Opening your home to host a fashion show for a lauded designer is a very chic thing to do. It has to be a very special event to make you want to open your private sanctuary to host such a milestone. The designer — Ditta Sandico — was also launching her new atelier (which is in her home), so a rebirth or coming full-circle of sorts was a good excuse to celebrate. After all, 30 years in the fashion industry is no small feat (pardon the pun) for this petite designer,who has beenpromoting natural, organic, indigenous fabrics that are woven into stylish pieces that can be added to one’s wardrobe.
The fabric that is synonymous with Ditta’s name is banaca, a mix of banana and abaca fibers similar to piña or pineapple, unlike its earlier abaca counterpart that was very rough which was a good material for making ropes and footwear. Banaca is a fabric that is versatile as a mold or wrap, due to its pliability and soft sheen cast. Ditta’s pieces are well known for these mold and wrap structures, because of her very haute couture architectural style. Each piece is therefore a true statement piece in one’s wardrobe.
Two wraps are better than one! Modeled by Ava.
Stunning silver white and gray wrap against a simple black column.
The Lady in Red.
Looking regal.
Its easy being in green.
Model Betchay Montserrat, formerly of Karilagan Modeling fame, in a black and yellow cropped bolero. She still has the X factor!
UMAP or Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines was tapped to lend hair and makeup support to a team of 22 models, five of whom were professional models, and the rest were Ditta’s friends and clients who were as good as the pros when it came to the catwalk. The show was directed by Raymund Villanueva, a good friend of Ditta who is a crack and a half. Full of wit and biting humor, he gave us an idea of how the concept was to be laid out. The ramp was the walkway to Ditta’s atelier against a clear backdrop of her shop, while the models inside posed and channeled their inner goddesses while waiting for their turn to come out.
Hair pegs a la Lady Gaga in the American Horror Story show. Edgy meets Imelda Marcos classiness. Photo taken from Entertainment Weekly
A modern Maria Callas. Photo taken from Entertainment Weekly
Makeup pegs for the show. Top face chart was to be recreated on the friends and clients while the face chart below was reserved for the 5 pros. Severe, mesmerising and mysterious cat eyes to go with the sculptural pieces of Ditta. Face Charts courtesy of Lesley Lim of UMAP.
#SquadGoals! UMAP Glam Squad from L-R: Guilly Valenzuela for hair, Lesley Lim, Sydney Dee, Maryann Obias, Myself and Pilita Guadines for Makeup.
The calm before the storm. Another shot with Aiky Nar in front for hair
Taken before they walked out on the ramp.
Quick, one more shot please. Photo from Yi Domingo.
As you can see, banaca can also be made into jewelry or accessories as modeled by Cherie Mercado, newscaster of ABC 5. Accessories were created by Thalia Javier. Photo from Yi Domingo.
Best rack in town.
UMAP teamed up with Inglot Cosmetics to provide the cosmetics for the show. Photo from Sydney Dee, UMAP Member.
I’m blushing. Deep bright colors mixed with neutral eyeshadows to complement the clothes. Let freedom ring. Photo from Sydney Dee.
Biore Skincare Products all packed and ready to go. Biore was also a sponsor with regards to makeup removal and maintenance. Inside the bag were cleansing pads, A bottle of Micellar water and a tube of sunscreen.
Annie Rosario Maceda, a cousin of Ditta Sandico, was wearing a Maria Clara inspired outfit.
With Riza Lim a yoga instructor. She can pass for an actress.
With another yoga and wellness advocate, Yi Domingo.
Sandwiched between friends, Ito Lopa on the left and Betchay Montserrat on the right.
Dwarfed by these beautiful ladies!
Congratulations Ditta!
Ditta’s posse! With gratitude.
Happy faces and smiles. We did it!!! Yahoo!!!
As I wrote this, APEC 2015 was happening in Manila, and it is very fitting to say, we have shown the world that Filipinos are excellent hosts! We have shared our best business acumen, excellent world class talent in the fields of entertainment, culture, food and design. In fashion, Ditta, you have done us proud, we are Pinoy Proud! Wishing you more years of clothing wonder.
