Martine De Luna for Modern Living TV

The last time I glammed up Martine de Luna of makeitblissful.com was about a year ago when we did a shoot together with Michi Calica Sotto at her atelier and she had a bun in the oven.  Today I was able to glam her up again for an interview with Stephanie Zubiri for her show, Modern Living TV on ANC. These days, she now has her 1 year-old daughter Krista Valentina in tow, who joined in the beauty action. She requested for a natural look and I was just more than happy to oblige.  Hair styling was courtesy of Rikki Suarez.

Related Post: You can also check this guest post Martine did for my blog a few years back, “Makeup Virgin”

IMG_6149
Martine de Luna: Camera-ready and so is Baby Krista.

Products Used:

Martine’s skin was on the dry side although I know she leans on the normal to combination skin. However, due to hormonal changes, her skin needed extra hydration.

IMG_6177
Mehron Skin Prep used as toner, La Roche Posay Hydraphase for Moisturizer, MAC Fast Response Eye Cream and MAC prep and prime for lips. I misted her face with the Skindinavia Finishing spray to lock out the oiliness.
I chose to use this because I wanted to give her skin a satin finish to combat the dry patches on some parts of her face.  Shade is 754 Medium Beige
I chose to use this because I wanted to give her skin a satin finish to combat the dry patches on some parts of her face. Shade is 754 Medium Beige

 

Moisturizer was applied using the squarish foundation brush, while I buffed her foundation with the pink angled brush.  The skunk looking brush with white and black hairs was used to apply her blush.  Makeup Forever Brush with a yellow handle was used to contour her face while the fan brush with natural hairs was used to powder and set her makeup.
Moisturizer was applied using the squarish foundation brush, while I buffed her foundation with the pink angled brush. The skunk looking brush with white and black hairs was used to apply her blush. Makeup Forever Brush with a yellow handle was used to contour her face while the fan brush with natural hairs was used to powder and set her makeup.

 

    Top Clockwise, Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder palette used as highlighter on the high points of her face, Lashes no. 219, MAC Paintpot in Groundwork was applied on the crease of her eyes, MAC Dipdown gel liner, MAC Brow powder in Taupe for her brows and MAC brow gel in Beguile.  Maybelline Volume Control Mascara, Kryolan Concealer Wheel 2, Viseart Neutral Palette for her eyeshadows.  Makeup Forever Contour and Shading powder in shades 1 & 2, MAC Blushbaby, Pink Swoon and Peachy Keen for blush, MAC Lipstick in Freckletone and Persistence.  Ben Nye Translucent powder to set her makeup. Top Clockwise, Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder palette used as highlighter on the high points of her face, Lashes no. 219, MAC Paintpot in Groundwork was applied on the crease of her eyes, MAC Dipdown gel liner, MAC Brow powder in Taupe for her brows and MAC brow gel in Beguile. Maybelline Volume Control Mascara, Kryolan Concealer Wheel 2, Viseart Neutral Palette for her eyeshadows. Makeup Forever Contour and Shading powder in shades 1 & 2, MAC Blushbaby, Pink Swoon and Peachy Keen for blush, MAC Lipstick in Freckletone and Persistence. Ben Nye Translucent powder to set her makeup.

 

IMG_6173
I’ve rediscovered this eyeshadow and used this as an eyelid primer that gives her eyes a brightening effect on the inner corners of her eyes. Its MAC’s Pearl frost. Love this also as a highlighter on the cheekbones and middle of the nose. It’s very subtle but gives your skin an extra glow.

 

Tools of the trade. Mac 263 for gel liner, MAC 203 for her brows, NARS 7 for her concealer, MAC 205 mini Fan brush for her lashes,  Artnet 113 and 121 for her eyes, MAC 206 for buffing her concealer, MAC 239 and 217 to apply and blend her eyeshadows.
Tools of the trade. Mac 263 for gel liner, MAC 203 for her brows, NARS 7 for her concealer, MAC 205 mini Fan brush for her lashes, Artnet 113 and 121 for her eyes, MAC 206 for buffing her concealer, MAC 239 and 217 to apply and blend her eyeshadows.

I apologize if I may have written the numbers of the brush by mistake specially for the fan brush, eyebrow and gel liner brush, the numbers have already faded.

My latest love, Shu Uemura Kolinsky 7H lip brush. its slanted edge is perfect for precise lip color application.

