“True art is characterized by an irresistable urge in the creative artist”. ~ Albert Einstein
Rituals — Patrick Rosas’ second book — was recently launched before the holiday season. (I know, I’m late in posting!) The book is a stunning compilation of his latest work in collaboration with six of his favorite photographers: Neal Oshima, Filbert Kung, Marc Nicdao, Patrick Uy, Joan Bitangcol and Glenn Gordon, and the beautiful men and women of Manila of whom he has had the pleasure of working and establishing close relationships with.
Hardbound and covered in pink Vellum paperThis copy is encased in glass, which makes it all more precious and desirable. This version is also on sale at National Book Store.Published by ABS CBN. Proceeds from the sale of the book go to charity. Beauty with a conscience.One of the sponsors, the Estee Lauder Group of Companies was a major contributor to the book. It seems the color red and pink and its varying shades were made to convey femininity in its glory.Roses for Rosas. The red centerpiece meant to channel and exude the passion in the man.Rhoda Campos Aldanese, a former colleague, was kind enough to extend the invitation to me to attend the launch with her. Posing with her own photo. I wish all selfies and I.D. photos looked this good.Rhoda Campos Aldanese Photographed by Mark Nicdao. I also had the privilege of doing her makeup for the Tatler Ball a few weeks before this event.Ladies going to the Tatler Ball. Rhoda Campos Aldanese and Julie Boschi were glammed up by myself and Arvie Matibag for their hair. Whaddya think Mr. Rosas?
Here a couple of my favorite photos from the book.
My aunt, Baby Araneta Forés. I am biased, indulge me. This made the cover of Rogue Magazine recently. Photographed by Marc NicdaoFresh Faced Restaurateur and chef, Margarita Forés. Indulge me once again. No one does the Clean and Fresh look like Patrick does, that’s why he is always in demand for skincare and TV commercials . Photographed by Marc Nicdao.Maricel Soriano like you’ve never seen her before. Glam O Mama! Breathtaking! Photographed by Marc NicdaoGwedolyn Ruais, Miss World Philippines 2011 as Queen Nefertiti. Oh the endless possibilities. Perfect peg. Loving the neck, so graceful and elegant. Photographed by Filbert KungElizabeth Taylor in the house! Dont you wish you had eyebrows like those? Lola Puga Photographed by Neal Oshima.Saving the best for last, Gretchen Barretto as a Masai Princess. Stunning! Patrick Rosas’ muse and dear friend who also helped in making this book a dream come true for him. Photographed by Marc Nicdao
This book serves as an inspirational reference to all makeup artists and lovers of beauty, color and women. Acclaim and praise also belong to the photographers who gave life to the photos which (in my opinion), leaves a powerful impact on the reader.
Rituals was so named because life is all about rituals and its interconnection to the universe. He sought to change the perception that rituals are not meant to be boring but to see the beauty in doing something as a moment and in the moment. The pegs and inspiration that he used and interpreted with his muses are very on point and seem to depict what each of them can magically transform into by the wave of his brush and hand. Magician or Wizard? Both. Just ask these men and women. He is what you call the Philippines’ version of Kevin Aucoin and I agree that he should be put in that same pedestal as Kevin’s as he will always continue to evolve as an artist with as much gusto and verve one can expect from a true artist. I can’t wait for more surprises from this man.
I am truly enjoying leafing through this book, taking my time in admiring each page and seeing endless powerful images of beauty. Dream and forge on as they say. Thank you Patrick Rosas for making me believe.
Rituals is published by ABS CBN publishing and is currently available at National Book Store for P4,500.00.
Time seems to be elusive. I need more of it! As the saying goes, “It’s more precious than gold yet it cannot be earned, bought or saved.” I’ve barely settled in our new home, and then throw in workshops and events attended — and for added fun, serving clients in between —I’ve had no time to sit and update the blog.
I’m not complaining, I just need more time management and extra pair of hands!
Here are a few workshops and events I’d like to share with you in my learning quest to makeup greatness.
TransDerma Event (September 2014)
Having Good skin is always a beauty asset.
I can’t stress this enough: Having good skin is essential in makeup application. What good is a smokey eye, or a glammed up look if the canvass underneath is not healthy and worthy of a closeup or selfie?
Which brings me to the TransDerma products, and the event launching. I considered an invitation from an aunt of mine, Maricel G. Carrascoso ,who is bringing in this wonderful amazing product from Japan: Transderma Vitamin C and Vitamin A.
Both are serums that are plant-based, free of all the harmful ingredients and other chemicals that add to its product longevity. I’m a firm believer in the effects of Vitamin C serum in the face as it acts as an oxidant, skin brightener and overall improvement of the skin. This has been part of my skincare regimen. Add Vitamin A serum to the skin cocktail mix, and you have the best of both worlds in the magic of youth preservation and delay.
