Cool weather, Christmas spirit in the air, shopping madness, epic Manila traffic, a few ingredients that make December a very busy time of any year. Christmas preparations and families coming home for a celebration make it an ideal month to get married. They bring in the warmth and cheer of the Holiday season and the festive Christmas decorations alone bring another cheer dimension. In another blog, I’ll list down top reasons why having a wedding in December is not being selfish. Here is another instalment of my Behind the Veil series with Mercedes Cacho.
This is what Mercedes had to say regarding her wedding preparations for her big day.
1) Please tell me about yourself, what do you do for a living , what are your passions, and hobbies?
Those shoes!!!! Love her style!!!!
My name is Mercedes Cacho. I am the Creative Director for InFrame Media Productions Australia. I’d consider myself a very visual and creative person, so my hobbies are sketching and painting. My biggest passion is styling and fashion.
2) How did you find out about me (Acie Fores Makeup Artist)? What made you want to work with me?
You were recommended by my family.
3) How did you like the outcome of our time together, specially on your special day?
Acie and her team were wonderful, very professional.
4) What’s one special memory you have of your wedding that you love? Could you share that photo with us?
5) What was a good beauty moment for you during the wedding day itself?
Getting ready with Acie, I love her face masks, they were so refreshing!!!
I normally use a mask with Hyaluronic and collagen in it because I want the face of the Bride to be soothed, and hydrated and appear brighter. You can get this at any Watsons branch.
6) Favorite beauty product, application used during your wedding and why?
I really liked the lipstick Acie and I chose. It was a subtle rose pink color from Project Vanity “Woke up like this”.
In collaboration with Project Vanity and Pink Sugar, this is one of the colors they came up with. Perfect for Brides.
7. Any bridal tips you want to share with future Brides planning their wedding?
You will probably break out a week before the wedding from the stress of it all. If you can, I suggest going away for a short relaxing weekend, or do whatever you can to avoid it. Apply a face mask or get a professional facial.
I use this in conjunction with a face sheet or mask to really make the product sink in. It also relaxes, and tones the face and prepares it for th make-up application. It reduces puffiness specially when the Bride has shed some tears the night before. Make sure you are getting the real one made out of jade and not plastic. Jade is cool to touch.. I put this in the refrigerator the night before for extra cooling effect on the face.
8. What is one thing you could change during your wedding preparation?
Sleep in a little longer. I was so excited, I woke up at 5 am. Acie arrived at the scheduled 9 am call time. I could’ve gotten another solid hour!
9. Any beauty rituals you did or received you want to share?
This is my personal gift to the Bride. Highly recommended as part of her skincare regimen before the big day, I want my Brides glowing and radiant. Head to Dermalogica Rustans for their menu of services.
I never get used to get regular facials. However it was highly recommended by Acie. I’m so glad I did it! My skin loved it and I found the experience to be so relaxing! Now that I’m back home in Australia, I now book facials regularly.
10. Favourite Photo of you during the wedding and why.
This is one of my favourite photos, it reminds me how beautiful the whole evening was! All the stress of planning turned into happy moments which made all of this possible.
While working on a client recently, her choice of lipstick was a matte long wearing liquid lipstick, the current craze nowadays, the one that stays on your lips for days on end. I ended up giving her the lipstick tube and as soon as I left, I went to the local Beauty Bar here in my neighbourhood to replenish the lipstick. And then I came across
Meet Matt(e) Hughes Long lasting Liquid lipstick. These are all from the brand The Balm Cosmetics. I wanted to update my lipstick collection and these are the colors I ended up home with.
These are nude pinkish brown shades with the exception of a plum looking shade. From top to bottom, Affectionate, Charming, Sincere and Charismatic.
Texture is smooth, is not runny and lasts a good 4-5 hours. Photos below show a 6 hr time lapse of how long this liquid lipstick lasted. Excuse the lighting, but I noticed there is a little feathering on the upper lip and is less darker as it was first applied. I was also careful in dabbing my lips during the meal but there is still color left in fact it is still noticeable and still quite pigmented despite some feathering on the upper corners and a little bleeding on the bottom lip.
Taken at 4:00 pm Shade AffectionateTaken at 9:52 pm. After eating a dinner and had green tea.
I like the texture of it, doesn’t have that silicon feel although it is an ingredient in the formulation, it doesn’t feel drying or doesn’t feel dry or cracked on my lips. It has a slight peppermint flavour like a mild tingling feeling but its not so distracting.
