Marula Oil , the next oil on the block, and why you need it in your beauty regimen

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
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.
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.
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/)

 

Behind the Kit Mela Jimenez Makeup Artist

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.

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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.

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One of the photos from the campaign of Nothing but H2O.
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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.

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Photo by Pilar Tuason
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Photo 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.

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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.
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Photo by Pilar Tuason
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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?

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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.
Mela Jimenez
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.
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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.
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Bringing out the inner beauty in a bride
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Photo by Ian Santillan

12. Describe yourself in one word.

Steady.

Mela’s Pro Kit

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Mela’s Kikay Kit

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My Dream Shoot:

Location: Amanpulo
Photographer: Pilar Bonin Tuason
Model: Linda Evangelista
Stylist:Maite Matute
Hair: Tony Dusich

Charlotte Tilbury: Its really all about the Glow

When I’m obsessed with something, I go on a hunt until I have it.  I’ve been following Charlotte Tilbury for quite some time ever since she made a video collaboration with Lisa Eldridge, another makeup idol of mine.  Charlotte Tilbury has been in the makeup business for the past 20 years and has worked with many famous photographers like Mario Testino, Terry Richardson and has collaborated with many international makeup brands like MAC Cosmetics and has painted the faces of well heeled personalities like Penelope Cruz, Sienna Miller, Cara De Levigne and Kate Moss and she did the makeup of Amal Clooney.  Growing up in Ibiza Spain surrounded by a creative family, she was surrounded and shaped by the colors and scenes of that area.

I finally got to visit her flagship store in The Grove in LA.    Her concept for her line and freestanding store is a throwback to the 30’s and 40’s era where silver screen sirens encapsulated the essence and glamour of the times.  The Art Deco feeling in her packaging is so evident in her belief that it was a golden age for mysterious and glamorous women.  

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Art Deco Inspired Displays
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Her Signature looks are grouped in sections and contains all you need to recreate them.

 

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One of my favorite looks is the Uptown Girl and The Vintage Vamp.

 

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Wonder Glow covers a multitude of skin tones .
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Her Magic Skin Trilogy which gives you the candlelight glow.

 

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Her Magic cream is what I was after.

 

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Her Filmstar Bronze and Glow Sculpting Powder and Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder Compact are her two of her Bestsellers. My shade for the airbrush powder is Medium. Her sculpting palette is the perfect warm brown that is best for fair to medium skin tones. No orange loompah loompah color here.

 

Packaging is consistent with her love for the Art Deco era. Gorgeous
Packaging is consistent with her love for the Art Deco era. Gorgeous. To the extreme bottom left is the photobomber MAC s Oval 6 brush.

 

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Her Filmstar Bronze and Glow looks like a minaudiere. Powdering your nose never looked so elegant in her Airbrush Flawless Finish powder compact.

 

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Swatch of the Filmstar Bronze and Glow powder. Its buildable and suited for light to medium skin tones. It reminds me of the NARS Bronzing powder in Laguna with light flecks of gold.

 

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Charlottes Magic Cream that evokes memories of our grandmothers cream potions. This is the bomb!

 

This Cream is composed of peptides that stimulate skin collagen, Hyaluronic boosters that plump the skin, Vitamin E and rosehip oil to revive the skin’s appearance.  It’s antiaging, and has an SPF of 15, all good stuff to restore your skin to youth levels.  She has put skincare in the forefront of her product line as she is a firm believer in having good skin before any makeup application.

I wasnt able to get a hold of her cream since I have so many jars of moisturizers that I need to use and finish and I wanted to put this on hold.  However I was able to get a sample and I used it during the summer.  It is very creamy, emollient and hydrating.  I was a bit hesitant to use this on my normal to combination skin as I didn’t want to have anything heavy on my face.  What it does is, when applied before makeup application, one gets the dewy and JLo glow.  Not bad but in our weather, it may give you a slightly greasy feeling during the course of the day.  I would use this in the cooler months when our skin will not create excess sebum.

It is a great moisturizer for those with dry skin as it instantaneously transforms your parched skin into an oasis of moisture.  It has a slight odd smell but disappears and does not really bother me at all.

Charlotte Tilbury products are on the pricey side but if you want to spoil yourself, it’s worth it.  Locally her products are available at the MUP store.  You may follow Charlotte Tilbury in FB, YouTube and Instagram for her videos and products.

 

Blogger’s Beauty Kit with NIKKI TIU

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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.
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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.

