Here’s a video interview that I gave a couple years back on what I believe are really the timeless bridal trends. As a makeup artist, while I do believe in going with current trends, there are certain foolproof makeup and beauty to-dos that are always going to be at the heart of a solid bridal “look.”
After being in the industry for almost 8 years, I’ve found my rhythm, as captured here by Marche Magazine. My style of makeup is on the soft, romantic side. I want to differentiate my artwork, going softer, a more subtle way. I think for us makeup artists it’s “practice, practice, practice.” Always better yourself.
J.Cat Beauty, a California based makeup company found its way to the Asian Pacific shore through its distributor Bwelle Store Enterprise. It opened its first Philippine store at the Uptown Mall BGC last March 26 with a fun invitation that indicated fun, magical things will be unfolded that day.
This Holographic box was part of the invitation that was sent to me.
Love Struck as they say, Sigh….. Goodies that spell fun!
Who is J.Cat Beauty?
Established since 2012, J.Cat beauty has been producing affordable and colorful products to cater to free spirited and creative women who are not afraid to express themselves through makeup. Target market? Millenials and women who are not afraid to experiment. YouTubers and Instagram beauty influencers like Desi Perkins, Michelle Phan and Chrispy have been fans of this beauty powerhouse, it has catapulted J.Cat into a maverick sensation. It’s meant to make you play with color and experiment with different looks that are out of the ordinary. It gives new meaning to the word Makeup Junkie. Your imagination is your only limitation.
Great dupe for OCC Lip tars, it’s very pigmented and this really stays for days
“J.Cat is a favorite among international beauty makers and beauty lovers, and globally its massive online following from IGers and Youtubers are the reasons why the brand was brought to the Philippines”. Erin Pacheco General Manager of J.Cat beauty
J.Cat boasts of its formulation that is long lasting and wont need retouching. Color payoff and pigmentation makes it also appealing to its cult following and the array of rainbow colors will never tire any makeup addict. Whether you’re taking a selfie or going glam for a special event, J.Cat delivers.
The color on the tube is exactly as the color swatched on my hand.
J.Cat is also never tested on animals, free of pthalates , sulfates, GMO’s, Triclosan (a preservative) and other toxic chemicals that can harm the skin. It’s nail polishes are formadelhyde and Toulene free, so it is 100% cruelty free.
Bronzer that can make you gleam from kingdom come. Notice the cute packaging with the Cat in the middle?
Mineralized and baked eye shadows that are very velvetty to touch.
Did I mention it is super affordable? Check out the price points on their eye palettes and lipsticks. “You don’t have to break the bank to be creative” said Erin Pacheco General Manager of J. Cat Beauty
You can buy every shade of the rainbow without hurting the wallet.
Do you really need to hesitate? Baked eyeshadows that are fool proof to apply.
I can be addicted to this.
Get your kit fully stocked now!
J.Cat Kitten Ambassadors
Due to these women that embody vivaciousness, creativity, spunk and endless possibilities, these makeup kittens were chosen for the J.Cat spirit. Did you know that these ladies were also chosen because of their love for cats?
Arci Munoz lead Celebrity endorser was chosen as its brand ambassador whose looks can transform from a sweet girl next door to a sexy rock maiden or a fierce Glamazon by a stroke of a brush and change of palette.
KC Del Rosario with her perfect facial features embody the party scene girl that can transform and morphe into a sultry gazelle to a classic beauty next. Purrrfect!
Model Jessica Yang with a quirky vibe and perfect Oriental features makes her a perfect canvas for the multicolored brand that gives way to experimentation.
Jach Manere, with her dusky beautiful morena color is the perfect ambassador since the bright colors bring out its vibrancy and contrast that can make it pop and come to life.
Jessica, Jach and KC during the launch
Erin Pacheco, General Manager of J.Cat Beauty
The Looks that you can create with J.Cat Beauty
Get Arci’s Rock maiden look with these shimmering dudettes.
Girl Next door that doesn’t scream boring.
Amp up your look as a Glamazon goddess with these dark rich colors
One of their best sellers is their BB Cushion compact foundation. Sorry for the bad photo, there were a lot of ladies dying to road test the products. It was hard to get a clear shot.
The boutique set up makes it super user friendly and accessible for you to try and touch
Fab Five Palettes just begging for you to try out.
