MANILA, Philippines?Whenever I travelled, the biggest load in my luggage used to be cosmetics and toiletries. My makeup, though, cost me several back problems.

But the ultimate clutter and weight saver for my last trip was the Mary Kay Compact, a new accessory so helpful yet so simple, I wonder why no other brand has thought about it.

It?s an elegant lacquered scratch-resistant gadget in black. It is magnetized so no more poking the bottom of a product with a pin to detach and transfer to the compact.

With other brands, either the glue of the metal pan is too strong that it would not budge or too weak that the makeup falls and shatters to pieces.

This time you can replace your Mary Kay color and product at whim and it fits in your bag?s cell phone compartment. There is also a magnetized dent for the MK lipsticks so you do not have to cut it up and squish it into a palette, which I always refused to do as I see it as ruining a perfect tube of lipstick.

MK has also switched to mineral formulation, so the makeup is beneficial to your skin.

My favorites are three shades of neutral eye shadow. I also like the Pink Petals (beige pink) blush, Miniature Applicators and Shell (nude beige pink) creme lipstick, which I sometimes switch with MK?s Red lipstick, a true deep red without orange, pink, purple or brown undertones.

Note: The miniatures are not as good as my full-size brushes so I will put either MK pressed powder or powder foundation in that spot and carry my applicators, pencils and mascara in a pencil case or ziplock.

If that?s not enough space for you, inquire about the bigger Compact Pro.

Call 8956211 or log on to www.marykay.com.ph.

Recommended makeup

Perhaps the most recommended makeup among dermatologists and plastic surgeons is Jane Iredale, the pioneer of the mineral makeup craze.

Iredale created mineral makeup so women who had just come from surgery, a facial or a microdermabrasion treatment could go out to the world not only looking beautiful but also covered with a treatment that soothes blemished, irritated and scarred skin.

The newest star is the Dream Tint Moisturizer SPF 15, an oil-free, lightweight, anti-aging sunblock moisturizer that is also a great foundation primer. It contains sea lipids from brown, green and red algae that prevents water loss and improves skin elasticity.

JI?s famous Amazing Base loose mineral powder foundation has SPF 20 and can cover red acne marks or birthmarks completely while perfectly blending with skin to look and feel invisible.

JI also has an extensive shade of eye, lip and cheek colors. Since the products are talc-free and made from the highest-quality mineral ingredients, the price is a bit steep but the quality in terms of how it glides and gives your skin that flawless look makes it all worthwhile.

Available at Belo Clinics in Alabang, Tomas Morato and Greenhills; Sonya?s Garden Tagaytay; and Renergy Dermspa in Bonifacio High Street.

Jane Iredale?s main boutique is at True Scents and Minerals, Arcade 6, Renaissance Hotel Makati. Call 7119134. Check out www.janeiredale.com.

Warning: Color swatches are not accurate so it?s better to see products in person.

Oily skin

This last product may not be mineral but it is the best so far in keeping very oily skin look pristine.

Both Lancome Maquicake Powder foundation and Maquibase oil control primer with SPF 25 camouflage big pores and keep facial oil at bay.

The Maquibase goes before foundation or can be used alone just topped with powder if your skin is in great shape.

The effect is radiant even on toned dewy skin without the shine. Top with an oil-control powder for double reinforcement.

The Maquicake powder is my secret for pictorials so the flash does not bounce off my T-zone. It does a great job covering up my post-pimple marks.

Note: The shades tend to run very light. I?m thinking Kris Aquino is probably a 30 in a range of six shades from 10 to 60.

E-mail kinnysalas@yahoo.com