Tips on applying a matte lipstick:
Exfoliate lips with a lip scrub or a DIY recipe, mix brown sugar and olive oil and mix into a paste. Apply and scrub into lips until you feel the dead skin flakes come off. Rinse.
Apply a lip primer, a good one to try is MAC Prep and Prime Lip primer
Apply matte lip color beginning from the bottom lip and then the upper lip. Let stand for 15 seconds.
When its time to remove, use an oil based cleansing oil like Biore Cleansing oil, let it soak into the lips with a cotton pad and remove gently.
Its reasonably priced at Php775.00 and I will definitely make these lippies a staple in my personal and pro kit. Perfect for Bridal and everyday looks. There are 18 shades in total, the shades are named after qualities you look for in a friend or soul mate, a matt ch made in heaven. Like a loyal friend colors stay true and doesnt feel clingy.
Go and get these liquid lipsticks at Beauty Bar and see how these lipsticks stay committed to your beauty kit.
MAC Prep and Prime Lip is available at all MAC beauty stores. Priced between Php 900.00- 1200.00
In Chinese culture, August is usually the month in the lunar calendar that is called the Ghost month, beginning in the 15th day of the 7th month where ghosts and spirits including the ones of the deceased ancestors come out. The Chinese belief is that no business transactions or any of its kind are to be conducted during this period, no planning of long trips, no building and renovations in homes, no transferring of office should be conducted, as superstition dictates that the spirits should be appeased during this period. For the year 2017, it began August 22 until September 19.
Mr and Miss Chinatown is a yearly pageant that promotes Chinese Filipino culture that aims to highlight shared values while advocating the excellence of today’s Chinoy youth expressed through the spirit of the arts, entrepreneurship, and academics. The theme this year was #NewDynasty which included Filipino Chinese members from the provincial and International community which made the pageant bigger and bolder in their search for the best cultural ambassador.
Highlights:
Press Presentation Solaire Resort and Casino August 16, 2017
Candidate # 6 Unity Ong Ka Tan
Candidate no 4 Clarence Lim Cebu
Candidate # 8 Lance Soriano
Candidate # 15 Martin Sy Winner 1st Runner-up of Mr and Ms Chinatown Philippines 2017
This was a long day for all of us, but she managed a smile and a welfie before she changed into her spectacular gown.
Photo from Larry Uy Leong Photography. Audrey See at her best during the Press Presentation.
This Lovely lady Miss LinLin Zen is from Hongkong and was a winner of Mr and Miss Chinatown 2017 International. She speaks Tagalog and I was so impressed with her because she made an effort to assimilate herself in our community and we love her back.
Photo from Larry Uy Leong Photography. Hair by Francis Edward Guintu Revlon Professional Brands Philippines. Lit inside and out, she looks gorgeous in her show stopping gown. Gown is by Princess Tan
This is the stuff where dreams are made of. Lily Monteverde, (center)owner and producer of Regal Films was equally excited to host the candidates for the press presentation. Some of them will be lucky enough to be chosen as part of her talent pool. Photo from Larry Uy Leong
Candidate 10 Maryss Ong, taken by RV Mitra Photography during the Mr and Miss Chinatown Ball
Another shot of her gown. Photo by Larry Leong Photography
Albert Andrada Fashion Show Diamond Hotel
Just to refresh your memory….
The Iconic Blue gown that made our very own Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach a Miss Universe 2016 winner, designed by Albert Andrada
Our Pegs for the fashion show. Fresh, Glowing and Chic.
Model Michelle Kay Macalacad, was a bit tired and took a catnap during the show, but here she is looking fresh and ready for the runway.
Model Hannah Locsin, I loved working with her, the makeup just sank in her creamy skin, I failed to ask her about her skin regimen as we were all pressed for time.
Model Raiza Hidalgo, from Baguio looking sassy and sleek. She mentioned that we worked before with a friend of mine Marissa Narvaez and she was part of the hair team for a Wedding. Here she is, expanding her wings in the modelling industry.
TIPS ON WORKING IN A FASHION SHOW OR PAGEANT
Working in a pageant, or a fashion show is a lot of fun and tiring at the same time. Work quickly with less chit chat and try to follow the pegs given.
Models are human too, they get tired, cranky and hungry. It’s not personal, try to make them feel better with the skill of your hands and delivering what’s needed. Offering them a drink of water or giving them a mini facial prior to a makeup application does wonders for their disposition.
