Behind the Veil… Benedicto Rodriguez Nuptials


Tis wedding season!!  I met Raisa through her mother, Rosette Gana Benedicto, her parents and mine go a long way, they were friends since way back in the 60’s, maybe even longer.

 

A call came to me through her younger sister Carmela Gana Araullo that Rosette’s daughter is getting married and they were asking for my rates.  If you read the story below, it turns out her mom Rosette really wanted me to do the hair and makeup for Raisa!  The last time I saw Rosette was from the Velada.  Velada is a jubilee celebration of the homecoming of the alumnae culminating in an evening of song and dance.  Our alma mater is the Assumption College!  I was deeply touched since I haven’t heard from Rosette in so many years and she remembered me for her daughter’s special day.

Oh Raisa, thank you for making it so easy for me, Rosette You raised a good daughter right here.

Below is our conversation with Raisa.

1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?

 

“Hi! I’m Raisa Benedicto. I’m a Pediatric dentist by profession (but one of the lost boys from Neverland by heart). I like to read and play tennis during my spare time. and I LOVE dogs.”

2. How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me?

 

“When my mom heard I got engaged, she instantly said, “We HAVE to get Acie as our make out artist.” My mom trusted you, so I trusted you. and like any millennial, I immediately stalked your portfolio on Instagram – definitely liked what I saw! and the rest is history!”

3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day?

“It was perfect! Although I was a little frazzled on the day (as all typical brides are) you made me feel so comfortable and distracted. I appreciated all the small talk and the explanations to help keep the edge off. “

 

4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding that you love? Could you share that photo with us?

“I’m probably still on a wedding high, so it’s pretty hard to pick a favorite one. The day went by so fast; it was such a blur. What did stand out, though, was the surprise father daughter dance, we had planned for the guests.

This photo isn’t very flattering of us, but it captures our dynamic together as father and daughter. We’re both not performers and definitely not dancers, but it was a fun production and even more fun bonding time spent with my dad.”

 

 

5). What was a good beauty moment for you during the wedding day itself?

“Honestly, I’m not the type who wears make up or fixes myself up everyday. In fact, I just recently learned how to use foundation and concealer. That being said, the entire time I was being made up felt like a dream to me. I especially felt my best once I stepped into my finished dress for the first time.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

6) Favourite beauty product, application used during your wedding and why?

 

 

“For some reason, what really stuck with me was the face mask and the facial massage. It wasn’t something I normally witnessed during bridal make up sessions. I enjoyed being pampered.”

 

Before the makeup application I apply a mask to the bride’s face and use a Jade roller on top to massage the product in the face.

7) Any bridal tips you want to share for future brides planning their wedding?

 

“LET GO on the day. There’s no point in stressing over little details. Everything is going to be perfect whatever happens. The wedding is just for the festivities, but don’t forget what the day’s focus is truly about. “

8) What is one thing you could change during your wedding preparation?

“Maybe having an airconditioned prep room – that was one thing I overlooked/didn’t bother to think about. Either way, the villa I stayed in was breezy enough. I really wouldn’t have changed anything.”

9) Any beauty rituals you did or received that you want to share?

“The complimentary facial spa treatment I got from Dermalogica (c/o you, Tita Acie), was absolutely FANTASTIC. It was so relaxing and soothing, just what I needed right before the wedding.”

 

Photo from Rustans Beauty Source

10) Favourite photo of you during the wedding and why.

 

“I don’t usually enjoy having my photo taken, but that day I had enough confidence to pose and emote. My photographers were amazing at making me look like I knew what I was doing, but the real MVP was my HMUA for making me, not just look, but also feel, like I deserved to be in the spotlight. I loved that my make up was so light and natural-looking that my freckles were showing through. My eye bags seem non-existent!”

 

Gown:  Richie Ortega Torres

Makeup :  Acie Fores

Hair:  JM Martinez

Photographs: FB:  GIBSAM Photography  IG:  @GibsamPhoto and from the Bride
Raisa G. Benedicto, DMD
Pediatric Dental Specialist

Strobing, Highlighting products, It’s Ate Glow!

Social media has given makeup applications new terms, to make content in their feeds relevant.  One of these terms we refer to is Highlighting which is now termed Strobing or Reverse Contouring, thanks to Instagram and Youtube.  Both terms mean the same thing which is a makeup application that accentuates the high points of the face, the top of the cheekbones, underneath the brow bone, inner corner of the eye, middle of the nose and the Cupid s bow the area on top of the lips using products with high amounts of shimmer or shine .

Highlighting Technique
A simple diagram on where to put highlight products on the face whether its cream or powder based.

I discovered this product from a colleague and she considers this  her Holy Grail of highlighters.  Mary Lou Luminizer is an American product under the label The Balm Cosmetics.  Packaging has that retro feel similar to Benefit Cosmetics which makes it appealing to makeup junkies.

