Photography : Nice Print Photography and Exige Weddings,
Gown : Rosa Clará
1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?
I’m Pam. I currently work in one of the special agencies of the United Nations in Geneva.
I love being outdoors, doing activities like swimming, cycling, and hiking. I am also an avid cook who tries to come up with my own recipes. I love to write songs – songs of worship, of praise, and of love. During my free time, I travel and explore; discovering new things, learning new skills, tasting different food, and experiencing different cultures. I feel like the world is too big and have only seen very little.
2. How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me?
Last January 2013, Ram and I were at the PICC wedding exhibit wherein you were one of the exhibitors. You were kind, friendly, and very accommodating to us. When we looked at your portfolio, both bridal and editorial, we immediately became interested in you. What we really liked about your work is that your make-up style is so natural. It enhances, highlights, and brings out the best features of your clients.
3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day?
Ever so accommodating, you always replied promptly to our emails, giving us tips and advice about beauty and skin care regimen which we highly appreciated. You also took into consideration our preferences, our personalities, and skin types.
It has been a very pleasant experience working with you and your team for the first time during our engagement photo shoot. Not only were you at the venue well ahead of time, perfectly prepared and equipped, you were also able to envision and execute the look that we wanted for the theme that we chose. You even prepared three different face charts of what you pictured my make-up would be. Your professionalism was indeed very impressive.
You rendered the same impressive professional services to us on our wedding day, this time with a much bigger crowd as you and your team had to deal with the hair and make-up of practically the entire entourage, to everyone’s satisfaction. Needless to say, I, the bride, looked radiant and glowing on my special day. Getting your services was one of the best decisions we made.
4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding/prenup that you love? Could you share that photo with us?
It’s not easy to choose among the many beautiful shots that were taken during the engagement photo shoot and on the wedding day itself, but we think these photos stood out among the rest.
Credits: Hair: Tony Dusich, Photography : Nice Print Photography and Exige weddings, Gown : Rosa Clará
Now in my mid 40’s, I’ve taken to apply sunblock on my face due to previous sins committed in the past when I lay baking in the sun for hours with tanning oil as protection. I used to tan with Coke and Baby oil slathered together on my face and body just to get that golden look. Remember those days?
Well, 2 decades later, it’s payback time with the appearance of dark pigmentations on my left temple and cheeks and moles and freckles under my eye area. I haven’t gotten the nerve to use laser treatments yet as I have been trying medical grade creams like hydroquinone to lighten them. Unfortunately, I have decided to take charge of the condition of my skin only lately with the hope of delaying the ageing process.
Remember this Ad? Orange and Brown were the colours to aspire for
Here’s the lowdown.
Sunscreen vs. Sunblock
Sunscreens are products combining several ingredients that help prevent the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin, age it prematurely, and increase your risk of skin cancer. UVB is the chief culprit behind sunburn, while UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply, are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging, and other light-induced effects of aging (photoaging). They also exacerbate the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays, and increasingly are being seen as a cause of skin cancer on their own. Sunscreens vary in their ability to protect against UVA and UVB (Source)
Thick creamy lotions are known as sunblocks. These contain minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that physically create a barrier against both the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Sunblock is usually white, thicker and remains visible after you put it on.Sunblock is best used for anyone planning to spend hours in the sun at a time, like sports activities. Most of us don’t like the idea of being covered head to toe in what looks like white gunk, and choose sunscreen, regardless. It’s not pretty, but those are the facts. (Source)
Personally, I now use Sunblock even on my face despite the heavier consistency and blend away. This is what I use on a daily basis due to the dark pigmentation on some areas on my face.
What type of sun protection should you use?
It really depends on how much sun exposure you’re getting on a daily basis. According to my dermatologist, she said that sunscreen is enough to wear on a daily basis, while if you are going to be outdoors on a longer basis, sunblock will be the wiser choice to use due to the prolonged stay under the sun.
How much should I use?
