In Chinese culture, August is usually the month in the lunar calendar that is called the Ghost month, beginning in the 15th day of the 7th month where ghosts and spirits including the ones of the deceased ancestors come out. The Chinese belief is that no business transactions or any of its kind are to be conducted during this period, no planning of long trips, no building and renovations in homes, no transferring of office should be conducted, as superstition dictates that the spirits should be appeased during this period. For the year 2017, it began August 22 until September 19.
Mr and Miss Chinatown is a yearly pageant that promotes Chinese Filipino culture that aims to highlight shared values while advocating the excellence of today’s Chinoy youth expressed through the spirit of the arts, entrepreneurship, and academics. The theme this year was #NewDynasty which included Filipino Chinese members from the provincial and International community which made the pageant bigger and bolder in their search for the best cultural ambassador.
Highlights:
Press Presentation Solaire Resort and Casino August 16, 2017
Candidate # 6 Unity Ong Ka Tan
Candidate no 4 Clarence Lim Cebu
Candidate # 8 Lance Soriano
Candidate # 15 Martin Sy Winner 1st Runner-up of Mr and Ms Chinatown Philippines 2017
This was a long day for all of us, but she managed a smile and a welfie before she changed into her spectacular gown.
Photo from Larry Uy Leong Photography. Audrey See at her best during the Press Presentation.
This Lovely lady Miss LinLin Zen is from Hongkong and was a winner of Mr and Miss Chinatown 2017 International. She speaks Tagalog and I was so impressed with her because she made an effort to assimilate herself in our community and we love her back.
Photo from Larry Uy Leong Photography. Hair by Francis Edward Guintu Revlon Professional Brands Philippines. Lit inside and out, she looks gorgeous in her show stopping gown. Gown is by Princess Tan
This is the stuff where dreams are made of. Lily Monteverde, (center)owner and producer of Regal Films was equally excited to host the candidates for the press presentation. Some of them will be lucky enough to be chosen as part of her talent pool. Photo from Larry Uy Leong
Candidate 10 Maryss Ong, taken by RV Mitra Photography during the Mr and Miss Chinatown Ball
Another shot of her gown. Photo by Larry Leong Photography
Albert Andrada Fashion Show Diamond Hotel
Just to refresh your memory….
The Iconic Blue gown that made our very own Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach a Miss Universe 2016 winner, designed by Albert Andrada
Our Pegs for the fashion show. Fresh, Glowing and Chic.
Model Michelle Kay Macalacad, was a bit tired and took a catnap during the show, but here she is looking fresh and ready for the runway.
Model Hannah Locsin, I loved working with her, the makeup just sank in her creamy skin, I failed to ask her about her skin regimen as we were all pressed for time.
Model Raiza Hidalgo, from Baguio looking sassy and sleek. She mentioned that we worked before with a friend of mine Marissa Narvaez and she was part of the hair team for a Wedding. Here she is, expanding her wings in the modelling industry.
TIPS ON WORKING IN A FASHION SHOW OR PAGEANT
Working in a pageant, or a fashion show is a lot of fun and tiring at the same time. Work quickly with less chit chat and try to follow the pegs given.
Models are human too, they get tired, cranky and hungry. It’s not personal, try to make them feel better with the skill of your hands and delivering what’s needed. Offering them a drink of water or giving them a mini facial prior to a makeup application does wonders for their disposition.
Listen to the cues and direction of the production team. It creates a smooth working flow and it is the opportune time to iron out or clarify questions you may have.
Keep your makeup kit and station neat at all times. I know this is difficult when you are working on a tight area with many faces to work on, but a messy station speaks volumes about your professionalism.
Do ask permission from the model or talent if it is ok to take some photos and post on social media. Ask the lead person in the production and makeup team if this is ok. Ask for designated hashtags if possible and post accordingly.
Offer to touch up talents or models just before they go out, even if she or he was not the one you made up. Time is of the essence, you need to be waiting at the wings with powder, lipstick and tissue on hand for last calls.
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:
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.
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.
