I had the opportunity to do a mini makeover on my friend and fellow blogger Kira Ramirez the other week. Since I wanted to play around a bit with the Pantone color of the year, Marsala, I knew I needed a willing model who had the right skin tone and face shape for the look I wanted to create. Kira fit the bill, and so we scheduled a makeup date to test drive the look.
Here’s what I used:
Clockwise, Viseart Matte Palette, MAC Eye pencil in Teddy and Smolder and Urban Decay glide on pencil in Zero, MAC Blacktrack gel eyeliner and Fairy Drops H2Oproof mascara.Brow Wow, MAC eyeshadow in Shade 2, MUFE eyebrow pencil in no. 4, MAC Brow brush in 263 and Clinique Brow spoolieKohl liners were used on the upper lashline and bottom lashline and smudged to create a base.MUFE Eyecream shadows shades of plum and bronze to create the Marsala color was applied on the eyelid crease and smoked on the bottom lashline.Focus on the lashline.No Tears!A MAC blending brush in 217 was used to remove all the harsh edges on the eye. A soft brown color was applied on top of the crease as a transitional color and to add depth to the eye. MAC Blacktrack gel eyeliner was applied and I made a slight wing on the outer part to elongate her eyes.217 lashes were used to enhance her eyes.Not a torture weapon, but eyelash tongs to secure the lashes on Kira’s eyes.I’ve combined MAC Pinch me center bottom and Blushbaby center top to give her cheeks a flush of color.MUFE Contour powder in 1 and 2 were used to sculpt and give warmth to her cheeks.These two combined give a Marsala color.L-R L’Oreal Bare Mocha, Estee Lauder Forbidden Kiss and Marsala LipstickApplying the combined colors on KiraIn the words of Ricky Reyes, Eto ang finished product. A Beaming Kira!
Do you like this look on Kira? Give me your comments below.
A big shout out to EDSA Beverage Design Company’s Manila Coworking HoneyComb and Martine De Luna for the location shoot and for Kira Ramirez for being my ganado model and for being so helpful in shooting the photos for the blog. A true blogger who made DIY look so easy!
Finally here is my tutorial on the color of the year, Marsala. I’ve collaborated with Kira Ramirez, a beauty, fashion and lifestyle blogger who I’ve met during our Skinlux review with Martine De Luna, early last year. It was a long overdue collaboration since the past few months saw me indisposed and I recently hooked up with her again. Needless to say, it was a morning of girly fun and beauty schmoozefest. Here it is.
Fresh and Bare faced, ready to be glammed up.
Prepping the face:
Kira had Combination Skin, oily in the T-zone area and Normal on the the other parts of her face. I chose to use the Embryolisse Hydra mat moisturizer to address her skin. She also had redness and breakouts in her chin which she told me to conceal.
Skincare Arsenal, Fr. L-R, Embryolisse Hydra Mat, MAC Fast Response Eye Cream, Face2Face Super Matte Anti Shine and MAC Lip ConditionerI used the Graftobian Color Corrector cream palette,to neutralize any redness or discoloration on the different areas on the face before applying concealer. Color used was a light peach corrector underneath the eyes, I also used the green color to neutralize her pimples under her chin.Dark circles be gone.Skin Perfection 101. Clockwise, Graftobian Color Corrector Palette, RCMA Cream Foundation in Shinto 2, RCMA Highlight and Contour Shading wheel, I used Shinto 3 and 4 to contour and Shinto 1 to highlight, MAC Eye Prep in Medium and Dermacolor Concealer palette. Brushes used NARS Concealer brush and MAC Synthetic blending brushThe Blending process begins.Kira’s face is round shaped, so I applied dark cream foundation on the outer perimeter of her face and top of her forehead and down the sides of her nose to give it depth and applied the lightest cream foundation on the high points of her face like the top of her forehead, middle of her nose, upper cheekbone and her cupid’s bow and chin to bring light to her face.Ben Nye Translucent powder was applied to set her makeup in place.All prepped and ready to be transformed.
Kira’s final glammed look is next. What is your favorite skin prep routine?
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.
I had the privilege of being interviewed and featured in Manila’s top lifestyle hub, When in Manila, a couple of weeks ago when writer/columnist Tonette Nicolas of The Health Junkie, was assigned to do the write-up. We met up with my friend and blog coach, Martine de Luna at the EDSA Beverage Design Studio, to do a makeover on Tonette, to showcase the “Acie Fores makeup” style and aesthetic. We did a “workday to weekend” transformation. Here are some of my favorite shots of Tonette from the shoot.
