Last January 18 2016, I had the chance to make up the beautiful Pia Angeles during her wedding in St. Joseph The Worker Parish, Baguio. (The reception followed at the Camp John Hay Clubhouse.) Pia comes from a family that like to cook — her mother, Lenee Recio Angeles, makes an amazing chicken relleno! Speaking of family, though: Pia’s wedding was planned and brought to life by all of her friends who had talents and businesses that they wanted to share with her. Her giveaways were so reflective of her easy going nature: an eco friendly bag with goodies from Baguio, all lovingly put together by her friends and family. I also love the hashtag that was chosen for that special day, #kprinmind2016 a play on their initials. Unforgettable diba?.
As a bride, Pia is very down to earth bride no fuss not difficult at all. She gave me her full trust on how she would look on her wedding day and I was very happy I was able to deliver!
1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?
I’m Pia, I was a single mom to a 6 year old boy, Andres. I work 2 jobs, mostly financial work for corporations. I handle the finances and do the budgeting and day to day accounting of funds. I enjoy both my jobs… and it still allows me to be home by 6 to spend time with my family. I enjoy cooking and baking… It is really my passion. If I’m stressed, I cook or bake something and even if I have to clean up after, I don’t get as tired as I should be. I enjoy cooking and baking with my son… I teach him a thing or two. We also enjoy doing arts and crafts together.. from DIY kiddie storages, diy chalk paint, bottles, kids toys and magnets… I love doing all these things with Andres and Kevin even if Kevin always outshines me! Ha ha!
2. How did you find out about me? What made you want to work with me?
I met Acie last 2015 during my best friend’s wedding. Her sister, Mariella Uy learned about her from her good friend, Monse del Rosario. Mariella got Acie to do make up for Maia’s bridesmaids. I was pleasantly surprised with my make up during that date — I think by far the best I’ve had! (and I’ve been a bridesmaid a few times). Everyone complemented my make up during the wedding. My dad even said “Ay maganda ka pala!” That’s his carino to me… Hehe! But that means he was also pleasantly surprised with how pretty I was. So the day I got engaged, I remembered Acie and thought, “Hey, I want her to do my make up for my wedding!”
3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day?
I enjoyed our sessions and I think both my mom and sister also did. Acie and her team were on schedule and professional. It was also a very light session: no one was panicking, no one was rushing (or so I think! Haha!). Acie and JayMar really knew how to work with photographers and videographers. It was easy. I had such a good time.
4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding that you love? Could you share that photo with us?
One special memory I had during the wedding was my wedding march… Seeing my son waiting for me… made me nervous but excited… seeing my parents made me more excited too…. and to see all my gue
sts smiling.. I felt so much love and warmth from everyone! Finally… seeing my fiance — I couldn’t stop smiling! Everything just felt right, everything felt magical.
Hair : JayMar Martinez
Gown: Rosa Clara
Wedding Coordinator: Chinkie Uy and Trina V. Millan
The last time I glammed up Martine de Luna of makeitblissful.com was about a year ago when we did a shoot together with Michi Calica Sotto at her atelier and she had a bun in the oven. Today I was able to glam her up again for an interview with Stephanie Zubiri for her show, Modern Living TV on ANC. These days, she now has her 1 year-old daughter Krista Valentina in tow, who joined in the beauty action. She requested for a natural look and I was just more than happy to oblige. Hair styling was courtesy of Rikki Suarez.
Related Post: You can also check this guest post Martine did for my blog a few years back, “Makeup Virgin”
Martine de Luna: Camera-ready and so is Baby Krista.
Products Used:
Martine’s skin was on the dry side although I know she leans on the normal to combination skin. However, due to hormonal changes, her skin needed extra hydration.
Mehron Skin Prep used as toner, La Roche Posay Hydraphase for Moisturizer, MAC Fast Response Eye Cream and MAC prep and prime for lips. I misted her face with the Skindinavia Finishing spray to lock out the oiliness.I chose to use this because I wanted to give her skin a satin finish to combat the dry patches on some parts of her face. Shade is 754 Medium Beige
Moisturizer was applied using the squarish foundation brush, while I buffed her foundation with the pink angled brush. The skunk looking brush with white and black hairs was used to apply her blush. Makeup Forever Brush with a yellow handle was used to contour her face while the fan brush with natural hairs was used to powder and set her makeup.