Liptitude
Brushes that are grid locked. I ve tried them on my face, super soft
HD ready. Cushion compacts are their bestsellers.
How glow can you go? Highlighters and bronzers to sculpt your face.
Blushes and bronzers to warm up your skin and as they say, make you Love struck.
I still have to try out the goodies I received and bought during the launch, I’ll write about it in my next blog. With my limited time at the launch, I was able to get a glimpse of how J.Cat will be around for a long time. Fun, affordable high quality products are universally appealing and will never go out of style.
J.Cat Beauty is available for online orders at jcatbeautyph.co and at the 2/Fl of the Uptown Mall BGC.
Acie Fores, together with the UMAP team members headed by Charisma Vergara President of UMAP had the privilege to be a keynote makeup artist assistant at the Beauty & Momness event in Evia Center this weekend. Like all harried mothers with no time to spare for themselves, pampering oneself is key in keeping your sanity intact. Beauty is not an option but an outlet to express your creativity and spark an inner joy that makes you feel you are right in this world.
In this workshop, UMAP member volunteers taught the ladies how to do their own makeup from skincare, choosing the right products that match their skin type, using the proper tools, applying proper methods and techniques to create a polished looking face ready to face any challenge.
Mom Beauty Tips:
Skincare is essential in creating a good makeup application. The 4 key steps of a good skincare routine is cleansing, toning, moisturizing and applying sunscreen.
Biore products were at the forefront of skincare as they were one of the major sponsors of the event.
2. Choosing the right foundation or Base for your skin depends on the skin tone and type of skin. Usually when shopping for your base, choose 3 shades of foundation closest to your skin tone and swatch each shade from the jaw line extending to your neck. When blended, the closes shade that blends with your neck is the right shade for you.
LA Girl and Benefit Cosmetics were also on hand to provide the ladies with great looking skin.
This LA Girl BB cream is a great all in one multitasker, it protects, hydrates, and blends easily,
3) Choose earthy tones for your eye color palette. For newbies in the makeup sphere, warm browns, plums are your best bets for our brown colored eyes. They are complementary colors that bring out the eyes.
A sample of an earth color palette
4) #Kilayislife
When you have groomed brows, half of your work is done. Groomed brows are easier to fill in whether your preference is a pencil or shadow. They frame the face and if you’re in hurry, killer brows and a good lipstick color is all you need.
Start your brows at the end of your nose (1), the arch is above the iris of the eye, and your brow should end diagonally from your nostril to the end of your eye (3).
5) A good lipstick color that also suits your skin tone is all you need to complete basic everyday look. You can also wear bright colors like red or pink depending on your mood for the day.
Your lipstick palette may look like this, if you’re the type to experiment and mix shades to create that perfect custom blend color just for you.Our major sponsors in full display. Thank you Biore Philippines, LA Girl Cosmetics, Benefit Cosmetics, Inglot Cosmetics, Perfetto Salon and Spa, Jergens, Ellana Cosmetics, Dermagold, NuSkin
Our Model Mom receiving the day look demo with UMAP”S Charisma Vergara, Photos from Michelle Viray
The full Day look. Photo from Michelle Viray
Moms were divided into different skin categories. All photos below are from Michelle Viray.
Maryann Obias was assisting moms that were under the Normal Skin category.
I was assigned to the Combination skin table, here I am assisting her with the concealer application.Kathrina Bautista UMAP member as well, assisting her participant with the day look.
Cha flanked by the organizers of the event
Breastfeeding Moms working in the event.
Finished Makeup looks under my Combination Table. Beaming and happy should I say.
A huge shout out to all our sponsors and organizers who made this event a fun activity for everyone! Looking forward to the next workshop Moms!
As a makeup artist, I deal with two things specifically: Makeup and hygiene. To be honest, I’ve seen some pretty iffy practices in my world of makeup artistry that have given me the chills! Since makeup is all about enhancing our facial features and skin, hygiene has to come into play, but it is a very personal matter and often a sensitive subject. But it has to be discussed, because the fact is simple: If it’s not something I’d put on my body, I’m not going to put it on my clients. It should also be the same for you: If the products you’re using aren’t hygienic and clean (and will likely compromise the health of your skin), then don’t use it!
I recommend doing a proper “makeup kit detox” routinely so that you do not compromise your personal hygiene or your looks! Let’s go per product in your makeup kit, to make things easier.