Inglot Cosmetics is available at Glorietta 5, SM Megamall B.
Biore products are available at all leading Department Stores, and PCXchange.
Ditta Sandico is available at 5 Mabolo corner Balete Drive Quezon City.
UMAP or Unified MAkeup Artists of the Philippines can be reached at Facebook and Instagram, Umaphils.
The world is looking to Asia for inspiration, trade and business and for innovation. With the proliferation of new Korean and Japanese cosmetics and skincare line available to the consumer, it is inevitable that products that have become familiar to us gets an upgrade. Today felt like a shopping spree to Sasa, Mannings or Tokyo Hands.
Biore has been in the Philippines since the early 80’s and is still under the umbrella of the Kao group. Remember their Pore and Blackhead remover? Yup same company. Kao has also improved on this product but we will see it s relaunching in a few months.
Biore just recently launched their makeup removal and SPF line and Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines (UMAP) was invited for the demo and launching.
Biore launched its Makeup Remover product line in the Philippines as a result of a study conducted in Asia that despite hard economic times, women turn to the beauty industry to lift their spirits up. The instant gratification one feels is a testament to the female buying power of a non negotiable aspect in their consumer buying habits.
From L-R Charisma Vergara President of UMAP, Chistabel Low ASEAN Manager Skincare/Haircare Business of KAO Singapore Private Ltd. and myself
UMAP Members pose with the Biore organizers
Makeup Removers are vital components in the makeup application simply because what we put on needs to be removed. Kinda like the yin and yang of things. With more R&D in the cosmetics industry, makeup nowadays have improved in extending its longevity and increased pigmentation therefore making makeup removers step up its properties to match it. We need makeup removers because soap and water sometimes doesnt cut it.
The Stats
Biore Cleansing Oil
Biore Cleansing Oil removes waterproof face and eye makeup including gel liners and mascara. Pump into a cotton pad and press against the eye for about 10 seconds and swipe down. For the face, pump once and warm it into the hands and rub all over the face until makeup is dissolved. Rinse with water and pat face dry. Does not leave an oily residue, leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Best Dupe for its expensive Japanese counterpart. Shhh U know what it is.
Instructions are in English. It comes with a plastic lock for the pump to avoid spills.
Biore Micellar Water
Micellar Water removes all makeup, stubborn mascara and liners. Best used for light-medium makeup application. Non comedogenic, does not clog pores. Alcohol, oil and fragrance free and allergy and Opthalmologist tested. Comes from the Japanese Alps and enriched with collagen and white tea extract.
Apply and soak a cotton pad and press against the face and eye and wipe off. Also a good dupe for the expensive French Pharmacy counterpart.
Biore Cleansing Facial Oil Sheets
Best used when you’re on the go and have no access to water and soap. It boasts of its unique cloth construction that is thick enough to hold more liquid inside. It’s actually the cleansing oil in a pad form. Press for a few seconds and swipe down.
Best when you have ‘tamad” days and dont want to go through a lot of cleansing rituals.
Its container is perfect for travelling. Hygienic and portable.
Well sealed so it wont dry out. It will last 3-4 months. It comes in refills too.
Biore Cleansing Oil Facial Sheets Handy Pack
Handy Pack. Ideal for the “tingi” user who only wants to carry it in her handbag.
Biore UruUru 2-1 Cleansing Foam
Best used for light makeup with sunblock application. It has a high cleansing ability and no tight after feeling after washing. UruUru means Soft and Moist.
Biore UV Sunscreen
Aqua Rich series UV Sunscreen is water based, Texture is light and not sticky. May be used as a primer prior to makeup application. No white cast, sweatproof and lightweight. High SPF blocks harmful UVA/UVB rays.
