Make ME Up, Wrap-Up

acie fores makeup workshop 15

All photos in this blog post are by Nico Belasco Photography.

We were so fortunate to have hosted sixteen sweet ladies last week for the Make Me Up Workshop on August 5th, in cooperation with Mafae Belasco of Mafae Management and Make it Blissful’s Martine De Luna. The workshop was a hybrid “inspiration and information” workshop, beginning with a motivational talk, and ending with a practical makeup demo showing all the participants how to apply makeup using the best practices, and how to go seamlessly from a day-to-night look, using specific products from our partners, Eye of Horus Philippines, London Cosmetics Philippines, and Biore Philippines.

london cosmetics philippines 1

eye of horus philippines 1

The program opened with us getting to know one another. It was a great time to get up off our seats and meet new ladies: fellow moms, busy professionals, small business owners. Everyone took selfies with their new friends, got to chat a bit about their lives, and then went around the room meeting members of the staff, the City Club, and us, the instructors. It’s always great to mingle!

acie fores makeup workshop 6

acie fores makeup workshop 5

acie fores makeup workshop 2

Martine De Luna was our emcee for the day, and she basically provided her own brand of inspiration and encouragement! (Thanks, Martine!)

Mafae Belasco — the CEO and consultant behind the management company, Mafae Management — opened the day with her fresh talk, which focused on empowerment and ownership. Mafae is a woman who wears many hats: wife, mom of five, entrepreneur, a coach for models and beauty queens (She was Miss Philippines in the 2003 Miss World Pagaent, and placed in the top five!), and her favorite role is that of a mentor to the personalities she manages.

acie fores makeup workshop 8

acie fores makeup workshop 1

acie fores makeup workshop 7

Mafae’s core focus for her talk was really to exhort everyone to “find your ‘why’ in life.” Everyone with a “why” has a more purposeful approach to their life, she said, speaking from her own experience on how she is able to manage the many roles she has. We learned how important it is to go back to the why on a daily basis, and make it the heart and motivation of all we do, whether we are at work or simply living our everyday lives. There were so many points to absorb, and Mafae beautifully summarized it in her key takeaway for us all. “You must love you,” she said, explaining that self-love is at the heart of fulfillment and purpose. (It makes sense, doesn’t it? When we are fulfilled and confident and love ourselves by having that positive, healthy self-esteem, then we can accomplish any goal, any dream we are working for, because we know we deserve them. Wow! Mind-blowing!)

Her talk was the perfect jumping point into the practical portion of the workshop, the makeup workshop! Prior to this, however, the participants were all treated to the London Cosmetics table, where they each selected their own lipstick colors.

london cosmetics philippines 5

london cosmetics philippines 2
[one-half-first]london cosmetics philippines 3[/one-half-first]
[one-half]london cosmetics philippines 4[/one-half]

Acie has been giving makeup workshops for some time now, usually in intimate, personal settings, such as in a client’s home or in a salon. This was not he first time she did a makeup workshop, demo-style, for an audience. It was a great way to teach the core basics of makeup application. Acie took us through from the core basics (skincare and cleansing, prep, and application per area of the face) to actual makeup artistry, which she demonstrated on our two model participants for the day.

acie fores makeup workshop 12

For Frances, it was the day look

acie fores makeup workshop 13

acie fores makeup workshop 14

For Ricci, the look was an evening one.

eye of horus philippines 2

During the workshop, we learned the importance of why we use and apply makeup in the first place. “Makeup is for everyone,” Acie said, noting that every face is gifted and blessed with unique features. “Makeup is simply meant to enhance, not cover-up.” It is what makes our facial features “perk up” and come to life, as it were, especially since every kind of makeup — from the foundation, down to the detailing products like eyeliner and mascara — is meant to bring out the best in our features.

In line with Mafae’s message for us to love ourselves first, Acie’s portion drove home the point very concretely:  Makeup application to enhance your natural gifts IS a part of loving yourself and developing yourself.

035A8922

We’d like to thank everyone who made this important and inspiring workshop possible:

And thanks to all the ladies who made this event a success! We’re all super proud of you and believe in every one of you!

acie fores makeup workshop 16

Beauty & Momness: Tips for moms on everyday beauty

IMG_1625

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:

  1.  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.
IMG_1830
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.

IMG_1836
LA Girl and Benefit Cosmetics were also on hand to provide the ladies with great looking skin.

 

IMG_1839
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.

13263710_1195203783837139_8807757058078009857_n
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.

featuredbrow
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.

IMG_5818
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.
IMG_1841
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

 

Beauty and Momness 1
Our Model Mom receiving the day look demo with UMAP”S Charisma Vergara, Photos from Michelle Viray

 

Beautyadmomness 3
The full Day look. Photo from Michelle Viray

Moms were divided into different skin categories.  All photos below are from Michelle Viray.

Beautyandmomness 12

 

Beautyandmomness 13

 

Beautyandmomness 14

 

Beautyandmomness 15

 

Beautyandmomness 7
Maryann Obias was assisting moms that were under the Normal Skin category.

Beautyandmomness 6

 

Beautyandmomness 8

 

Beautyandmomness 9
I was assigned to the Combination skin table, here I am assisting her with the concealer application.
Beautyandmomness 10
Kathrina Bautista UMAP member as well, assisting her participant with the day look.

 

Beautyandmomness4
Cha flanked by the organizers of the event

 

Beautyandmomness5
Breastfeeding Moms working in the event.