1. Check and toss products past their expiry dates.
Makeup, like any other product made from natural ingredients, has a proper shelf life. If you use products close to or after their expiry date, then you will likely have to deal with microscopic elements that are on these products, which may find their way to your skin. We’re talking mold (yikes), yeast (ew), bacteria and germs that can lead to skin infections and other complications.
As a rule, you should throw out your makeup products as follows:
Mascara: Three months maximum for mascara, because its bottle is the perfect host environment for bacteria. Using three-month old mascara increases your chances for eye infections like stys. They also become chalky after three months, making them caky on your lashes.
Eyeshadows, liners: Pencil liners can last up to two years, with regular sharpening. Cream shadows should be thrown out after six months, due to water content, which means bacteria and yeast can more easily thrive.
Lip makeup: Lip glosses should be thrown out after two years because (1) they lose their quality over time (i.e. fade in color, less adherent), and (2) gloss containers attract bacteria because their are damp.
Face powders, cream foundations: Six months for liquids; two years for powders. Over time, liquid products become breeding ground for bacteria. Powders have more longevity, but they will be more prone to crumbling and caking the older they get.
Brushes, accessories, sponges: Wash and thoroughly dry your brushes and sponges every week, to avoid the growth of bacteria.
The number one rule to ensure the hygienic quality of your makeup? Maintain good habits. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before you use a product. This is the case with palettes that you use with your fingers, or tubes of cream foundation. Also, if you have an infection, like sore eyes or cold sores in your mouth: Throw away or stop using certain products. Don’t use the same tube of mascara again after you’ve had a sty. Don’t re-use lip products if you have a cold sore. If you have a zit, don’t use your makeup brush to apply product. Instead use a cotton-tipped swab or disposable sponge to apply makeup from a foundation cake. Avoid going back and forth from the product to the affected area!
The holidays are upon us like a tidal wave, with one gathering and reunion and dinner after another. With the parties happening left and right, you should at least be equipped with some variations to your makeup look this season. We’ve curated a few ideas that you might like to try, all of which are party-ready and totally fab. Take a look! (Source articles located at the end of this article.)
Sultry lips. A lovely deep color with an overlay of shiny gloss is glam revamped.
Natural high. Perfect for that fresh look, whether for a holiday brunch or a fancy dinner.
Eye-catching liner, is always a head-turner. It takes practice, but isn’t it worth it?
Shimmery splendid, where pearly cheeks and satiny lips create that put-together look.
Blush-hued smoky eyes take the classic look to a new, sultry level.
The holidays bring with it new makeup loot, so for sure, we want to be ready with those looks come the New Year. Judging by our findings in the recent New York Fashion Week 2016 (which well all know is the mecca for makeup trends), we saw a few game-changers that are sure to make you want to experiment like there’s no tomorrow. Here are seven of the top picks across the board from our favorite online magazines. (Click on “Source” under each photo to be taken to the original articles.)
Denise Go Ochoa, Juan Sarte, Mickey See, Jigs Mayuga, are makeup artists. Not just makeup artists but Manila’s living legends in the beauty industry. They are literally the dream team to call when its’ your wedding day, or a have a photoshoot in the making, or when you are a Celebrity in need of glam time.
Happy Skin just made that connection 3 degrees smaller by introducing the Glam Squad Collection.
Glam Squad at your fingertips.
Encased in gold, these eyeshadows are pigmented and colors are very neutral, in earthy tones. Two shadows, one light and one darker, it makes applying as simple as child’s play. It has a very light shimmer texture but it glides on very smoothly. The darker shades are enough to give your eyes depth and dimension. From a day look to a smoky eye for the evening, it’s all you need for a simple glamour change.
From top to bottom, Denise Go Ochoa, Mickey See and Juan Sarte
Matte lipsticks to stay all day
The lipsticks are very matte, glides well and lasts a long time. It has that nude retro 90’s look, nude pinky brown perfect for everyday and bridal looks. Jigs Mayuga has a deep plum color while that of Juan Sarte’s is a bit on the dark pink nudey beige color.
