My High Pasyon Day with Miss Jen Delica

There is a famous saying that “You are good as your last work/deal/job/success and the list of nouns go on. Part of the process of getting ahead of your game is through continuous learning which comes in many forms. For me, its through the classes. forums, OJT training, apprenticing with a mentor or whatever the case may be and I was able to secure a slot with one of my highly respected teachers Jen Delica of Proface Palettes and Pigments for a High Fashion Editorial class. The photo of Miss Teresa Herrera was our inspiration for an editorial peg. Miss Delica worked on this May 2011 Rogue cover.

It is a rare opportunity to obtain a slot with her due to her numerous commitments both here and abroad for her highly prized skills in the beauty and fashion industry. The bulk of her work is seen on many TV commercials, videos and documentaries like Discovery Channel (and did I mention, she worked on the Bourne Legacy movie set filmed here a few years ago?) to name a few. I can’t even begin to describe how great this woman is, and may I add very humble and respectful too. Rare qualities you find in a celebrity-kind-of- way-makeup artist you see nowadays whose egos are so inflated as their ginormous makeup trolley. She was my teacher a year ago when I took up a High Definition class with her. Her vast wealth of knowledge, technical artistry and experience is what takes your ego down a peg or two to as she has turned my perception of makeup artistry upside down.

I am not going to reveal the details of the class, as I highly recommend you or the makeup artist reading this, to simply take her class and see for herself what I mean by turning your perception of makeup application upside down. This class is not for beginners as one is expected to have a basic understanding of color theory and makeup application under her belt. This class is meant to teach you how to improve your skills and learn her technique of makeup application. She begins by asking you questions about what it is you want to learn and improve on and you bring photos of the looks you want to recreate and then proceed from there. In a nutshell, you go out of this class armed with the understanding that makeup application is not about slap dashing makeup colours on the face but rather an intelligent capability that it is a technical skill that one has to master. It’s all about the face and seeing how you can be an expert in disguising and creating that perfect illusion that is beauty in the eye of the beholder.

I showed her a couple of my editorial projects, which she critiqued and mentioned there is room for improvement pa rin. In gay lingo, konting keribels pa. Of course she meant it in a good way!

Lesson of the day: Easy Smoky Look

In all photos except the last one, the left side of her face was done by Miss Delica while the right side was done my me.

P1080524 — Would you believe, model’s name is also Jen?

Lesson 2: Smoky Look with a Feline Flick

(term borrowed from Charlotte Tillbury another makeup artist whose work I admire)

Lesson 3 High Fashion Smoky Look

Lesson 4 My version of a Smoky Eye with a Nude Lip

Products Used

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February 26, 2014

Beauty Behind the Scenes Uncategorized

Pretty in Prom: Look of the Day (Tutorial)

Prom season is upon so many young ladies this month and I thought of creating some looks for inspiration . I decided to go for a wearable smoky look with a light pink lip for those who want a well dressed appeal but without going overboard. It can be adapted to suit a day look as well by toning it down like removing the false lashes and switching from a black eyeliner to a brown one. I kept in mind also the sweat proof factor of this look by using waterproof products that will carry you until the evening. Hope you like it and give me your thoughts on what looks you’d like to see for your prom.

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February 18, 2014

Beauty Behind the Scenes

Is Ponds Cold Cream all that great? {Product Feature}

“If it aint broke, don’t fix it.” a common sentiment that is expressed when a system or method works well, there is no reason to change it. In this beauty case, I am referring to a tried and tested beauty product called Ponds Cold Cream. Yes the one that our grandmothers and mothers used and continually use to keep their skin supple, smooth and glowing. A recent testimonial by the pint size singer from Australia, Kylie Minogue declared that her beauty secret for keeping her dewy glowing skin is this time tested product. She also mentioned that she preferred to age gracefully as she was not too happy with Botox injections she previously had. The Ponds company welcomed this unabashed declaration and testimonial, as sales of this wonder cream soared 120% in the UK after this statement.

Kylie Minogue, says her enviable wrinkle-free skin is down to using Pond's Cold Cream Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1281176/Kylie-Minogue-Ponds-Cold-Cream-keeps-popstar-young.html#ixzz2rhX3hikx Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook — Kylie Minogue, says her enviable wrinkle-free skin is down to using Pond’s Cold Cream
(Source)

With the advances in technology, and better research and development, beauty products nowadays have come a long way in terms of advertising and promotion, ease of use, its ability to improve our skin and delay the ageing process and many other reasons to keep the consumer seeking instant gratification for the fountain of youth. Admitedly, I have used many other cleansers and moisturisers aside from Pond’s cold cream and my personal makeup remover is Lancome Bi-facil. But from time to time, I revert back to the tried and tested products and my only complaint is that the tub being sold here in Manila is too small and can be consumed in such a short period of time, you end up using it less than a month. Whereas the ones sold in bottles or with dispenser sprays tend to last you longer.

