Personal – Page 2 – Acie Fores

Featured Products: My Singapore Haul

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!

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November 13, 2014

Beauty Behind the Scenes Bridal Editorial Personal

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.

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.

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.

Loreal Workshop 3 — Photo from Emilyn Fermin. Lorea’l True Match Foundation. True Love

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

Loreal workshop 5 — 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.

Lorea'l Wshop 1 — 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 CAVA

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November 12, 2014

Behind the Scenes Personal

Behind the Scenes: Interview with Tina Henson

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.

003 Sister Sandy Wedding - July 2011 — My sister, Sandy’s Wedding (July, 2011) – My make-up, Marga’s, the Bride’s (Sandy’s) and my other sister’s (Nadine’s)

007 Velada Oct 15&16, 2011 — My Assumption High School Velada: 25th Anniversary (October 15 & 16, 2011) – My make-up on both days and on the second day, Acie also did the make-up of a group of my HS classmates

020 Belair Pasinaya - May 2013 — The Belair Pasinaya – May 2012 – Makeup by Acie

Flores de Mayo, Makati (May 4, 2012) – Make-up of Marga

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.

A professional shoot. Makeup by Acie Fores.

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!

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November 7, 2014

Behind the Scenes Personal

Spotlight on Acie: Acie Fores on Glamourbox Blog

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.”

Read the full post on Glamourbox’s blog.

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July 9, 2014

Beauty Behind the Scenes Personal

Mothers Day Beauty Session 3 Tina Aragon Bonifacio

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.

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May 31, 2014

Behind the Scenes Personal Tips and Tricks

SkinLux is Deluxe…. Aaaahhhh at last

The past few weeks have put me in overdrive and stress mode with domestic demands of motherhood coupled with the overseeing of the final phase of the construction of our new home . When Martine De Luna, my friend, told me about a skin pampering morning experience at a new skin aesthetic center called SKINLUX some weeks back, I immediately jumped into her invitation. I really needed one! And oh, my birthday was just the day before so this is a welcome gift so to speak.

Nelly, Who?

Owner Beena Go opened SkinLux Aesthetic and Laser Center when she found a remedy that successfully treated sensitive skin, pigmentation, and a host of skin problems related to ageing. She claimed the best facial she experienced was in Singapore where she is based. The facility used Nelly Devuyst products from Belgium which is considered an exclusive skincare line of products that were used by European royalty using the best organic ingredients. How’s that for pedigree? Ingredients target specific cell membranes and in turn, obtain measurable results, restoring the skin from the inside out. It is all natural and organic so very safe and formulated to treat sensitive skin.

Armed with the knowledge and assurance of the compatibility of the line, Miss Go together with her friend, Dr. Anna Nolido opened the centre in Manila whose objective is to provide quality facials combined with the latest in laser technology while catering to the specific needs of the skin type. The centre also has other body services as well. The staff are pleasant, courteous and Singapore trained so expect quality and professional service once you step in.

acie fores at skinlux revlite — Photo from Martine De Luna.

Plush and Lush

Interiors and Rooms are not that clinical or medical looking, in fact they were so plush, that this is the first dermatology clinic I’ve been to that uses Down Comforter instead of the single bed sheet to keep you warm. I felt so indulged and pampered already.

P1080945 — Check out the comforter. A detail I appreciate since I do get cold easily.

Skin 101 The Consult

acie fores at skinlux derma — My skin getting analysed by Skinlux’s in-house Dermatologist. Kirra of Kira’s World and Alex, of The Reluctant Stylist looking on while waiting for their turn. (Photo from Martine De Luna)

SkinLux Signature Facial ++++

I was led immediately to the facial room to begin my treatment. The derma prescribed the signature facial prior to the next procedure that is considered their selling treatment. Revlite. I’m not one to gush and ooh and ahh over a facial because I thought they were all the same. I was mistaken. The experience was like no other because it included a foot massage, too! I asked the therapist if this was a standard service in addition to the facial and she replied a foot massage was really included in the signature facial. This is the +++! My ear to ear grin melted into a quick slumber and I truly was sold on this! Book me for the next one, stat!

acie fores at skinlux facial — OMG, a double chin waiting to happen. Must look into their facial contouring service. (Photo from Martine De Luna)

P1080984 — After the Signature facial, hydrated and primed for the Revlite

Revlite Plus

During the initial consult with the in-house derma, she assessed my skin and she said that my skin texture is great, she concurred that I do have a few patches of dark pigmentation developing in some areas. Blame it on bad habits in the past, she said that Revlite Plus is the perfect treatment to address this problem. It is a treatment specifically geared towards the lightening and removal of tattoos and dark pigmentation on the face and body. Revlite Plus uses laser and IPL photofacial skin rejuvenation that uses short bursts of light that is absorbed by the skin pigments and blood in the vessels. Added bonus is a skin tightening effect, reduces acne and improves skin resurfacing. Is this the holy grail I’ve been looking for in making my dark spots go away for good?

One of my flaws. Ehem, Facial not personality flaw.

If only it could blast away fat too. The Revlite Plus Laser machine

I see the Light!!!! (Photo from Martine De Luna)

I admit, I got cold feet when the derma asked me if I wanted to lower the setting. It felt like a rubber band slapped on your face. Pain was bearable on a scale of 5, 10 being the highest. Maybe I was just too sensitive that day so I asked her to lower the setting to a more tolerable level. It was over in 5 minutes. That was it, quick, easy and my face was not sore at all. I was advised to not use any topical creams for the next 3 days but I could wash my face with cold water after a few hours. Not bad for a first timer.

