Today, I’m talking with my Marsala makeover subject and friend, fellow beauty blogger Kira Ramirez! After we bonded over cosmetics and coffee, I also invited her to be interviewed for the blog. I love finding out about her beauty routine and makeup preferences, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy her answers and find them helpful, too!
1. What are your daily makeup essentials?
Kira Ramirez (K): My skin care and makeup routine is pretty straightforward. I apply Armada 60 all over my face (this serves as my base), then apply my Ellana Minerals Foundation using a kabuki brush. I then define my eyebrows using Kate Eyebrow Pencil in BR-2 (it has a fine tip that makes shading and shaping so easy), apply my Ellana Minerals Blush in Kitten on the apples of my cheeks, and finally curl my lashes using Koji eyelash curler and apply my favorite Browhaus HD Mascara.
I usually go for red lipsticks since my looks is simple, my current fave is L’Oreal in Blaze of Red.
2. How was it during your Marsala makeover with me? Can you tell me about your experience during the session?
K: We were not able to really talk during our last blogger event at SkinLux, so I really enjoyed learning more about you and your craft, and how passionate you are about makeup. I am more of a skin care enthusiast and the first thing I noticed is your impeccable skin, and I just had to know your secret, haha! Good thing we both agreed on the importance of Vitamin C and a good eye cream product, since these are non-negotiables for me as well.
The whole experience was actually pretty fun! Although I don’t wear lots of makeup on a regular basis, I do enjoy makeovers and learning about the makeup artists’ favorite products! You could say, I’m the type of person who likes peeking into kikay kits (you can learn a lot about a person just by checking out their favorite shade of lipstick).
3. What did you like most about the finished result?
K: Marsala is a subtle seductive shade and I like how Acie made it very wearable and emphasized my chinita eyes. The flirty lashes finished the look perfectly!
4. As someone who works in the beauty industry, what are your personal thoughts about Marsala as color of the year?
K: Marsala is such a nice versatile color that sort of just grew on me after the makeover. I’ve been wearing this on my lips ever since Acie showed me how to mix L’Oreal Bare Moka and EL Forbidden, great when worn on their own but creates a gorgeous Marsala color when combined. I’d say it works well on all skintones, and gives a sophisticated, sort of “grown up” color without being too vampy (ala deep berry) or vulgar (ala fire engine reds). Marsala is definitely something you can wear all year round whether on your eyes, lips, cheeks, or nails.
Would you like me to feature more interviews with beauty bloggers? Email me at hello@aciefores.com and let me know!
I’ve been late to the party in reviewing this, but when I decided to improve my makeup haul this year, the soda pop eye catching color display at Beauty Bar in Greenbelt 5 caught my attention, and I was drawn to the Lipsticks or Lippies as they are called. The Eye Candy eye pencils by Happy Skin Cosmetics were given during a blog event by Martine de Luna entitled the Blissmakerie 2014.
SodaPop colors of Happy Skin products
Shut Up And Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippies sure live up to its claim, it is a mix of shea butter, gloss and lip color in one. It applies very creamy. I’ve purchased the Honeymoon Glow and Naughty and Nice, again both aptly named for a bridal experience. Collagen infused, your lips will love you for its lip plumping effect.
HoneyMoon Glow is more peachy toned while Naughty N Nice has a plum berry tone. I love the pencil shape, you can also twist it to close and open when it gets down to a smaller point.Wearing HoneyMoon Glow, perfect for everyday use.Naughty N Nice, can be worn at night but also during the day when you feel like vamping it up.Housed in a tin box, these pencils are budge and smudge proof.L-R Watermelon, Butterscotch, Plum and Cotton Candy
Overall, the Moisturizing lipsticks are true to their claim: very moisturizing and very pigmented. However, I find myself reapplying more than often due to its balmy and creamy texture, but it’s good for a few hours. This is not a bad thing, it makes me reach for it even if I don’t need a retouch. The range of colors are suited to a global skin tone, ranging from nudes to reds, so I feel they were specifically chosen for me. I felt like buying the entire range! After all it is well priced, between P499.00 -549.00, and one can easily collect and build her lipstick collection without the guilt.