I am asked from time to time as to what is the best cleanser or makeup remover there is. The answer to that is always what works for your skin type will always be the best anything on your face. Personally, Ponds cold cream was my go to makeup remover since I was old enough to wear makeup. I remember that distinct smell which reminds you of hugging your grandmother or mom to kiss her goodnight. I have an aunt in her early 60’s who religiously uses this product as a moisturiser and cleanser and does not use soap and water to take care of her skin. She looks amazing. Is Ponds’ cold cream really all that great? Is there something you should know about Ponds before giving up on high priced cleansers? Let’s find out why this is still a cult favourite.

Why is Cream Cold?

The selling point of this cream is that it is a cleanser, makeup remover and moisturiser in one. The cooling sensation one feels when this cream is applied to the face is the evaporation of the water content off the skin. The first cold cream manufactured contained almond or olive oil, beeswax and water which did not have a long shelf life and spoiled easily. Through the years, Mineral oil was introduced to replace the olive or almond oil to make the cream more stable and long lasting. The other ingredients are to make the cream emollient. (source: Futurederm.com)

Ingredients

Mineral oil and beeswax. What’s there to be scared of? Mineral oil acts like a humectant by trapping water and moisture into the skin to make it supple while beeswax is a natural ingredient found in lip balms and other cosmetic products. Mineral oil is a derivative of petroleum jelly which is the main ingredient in Vaseline which is also a product that we use liberally on anything from mosquito bites to makeup remover to keeping our skin soft.

Who should use it?

People with dry skin should benefit from this cream as this will address the flakiness and rough patches on the skin. I would recommend using this for traveling specially to countries with cold to extreme temperatures because of the thick emollient consistency. In humid climates like ours, it can still be used, some women apply this on the face and wash their faces with warm water to remove any residue. You may also use this as a shaving cream. It won’t dry your skin like soap does.

Verdict

Ponds cold cream can stand on its own merits despite the proliferation of these expensive makeup removers slash moisturizers. It withstood the test of time and will continue to evolve to suit the changing demands of the coming generation. I asked my dermatologist once what items should I spend on and those that I can save on? Her simplified reply was, whatever that will be washed away with water should be those that we can save on, like soap and cleansers and whatever the skin needs to absorb like moisturizers, serums and creams can be splurged on. However its all a matter of preference. What I hope will not change is its simplicity and understated appeal.

Is Ponds still your makeup remover of choice? Why or why not?

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February 11, 2014

Beauty Behind the Scenes

Regal Beauty Advice from Amparito Lhullier {Client Feature}

The beauty of working as a freelance makeup artist, is tying up with a salon from time to time. It is another venue to hone your skills and get a first hand experience of working with real women with real beauty issues or needs. Guess who happened to drop by at Elevation Salon,? Regal beauty herself, Mrs. Amparito Lhuillier! She walked into the salon a little past her appointment and reasoned the Manila traffic was to blame for her tardiness. She just came from her homecoming at St. Scholastica College in Manila.

While waiting for her to arrive , I immediately went to the internet to do some research about her and found photos of herself in many glossies with her trademark look of dark smoky eyes with a red lip, and I was thinking immediately a la Paloma Picasso. Only a few women can rock this look and being of Spanish lineage, it really is fitting although it may sound like a cliche look for most women of the same heritage. Pressure is on when you’re doing someone famous!

In terms of the look, I thought of doing something else for her but something in me decided to stick to her signature look. I will not reveal her age, but she does have a figure and stature of a model still in her prime. Defying gravity you say? (Did I mention she is also a Facial Care Center spokesperson? Beauty Secret #1 revealed. )

Armed with her little baon of beauty staples with her, I was surprised that she carries with her a handful of laminated photos of the hairstyles and makeup looks that suit or she thinks will complement her. This is a woman who knows what she wants! Due to her numerous social engagements, she has perfected her beauty routine to a T and mentioned that she has a lady that does her hair and makeup in Cebu that knows her face like the back of her hand and has been at it for many years now. On top of that this lady does her hair and nails, too, and Mrs. Lhuillier excitedly narrates that she does supply her with all the beauty things she needs whenever she goes abroad to keep her abreast of what’s new.

“Flaunt your assets but hide your flaws”

With Thomas Ellsworth Senior Hair stylist at Elevation Salon

I was overwhelmed by her beauty. the hour actually felt like a blur, but she gave me the most wonderful advice:

“Flaunt your assets and hide your flaws”.

I just had to ask her about her famous daughter, Monique Lhuillier, the famous bridal designer who is making her mark in the global bridal fashion industry. Mrs. Lhuillier (being a proud parent) casually mentioned that she gave her daughter a small loan to start her business not thinking how it will succeed. She even told me that in the early years, she would go help her daughter during her trunk shows at Bergdorf Goodman and Lord and Taylor by steaming and packing the gowns and dresses and helping her sort out her orders in her high heels and cocktail dress.

Now that is what I call effective marketing — two chic sophisticated ladies selling bridal gowns!

And, of course, the rest is history. Now she says she can’t even afford the dresses that her daughter makes when asked if she always gets to wear her daughter’s own creations. Being the greatest supporter of Cebu fashion, she also proudly wears the creations of Jun Escario and Phillip Rodriguez alongside her internationally branded couture ensembles.