Listen to the cues and direction of the production team. It creates a smooth working flow and it is the opportune time to iron out or clarify questions you may have.
Keep your makeup kit and station neat at all times. I know this is difficult when you are working on a tight area with many faces to work on, but a messy station speaks volumes about your professionalism.
Do ask permission from the model or talent if it is ok to take some photos and post on social media. Ask the lead person in the production and makeup team if this is ok. Ask for designated hashtags if possible and post accordingly.
Offer to touch up talents or models just before they go out, even if she or he was not the one you made up. Time is of the essence, you need to be waiting at the wings with powder, lipstick and tissue on hand for last calls.
Glowing and Bronzing are 2 Makeup terms that people always say when they want their makeup done a la JLo. For my personal use, I use the Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzing Makeup Base as a blush or to warm the perimeter of my face. Ok, bring down your raised eyebrow, I received this as a birthday gift a few years ago from my sister and unfortunately it’s not available here in Rustans, but you may get this in the Duty Free shops. for around US$50.00 or its peso equivalent of P2,500.00 thereabouts.
I feel sophisticated everytime I use this product, this is one of the few items I can afford in Chanel.
Excuse the current state of the bronzer, it is well used. I apply this with a round Kabuki brush and apply it on the perimeter of my face.
This is a very creamy product, but has a gel like consistency, use it to warm the face and can be applied on the eyelid as a shadow base or alone. It dries to a powder finish with a very slight shimmer but hardly noticeable when applied on the skin. I wear a MAC NC 25, RCMA Shinto 1 Makeup Forever HD Y365 foundation so this shows as a really warm tan color on me. If used as a bronzer, it does double as a contour color. I love its unique smell, it transports me to another place, (hopefully Paris) and is comfortable on the skin.
Top swatch is Make Me & Glow, bottom swatch is Chanel Universel bronzing base
Filterless but still a blushing bride, this bronzer was used during this bridal trial.
I found this Chanel Bronzer dupe!!! Make up & Glow is also a gel like bronzer that dries to a powdery consistency. Applied after your primer, this will hold up for a good 6-7 hours.
It has a lighter color than the Chanel Bronzing powder but when applied, it does not show up as too orange, in fact it is buildable and can control the amount you want.
Ingredient list has silicon in it. Dimethicone is silicon so expect a nice consistency in the skin.
Don’t be thrown off by the Tropical packaging, it gives me the impression it looks like the packaging is from The Balm or Benefit.
Recently for the Photo shoot for the candidates of the Model of the year with the hair styling team of Jim Ryan Ros, W7 London Cosmetics was a major sponsor. We were too giddy with excitement to try their products specially their vibrant color eye shadows and lipsticks.
The Makeup and Glow bronzing base was used during the Photo shoot of the Model of the Year candidates last August.
It is well milled and has tiny gold flecks. For the 3 looks above, the bronzer may be used as a base for any makeup application. I also applied it on the lips and used a very metallic eyeshadow as a lipstick to give a nice metal finish.
So if you don’t want to commit to the expensive bronzer of Chanel, this very good dupe from W7 will give you the same JLo finish and look you’re trying to achieve.
MAKE ME UP is a Self-Improvement & Makeup Workshop with a focus on Positive Self-Esteem & Confident Personal Style. It seeks to empower women in achieving their best job- and career-focused goals so that they can get better work, better projects, better income, starting with their level of personal belief.
MAKE ME UP envisions a community of women who wish to succeed and thrive in all areas of their life, starting with their personal appearance as an expression of the confidence within. We see participants of this workshop feeling CONFIDENT in their God-given qualities and EMPOWERED to make practical decisions on personal presentation, so that they can make a positive impact in their spheres of influence.
What to expect
The program on MAKE ME UP will inspire and uplift you as a working woman, and empower you with personal branding strategies that you can apply in your work, passions and personal life. The day is made up of two components: an inspirational talk (so that you can have the proper mindset towards self-development and improving yourself as a person), and a practical makeup workshop, where you will learn how to apply makeup that brings out the best in your God-given assets.