 

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Aptly named, Watts Up by Benefit Cosmetics and MaryLou Luminizer are highlighters that can lift your face all the way to the Diwata Satellite.

 

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This can also be used as an eyeshadow for a natural day look and emphasized with a black cat eye.  Simply divine. 

 

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Its described as a “Honey Hue” warm champagne highlighter best suited for medium tones.

 

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Has a pearly sheen and well pigmented.

 

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Be careful when you apply too much. This is how it looks unblended

 

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Blended with fingers, it gives a nice subtle glow.
This is how I apply the luminizer on the face, Real Techniques Setting Brush
This is how I apply the luminizer on the face, Real Techniques Setting Brush

 

 

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Used the MaryLou Luminizer on Shanen my model for a bridal shoot recently. Ate Glow

 

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Famously used by Mario Dedivanovic on Kim Kardashian on her YouTube video on Strobing.

 

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A Shining example. Not blended.

 

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I think I blended it too much. But good news is, its buildable and you can use a Beauty Blender sponge to apply it.

 

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There is a rubber sponge at the opposite end of this stick which helps in applying and blending the product but i prefer to use the fingers or a Beauty Blender sponge for flawless coverage.

 

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Watts up with her? Tried and Tested on my model on a bridal shoot.

 

Final thoughts on these two highlighters:

Use them sparingly and the key to not making you gleam like a greasepan is to blend it with your fingers, brush or sponge.

When applied too much, highlighters can sometimes look oily and sweaty in photos.  Do not use this on oily skin, it will look like a disco ball.

Apply them with ample lighting or across a window with natural light streaming so you’ll know how much to use.

Apply on the inner corner of the eye or tear duct to make close set eyes bigger or when you want to highlight that corner a la Korean pop star.

Layer this on top of your lipstick and tap a little amount on your ring finger and apply on the centre of your bottom lips to give the illusion of a fuller mouth.

Apply to the collarbones for a glowing sheen that makes everyone look good in photos.

 

Benefit Cosmetics is available at Greenbelt 5, Trinova, Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Alabang Town Centre, BGC Central Square, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-la and SM Seaside Cebu.  Watts Up Highlighter is priced between P2500.00-2700.00 (Online or at the store)

MaryLou Lumber is available at all Beauty Bar outlets.  Priced between P1200.00-1700.00 depending whether its bought online or at the store.

How They See Acie: “Natural” Makeup Look 1

Have you seen those YouTube videos  where they show the evolution of makeup in 3 minutes or less? There is also a similar video in which a woman was photoshopped according to the beauty standards of the country she sent her photo to.  Well, it gave me the idea to blog about how various makeup artists see me.  I’m calling it “How They See Me (Acie)”.

This is intended be a fun experiment as to how I am perceived by other artists when I say give me a natural look. I gave them the option of going avant garde if they think this is part of my transformation palette so to speak.

First of this series is done by my makeup artist neighbor friend, Mela Jimenez  I asked her to give me a natural look and this is how she painted me.

 

Barefaced and Recently buzzed.
Barefaced and Recently buzzed.

 

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Subtle blending of neutral colors

 

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After. Looking Fresh and natural

 

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Tools and colors she used on me. She applied a combination of traditional and airbrush makeup foundations on me, She used Face2Face cream foundation and airbrushed me with Temptu no 6 to finish it off. It was set by Face2Face translucent powder, I was bronzed on my cheeks and the hollows of my cheeks and temples with her favorite bronzer, the name at the back was already rubbed off. For the eyes, she used NARS Manly blush as the shadow base and shades of brown eyeshadows on the crease and outer v. For drama, she lined my eyes with black gel liner and brown gel liner on the bottom and smudged gently. For my brows it was KPalette in no.2 . For cheeks, she also used Nars Manly blush and for lips she combined a pink and coral lipstick to give it a pinkish beige hue.

I loved my look, Mela said this is how she does a smoky look on brides.  I wore this for 5 hours and it still looked fine.  I love how she effortlessly transformed me without me looking too garish or overly made up.  Give me your comments and let me know what  you think?

Behind the Veil: Ida Belonia Jose

acie fores makeup artist, makeup artist destination wedding

Welcome to another installment of Behind the Veil, my interviews with my bridal clients. Today, I want you to meet the lovely Ida Jose. I met Ida through her aunt, Ericka Peña, a client of mine who wanted to give her a gift which was a hair and makeup service for her niece Ida and her entourage.  Who would not resist such a generous offer?  Below are highlights and photos of her special day.

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1. Tell my readers a bit about yourself.