LA Girl and Benefit Cosmetics were also on hand to provide the ladies with great looking skin.
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.
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.
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.
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.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
Our Model Mom receiving the day look demo with UMAP”S Charisma Vergara, Photos from Michelle Viray
The full Day look. Photo from Michelle Viray
Moms were divided into different skin categories. All photos below are from Michelle Viray.
Maryann Obias was assisting moms that were under the Normal Skin category.
I was assigned to the Combination skin table, here I am assisting her with the concealer application.Kathrina Bautista UMAP member as well, assisting her participant with the day look.
Cha flanked by the organizers of the event
Breastfeeding Moms working in the event.
Finished Makeup looks under my Combination Table. Beaming and happy should I say.
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!
July 30 and 31 were one of the best working weekend dates I had after coming from a long vacation. Remember the Inglot Polishing Workshop I wrote about before? While I only had 2 days to work with these lovely ladies, the rest of the United Makeup Artists of the Philippines (UMAP) artists had a month to bond with these beauties. Saturday was for the “Mutya ng Pilipinas” Candidates 2016 and Sunday belonged to the Mr. and Miss Chinatown 2016.
Both events were sponsored by Inglot Cosmetics and by Cynos Hair products. Status Salon Manila provided the hair and makeup requirements while the rest of the team was composed of the UMAP members.
Here is what I learned from this gig:
1. Be prepared to wait.
Patience is a virtue you need to master, if you are a makeup artist. Call times are usually early (like 7 am at the venue in this case). It was in Resorts World Manila Newport Theater and we considered ourselves lucky that we had ample time to set up. Mirrors with lights and a table were provided, so we were thankful for any kind of help. Candidates showed up at 8:30 am and we began working on them between 9:00-9:30 am. In between this, all candidates are being called by the director for a technical rehearsal which lasts from 2 -6 hours depending on the amount they have to cover. While waiting, we went through our pegs, makeup and saw to it everything had to be ready when the ladies came back. Clean your tools, glue single lashes, tidy your work space were some of the things we did to while the time.
Selfie while waiting for the candidates to return from a technical rehearsal.
Our Working Tables
2. Be flexible in your expectations.
This is not about you but more importantly this is a test of character. There are many things going on simultaneously from the floor and stage directors screaming. “Girls, you have 3 minutes to change” to“Girls, you have to run! We’re starting the evening gown portion!” Mind you, these gowns are heavy and difficult to put on. Part of the job is to be able to help these ladies move as fast as they can by helping them dress up, strap on their stilettos and sometimes be a fashion stylist like securing their gowns with a safety pin because the gown is simply a size smaller than expected. Yes, you will be a multi-tasker in events like these, and you have to be OK with that.
Backstage, Prayer before the show
Hazel anothet UMAP member is practicing the art of Zen in her touch up before the show.
3.Pageant Makeup is designed to be seen.
Because of the Polishing Workshop we had to undergo with Inglot, pageant makeup is a glamourised version of the classic look, a bolder version of your traditional smokey eye. Harsh lights can drown out the colours you’ve put on. It is important to layer your makeup, and make sure it is still blended and well put together. Peg for all seasons, Pia Wurtzback, 2015 Miss Universe.
Pageant Makeup Peg
Photo from Xyrene Eugenio, Inglot makeup affiliate who spearheaded this event for UMAP. Onin Bolos UMAP Member also did the makeup here which we used as our peg for the makeup look.
4. Be a Jack of All trades
When we were all done with the candidates, our work did not end there. We were assigned tasks to do last minute touch ups before the ladies were whisked away onto the stage. Two artists were in charge of applying powder and blush, one was assigned to check the lashes and bring glue, and one was in charge of applying lipstick and gloss. The hair team was also divided so they can do touch ups for the hair. It didn’t end there: We were looking at the TV monitor to check the makeup to see if we needed to add or lessen the makeup. We were required to always be on standby behind the wings for costume changes.
Mindset: You are the hired help for the day so leave your ego at home.
