’m taping cause I have dry lips and need something pigmented yet moisturizing.”
Karylle Tatlonghari Yuzon
Ariel of The Little Mermaid
She’s just like me: “We share a childlike wonder. She loved seeing every little thing. I was brushing my hair earlier with a dinglehopper, like a fork! It’s a little bit silly. When she falls in love, she falls in love hard. Recently I was reading about this lawyer studying the legalities of the contract she signed to give up her voice and it wasn’t legally binding after all. But I could relate to her in that way, going all-out.”
But not quite: “Her innocence, how she would give up everything — she’s a little too carefree. It’s nice as an ideal but sometimes you have to think things through. But there are things you do all for love.”
What I’ve learned: “It goes both ways. It’s nice to be a little carefree; it’s scary also. I wish I still had it, but I wouldn’t wanna let go too much now.”
Happy Skin tip: “I use Make A Clean Sweep Revitalizing Micellar Makeup Cleanser. I have very oily skin. It was important to find something that won’t make the oiliness build up because I break out.”
Ylona Garcia
Cinderella
She’s just like me: “I am a workaholic just like Cinderella. Even if physically she can’t do it, she perseveres because her mind is set to a goal. She has a dream and a dream is a wish your heart makes. She just goes for it.”
She’s perfectly imperfect: “Even how she dealt with her sisters, I’m okay with that. We should learn to forgive before people apologize so we can be happy.”
What I’ve learned: “None. I like the way I am.”
Happy Skin tip: “When I use the lippies, I line my lips first then apply them all over. Ta-dah!”
Vern Enciso
Elsa of Frozen
She’s just like me: “Like Elsa, it was only in recent years that I accepted all my strengths as a person. While watching the movie, I could really relate to her because I saw her journey towards accepting that she has a gift instead of something bad.”
What I’ve learned: “Not Elsa but Anna. I’m not very relaxed. I am uptight when it comes to a lot of things and I wish I had Anna’s carefree spirit. With Elsa, nothing really. She figured it all out in the end.”
Happy Skin tip: “I swear by the contour palette Feeling Sculptacular. I’m morena-skinned, so if I get shades that aren’t made for Asian or Filipina skin, it tends to become orange-y on my skin.”
Verniece Enciso
Anna of Frozen
She’s just like me: “It’s perfect for us. I really am Anna. I’m the sister who bugs her a lot. I’d ask her, ‘Lets go out. Let’s do something together.’ I’m the cheerful, giddy one. I have the energy of five people in one. Also when Vern leaves I’m the one who misses her most. I am the clingy sister.
What I’ve learned: “Her fighting spirit. She never gave up finding her sister! We both value family.”
Alternate story: “I don’t want her to ever try to let me go. I always want to be with her and have fun together.”
Happy Skin tip: “To never leave home without their moisturizing lippies.”
Janina Vela
Rapunzel
She’s just like me: “I have Rapunzel’s sense of wonder and curiosity, that feeling of wanting to get out of her comfort zone no matter what people tell you. No matter how people want to bring her down, she still went for her dream.”
But not quite: “Her brown hair at the end! I’m not happy with that haircut whatsoever. It didn’t have to be that short. But as for her qualities, I love her the way she is.”
What I’ve learned: “Maybe Mulan is more known for her bravery but Rapunzel was brave too, considering her situation. She literally jumped out of her tower. She went to a completely different place, met a new person. She let her heart take her wherever it wanted. That’s something I want to be.”
Happy Skin tip: “I love the lip and cheek mousse. I swear by the mattes. I have been using the shade Warm and Toasty for two years. Sometimes I use the powder blushes with their tinted primer.”
Tricia Gosingtian
Aurora of Sleeping Beauty
She’s just like me: “They said Aurora has a quiet elegance that they found in me. I don’t think I’m that elegant but interestingly when I was starting out as a photographer my pen name was Slumber Doll. She was one of my favorites aside from Belle.”
But not quite: “Ayoko yung she had to wait for a kiss from the prince to wake up. The old movies were like that. The newer princesses don’t necessarily need a prince anymore.”
A lasting impression: “I really like her off-shoulder dress. It’s on trend now. I also like what she wore when she lived in the cottage, the corseted look. I liked watching Sleeping Beauty for the fashion.”
Happy Skin tip: “I swear by Bullseye Perfect Brow Trio. It’s a pencil with spoolie and powder. I love their concealer, I’m using it today! I love peachy colors like the lippie in Honeymoon Glow and Happy Skin x Glam Squad lippie by Denise Go Ochoa.”Photos by WALTER BOLLOZOS