 

Finished Makeup looks under my Combination Table.  Beaming and happy should I say.

IMG_2008

 

IMG_2009

 

IMG_2010

 

IMG_2011

 

IMG_2012

 

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!

My Japan Loot (Plus, a CONTEST)

Japan Haul

Don Quijote or Donki  to Tokyo residents (shortened for Don Quijote), a famous discount chain of stores in Tokyo Japan was my first stop when my family recently traveled there on a holiday.  I find it the equivalent of Target in the US where you can find cosmetics, electronics, clothing and grocery items in one store, all packed from floor to ceiling in their own distinct manner.

Open 24 hours 7 days a week.
Open 24 hours 7 days a week.

 

Floor to ceiling is packed with merchandise.
Floor to ceiling is packed with merchandise.

 

I knew that I could get my cosmetics fix in this one stop shop without the hefty price tags in department stores.  They also extend a 8% tax free discount to tourists so it made your guilty purchases a bit sweeter.

Donki Purchases:

Biore Cleansing Oil Refill

 

IMG_0984
Biore Cleansing Oil refill and bottle

 

I mentioned in my Instagram post that this is one thing I don’t want to run out of — and I found the refill! (That’s a “Hallelujah!” moment!) Best of all, it comes with a spout for no-mess spills.  You simply empty the contents in the bottle and you just saved yourself precious bucks until your next purchase.

 

NewBorn Eyebrow Pencil

 

image

 

newborn-1
Favorite Eyebrow pencil that is 3-1.

 

This pencil is not too hard or soft, it dispenses the right amount of color and it comes with a matching brow powder and spoolie all in one pencil.  The powder is hidden in the twist side portion of the pencil where the spoolie is.  The tip is angled so you can really make fine hair strand strokes to create natural looking brows.  Love the design!  My favorite shades are B5, and B6 which is always out of stock.  It is similar in color to MAC’s Fling and Lingering.

 

Aqua Peel Moisture Peeling Gel

image

What it is: It is an exfoliating gel that removes dry flaky skin without the harsh ingredients.  It’s 90% water, Fragrance free, Color free, Mineral free, Preservatives free, Contains Collagen, Hyaluronic acid, Squalane and Royal Jelly.  Pump one time and apply to freshly cleaned DRY face and rub it in for 20-30 seconds and see the flakes come off.  Rinse off with water and continue with your skincare regimen.  Your skin will love you for it.  Use it 2x/week only.

Cure Water Skin Treatment

image

Used by factory workers in TOYO who were experiencing extremely dry hands from opening cardboard boxes.  It is lightweight, creamy and when rubbed between the palms of your hands, it forms water droplets to indicate the moisturizing properties are working, and is absorbed quickly.   It contains silicon.  The small tube is handy to carry in your purse.

La Roche Posay Hydraphase

image

Good for normal to combination skin, it infuses the face with water and keeps it hydrated.  I like the pump it comes in, when you’re running low, the see through bottle will indicate how much you have left.  It moisturizes without the greasy after feel.  I would say this is very similar to Embryolisse moisturizer.

La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat

image

This is a good moisturizer for oily-combination skin, it does what it says, skin is mattified and feels like satin.  No primer needed, go straight to the makeup application.  It fills up your pores but be careful if yours are really large, it leaves a very thin film that fills up those unwanted lines and gaps.  I’m always out of this often.

Shiseido Anessa UV Sunscreen

image

A friend suggested to me that this is her favorite sunscreen, it’s not thick, very light and gives you protection.  She said that this can be worn underneath makeup without the flashback.  I may have to switch from my heavier sunscreen and use this instead.

Department Store purchases

MAC oil control lotion

image

I purchased this simply because it was in front of the MAC cashier at Takashimaya Department store and when I read it was oil control, I bought it and it was in a trial size tube.  I tried it but it doesn’t really control the oiliness, it only acts like a primer and makes your face oil free for a few hours.  I was told to use it constantly to realize its effects.   Hmmm…  I have only tried it twice.  I’ll use this when I’m travelling and see if there is a difference.

Hakuhodo brushes

image

These brushes are my favorite of all time simply because it’s made of sable and goat hair, which makes makeup application so effortless and seamlessly blended.  You have to at least buy 1 to see the difference.  The 3 brushes above are their bestsellers, I use the 2 face brushes for blush and powder and contour.  The pencil brush is perfect for putting eyeshadow or eyeliner underneath the eyes or on the upper lash line.  Love love love!  Upon arriving home, I realized I bought the same J 5521 brush that I also purchased from a previous trip.  Talk about fatal attraction.

MAC 196

image

I was drawn to this brush because it’s curved and very dense.  I’ve tried this for my foundation application and it gave my skin an airbrushed finish.  It’s just difficult to clean because of the curved design but it works like a dream.  Best trick I learned is to use this brush after you’ve laid down your foundation with a square synthetic brush and use this to buff away and make your application seamless.  Your skin will be selfie ready.

By the way, please join my contest in Instagram, I am hooking up with Martine De Luna of makeitblissful.com, and we are giving away summer staple beauty items from Biore!  How to join? Read below!

image

Mechanics:

1. Follow @aciefores and @bioreph on Instagram.
2. Repost this photo telling me your summer plans!
3. Tag and mention three more friends when you repost and use the hashtag #acieforesxbioreph,#biorePH #LoveBiore
4. In order for us to SEE your entry, make sure your settings are not in private mode so we can track your posts.

That’s it! Winner will be chosen next Friday, March 4!