My latest favorite, Shu Uemura Kolinsky 7H for the lips.  The slanted edge is perfect for precise application.
My latest favorite, Shu Uemura Kolinsky 7H for the lips. The slanted edge is perfect for precise application.

 

IMG_6175
Makeup Forever Aqua Lip 7C to line her lips and I topped it off with MAC’s Freckletone and Persistence lipsticks.

You may catch Martine on the upcoming 5th season of Modern Living TV with Stephanie Zubiri, showing every Saturday at 6PM on ANC, only on SkyCable.

Marula Oil , the next oil on the block, and why you need it in your beauty regimen

We’ve all heard about the benefits of Argan oil, in fact it s included in the ingredient list of many of our beauty products from hair serums to massage oils.  Argan Oil is known for its hydrating and anti aging benefits because of its high fatty acids and Vitamin E content, making it an all in one beauty powerhouse.

More recently, I received a beautiful gift from a former colleague, Rhoda Campos Aldanese that contained another Liquid gold, Marula Oil (read it here)  The box also contains a big block of chocolate derived from the cocoa beans from the Ivory Coast West Africa.  Tavoletta chocolate is best used for hot chocolate in the mornings and even if its not Christmas, I wouldn’t mind a cup of this warm rich chocolate drink to start my day.  Chocolates are also rich in antioxidants and flavanoids, compounds produced by plants that are beneficial to cardiovascular health and cell renewal.

Liquid Gold, Marula Oil
Liquid Gold, Marula Oil

 

 

What It is

  • Marula oil is derived from the fruit of the Marula tree in Africa, and only the fallen fruit is collected and gathered by the women of East Africa.  It is brought to collection points where the fruit pulp is removed for jams and juices and the shells are used for charcoal.  This process protects and adds value to the wild strands of the tree and provide a sustainable livelihood for the community making it a member of the Fair Trade Association and Green America.
  • The cold process it undergoes without the inducement of heat or chemical treatments make it 100 % pure capturing all its beneficial properties more effective in its application.
  • The Ingredients are 99% Marula oil, 1% essential oil fragrance (Linalool and Limonene) that help make it an antioxidant that provides intense hydration, soothing properties and gives the skin radiance and glow.  It does not contain Parabens, Phthalates, and Sulfates than can irritate skin.
  • Marula by John Paul Selects is named after John Paul DeJoria, the founder of John Paul Mitchell haircare systems, an entrepreneur that supports sustainability and social causes.

 

It has a pipette that dispenses precious drops of oil.  Pump once and massage between hands and apply on your face.
It has a pipette that dispenses precious drops of oil. Pump once and massage between hands and apply on your face.

How to incorporate the oil in your beauty routine

  • Used alone as an anti aging moisturizer applied on the face and neck area 2x/day.
  • Add 1-2 drops of the oil to your favorite foundation to give you a dewy glow.
  • Can be used as a primer prior to makeup application.
  • Applied to soothe peels, sunburn or after facial treatments.
  • Can be mixed with other facial products like moisturizers, mask or cleansers for an elasticity boost.

What it feels like

I’ve only used this oil the past week, and tested it during the day and night.  Lightweight and easily absorbed, it provides a satin finish after with no greasy after feel.  It does feel plumped up and ready for the next step which is the makeup application.  At night when I applied it, the next morning, my face felt like it drank 8 glasses of water, it felt supple and so so soft to the touch.  The smell is very pleasant, with a hint of citrus but it disappears in a few seconds.  The pipette it comes in is sleekly designed and opens up when you twist it open and dispenses the the right amount of drops.

I’ve begun to love this new variable in my skincare routine and I’m getting the sinking feeling, my jars of moisturizers will not get the attention and love it deserves because there’s a new kid on the block showing off.  I was close to getting the Clarins Facial Lotus oil that has been the Holy Grail of facial oils by top makeup artists.  I hesitated because I have a drawerful of moisturizers to play around with.  Marula Oil is my new love and knowing that is created through a sustainable livelihood, it has definitely sealed its place in my own piece of beauty heaven.

Two of my favorite things to have, chocolate and oil, both containing good fat to use without the guilt.
Two of my favorite things to have, chocolate and oil, both containing good fat to use without the guilt.

Marula Oil is available at the beauty departments of SM Aura, SM  Makati, SM North Edsa and SM MOA.  Sold at P2980.00 for the 30 oz. bottle and P4980.00 for the 50 ml. bottle.  Tavoletta Chocolate bars are available at Villa Del Conte outlets (http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/tavoletta/)

 

So what do you do? B I G ideas, B I G dreams B I G hearts.