Top to bottom, Denise Go Ochoa, Mickey See, Jigs Mayuga and Juan Sarte
I didn’t get the Lipstick shades of Mickey See and Denise Go Ochoa because I was running late and I promised to return and try to purchase at a later time. I’ve tried Juan Sarte’s lipstick and it did stay for a good 6 hours without retouching. However since I ate Chinese food that day, the oil removed a little of the lipstick and I retouched it but before reapplying, there was a bit of a stain left so the staying power is really good. Is this Viagra Glam?
No excuse to have bad eyebrow days. Shade is Medium Brown
I would compare this to the Smashbox eyebrow pencil. It twists on one end with a very sword like shape and its very thin to give you precise hair like strokes on your eyebrows. Grooming them into place is simple with a turn on the other end of the pencil for a tinted brow gel. It’s pretty good, I would compare this to its Japanese and US brand counterparts and it does the job of giving you perfectly arched eyebrows.
Lock in that lip color with this smooth lip liner.
First Date is the name of this lip liner. This can go with any of the matte lipsticks in the Glam Squad collection.
This lip liner is not part of the Glam Squad collection. I just had to buy it because I wanted to get the free gift with purchase kikay kit bag. Also in gold.
Final Thoughts:
The collection is a very precise collection, just like a well curated art gallery. All in earthy tones, it is a very neutral palette that can take you from day to night in a simple tap of a brush. Pigmentation and coloration is good, not chalky, it spreads smoothly and blends well. However, there is some pigment fallout but not that significant. You may start with the eye makeup first, then clean up any fallout and apply your base or foundation, concealer and the rest of your makeup after.
The brow pencil applicator needs improvement though, as it is very fragile. I just twisted it once to reveal the color and 1/4 of its refill broke off. It is not a decision breaker but it needs refinement in the twist type design.
The eye shadow palette inside is housed in a sponge like foam that protects it from fall. The metal pans is anchored by a smidgen of glue that is not enough to hold it in place. I mentioned this to the sales associate and I had mine replaced as one of the metal pans fell off.
Lipstick shades are all on trend with the matte lipstick bandwagon craze but very well suited to the Asian skin tone. You can transform these colors from sophisticated to glam and chic depending on the shade you get. It’s matte enough to last half a day with one touch up only.
Get your glam squad collection fast, stocks are running quickly, get all four of them and have the Glam Squad at your fingertips.
Glam Squad eyeshadow duo is priced at P899.00, Glam Squad Arch Definer and Brow Mascara is P949.00, Glam Squad Matte lipstick is P699.00 and the Shut up and Kiss Me Moisturising Matte Lip Liner is P499.00 Available at www.happyskincosmetics.com, Beauty Bar outlets and select SM Beauty Counters.
This is from the collection of Heart Evangelista and it is plum pinky brown beige shade which I think is perfect for everyday. Line your entire lip with this and apply a clear gloss on top in place of your lipstick.
Swatch of First Date lip liner
My thoughts:
I love this collection and like a beautiful art gallery, it is a well curated set, very precise, collection is small enough to give you what you essentially need to make you look like a celebrity. You can never go wrong with earthy neutral colors since it is universally flattering.
Packaging however can be improved, the eye palette discs have a tendency to fall off the compact. It is only held with a tiny smidgen of glue. The eye pencil mechanism is very sensitive, I had to exchange mine because the eyebrow refill broke in half and I only twisted it once.
Will this be a kit staple? Yes, I can’t wait for the other collaborations with other makeup
I’ll be out of the country for a few weeks, so I banked a couple of blog posts to go up while I’m away. First, I thought I’d share with you some of my favorite YouTube-ers and their makeup videos. Apart from the skills I learned from my mentors and teachers, I find I learn a lot of other customized and case-to-case tips from these ladies. Check them out!
Lisa Eldridge
She has a very big and loyal following on Lisa Eldrige – YouTube, mainly because of her soothing British accent and no-nonsense approach to beauty, her approach to beauty are never over the top highly filtered, Instagram photo shopped looks.
She does makeovers on real people with skin issues that she addresses. Her step by step videos make it relatable and simple to follow even with a novice skill level can achieve. She has worked with major celebrities and has published works in leading glossies like Harpers Bazaar, Vogue to name a few.
Her look is always timeless, elegant, and achievable. She is currently a Lancome spokesperson and has videos on their channel.
PIXIWOO
The 2 sisters at Pixiwoo have also a big loyal following, although most of their makeup application is on themselves, they create looks that are beautiful, elegant and sometimes a bit edgy depending on the mood or the fan requests.