Well… About me, I am an outgoing person. I love to learn new things. I love working with colors but not with my face. I think I am not very good at it.  I am very OC (obsessive-compulsive) in a good way, which helped me make our wedding day the most memorable and the happiest day for us. I am currently employed with Auto Nation Group, a dealer of luxury cars, as an Executive Secretary. I love dancing so much and I dabble a little bit in graphic designing.

 

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2. How did you come to work with me as your makeup artist?

It was December of 2011 when I asked my aunt Tita Ericka if she knows of a Hair and makeup artist for our company’s annual christmas dinner. She told me you were the one who did her hair and make-up for an event she attended. I searched for your work on the net which convinced me to have my hair & make-up done by Ms. Acie Fores.

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3. How did you like your makeup on your special day? 

The first hair & make-up trial really made me feel extra beautiful according to my friends and family.    And for our big day, no words can explain how I felt with how I looked.   Our guests,  asked me who did my hair and makeup and that I looked so radiant. The photo from the ceremony is one of the many shots I love. Even with the veil, people can still see my face especially with that glowing smile.

acie fores makeup artist, makeup artist destination wedding

4. What’s one fond memory you have of your wedding day?

Aside from my hair & make-up, the gown was also magical and contributed to how I felt so special on that day. My gowns for the church and reception were designed by Ellen Clavio-Viray.   I would like to thank you for making our wedding day our guests and family  will not forget. — Ida

Photos courtesy of Ida Belonia Jose and Reflexion Studios Eugene Pantoja.  Hair:  Jmar Martinez

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Me and My Mom

Ida and Husband

Inglot Bridal Seminar with Cherry Pacheco

Cherry Pacheco, a senior makeup artist affiliate of Inglot Cosmetics Philippines, recently indulged members of United Makeup Artists of the Philippines with a Bridal Demo at their Glorietta 5 branch.  I couldn’t pass this up since I’m always a fan of continuing education and Inglot Cosmetics Philippines is one of the cosmetics brand that I’m beginning to fall in love with.  Again, its not a basic demo, you have to come with the understanding of basic makeup application.  My love affair began with their most best selling gel liner no. 77.  It’s black inky color is unbelievably smooth and creamy and budgeproof.  It’s not exactly waterproof but its great for my needs.  I also have their nail ridge filler which lives up to its name, it leaves a smooth mantle over the nail preparing it for nail color.  I am hooked.

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Inky Black Gel Eyeliner no. 77. Inglot’s best selling item.

Her Tips:

1)  Begin with a very clean and smooth canvas.  Face should be prepped prior to the application, cleansed, toned, moisturized and primed, according to the skin type of the client or Bride.  Inglot’s Under Base Mattifiying base is considered the primer of all gods.

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Primer of all gods.

2)  Determine the bride’s skin tone and undertones by properly matching 1-2 shades of Foundation on the cheek to the jawline to see which shade matches her face.  The right color should blend seamlessly on the face.  When skin is acidic, it means that when foundation is applied, your skin color turns dark or gray after a few minutes.  This applies to people with oily skin.  To counteract this, apply a toner to the face,  apply a primer to the face prior to the foundation to act as a barrier between the skin and makeup and choose a foundation that is one shade lighter than your skintone.  This way, when your face casts a darker hue, it will match your skin tone perfectly.

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The shade that matched the model’s face is the one on the left. It was lighter than her usual shade because she is acidic.
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HD Foundation gives a dewy satin finish

3)  Begin applying the foundation with a brush on the upper half of the face until the eyebrows and extending to the lower part of the face where her upper cheekbones begin.  The perimeter of the face should be a little darker to give depth and warmth to the face.

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Model Xyrene with foundation applied on her face.
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Mattifying powder was used and applied with a sponge after foundation was applied.
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One of their best selling items their mattifiying powder.

4)  Contour and Highlight. When applying depth, highlight and warmth to the skin, Cherry uses powder to achieve this.

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Contour Palette
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Dark powder was applied from the top of the ear and blended towards the center of the face stopping in the lower cheek area. Do not go past the lips.

4)  Eyebrows should be properly groomed so placement of color can be applied correctly.  Brush the hairs in an upward stroke to see where the hair growth lies and where color should be applied.

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Perfectly groomed eyebrows and a face that has depth.

IMG_5777 5)  Eyeshadow

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Her Freedom Palette of choice. Love love the color on the bottom row, 2nd to the left. This is what she applied on the eyelid using her ring finger and blended to perfection.
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She blended the eyeshadow and added a darker matte color on the outer crease or V shape to accentuate the eyes.
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A lighter shade was applied in the inner corner of the eyes and bottom lashes to make the eyes pop.

6)  Eyeliner and Lashes

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Brown Waterproof eyeliner was used in the bottom of the lashes vertically and smudged 3/4 of the way.

7)  Blush

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Peach toned blushes work well with Asian skin tones. You may mix a pink toned blush to give the face more dimension.
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Work in circular motions from the apples of the cheeks and blend outwards.

