Women's Day Today: Hollywood beauty brand honors 15 Filipinas as 2011 Women of Essence

In celebration of Women’s month, Victoria Jackson Cosmetics, an iconic Hollywood brand, will award fifteen exceptional Filipinas from the government, NGO, fashion and entertainment as this year’s Women of Essence. This year’s awardees were voted not just for their exceptional beauty, but also their continuing work as advocates for change in the Philippines.

John Rankins, Managing Director of Optimo International Group, Inc and Granton Marketing, the exclusive distributor of the Victoria Jackson brand in the Philippines, says that the award is the first ever in the country. Awarding ceremonies will be held on March 25, 2011 at the posh Opus Lounge at ResortsWorld Manila.

“More than a 100 Filipinas were reviewed for the award”, says Sheilla Habab, PR manager of Victoria Jackson in the Philippines, “but only fifteen remained after the rigorous selection process undertaken by Optimo International”

Habab says the process was essential to determine who among the current crop of beautiful Filipinas would really exude the kind of beauty, Victoria Jackson cosmetics is known for throughout the world.

For over thirty years, Victoria Jackson cosmetics have been in the forefront of women empowerment. Fifty-four year old Victoria Jackson, who founded the cosmetics company, is a philanthropist and an active promoter of womens’ and children’s causes throughout the world.

Victoria Jackson is an acclaimed Hollywood makeup artist who is famous for her “no makeup” style. For many years, Victoria Jackson’s clients included Hollywood A-listers such as Cameron Diaz, Angelina Jolie, Demi Moore, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton and even Madonna.

Since its initial launch in 1989, Victoria Jackson Cosmetics has conquered the beautyscape with its “no makeup, makeup” product line. The company which bears her name started small. After a week, Victoria Jackson sold more than 10,000 beauty kits and over US$ 1 million in revenues. In 1992, Victoria Jackson grossed over US$ 40 million in sales. Since its debut, Victoria Jackson cosmetics earned more than US$ 200 million in sales through its aggressive marketing strategy.

Today, Victoria Jackson is now one of the fastest selling cosmetics brand in the world. It is being distributed in the United States, Europe and other countries in Asia.

“Real beauty”, says John Rankins, “is really how women live their life. The essence of a woman so to speak, is her character, her contribution to her family and society. This is the reason why we launched this search---to pay tribute to those Filipinas who are not just beautiful—but authentic and have contributed immensely to the development of Philippine society through their work.”

John says this year’s Victoria Jackson Women of Essence exemplifies the values of its founder, who believes that women have the power to change the world.

John added that the philosophy behind the success of Victoria Jackson throughout the world is its faith in the essence of women. Victoria Jackson’s personal philosophy is “When a woman looks better, she feels better. And when she feels better, she changes her life”, adds John. “And when she changes her life, she changes the environment around her also!”

John says that they chose from more than 100 women active in the fields of journalism, government service, non-governmental organizations and entertainment. Profiles of those chosen were then studied by a pool of numerous social influencers. After a series of reviews, fifteen were chosen and voted for to receive this year’s award.

Winners of the Victoria Jackson Women of Essence will each receive a special award, a citation from Victoria Jackson, and several other exciting gifts. Awarding ceremonies will be covered by several media outlets, which includes television and beamed throughout the world using the Internet.