They have created Real Techniques brushes that have been a result of their exposure to the business and they wanted to come up with products that cater to the needs of the working makeup artist. An example is the shape of the brush which can be stored upright when not in use.
They are very knowledgeable in trends, product information and always share them on their videos. Their product reviews are not filtered, they tell it like it is when it doesn’t perform or does not deliver as promised.
Jordan Liberty
Always looks good and has many models featured in his videos. His looks are very simple to follow, his favourite makeup trick is the peach corrector followed by the concealer trick to conceal dark eye bags or highlight the area.
He loves his smoky looks all beautifully captured in many looks and palettes. Also very up to date with products, trends and information. Follow him, he is fabulous: Jordan Liberty on YouTube
Charlotte Tillbury
Another English Rose like Lisa Eldridge but not as soft spoken, Charlotte Tillbury calls everyone darling in her videos and speaks very quickly like her thoughts outrun her. Her claim to fame is the Feline Flick and the signature “eye shadow application” which is really similar to colour by numbers. Each colour in her palette is meant for a specific area of the eye so its foolproof.
She has come out with her own line of skincare and makeup that are flying off the shelves, with her Magic Cream moisturiser and wonder glow foundation that promises good looking skin even if you have to fake it to make it,
Her signature looks are based on the 1930’s goddess sirens which she aptly names like The Sophisticate, The Goddess, The Bombshell and when you purchase them, all the products needed to achieve each look is broken down for you, so easy.
Love her channel, I learn so much from this woman!
Monica Blunder
A Swedish makeup artist who is based in LA, Monica Blunder also works on so many celebrities but usually she works on models like Victoria Secret angles. Her looks are very simple, again timeless and effortless. She uses a lot of high end products but sometimes mixes it with drug store finds.
She collaborates with other makeup artists which I love because sometimes 2 heads are better than 1. Double sharing of tips and tricks ups the ante since there is always something new to share.
No Instagram photoshopped looks here, just gorgeous faces.
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I have many more favourites but for now these are my top 5. (I also appreciate the list of products that they share at the bottom of their videos and hyperlink them so you know how and where to purchase them.) If you’re taking the cue, all these artists have one thing in common: Their looks are not drag queen looking, they simply want to impart their knowledge to let you know that celebrity makeup application can be translated to the everyday woman. All it takes is practice, patience and confidence to bring out the inner beauty of every woman.
Do you have favorites on YouTube? Share them with me in the comments below!
We’ve all heard about the benefits of Argan oil, in fact it s included in the ingredient list of many of our beauty products from hair serums to massage oils. Argan Oil is known for its hydrating and anti aging benefits because of its high fatty acids and Vitamin E content, making it an all in one beauty powerhouse.
More recently, I received a beautiful gift from a former colleague, Rhoda Campos Aldanese that contained another Liquid gold, Marula Oil (read it here) The box also contains a big block of chocolate derived from the cocoa beans from the Ivory Coast West Africa. Tavoletta chocolate is best used for hot chocolate in the mornings and even if its not Christmas, I wouldn’t mind a cup of this warm rich chocolate drink to start my day. Chocolates are also rich in antioxidants and flavanoids, compounds produced by plants that are beneficial to cardiovascular health and cell renewal.
Liquid Gold, Marula Oil
What It is
Marula oil is derived from the fruit of the Marula tree in Africa, and only the fallen fruit is collected and gathered by the women of East Africa. It is brought to collection points where the fruit pulp is removed for jams and juices and the shells are used for charcoal. This process protects and adds value to the wild strands of the tree and provide a sustainable livelihood for the community making it a member of the Fair Trade Association and Green America.
The cold process it undergoes without the inducement of heat or chemical treatments make it 100 % pure capturing all its beneficial properties more effective in its application.
The Ingredients are 99% Marula oil, 1% essential oil fragrance (Linalool and Limonene) that help make it an antioxidant that provides intense hydration, soothing properties and gives the skin radiance and glow. It does not contain Parabens, Phthalates, and Sulfates than can irritate skin.
Marula by John Paul Selects is named after John Paul DeJoria, the founder of John Paul Mitchell haircare systems, an entrepreneur that supports sustainability and social causes.
It has a pipette that dispenses precious drops of oil. Pump once and massage between hands and apply on your face.