Vitamin A serum, on the other hand, is responsible for skin surface exfoliation and reducing fine lines and wrinkles and is applied at night only.
Both serums are not greasy; they melt on contact. The best part is the packaging, which uses pumps for dispensing for ease of use.
Testimonials from these women were enough to convince me that there is room for one more player in the skincare market. Some of these women who tried all the high-end products out there swore that upon switching to this line, their skin never felt better. Why? If you can read the selling point at the photo at the back of the product packaging, it says product does not contain water. Notice how sometimes we apply a product and after a few minutes our skin color turns ashy gray or dark?
Selling point which got me hooked.
Graziella Ronlan, an international makeup artist and expert in skincare teamed up with Swedish doctor. Dr. Alvin Ronlan Docent, to simplify the skin care program by harnessing the power of natural ingredients combined with technological systems for faster skin penetration. Ladies, there are no harmful ingredients or superflous synthetic compounds so it is definitely safe to use. Free of artificial color, preservatives, perfumes and other synthetic compounds, Transderma products are not tested on animals and are suitable for women and men of all ethnicities and skin types.
If this bottle comes with the model shown, I’m getting more than one bottle!Vitamin A to be used at night.
For more information and orders, call Maricel G. Carrascoso at +63 917 886 8860 and Carmen Ocampo Krause at + 63 917 796 3559.
Marche Editorial (September 2014)
It was a Beautiful Affair. I, together with other makeup artists, Nybie Ng, Charisma Vergara, Daisy Talosig and Gem Uy, were invited by Marché Magazine to showcase our Bridal artistry for their October issue. It was a beautifully orchestrated soiree by the Marché Magazine team, headed by Japhilee Zapata, who made our day smooth sailing throughout. Photographer Chris Gallegos made our models very comfortable and gorgeous by way of his easy manner and photographic skill in showing the right angles of our models. Joaquin Ambata Films shot the BTS. Honestly, I felt like I was in a movie set, but unfortunately I wasn’t the one being pampered, haha!
Below are some scenes on what went on that fun day.
Hocus Focus. Making sure her eyebrows are on fleek.My Inspiration and pegs for the shoot.First look done. Where is my gown Inno Sotto?Selfie before I face Chris Gallegos our Photographer.Its a wrap. Second look done!Thank you Japhilee and to the Marché MAgazine team. Hair stylist Rikki Suarezs T-shirt said it all.
Velada 2014 (October 2014)
Being an Assumption alumnae, we have a yearly tradition of celebrating our sisterhood which we call a velada. A velada is a homecoming or reunion of sorts, which is hosted by the youngest batch of HS graduates celebrating 25 years (Silver) followed by the jubilarians celebrating 30 years (Pearl), 35 years, (Jade), 40 years (Ruby), 50 years (Gold), 60 years (Diamond). It is a song and dance extravaganza highlighting the Assumption education and values, and interpreted as a reflection of what it has made us become the women that we are today.
This year, my batch celebrated 30 years, and our theme was “Still One”. My Team and I did the hair and makeup requirements for the show — and yes, I multitasked! I was both performer and an active participant behind the scenes.
Our inspiration for the presentation was Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, to represent the qualities of the Pearl which is timeless, elegant and precious.
Photo taken from the ACHS84 FB Page. Written by Malou Dulce BetchoMakeup Peg. From the MAC ArchivesAudrey Hepburn Makeup PegHair inspiration pegMy Look for the first day of performance
My Batchmates all made up and ready to break a leg. Lally Aldeguer showing us the signature pose that gave us the confidence. Andrew Ferraris is the choreographer that made us look so good. Photo taken from Leia Regala.
Kudos to my glam team that made us look gorg! Marissa Narvaez another Assumption Alumnae whose turn to celebrate her 25th year next year, Alee Benson, Rikki Suarez, Nida, OJ Cacnio, Toni Gutierrez, Kit Fabia and Rochelle Tiosen.
MAC Artistry (November 2014)
Chiqui Ortiz Dingcong sent out a message in our group, UMAP, asking the members who wanted to attend the event of MAC Cosmetics. She announced that she could only accommodate 7 people to come with her, so I immediately signed up. Anything that involves MAC Cosmetics I try as much as possible to attend, regardless of whether it is has something to do with being a guest artist for that day or just attending their wonderful seminars.
They launched their Makeup Artistry Skills In Minutes program, mainly targeting their huge consumer base on how to apply their own makeup and be good at it. It is a series of interactive videos narrated and demonstrated by MAC Cosmetics Senior artists like Gregory Arlt and Caitlin, who were in Manila recently to give makeup demos, and Romero who I consider makeup gods. (Gregory Arlt is the makeup artist of choice for Gwen Stefani whenever she hosts The Voice.)