The Speakers for the Day
[one-half-first]INSPIRATIONAL TALK : Mafae Belasco Mafae’s experience as a professional model, international beauty pageant winner, host, consultant and inspirational speaker has given her a unique platform for self-empowerment. Her inspirational talk is designed to motivate women to look at their personal abilities and stories, so that each participant can define their Personal Brand, and leverage that towards their field, job or business. [/one-half-first]
[one-half]MAKEUP WORKSHOP: Acie Fores Acie’s experience as a professional Makeup Artist and as an officer of the United Makeup Artists of the Philippines has allowed her to craft her makeup sessions in practical, applicable lessons for all women. her Personal Makeup Workshop will show women how to apply their inner confidence outwardly, through a simple makeup routine for daily use. She will give a demo-style workshop that participants can follow.[/one-half]
The Brand Partners
We are pleased to be partnering with amazing brands who are making this workshop possible! These brands all understand that beauty and confidence is truly from the inside going out. And this is why all participants will receive a Makeup & Skincare kit, with products valued at P3,500.00 from Glamourbox, Eye of Horus, and Biore.
To Register, please fill up the form on the link below:
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!
Social media has given makeup applications new terms, to make content in their feeds relevant. One of these terms we refer to is Highlighting which is now termed Strobing or Reverse Contouring, thanks to Instagram and Youtube. Both terms mean the same thing which is a makeup application that accentuates the high points of the face, the top of the cheekbones, underneath the brow bone, inner corner of the eye, middle of the nose and the Cupid s bow the area on top of the lips using products with high amounts of shimmer or shine .
A simple diagram on where to put highlight products on the face whether its cream or powder based.
I discovered this product from a colleague and she considers this her Holy Grail of highlighters. Mary Lou Luminizer is an American product under the label The Balm Cosmetics. Packaging has that retro feel similar to Benefit Cosmetics which makes it appealing to makeup junkies.
Aptly named, Watts Up by Benefit Cosmetics and MaryLou Luminizer are highlighters that can lift your face all the way to the Diwata Satellite.
This can also be used as an eyeshadow for a natural day look and emphasized with a black cat eye. Simply divine.
Its described as a “Honey Hue” warm champagne highlighter best suited for medium tones.
Has a pearly sheen and well pigmented.
Be careful when you apply too much. This is how it looks unblended
Blended with fingers, it gives a nice subtle glow.This is how I apply the luminizer on the face, Real Techniques Setting Brush
Used the MaryLou Luminizer on Shanen my model for a bridal shoot recently. Ate Glow
Famously used by Mario Dedivanovic on Kim Kardashian on her YouTube video on Strobing.
A Shining example. Not blended.
I think I blended it too much. But good news is, its buildable and you can use a Beauty Blender sponge to apply it.
There is a rubber sponge at the opposite end of this stick which helps in applying and blending the product but i prefer to use the fingers or a Beauty Blender sponge for flawless coverage.
Watts up with her? Tried and Tested on my model on a bridal shoot.
Final thoughts on these two highlighters:
Use them sparingly and the key to not making you gleam like a greasepan is to blend it with your fingers, brush or sponge.
When applied too much, highlighters can sometimes look oily and sweaty in photos. Do not use this on oily skin, it will look like a disco ball.
Apply them with ample lighting or across a window with natural light streaming so you’ll know how much to use.
Apply on the inner corner of the eye or tear duct to make close set eyes bigger or when you want to highlight that corner a la Korean pop star.
Layer this on top of your lipstick and tap a little amount on your ring finger and apply on the centre of your bottom lips to give the illusion of a fuller mouth.
Apply to the collarbones for a glowing sheen that makes everyone look good in photos.
Benefit Cosmetics is available at Greenbelt 5, Trinova, Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Alabang Town Centre, BGC Central Square, Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-la and SM Seaside Cebu. Watts Up Highlighter is priced between P2500.00-2700.00 (Online or at the store)
MaryLou Lumber is available at all Beauty Bar outlets. Priced between P1200.00-1700.00 depending whether its bought online or at the store.
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.
Unknown to me, I was going to hit the lotto last weekend. I was fortunate enough to put my working hands on none other than Andi Eigenmann. Petite and fresh faced, she arrived with an apology that her hair smelled of smoke due to the place she came from. When she came in the studio of photographer Janina Teodoro, the fangirl in me came out — and I hope I didn’t blast her ears off when I said, “Hi, Andi, so nice to meet you!” I don’t even remember what she said but I instinctively led her to my chair.