The eyeliners were quite a surprise, though. Cotton Candy and Butterscotch are ideal for rimming underneath the lashes to make the eyes look bigger, while Watermelon and Plum are good for smokey looks or can be worn everyday for a bold pop of color in the eyes. The big plus is that it is smear, water and budgeproof. It can’t get any better than that. (My only beef is, the pencil is short and can be easily be used up for everyday use. Maybe a twist type is in the works?)
What are your favorite Happy Skin products?
Happy Skin products are available at Beauty Bar, Select SM Dept stores and Plains and Prints boutiques.
I had the opportunity to do a mini makeover on my friend and fellow blogger Kira Ramirez the other week. Since I wanted to play around a bit with the Pantone color of the year, Marsala, I knew I needed a willing model who had the right skin tone and face shape for the look I wanted to create. Kira fit the bill, and so we scheduled a makeup date to test drive the look.
Here’s what I used:
Clockwise, Viseart Matte Palette, MAC Eye pencil in Teddy and Smolder and Urban Decay glide on pencil in Zero, MAC Blacktrack gel eyeliner and Fairy Drops H2Oproof mascara.Brow Wow, MAC eyeshadow in Shade 2, MUFE eyebrow pencil in no. 4, MAC Brow brush in 263 and Clinique Brow spoolieKohl liners were used on the upper lashline and bottom lashline and smudged to create a base.MUFE Eyecream shadows shades of plum and bronze to create the Marsala color was applied on the eyelid crease and smoked on the bottom lashline.Focus on the lashline.No Tears!A MAC blending brush in 217 was used to remove all the harsh edges on the eye. A soft brown color was applied on top of the crease as a transitional color and to add depth to the eye. MAC Blacktrack gel eyeliner was applied and I made a slight wing on the outer part to elongate her eyes.217 lashes were used to enhance her eyes.Not a torture weapon, but eyelash tongs to secure the lashes on Kira’s eyes.I’ve combined MAC Pinch me center bottom and Blushbaby center top to give her cheeks a flush of color.MUFE Contour powder in 1 and 2 were used to sculpt and give warmth to her cheeks.These two combined give a Marsala color.L-R L’Oreal Bare Mocha, Estee Lauder Forbidden Kiss and Marsala LipstickApplying the combined colors on KiraIn the words of Ricky Reyes, Eto ang finished product. A Beaming Kira!
Do you like this look on Kira? Give me your comments below.
A big shout out to EDSA Beverage Design Company’s Manila Coworking HoneyComb and Martine De Luna for the location shoot and for Kira Ramirez for being my ganado model and for being so helpful in shooting the photos for the blog. A true blogger who made DIY look so easy!
Finally here is my tutorial on the color of the year, Marsala. I’ve collaborated with Kira Ramirez, a beauty, fashion and lifestyle blogger who I’ve met during our Skinlux review with Martine De Luna, early last year. It was a long overdue collaboration since the past few months saw me indisposed and I recently hooked up with her again. Needless to say, it was a morning of girly fun and beauty schmoozefest. Here it is.
Fresh and Bare faced, ready to be glammed up.
Prepping the face:
Kira had Combination Skin, oily in the T-zone area and Normal on the the other parts of her face. I chose to use the Embryolisse Hydra mat moisturizer to address her skin. She also had redness and breakouts in her chin which she told me to conceal.
Skincare Arsenal, Fr. L-R, Embryolisse Hydra Mat, MAC Fast Response Eye Cream, Face2Face Super Matte Anti Shine and MAC Lip ConditionerI used the Graftobian Color Corrector cream palette,to neutralize any redness or discoloration on the different areas on the face before applying concealer. Color used was a light peach corrector underneath the eyes, I also used the green color to neutralize her pimples under her chin.Dark circles be gone.Skin Perfection 101. Clockwise, Graftobian Color Corrector Palette, RCMA Cream Foundation in Shinto 2, RCMA Highlight and Contour Shading wheel, I used Shinto 3 and 4 to contour and Shinto 1 to highlight, MAC Eye Prep in Medium and Dermacolor Concealer palette. Brushes used NARS Concealer brush and MAC Synthetic blending brushThe Blending process begins.Kira’s face is round shaped, so I applied dark cream foundation on the outer perimeter of her face and top of her forehead and down the sides of her nose to give it depth and applied the lightest cream foundation on the high points of her face like the top of her forehead, middle of her nose, upper cheekbone and her cupid’s bow and chin to bring light to her face.Ben Nye Translucent powder was applied to set her makeup in place.All prepped and ready to be transformed.