8)  Lips

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Lip Palette to die for.   It is super pigmented a little goes a long way.  She used the 2 colors on the bottom row, 2nd to the left and the middle shade and mixed the two to get a peachy pink color.
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Lip color should match the undertone and color of the blush to create harmony in the face.

9)  Final result:

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Before (Xyrene Eugenio is also an Inglot Cosmetics Philippines makeup artist affiliate who gamely became our model for that afternoon)
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After. Xyrene is ready to walk down the aisle, the shopping aisle that is.

A promo and discount offer was offered to us artists which made it easier for us to justify our vanity cravings.  It is easy to be lost and overwhelmed when you walk into the store but trust the staff to offer their warm assistance  in narrowing your choices.  Despite the slight frenzy, I was able to make good choices in my attempt to understand their Freedom Palette selling point.    Their palettes are all magnetic, colors are easy to put in and talk about portability, everything you need is customized for you when you slip them in those compact holes.

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My custom bridal eyeshadow palette chosen for me.

The only bad point I can think of is that since the creamy pigments like lipsticks and cream concealers melt so quickly in our heat, I end up putting them in the refrigerator to harden them a bit.  Colors are named in a series of 3 numbers, I have a difficult time remembering them sometimes.    I guess this was deliberately done since this line is a brainchild of a polish Chemist Wojchiek Inglot, who wanted to produce cosmetics that are paraben free and free of those harmful ingredients you find in some cosmetic brands.  Chemists work with formulas and numbers hence the number sequence in their branding.  As a result, Inglot Cosmetics is 20-30% more affordable than their counterparts.  I call it genius, their magnetized palettes are a makeup artist’s dream, they all stack up in your kits.  Truly Heaven sent.

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Glorietta 5 store
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Lip Lip Hooray! I seem to want this artwork for myself.
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Xyrene and Cherry
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With their Glorietta 5 staff

Inglot Cosmetics can be found at Glorietta 5, SM Megamall and Mall of Asia.  Follow them on Facebook and InstaGram @InglotPH 

Behind the Kit with Marissa Narvaez

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.

Her gorgeous Indian Bride.
Her gorgeous Indian Bride.

 

The Bride and her artist
The Bride and her artist
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Up Close and Sensational

 

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:

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. Where do you find inspiration?

Mostly from my make up books, magazines, works of my favorite make up artists and Pinterest!

  1. What’s the best advise a fellow professional has ever given you?

Never stop practicing.

  1. 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.

  1. 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…

  1. One product you never leave home without for yourself or your kit?

Lipbalm!

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  1. How do you find time to relax?

I have a massage at Mari Spa (Shameless plug here!)

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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

BehindTheKit (1)

Marissa’s Kikay Kit

Marissa's top 51)  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.

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Dynamic Duo
Makeup Central
The Makeup Central stats

Antonio – Rodriguez Nuptials

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.

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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.

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Channeling Audrey Hepburn

 

 

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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.

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This is her other good friend Triccie Syquia who was part of her wedding entourage who I also had the pleasure of galmming up.
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

An Interview with Gugu Francisco

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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?

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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.

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.

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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.

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Paris trained Verna Marin

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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.

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True Match. the star of the show
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Photo from Emilyn Fermin. Lorea’l True Match Foundation. True Love

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

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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.
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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.

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Anju Dargani, A Mac Cosmetics Artist, was my model for the day.
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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.
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Sandwiched between Miss Chiqui and Miss Cecile of CAVA
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Happy Smiles with our certifications.
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One more time Miss Verna

Behind the Veil: Sandy Henson – de Achaval

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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? 

Acie did my prenup makeup.
Acie did my prenup makeup.

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On my wedding day, Acie also made up my bridesmaids.
On my wedding day, Acie also made up my bridesmaids.
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Me and my gown; makeup by Acie.

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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)

 

 

Estee Lauder x Francis Libiran for the Manila Peninsula

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!

Work Station

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).

I’d like to show you some snaps of my work on the models assigned to me. What do you think? (Photos below all courtesy of StyleBible.ph and Bruce Casanova)

 

Photo courtesy of Style BiblePH, Bruce Casanova

Photo courtesy of Style Bible.ph, Bruce Casanova

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Photo courtesy of StyleBible.ph; Bruce Casanova

Photo courtesy of StyleBible.ph, Bruce Casanova

And here’s a few behind-the-scenes shots with my fellow MUAs. Such a fun-filled event!

Estee Lauder and Franck Provost magicians
Estee Lauder and Franck Provost magicians
My seatmates for the day, Moriel and Anina
My seatmates for the day, Moriel and Anina
Who's your caddy? This was mine.
Who’s your caddy? This was mine.

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.