Tonette Nicolas, blogger and writer for WheninManila.comBefore the transformation…The “weekday” / daytime look for TonetteThe “weekend”/ night look — just a bit of glam to the daytime look.
Being a new member of the United Makeup Artists of the Philippines recently, part of the member perks is to be able to participate and join in the sponsored makeup workshops. A few months ago, L’Oreal hosted one for makeup artists who are not beginners but rather an advanced workshop that gives the artist a new perspective on bridal and editorial work and how the artistry can be elevated to new trends.
Because you’re worth it. Thanks Lorea’L for the nice thought to start the day.
Verna Marin a senior L’Oreal Paris trained makeup artist, headed this workshop together with Gex Garcia Senior Makeup Artist. She gently warned us that the basics will not be discussed but it is assumed we had the basic knowledge and color theories under our belt. I immediately felt a kinship with her as she described herself by saying she is not of those makeup artists that like to post about her work in social media. She claims she is old school that way.
Paris trained Verna Marin
The star of the afternoon was The L’Oreal True Match Foundation that matches your skintone perfectly. It comes in three skin tones, Cool Warm and Neutral with many shades to suit a global complexion. However here in Asia, the colors sold are more suited for the Asian skin tone. Texture is creamy, blendable and becomes a matte powder finish when set. You just have to quickly work with the product to make it blend with the skin. The skin tones are Warm for medium to dark tones, Neutral for medium tones and Cool for fair to light tones.
True Match. the star of the showPhoto from Emilyn Fermin. Lorea’l True Match Foundation. True Love
Verna demonstrated the editorial look while Gex did a classic bride.
Photo from Emilyn Fermin. Model on the left is the one with the Editorial Look while the model on the right is the Classic Bridal Look.Verna demonstrating the Wet Contour method in adding dimension to the face.
Highlights of the workshop
There is a stereotype belief that airbrush makeup is better than traditional makeup. With a traditional application, one can achieve an airbrush finish and look because makeup advancement has made it possible to make us look flawless. Makeup is an evolving industry and products are always getting better to suit the changing needs of our skin, makeup absorption on the skin, etc.
When doing Bridal makeup, try to get a sense of the Bride’s personality by asking questions so the makeup artist can give an informed suggestion regarding her look on her wedding day that will complement or enhance her true beauty.
A Classic Bride is always the best look because this has stood the test of time. Trendy looks are best reserved for print, fashion and editorial work.
For editorial work, it is important to be detail oriented. The makeup artist should speak with the art director to get a clearer picture of the mood, look and feel of the shoot. Pegs are just guidelines.
Never underestimate grooming for men. Men look better with proper contouring and makeup application to enhance their masculinity.
To give the face some depth, the reverse contouring method is useful. It is the process of using highlights to bring out the features.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your makeup products. Colors and texture knowledge are essential in your skill as an artist as it shows your versatility in your artistry.
Anju Dargani, A Mac Cosmetics Artist, was my model for the day.Used True Match in W6. Tried to do an Editorial look. but due to time constraints, I was able to do a semi smoky eye using green tones.Sandwiched between Miss Chiqui and Miss Cecile of CAVAHappy Smiles with our certifications.One more time Miss Verna
This is a very delayed Mothers Day greeting to my aunt, Tina Bonifacio who incidentally had her beauty session with me at the beginning of this year when she attended a nephew’s wedding. I’m paying tribute to her because in many ways she is literally a second mother to my sister Sarina and I, she also being the sister of my mom. My Mom had passed since 2006.
To quote the late Maya Angelou, she is a Phenomenal woman. Her spirituality comes to the forefront to those that know her and even to those that meet her for the first time. It is this for this reason that her words and actions are genuinely coming from the heart and you know that there is a beautiful soul inside. We also chose her as one of our wedding sponsors in 1996 mainly because we hold her in the highest esteem and regard.
Growing up even if she had her family to take care of, she always looked out for my mom and us, always with a kind word, a token or a call to say we were in her thoughts. Humble and unpretentious, she carries herself with grace, intelligence and warmth, it is almost impossible not to be in your best behaviour when you are with her. She simply draws that out from you.
Jackie Onassis once said that, “If you bungle up raising your children, whatever else you do well will not matter.” She has had her trials and successes but one thing that she is most proud of is her children. Two of her children are pastors, the more visible one is Joey Bonifacio who is the senior pastor at Victory Church in Fort Bonifacio. Bonifacio in Italian or Portuguese means Good fate, is this a coincidence? She also has a son she named Andres. Cool huh? Her other children are accomplished in their own right and doing well in their respective fields and careers.