Kira’s final glammed look is next. What is your favorite skin prep routine?
I love my job. Weddings are usually that particular time where emotions of happiness, joy and sadness come into play. I was touched when my friend Rachelle Almario called me to ask if I was available on February 11 to do the hair and makeup of her best friend Lisa Antonio. It was her wedding gift to them. This is the stuff I live for.
BFF. Warms my heart.
Lisa and I share 2 things in common, Rachelle is also one of my good friends and that we both just moved into the Alabang area recently, having our homes built within the same year in 2014. Lisa is an architect, she carries the lineage of the late National Artist Ramon Antonio and her famous aunts the Veloso sisters who are well known for their made to order clothes for Manila’s chic society. Her well appointed home with clean and crisp lines give you an indication of her choice in wedding style. The epitome of chic and sophistication echo the simplicity of her gown bought from Rosa Clara.
Channeling Audrey Hepburn
Calm and Relaxed.
Lisa conveyed her wishes to me by making her hair and makeup very simple, nothing too contrived just effortless. She looked to Audrey Hepburn and Carolina Herrera as her inspiration and immediately I knew what direction she wanted.
This is her other good friend Triccie Syquia who was part of her wedding entourage who I also had the pleasure of glamming up.
Thank you Rachelle and Lisa for the gift of friendship and I wish you and TBoy all the best on your new life ahead.
Photos courtesy of Lisa A. Rodriguez and Randolf Evans Photography. Hair by Tony Dusich
Marsala — designated as the 2015 color of the year by Pantone — is a most versatile color to wear, especially for us Asians. Its warm, earthy hue is flattering to our skin tone, which leans towards the fair to medium range. Inspired by the Italian wine-growing region in Sicily, an authentic marsala wine is a muted burgundy color with hints of plum, which insinuates sultriness, seductiveness and warmth. If you ask me, those characteristics definitely make marsala color you’d want to wear!
Marsala and your makeup
Consider marsala in your makeup palette. It is best paired with a smokey eye in neutral tones, or combined with peachy pink and metallic colors, such as bronze or golden yellow. It also works well with turquoise and teal.
I’ve featured MakeupForever’s Aqua Cream Waterproof shadow in some of my blogs: That’s how much this color proves it can be used as a neutral color for eyes.
Additionally, I ‘ve combined L’Oreal lipstick in Bare Mocha and Estee Lauder Pure Color in Forbidden Kiss and tada! Marsala was the result! (See below.)
L-R L’Oreal Bare Mocha, Estee Lauder Forbidden Kiss and Marsala Lipstick
My favorite eyeshadows are Shu Uemura in PPurple 790 and Benefit’s Eyeshadow Buckle Bunny, which are neutral colors, and great for everyday makeup. These plum shades also work very well for bridal makeup.
How are you going to try Marsala? “Cheers!” should I say?
“True art is characterized by an irresistable urge in the creative artist”. ~ Albert Einstein
Rituals — Patrick Rosas’ second book — was recently launched before the holiday season. (I know, I’m late in posting!) The book is a stunning compilation of his latest work in collaboration with six of his favorite photographers: Neal Oshima, Filbert Kung, Marc Nicdao, Patrick Uy, Joan Bitangcol and Glenn Gordon, and the beautiful men and women of Manila of whom he has had the pleasure of working and establishing close relationships with.
