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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.