March 8 was International Women’s Day.  Wednesday March 9 was a beautiful reminder of what International Women’s day was about.

I was recently invited by a fellow southerner and batchmate of my sister, Martha Orosa Uy, to spend an afternoon with her and a few ladies (we were a total of 50 that day) to listen to inspiring stories that lift the spirit and learn from the varied experiences of the speakers that day.    It was a coming together of women who want to be inspired in their lives in a TEDtalk kind of way.

Martha Orosa Uy giving the introductory remarks.
Martha Orosa Uy giving the introductory remarks.

 

Some Members of the group from L-R Penny Katigbak, Marilen Espiritu, Cecile Limjoco, Patty Olbes and Susan Syquia
Some Members of the group from L-R Penny Katigbak, Marilen Espiritu, Cecile Limjoco, Patty Olbes and Susan Syquia

Martha Orosa Uy, together with 9 other ladies formed an informal group called BIG last December 2015 , an acronym for Build, Inspire and Give whose mission statement is to “start a revolution where stories are shared and entrusted to others so we may understand and become better versions of ourselves, whether that’s being a mother, wife, friend, sister  or boss or employee” .  Empowering oneself through sharing life experiences is a result of a woman’s wisdom gained from the community she lives and participates in.  What a beautiful thought to live one’s life isnt it?

Empowerment is a catchphrase you didn’t hear in the past few decades until only recently.   An issue more relevant than ever, woman empowerment simply means to live our lives freely with a sense of self worth, respect and dignity, to make their own informed choices and decisions and to have control of her life both within and outside the home and workplace. This being the foundation of which the group is formed, every month, a theme is selected, and resource speakers are invited to share their experiences and expertise based on the theme of the month.  December was The Greatest Gift, January was New Beginnings, February was about Love You, Love Me , and March is So, what do you do?

The first speaker was Ambassador of the Philippines to New Zealand, Virginia Benavides who shared with us the struggles, the highs and lows, and how the unshakable Filipino spirit of  bayanihan, faith and love for her country has enriched and carried her through her diplomatic life.  Her personal story of being assigned to Brunei was her most difficult and rewarding posting due to the strict compliance of the Muslim laws  prohibiting her from practicing her faith publicly.  Despite this hindrance, her faith became stronger as it challenged her to live it out and put it into practice which validated her and her job as a diplomat.

Ambassador to New Zealand, Virginia Benavidez
Ambassador to New Zealand, Virginia Benavidez

One of her tasks is to see to it that the welfare of the Filipino community is protected and looked after by them when they are oppressed, abused and taken advantage of.  She dreams (I certainly agree with her on this one), that one day the Philippine government will no longer rely on our people to look for better opportunities abroad to support their families.   Filipinos who work abroad are highly treasured and in demand by employers mainly because they give and serve to the best of their abilities. Values of family, respect, hard work and our faith makes us resilient in the face of adversity inspite of the difficult social, physical and economic circumstances they endure being in a strange land.

The second speaker was Pastor Benjamin Cruz, National Director of Living Waters Ministry who shared his story of personal struggle between his sexuality and serving the Lord.   His inner conflict stems from his suppression so he can live his life according to the dictates and norms of society.  Now married to his wife Hazel,   his epiphany came when he was shifting ministries to avoid being caught in his secret and that he cannot practice his faith due to this hindrance that was preventing him to be his truthful self.  He found his truth in the humblest of ways in the eyes of children in a game of ping pong.    The Lord always presents himself in the most simplest manner, this time Life Lesson 101 mirroring himself and speaking from the heart with love.

Pastor Benji Cruz fielding questions from the ladies.
Pastor Benji Cruz fielding questions from the ladies.

 

IMG_6322

 

Captured audience.
Captured audience.

 

IMG_6312

Pastor Cruz became my Aha moment.  As a wife, mother, sister and friend   the different hats we wear in our lives is the layer that makes us beautifully flawed and complicated, resilient and vulnerable, simple and complicated, to become the best in what we need to do in the situation or to do what is expected of us.  Isnt this the virtue of being human?  We are shaped by our circumstances, childhood and environment, “We are all broken, we just play it differently”, well said by Pastor Cruz.

