Behind the Veil… Benedicto Rodriguez Nuptials


Tis wedding season!!  I met Raisa through her mother, Rosette Gana Benedicto, her parents and mine go a long way, they were friends since way back in the 60’s, maybe even longer.

 

A call came to me through her younger sister Carmela Gana Araullo that Rosette’s daughter is getting married and they were asking for my rates.  If you read the story below, it turns out her mom Rosette really wanted me to do the hair and makeup for Raisa!  The last time I saw Rosette was from the Velada.  Velada is a jubilee celebration of the homecoming of the alumnae culminating in an evening of song and dance.  Our alma mater is the Assumption College!  I was deeply touched since I haven’t heard from Rosette in so many years and she remembered me for her daughter’s special day.

Oh Raisa, thank you for making it so easy for me, Rosette You raised a good daughter right here.

Below is our conversation with Raisa.

1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?

 

“Hi! I’m Raisa Benedicto. I’m a Pediatric dentist by profession (but one of the lost boys from Neverland by heart). I like to read and play tennis during my spare time. and I LOVE dogs.”

2. How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me?

 

“When my mom heard I got engaged, she instantly said, “We HAVE to get Acie as our make out artist.” My mom trusted you, so I trusted you. and like any millennial, I immediately stalked your portfolio on Instagram – definitely liked what I saw! and the rest is history!”

3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day?

“It was perfect! Although I was a little frazzled on the day (as all typical brides are) you made me feel so comfortable and distracted. I appreciated all the small talk and the explanations to help keep the edge off. “

 

4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding that you love? Could you share that photo with us?

“I’m probably still on a wedding high, so it’s pretty hard to pick a favorite one. The day went by so fast; it was such a blur. What did stand out, though, was the surprise father daughter dance, we had planned for the guests.

This photo isn’t very flattering of us, but it captures our dynamic together as father and daughter. We’re both not performers and definitely not dancers, but it was a fun production and even more fun bonding time spent with my dad.”

 

 

5). What was a good beauty moment for you during the wedding day itself?

“Honestly, I’m not the type who wears make up or fixes myself up everyday. In fact, I just recently learned how to use foundation and concealer. That being said, the entire time I was being made up felt like a dream to me. I especially felt my best once I stepped into my finished dress for the first time.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

6) Favourite beauty product, application used during your wedding and why?

 

 

“For some reason, what really stuck with me was the face mask and the facial massage. It wasn’t something I normally witnessed during bridal make up sessions. I enjoyed being pampered.”

 

Before the makeup application I apply a mask to the bride’s face and use a Jade roller on top to massage the product in the face.

7) Any bridal tips you want to share for future brides planning their wedding?

 

“LET GO on the day. There’s no point in stressing over little details. Everything is going to be perfect whatever happens. The wedding is just for the festivities, but don’t forget what the day’s focus is truly about. “

8) What is one thing you could change during your wedding preparation?

“Maybe having an airconditioned prep room – that was one thing I overlooked/didn’t bother to think about. Either way, the villa I stayed in was breezy enough. I really wouldn’t have changed anything.”

9) Any beauty rituals you did or received that you want to share?

“The complimentary facial spa treatment I got from Dermalogica (c/o you, Tita Acie), was absolutely FANTASTIC. It was so relaxing and soothing, just what I needed right before the wedding.”

 

Photo from Rustans Beauty Source

10) Favourite photo of you during the wedding and why.

 

“I don’t usually enjoy having my photo taken, but that day I had enough confidence to pose and emote. My photographers were amazing at making me look like I knew what I was doing, but the real MVP was my HMUA for making me, not just look, but also feel, like I deserved to be in the spotlight. I loved that my make up was so light and natural-looking that my freckles were showing through. My eye bags seem non-existent!”

 

Gown:  Richie Ortega Torres

Makeup :  Acie Fores

Hair:  JM Martinez

Photographs: FB:  GIBSAM Photography  IG:  @GibsamPhoto and from the Bride
Raisa G. Benedicto, DMD
Pediatric Dental Specialist

L’Oreal Makeup Workshop

Being a new member of the United Makeup Artists of the Philippines recently, part of the member perks is to be able to participate and join in the sponsored makeup workshops. A few months ago, L’Oreal hosted one for makeup artists who are not beginners but rather an advanced workshop that gives the artist a new perspective on bridal and editorial work and how the artistry can be elevated to new trends.

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Because you’re worth it. Thanks Lorea’L for the nice thought to start the day.

Verna Marin a senior L’Oreal Paris trained makeup artist, headed this workshop together with Gex Garcia Senior Makeup Artist.  She gently warned us that the basics will not be discussed but it is assumed we had the basic knowledge and color theories under our belt.  I immediately felt a kinship with her as she described herself by saying she is not of those makeup artists that like to post about her work in social media.  She claims she is old school that way.

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Paris trained Verna Marin

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The star of the afternoon was The L’Oreal True Match Foundation that matches your skintone perfectly.  It comes in three skin tones, Cool Warm and Neutral with many shades to suit a global complexion.  However here in Asia, the colors sold are more suited for the Asian skin tone.  Texture is creamy, blendable and becomes a matte powder finish when set.  You just have to quickly work with the product to make it blend with the skin.  The skin tones are Warm for medium to dark tones, Neutral for medium tones and Cool for fair to light tones.

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True Match. the star of the show
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Photo from Emilyn Fermin. Lorea’l True Match Foundation. True Love

Verna demonstrated the editorial look while Gex did a classic bride.

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Photo from Emilyn Fermin. Model on the left is the one with the Editorial Look while the model on the right is the Classic Bridal Look.
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Verna demonstrating the Wet Contour method in adding dimension to the face.

Highlights of the workshop

There is a stereotype belief that airbrush makeup is better than traditional makeup.  With a traditional application, one can achieve an airbrush finish and look because makeup advancement has made it possible to make us look flawless.  Makeup is an evolving industry and products are always getting better to suit the changing needs of our skin, makeup absorption on the skin, etc.

When doing Bridal makeup, try to get a sense of the Bride’s personality by asking questions so the makeup artist can give an informed suggestion regarding her look on her wedding day that will complement or enhance her true beauty.

A Classic Bride is always the best look because this has stood the test of time.  Trendy looks are best reserved for print, fashion and editorial work.

For editorial work, it is important to be detail oriented.  The makeup artist should speak with the art director to get a clearer picture of the mood, look and feel of the shoot.  Pegs are just guidelines.

Never underestimate grooming for men.  Men look better with proper contouring and makeup application to enhance their masculinity.

To give the face some depth, the reverse contouring method is useful.  It is the process of using highlights to bring out the features.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your makeup products.  Colors and texture knowledge are essential in your skill as an artist as it shows your versatility in your artistry.

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Anju Dargani, A Mac Cosmetics Artist, was my model for the day.
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Used True Match in W6. Tried to do an Editorial look. but due to time constraints, I was able to do a semi smoky eye using green tones.
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Sandwiched between Miss Chiqui and Miss Cecile of CAVA
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Happy Smiles with our certifications.
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One more time Miss Verna