Top Clockwise, Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder palette used as highlighter on the high points of her face, Lashes no. 219, MAC Paintpot in Groundwork was applied on the crease of her eyes, MAC Dipdown gel liner, MAC Brow powder in Taupe for her brows and MAC brow gel in Beguile. Maybelline Volume Control Mascara, Kryolan Concealer Wheel 2, Viseart Neutral Palette for her eyeshadows. Makeup Forever Contour and Shading powder in shades 1 & 2, MAC Blushbaby, Pink Swoon and Peachy Keen for blush, MAC Lipstick in Freckletone and Persistence. Ben Nye Translucent powder to set her makeup.
I’ve rediscovered this eyeshadow and used this as an eyelid primer that gives her eyes a brightening effect on the inner corners of her eyes. Its MAC’s Pearl frost. Love this also as a highlighter on the cheekbones and middle of the nose. It’s very subtle but gives your skin an extra glow.
Tools of the trade. Mac 263 for gel liner, MAC 203 for her brows, NARS 7 for her concealer, MAC 205 mini Fan brush for her lashes, Artnet 113 and 121 for her eyes, MAC 206 for buffing her concealer, MAC 239 and 217 to apply and blend her eyeshadows.
I apologize if I may have written the numbers of the brush by mistake specially for the fan brush, eyebrow and gel liner brush, the numbers have already faded.
My latest love, Shu Uemura Kolinsky 7H lip brush. its slanted edge is perfect for precise lip color application.
My latest favorite, Shu Uemura Kolinsky 7H for the lips. The slanted edge is perfect for precise application.
Makeup Forever Aqua Lip 7C to line her lips and I topped it off with MAC’s Freckletone and Persistence lipsticks.
You may catch Martine on the upcoming 5th season of Modern Living TV with Stephanie Zubiri, showing every Saturday at 6PM on ANC, only on SkyCable.
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 JimenezI asked her to give me a natural look and this is how she painted me.
Barefaced and Recently buzzed.
Subtle blending of neutral colors
After. Looking Fresh and natural
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?
Living next to a neighbor who is another makeup artist can always be a plus for me. You can always call on their services whenever you need an extra pair of hands in an event or when you’re too lazy to put on your own makeup for special events. I believe that competition puts one on her toes but I feel that as women, we should uplift and support each other’s endeavors. We met through a common friend, teacher and hair stylist du jour, Tony Dusich. Mela Jimenez was always fondly mentioned in our conversations with him and one day after a wedding Tony and I just did that day, he decided to ambush her in her home so he can introduce us. We chatted like sisters and wore Tony off after a while with girly talk. Here is her story. (All photos belong to Mela Jimenez and should not be reprinted or copied)
1. What inspired you to get into make-up & did you immediately know that’s what you wanted to do?
I always had a fascination for make-up even as a little girl. I remember playing dress up with my sister & our mom would doll up our faces when my dad wasn’t around. I didn’t think make-up was something I could do professionally at a young age, but the fascination & curiosity was always there. When I got a little older my sisters and cousins would let me paint their faces for special occasions.
Mela’s favorite brushes usually in sable and goat hair.
2. Where did you train or are you self taught?
I took a Basic Make-up Application course with ICI-Traning Center which is now known as Center for Aesthetic Studies back in 2005. Then I began the process of honing my craft by assisting as a make-up artist for T.V. Commercial shoots . My thirst for learning more gave me the opportunity to take up further studies in 2007 at Westmore Academy of Cosmetic Arts in Burbank California where I took an intensive 2 month course. Then a few years after this I took a class with CAS for HD make-up application.
One of the photos from the campaign of Nothing but H2O.Almost 50 shades of gray. Catalog shoot for Calessa
3. Where do you find inspiration?
I’ve learned that I am a very visual person. I get inspired with the process of creating something beautiful. I get inspired by working with people who are very passionate in their craft and seeing them in their element whether they are hair stylist, photographers or stylist.
Photo by Pilar TuasonPhoto by Pilar Tuason
4. How do you think your work has evolved since you first began working professionally?
As a professional make-up artist working on my craft & learning new things is something that takes place every day. I can say looking back, fine tuning my skills is a never ending journey. If I were to look at photos from my very first photoshoot to the most current one, I can say I am more keen at looking at the smallest of details. Going to the point of being more on the technical side of the art to create something balanced and beautiful.
Work Mode Photo by Jervy Santiago
5. What’s the best advise a fellow professional has ever given you?
Above everything else make sure that your work is clean.
