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.
This time, a fellow member of the Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines, Maryann Obias, did my makeover. It was actually a makeup peg for a fashion showthat we provided services for and the makeup peg was an elongated, exaggerated black cat eye to evoke drama. Bold red lips and heavy contoured cheeks completed the look. This is what went on during our Polishing workshop that day.
Face chart below is the preferred look of choice.
Swatching and matching the foundation
Maryann used a buffing brush to apply the Inglot HD Foundation on my face.
This is definitely an Editorial or Fashion look. Brows do not follow the natural arch but rather reshaped to match the height of the cat eye.
Up Close and personal.
Products Used:
One of Inglot’s bestsellers is their HD line of Foundations. It’s formulated for High Definition TV. It looks natural, and is lightweight. It’s buildable depending on the coverage you want. Your skin look like perfect skin.
Makeup Forever Aqua Brow in shade 0
Makeup Forever Aqua Gel Eyeliner in Black. Consistency is very dense and creamy. You have to work fast when using this because it sets very quickly.
Inglot blush and eyeshadow palette. Blush and contour used are the top items left to right.
Lipsticks used were a combination of MAC Ruby Woo and Russian Red to give that brick red color.
Obviously, this is a look that will merit stares, and thoughts of What-was-she-thinking? I liked the way it made me look very edgy and hip and worthy of a editorial photo shoot (although that didn’t happen). Despite the few products used to create this look, a good dose of patience and a pair of steady hands is required to pull this off.
Here is my own take on the avant garde look. This is an old photo of me taken during December 2014 when I had a client that needed a Chinese Empress Look for their Christmas Party. I was doing a sample look for the client.
How bold do you want to be?
MaryAnn Obias Makeup Artist can be reached at https://www.facebook.com/makeupbymavo
Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines can be reached in FB www.facebook.com/umaphils
Opening your home to host a fashion show for a lauded designer is a very chic thing to do. It has to be a very special event to make you want to open your private sanctuary to host such a milestone. The designer — Ditta Sandico — was also launching her new atelier (which is in her home), so a rebirth or coming full-circle of sorts was a good excuse to celebrate. After all, 30 years in the fashion industry is no small feat (pardon the pun) for this petite designer,who has beenpromoting natural, organic, indigenous fabrics that are woven into stylish pieces that can be added to one’s wardrobe.
The fabric that is synonymous with Ditta’s name is banaca, a mix of banana and abaca fibers similar to piña or pineapple, unlike its earlier abaca counterpart that was very rough which was a good material for making ropes and footwear. Banaca is a fabric that is versatile as a mold or wrap, due to its pliability and soft sheen cast. Ditta’s pieces are well known for these mold and wrap structures, because of her very haute couture architectural style. Each piece is therefore a true statement piece in one’s wardrobe.
Two wraps are better than one! Modeled by Ava.
Stunning silver white and gray wrap against a simple black column.
The Lady in Red.
Looking regal.
Its easy being in green.
Model Betchay Montserrat, formerly of Karilagan Modeling fame, in a black and yellow cropped bolero. She still has the X factor!
UMAP or Unified Makeup Artists of the Philippines was tapped to lend hair and makeup support to a team of 22 models, five of whom were professional models, and the rest were Ditta’s friends and clients who were as good as the pros when it came to the catwalk. The show was directed by Raymund Villanueva, a good friend of Ditta who is a crack and a half. Full of wit and biting humor, he gave us an idea of how the concept was to be laid out. The ramp was the walkway to Ditta’s atelier against a clear backdrop of her shop, while the models inside posed and channeled their inner goddesses while waiting for their turn to come out.
Hair pegs a la Lady Gaga in the American Horror Story show. Edgy meets Imelda Marcos classiness. Photo taken from Entertainment Weekly
A modern Maria Callas. Photo taken from Entertainment Weekly
Makeup pegs for the show. Top face chart was to be recreated on the friends and clients while the face chart below was reserved for the 5 pros. Severe, mesmerising and mysterious cat eyes to go with the sculptural pieces of Ditta. Face Charts courtesy of Lesley Lim of UMAP.
#SquadGoals! UMAP Glam Squad from L-R: Guilly Valenzuela for hair, Lesley Lim, Sydney Dee, Maryann Obias, Myself and Pilita Guadines for Makeup.
The calm before the storm. Another shot with Aiky Nar in front for hair
Taken before they walked out on the ramp.
Quick, one more shot please. Photo from Yi Domingo.
As you can see, banaca can also be made into jewelry or accessories as modeled by Cherie Mercado, newscaster of ABC 5. Accessories were created by Thalia Javier. Photo from Yi Domingo.
Best rack in town.
UMAP teamed up with Inglot Cosmetics to provide the cosmetics for the show. Photo from Sydney Dee, UMAP Member.
I’m blushing. Deep bright colors mixed with neutral eyeshadows to complement the clothes. Let freedom ring. Photo from Sydney Dee.
Biore Skincare Products all packed and ready to go. Biore was also a sponsor with regards to makeup removal and maintenance. Inside the bag were cleansing pads, A bottle of Micellar water and a tube of sunscreen.
Annie Rosario Maceda, a cousin of Ditta Sandico, was wearing a Maria Clara inspired outfit.
With Riza Lim a yoga instructor. She can pass for an actress.
With another yoga and wellness advocate, Yi Domingo.
Sandwiched between friends, Ito Lopa on the left and Betchay Montserrat on the right.
Dwarfed by these beautiful ladies!
Congratulations Ditta!
Ditta’s posse! With gratitude.
Happy faces and smiles. We did it!!! Yahoo!!!
As I wrote this, APEC 2015 was happening in Manila, and it is very fitting to say, we have shown the world that Filipinos are excellent hosts! We have shared our best business acumen, excellent world class talent in the fields of entertainment, culture, food and design. In fashion, Ditta, you have done us proud, we are Pinoy Proud! Wishing you more years of clothing wonder.
Inglot Cosmetics is available at Glorietta 5, SM Megamall B.
Biore products are available at all leading Department Stores, and PCXchange.
Ditta Sandico is available at 5 Mabolo corner Balete Drive Quezon City.
UMAP or Unified MAkeup Artists of the Philippines can be reached at Facebook and Instagram, Umaphils.
