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)

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.