My Personal Favorites
I personally like the Facial Cleansing oil, Micellar water and the UV Aqua Rich Sunscreen. Aside from its reasonable and affordable price points, these products attest to its claim and since July when UMAP first met with them, I have been trying their products and my skin has had no adverse reactions except that it has also found its match in an Asian brand. True to form, Japanese products never fail, and they are effective. “In the Pink of Health’ is symbolic in the cutesy pink packaging that appeals to the Japanese market.
Japanese Packaging simplified and beautiful to look at and receive
Gift brief case
Unboxed and filled with goodies. This was the highlight of the morning. I felt like I won a Kabuhayan showcase. WootWoot!
We were left with a great reminder, “The best makeup needs the best makeup remover, invest in having good skin too”. Do you agree?
Thank you to Olive Soria, Brand Manager and Mr. Vincent Genato, President of Vibelle Distribution Inc and their staff for extending their generosity and hospitality to UMAP and its members.
Biore is locally distributed by Vibelle Distribution Inc and all its products are available at Watsons, PCX Exchange, Landmark, Metro Dept Stores and SM Department Stores.
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.
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.
Cherry Pacheco, a senior makeup artist affiliate of Inglot Cosmetics Philippines, recently indulged members of United Makeup Artists of the Philippines with a Bridal Demo at their Glorietta 5 branch. I couldn’t pass this up since I’m always a fan of continuing education and Inglot Cosmetics Philippines is one of the cosmetics brand that I’m beginning to fall in love with. Again, its not a basic demo, you have to come with the understanding of basic makeup application. My love affair began with their most best selling gel liner no. 77. It’s black inky color is unbelievably smooth and creamy and budgeproof. It’s not exactly waterproof but its great for my needs. I also have their nail ridge filler which lives up to its name, it leaves a smooth mantle over the nail preparing it for nail color. I am hooked.
Inky Black Gel Eyeliner no. 77. Inglot’s best selling item.
Her Tips:
1) Begin with a very clean and smooth canvas. Face should be prepped prior to the application, cleansed, toned, moisturized and primed, according to the skin type of the client or Bride. Inglot’s Under Base Mattifiying base is considered the primer of all gods.
Primer of all gods.
2) Determine the bride’s skin tone and undertones by properly matching 1-2 shades of Foundation on the cheek to the jawline to see which shade matches her face. The right color should blend seamlessly on the face. When skin is acidic, it means that when foundation is applied, your skin color turns dark or gray after a few minutes. This applies to people with oily skin. To counteract this, apply a toner to the face, apply a primer to the face prior to the foundation to act as a barrier between the skin and makeup and choose a foundation that is one shade lighter than your skintone. This way, when your face casts a darker hue, it will match your skin tone perfectly.
The shade that matched the model’s face is the one on the left. It was lighter than her usual shade because she is acidic.HD Foundation gives a dewy satin finish
3) Begin applying the foundation with a brush on the upper half of the face until the eyebrows and extending to the lower part of the face where her upper cheekbones begin. The perimeter of the face should be a little darker to give depth and warmth to the face.
Model Xyrene with foundation applied on her face.Mattifying powder was used and applied with a sponge after foundation was applied.One of their best selling items their mattifiying powder.
4) Contour and Highlight. When applying depth, highlight and warmth to the skin, Cherry uses powder to achieve this.
Contour PaletteDark powder was applied from the top of the ear and blended towards the center of the face stopping in the lower cheek area. Do not go past the lips.
4) Eyebrows should be properly groomed so placement of color can be applied correctly. Brush the hairs in an upward stroke to see where the hair growth lies and where color should be applied.
Perfectly groomed eyebrows and a face that has depth.
5) Eyeshadow
Her Freedom Palette of choice. Love love the color on the bottom row, 2nd to the left. This is what she applied on the eyelid using her ring finger and blended to perfection.She blended the eyeshadow and added a darker matte color on the outer crease or V shape to accentuate the eyes.A lighter shade was applied in the inner corner of the eyes and bottom lashes to make the eyes pop.
6) Eyeliner and Lashes
Brown Waterproof eyeliner was used in the bottom of the lashes vertically and smudged 3/4 of the way.