Photo by Pilar Tuason
Photo by Jiggie Alejandrino
6. Which one product do you wish you could have or create, to make your life easier?
Maybe if someone can create a handy all in one brush set that is something like a swiss knife, I think that would make our lives a lot easier.
7. One product you never leave home without for yourself or your kit?
Peach Corrector is the secret of the Eyebag universe.
Bobbi Brown Light Peach & Dark Peach Corrector.
8. How do you find time to relax?
On days when I don’t have work, you either see me reading a book, spending time with family or friends.
Chillax Mela
9. You conduct personal beauty workshops, how did that come about?
Last I did was for my private clients who wanted to learn about makeup in a smaller group.
10. How would you describe your work?
I love working with what is naturally there & bringing it out.
Photo by Jorem Catilo
11. What part of your work do you prefer? Bridal, editorial or Fashion runway?
Bridal will always be one of my favorites but I do love the creative freedom that editorial gives.
Lately, I’ve been watching the Philippine Madrigal singers on YouTube. Their videos came out in my feed and I clicked on a few of them and 2 videos stood out, the one in Uruguay where they sang Eres Tu and my favorite, the one at the Abbey of Saint Michel, they sang Izar Ederrak.It makes me so proud to see Filipino excellence appreciated in so many parts of the world. Truly we Filipinos are blessed with so much musical talent, we are world class.
I met Em Alcantarathrough Martine De Luna. Em is part of the community of bloggers called Mommy Bloggers Philippinesand also happens to be a former member of the Philippine Madrigal Singers. I love it when the universe is conspiring with you. She needed a refresher course on stage makeup since she is now on her own, performing for various events. It was music to my ears. (Pardon the pun, couldn’t resist). Em was also concerned about her skin condition, which is oily to dry and rough which she said was exacerbated during her pregnancy. Here is what went on.
Fresh Faced
Skin Analysis:
Oily in the T Zone Area but dry on some parts of her face.
Big Pores, redness in some areas like the cheek and chin and skin texture is rough.
Pigmentation around the chin area and sides of her face
Skin Prep:
I just discovered this new Exfoliating toner called Cure Natural Aqua Gel which is made of 90% Hydrogen water and is preservative, coloring, mineral oil and artificial fragrance free. Made in Japan and can be purchased at Beauty Bar. I used this on her since I knew she had sensitive skin and didn’t want to add to her sensitivity. Her skin was smooth after this.
1 pump and massage into the face for 30 seconds. Dead skin flakes will fall off. Rinse with water and follow with your normal skin care routine. Use 2x/week to get maximum results.
Instructions in English. Love this product.
After Exfoliating the skin, Water treatment Skin Cream was applied to the face as a moisturizer.
Canvas is ready.
I used a combination of Kryolan Camouflage Concealer mixed with Coverderm Camouflage makeup in 3A and 5A and Judith August Everything Pencil in Golden Beige to hide her pigmentation.
Ace of base
Judith August Everything Pencil. It’s like the blemish sweeper. I used these 2 pencils to hide her pigmentation on her chin.
Makeup:
Eye Makeup
Eye Prep and Makeup. L-R Maybelline Lash Curl Mascara, Urban Decay Zero Eyeliner, Nurturing Force Blot off Primer, MAC Eye Cream, MAC Blacktrack gel eyeliner, Benefit Brow Zing in Medium, The FAce Shop Style my Eyebrow in 03, Ben Nye Glam Shadow Palette. I used the first 2 and bottom 2 for her shadows.
Photo courtesy of Kage Gozun
Photo courtesy of Kage Gozun
Face:
Makeup Forever Scultping Powder in Shade 2, NARS Orgasm Blush, MAC Highlighter
Lipstick:
I used a combination of Inglot Lipstick #30, utmost right topped with MAC lipglass in Cultured on top and New Spirit above
She is ready for her performance. Love her beaming smile. I can’t wait to hear you sing Em!
Ems smoky eye look.
A singer and a writer
What do you think of her look? Book Em Alcantara through her website, FaceBook, Twitter, and Instagram account of @touringkitty.
I’ve always admired beauty bloggers like Nikki Tiu of AskMeWhats.com, for their professionalism in the blogging craft, and in their know-how for beauty products. Really, it baffles me to see how a woman like her juggles a career, motherhood, marriage, and a popular blog! Today, she is my interview guest for this new portion I am bringing to the blog, called Bloggers’ Beauty Kit. Each edition, we’ll be interviewing a blogger about their makeup kits and their blogging tips! Read on for Nikki’s informative interview.
