Belle Mariano on confidence, self-acceptance, and owning who you are
Confidence and self-acceptance shape how a person carries themselves. Belle Mariano speaks about embracing who you are as the foundation of beauty, a belief that has guided her through the years.
“Confidence really is how you perceive yourself. It’s self-acceptance and how you carry yourself, and I do believe that this product will help us achieve that,” Belle told Manila Standard Life during the launch of Talee, the cosmetic brand she created with her sister Daniela.
The inspiration for Talee comes from their youngest sister, Natalia. The sisters wanted a brand that reflects their close bond and the idea that makeup should empower users to express themselves freely.
“Makeup is a way for you to just make yourself feel like you’re totally you,” Belle said.
Talee’s first offerings include a lip glaze and a cheek-and-lip tint, crafted with buildable formulas that allow for subtle, everyday looks or bold, glamorous finishes. Carefully curated in five shades, it caters to a variety of skin tones, while the lightweight, hydrating formulas allow for flexible application.
“We made sure that if you want to go for a more muted or subtle look, it’s possible. But if you want it bolder and brighter, it can do that too,” Daniela explained.
The Mariano sisters also focused on the skincare benefits of their line. The lip glaze, for instance, is infused with grape seed extract, sunflower oil, vitamin A, and collagen, ensuring long-lasting color without the dryness typical of tints. Belle shared that she has used Talee products for red-carpet appearances and content shoots, proving that the items hold up even under stage lights and sweat.
Belle and Daniela also emphasized that the creation of Talee was a hands-on, meticulous process. From testing formulas with makeup artist Jake Galvez to hand-picking shades, they were involved in every detail to ensure the products are inclusive, buildable, and hydrating.
“It took a long time to formulate the shades because we wanted it to work for everyone,” Daniela said.
The sisters also highlighted the versatility and convenience of their line. Each compact is portable and multi-use, suitable as a lip color, cheek tint, or eyeshadow.
“We want you to see it as your sister that’s always there for you. And it really has a really good backstory because it was created by Daniela and me,” Belle shared.
For them, Talee is a brand that aims to help its users feel confident, embrace their individuality, and express themselves fully.
“We wanted to create something that’s flexible, convenient, and inclusive. It’s makeup that’s truly ‘Totally You,’” Daniela stated.
Talee products are available on Shopee, Lazada, TikTok Shop, and the brand’s official website.