She has nothing more to ask or achieve since she is very content with what life has given her or has to offer her. Although I don’t get to see her much often now, she is always in our thoughts and good wishes. A belated Happy Mothers Day to you and know that you are loved and appreciated always.
This is the last of my May “Mother’s Day” themed posts. A good way to end a good month, I say!
Peachy and I go a long long way back, since the 80’s. She has my best friend since high school. Partner in time, crime, lime and dime. Everything about her is big. I don’t mean that in a bad way. Anything that she does, she does in a big way. Her laughter is so infectious, even if you don’t know what s so funny, you are caught up in her world of happiness. As best friends, we have had our ups and downs, we went through a lot and it is the bond of friendship that keeps us connected no matter what.
Admittedly, life had taken over and sometimes we are kept in our own world and sometimes drift or lose touch with one another. As we have gotten older, hopefully wiser, we have taken a vow to always keep in touch. Mother’s Day was a perfect excuse to see her again. That morning was a laugh-fest, I couldn’t keep my eyeliner straight on her.
I asked her if she can be my model for my Mother’s day blog series and I’m glad she said yes. I asked her because I wanted to give her a nice thank you gift. Recently, she became a single mother to her two boys, but she has managed to see life as half full and not half empty. What a super trooper.
I can’t even begin to tell you how fortunate I am to be her friend. She has taught me so many life lessons without her telling me with an attitude of “I-Told-you-so attitude. She leads by example and she is in no way a saint or perfect. Life lessons on forgiveness, generosity, living life to the fullest and loving unconditionally are the priceless gifts she has shared with me even if she doesn’t know it.
She works for an insurance firm and is currently in Brazil as a gift for being one of the highest sales top notcher of the firm. Well deserved my friend!
To my Dancing Queen and now Zumba queen, a big shout out to you and may your tribe increase. Love you lots. I want to give you an insight as to how loveable and hilarious Peachy is when she posted her Mothers Day beauty photo on my wall. Thank you, Speachy!
You are the monay in my monalisa smileWith Lipstick only
I first met Jeannette in July of 2013, when our family friend Mike Gomez quietly announced to close friends family and relatives that he was engaged to be married. I have known Mike for more than two decades and I have never seen him or heard he was in a relationship with anyone for that matter.
To whom I asked? I checked out his Facebook page and there she was. Her photo splashed as his FB profile pic. I thought to myself, it was a photo of a lovely woman randomly selected because of her attractive profile. I’ve seen this in a couple of my friend’s profile photos where random photos of people, a cause, places or things that appeal to the person is used as a FB profile photo.
I was immediately informed that the lovely woman is indeed his fiancé. We both laughed ourselves silly. So I asked him for how long did he keep this as a secret to everyone? 12 years to be exact. Huwow! Indeed it was time to settle down. Jeannete comes from a family of eight siblings. They met at the Stock Exchange when Mike was working as a stock broker and she from another firm. It was love at first sight for him. As the saying goes, the rest is His-story.
Unfortunately, the wedding coincided with my family vacation (which was also overdue) and, so I could not attend. I vowed to make it up to them as I was kicking myself in the head for failing to witness this wonderful, humble couple mark their milestone. As the photos were posted on Facebook, I truly saw the love between the two and I missed a fabulous wedding.
When I finally got a chance to meet Jeannete in her mother in law’s birthday celebration, I boldly asked her if she could model for me some time for my bridal portfolio when the need arises. She was hesitant and too shy to say yes. Fast forward to May of this year, I finally got a chance to ask her once more if she can model for my Mother’s Day feature on my blog and she said yes.
The good news is, there is a bun in the oven and she is due on May 19th! In fact as I write this, she will be in labor soon. I can only wish Mike and Jeannete good things and blessings, and parenthood will certainly be the icing on the proverbial cake.
Congratulations and welcome to Parenthood, Jeanete. Family photo session next?
I don’t know about you ladies, but when the temperature goes up and I mean past boiling point, I really don’t want to put anything else on my face except an ice pack. My summer must haves are my go to’s when I need to put something on to look put together or at least presentable. I narrowed it down to 8 items and I swear by each of their claim in beating the heat or just because it’s simply perfect for the hot season.