1. Please tell us a little bit about your beauty blog and what you enjoy most about being a blogger?
My blog (askmewhats.com) started January 2008 due to my wanting to help other people with problems! It turned out, most of my friends would ask me beauty-related questions so it ended up to be a Beauty Blog.
A woman of many talents, Nikki isn’t just a popular beauty blogger and makeup artist. Her most valued role is that of a wife and mom!
My Beauty Blog focuses on my journey as a makeup artist, I tend to acquire a lot of makeup for clients and because of that, I test them first for safety and put up a review. Thus it includes loads of makeup, skincare, nails etc.. review! I also include makeovers, tips and tricks on what I learn as a Make Up Artist and a lot of snippets about my personal life especially when I turned into a mom.
What I enjoy most about being a blogger is the fact that I get to meet a lot of friends (like you guys)! As a Blogger, I do have a voice and I’m glad to know I also get to help other people in my own “kikay” ways.
2. Can you tell us about you makeup essentials? What do you love to use and why? My makeup essentials are Brow products, Eyeliner, Powder and lipstick.
Given the chance to grab only one product when I’m in a hurry, I’d go for powder (it used to be just lipbalm) but due to my lack of sleep, and some redness (from allergies), I now need the power of powder for that extra coverage!
3. What’s your advice to other beauty bloggers out there?
Just keep going! I started blogging without an audience but I didn’t care! I just want to put out there what’s on my mind hoping someone who needs help or has beauty emergencies will get to read it! It also helps to focus on what you like to do, as for me, writing about beauty is my “solace”, my “me time” and it relaxes me! If writing or blogging is starting to feel like work, you’ll definitely feel the “burnout”. So make sure to blog what you love and what interests you and the rest will come along.
Nikki is also tapped by brands to give beauty and makeup workshops.
4. Please tell us your blog link, social media links.
Lifestyle and travel bloggers are interesting and engaging people to work with. Insightful, full of humor and they are the best resource for anything and everything. Kage Gozun was one of those people that you feel an easy connection with. I had a chance to give Kage a makeover to fit her active, on the go lifestyle one afternoon at the EDSA Beverage Design Studio.
According to her blog, she is a woman of many talents! She struck me as a multi-passionate creative entrepreneur and freelancer. Aside from having contributed to the web content of GMA Network, she is a co-owner of Brown Bellyresort-inspired lifestyle wear and toiletries; she is a Lifestyle brand ambassador of Roxy Philippines; an active member of Sea to Summit Philippines, and an an avid surfer. She is also a lifestyle writer who has contributed to numerous travel publications.
Here is the lowdown on her beauty look.
Skin Analysis
Skin is oily in the T-zone area and normal on the other parts of her face
Dull looking due to stress , dark eyebags
Barefaced and ready for the makeover. Cleansed and Exfoliated!
Skin Prep:
Cleansed skin with Cure Natural Aqua Gel to remove dead skin flakes and impurities.
One Pump and massaged into her skin for 20-30 seconds and see the skin flakes fall off. Rinse with water and follow with your skincare routine.Instructions and Ingredient listAfter Exfoliating the skin, Water treatment Skin Cream was applied to the face as a moisturizer. This is actually used for the hands but I wanted to use this for the face because I wanted a light moisturizer that would not feel heavy on the face.
Eyes and Face
L-R Kryolan Camouflage Concealer wheel and Eve Pearl Invisible Finish Powderless PowderMakeup Forever Sculpting powder in Shade 2, Makeup Forever Mat Velvet Plus Foundation in 40 and 55, MAC blush in Harmony and Pinch Me, Skindinavia No More shine Finishing sprayMAC Fast Response Eye Cream, MAC eyeshadows in Soft Brown, Wedge, Expresso, Nurturing Force Blot off to mattify face, Benefit Brow ZIng in Medium and Inglot Freedom Palette in 421S and 446
Urban Decay 24/7 glide on pencil in Zero and Bourbon.
False eyelashes tied her look together. These are lightweight flirty and natural.
Lips
Inglot #30 last pan on the right
Loreal Barely Greige and MAC Lipglass in CultureSqueezing in a selfieReady for her night out with her friends.I think she approves.A singer and a writer
Follow Kage’s adventures on Instagram @surftolivetosurf and on Twitter @travelkage.