5. Makeup tips learned from the event
Ace of base was the Inglot HD foundation in shades 71, 73 and 77 to create that flawless “Cutis Porcelana” look. No airbrush here, we layered this 2x and buffed it well into the skin,
Kutis Porcelana
Blush Palette used were:
Coral Peach tones Inglot #46. Photo from Xyrene Eugenio
Inglot blush #29 another coral peach tone blush. Photo from Onin Bolos, another UMAP member
Inglot blush #28, a neutral pink blush. Photo from Xyrene Eugenio
To set the makeup and make it last longer, we used the baking technique. We also had to use a lighter concealer to give the face a nice highlight.
I just buffed the powder on my candidate. Check out the candidate on the left side. Maryann Obias is applying this technique on her candidate. Photo from Michelle Viray UMAP Member
Finished result on Aeryka Chu Candidate #7 for Mr and Miss Chinatown 2016
Contour does not need to be heavy but sculpted cheekbones were a must for this event to give depth to the face. We used Inglot no. 505
Inglot 505 was used to sculpt the cheeks and give the face depth.
Since the eyes needed to stand out, we were instructed to use fuller, wispy lashes to add drama.
Photo from Xyrene Eugenio. She used these wispy babies. Notice the full stack but they were still light when applied.
Photo from Michelle Viray. Like a surgeon, Maryann OBias skilfully applies the lashes.
Neutral palette was used on the eyes. No blue, green, pink or lavender colours here, just earthy brown tones. No glitters or frost as this looks dirty on camera.
I doubled up on my lashes. Since I had fairly light ones, sometimes I glued 3 thin lashes to get the desired effect.
Mr and Miss Chinatown Candidate # 9 Shireen Rosales.
Male grooming should be simple and natural. Bronzer was used to warm up the face. Skin tone was evened out with a light application of foundation, concealer when needed and loose powder o set the makeup. A touch of lip balm was applied to make the lips soft.
Mr and Miss Chinatown 2016 Candidate no. 11 Richmond Balila
Contact lens were used by the candidates to make the eyes stand out in front of the camera.
Mutya ng Pilipinas Pampanga 2016 Candidate no. 11 Rhancoise Mayangitan
Photo taken from Rhancoise Mayangitan. Credit belongs to owner
Mutya ng Pilipinas Batangas 2016 Candidate # 22 Rianne Kalaw
Mutya ng Pilipinas Japan 2016 Candidate # 13 Mayu Murakami.
Mayu made it to the Top 10! Candidate #13 is her lucky number!
Scenes from the 2 events
Shireen Rosales Candidate #9 Mr and Miss Chinatown 2016 won Best in Talent. Photo courtesy of Michelle Viray
Photo courtesy of Joselito Caleon
Photo courtesy from Joselito Caleon. Candidate #11 Richmond Balila
A quick photo before heading out to the stage for their opening number. Candidates of Mr and Miss Chinatown 2016
Feathers and Boas for the opening number of Mutya ng Pilipinas Candidate # 11
At a days end actually it was 10:30 pm. We were a tired but happy bunch. L-R Pilita Guadines, Onin Bolos, Charisma Vergara, Maryann Obias and Acie Fores
Another shot of the working group, From L-R, Michelle Viray, Amy Villatuya, Charisma Vergara, Onin Bolos, Pilita Guadines, Marjorie Divina, Maryann Obias, Acie Fores and Xyrene Eugenio
Bulaga of the night, Selfie with Makeup artist to the stars, RB Chanco backstage. Thrilled to the max!
Being on the other end of this event, pageants are definitely hard work both for the candidates and for us hair and makeup artists. It is a stepping stone for most of them and while they pursue their dreams of becoming ambassadors of change or tourism, for us makeup artists, we are glad to share in their experience on their path to success and hope.
Here in Part 2, these ladies were up to the challenge of applying their own makeup after the demo. Photos below are courtesy of Martine De Luna.
Here are some After Photos. I’ve assisted the ladies below with their makeup and unfortunately, the other ladies were not photographed, they were busy attending to their own faces. All 3 ladies wanted a natural, polished look. Enjoy!