How to incorporate the oil in your beauty routine
Used alone as an anti aging moisturizer applied on the face and neck area 2x/day.
Add 1-2 drops of the oil to your favorite foundation to give you a dewy glow.
Can be used as a primer prior to makeup application.
Applied to soothe peels, sunburn or after facial treatments.
Can be mixed with other facial products like moisturizers, mask or cleansers for an elasticity boost.
What it feels like
I’ve only used this oil the past week, and tested it during the day and night. Lightweight and easily absorbed, it provides a satin finish after with no greasy after feel. It does feel plumped up and ready for the next step which is the makeup application. At night when I applied it, the next morning, my face felt like it drank 8 glasses of water, it felt supple and so so soft to the touch. The smell is very pleasant, with a hint of citrus but it disappears in a few seconds. The pipette it comes in is sleekly designed and opens up when you twist it open and dispenses the the right amount of drops.
I’ve begun to love this new variable in my skincare routine and I’m getting the sinking feeling, my jars of moisturizers will not get the attention and love it deserves because there’s a new kid on the block showing off. I was close to getting the Clarins Facial Lotus oil that has been the Holy Grail of facial oils by top makeup artists. I hesitated because I have a drawerful of moisturizers to play around with. Marula Oil is my new love and knowing that is created through a sustainable livelihood, it has definitely sealed its place in my own piece of beauty heaven.
Two of my favorite things to have, chocolate and oil, both containing good fat to use without the guilt.
Marula Oil is available at the beauty departments of SM Aura, SM Makati, SM North Edsa and SM MOA. Sold at P2980.00 for the 30 oz. bottle and P4980.00 for the 50 ml. bottle. Tavoletta Chocolate bars are available at Villa Del Conte outlets (http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/tavoletta/)
March 8 was International Women’s Day. Wednesday March 9 was a beautiful reminder of what International Women’s day was about.
I was recently invited by a fellow southerner and batchmate of my sister, Martha Orosa Uy, to spend an afternoon with her and a few ladies (we were a total of 50 that day) to listen to inspiring stories that lift the spirit and learn from the varied experiences of the speakers that day. It was a coming together of women who want to be inspired in their lives in a TEDtalk kind of way.
Martha Orosa Uy giving the introductory remarks.
Some Members of the group from L-R Penny Katigbak, Marilen Espiritu, Cecile Limjoco, Patty Olbes and Susan Syquia
Martha Orosa Uy, together with 9 other ladies formed an informal group called BIG last December 2015 , an acronym for Build, Inspire and Give whose mission statement is to “start a revolution where stories are shared and entrusted to others so we may understand and become better versions of ourselves, whether that’s being a mother, wife, friend, sister or boss or employee” . Empowering oneself through sharing life experiences is a result of a woman’s wisdom gained from the community she lives and participates in. What a beautiful thought to live one’s life isnt it?
Empowerment is a catchphrase you didn’t hear in the past few decades until only recently. An issue more relevant than ever, woman empowerment simply means to live our lives freely with a sense of self worth, respect and dignity, to make their own informed choices and decisions and to have control of her life both within and outside the home and workplace. This being the foundation of which the group is formed, every month, a theme is selected, and resource speakers are invited to share their experiences and expertise based on the theme of the month. December was The Greatest Gift, January was New Beginnings, February was about Love You, Love Me , and March is So, what do you do?
The first speaker was Ambassador of the Philippines to New Zealand, Virginia Benavides who shared with us the struggles, the highs and lows, and how the unshakable Filipino spirit of bayanihan, faith and love for her country has enriched and carried her through her diplomatic life. Her personal story of being assigned to Brunei was her most difficult and rewarding posting due to the strict compliance of the Muslim laws prohibiting her from practicing her faith publicly. Despite this hindrance, her faith became stronger as it challenged her to live it out and put it into practice which validated her and her job as a diplomat.
Ambassador to New Zealand, Virginia Benavidez
One of her tasks is to see to it that the welfare of the Filipino community is protected and looked after by them when they are oppressed, abused and taken advantage of. She dreams (I certainly agree with her on this one), that one day the Philippine government will no longer rely on our people to look for better opportunities abroad to support their families. Filipinos who work abroad are highly treasured and in demand by employers mainly because they give and serve to the best of their abilities. Values of family, respect, hard work and our faith makes us resilient in the face of adversity inspite of the difficult social, physical and economic circumstances they endure being in a strange land.
