Let me assure you that one doesn't lose one's vanity with age. On the contrary. Age makes some of us even more vain. Vanity is little more than self respect after all. It is true that I am not vain enough to give up half the food and drink I consume. But then should one give up all life's pleasures willy nilly? However we do have a duty to look after what remains of our looks and make the best of ourselves, no matter our age,  until we become compost. In today's world where so much is on offer in the world of beauty excuses for looking like something the cat has picked up in the dustbin are totally unexceptable. So much is available when it comes to clothes, hair, makeup. And I have to say that, generally, Maltese women do take care of themselves. Nowadays there is science behind the products launched. The research and development departments of the famous brands only launch after many trials and tests so this makes products safe and effective.

And now, there is new make-up on the market to help us with our looks.

I attended the launch of M.A.C makeup a couple of weeks ago which was held at Tigné Street in Sliema. It was an excellent launch teeming with mostly nubile men and women all looking dazzling. I was introduced to Michele Mangani, M.A.C's Senior Artist. He has written articles in leading magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, Grazia, Elle and so many more. He has also appeared many times on various TV stations and has made up some of the most famous names on the planet including the Missioni, Cavalli, Stephanel, Benetton, Bulgari and Trussardi families. He is also key make-up artist for Milan Fashion Week, South Africa Fashion Week, Paris Haute Couture and so, so many designers and stars. He was rattling the names off with great enthusiasm and I really cannot remember them all.  But one of them I do remember simply because I like opera. He is also make-up designer for the Arena di Verona Opera Festival. I wonder he has any time left to sleep. But it is wonderful to see someone so keen on what he is doing. Judging from those he made up that evening, he is truly a master.

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M.A.C stands for Make-up Art Cosmetics and is a leading brand of professional cosmetics. It was created in Toronto in 1984 and is part of the Estée Lauder Companies. The company's popularity has grown through a tradition of word-of-mouth endorsement from make-up artists, models, photographers and journalists around the world. M.A.C is now sold in 106 countries and territories worldwide. During the last financial year alone, one point of sale per month was opened. So, at last, it has come to Malta too.

The philosophy of M.A.C Cosmetics stems from the company's commitment to provide professional quality cosmetics with a gamut of colours, shades and textures. This was so obvious when looking at the well-displayed collection all round me. The company's motto - All Ages, All Races, All Sexes - reflects the brand's very special appreciation of individuality, artistry and unrestrained self-expression. So those of a certain age will definitely find what suits them there. I must say, looking round the excellent selection and all beautifully displayed I was impressed. Michele explained: "POP culture is a crucial element in M.A.C Cosmetics' DNA. The brand has always collaborated with innovators, trend-setters, and music, fashion and art icons to create unique make-up collections. For more than 20 years, M.A.C. Cosmetics has been involved backstage at runway shows that play a critical role in the development process of the M.A.C product as well as in the creation of new trends."

I was also glad to hear that this company takes its social responsibilities seriously. The Viva Glam programme supports the M.A.C. AIDS Fund to help fight AIDS. To date it has raised over $385 Million (U.S.) exclusively through the sale of M.A.C. Viva Glam lipstick and lipgloss donating 100 percent of the sale price to fight HIV/AIDS.

The team is engaged in developing new products, colours and techniques. They are the heart and soul of M.A.C.'s culture. At fashion shows they work alongside internationally known designers to create new make-up trends. The brand's launch in Malta follows an agreement with United Department Stores Limited, a subsidiary of United Group of Companies.

Simon Gatt Baldacchino , Managing Director of United Department Stores Limited told me: "As the retail market in Malta continues to grow and evolve, our Group is well placed to follow up on new opportunities in the sector. We see further value in the consumer market as consumers become more cosmopolitan in their lifestyle and preferences and demand the best quality. There is therefore a clear space for brands such as M.A.C in our market and we are fully confident that this long-awaited brand, and it's exciting collections, will be enthusiastically welcomed here."

The other M.A.C store is locatd at Debenhams at the Point Shopping Mall.

This was also an occasion to catch up with old friends and acquaintances above all Simon's mother Carmen who is such a lovely lady and we share a love for music but rarely have time to stop and chat at the theatre. The other is the lovely Valentina Lupo, one of my most talented photographers/stylists when I was editing First. She is multi-talented and is now something high up in the Restoration Department. A truly well-organised launch. The ladies were presented with a M.A.C. lipstick which I have not yet had the opportunity to try out but it looks quite delicious!