Photos from Roxanne Roman
Photo from Roxanne Roman
Photo courtesy of Janina Teodoro
Photo courtesy of Janina Teodoro
Fresh from her French Riviera experience I got to ask her what it felt like standing on stage next to mom Jaclyn Jose bagging the best actress in the Cannes Film Festival. Feelings of pure joy, pride and gratefulness surrounded both mother and daughter as we’ve seen in all social media. Below is her selfie with Kirsten Dunst on their elevator ride after her mother’s win ready to face the press. She bested Charlize Theron and Marion Cotillard in this category!
With Kirsten Dunst and at the back is Vanessa Paradis. Kirsten Dunst was so moved by Jaclyn’s speech and the gesture of her holding her daughter’s hand was very touching to the jurors.
“Ma Rosa” is slated for commercial release here on July 6. It is based on a true to life story of a couple who own a sari-sari store, and are forced to sell illegal drugs on the side to make both ends meet. They become victims of unscrupulous and corrupt policemen who extort money in exchange for their freedom. (Scenes from our social landscape? You be the judge.)
Here are my favourite looks on Andi during her Cannes trip
Patty Ang designed this cream pantsuit ensemble which she wore to their press con. This is my absolute fave which incidentally made her land on Vanity Fair’s best dressed list
Boom Sason designed this rose coloured gown which she wore to the film screening. She really held her own here. Love this, too.
Mark Bumgarner made this royal blue gown which she wore to the awarding night. “Wow” is all I can say!
Channeling Marilyn Monroe was our mantra that afternoon, but it was more of a stylised version of her iconic look. More of Michelle Williams Marilyn Look, very modern. While waiting for Andi to arrive, photographer Janina Teodoro and stylist Roxanne Roman discussed the pegs for the shoot, which was a 1950’s inspired vibe and they gave me an idea as to how to interpret them with the hair and makeup.
A modern take on Marilyn Monroe
We came out with 3 looks based on the peg and the first layout was like a play on the 1950’s housewife, very January Jones in Mad Men.
Fun and Flirty
Fresh look
For the 1st look, makeup here was fresh as possible, her skin had some redness to it, I used a green corrector and mixed it with Makeup Forever Matt Velvet + in shades 35 and 40, Kryolan concealer in D4 mixed with a peach corrector for her concealer, Faceshop Style my Eyebrow Pencil in 03 and to keep them in place MAC’s Beguile did the trick. MAC Pearl Frost, Grain, and Groundwork for the eyes. I used MAC Coffee liner on her lash line and curled her lashes. A pinkish blush and matching lip color by MAC and Makeup Forever completed the look.
The 2nd layout was all about Glamour and Sophistication in the 1950’s and this was our peg.
Red is always a dramatic vibe.
Chic and Sophisticated
Here’s looking at you kid
I added a full natural lash and mixed it with demi wispy lashes on her eyes and accentuated her eye crease with a dark, brown gray powder and lined her upper lash line with a gel liner in MAC Dipdown. For her lips I combined MAC’s Ruby Woo and Morange to give her a statement lip that is synonymous with glamour.
The 3rd layout was my favourite of her looks, she effortlessly projected and imbibed the spirit of the 50’s. Below is the first of the inspirations.
Head rush
Ganda, no?
Smoke and Mirrors
She can sell almost anything.
An unguarded moment of Marilyn Monroe
One of my favourite shots of Andi
Barefoot and vulnerable
Confidently beautiful. Gown is by Benhur E. Dychangco
Best of the Best for me. Marilyn Monroe captured and channeled beautifully.
Having met her for the first time is absolutely my Cannes winning moment. Andi is the IT girl for me: down to earth, humble and driven. She will begin shooting many more indie and commercial films in the coming weeks and months, simply because she believes that opportunity only knocks on the door once and she doesn’t want to miss the golden streak train. Her palms are open for what LIFE has to give not only opportunities but a grateful heart. May you continue to soar and live your dreams to the fullest, Andi-girl!
Here in Part 2, these ladies were up to the challenge of applying their own makeup after the demo. Photos below are courtesy of Martine De Luna.
Here are some After Photos. I’ve assisted the ladies below with their makeup and unfortunately, the other ladies were not photographed, they were busy attending to their own faces. All 3 ladies wanted a natural, polished look. Enjoy!
I came across Human Nature products when a friend of mine, shared her hand sanitiser with me in one of our makeover workshops together. She’s into all natural, organic products since she is very allergic to so many ingredients. The smell was citrusy and since I’m partial to citrus fragrances, I looked at the bottle and saw it was Human Nature.
