I had the privilege of being interviewed and featured in Manila’s top lifestyle hub, When in Manila, a couple of weeks ago when writer/columnist Tonette Nicolas of The Health Junkie, was assigned to do the write-up. We met up with my friend and blog coach, Martine de Luna at the EDSA Beverage Design Studio, to do a makeover on Tonette, to showcase the “Acie Fores makeup” style and aesthetic. We did a “workday to weekend” transformation. Here are some of my favorite shots of Tonette from the shoot.
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!
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.
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.
Verna demonstrated the editorial look while Gex did a classic bride.
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.
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.
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.
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!
You never forget your first time experiences positive or otherwise, it never ceases to be erased in your memory. Sandy was my first bride and my first wedding experience as far as my makeup career is concerned, and it was truly memorable and fun. It’s been 4 years since her wedding and there are 2 additions to her family: 2 adorable female dogs, a Mini Schnauzer named Lexie and a West Highland Terrier Allie. Here she shares her thoughts about her most important day and her beauty favourites which have become her staples that make her feel confident and ready to face the work world.
1. For what kind of event(s) did you hire Acie to create your look?
My pre-nup shoot and wedding day.
2. What did you enjoy about working with Acie? What did you like about her makeup style, as well as her work style/ethic?
It was SO easy with, Acie! She asked me some questions about my style (wedding motif, wedding dress, etc) and what kind of look I preferred. I just told her that I wanted to look clean and fresh (sleepless nights should not show! Haha). That was it! But then again, I knew from the get go that Acie understood me and I personally loved her style so I was very comfortable and more than happy to let Acie do her magic on me. It was a joy having Acie part of my special day and will look back at the total experience fondly.
3. Can you share some photos with us of your look by Acie Fores?
4. What are some of your favorite makeup products/must-haves for daily wear?
Some of my recent favorites are:
Lips: MAC lipstick in my usual shade – Dubonnet BB2
Face:
Benefit’s POREfessional as my base / primer
Benefit’s ERASE paste concealer
Make-up Forever Pro Finish Multi-use powder foundation in shade Neutral Honey
Eyes:
Make-up Forever Professional Aqua Eyes – Water proof eye liner pencil (2L /brown shade)
I was chosen to be a speaker at my alma mater, Assumption College last week to discuss my career as a makeup artist to High School students. I was actually thrilled to be hand-picked from a roster of speakers who I found out later on were also fellow alumnae. I was informed by Mara Diego, Course Facilitator, that it was a week-long event that exposes the students to the different avenues they can venture into and serve as a venue for self discovery. It gives them an opportunity to learn and explore the different skills, talents or interests that were not considered careers before. This is where I come in.
It was a trip down memory lane as I walked through the corridors, hallways and the all too familiar excited chatter of students. I was hoping to bump into familiar teachers and nuns, but it was a day full of endless activity and movement of people crossing each other’s paths.
The campus was definitely changing as new buildings were being added to accommodate the growing number of students and the lack of negative space as a result of this was glaringly noticeable. Quite a shock for me and I’m looking at it from a perspective of positivity instead of nostalgia.
On to the talk. My audience was composed of very attentive and behaved ladies. I couldn’t believe they were hanging on to every word I said. The highlight was actually the demo I did on Mara. My talk revolved around the basics of makeup application and grooming to prepare them for the rigors of college life and to some, their entrance into the big world out there to look for jobs.
Highlights of the talk
Makeup Artistry is a growing lucrative industry. Presently it has specific areas in which one can focus their artistry on namely, Print and Editorial, Film and Theater or Stage, Weddings and Bridal and Special Effects. Nowadays, with a growing list of makeup artist celebrities, it is an art and a skill and one has to be professionally trained and licensed to practice it. Makeup artists gain an edge and credibility when one is trained technically.
With advancements in research and technology, cosmetics are now combined with skincare to fit the needs of a busy woman on the go. Cosmetics now serve as dual purpose both to give color and enhancement to the face but at the same time, it can give the skin healing and restorative benefits and delay the aging process as an added bonus.
