November 2014 – Acie Fores

Featured Products: My Singapore Haul

Singapore was my brief respite last month mainly for my daughter’s gymnastics s competition held at Bishan Stadium. Trying to squeeze my shopping habit in between her training schedule had proved to be a fun experience. Sephora, Takashimaya, MAC Cosmetics, Guardian Pharmacy and Sasa have been my “candy land” and mecca of sorts when I’m visiting. In Hong Kong, it would be the same, except that Mannings Pharmacy is the counterpart of Guardian.

So described below are my “hauls” to satisfy my cosmetic addiction although if I had a bigger budget, I probably would have a preferred client card from the Cosmetics Department of Takashimaya Dept Store. Sadly, no. Some of these items are not new products, but sometimes I am a late bloomer and I usually take a second look and convince myself to just go out of my box sometimes and try them. Below is a recap.

My Singapore Haul

Top going clockwise

MAC Mineralize Charged Water Moisturizing Gel – Lately, I’ve been looking for light moisturizers that doesn’t feel heavy on my face , particularly now with the change in weather, its been so humid. Applying this lightweight cream gel feels so light and literally cool on your face, it is quickly absorbed. Perfect when you’re in a rush and need to apply concealer or foundation right after, it doesn’t slip and slide off. The effect on the skin is similar to that of a primer, it leaves a thin film on your skin but acts like a barrier and protection from the elements in the air.

Hourglass Veil Primer – I first tried this primer at a Sephora store in the US and was completely hooked over by its claim that it provides extra wear for your makeup’s staying power. It really does. It definitely is a pricey primer but so worth it. I just wish it came in a bigger bottle.

Laura Mercier Secret Finish + Mattifying Cream – I know I know, 2 primers? I’m a sucker for anything that makes my makeup last longer. I recently read that this product is the holy grail of mattifiers. Used under or over makeup, it soaks up the oil on the face like a Bounty paper towel. It’s that good.

Hakuhodo Cream/Liquid Brush – Hakuhodo is the Rolls Royce of brushes and it is pricey. It makes use of goat hair and each brush is handmade which makes it the most sought after line of brushes. Hakuhodo is as old as the Geisha industry and famously used by them. Called the Itabake brush, I saw this being used by a famous US makeup artist to apply cream contour and when he blended it using this brush, it seemed so seamless and there were no visible brush strokes on the face as opposed to using a foundation brush. I had to try it for myself.

Hakuhodo J 5521 Highlighting Brush – Also made out goat hair, the tapered end is good for applying highlighter on the high points on the face. This brush will make you or your client feel so relaxed, its that soft.

Cyber Colour Eyeliner and Liquid Eyeliner duo – While my personal preference is a gel liner, this was given to me by the Sasa ladies as a Gift with purchase. The other end is a liquid eyeliner while the other end is a pencil pen. The only drawback is that it is difficult to snap back on after using it, but otherwise it is waterproof.

Lorea’L Eyebrow pencil in Light Brown 02 – I saw this being used in the Lorea’l workshop that I attended last August. While I admire all those YouTubers who preach perfectly stenciled brows as the bomb, Miss Gex Garcia showed us how to wow the brow without looking too dark or harsh. Again I was hooked on this product. This has been out of stock quite a bit so I made it a point to stock up on this while I was at Sasa.

The Balm Bahama Mama Bronzer – I needed a new bronzer since my other bronzer broke out in pieces after a gig and it signaled me to buy one without the fragile packaging. Housed in a sturdy carton like box, it definitely was a winner for me. Plus I don’t look orange is a big plus. What can I say, I’m a late bloomer in discovering this wonder powder. It also doubles as an eye shadow, how’s that for multitasking?

La Roche Posay Anthelios 30++ Sunscreen protection – Packaging is tops, it has a nozzle like tube that squirts out the right amount for your face. It has UVA And UVB protection and when applied, it has a mattifying effect, not greasy on the face. Shine go away.

Bioderma Sebium H2O – One of my favorite makeup removers next to my cult favorite Ponds. Why? Fastest makeup remover without the tugging and pulling. Your face is back to its natural state in seconds. Its good for those with sensitive skin too. I hoard this stuff!

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November 13, 2014

Beauty Behind the Scenes Bridal Editorial Personal

L’Oreal Makeup Workshop

Being a new member of the United Makeup Artists of the Philippines recently, part of the member perks is to be able to participate and join in the sponsored makeup workshops. A few months ago, L’Oreal hosted one for makeup artists who are not beginners but rather an advanced workshop that gives the artist a new perspective on bridal and editorial work and how the artistry can be elevated to new trends.

Because you’re worth it. Thanks Lorea’L for the nice thought to start the day.

Verna Marin a senior L’Oreal Paris trained makeup artist, headed this workshop together with Gex Garcia Senior Makeup Artist. She gently warned us that the basics will not be discussed but it is assumed we had the basic knowledge and color theories under our belt. I immediately felt a kinship with her as she described herself by saying she is not of those makeup artists that like to post about her work in social media. She claims she is old school that way.