For the face, a teaspoon full will suffice while for the body about a shot glass full or 1 oz. if you are planning to stay for a longer period of time outdoors and reapply after 2 hours. Apply on exposed parts of the face and body 30 minutes prior to sun exposure so ingredients will be fully absorbed on the skin.
Amount you need to apply sunblock to the body.
Amount to use on your face. Believe me this is enough.
What is SPF?
It simply means “Sun Protection Factor”. For example, if your unprotected skin turns red after 20 minutes under the sun, a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 means you can be exposed to the sun 15 x longer or about 2.5 hours without turning red. It is a measure of one’s sun exposure using the product versus one going out with bare skin. I think one is safer to use protection that has an SPF of 30 which according to studies blocks out 97% of the harmful rays while that of an SPF with 45 blocks out 98% of the harmful rays. This also goes without saying that depending on where you live, the strength of the sun’s rays and time of day you are exposed, it is imperative that you choose your sunblock protection appropriate to these conditions. (Source:)
What about a higher SPF like 50 or 75?
It really is a marketing ploy more than anything according to the FDA. A higher SPF does not increase your sun protection. Unfortunately, we buy the highest SPF possible thinking that we we are protected for a long period of time and we end up not re-applying. A lower SPF is still the best option to use which can offer the same protection.
What are the effects of SPF in Moisturizer or Makeup?
A 2001 study at Wake Forest University showed that, within two hours, liquid and cream foundations often slide around and gather in pores and wrinkles. After just a few hours in normal temperature and humidity conditions, the SPF you get from makeup can be considered ineffective by the way foundation wears off. (Source:)
Here’s my take on maximum protection strategy.
1) Cleanse the face, next apply a moisturiser with an SPF of 15. Good ones to try are Neutrogena and Olay which are easily absorbed by the skin. Choose that are labeled broad spectrum sun protection like Parsol 1789 and Mexoryl. You may use your favourite BB or CC cream and stop here or if you want a medium coverage, proceed to step 2. I use Lorea’l Garnier BB cream on occasions I don’t want full coverage. Judy of itsjudytime does a good review on this which got me sold on Garnier more than Maybelline.
My BB cream of choice. Light-Medium is my shade. Not too white or chalky.
2) Once absorbed, apply your foundation with an SPF of at least 15. Apply powder. While powder does not have an SPF, it contains zinc oxide a mineral that that acts as a barrier to sun damage. Nice product to try is Bare Mineral powder foundation.
3) If you are allergic to Parsol or Mexoryl, you may use a stronger sunblock one with titanium dioxide as they are not absorbed by the skin, they sit on the surface of the face and reflect sun damage away due to their thick consistency. One caveat is that a whitish cast on your face is seen when you are photographed with flash. I choose sunscreen instead if I need sun protection.
Even Jessica Alba is not spared with the white glow
If these steps are too much for you, opt for a powder foundation with SPF instead. Remember that in order to maximize sun protection, make sure you use a sunscreen option, whether it’s a moisturizer, makeup, powder, or all three.
Prepped skin with moisturiser, eye cream and sunblockUsed Lorea’l Garnier BB cream in Light-Medium and added eye shadow, little bronzer and some light lipstick.
Stay safe and love the skin you’re born with by protecting it. Happy Summer!
Serendipity had occurred to me in so many instances of my life and professionally speaking, a lot of good things happen by chance when you least expect it. I have been fortunate so far with my work but then again I look forward to more good things. I would like to share with you some of the lessons I’ve come across in my profession. This is by no means in any order. Loving your craft is a metaphor for life that we should always strive to be the best that we can be no matter what the circumstances are.
1) Practice Practice Practice
In all the Cosmetic and Makeup schools that I’ve studied in, one thing cannot be stressed enough is the mantra of Practice, Practice, Practice. Primary lesson is the mastery of technique which one should master by heart and I mean skills like concealing, skin prep, color correcting, foundation matching, proper sanitation and highlighting an contouring.
When you think you have mastered it, you need to practice some more.