 

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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!
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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.
Nikki is also tapped by brands to give beauty and makeup workshops.
4. Please tell us your blog link, social media links.

Blog: www.askmewhats.com
Twitter, instagram and FB: @AskMeWhats

Bloggers Day Out: Kage Gozun

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 Belly resort-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
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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.

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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.
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Instructions and Ingredient list
After Exfoliating the skin, Water treatment Skin Cream was applied to the face as a moisturizer
After 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

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L-R Kryolan Camouflage Concealer wheel and Eve Pearl Invisible Finish Powderless Powder
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Makeup 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 spray
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MAC 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.

 

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False eyelashes tied her  look together. These are lightweight flirty and natural.

Lips

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Inglot #30 last pan on the right

 

Loreal Barely Greige and MAC Lipglass in Culture
Loreal Barely Greige and MAC Lipglass in Culture
Squeezing in a selfie
Squeezing in a selfie
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Ready for her night out with her friends.
I think she approves.
I think she approves.
A singer and a writer
A singer and a writer

Follow Kage’s adventures on Instagram @surftolivetosurf and on Twitter @travelkage.

Makeup Chats with Kira Ramirez

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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.
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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!

Happy Skin Review Moisturing Lippies and Eye Pencils

I’ve been late to the party in reviewing this, but when I decided to improve my makeup haul this year, the soda pop eye catching color display at Beauty Bar in Greenbelt 5 caught my attention, and I was drawn to the Lipsticks or Lippies as they are called.  The Eye Candy eye pencils by Happy Skin Cosmetics were given during a blog event by Martine de Luna entitled the Blissmakerie 2014.

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SodaPop colors of Happy Skin products

Shut Up And Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippies sure live up to its claim, it is a mix of shea butter, gloss and lip color in one.  It applies very creamy.  I’ve purchased the Honeymoon Glow and Naughty and Nice, again both aptly named for a bridal experience.  Collagen infused, your lips will love you for its lip plumping effect.

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HoneyMoon Glow is more peachy toned while Naughty N Nice has a plum berry tone.  I love the pencil shape, you can also twist it to close and open when it gets down to a smaller point.
Wearing HoneyMoon Glow, perfect for everyday use.
Wearing HoneyMoon Glow, perfect for everyday use.
Naughty N Nice, can be worn at night but also during the day when you feel like vamping it up.
Naughty N Nice, can be worn at night but also during the day when you feel like vamping it up.
Housed in a tin box, these pencils are budge and smudge proof.
Housed in a tin box, these pencils are budge and smudge proof.
L-R Watermelon, Butterscotch, Plum and Cotton Candy
L-R Watermelon, Butterscotch, Plum and Cotton Candy

Overall, the Moisturizing lipsticks are true to their claim: very moisturizing and very pigmented.  However, I find myself reapplying more than often due to its balmy and creamy texture, but it’s good for a few hours.  This is not a bad thing, it makes me reach for it even if I don’t need a retouch.  The range of colors are suited to a global skin tone, ranging from nudes to reds, so I feel they were specifically chosen for me.  I felt like buying the entire range! After all it is well priced, between P499.00 -549.00, and one can easily collect and build her lipstick collection without the guilt.

The eyeliners were quite a surprise, though. Cotton Candy and Butterscotch are ideal for rimming underneath the lashes to make the eyes look bigger, while Watermelon and Plum are good for smokey looks or can be worn everyday for a bold pop of color in the eyes.  The big plus is that it is smear, water and budgeproof.  It can’t get any better than that.  (My only beef is, the pencil is short and can be easily be used up for everyday use.  Maybe a twist type is in the works?)

What are your favorite Happy Skin products?

Happy Skin products are available at Beauty Bar, Select SM Dept stores and Plains and Prints boutiques.

An Interview with Gugu Francisco

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This interview features student and model Maria Alexandra Victoria Pueo, better known as “Gugu” Francisco. She modeled a bridal look for the Acie Fores website, and shares her work experience as well her favorite aspects about working with Acie, whom she fondly refers to as “Tita Acie.”  Photos by Jack Alindahao and Styling by Alexandra Lapa The Reluctant Stylista and Hair by Rikki Suarez

1. What did you enjoy about working with Acie? What did you like about her makeup style, as well as her work style/ethic?

