I met my good friend, Marissa Narvaez when I lived in Baguio in 2009 and we both share the same interests and passion which is makeup and more makeup. Admitedly, she began to feed this growing need for a more disciplined approach when she enrolled in the Center for the Aesthetic Studies with Jen Delica on a one on one basis and Airbrush makeup with Georginna Desuasido. From there, she saw a demand for makeup artists in the north and her passion turned into a growing craft where she can impound on the importance of beauty in the self esteem of a woman. We both reciprocate and feed our artistry whenever an opportunity arises for an extra pair of magical hands.
She is currently an entrepreneur in her own right as she and her husband are engaged in the pursuit of wellness and pampering, they own Kuwentong Barbero located in SM, a Manila franchise of Nuat Thai Massage along Marcos Highway and a Spa called Mari Spa on Abanao st. She definitely has cornered her own market. She also conducts Personal Beauty workshops to young women in need of beauty enhancement. Here is a glimpse of a woman who lives and breathes beauty.
Q & A:
- What inspired you to get into makeup and did you immediately know that’s what you wanted to do?
My mom and my older sister were my inspiration. Since I was a kid, I’ve seen them glammed up and would always play with my mom’s make-up stash. My sister was a professional model in her early years and I was just in awe seeing her putting on make-up. My penchant for using make up started when I was young.
My first job was working for a 5-star chain hotel and I was required to be made-up at all times! It was not a task for me as I was having fun and in fact, I enjoyed helping out my work colleagues with their make-up application.
When I moved to Baguio, I thought of doing professional make-up but I didn’t get to practice until 2008. Yes, I knew immediately that’s what I wanted to do.
- Where did you train or are you self-taught?
Since I was based in Baguio and I was working fulltime, I couldn’t take the long courses offered at CAS back in 2008. I took the one-on-one session with Ms. Jen Delica and took me 3 days to learn everything! That was my first formal make- up training session. I took short courses at Maquiallage Professionel, Make-up Designory and Shu Uemura the following years.
- Where do you find inspiration?
Mostly from my make up books, magazines, works of my favorite make up artists and Pinterest!
- What’s the best advise a fellow professional has ever given you?
Never stop practicing.
- How do you think your work has evolved since you first began working professionally?
The make-up industry is like the medical field. There is always new technology invented. You need to be abreast in learning new techniques. I aim to constantly learn from my mentors by attending their workshops and training sessions. My passion for learning was the key element.
- Which one product do you wish you could have or create, to make your life easier?
I wish to have TML The Makeup Light right now. I hope Santa will read this…
- One product you never leave home without for yourself or your kit?
Lipbalm!
- How do you find time to relax?
I have a massage at Mari Spa (Shameless plug here!)
- You conduct personal beauty workshops, how did that come about?
My friends convinced me to teach basic make up application and no one in Baguio has done it yet. What is common here are sponsored workshops or training sessions by network marketing companies.
- How would you describe your work?
Brides are my favorite. They always have that radiant glow on their big day no matter how stressed they are. With my techniques, my goal is always to bring out their natural beauty.
- Describe yourself in one word
Trailblazer.
My Dream Shoot:
Location: The Mansion House, Baguio City
Photographer: Boy Yñiguez
Model: Acie Romero-Salas (!!!)
Stylist: Candy Reyes
Hair: Alee Benson
Marissa’s Makeup Kit
Marissa’s Kikay Kit
1) Kanebo Media Compact Foundation – Medium Coverage but feels so lightweight in the skin. It also give my skin a glow, which is what Japanese products are known for.
2) NARS Schiap Lipstick – This gives my face the color pop I need everyday. Love Love!
3) Lucas pawpaw Ointment – Best all around everything. I use it on my lips and areas on my face that need moisturising.
4) Lancome Hypnose Mascara – My lashes love the curl it gives.
5) NARS Orgasm Lip Gloss – If its good for the Kardashians, its good for me too.
6) OCC Lip Tar – On days I don’t feel like wearing color on my lips, a pin size of this lipstick is all I need to look put together.
7) My Tweezerman tweezers and Shu Uemura Lash Curler – My handy dandy tools for my lashes and eyebrows.
She is a gifted artist, devoted mother and workaholic, she is a woman on the go or should I say woman on the glow? Book her for your beauty needs whenever you are in Baguio and she will make it a pleasurable experience for you. Her expertise is in bridal and glam makeup, she will not disappoint.
