There’s this understated elegance that’s synonymous with French style—nothing loud, nothing overdone, just a subtle, refined charm. It’s the same sensibility that defines Sisley Paris and the way it approaches beauty: thoughtful, effortless, and rooted in care. Built on decades of botanical innovation, this philosophy comes to life through the artistry of Sisley International Makeup Artist Alexandre Colaianni, whose work has graced faces from everyday women to icons like Natalie Portman, Monica Bellucci, and Juliette Binoche.
Meeting Filipinas in a climate where humidity rules—and where glow can turn to shine in minutes—Colaianni comes back to one simple truth: lasting beauty starts with well-prepared skin, not more makeup. In this chat with The Beauty Edit, he shares the rituals, textures, and plant-powered formulas behind Sisley’s brand of easy elegance, and why it works just as beautifully in the tropics.
Answers have been edited for brevity and clarity.
The Beauty Edit: Sisley is known for its focus on innovation. How does that translate into makeup that performs better in hot, humid climates like the Philippines?
Alexandre Colaianni: I’ve lived and worked in tropical countries, including two years in Hong Kong, so I know these climates very well. The skin behaves very differently depending on climate—dry in cold regions, more oily in hot and humid ones.
In tropical countries like the Philippines, oil production increases naturally, which affects how makeup wears. That’s why cleansing is key. A proper cleansing routine makes a huge difference in makeup longevity.
When we talk about cleansing, it’s not just lotion. It includes cleansing masks and exfoliants. For example, Sisley’s Purifying (Tropical) Mask helps reduce excess oil, which immediately improves how foundation wears and lasts. Cleansing also purifies pores and reduces imperfections, so you don’t need to use much coverage. And of course, exfoliation removes dead skin cells, so foundation applies more softly and evenly.
At Sisley, beauty is always about skincare and makeup together. The priority is improving skin quality so makeup naturally looks better.
For those who are new or unfamiliar with Sisley’s plant-powered or “phyto-cosmetic” approach, how do botanicals help improve the way makeup sits and wears on the skin?
Skin has a natural mechanism—it produces oil, but it also needs water. Balance is essential. That’s why skin diagnosis is important, both for skincare and foundation choice. Plants help regulate this balance. Sisley has been working with plant-based technology since the 1970s, and we have one of the largest collections of botanical ingredients with very high concentrations. That depth of research is also why the products are more premium.
Plants work well with the skin because they are part of our origin. Life itself began with plants. Our biology—including our cells and mitochondria—is deeply connected to them. That’s why plant-based ingredients are some of the best for skin health and long-term beauty.
Filipino makeup needs are very unique—humidity is really our number one enemy. How does Sisley adapt to that?
If we’re talking about makeup, Sisley does have solutions adapted for tropical countries. One key product is the Phyto-Blanc Cushion Foundation. It’s designed for hot, humid climates, with a very high SPF 50 and a formula rich in natural ingredients. The texture is hydrating—not drying—and gives a soft, slightly glowy finish while staying comfortable on the skin. It allows you to look radiant and beautiful while still offering very strong sun protection.
In your experience working with Asian skin tones, what’s a makeup challenge that you constantly encounter?
In Asia, when I meet women face to face, the most common concern is learning techniques to look younger or more lifted. Many ask how to subtly shape the face—not dramatically, but in a way that feels natural. This idea of “lifting makeup” is very popular. It’s less about heavy contouring and more about enhancing structure in a soft, flattering way.
At Sisley, we focus on teaching natural contouring—makeup that works for everyday life, not for shows or runway looks. I like to spend time teaching women how to feel more confident while still looking natural. That balance is very important.
Skin prep plays such a big role in a great makeup look. What kind of routine would you recommend for Filipinas?
I always come back to cleansing. When skin quality improves, some women don’t even need foundation. That’s why Sisley offers a tinted moisturizer—the Phyto Hydra Teint. It’s not a BB or CC cream, but true skincare with tint. The texture is fresh and lightweight, not oily. It hydrates with white lily, energizes the skin with fruit extracts, and includes ingredients like grapefruit, kiwi, buckwheat seed, and vitamin E to support the skin’s natural defenses.
With proper cleansing, skin looks healthier immediately. In tropical climates, the softer the foundation texture, the better—but it only works if the skin is well-cleansed.
What are your tips when it comes to shade and glow for morena complexions?
We love natural beauty. Beauty ideals vary by culture—some countries prefer lighter skin. But in Southeast Asia, many women are no longer trying to look whiter. And honestly, white skin only looks perfect if the skin itself is perfect, which is rare.
The priority is comfort and freshness, regardless of skin tone. I personally love tan and dark skin—it’s beautiful. Why change your natural tone?
Women usually want to look fresh and energized, not lighter. In everyday life—work, meetings, seeing friends—you don’t want to look tired. That’s the goal of Sisley: helping women feel good in their skin through skincare and makeup working together.
What’s an underrated Sisley product or routine you wish more women, especially Filipinas, would discover?
Again, I have to say, cleansing. Many women everywhere are very busy—work, family, children—and don’t always have time for long routines.
That’s why I recommend easy solutions: The Gel Exfoliant is simple to use in the shower. The Enzyme Exfoliating Mask—just one minute, very gentle. And of course, the Cleansing Mask. Just 10 minutes in the evening, even after the kids go to sleep.
These small moments of care make a big difference. Taking time for yourself, even briefly, is essential for beautiful skin.
The Sisley Edit
Discover Sisley International Makeup Artist Alexandre Colaianni’s go-to favorites, including his top picks for holiday-ready makeup. One standout is the newly launched Sisley Phyto-Rouge Velvet—a modern matte lipstick that delivers rich, luminous color with a creamy glide and up to eight hours of comfortable wear. Finished in a striking matte-gold case with black zebra accents (a stunning gift for any beauty lover), it perfectly captures Sisley’s signature balance of bold design and luxe performance.
Sisley Phyto-Blanc L’Exfoliant Brightening Buff & Wash
P8,500, Rustan’s
Sisley Exfoliating Enzyme Mask
P7,400, Rustan’s
Sisley All Day All Year
P24,000, Rustan’s
Sisley Phyto-Teint Perfection
P5,900, Rustan’s
Sisley Phyto Hydra Teint
P6,900, Rustan’s
Sisley Phyto Rouge Velvet in Orange Fawn
P3,400, Rustan’s