Videos were splattered on giant screens showing the consumer how to perfect your makeup skills by following the tips given in the monitor. You click or slide the screen to learn how to do each part of your face by simply following the steps. These videos are available for viewing on YouTube for your viewing pleasure.
MAC Cosmetics has again been in the forefront of merging technology with their plethora of makeup knowhow and marketing efforts to complete the personal beauty experience. I have not seen this yet with the other makeup brands, except Clinique, wherein they provide the client with a board with sliding knobs that asks questions as to the kind of skin and face type one has in order to provide them with the right analysis of the product suitable to the area of concern.
Remember this?
Perfect Lipstick application
Brow Perfection
Gorgeous Polished lookWIth fellow UMAP MUA, Emily and Mikee Raymundo Senior MAC Trainor
The beauty of workingas a freelance makeup artist, is tying up with a salon from time to time. It is another venue to hone your skills and get a first hand experience of working with real women with real beauty issues or needs. Guess who happened to drop by at Elevation Salon,? Regal beauty herself, Mrs. Amparito Lhuillier! She walked into the salon a little past her appointment and reasoned the Manila traffic was to blame for her tardiness. She just came from her homecoming at St. Scholastica College in Manila.
While waiting for her to arrive , I immediately went to the internet to do some research about her and found photos of herself in many glossies with her trademark look of dark smoky eyes with a red lip, and I was thinking immediately a la Paloma Picasso. Only a few women can rock this look and being of Spanish lineage, it really is fitting although it may sound like a cliche look for most women of the same heritage. Pressure is on when you’re doing someone famous!
In terms of the look, I thought of doing something else for her but something in me decided to stick to her signature look. I will not reveal her age, but she does have a figure and stature of a model still in her prime. Defying gravity you say? (Did I mention she is also a Facial Care Center spokesperson? Beauty Secret #1 revealed. )
Armed with her little baon of beauty staples with her, I was surprised that she carries with her a handful of laminated photos of the hairstyles and makeup looks that suit or she thinks will complement her. This is a woman who knows what she wants! Due to her numerous social engagements, she has perfected her beauty routine to a T and mentioned that she has a lady that does her hair and makeup in Cebu that knows her face like the back of her hand and has been at it for many years now. On top of that this lady does her hair and nails, too, and Mrs. Lhuillier excitedly narrates that she does supply her with all the beauty things she needs whenever she goes abroad to keep her abreast of what’s new.
“Flaunt your assets but hide your flaws”With Thomas Ellsworth Senior Hair stylist at Elevation Salon
I was overwhelmed by her beauty. the hour actually felt like a blur, but she gave me the most wonderful advice:
“Flaunt your assets and hide your flaws”.
I just had to ask her about her famous daughter, Monique Lhuillier, the famous bridal designer who is making her mark in the global bridal fashion industry. Mrs. Lhuillier (being a proud parent) casually mentioned that she gave her daughter a small loan to start her business not thinking how it will succeed. She even told me that in the early years, she would go help her daughter during her trunk shows at Bergdorf Goodman and Lord and Taylor by steaming and packing the gowns and dresses and helping her sort out her orders in her high heels and cocktail dress.
Now that is what I call effective marketing — two chic sophisticated ladies selling bridal gowns!
And, of course, the rest is history. Now she says she can’t even afford the dresses that her daughter makes when asked if she always gets to wear her daughter’s own creations. Being the greatest supporter of Cebu fashion, she also proudly wears the creations of Jun Escario and Phillip Rodriguez alongside her internationally branded couture ensembles.
Spending an afternoon with her was like chatting with an old friend who you have not seen for years. She does get animated and her face lights up when you bring out the topic of philanthropy (which her event that night was all about). She does not have any airs around her, and spoke to everyone at the salon. She treated the staff with humor and grace. She also mentioned that she is planning to join a fashion show next month in Manila and the designer asked her to model and proceeds will go to a charity organisation that she supports. How cool is that? She made us laugh with her humor, and gave us a glimpse of her fabulous life which will always be fascinating to anyone.
Thank you Elevation Salon and Mrs. Lhuillier for a well spent afternoon.
And now, here is my breakdown of her makeup look. I was amazed at how she also combines low end and high end cosmetics when she showed me her lipstick arsenal. She actually uses Fashion 21 Cosmetics in Red Sea as her signature red lip. Mixed with that, she also discovered the color of the season, orange, which she perfectly mixed with her red one. She finally decided on MAC Dubonnet for this particular look. Check out the print of her blouse. She really doesn’t leave home without her red lipstick — or two.
