We live in a generation oversaturated with beauty products. The moment we unlock our phones, drive through the city, or consume content both online and offline, we’re bombarded with the latest launches and “most innovative” formulas in the market. With so many brands, trends, and tutorials to sort through, finding what truly works for you can feel overwhelming.

To help us navigate this crowded beauty landscape, Manila Bulletin Lifestyle got to sit down with international makeup artist Alexandre Colaianni. Alexandre began his professional career in 1995 and has worked on several films with actresses such as Natalie Portman, Monica Bellucci, and Juliette Binoche. He has also taught his craft in various makeup schools across Paris.

In 2006, Alexandre joined Sisley, a family-owned French luxury cosmetics house that pioneered phyto-cosmetology—advanced plant-based science in skincare. Inspired by painter Alfred Sisley, the brand reflects a deep passion for art, nature, and innovation. Since then, Alexandre has traveled the world as Sisley’s international makeup artist, teaching celebrities, models, VIPs, and everyday women how to enhance their natural beauty through Sisley products and the philosophy of phyto-makeup.

As a makeup artist, Alexandre believes in caring for the skin first so that makeup becomes a complement—not a mask.

“When you live in a tropical country, the skin is more oily, skin secretes sebum, and that’s normal. The secret is to have a good cleansing program. Have a cleansing mask to purify the pores and reduce excess oil. Then, a good exfoliate to remove the dead cells,” he said. “When the skin feels better, when you reduce the imperfection, when the balance between oil and water is better, you don’t need too much coverage. Foundation is designed to cover imperfections, but if you reduce the imperfections, you won’t need more coverage.”

He also encourages everyone not to choose makeup solely based on color or pigmentation. Instead, go for products infused with skincare ingredients that benefit the skin over time. For concerns such as dark spots, redness, or discoloration, he recommends the Stylo Correct—a color-correcting pen formulated with benzoic acid and alpha-bisabolol to help minimize the appearance and intensity of blemishes.

“You can use it on pimples and dark spots. When you put it on the pimples, you help soothe it day after day, like a treatment. The foundation Phyto-teint Perfection is a treatment for pimples and redness,” he said.

For a stunning holiday look, Alexandre advises going for classic, elegant makeup rather than blindly following trends—much like the timeless approach of French women.

“In my experience, only a few women always follow the trends. More wants to look young, energetic, and sophisticated. That’s why I encouraged you to go for skin-caring makeup that will not only give your face color but will also make you look young and glowing as you use it every day,” he said. “When it comes to makeup colors like choosing the right eyeshadow shades, you can play around with the color of your clothes or accessories. Same with the blush, you can match it with the color of your blush, nails, or bag, just like a French woman.”

But a flawless look doesn’t rely on products alone—good makeup brushes are essential. So we asked Alexandre how to spot high-quality ones.

“The brush needs to be very soft—it’s important for creating a smooth, defined finish on the skin. But it also needs to be strong. When you press it, you should feel that the brush holds its shape. Other brushes get damaged easily or become flat,” he said. “Remember: very soft, yet strong. My Sisley brushes have been with me for 10 years already, and I still use them.”

Alexandre says it best—prioritize skincare, choose makeup that cares for your skin, and invest in tools that truly last. With his guidance, creating a polished, glowing holiday look becomes less about following trends and more about embracing what feels authentically beautiful to you.