Social Media has played a huge factor in putting cosmetics and makeup to the forefront and more accessible to the consumer. It serves as a platform for promotion and instant gratification. It also builds a community that serves as your audience to communicate with.
Facial Contouring is not for everyday application. While it gives the face depth and dimension and make you look better in photos, it is not a realistic application due to the skill and time involved for the woman on the go. Contouring is used for purposes of print media and for spacial occasions.
Eyebrow frames the face and varies from individual to individual. As Asians, the 3 point rule will apply depending on the width of the nostril and eye shape. Eyebrows are not symmetrically balanced but it should look similar not exact.
A smokey eye can be worn during the day provided the application and choice of color is not too dark for day. Matte neutral shades in earth tones and in the family of plums enhance Asian tones the best.
Makeup is a continuing learning process. One can never rest on her laurels, one should strive to be better in the next work. Learning can be achieved by reading, apprenticing with other masters and constant practice is a must in order to keep up with the trends in the industry. It should also be considered fun otherwise we lose the main reason why we are in the business. Passion is what fuels the imagination. Lastly Be humble.
In our unpredictable climate here in Manila, you just never know when it’ll rain, when it’ll shine. Admittedly, those times can be frustrating, especially if you’re deciding on what type of makeup to use! Naturally, changes in the weather call for the appropriate cosmetics. And so, I’ve rounded up some “weather proof” picks that can take you from rain to shine (sans the shiny face — no pun intended.)
Essentially, most of the products chosen have to be waterproof, and budge proof in a humid weather like ours. Creamy textures are key in maintaining the longevity of the makeup wear and easy to apply with your fingers. At the same time, you want your beauty products to multitask for you when you are in a hurry. Here are some of my recommendations, which should work for any skin type and lifestyle.
Remember my blog post about Estee Lauder and Brian Patterson a few months back? Well, our paths crossed once again and I hope it is the start of a love affair. Love was the theme during the Francis Libiran Bridal Fashion Show at the Weddings at the Peninsula Bridal Fair last June, June being the universal month associated with weddings. The show coincided with the opening of Libiran’s atelier in The Peninsula, so it was the opportune time to promote his 40-piece bridal collection.
Francis Libiran is known for his intricate beadwork and serpentine silhouette. You may drool over his creations here (www.francislibiran.com).
Estee Lauder was tasked to do the makeup services for the 40 models while the Franck Provost team did the hair on all the models. The fashion show marked a sort of “debut” for Estee Lauder as the sponsor of a fashion show, and as such, Estee Lauder skincare and cosmetics were used on the models and celebrities who graced the runway that day. Among the celebrities who modeled the bridal collection were Kim Jones, Iza Calzado,Venus Raj, and Karylle, while Jake Cuenca, Sam Milby, Christian Bautista, among others, modeled the menswear line.
Backstage and behind-the-scenes (where I was), each makeup artist was assigned four models to prep for the show. (I did three male models and a lady.) The photo pegs for the makeup style were clean, fresh, nothing to glam and overdone — right up my alley!
We used the star products of the show, which were the skincare essentials: the Double-Wear Foundation, the Advanced Night Repair, and Matte Primer (which are available in Rustan’s beauty source counters nationwide).
And here’s a few behind-the-scenes shots with my fellow MUAs. Such a fun-filled event!
Thank you, Estee Lauder, for including me in your team for Weddings at the Pen! For the complete range of Estee Lauder skincare and cosmetics, visit Estee Lauder counters in Rustan’s Beauty Source outlets nationwide. You can also log on to www.rustans-thebeautysource.com for the complete online catalog.
When it comes to looking your absolute best, Acie makes it easy. Being a makeup artist is her first love and she remembers her days as a young girl leafing through the pages of Vogue and Glamour, fascinated with a person’s magical transformation through the power of makeup. Her goal is to make every woman’s beauty shine through on the most important day of her life — be it a wedding, graduation, prom, opening of a stage show, or even one’s editorial shoot. As Acie shares, “Every woman is beautiful, it’s simply my job to remind her.”