After the Revlite Plus procedure. Ate Glow ba?

A perfect ending to a well spent morning. Fr. L-R, Alex of ReluctantStylists, Kira of Kira’s World and Martine De Luna of Make it Blissful and myself

Great to meet new friends on a morning like this.

One for the road. Miss Go did not let us leave empty handed. Happy Mothers Day indeed to me.

I will definitely be back, you have raised the bar in facial pampering, you have spoiled me no end. I almost forgot my name. All other facials will pale in comparison. Seriously, can Revlite Plus address my abdominal fat soon? A huge thanks to the staff and Miss Beena Go for the lovely pampering session.

Book your beauty essentials at Skinlux Aesthetic Center, 3rd level of Promenade Greenhills San Juan Metro Manila and may be reached at +632 650 3109. Your path to beauty starts here.

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May 28, 2014

Behind the Scenes Personal

My Wait Loss journey with Marie France Part 1

You read right, it’s a wait and see for me as I’m committed to this weight loss journey. I’m not obese, just 18 pounds overweight. I’m nearing 50 and lately my body has not been cooperating, it’s showing signs of wear and tear. Low back pain, weight gain, sluggish metabolism, increased appetite with little or no exercise, hormonal changes etc… My exercise regimen was pretty consistent up until late last year when circumstances and situation were manageable. I’ve moved to a temporary home in the South until our home that is being built in another location not far from where we are, is being finished, hopefully in the next 2 months. This gave me a setback in terms of my routine as I was scouting for new places to work out but put it off as settling in was more of a priority for me, I wanted to make the temporary house liveable and functioning.

5 months later and I noticed that my weight gain was something serious to consider as I was recently afflicted with a bad rhinitis problem that lingered for a month and a half. I wasn’t taking care of myself. Steroids, antihistamines and antibiotic pills became my best friends and enemy. The Steroids made me look puffy and bloated. I didn’t look healthy. My clothes were not fitting well, I looked like a sausage every time I’d put on an outfit. On top of that, midnight snacking was creating havoc on my diet.

A treat to myself

My birthday is nearing in May and I decided to shop around and take a visit to Marie France to jumpstart my weight loss treatment. I’ve heard about them since the 80’s and have had relatives and friends who have availed of their services with mixed results, most of them positive. Luckily for me it is just around the corner from where I live and I decided to take their free consultation just to see for myself if I really think its just one of those fast fad slimming centres out to take advantage of me. I consider this an early birthday gift if I went with the program.

Don’t get me wrong, my expectations are not anorexic proportions, as I don’t aspire to be model thin, first of all I’m petite 5 feet to be exact. For petite women out there, a 5 pound gain is really obvious compared to a 5 1/2 ft woman where a 5 pound gain will appear dispersed and spread out. In my case, it tends to show on my face, arms and my middle section immidyately! So can you imagine 18 pounds on my frame? This has been a weight gain over the past 20 or some years.

Day 1 Initial Consultation

A Pink Fascade greets you when you step in their clinic

The centre is decorated in pink. I was met by a receptionist who led me to Lyn Dionisio, the Consultant. She asked me initial questions pertaining to my lifestyle and body profile and took my body measurements and measured my fat with a fat calliper to determine how much body fat I have in my system and compared it to a chart that corresponds to my body frame, weight and height. She prescribed a program for me that will make me lose and melt fat away first before a body sculpting module will be added. She assessed my arms, middle section and legs and confirmed that these are really my problem areas that need to be worked on STAT!

Did I mention that Marie France is offering a 50% discount on the Fat Mobilization System? This got me hooked. This is their signature treatment to melt off unwanted pounds. More on this later.

With this in mind, she prescribed the FMS coupled with Endermologie + and she threw in Vara pulse for my arms. How’s that for incentive? What was holding me back was actually the financial part as I’ve never spent so much for a weight loss regimen and was I overindulging myself to compensate for my lack of self esteem at the moment? I went home and wanted to think about it and justify if I needed this. I went into the internet to check out other reviews and blogs on those that took the Marie France challenge and I decided to take a risk and try it for myself. Most of the blogs that I read

Day 2

My program includes a nutritionist who will prescribe a healthy doable meal plan coupled with a medical doctor to assess my medical needs. It’s not a diet and the food prescribed is actually the food that you eat, of course sensibly. What it is is the healthy food pyramid, the right combination of carbs, protein, fat and fiber and the correct timing. I was prescribed to eat 6 small meals a day as opposed to three full meals that I am accustomed to which finds me snacking during the middle of the day and night. You remove the bad sugar, fat and empty calories that end up on your body. I was also asked to write a food diary to see what I actually consume on a daily basis and will submit every week to assess and tweak my weight loss goals.

Slimming Marie France Program — My weight loss program. FMS, Endermologie + and Vara Pulse for the arms.

Nutritional Packet that is included in your plan

P1080890 — My food diary. Its still a pink one

P1080889 — I’m on a 1200/calorie food intake per day

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April 3, 2014

Category: Personal

My Singapore Haul

Highlights of the workshop

Nelly, Who?

Plush and Lush

Skin 101 The Consult

SkinLux Signature Facial ++++

Revlite Plus

A treat to myself

Day 1 Initial Consultation

Day 2