Hardbound and covered in pink Vellum paperThis copy is encased in glass, which makes it all more precious and desirable. This version is also on sale at National Book Store.Published by ABS CBN. Proceeds from the sale of the book go to charity. Beauty with a conscience.One of the sponsors, the Estee Lauder Group of Companies was a major contributor to the book. It seems the color red and pink and its varying shades were made to convey femininity in its glory.Roses for Rosas. The red centerpiece meant to channel and exude the passion in the man.Rhoda Campos Aldanese, a former colleague, was kind enough to extend the invitation to me to attend the launch with her. Posing with her own photo. I wish all selfies and I.D. photos looked this good.Rhoda Campos Aldanese Photographed by Mark Nicdao. I also had the privilege of doing her makeup for the Tatler Ball a few weeks before this event.Ladies going to the Tatler Ball. Rhoda Campos Aldanese and Julie Boschi were glammed up by myself and Arvie Matibag for their hair. Whaddya think Mr. Rosas?
Here a couple of my favorite photos from the book.
My aunt, Baby Araneta Forés. I am biased, indulge me. This made the cover of Rogue Magazine recently. Photographed by Marc NicdaoFresh Faced Restaurateur and chef, Margarita Forés. Indulge me once again. No one does the Clean and Fresh look like Patrick does, that’s why he is always in demand for skincare and TV commercials . Photographed by Marc Nicdao.Maricel Soriano like you’ve never seen her before. Glam O Mama! Breathtaking! Photographed by Marc NicdaoGwedolyn Ruais, Miss World Philippines 2011 as Queen Nefertiti. Oh the endless possibilities. Perfect peg. Loving the neck, so graceful and elegant. Photographed by Filbert KungElizabeth Taylor in the house! Dont you wish you had eyebrows like those? Lola Puga Photographed by Neal Oshima.Saving the best for last, Gretchen Barretto as a Masai Princess. Stunning! Patrick Rosas’ muse and dear friend who also helped in making this book a dream come true for him. Photographed by Marc Nicdao
This book serves as an inspirational reference to all makeup artists and lovers of beauty, color and women. Acclaim and praise also belong to the photographers who gave life to the photos which (in my opinion), leaves a powerful impact on the reader.
Rituals was so named because life is all about rituals and its interconnection to the universe. He sought to change the perception that rituals are not meant to be boring but to see the beauty in doing something as a moment and in the moment. The pegs and inspiration that he used and interpreted with his muses are very on point and seem to depict what each of them can magically transform into by the wave of his brush and hand. Magician or Wizard? Both. Just ask these men and women. He is what you call the Philippines’ version of Kevin Aucoin and I agree that he should be put in that same pedestal as Kevin’s as he will always continue to evolve as an artist with as much gusto and verve one can expect from a true artist. I can’t wait for more surprises from this man.
I am truly enjoying leafing through this book, taking my time in admiring each page and seeing endless powerful images of beauty. Dream and forge on as they say. Thank you Patrick Rosas for making me believe.
Rituals is published by ABS CBN publishing and is currently available at National Book Store for P4,500.00.
Time seems to be elusive. I need more of it! As the saying goes, “It’s more precious than gold yet it cannot be earned, bought or saved.” I’ve barely settled in our new home, and then throw in workshops and events attended — and for added fun, serving clients in between —I’ve had no time to sit and update the blog.
I’m not complaining, I just need more time management and extra pair of hands!
Here are a few workshops and events I’d like to share with you in my learning quest to makeup greatness.
TransDerma Event (September 2014)
Having Good skin is always a beauty asset.
I can’t stress this enough: Having good skin is essential in makeup application. What good is a smokey eye, or a glammed up look if the canvass underneath is not healthy and worthy of a closeup or selfie?
Which brings me to the TransDerma products, and the event launching. I considered an invitation from an aunt of mine, Maricel G. Carrascoso ,who is bringing in this wonderful amazing product from Japan: Transderma Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Both are serums that are plant-based, free of all the harmful ingredients and other chemicals that add to its product longevity. I’m a firm believer in the effects of Vitamin C serum in the face as it acts as an oxidant, skin brightener and overall improvement of the skin. This has been part of my skincare regimen. Add Vitamin A serum to the skin cocktail mix, and you have the best of both worlds in the magic of youth preservation and delay.
