Lipstick designs initially attracted Omar Turrini to cosmetics. Today, as Inglot international make-up artist, he appreciates what's inside rather than the packaging.
Duraline.
"Formulations and ingredients are more important for Inglot in producing high-performance and safe cosmetics. As fancy packaging will increase the price, by keeping it simple we can better offer affordable products," Turrini said at the launch of Inglot in Bangkok.
The affordability appeals along with the spectrum of colours and wide range of products made by the Polish brand, whose counter and Pro Studio are located respectively at Central Lardprao and at CentralWorld in Bangkok.
Both locations entice examining shades, feeling textures and testing the extensive range. Eyeshadows, for instance, come in over 200 shades and in matte, pearl, satin, shine and double sparkle finishes.
"The first time I discovered the make-up collection, I was impressed by the vibrant colours and different textures. We didn't have anything like that in Italy, and I just fell for Inglot," recalled Turrini, who hails from Verona.
The highly pigmented make-up products are still made in Przemyśl, in southeastern Poland, where chemist Wojciech Inglot founded his eponymous company in 1983, then under communist rule.
From its humble beginnings, the Polish brand began its global expansion in 2006 and has built its presence to over 80 countries today.
Inglot has also become a professional make-up authority, involved in Fashion Weeks and Broadway musicals such as Mamma Mia!, The Lion King and Pippin, to name a few.
"Our professional make-up products can be easily used by amateurs," said Turrini. "Customers can try them at make-up stations at the Inglot counter or Pro Studio, where advice is given in applying the versatile products."
Inglot is also known for custom-designed palettes under the Freedom System. Selecting eyeshadow, concealer, powder, blush or other make-up refills and then arranging them in a reusable and magnetic packaging can result in countless possibilities, from small travel kits to large make-up palettes accommodating up to 40 pans.
The shades are numbered, apart from those under the Jennifer Lopez collection.
The collaboration with the American star, for instance, has given limited editions such as Café au Lait eyeshadow, Ballerina blush and Goldilips gloss, to create the "J Lo Glow" look.
New shades of foundation have also been created to match Asian skin tones. Containing peach extract and mattifying agents, the YSM Cream Foundation also works well in a humid climate.
"Complexion make-up is paramount because if the skin doesn't look nice, the other make-ups applied afterwards, such as on eyes and lips, don't mean a thing," said Turrini. "In Thailand's hot and humid climate, we can still work on achieving a smooth and radiant complexion with Inglot primer, concealer, foundation and powder."
Staying power and water resistance of make-up products are achieved by a drop of Duraline, Inglot's iconic waterless clear liquid that also intensifies colour.
The science of beauty extends to the nails. Inglot's late founder formulated the revolutionary O2M Breathable Nail Enamel as a healthy alternative to conventional formulae that block oxygen and moisture to the nails.
His scientific legacy is reflected in the test-tube-like packaging for Sleeks Lip Gloss, whose treated pigments provide the colour pay-off.
"After matte lips ruling for several seasons, glossy lips will make a comeback next year. Though it's not only about the shine but also intense colour from the pigmentation," Turrini said.
