This interview features student and model Maria Alexandra Victoria Pueo, better known as “Gugu” Francisco. She modeled a bridal look for the Acie Fores website, and shares her work experience as well her favorite aspects about working with Acie, whom she fondly refers to as “Tita Acie.” Photos by Jack Alindahao and Styling by Alexandra Lapa The Reluctant Stylista and Hair by Rikki Suarez
1. What did you enjoy about working with Acie? What did you like about her makeup style, as well as her work style/ethic?
Tita Acie was very professional and easy to work with because she was accommodating and even ordered pizza for me (haha!). She also made our shoot fun by telling jokes, which helped me stay awake even f I only had 3 hours before the shoot. Her makeup was neat and organized — which may seem like it is not a big deal, but you are assured that you’re working with a professional. You know this is true when you see she takes good care of her things and values them by keeping the brushes and sponges clean all the time, after working. I like that she listens to my suggestions, and I feel like she has a special touch for each model which clearly shows on her work. She has mastered the balance of being accommodating and professionalism which are I believe are important to succeed in her field.
2. What are some of your favorite features on your face, and how was Acie able to highlight these? How did her work on you make you feel?
I liked how she treated my eyes: Since they are hooded and deep set, they need a specific stroke to be enhanced. There are certain colours of eye shadow that don’t work for me — like black, since I have hazel eyes and it will over power them. She made sure my eyes were highlighted, bringing the best out in them. Next are my cheeks: Since i am a plus size model, it is important for any make up artist to contour my face properly, especially my cheeks, temples and double chin, to enhance the features but not make me look bigger. She already knew how to manually modify my face even before the shoot went on and knew which parts to highlight to react well with the studio lights.
3. Can you share some photos with us of your look by Acie Fores?
4. What are some of your favorite makeup products/must-haves for daily wear?
For my sunblock, I use VMV as prescribed by my derma. For my moisturizer, I use the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum in Bisque. For my blush, I use MAC’s Beauty powder blush in Formal, and my lipstick is MAC’s CremeSheen in How Darling. For my mascara, I use They’re Real by Benefit. Tools: I use the Real Technique brushes, the on-location mini brush trio set, specifically.
The past few weeks have put me in overdrive and stress mode with domestic demands of motherhood coupled with the overseeing of the final phase of the construction of our new home . When Martine De Luna, my friend, told me about a skin pampering morning experience at a new skin aesthetic center called SKINLUX some weeks back, I immediately jumped into her invitation. I really needed one! And oh, my birthday was just the day before so this is a welcome gift so to speak.
Nelly, Who?
Owner Beena Go opened SkinLux Aesthetic and Laser Center when she found a remedy that successfully treated sensitive skin, pigmentation, and a host of skin problems related to ageing. She claimed the best facial she experienced was in Singapore where she is based. The facility used Nelly Devuyst products from Belgium which is considered an exclusive skincare line of products that were used by European royalty using the best organic ingredients. How’s that for pedigree? Ingredients target specific cell membranes and in turn, obtain measurable results, restoring the skin from the inside out. It is all natural and organic so very safe and formulated to treat sensitive skin.
Armed with the knowledge and assurance of the compatibility of the line, Miss Go together with her friend, Dr. Anna Nolido opened the centre in Manila whose objective is to provide quality facials combined with the latest in laser technology while catering to the specific needs of the skin type. The centre also has other body services as well. The staff are pleasant, courteous and Singapore trained so expect quality and professional service once you step in.
Photo from Martine De Luna.
Plush and Lush
Interiors and Rooms are not that clinical or medical looking, in fact they were so plush, that this is the first dermatology clinic I’ve been to that uses Down Comforter instead of the single bed sheet to keep you warm. I felt so indulged and pampered already.
Check out the comforter. A detail I appreciate since I do get cold easily.
Skin 101 The Consult
My skin getting analysed by Skinlux’s in-house Dermatologist. Kirra of Kira’s World and Alex, of The Reluctant Stylist looking on while waiting for their turn. (Photo from Martine De Luna)
SkinLux Signature Facial ++++
I was led immediately to the facial room to begin my treatment. The derma prescribed the signature facial prior to the next procedure that is considered their selling treatment. Revlite. I’m not one to gush and ooh and ahh over a facial because I thought they were all the same. I was mistaken. The experience was like no other because it included a foot massage, too! I asked the therapist if this was a standard service in addition to the facial and she replied a foot massage was really included in the signature facial. This is the +++! My ear to ear grin melted into a quick slumber and I truly was sold on this! Book me for the next one, stat!
Relaxation begins. (Photo from Martine De Luna)OMG, a double chin waiting to happen. Must look into their facial contouring service. (Photo from Martine De Luna)
After the Signature facial, hydrated and primed for the Revlite
Revlite Plus
During the initial consult with the in-house derma, she assessed my skin and she said that my skin texture is great, she concurred that I do have a few patches of dark pigmentation developing in some areas. Blame it on bad habits in the past, she said that Revlite Plus is the perfect treatment to address this problem. It is a treatment specifically geared towards the lightening and removal of tattoos and dark pigmentation on the face and body. Revlite Plus uses laser and IPL photofacial skin rejuvenation that uses short bursts of light that is absorbed by the skin pigments and blood in the vessels. Added bonus is a skin tightening effect, reduces acne and improves skin resurfacing. Is this the holy grail I’ve been looking for in making my dark spots go away for good?
One of my flaws. Ehem, Facial not personality flaw.
If only it could blast away fat too. The Revlite Plus Laser machine
I see the Light!!!! (Photo from Martine De Luna)
I admit, I got cold feet when the derma asked me if I wanted to lower the setting. It felt like a rubber band slapped on your face. Pain was bearable on a scale of 5, 10 being the highest. Maybe I was just too sensitive that day so I asked her to lower the setting to a more tolerable level. It was over in 5 minutes. That was it, quick, easy and my face was not sore at all. I was advised to not use any topical creams for the next 3 days but I could wash my face with cold water after a few hours. Not bad for a first timer.
After the Revlite Plus procedure. Ate Glow ba?
A perfect ending to a well spent morning. Fr. L-R, Alex of ReluctantStylists, Kira of Kira’s World and Martine De Luna of Make it Blissful and myself
Great to meet new friends on a morning like this.
One for the road. Miss Go did not let us leave empty handed. Happy Mothers Day indeed to me.
I will definitely be back, you have raised the bar in facial pampering, you have spoiled me no end. I almost forgot my name. All other facials will pale in comparison. Seriously, can Revlite Plus address my abdominal fat soon? A huge thanks to the staff and Miss Beena Go for the lovely pampering session.
Book your beauty essentials at Skinlux Aesthetic Center, 3rd level of Promenade Greenhills San Juan Metro Manila and may be reached at +632 650 3109. Your path to beauty starts here.