Vitamin A serum, on the other hand, is responsible for skin surface exfoliation and reducing fine lines and wrinkles and is applied at night only.
Both serums are not greasy; they melt on contact. The best part is the packaging, which uses pumps for dispensing for ease of use.
Testimonials from these women were enough to convince me that there is room for one more player in the skincare market. Some of these women who tried all the high-end products out there swore that upon switching to this line, their skin never felt better. Why? If you can read the selling point at the photo at the back of the product packaging, it says product does not contain water. Notice how sometimes we apply a product and after a few minutes our skin color turns ashy gray or dark?
Selling point which got me hooked.
Graziella Ronlan, an international makeup artist and expert in skincare teamed up with Swedish doctor. Dr. Alvin Ronlan Docent, to simplify the skin care program by harnessing the power of natural ingredients combined with technological systems for faster skin penetration. Ladies, there are no harmful ingredients or superflous synthetic compounds so it is definitely safe to use. Free of artificial color, preservatives, perfumes and other synthetic compounds, Transderma products are not tested on animals and are suitable for women and men of all ethnicities and skin types.
If this bottle comes with the model shown, I’m getting more than one bottle!Vitamin A to be used at night.
For more information and orders, call Maricel G. Carrascoso at +63 917 886 8860 and Carmen Ocampo Krause at + 63 917 796 3559.
Marche Editorial (September 2014)
It was a Beautiful Affair. I, together with other makeup artists, Nybie Ng, Charisma Vergara, Daisy Talosig and Gem Uy, were invited by Marché Magazine to showcase our Bridal artistry for their October issue. It was a beautifully orchestrated soiree by the Marché Magazine team, headed by Japhilee Zapata, who made our day smooth sailing throughout. Photographer Chris Gallegos made our models very comfortable and gorgeous by way of his easy manner and photographic skill in showing the right angles of our models. Joaquin Ambata Films shot the BTS. Honestly, I felt like I was in a movie set, but unfortunately I wasn’t the one being pampered, haha!
Below are some scenes on what went on that fun day.
Hocus Focus. Making sure her eyebrows are on fleek.My Inspiration and pegs for the shoot.First look done. Where is my gown Inno Sotto?Selfie before I face Chris Gallegos our Photographer.Its a wrap. Second look done!Thank you Japhilee and to the Marché MAgazine team. Hair stylist Rikki Suarezs T-shirt said it all.
Velada 2014 (October 2014)
Being an Assumption alumnae, we have a yearly tradition of celebrating our sisterhood which we call a velada. A velada is a homecoming or reunion of sorts, which is hosted by the youngest batch of HS graduates celebrating 25 years (Silver) followed by the jubilarians celebrating 30 years (Pearl), 35 years, (Jade), 40 years (Ruby), 50 years (Gold), 60 years (Diamond). It is a song and dance extravaganza highlighting the Assumption education and values, and interpreted as a reflection of what it has made us become the women that we are today.
This year, my batch celebrated 30 years, and our theme was “Still One”. My Team and I did the hair and makeup requirements for the show — and yes, I multitasked! I was both performer and an active participant behind the scenes.
Our inspiration for the presentation was Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, to represent the qualities of the Pearl which is timeless, elegant and precious.
Photo taken from the ACHS84 FB Page. Written by Malou Dulce BetchoMakeup Peg. From the MAC ArchivesAudrey Hepburn Makeup PegHair inspiration pegMy Look for the first day of performance
My Batchmates all made up and ready to break a leg. Lally Aldeguer showing us the signature pose that gave us the confidence. Andrew Ferraris is the choreographer that made us look so good. Photo taken from Leia Regala.
Kudos to my glam team that made us look gorg! Marissa Narvaez another Assumption Alumnae whose turn to celebrate her 25th year next year, Alee Benson, Rikki Suarez, Nida, OJ Cacnio, Toni Gutierrez, Kit Fabia and Rochelle Tiosen.