The second speaker was Pastor Benjamin Cruz, National Director of Living Waters Ministry who shared his story of personal struggle between his sexuality and serving the Lord. His inner conflict stems from his suppression so he can live his life according to the dictates and norms of society. Now married to his wife Hazel, his epiphany came when he was shifting ministries to avoid being caught in his secret and that he cannot practice his faith due to this hindrance that was preventing him to be his truthful self. He found his truth in the humblest of ways in the eyes of children in a game of ping pong. The Lord always presents himself in the most simplest manner, this time Life Lesson 101 mirroring himself and speaking from the heart with love.
Pastor Benji Cruz fielding questions from the ladies.
Captured audience.
Pastor Cruz became my Aha moment. As a wife, mother, sister and friend the different hats we wear in our lives is the layer that makes us beautifully flawed and complicated, resilient and vulnerable, simple and complicated, to become the best in what we need to do in the situation or to do what is expected of us. Isnt this the virtue of being human? We are shaped by our circumstances, childhood and environment, “We are all broken, we just play it differently”, well said by Pastor Cruz.
The afternoon mood was artistically complemented by Marilen Espiritu, one of the founding members of the group whose creative genius raised my bar in the hosting aspect. Coming into her sprawling home, the scene captured the essence of what a woman is, a life fulfilled and expressed in her art form which is entertaining. God is truly in the details, Here’s why.
Feeling regal at the head of the table. So festive!
Table setting, Filipino shabby chic style
Its always Christmas in this home.
Filipino Merienda Fare. It was such a hot day, I wanted to swim in this sago and gulaman Jar.
Old Milk Bottles repurposed as drinking Glasses.
Colorful napkins waiting to be passed around.
Rosal leaves as napkin rings. Tin plates glammed up with white doilies.
Centerpiece de resistance
Aba Aba si saging na saba may bulaklak pa.
Pregnancy Cravings anyone?
Yellow Corn with individual salt cones ready for the picking.
Yellow mangoes preserved before the taking.
Silver Linings
Peanut gallery waiting for their salt cone pairing.
Truly a sight for all the senses, the beautiful spread laid out for us made the afternoon very special despite the unforgiving heat. It was a meaningful afternoon, I left with the feeling like I came from a spiritual retreat, your mind is clear, your spirit refreshed and invigorated, you gained a new perspective. Gratitude in my heart.
You may follow B. I. G. in Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/groups/936541133106195/ Meetings are held once a month and is by invitation only.
This time, a fellow member of the Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines, Maryann Obias, did my makeover. It was actually a makeup peg for a fashion showthat we provided services for and the makeup peg was an elongated, exaggerated black cat eye to evoke drama. Bold red lips and heavy contoured cheeks completed the look. This is what went on during our Polishing workshop that day.
Face chart below is the preferred look of choice.
Swatching and matching the foundation
Maryann used a buffing brush to apply the Inglot HD Foundation on my face.
This is definitely an Editorial or Fashion look. Brows do not follow the natural arch but rather reshaped to match the height of the cat eye.
Up Close and personal.
Products Used:
One of Inglot’s bestsellers is their HD line of Foundations. It’s formulated for High Definition TV. It looks natural, and is lightweight. It’s buildable depending on the coverage you want. Your skin look like perfect skin.
Makeup Forever Aqua Brow in shade 0
Makeup Forever Aqua Gel Eyeliner in Black. Consistency is very dense and creamy. You have to work fast when using this because it sets very quickly.
Inglot blush and eyeshadow palette. Blush and contour used are the top items left to right.
Lipsticks used were a combination of MAC Ruby Woo and Russian Red to give that brick red color.
Obviously, this is a look that will merit stares, and thoughts of What-was-she-thinking? I liked the way it made me look very edgy and hip and worthy of a editorial photo shoot (although that didn’t happen). Despite the few products used to create this look, a good dose of patience and a pair of steady hands is required to pull this off.
Here is my own take on the avant garde look. This is an old photo of me taken during December 2014 when I had a client that needed a Chinese Empress Look for their Christmas Party. I was doing a sample look for the client.
How bold do you want to be?
MaryAnn Obias Makeup Artist can be reached at https://www.facebook.com/makeupbymavo
Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines can be reached in FB www.facebook.com/umaphils