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.
The Bride and her artistUp 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:
What inspired you to get into makeup and did you immediately know that’s what you wanted to do?
My mom and my older sister were my inspiration. Since I was a kid, I’ve seen them glammed up and would always play with my mom’s make-up stash. My sister was a professional model in her early years and I was just in awe seeing her putting on make-up. My penchant for using make up started when I was young.
My first job was working for a 5-star chain hotel and I was required to be made-up at all times! It was not a task for me as I was having fun and in fact, I enjoyed helping out my work colleagues with their make-up application.
When I moved to Baguio, I thought of doing professional make-up but I didn’t get to practice until 2008. Yes, I knew immediately that’s what I wanted to do.
Where did you train or are you self-taught?
Since I was based in Baguio and I was working fulltime, I couldn’t take the long courses offered at CAS back in 2008. I took the one-on-one session with Ms. Jen Delica and took me 3 days to learn everything! That was my first formal make- up training session. I took short courses at Maquiallage Professionel, Make-up Designory and Shu Uemura the following years.
Where do you find inspiration?
Mostly from my make up books, magazines, works of my favorite make up artists and Pinterest!
What’s the best advise a fellow professional has ever given you?
Never stop practicing.
How do you think your work has evolved since you first began working professionally?
The make-up industry is like the medical field. There is always new technology invented. You need to be abreast in learning new techniques. I aim to constantly learn from my mentors by attending their workshops and training sessions. My passion for learning was the key element.
Which one product do you wish you could have or create, to make your life easier?
I wish to have TML The Makeup Light right now. I hope Santa will read this…
One product you never leave home without for yourself or your kit?
Lipbalm!
How do you find time to relax?
I have a massage at Mari Spa (Shameless plug here!)
You conduct personal beauty workshops, how did that come about?
My friends convinced me to teach basic make up application and no one in Baguio has done it yet. What is common here are sponsored workshops or training sessions by network marketing companies.
How would you describe your work?
Brides are my favorite. They always have that radiant glow on their big day no matter how stressed they are. With my techniques, my goal is always to bring out their natural beauty.
Describe yourself in one word
Trailblazer.
My Dream Shoot:
Location: The Mansion House, Baguio City
Photographer: Boy Yñiguez
Model: Acie Romero-Salas (!!!)
Stylist: Candy Reyes
Hair: Alee Benson
Marissa’s Makeup Kit
Marissa’s Kikay Kit
1) Kanebo Media Compact Foundation – Medium Coverage but feels so lightweight in the skin. It also give my skin a glow, which is what Japanese products are known for.
2) NARS Schiap Lipstick – This gives my face the color pop I need everyday. Love Love!
3) Lucas pawpaw Ointment – Best all around everything. I use it on my lips and areas on my face that need moisturising.
4) Lancome Hypnose Mascara – My lashes love the curl it gives.
5) NARS Orgasm Lip Gloss – If its good for the Kardashians, its good for me too.
6) OCC Lip Tar – On days I don’t feel like wearing color on my lips, a pin size of this lipstick is all I need to look put together.
7) My Tweezerman tweezers and Shu Uemura Lash Curler – My handy dandy tools for my lashes and eyebrows.
She is a gifted artist, devoted mother and workaholic, she is a woman on the go or should I say woman on the glow? Book her for your beauty needs whenever you are in Baguio and she will make it a pleasurable experience for you. Her expertise is in bridal and glam makeup, she will not disappoint.
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 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
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.
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.
On my wedding day, Acie also made up my bridesmaids.Me and my gown; makeup by Acie.
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)
Top Clockwise, Hourglass Ambient Lighting powder palette used as highlighter on the high points of her face, Lashes no. 219, MAC Paintpot in Groundwork was applied on the crease of her eyes, MAC Dipdown gel liner, MAC Brow powder in Taupe for her brows and MAC brow gel in Beguile. Maybelline Volume Control Mascara, Kryolan Concealer Wheel 2, Viseart Neutral Palette for her eyeshadows. Makeup Forever Contour and Shading powder in shades 1 & 2, MAC Blushbaby, Pink Swoon and Peachy Keen for blush, MAC Lipstick in Freckletone and Persistence. Ben Nye Translucent powder to set her makeup.
1) Kanebo Media Compact Foundation – Medium Coverage but feels so lightweight in the skin. It also give my skin a glow, which is what Japanese products are known for.
