This is a new section of my blog where I’ll be featuring makeup artists. I believe in the adage “community not competition” when it comes to the “cut-throatness” of this industry, that we can all learn from one another as artists and as colleagues. I hope you agree with me! And so, I’ll begin this series with my very own “behind the kit” responses, so that you can get a glimpse of my tools of the trade that enable me to magically transform and enhance anyone.

1.  What inspired you to get into makeup and did you immediately know that’s what you wanted to do?

  I did not plan my life dreaming about this as a career, but I was always mesmerized with how makeup can enhance a woman’s beauty by observing my mother when I was growing up.   The turning point that I decided to go and make it a second career change was when I took up a Basic course at SOFA, and I became part of the hair and makeup team for the fashion show being held for its graduates.  I thought to myself that “I can make this work and I want to give it my all and make something out of this”.

2.  Are you self taught or did you train somewhere?

I was trained under Ericka Saenz for  SOFA, Georginna Desuasido, Yuki Geraldo, Monica,  Mio Robo and Mikee Raymundo of Makeup Professionel, CAS and Jenn Delica.     I continue to learn from the artists that I work with by observing and absorbing their styles and techniques and by going to seminars that are field related.  To be relevant, fresh and dynamic, constant learning  is requisite for being ahead of the game.

3. What’s your makeup style?

I am inspired by fresh clean looks, I love a classic golden age Hollywood look like the 40’s and 50’s which produced so many icons like Lauren Bacall, Ava Gardner, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly,  to name a few.  I am also inspired by the flamboyant 80’s and pared down 90’s which are totally different in their beauty points of view.  This current milenium decade is also my favorite place to be in because all the rules are broken and it is a turning point in the advancement of cosmetic technology and research which make our lives as makeup artists so much easier.

4.  Which product would you advise someone to never leave home without?

I never leave home without my eyeglasses!  Being in my late 40’s, I’ve grown to appreciate and see the importance of wearing sunscreen.  Aside from that, my lipsticks.  Tom Ford is a current love.  And oh, Concealer!  It’s my answer to my universe

5.  How do you relax?

I do indulge in occasional massages, foot reflexology, Pilates and Yoga.

6.  Which Person or thing defines beauty for you?

I like women who are strong, and I also like women who have flaws, perfection is not my goal.  I admire women who have paved the way and made a difference to give us a voice and created opportunities and certain freedoms that we enjoy now.

7.  Which makeup artist/s has helped you along the way in your career?  Whose work do you look up to?

Alee Benson, Jenn Delica, Tony Dusich, Pia Reyes, Cristina Cacnio, Rikki Suarez,  Toni Gutierrez and all of my other friends in the industry,  They continue to inspire me with their work and work ethic, and we always uplift and support each other. Locally, it would be Juan Sarte, Jigs Mayuga, Fanny Serrano, Patrick Rosas, Denise and Effie Go.  Internationally, Way Bandy, Scott Barnes, Kevin James Bennett, Kevin Aucoin, Mary Greenwell,  Val Garland,  Pat Mcgrath,  Kabuki, Bobbi Brown, Lisa Eldridge, and Charlotte Tillbury all for their unrivalled creativity and for making women look effortlessly gorgeous which is something I have always aimed to achieve for myself.

8.  Do you prefer to work on set shooting or with weddings?

Both are good avenues I enjoy being in, I enjoy the intensity of it.  On Shoots, its always making yourself better while working as a team to create a beautiful image, for weddings and red carpet events, its all the tension, the emotions,  very nerve racking waiting to see how they look in photos.  I feel so privileged to be part of it all.

9.  What’s the best advice a fellow professional has ever given you?

Find your niche.  Less is more.

10.   Which one product do you wish you could have or create, to make your life easier?

A makeup bag or trolley that performs like a drone.

11.   Describe yourself in one word.

Inspired.

12. Who would be in and where would your Your Dream Shoot be?

Location –  Palawan or the Maldives

Photographer –  Marc Nicdao

Model(s) –  Fatima Rabago and Vanessa Matsunaga

Stylist –  Pam Quiñones

Hair –  Nante Alingasan

Acie’s Makeup Artist Kit: