An Exclusive Q&A with Marie Claire Philippines
When it comes to breaking into the competitive US beauty market, Nina Lato (formerly Nina Vargas) is the woman brands turn to. Known for her razor-sharp strategies and unapologetic authenticity, Nina is a branding powerhouse whoâs built a name helping beauty brands from across the globe find their footingâand flourishâstateside. In this exclusive interview, Nina shares her insights on success, self-care, and why first impressions, whether with your brand or your skincare, always matter.
MC: Nina, youâve worked with some incredible beauty brands. Whatâs the secret to cracking the US market?
Nina: Authenticity. The US market is saturated with beauty products, but consumers here have evolvedâtheyâre savvy and can spot gimmicks from a mile away. Itâs all about storytelling that feels real. A product might look great in packaging, but if it doesnât connect emotionally or deliver on its promise, itâs game over. You have to know your audience and tailor your message, all while staying true to your brandâs identity.
MC: Letâs talk about first impressions. Youâre known for your effortless style, but is it really effortless?
Nina: (Laughs) I wonât lieâI donât always dress up. My team has seen me in everything from power suits to sweatpants. But I do clean up when it counts! Branding is all about making the right impression at the right time, and the same goes for personal presentation. You donât need to be flawless 24/7, but when you show upâwhether itâs for a pitch or a red carpetâyou better show up.
MC: Your skin always looks amazing. Any skincare secrets?
Nina: First, thank you! Second, itâs all about knowing your skin. Makeup can only do so much, and trust me, it will betray you if your base isnât taken care of. Invest in good skincare. Hydrate. Protect with SPF. And donât skimp on quality. The same way I approach brandingâauthentic, consistent, and intentionalâI approach my skin. Itâs the first thing people see, and itâs not going to lie about how youâre taking care of yourself.
MC: How do you balance self-care while building an empire?
Nina: Itâs not easy, but I prioritize it because Iâve learned the hard way that you canât pour from an empty cup. Some days, self-care is a 10-step skincare routine; other days, itâs making time for a quiet cup of coffee. And yes, self-care includes skincare and the occasional guilty pleasure of binge-watching a show while masking. Balance isnât about perfection; itâs about consistency.
MC: What advice would you give to beauty brands looking to stand out in 2025?
Nina: Be intentional and transparent. Consumers today value honesty over hype, so stop trying to be everything to everyone. Highlight your hero product, communicate why it works, and donât be afraid to lean into your niche. Also, remember that branding isnât just about your logo or Instagram gridâitâs about the entire experience you create for your customers.
MC: Lastly, whatâs one piece of beauty advice you live by?
Nina: Always match your foundation to your skin toneâliterally and metaphorically. Whether itâs your makeup or your brand, trying to be something youâre not will never work. Authenticity wins every time.
Nina Lato may not always dress up, but she sure knows how to show up, and her work proves it. With her unparalleled expertise in branding and her unapologetic approach to self-care and success, sheâs shaping not just beauty brands but the entire landscape of marketing. As Nina reminds us, itâs not just about looking goodâitâs about being true to who you are and leaving an impression that lasts.
For more on Ninaâs work and her skincare faves, follow her journey through @ninabvargas or visit her site: www.ninalato.com
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