Confessions of Rustan’s Beauty addicts

Still the one-stop destination for all things luxury as well as necessity, Rustan’s has been a premier shopping location for decades. With something for everyone available — from chic bags and shoes, to children’s toys, to fancy gadget accessories — how could it not be?

I still recall visiting Rustan’s regularly as a wide-eyed child, always fascinated by the different things I could see (and of course, buy). Now as an adult, and self-proclaimed beauty product addict, there’s one particular area of this famed department store that I always visit with renewed excitement and delight: Rustan’s Beauty Source. If you’re like me and consider the cosmetics floor of Rustan’s as a little piece of heaven on earth, then you’ll be happy to know that one of the best places to get a makeover has gotten a makeover itself.

With its now mostly white interior, Rustan’s Beauty Source is literally gleaming from wall to wall, and though not quite a maze, one could easily (and happily) get lost among the mix of luxurious perfumes and high-end cosmetics. Having skin woes or just seeking to update your daily skin care regime? Visit the Clinique or La Mer stalls and have a quick consultation. Looking for a Christmas gift for that special lady in your life? There’s always Chanel or Elizabeth Arden to check out. What about that special man? I suggest a suave and sophisticated new scent from either Creed or Giorgio Armani. If you’re like me and want to ogle and hoard the latest makeup collections, products and looks, MAC, Benefit and NARS, just to name a few, are at your service.

Of course, Rustan’s Beauty Source’s new look had to be celebrated, and it certainly was during last week’s Rustan’s Beauty Addict event, bringing together all the brands for one glamorous evening that included fun activities, music and kissing. Yes, you read that right.

At the Kiss of Goodwill exhibit, only present for the event night, guests could leave a “kiss” to be displayed at the exhibit. Every kiss that was received meant Rustan’s would donate P100 to the victims of typhoon Yolanda. Talk about kissing for a cause!

With anyone who was anyone present, Rustan’s also took to the task and chose 10 beauty ambassadors for Rustan’s Beauty Source from some of society’s crème of the crop. They are: Kim Jones, Phoemela Baranda, Joey Mead King, Jing Monis, Patrick Rosas, Kelly Misa, Patty Laurel, Rissa Trillo, Mika Martinez and Laureen Uy. Yours truly just had to ask some of them anything and everything to do with Rustan’s.

Rissa M. Trillo

How do you feel about Happy Skin now being a part of the Rustans’ family?

It’s a dream come true for us! I’m grateful to Rustan’s for the warm welcome and making us part of the Rustan’s Beauty Addict event. I’m extra proud that Happy Skin, with its Japan-made products, was the only homegrown brand among those beauty brand heavyweights.

Mika Lagdameo Martinez

What do you love best about Rustan’s as a premier shopping destination?

I love everything about it simply because it has everything. It has stuff for the home, my kids, and myself. It’s always been my favorite store. I remember growing up and always looking forward to a trip to Rustan’s.

Jing Monis

As a makeup artist, what are some of your favorite brands here at Rustan’s to work with?

My favorite brands that I love to use are MAC, Bobbi Brown, Nars and Chanel, especially because they have a great range of lipsticks.

Phoemela Baranda

How would you describe Rustan’s in one word?

For me, Rustan’s is… happiness. Whenever I’m down I actually visit Rustan’s. I love walking around and giving myself some retail therapy, especially since I really like the vibe and feel of the place. I think the fact that they recently renovated means Rustan’s is going to be even better now.

Kim Jones

What do you think of Rustan’s Kiss of Goodwill exhibit?

I think this exhibit is absolutely amazing. It’s nice to see Rustan’s come up with a creative way to help and it’s a great way of involving everyone. Not only are we having fun, but we’re supporting a good cause, too.

Rustan’s The Beauty Store is located at Rustan’s Department Store, Office Drive, Ayala Center, Makati.

Laureen Uy

What do you think of Rustan’s new Beauty Source?

It’s really nice. I actually saw the photos prior to going here and I was really excited to see it for myself. I love all the white because visually it’s pleasing to the eye.

Joey Mead

How did you feel when you found out you were chosen to be one of the eight “beauty ambassadors” for Rustan’s The Beauty Source?

How would any woman feel? Especially for a department store that you really appreciate? I guess they think I represent a big part of them, and as a woman, I feel like that’s a very respectful compliment because the brand in itself is something I look up to. Maybe they think similarly of me, that I’m feminine and reliable. I worked with them (Rustan’s) for many years as well so it’s very complimentary that they think of me that way.

Kelly Misa

What do you love shopping for most at Rustan’s?

It depends on what I need, but I love picking up fragrances and looking around to try out and see what’s new. I also check out Shu Uemura a lot for anything I need cosmetics-wise. Lastly, I love the second floor for buying clothes because it’s such a joy to shop there that I often end up losing track of time.

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Follow me on Instagram (@arianyupangco) and Twitter (@ArianYupangco), and check out my (re-named) beauty blog "Ari’s In Wonderland" at http://aris-in-wonderland.blogspot.com/