MAC Artistry (November 2014)
Chiqui Ortiz Dingcong sent out a message in our group, UMAP, asking the members who wanted to attend the event of MAC Cosmetics. She announced that she could only accommodate 7 people to come with her, so I immediately signed up. Anything that involves MAC Cosmetics I try as much as possible to attend, regardless of whether it is has something to do with being a guest artist for that day or just attending their wonderful seminars.
They launched their Makeup Artistry Skills In Minutes program, mainly targeting their huge consumer base on how to apply their own makeup and be good at it. It is a series of interactive videos narrated and demonstrated by MAC Cosmetics Senior artists like Gregory Arlt and Caitlin, who were in Manila recently to give makeup demos, and Romero who I consider makeup gods. (Gregory Arlt is the makeup artist of choice for Gwen Stefani whenever she hosts The Voice.)
Videos were splattered on giant screens showing the consumer how to perfect your makeup skills by following the tips given in the monitor. You click or slide the screen to learn how to do each part of your face by simply following the steps. These videos are available for viewing on YouTube for your viewing pleasure.
MAC Cosmetics has again been in the forefront of merging technology with their plethora of makeup knowhow and marketing efforts to complete the personal beauty experience. I have not seen this yet with the other makeup brands, except Clinique, wherein they provide the client with a board with sliding knobs that asks questions as to the kind of skin and face type one has in order to provide them with the right analysis of the product suitable to the area of concern.
Remember this?
Perfect Lipstick application
Brow Perfection
Gorgeous Polished lookWIth fellow UMAP MUA, Emily and Mikee Raymundo Senior MAC Trainor
This interview features student and model Maria Alexandra Victoria Pueo, better known as “Gugu” Francisco. She modeled a bridal look for the Acie Fores website, and shares her work experience as well her favorite aspects about working with Acie, whom she fondly refers to as “Tita Acie.” Photos by Jack Alindahao and Styling by Alexandra Lapa The Reluctant Stylista and Hair by Rikki Suarez
1. What did you enjoy about working with Acie? What did you like about her makeup style, as well as her work style/ethic?
Tita Acie was very professional and easy to work with because she was accommodating and even ordered pizza for me (haha!). She also made our shoot fun by telling jokes, which helped me stay awake even f I only had 3 hours before the shoot. Her makeup was neat and organized — which may seem like it is not a big deal, but you are assured that you’re working with a professional. You know this is true when you see she takes good care of her things and values them by keeping the brushes and sponges clean all the time, after working. I like that she listens to my suggestions, and I feel like she has a special touch for each model which clearly shows on her work. She has mastered the balance of being accommodating and professionalism which are I believe are important to succeed in her field.
2. What are some of your favorite features on your face, and how was Acie able to highlight these? How did her work on you make you feel?
I liked how she treated my eyes: Since they are hooded and deep set, they need a specific stroke to be enhanced. There are certain colours of eye shadow that don’t work for me — like black, since I have hazel eyes and it will over power them. She made sure my eyes were highlighted, bringing the best out in them. Next are my cheeks: Since i am a plus size model, it is important for any make up artist to contour my face properly, especially my cheeks, temples and double chin, to enhance the features but not make me look bigger. She already knew how to manually modify my face even before the shoot went on and knew which parts to highlight to react well with the studio lights.
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?
For my sunblock, I use VMV as prescribed by my derma. For my moisturizer, I use the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum in Bisque. For my blush, I use MAC’s Beauty powder blush in Formal, and my lipstick is MAC’s CremeSheen in How Darling. For my mascara, I use They’re Real by Benefit. Tools: I use the Real Technique brushes, the on-location mini brush trio set, specifically.
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.
Tonette Nicolas, blogger and writer for WheninManila.comBefore the transformation…The “weekday” / daytime look for TonetteThe “weekend”/ night look — just a bit of glam to the daytime look.
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.
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.
Paris trained Verna Marin
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.
True Match. the star of the showPhoto from Emilyn Fermin. Lorea’l True Match Foundation. True Love
Verna demonstrated the editorial look while Gex did a classic bride.
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.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 CAVAHappy Smiles with our certifications.One more time Miss Verna