Tita Acie was very professional and easy to work with because she was accommodating and even ordered pizza for me (haha!). She also made our shoot fun by telling jokes, which helped me stay awake even f I only had 3 hours before the shoot. Her makeup was neat and organized — which may seem like it is not a big deal, but you are assured that you’re working with a professional. You know this is true when you see she takes good care of her things and values them by keeping the brushes and sponges clean all the time, after working. I like that she listens to my suggestions, and I feel like she has a special touch for each model which clearly shows on her work. She has mastered the balance of being accommodating and professionalism which are I believe are important to succeed in her field.

2. What are some of your favorite features on your face, and how was Acie able to highlight these? How did her work on you make you feel?

I liked how she treated my eyes: Since they are hooded and deep set, they need a specific stroke to be enhanced. There are certain colours of eye shadow that don’t work for me — like black, since I have hazel eyes and it will over power them. She made sure my eyes were highlighted, bringing the best out in them. Next are my cheeks: Since i am a plus size model, it is important for any make up artist to contour my face properly, especially my cheeks, temples and double chin, to enhance the features but not make me look bigger. She already knew how to manually modify my face even before the shoot went on and knew which parts to highlight to react well with the studio lights.

3. Can you share some photos with us of your look by Acie Fores?

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4. What are some of your favorite makeup products/must-haves for daily wear?

For my sunblock, I use VMV as prescribed by my derma. For my moisturizer, I use the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum in Bisque. For my blush, I use MAC’s Beauty powder blush in Formal, and my lipstick is MAC’s CremeSheen in How Darling. For my mascara, I use They’re Real by Benefit. Tools: I use the Real Technique brushes, the on-location mini brush trio set, specifically.

Odyssey: The 18th Voyage KaKaibang Klase

I was chosen to be a speaker at my alma mater, Assumption College last week to discuss my career as a makeup artist to High School students. I was actually thrilled to be hand-picked from a roster of speakers who I found out later on were also fellow alumnae. I was informed by Mara Diego, Course Facilitator,  that it was a week-long event that exposes the students to the different avenues they can venture into  and serve as a venue for self discovery.  It gives them an opportunity to learn and explore the different skills, talents or interests that were not considered careers before.  This is where I come in.

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It was a trip down memory lane as I walked through the corridors, hallways and the all too familiar excited chatter of students.  I was hoping to bump into familiar teachers and nuns, but it was a day full of endless activity and movement of people crossing each other’s paths.

The campus was definitely changing as new buildings were being added to accommodate the growing number of students and the lack of negative space as a result of this was glaringly noticeable.  Quite a shock for me and I’m looking at it from a perspective of positivity instead of nostalgia.

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On to the talk.  My audience was composed of very attentive and behaved ladies.  I couldn’t believe they were hanging on to every word I said.  The highlight was actually the demo I did on Mara.  My talk revolved around the basics of makeup application and grooming to prepare them for the rigors of college life and to some, their entrance into the big world out there to look for jobs.

 Highlights of the talk

Makeup Artistry is a growing lucrative industry.  Presently it has specific areas in which one can focus their artistry on namely, Print and Editorial, Film and Theater or Stage, Weddings and Bridal and Special Effects.  Nowadays, with a growing list of makeup artist celebrities, it is an art and a skill and one has to be professionally trained and licensed to practice it.  Makeup artists gain an edge and credibility when one is trained technically.

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With advancements in research and technology,  cosmetics are now combined with skincare to fit the needs of a busy woman on the go.  Cosmetics now serve as dual purpose both to give color and enhancement to the face but at the same time, it can give the skin healing and restorative benefits and delay the aging process as an added bonus.

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Social Media has played a huge factor in putting cosmetics and makeup to the forefront and more accessible to the consumer.  It serves as a platform for promotion and instant gratification.  It also builds a community that serves as your audience to communicate with.

Facial Contouring is not for everyday application.  While it gives the face depth and dimension and make you look better in photos, it is not a realistic application due to the skill and time involved for the woman on the go.  Contouring is used for purposes of print media and for spacial occasions.

Kim Kardashian Contour

Eyebrow frames the face and varies from individual to individual.  As Asians, the 3 point rule will apply depending on the width of the nostril and eye shape.  Eyebrows are not symmetrically balanced but it should look similar not exact.

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A smokey eye can be worn during the day provided the application and choice of color is not too dark for day.  Matte neutral shades in earth tones and in the family of plums enhance Asian tones the best.