I’ve been enjoying the private makeup workshops I’ve been holding for clients and friends. It’s always satisfying to teach what you know, because you become a student of your students! Yes, especially when it comes to makeup, because no two faces are alike. I always have a sense of fulfilment when I see a client learn how to confidently put on her makeup.
The good news is, this May 3rd, I’m holding my second public makeup workshop, yay! (My first one was with Tommy’s Coffee last year, if you recall.) This time, I am being hosted by Nailandia Nail Studio and Body Spa, in Alabang, which is a wonderful venue for this intimate Personal Makeup Workshop! It will be for only 8 ladies, and I will be teaching everyone how to apply makeup that’s suited for your face shape and personality. I will also include tips on choosing the right makeup for you! Plus, my good friend, Martine De Luna (a noted freelance content coach for bloggers and small businesses) will be guest speaker for the day, and will conduct a short Mobile Photography for Instagram talk, so that you can know how to capture your best looks using your mobile phone!
Registration is through Nailandia, and slots are limited! To register for your slot, please call or text at 63 9176231491 and make payment arrangements. Once you’re paid, you’re in! And, in addition to the workshop, you’ll also be receiving a goodie bag from our sponsors (to be revealed soon on my Instagram, @aciefores.) Hope to see you at Nailandia! Sign up now at nailandia.alabanghills@gmail.com
Nailandia Nail Salon is located at 2/floor Don Gesu Building on Don Jesus Boulevard, Alabang Hills. Muntinlupa City.
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 Bellyresort-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
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.
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.Instructions and Ingredient listAfter 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
L-R Kryolan Camouflage Concealer wheel and Eve Pearl Invisible Finish Powderless PowderMakeup 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 sprayMAC 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.
False eyelashes tied her look together. These are lightweight flirty and natural.
Lips
Inglot #30 last pan on the right
Loreal Barely Greige and MAC Lipglass in CultureSqueezing in a selfieReady for her night out with her friends.I think she approves.A singer and a writer
Follow Kage’s adventures on Instagram @surftolivetosurf and on Twitter @travelkage.
In collaboration with Ayala Malls, Inglot Cosmetics Philippines, and members of United Makeup Artists of the Philippines were lucky enough to experience working on this fashion show. Here are a few of the models we did.
All Photos except the last one below are from Pilita Guadines.
The Fun group Backstage
L-R Pilita Guadines, Onin Bolos, Charisma Vergara (President of UMAP0 and Acie Fores
Our Peg for the Fashion ShowWith Nathan, in store Makeup artist of Inglot Cosmetics
All Photos from Onin Bolos
Look who is sat on Onin’s char! Monika Sta Maria of Asia’s Next Top Model contestant. She was my model during the Francis Libiran Fashion Show last year. Still radiant as ever.
Photos below are from me. Silly me, I forgot to take the rest of the model’s photos except this model here below, Emerald.
Cherry Pacheco, a senior makeup artist affiliate of Inglot Cosmetics Philippines, recently indulged members of United Makeup Artists of the Philippines with a Bridal Demo at their Glorietta 5 branch. I couldn’t pass this up since I’m always a fan of continuing education and Inglot Cosmetics Philippines is one of the cosmetics brand that I’m beginning to fall in love with. Again, its not a basic demo, you have to come with the understanding of basic makeup application. My love affair began with their most best selling gel liner no. 77. It’s black inky color is unbelievably smooth and creamy and budgeproof. It’s not exactly waterproof but its great for my needs. I also have their nail ridge filler which lives up to its name, it leaves a smooth mantle over the nail preparing it for nail color. I am hooked.
Inky Black Gel Eyeliner no. 77. Inglot’s best selling item.
Her Tips:
1) Begin with a very clean and smooth canvas. Face should be prepped prior to the application, cleansed, toned, moisturized and primed, according to the skin type of the client or Bride. Inglot’s Under Base Mattifiying base is considered the primer of all gods.
Primer of all gods.