I have asked my teacher Jen Delica if she sometimes experiences wrong foundation matching on a client and she admitted that yes on a few occasions she admitted to this. Nevertheless, being the pro that she is, she immediately spots the error and corrects it immediately. Nice to know even the pros make mistakes sometimes. Only if you have mastered these techniques, then you can move to the creativity aspect of it. This is the foundation of a successful makeup career.
2) Get Proactive
I don’t get booked every single day. I wish my calendar was as full as the seasoned artists are but truth to tell, I also enjoy my downtime being with my family and friends and basically enjoying the other aspects of being a mother, wife and all that stuff. This also gets my creative juice flowing because sometimes you need to unwind to recharge and get inspired with your work and this puts a different perspective in your work. I get up everyday and work on my career by working on my social media presence, writing blogs, testing new products, trying out new techniques, networking just to get my name out there and improve my resume. This industry is so dynamic you really have to keep up or you stagnate.
My other teacher, Georginna Desuasido mentioned that when she was beginning her career 10-15 years ago, she actively marketed herself by sending out her portfolio and CD to many magazines, editorials, film directors just to get her name out there and hope for the best that even 1 might give her a call. Not one called and she felt devastated. Fast forward, she really did get a call soon and the rest is beauty and glamour history for her. I genuinely asked her if I was in the right career path amidst this sea of makeup artist shrooming way past me. She said that in this business, patience is really a virtue and that one has to carve her niche and really commit to it.
You can’t be a success overnight. Even if you are not get the work that you want, you have to create it and think that they need to hire you. I’m still waiting for Charlotte Tillbury to call me.
At a MUD seminar with Regina Belmonte of Philippine Star and Kris Bacani of Makeup Designory Manila
My first foray into self promotion when I used to be known as Glow. This AD came out in Wedding Essentials 2010
3) Go Professional
Show up on time or at least 1 hour before your call time. I was chastised by my teacher that “when you show up on time, that means you are late”. Show up 30 minutes to one hour before and you are really on time. As a professional, there is nothing worse than the client waiting on you because you are late for various reasons. A client can mean from the beauty editor or stylist, model or the photographer and they show up on time. If you are late, apologize once and get on with the work. Even if the others are late, make sure you arrive early and believe me, this will give you a heads up on your next booking.
Professional can also mean appropriately dressed. I’ve seen other makeup artists that come in very casual attire sometimes too casual. I’m referring to short shorts and a mini top. While this may look good, it will also reflect on the image that you want to convey as a professional artist. I have also seen some artists that wear sky high stilettos to a shoot. This can wreak havoc on your poor feet and expensive shoes specially when the shoot is outdoors in a rice field and you are in multiple location settings. Ditch your club attire and wear the comfiest of shoes and for heavens sake you are not there to compete with the model in terms of pabonggahan. Show your creative side but keep it professional by being well groomed and presentable.
Professional can also mean on how you deal with the client and the people around you. While we are surrounded by very colorful personalities in a shoot or a set, one can’t help that colorful language, colloquial terms and showbiz lingo are thrown around, it is still important to have a pleasing and courteous personality. Do not assume that when someone speaks to you in gay lingo, make sure that when you reply back, that person receiving it will also understand where you re coming from. Sometimes it comes off as trying too hard. Say “thank you” and “please,” being considerate of others and minding your manners are not old fashioned norms. I’ve heard other editors say that they have not booked a particular makeup artist because of her poor social skills and bad manners. Trust me, bad manners is always committed to the memory bank of the people concerned.
Be punctual. Allow yourself time to arrive early and set up. Wait for the client and not the other way around.
That’s me far right wearing the red sweater working on an entourage for a wedding. I always have with me a cardigan or sweater I can throw on in case temperature goes cooler.
After a successful shoot, bonding with the team.
4) Respect yourself and your craft
Never undersell or underestimate your potential. Wise words from a previous mentor.
Sad to say the industry is changing and everyone wants a piece of the proverbial beauty pie. I have come across makeup artists that undersell themselves just to get the client sometimes charging rates that are way below the industry rate. It is a dog eat dog world today. Whew!