La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat
Moisturizer to combat oily areas of the face
Available only to the trade, click here where to order them. This is considered a drugstore brand but you may purchase these in HK or Singapore. Like it says it controls the oiliness in the areas that show an oil slick specially o the T zone area and extends the wear of your makeup for another 2-3 hours. Perfect for brides or those that have oily-combination skin. It’s quickly absorbed and your face is perfectly prepped for makeup. Dries to a satin finish.
Makeup Forever Face and Body Foundation
Lightweight Consistency and transfer proof
I’m not kidding when I say this foundation is literally a breath of fresh air in your face. When applied, it feels very cool on the face because of its gel like consistency and the first ingredient in this foundation is water. Unlike other foundations that have hard to pronounce names as the first ingredient in their list, this is a winner for me. Coverage is light to medium and is build able. I wear shade 32 or 34.
NARS Laguna Bronzer
NARS Laguna Bronzer
I really like this bronzer because it doesn’t make you look orangy. It has the perfect brown, gray with tiny flecks of gold in it. You look sculpted without the look of oompa loompa on your face. You can also use this as an eye crease colour to give it depth and warmth.
NARS Bronzing Oil
Look tanned and bronzed without having to look like an Oscar statue
Love the smell and warmth it gives your skin. The only con on this product is its packaging. A bit messy to apply on your body because it doesn’t have a pump to dispense, you have to pour it on your hands. This bottle is on the pricey side but I once saw a fashion stylist rub this in the centre of the legs of the model and her legs looked like a million bucks. Has a faint coconut scent not overpowering but if you like the smell of buko it’ s tolerable.
MAC SkinLight Finish in Superb
Used to cheat perfect glowing skin
This product was introduced to me by another makeup artist friend. She uses this on the high points of the cheek or as a highlighter on the centre of the eyelid and brow bone. When the light hits your face, perfect glowing skin is achieved. This is what gives you the JLo sheen.
Maybelline 24 Hr. Color Tattoo
Creaseless and long wearing
I have a weakness and fondness for eye cream shadows mainly because of its effortless application. This is a drugstore delight. it really doesn’t budge. Just add an eyeliner and you’re good to go. Instant semi smoky look appropriate for the season. Comes in jewel tones too. Love the Tenacious Teal colour if you’re feeling adventurous.
NARS Turkish Delight Lip Gloss
Turkish delight
Not only is this Kim Kardashian’s favourite lip gloss on top of the MAC Angel lipstick, it is truly a universal lip gloss that can be worn by anyone. It adds a very subtle oomph to your lips even when worn bare. Personally I prefer to wear lip stains or lip glosses during the summer, lipstick feels heavy.
Essie in Geranium
Geranium Pandemonium
Essie nail polish is one of my personal favourites because of its colour variety and longevity. I first saw this colour applied in Nail Spa Makati many months ago on a client and I love the pop of colour. Its such a happy colour, your toes and nails look like they’re having so much fun.
Are these your summer must haves too? I’d like to know what yours are.
This shoot from 2012 was for blogger Cara Manglapus, whose “Barbie” looks were photographed by her friend, photographer Alex Rivera. How’d you like the way I did her eyes and lips? Full story and more photos here: Glam Barbie – Cara Manglapus
Now in my mid 40’s, I’ve taken to apply sunblock on my face due to previous sins committed in the past when I lay baking in the sun for hours with tanning oil as protection. I used to tan with Coke and Baby oil slathered together on my face and body just to get that golden look. Remember those days?
Well, 2 decades later, it’s payback time with the appearance of dark pigmentations on my left temple and cheeks and moles and freckles under my eye area. I haven’t gotten the nerve to use laser treatments yet as I have been trying medical grade creams like hydroquinone to lighten them. Unfortunately, I have decided to take charge of the condition of my skin only lately with the hope of delaying the ageing process.
Remember this Ad? Orange and Brown were the colours to aspire for
Here’s the lowdown.
Sunscreen vs. Sunblock
Sunscreens are products combining several ingredients that help prevent the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB, damage the skin, age it prematurely, and increase your risk of skin cancer. UVB is the chief culprit behind sunburn, while UVA rays, which penetrate the skin more deeply, are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging, and other light-induced effects of aging (photoaging). They also exacerbate the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays, and increasingly are being seen as a cause of skin cancer on their own. Sunscreens vary in their ability to protect against UVA and UVB (Source)
Thick creamy lotions are known as sunblocks. These contain minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that physically create a barrier against both the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. Sunblock is usually white, thicker and remains visible after you put it on.Sunblock is best used for anyone planning to spend hours in the sun at a time, like sports activities. Most of us don’t like the idea of being covered head to toe in what looks like white gunk, and choose sunscreen, regardless. It’s not pretty, but those are the facts. (Source)
Personally, I now use Sunblock even on my face despite the heavier consistency and blend away. This is what I use on a daily basis due to the dark pigmentation on some areas on my face.