The afternoon mood was artistically complemented by Marilen Espiritu, one of the founding members of the group whose creative genius raised my bar in the hosting aspect.  Coming into her sprawling home, the scene captured the essence of what a woman is, a  life fulfilled and expressed in her art form which is entertaining.  God is truly in the details, Here’s why.

Feeling regal at the head of the table.  So festive!
Feeling regal at the head of the table. So festive!

 

Table setting, Filipino shabby chic style
Table setting, Filipino shabby chic style

 

Its always Christmas in this home.
Its always Christmas in this home.

 

Filipino Merienda fare.  It was such a hot day, I wanted to swim in this sago and gulaman Jar.
Filipino Merienda Fare. It was such a hot day, I wanted to swim in this sago and gulaman Jar.

 

Old Milk Bottles repurposed as drinking Glasses.
Old Milk Bottles repurposed as drinking Glasses.

 

Colorful napkins waiting to be passed around.
Colorful napkins waiting to be passed around.

 

Rosal leaves as napkin rings.  Tin plates glammed up with white doilies.
Rosal leaves as napkin rings. Tin plates glammed up with white doilies.

 

Centerpiece de resistance
Centerpiece de resistance

 

Aba Aba si saging na saba may bulaklak pa.
Aba Aba si saging na saba may bulaklak pa.

 

Pregnancy Cravings anyone?
Pregnancy Cravings anyone?

 

 

Yellow Corn with individual salt cones ready for the picking.
Yellow Corn with individual salt cones ready for the picking.

 

Yellow mangoes preserved before the taking.
Yellow mangoes preserved before the taking.

 

Silver Linings
Silver Linings

 

Peanut gallery waiting for their salt cone pairing.
Peanut gallery waiting for their salt cone pairing.

Truly a sight for all the senses, the beautiful spread laid out for us made the afternoon very special despite the unforgiving heat.  It was a meaningful afternoon, I left with the feeling like I came from a spiritual retreat, your mind is clear, your spirit refreshed and invigorated, you gained a new perspective.  Gratitude in my heart.

You may follow B. I. G. in Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/groups/936541133106195/  Meetings are held once a month and is by invitation only.

How they See Acie Avant Garde Look

This time, a fellow member of the Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines, Maryann Obias, did my makeover.  It was actually a makeup peg for a fashion show that we provided services for and the makeup peg was an elongated, exaggerated black cat eye to evoke drama.  Bold red lips and heavy contoured cheeks completed the look.  This is what went on during our Polishing workshop that day.

IMG_4217
Face chart below is the preferred look of choice.

 

 

Swatching and matching the foundation
Swatching and matching the foundation

 

 

IMG_4159
Maryann used a buffing brush to apply the Inglot HD Foundation on my face.

 

This is definitely an Editorial or Fashion look.  Brows do not follow the natural arch but rather reshaped to match the height of the cat eye.
This is definitely an Editorial or Fashion look. Brows do not follow the natural arch but rather reshaped to match the height of the cat eye.

 

Up Close and personal.
Up Close and personal.

 

Products Used:

IMG_5769
One of Inglot’s bestsellers is their HD line of Foundations. It’s formulated for High Definition TV. It looks natural, and is lightweight. It’s buildable depending on the coverage you want. Your skin look like perfect skin.

 

IMG_6134
Makeup Forever Aqua Brow in shade 0

 

s1164649-main-Lhero
Makeup Forever Aqua Gel Eyeliner in Black. Consistency is very dense and creamy. You have to work fast when using this because it sets very quickly.

 

Inglot Makeup Sponsor 3
Inglot blush and eyeshadow palette. Blush and contour used are the top items left to right.

 

IMG_6135
Lipsticks used were a combination of MAC Ruby Woo and Russian Red to give that brick red color.

 

IMG_6136

 

Obviously, this is a look that will merit stares, and thoughts of What-was-she-thinking?   I liked the way it made me look very edgy and hip and worthy of a editorial photo shoot (although that didn’t happen).  Despite the few products used to create this look,  a good dose of patience and a pair of steady hands is required to pull this off.

Here is my own take on the avant garde look.  This is an old photo of me taken during December 2014 when I had a client that needed a Chinese Empress Look for their Christmas Party.  I was doing a sample look for the client.

IMG_1994_2

IMG_1988_2

How bold do you want to be?

MaryAnn Obias Makeup Artist can be reached at https://www.facebook.com/makeupbymavo

Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines can be reached in FB www.facebook.com/umaphils