There he was, a vision of eye candy if you will. He began the session by apologising. He apologised for his lack of command of the English and Tagalog languages, he was, after all, Indonesian.
He warmed my heart. Sigh…., even if he spoke in Hebrew or Russian, it didn’t matter at all, standing a few feet from me was the man of the hour, Albert Kurniawan, NARS Philippines Chief Makeup Artist. His talent and work are legendary. Indonesian influence is not a bad thing. He grew up watching his mother apply makeup and he carried with him an image of a very put together woman who never left the house without her eyes done.
He is the celebrity makeup artist in demand from the likes of Heart Evangelista, Megan Young, Venus Raj, Shamcey Supsup, the Bb. Pilipinas Pageant candidates, Georginna Wilson, Toni Gonzaga to name a few — and the list is endless. He is probably on their speed dial.
What celebrity or model or bride has his hands not touched yet? Obviously mine. I still have to wait for a very red carpet event if I want to be under his beauty spell. I can just hope that one day our paths will cross whether that is on a professional or social level.
NARS Philosophy
The place was packed when I arrived and I should’ve left earlier so I could get a good seat. Sensing it was going to be a well attended workshop, I opted to stand on the side to get a better view of the demo. While waiting for a colleague, Pia Reyes, I took a quick look at the NARS boutique to check out their items.
At the heart of the cosmetic line lies the chic modern luxurious simplicity of its look. Yes simple and luxurious, a contradiction in itself. Francois Nars the creator of his own brand believes that “There are no rules when it comes to beauty. He says, “Whatever makes you look and feel good is right.” It’s unmistakable appeal lies in its ability to make the consumer feel like its a guilty caprice, part of a wardrobe staple or a coveted accessory that makes it part of a lifestyle or simply a state of mind.
Packaging designed by Fabien Baron, reflects Francois Nars’s love of form and function with its black soft casing with his name emblazoned in white. Fashion and Classic Colors are outrageously pigmented because it is designed to make the woman express herself creatively and imbibe her own style. Credit belongs to him with the introduction of The Multiple, the original 3-1 multi functional stick that can be applied to the eyes, cheeks and lips, and who can forget the iconic universal blush Orgasm and its spinoffs? Turkish Delight Lipgloss as famously worn by Kim Kardashian?
NARSkin
Albert Kurniawan hit the nail on the head when he began stressing the importance of having good skin as a key essential in having makeup look and feel good on the face. He moisturised the model’s face with the Nars moisturiser and the star of the skincare line is the NARS brightening serum that brightens the skin and dulls the imperfections on the face. Second to that was the application of the primer as a key element in the longevity of the makeup. Their skin line prides itself with the use of prime ingredients that are plant derived and maximising its benefits in giving our skin the utmost nourishment.
With the advent of wholistic living, NARS believes that what we put in our bodies like water, nutrients, antioxidants and supplements should mirror the good things we put in our skin . What he offers is a condensed skincare line that will cleanse, hydrate, protect, refresh and revitalise in order to keep it in its tip top shape. Having good skin is the perfect beauty compliment any woman can have.
Secrets from the Master
Put eye drops first on the eyes to brighten the whites of the eyes and clean out any debris. Eyes look bigger and refreshed.
Feel the skin. Touch the face to see if the face is properly moisturised and prepped for makeup. It should feel slightly tacky. You may apply a light application of BB cream prior to the foundation application.
Powder the skin lightly after moisturing. This will give a satin finish to the skin, a perfect canvas for the foundation application. This step is a no-no in the makeup school, as we were taught the golden rule that creams over creams and powder after powder. The logic behind this is the caking of the skin when you begin your makeup. Albert explained that this step is a foolproof way of making the makeup last longer. I did try it on myself and it does feel like satin when I applied my foundation after. Makeup Myth no. 1 debunked.