Respecting your craft means that you have invested time: the school attended; the hours you’ve put in your work to carve a name for yourself — that involves charging rates that are appropriate for the event and the needs of the client.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve taken on jobs that don’t pay me at all but this is the choice I made in terms of getting ahead and weighing it against my portfolio or resume building. For instance I’v been volunteering my services every year for the past 2 years to East Avenue Hospital where I get to beautify patients dealing with cancer. Sometimes its really not all about the money. Cliche as it may sound, the women I get to work with are the happiest, grateful ladies I’ve put my hands on and that is worth any peso can pay me. In some cases, working on an editorial shoot will get you an “X deal” wherein credits are used instead of monetary benefits. I usually don’t turn it down if I know I can get beautiful photos for my website.
Kasuso Foundation Dec 2013Bridal shoot for a magazine. Credits were exchanged for this service instead of monetary payment
5) Have a sense of rumor… um, I meant HUMOR.
It really is just makeup. You can easily remove it just as easily as you put it on. Creativity, fun and passion go hand in hand and please do not take yourself seriously. I learned that there will always someone better than you and the biggest competitor is really yourself. Makeup = Color = Fun= Passion = Happiness. The photo below is really a good poke at our profession which just about sums up what I do. Enjoy and keep on painting.
People ask me if I had worked with celebrities as part of my job perks and highlights. Yes I have done a few and I am still working on my portfolio to say the least and besides, anyone who sits on my beauty chair will still look and feel like a celebrity. Last December, I was privileged to work with Rhea Lopez Valmadrid who was cool as a cucumber and hilarious during her special day. We shared a “personal” moment in the bathroom while she was being prepped for her second look for the reception. Good thing she showed her good humour and was classy all the way on how she handled that delicate situation. She was a celebrity on her right and I have compared her to Bea Alonso and Judy Ann Santos who by the way lost so much weight and is looking so good these days as shown in her Rite Med and Sunshine Spaghetti billboards.
Here is my celebrity inspired interview with her.
Photo from Kenneth Uy Photography
1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?
“I ‘m a Government employee, working at the Central Bank and so does my husband Ivan. Hobbies? I practice and enjoy doing Bikram yoga, but I can’t say that I am a good yogi! I still can’t do a headstand. I also enjoy watching YouTube videos, which is more interesting than watching TV because I’m a frustrated Vlogger. I always wanted to make videos about beauty products, talk about a little bit about fashion, traveling and reviews about bags/purses. I love traveling and I’m a self-proclaimed bag hag! I also love going on dates with my husband, eating out (OMG I love food!), watching movies, shopping, or just simply staying at home with Ivan watching reruns of FRIENDS or any comedy shows on TV.”
2. How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me?
“I met you at a Bridal Fair at the beginning of the year. Alam mo yung feeling na instant chemistry? I felt really nice and comfortable when I was asking about your work while browsing through your portfolio (bridal and magazine photoshoot). You spoke very well and your work looked natural, doon ako na-amaze. I know I made a good decision in booking you, and I think it’s important to work with someone you could trust.”
3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day?
” I’m just so happy and grateful! I’m so satisfied because you did a beautiful job on my wedding day and also during our prenup shoot last August 2013 in Ilocos Norte.” We communicated through email about the pegs that I wanted for my Prenup and Wedding day , and it’s so nice that you sent me reminders on what to do or how to prep my skin a few months before the wedding. You’re like my beauty guru! Your team did amazing work, I felt like a princess (haha!). You are so professional and so fun to work with. The makeup and tools that you used were all high-quality and top makeup brands talaga! I also enjoy our chickahan while you and your team were doing my makeup and hair, and it’s nice that I was able to ask you for tips and advice about makeup, and we also talked about some personal stuff. You’re so sweet and it’s so nice working with you.
4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding/prenup that you love? Could you share that photo with us?