Spending an afternoon with her was like chatting with an old friend who you have not seen for years. She does get animated and her face lights up when you bring out the topic of philanthropy (which her event that night was all about). She does not have any airs around her, and spoke to everyone at the salon. She treated the staff with humor and grace. She also mentioned that she is planning to join a fashion show next month in Manila and the designer asked her to model and proceeds will go to a charity organisation that she supports. How cool is that? She made us laugh with her humor, and gave us a glimpse of her fabulous life which will always be fascinating to anyone.

Thank you Elevation Salon and Mrs. Lhuillier for a well spent afternoon.

And now, here is my breakdown of her makeup look. I was amazed at how she also combines low end and high end cosmetics when she showed me her lipstick arsenal. She actually uses Fashion 21 Cosmetics in Red Sea as her signature red lip. Mixed with that, she also discovered the color of the season, orange, which she perfectly mixed with her red one. She finally decided on MAC Dubonnet for this particular look. Check out the print of her blouse. She really doesn’t leave home without her red lipstick — or two.

Face:

Makeup Forever HD Primer in Neutral

Makeup Forever HD Foundation in shade 120

Makeup Forever Panstick in shade 7W to contour her face

Makeup Forever Sculpting Kit 1

Ben Nye Banana Powder

Eyes:

Makeup Forever Lift Concealer #3

MAC Eye Prep and Prime in Medium

MAC Lingering Eye Pencil

Christian Brow Powder in Brown

Benefit Brow Zing Powder in Medium

Chanel Illusion D’ Ombre in Mirifique all over eyelid stopping below the crease

Chanel Ilusion D Ombre in Illusoire to blend on the crease

Ben Nye Espresso eye shadow to soften the crease

Lorea”l Voluminous Mascara in Black/brown

MAC Eye Kohl pencil in Smolder on the waterline and lashline

MAC Blacktrack on lashline

Makeup Forever eyeliner no 21L

Ben Nye Black and Espresso eye shadow to intensify and blend on the eyelid and outer V of the eye.

Lips:

Fashion 21 Red Sea

Mac Dubonnet

Makeup Forever Products are available at SM Aura and Megamall, Christian Brow Powder is available at Beauty Bar, Ben Nye Essential Eye and Rouge Palette and Banana Powder are available at MakeUp Pro and Pure Beauty and Digital Traincase

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February 11, 2014

Behind the Scenes Bridal

Behind the Veil: Interview with Bride Patricia Ocampo-Gonzales

January 2014 launched me right into the bridal scene with the joyous celebration of the marriage of Patricia Ocampo and Antonio Gonzalez last January 3rd, at St. Benedict Church in Silang Cavite. Patricia is the daughter of Larry and Roselen Ocampo who was instrumental in linking us together. (Thanks, Roselen!) Her mom is the showroom director at Kenneth Cobonpue. This is her brief interview with me.

1551753_614242455307968_614465284_n — Photo from Jorem and Sheila Catilo Photography

1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?

“I currently manage a Center that provides Applied Behavior Analysis services to children with developmental disabilities. During my free time I love to read, and write. I also do yoga to stay fit and sane. On weekends, my now-husband and I like to do apostolic work with the Church.”

2. How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me?

“I found out about you and what you do through my mom who had worked with her and liked her style. You were the first make up artist I did a trial with for my wedding and I chose you right away, not just because you are talented but because you aren’t one of those high-maintenance make-up artists that clients feel they need to please. You are a humble and warm woman who makes one not just feel beautiful but very at ease. You also had a great partner as a hairstylist!”

3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day?

“I have no regrets in choosing you as my make up artist because you were able to realize my vision of a vintage inspired/day time smokey eyed bride for my special day. I got plenty of compliments for my make-up, which also looked great in the photos and in the video. I was very happy with your work!”

4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding that you love? Could you share that photo with us?“We don’t have the complete set of photos yet, but please feel free to choose whatever you want to use from the Jorem and Sheila Catilo page. My special memory is probably not unique, but it was the moment right when the doors of the Church opened for me to do my bridal march. I remember seeing my fiancé across the aisle in tears (just as I had hoped), and I was surprised to find myself in tears as well. Tears of joy of course! ” (Photo from Jorem and Sheila Catilo Photography)

Thanks for sharing your insights with me, Patricia! All the best to you and your man!

As a parent and a mother, my day will come when it will be my turn to share my daughter with her special someone and I can only hope that she will be as grounded as Patricia who immediately knew what her priorities are. She found a partner who contemplated and entered the priesthood but the vocation wasn’t meant to be. Click here for the full story.

Another good sign that her partner was really a God given choice for her. Talk about God working in his mysterious ways. Her choice of work and her husband to be were all a big prelude to this big special day. I also have no doubt that based on her work background, the virtue of patience culled from many hours of taking care of special children with needs, the call of motherhood will come second nature to her. I can’t wait to see the next chapter of your lives. I wish you and Antonio more blessings and joy to come.