2) Determine the bride’s skin tone and undertones by properly matching 1-2 shades of Foundation on the cheek to the jawline to see which shade matches her face. The right color should blend seamlessly on the face. When skin is acidic, it means that when foundation is applied, your skin color turns dark or gray after a few minutes. This applies to people with oily skin. To counteract this, apply a toner to the face, apply a primer to the face prior to the foundation to act as a barrier between the skin and makeup and choose a foundation that is one shade lighter than your skintone. This way, when your face casts a darker hue, it will match your skin tone perfectly.
The shade that matched the model’s face is the one on the left. It was lighter than her usual shade because she is acidic.HD Foundation gives a dewy satin finish
3) Begin applying the foundation with a brush on the upper half of the face until the eyebrows and extending to the lower part of the face where her upper cheekbones begin. The perimeter of the face should be a little darker to give depth and warmth to the face.
Model Xyrene with foundation applied on her face.Mattifying powder was used and applied with a sponge after foundation was applied.One of their best selling items their mattifiying powder.
4) Contour and Highlight. When applying depth, highlight and warmth to the skin, Cherry uses powder to achieve this.
Contour PaletteDark powder was applied from the top of the ear and blended towards the center of the face stopping in the lower cheek area. Do not go past the lips.
4) Eyebrows should be properly groomed so placement of color can be applied correctly. Brush the hairs in an upward stroke to see where the hair growth lies and where color should be applied.
Perfectly groomed eyebrows and a face that has depth.
5) Eyeshadow
Her Freedom Palette of choice. Love love the color on the bottom row, 2nd to the left. This is what she applied on the eyelid using her ring finger and blended to perfection.She blended the eyeshadow and added a darker matte color on the outer crease or V shape to accentuate the eyes.A lighter shade was applied in the inner corner of the eyes and bottom lashes to make the eyes pop.
6) Eyeliner and Lashes
Brown Waterproof eyeliner was used in the bottom of the lashes vertically and smudged 3/4 of the way.
7) Blush
Peach toned blushes work well with Asian skin tones. You may mix a pink toned blush to give the face more dimension.Work in circular motions from the apples of the cheeks and blend outwards.
8) Lips
Lip Palette to die for. It is super pigmented a little goes a long way. She used the 2 colors on the bottom row, 2nd to the left and the middle shade and mixed the two to get a peachy pink color.Lip color should match the undertone and color of the blush to create harmony in the face.
9) Final result:
Before (Xyrene Eugenio is also an Inglot Cosmetics Philippines makeup artist affiliate who gamely became our model for that afternoon)After. Xyrene is ready to walk down the aisle, the shopping aisle that is.
A promo and discount offer was offered to us artists which made it easier for us to justify our vanity cravings. It is easy to be lost and overwhelmed when you walk into the store but trust the staff to offer their warm assistance in narrowing your choices. Despite the slight frenzy, I was able to make good choices in my attempt to understand their Freedom Palette selling point. Their palettes are all magnetic, colors are easy to put in and talk about portability, everything you need is customized for you when you slip them in those compact holes.
My custom bridal eyeshadow palette chosen for me.
The only bad point I can think of is that since the creamy pigments like lipsticks and cream concealers melt so quickly in our heat, I end up putting them in the refrigerator to harden them a bit. Colors are named in a series of 3 numbers, I have a difficult time remembering them sometimes. I guess this was deliberately done since this line is a brainchild of a polish Chemist Wojchiek Inglot, who wanted to produce cosmetics that are paraben free and free of those harmful ingredients you find in some cosmetic brands. Chemists work with formulas and numbers hence the number sequence in their branding. As a result, Inglot Cosmetics is 20-30% more affordable than their counterparts. I call it genius, their magnetized palettes are a makeup artist’s dream, they all stack up in your kits. Truly Heaven sent.
Glorietta 5 storeLip Lip Hooray! I seem to want this artwork for myself.Xyrene and CherryWith their Glorietta 5 staff
Inglot Cosmetics can be found at Glorietta 5, SM Megamall and Mall of Asia. Follow them on Facebook and InstaGram @InglotPH
5) Eyeshadow