7) Blush
Peach toned blushes work well with Asian skin tones. You may mix a pink toned blush to give the face more dimension.Work in circular motions from the apples of the cheeks and blend outwards.
8) Lips
Lip Palette to die for. It is super pigmented a little goes a long way. She used the 2 colors on the bottom row, 2nd to the left and the middle shade and mixed the two to get a peachy pink color.Lip color should match the undertone and color of the blush to create harmony in the face.
9) Final result:
Before (Xyrene Eugenio is also an Inglot Cosmetics Philippines makeup artist affiliate who gamely became our model for that afternoon)After. Xyrene is ready to walk down the aisle, the shopping aisle that is.
A promo and discount offer was offered to us artists which made it easier for us to justify our vanity cravings. It is easy to be lost and overwhelmed when you walk into the store but trust the staff to offer their warm assistance in narrowing your choices. Despite the slight frenzy, I was able to make good choices in my attempt to understand their Freedom Palette selling point. Their palettes are all magnetic, colors are easy to put in and talk about portability, everything you need is customized for you when you slip them in those compact holes.
My custom bridal eyeshadow palette chosen for me.
The only bad point I can think of is that since the creamy pigments like lipsticks and cream concealers melt so quickly in our heat, I end up putting them in the refrigerator to harden them a bit. Colors are named in a series of 3 numbers, I have a difficult time remembering them sometimes. I guess this was deliberately done since this line is a brainchild of a polish Chemist Wojchiek Inglot, who wanted to produce cosmetics that are paraben free and free of those harmful ingredients you find in some cosmetic brands. Chemists work with formulas and numbers hence the number sequence in their branding. As a result, Inglot Cosmetics is 20-30% more affordable than their counterparts. I call it genius, their magnetized palettes are a makeup artist’s dream, they all stack up in your kits. Truly Heaven sent.
Glorietta 5 storeLip Lip Hooray! I seem to want this artwork for myself.Xyrene and CherryWith their Glorietta 5 staff
Inglot Cosmetics can be found at Glorietta 5, SM Megamall and Mall of Asia. Follow them on Facebook and InstaGram @InglotPH
Marsala — designated as the 2015 color of the year by Pantone — is a most versatile color to wear, especially for us Asians. Its warm, earthy hue is flattering to our skin tone, which leans towards the fair to medium range. Inspired by the Italian wine-growing region in Sicily, an authentic marsala wine is a muted burgundy color with hints of plum, which insinuates sultriness, seductiveness and warmth. If you ask me, those characteristics definitely make marsala color you’d want to wear!
Marsala and your makeup
Consider marsala in your makeup palette. It is best paired with a smokey eye in neutral tones, or combined with peachy pink and metallic colors, such as bronze or golden yellow. It also works well with turquoise and teal.
I’ve featured MakeupForever’s Aqua Cream Waterproof shadow in some of my blogs: That’s how much this color proves it can be used as a neutral color for eyes.
Additionally, I ‘ve combined L’Oreal lipstick in Bare Mocha and Estee Lauder Pure Color in Forbidden Kiss and tada! Marsala was the result! (See below.)
L-R L’Oreal Bare Mocha, Estee Lauder Forbidden Kiss and Marsala Lipstick
My favorite eyeshadows are Shu Uemura in PPurple 790 and Benefit’s Eyeshadow Buckle Bunny, which are neutral colors, and great for everyday makeup. These plum shades also work very well for bridal makeup.
How are you going to try Marsala? “Cheers!” should I say?
Prom season is upon so many young ladies this month and I thought of creating some looks for inspiration . I decided to go for a wearable smoky look with a light pink lip for those who want a well dressed appeal but without going overboard. It can be adapted to suit a day look as well by toning it down like removing the false lashes and switching from a black eyeliner to a brown one. I kept in mind also the sweat proof factor of this look by using waterproof products that will carry you until the evening. Hope you like it and give me your thoughts on what looks you’d like to see for your prom.
5) Eyeshadow