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Makeup is a continuing learning process.  One can never rest on her laurels, one should strive to be better in the next work.  Learning can be achieved by reading, apprenticing with other masters and constant practice is a must in order to keep up with the trends in the industry.    It should also be considered fun otherwise we lose the main reason why we are in the business.  Passion is what fuels the imagination.  Lastly Be humble.

 

Makeup Artist Perception vs. fact

Estee Lauder x Francis Libiran for the Manila Peninsula

Remember my blog post about Estee Lauder and Brian Patterson a few months back? Well, our paths crossed once again and I hope it is the start of a love affair. Love was the theme during the Francis Libiran Bridal Fashion Show at the Weddings at the Peninsula Bridal Fair last June, June being the universal month associated with weddings. The show coincided with the opening of Libiran’s atelier in The Peninsula, so it was the opportune time to promote his 40-piece bridal collection.

Francis Libiran is known for his intricate beadwork and serpentine silhouette. You may drool over his creations here (www.francislibiran.com).

Estee Lauder was tasked to do the makeup services for the 40 models while the Franck Provost team did the hair on all the models. The fashion show marked a sort of “debut” for Estee Lauder as the sponsor of a fashion show, and as such, Estee Lauder skincare and cosmetics were used on the models and celebrities who graced the runway that day. Among the celebrities who modeled the bridal collection were Kim Jones, Iza Calzado,Venus Raj, and Karylle, while Jake Cuenca, Sam Milby, Christian Bautista, among others, modeled the menswear line.

Backstage and behind-the-scenes (where I was), each makeup artist was assigned four models to prep for the show. (I did three male models and a lady.) The photo pegs for the makeup style were clean, fresh, nothing to glam and overdone — right up my alley!

Work Station

We used the star products of the show, which were the skincare essentials: the Double-Wear Foundation,  the Advanced Night Repair, and Matte Primer (which are available in Rustan’s beauty source counters nationwide).

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

 

Photo courtesy of Style BiblePH, Bruce Casanova

Photo courtesy of Style Bible.ph, Bruce Casanova

Photo from StyleBible and Bruce Casanova _0051_fl copy 51

Photo courtesy of StyleBible.ph; Bruce Casanova

Photo courtesy of StyleBible.ph, Bruce Casanova

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

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

Thank you, Estee Lauder, for including me in your team for Weddings at the Pen! For the complete range of Estee Lauder skincare and cosmetics, visit Estee Lauder counters in Rustan’s Beauty Source outlets nationwide. You can also log on to www.rustans-thebeautysource.com for the complete online catalog.

 

Mother’s Day Beauty Session 2: Jeanette Chu Gomez

I first met Jeannette in July of 2013, when our family friend Mike Gomez quietly announced to close friends family and relatives that he was engaged to be married. I have known Mike for more than two decades and I have never seen him or heard he was in a relationship with anyone for that matter.

To whom I asked?  I checked out his Facebook page and there she was.  Her photo splashed as his FB profile pic. I thought to myself, it was a photo of a lovely woman randomly selected because of her attractive profile. I’ve seen this in a couple of my friend’s profile photos where random photos of people, a cause, places or things that appeal to the person is used as a FB profile photo.

I was immediately informed that the lovely woman is indeed his fiancé.  We both laughed ourselves silly. So I asked him for how long did he keep this as a secret to everyone?  12 years to be exact.  Huwow!  Indeed it was time to settle down.  Jeannete comes from a family of eight siblings.  They met at the Stock Exchange when Mike was working as a stock broker and she from another firm.  It was love at first sight for him.  As the saying goes, the rest is His-story.

Unfortunately, the wedding coincided with my family vacation (which was also overdue) and, so I could not attend.  I vowed to make it up to them as I was kicking myself in the head for failing to witness this wonderful, humble couple mark their milestone.  As the photos were posted on Facebook, I truly saw the love between the two and I missed a fabulous wedding.

When I finally got a chance to meet Jeannete in her mother in law’s birthday celebration, I boldly asked her if she could model for me some time for my bridal portfolio when the need arises.  She was hesitant and too shy to say yes. Fast forward to May of this year, I finally got a chance to ask her once more if she can model for my Mother’s Day feature on my blog and she said yes.

The good news is, there is a bun in the oven and she is due on May 19th! In fact as I write this, she will be in labor soon.  I can only wish Mike and Jeannete good things and blessings, and parenthood will certainly be the icing on the proverbial cake.

Congratulations and welcome to Parenthood, Jeanete.  Family photo session next?

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