What type of sun protection should you use?
It really depends on how much sun exposure you’re getting on a daily basis. According to my dermatologist, she said that sunscreen is enough to wear on a daily basis, while if you are going to be outdoors on a longer basis, sunblock will be the wiser choice to use due to the prolonged stay under the sun.
How much should I use?
For the face, a teaspoon full will suffice while for the body about a shot glass full or 1 oz. if you are planning to stay for a longer period of time outdoors and reapply after 2 hours. Apply on exposed parts of the face and body 30 minutes prior to sun exposure so ingredients will be fully absorbed on the skin.
Amount you need to apply sunblock to the body.
Amount to use on your face. Believe me this is enough.
What is SPF?
It simply means “Sun Protection Factor”. For example, if your unprotected skin turns red after 20 minutes under the sun, a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 means you can be exposed to the sun 15 x longer or about 2.5 hours without turning red. It is a measure of one’s sun exposure using the product versus one going out with bare skin. I think one is safer to use protection that has an SPF of 30 which according to studies blocks out 97% of the harmful rays while that of an SPF with 45 blocks out 98% of the harmful rays. This also goes without saying that depending on where you live, the strength of the sun’s rays and time of day you are exposed, it is imperative that you choose your sunblock protection appropriate to these conditions. (Source:)
What about a higher SPF like 50 or 75?
It really is a marketing ploy more than anything according to the FDA. A higher SPF does not increase your sun protection. Unfortunately, we buy the highest SPF possible thinking that we we are protected for a long period of time and we end up not re-applying. A lower SPF is still the best option to use which can offer the same protection.
What are the effects of SPF in Moisturizer or Makeup?
A 2001 study at Wake Forest University showed that, within two hours, liquid and cream foundations often slide around and gather in pores and wrinkles. After just a few hours in normal temperature and humidity conditions, the SPF you get from makeup can be considered ineffective by the way foundation wears off. (Source:)
Here’s my take on maximum protection strategy.
1) Cleanse the face, next apply a moisturiser with an SPF of 15. Good ones to try are Neutrogena and Olay which are easily absorbed by the skin. Choose that are labeled broad spectrum sun protection like Parsol 1789 and Mexoryl. You may use your favourite BB or CC cream and stop here or if you want a medium coverage, proceed to step 2. I use Lorea’l Garnier BB cream on occasions I don’t want full coverage. Judy of itsjudytime does a good review on this which got me sold on Garnier more than Maybelline.
My BB cream of choice. Light-Medium is my shade. Not too white or chalky.
2) Once absorbed, apply your foundation with an SPF of at least 15. Apply powder. While powder does not have an SPF, it contains zinc oxide a mineral that that acts as a barrier to sun damage. Nice product to try is Bare Mineral powder foundation.
3) If you are allergic to Parsol or Mexoryl, you may use a stronger sunblock one with titanium dioxide as they are not absorbed by the skin, they sit on the surface of the face and reflect sun damage away due to their thick consistency. One caveat is that a whitish cast on your face is seen when you are photographed with flash. I choose sunscreen instead if I need sun protection.
Even Jessica Alba is not spared with the white glow
If these steps are too much for you, opt for a powder foundation with SPF instead. Remember that in order to maximize sun protection, make sure you use a sunscreen option, whether it’s a moisturizer, makeup, powder, or all three.
Prepped skin with moisturiser, eye cream and sunblockUsed Lorea’l Garnier BB cream in Light-Medium and added eye shadow, little bronzer and some light lipstick.
Stay safe and love the skin you’re born with by protecting it. Happy Summer!
Prom season is upon so many young ladies this month and I thought of creating some looks for inspiration . I decided to go for a wearable smoky look with a light pink lip for those who want a well dressed appeal but without going overboard. It can be adapted to suit a day look as well by toning it down like removing the false lashes and switching from a black eyeliner to a brown one. I kept in mind also the sweat proof factor of this look by using waterproof products that will carry you until the evening. Hope you like it and give me your thoughts on what looks you’d like to see for your prom.