“I loved every single minute I spent with you! On my wedding day, you and your team came very early in Tagaytay. I wasn’t able to sleep that night, but you made me look so pretty & well-rested! I also remember that you had this “magic powder” that you used to make me look fresh. During our prenup shoot in Ilocos with Mr. Kenneth Uy, our photographer, it was like an adventure and also a wonderful experience. I’ll never forget that day, I really felt like a model and actress (haha!).. Ganun pala yung feeling ng photoshoot sa malayong location, long drive, naging changing room ko yung van, nag-hike sa hill just to find a perfect spot, humiga sa damuhan, and we had amazing native Ilocos cuisine. It was so tiring but it’ was so much fun!
You also called me “Bea Alonzo” and I was so kilig and flattered haha!
On my wedding day, my friends and family were amazed on how perfect my makeup turned out, my childhood gay friend (one of my members of the entourage) actually told me “Ang galing ng makeup artist, pinalutang ang ganda mo.. hindi ka coated ng makeup!” and that is exactly what I love about your work: You transformed me into this classic, beautiful bride!” (Both photos below from Kenneth Uy Photography)
This is a guest post by Martine de Luna of Makeitblissful.com
I’m what you call a “makeup virgin.” I never learned how to put on makeup, even though I really, really wanted to, later on in my, er, early twenties. I missed the whole phase between middle and high school, when everyone learned to apply makeup. That said, I went to a school that didn’t care much for makeup, anyway, so it probably wasn’t on my mind back then.
Ironically, I end up working with Acie Fores, makeup artist, and suddenly, I am thrust into a world of makeup. Each week, we talk about her love for the craft, the best products on the market, and the kinds of looks she loves to create. I find it fascinating how she is able to transform plain Janes like me into all-out glam babes!
Well, I was honest with her about my little dilemma, and asked her to give me a once-over makeup virgin makeover. My request? That the makeup be easy to put on, even for a “makeup virgin” like me!
The Virgin Face
I don’t wear makeup at all, not even on dates. Yes, seriously. However, I know I would look better with a little enhancement, simply because I do have some features that people often compliment me for. The best, they say? My eyes! Ironically, they are my biggest area of doubt when it comes to makeup, because I never know what to do with them. Good thing Acie had some tips for me, as well as some product recommendations for how to make them stand out.
Here’s what I learned from Acie about my face, and how to ensure that my makeup feels natural to me, both how to do it and what kind of products to use.
1. When applying a makeup, always do so in natural light. Because I tend to look like a geisha when I apply makeup on my own, this is a great tip.
2. Foundation tip: When using foundation, I should use a brush, not a sponge. I need to make sure to smoothen the foundation past my jawline, down to my neck, so that the tone gives me even coverage (and I don’t look pale).
3. Blush tip: Since I don’t want to look like a clown, Acie recommended using a blush that was closer to my natural skin tone/hue, which was more on the brown side, not the pink/red side. I should focus more on the contours of my face, not on the actual cheekbones.
4. Eyeshadow tip: My biggest misconception about eyeshadow is that it is difficult to put on, and so I just never bothered with it. But hey, I look damn good with it, so I should make the effort to use it more! The solution? Practice. That’s it! I just have to commit to study the contours of my eyes and their natural shape, so that I’ll know how to make the products work for me.
5. Makeup know-how is all about knowing what works for you. Learning how to do my own makeup meant (1) being willing to learn one more new thing, and (2) not being afraid to take some risks. I’m usually good with both learning things and taking risks, but I suppose this was such an emotional thing for me, it took me some time to face up to it. Since Acie gave me this tutorial, I’ve even been trying to do my makeup on my own, but I still need more practice! Still, I’m glad I took on the challenge, because now, I feel like I can accomplish anything.
Martine de Luna is an award-winning blogger, a work at home advocate, and a creative blogging mentor. Through her creative inspiration website, www.makeitblissful.com, Martine encourages women to live meaningfully, whether at home, work or in the pursuit of life goals. Her Make it Blissful Blog Workshops are held monthly, and she provides blog coaching & website design services at Martinedeluna.com. Martine is also the director of the WAHMderful Workshops (www.wahmderfullife.com), a series of workshops and masterminds that equip mothers and married women to work or run a business from home. She lives in Manila, the Philippines, with her husband Ton and their son, Vito, whom she homeschools.