The star of the afternoon was The L’Oreal True Match Foundation that matches your skintone perfectly. It comes in three skin tones, Cool Warm and Neutral with many shades to suit a global complexion. However here in Asia, the colors sold are more suited for the Asian skin tone. Texture is creamy, blendable and becomes a matte powder finish when set. You just have to quickly work with the product to make it blend with the skin. The skin tones are Warm for medium to dark tones, Neutral for medium tones and Cool for fair to light tones.

Loreal Workshop 3 — Photo from Emilyn Fermin. Lorea’l True Match Foundation. True Love

Verna demonstrated the editorial look while Gex did a classic bride.

Loreal workshop 5 — Photo from Emilyn Fermin. Model on the left is the one with the Editorial Look while the model on the right is the Classic Bridal Look.

Lorea'l Wshop 1 — Verna demonstrating the Wet Contour method in adding dimension to the face.

Highlights of the workshop

There is a stereotype belief that airbrush makeup is better than traditional makeup. With a traditional application, one can achieve an airbrush finish and look because makeup advancement has made it possible to make us look flawless. Makeup is an evolving industry and products are always getting better to suit the changing needs of our skin, makeup absorption on the skin, etc.

When doing Bridal makeup, try to get a sense of the Bride’s personality by asking questions so the makeup artist can give an informed suggestion regarding her look on her wedding day that will complement or enhance her true beauty.

A Classic Bride is always the best look because this has stood the test of time. Trendy looks are best reserved for print, fashion and editorial work.

For editorial work, it is important to be detail oriented. The makeup artist should speak with the art director to get a clearer picture of the mood, look and feel of the shoot. Pegs are just guidelines.

Never underestimate grooming for men. Men look better with proper contouring and makeup application to enhance their masculinity.

To give the face some depth, the reverse contouring method is useful. It is the process of using highlights to bring out the features.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your makeup products. Colors and texture knowledge are essential in your skill as an artist as it shows your versatility in your artistry.

Anju Dargani, A Mac Cosmetics Artist, was my model for the day.

Used True Match in W6. Tried to do an Editorial look. but due to time constraints, I was able to do a semi smoky eye using green tones.

Sandwiched between Miss Chiqui and Miss Cecile of CAVA

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November 12, 2014

Behind the Scenes Personal

Behind the Scenes: Interview with Tina Henson

I call her my Electric fan. Tina has been my muse/model of sorts. Good Bone structure, check, lithe and model proportions, check. It helps too when she always encourages you to do your best and is very easy to please. Call it mutual admiration, she best epitomises what I look for in a dream client, her words are always ‘ikaw na bahala’ or “its up to you what looks best on me”. Despite her minimal look of a bare face and a bold lip, she pulls it off very effortlessly. Her shameless plug interview with me humbles me no end and I thank her for making me her artist of choice. Below is the light chat we had.

1. For what kind of event(s) did you hire Acie to create your look?

These are some of as far as I can recall. I may have missed one or two since Acie has been doing my make-up and my daughter’s (Marga) from the time she began her career in this field.

003 Sister Sandy Wedding - July 2011 — My sister, Sandy’s Wedding (July, 2011) – My make-up, Marga’s, the Bride’s (Sandy’s) and my other sister’s (Nadine’s)

007 Velada Oct 15&16, 2011 — My Assumption High School Velada: 25th Anniversary (October 15 & 16, 2011) – My make-up on both days and on the second day, Acie also did the make-up of a group of my HS classmates

020 Belair Pasinaya - May 2013 — The Belair Pasinaya – May 2012 – Makeup by Acie

Flores de Mayo, Makati (May 4, 2012) – Make-up of Marga

2. What did you enjoy about working with Acie? What did you like about her makeup style, as well as her work style/ethic?

Acie is very professional with me and my daughter, Marga, even if she is my first cousin. She comes on time, complete with make-up, paraphernalia, assistants, and even pegs. She takes the time to understand what it is exactly that you want by asking questions about the event you’re going to, what you will be wearing, what you want or do not want. I noticed that she also makes the effort to “size up” your personality and she takes this into consideration as well. From there, she’ll incorporate her own touch and the result is always impeccable! She is very passionate with what she does and her expression of eagerness to do your make-up (every single time!) is contagious. These are only some of the many reasons why I wouldn’t have anyone else do my make-up and my daughter’s, but Acie.

A professional shoot. Makeup by Acie Fores.

What I like most about Acie’s make-up style is that it always turns out to have that natural look, yet my face is strikingly enhanced in all the right places. For someone who doesn’t really wear make-up on an everyday basis, it makes me feel like I’m still myself. My daughter and I get compliments all the time and the make-up stays the entire duration, even if the event is from morning to evening.

3. What are some of your favorite makeup products/must-haves for daily wear?

Ironically, I don’t wear any make-up on ordinary days. I simply put on my favorite shade of red lipstick by Mac or Chanel. This is how I’ve always done it for decades. In fact, I don’t know how to apply make-up. So, on special occasions when I really need to, I call on Acie to do her magic!

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November 7, 2014

Month: November 2014

My Singapore Haul

Highlights of the workshop