Apply foundation with your hands and not a brush. Aside from leaving streaks, the warmth of your hands will activate the ingredients of the foundation making the skin look dewy and well, like second skin. Most NARS liquid and cream products are best applied with the hands as heat activation causes the ingredients in the product to fully sink in the skin.
After the application of the foundation, contour the face using the number 3 motion. Begin at the side of the temple, the hollow of the cheek and ending at the jaw line. He says never to be afraid if you apply blush more than the usual, from the apples of the cheek just on top of the hollow of the cheek and do not go past the ear. Blush will disappear quickly once you’ve finished with the makeup. Apply a highlighter on the high points of the face as a last step.
Line the lower lash line with a light green pencil instead of the white or beige colour. The reason is because in basic colour theory, green counteracts redness and neutralises it. Genius!! All along I’ve been applying the beige liner on the waterline to conceal redness. I really learned something new again. Another Makeup trick learned.
When you apply mascara to the lashes, begin by applying a volumizing formula first. Wait for it to dry and then apply a waterproof one when you have applied your false lashes. This guarantees your lashes will be immune to tears and sweat. I shed a tear as I write this. Tee hee hee hee
Use an eyebrow pencil first to frame the eyebrows. Brush upwards to soften the harsh edges. Fill brows with powder. Whatever is left on the brush, use it at the front of the brow so as not to appear surprised, dense and dark. Use a brow gel to tame the brows and apply a highlighter underneath the brow to give it a finished look.
Essential products to have are the Multiple stick, mascara, Tinted moisturiser, lipstick, blush and loose powder. Essential brushes to have are the blush/powder brush, brow brush, a dense eye shadow brush and a blending brush and lip brush. Concealers are meant to be applied with the fingers hence, no concealer brush.
You may pair a bold lip with a bold eye. Look for balance.
Finished result
My Takeaways
Aside from the complimentary photos, sample sachets of the primer and serum, I took away from this workshop a validation of sorts that makeup should be simple enough but also fun. Real and sexy are a state of mind. Simplicity and luxurious can coexist.
Albert’s seminars are still ongoing, from 5:30-7:00 pm, June 20 at the Rustans Alabang Town Center and at Edsa Shangrila on the 27th. Be early, seats can get taken quickly.
This is a very delayed Mothers Day greeting to my aunt, Tina Bonifacio who incidentally had her beauty session with me at the beginning of this year when she attended a nephew’s wedding. I’m paying tribute to her because in many ways she is literally a second mother to my sister Sarina and I, she also being the sister of my mom. My Mom had passed since 2006.
To quote the late Maya Angelou, she is a Phenomenal woman. Her spirituality comes to the forefront to those that know her and even to those that meet her for the first time. It is this for this reason that her words and actions are genuinely coming from the heart and you know that there is a beautiful soul inside. We also chose her as one of our wedding sponsors in 1996 mainly because we hold her in the highest esteem and regard.
Growing up even if she had her family to take care of, she always looked out for my mom and us, always with a kind word, a token or a call to say we were in her thoughts. Humble and unpretentious, she carries herself with grace, intelligence and warmth, it is almost impossible not to be in your best behaviour when you are with her. She simply draws that out from you.
Jackie Onassis once said that, “If you bungle up raising your children, whatever else you do well will not matter.” She has had her trials and successes but one thing that she is most proud of is her children. Two of her children are pastors, the more visible one is Joey Bonifacio who is the senior pastor at Victory Church in Fort Bonifacio. Bonifacio in Italian or Portuguese means Good fate, is this a coincidence? She also has a son she named Andres. Cool huh? Her other children are accomplished in their own right and doing well in their respective fields and careers.
She has nothing more to ask or achieve since she is very content with what life has given her or has to offer her. Although I don’t get to see her much often now, she is always in our thoughts and good wishes. A belated Happy Mothers Day to you and know that you are loved and appreciated always.