Curiously enough, I was handed a simple pizza box like gift from a few friends from Human Nature and guess what, inside the box was the citrus hand sanitiser my friend had! Want to see more from what was inside my happy box? Scroll down.
Oh My Goodness!
Orange you glad its summer? (couldn’t resist the pun)
Don’t bug me, ok? Perfect for those nights when its humid and the mosquitoes are having a field day with your skin, this comes in handy in driving them away.
Smelly hair gone when you spray this on your hair. It smells like a tropical punch bowl.
I ve actually used this while I was in their store, I think I got bitten by a small bug and I used their tester of Rescue Balm to soothe the itchiness and small flare ups. Rescue nga. Love the smell of Lavender and Tea Tree together.
Last January 18 2016, I had the chance to make up the beautiful Pia Angeles during her wedding in St. Joseph The Worker Parish, Baguio. (The reception followed at the Camp John Hay Clubhouse.) Pia comes from a family that like to cook — her mother, Lenee Recio Angeles, makes an amazing chicken relleno! Speaking of family, though: Pia’s wedding was planned and brought to life by all of her friends who had talents and businesses that they wanted to share with her. Her giveaways were so reflective of her easy going nature: an eco friendly bag with goodies from Baguio, all lovingly put together by her friends and family. I also love the hashtag that was chosen for that special day, #kprinmind2016 a play on their initials. Unforgettable diba?.
As a bride, Pia is very down to earth bride no fuss not difficult at all. She gave me her full trust on how she would look on her wedding day and I was very happy I was able to deliver!
1. Please tell me a bit about yourself. What do you do for a living, what are your hobbies, passions?
I’m Pia, I was a single mom to a 6 year old boy, Andres. I work 2 jobs, mostly financial work for corporations. I handle the finances and do the budgeting and day to day accounting of funds. I enjoy both my jobs… and it still allows me to be home by 6 to spend time with my family. I enjoy cooking and baking… It is really my passion. If I’m stressed, I cook or bake something and even if I have to clean up after, I don’t get as tired as I should be. I enjoy cooking and baking with my son… I teach him a thing or two. We also enjoy doing arts and crafts together.. from DIY kiddie storages, diy chalk paint, bottles, kids toys and magnets… I love doing all these things with Andres and Kevin even if Kevin always outshines me! Ha ha!
2. How did you find out about me? What made you want to work with me?
I met Acie last 2015 during my best friend’s wedding. Her sister, Mariella Uy learned about her from her good friend, Monse del Rosario. Mariella got Acie to do make up for Maia’s bridesmaids. I was pleasantly surprised with my make up during that date — I think by far the best I’ve had! (and I’ve been a bridesmaid a few times). Everyone complemented my make up during the wedding. My dad even said “Ay maganda ka pala!” That’s his carino to me… Hehe! But that means he was also pleasantly surprised with how pretty I was. So the day I got engaged, I remembered Acie and thought, “Hey, I want her to do my make up for my wedding!”
3. How did you like the outcome of our time together, for your special day?
I enjoyed our sessions and I think both my mom and sister also did. Acie and her team were on schedule and professional. It was also a very light session: no one was panicking, no one was rushing (or so I think! Haha!). Acie and JayMar really knew how to work with photographers and videographers. It was easy. I had such a good time.
4. What’s one special memory you have of your wedding that you love? Could you share that photo with us?
One special memory I had during the wedding was my wedding march… Seeing my son waiting for me… made me nervous but excited… seeing my parents made me more excited too…. and to see all my gue
sts smiling.. I felt so much love and warmth from everyone! Finally… seeing my fiance — I couldn’t stop smiling! Everything just felt right, everything felt magical.
Hair : JayMar Martinez
Gown: Rosa Clara
Wedding Coordinator: Chinkie Uy and Trina V. Millan
Mafae’s experience as a professional model, international beauty pageant winner, host, consultant and inspirational speaker has given her a unique platform for self-empowerment. Her inspirational talk is designed to motivate women to look at their personal abilities and stories, so that each participant can define their Personal Brand, and leverage that towards their field, job or business. [/one-half-first]
Acie’s experience as a professional Makeup Artist and as an officer of the United Makeup Artists of the Philippines has allowed her to craft her makeup sessions in practical, applicable lessons for all women. her Personal Makeup Workshop will show women how to apply their inner confidence outwardly, through a simple makeup routine for daily use. She will give a demo-style workshop that participants can follow.[/one-half]
