If there's the expression "God Bless America," for me, I'd have to modify it as "God Bless The Internet and W@W" because I've been getting inquiries for trial makeup and weddings. Weddings are both challenging and fulfilling for me since they require a keen eye for detail, speed, and super documentation in order for the bride to look extra-special and extra-pretty yet still look like herself on her wedding day and it's also fulfilling to be part of someone's special day. In fact, when I tried out for my teaching position at CAS, I chose bridal makeup as my demo subject. :) Heehee

One bride-to-be is Jossie. Jossie online seems like a fun person to talk to. Online pa lang yan ha. She also has a pretty smile which really lights up her face as I've seen her in their weddingannouncer site. She booked me for trial makeup last Saturday. Good thing she showed me her Weddingannouncer.com site (I advice all B2Bs to have this site!) and I saw the motif, the church, and other necessary details of the wedding. Since her motif was fuschia and bronze, I immediately thought pink and brown for the makeup scheme as I was going through my face charts.

Anyway, Jossie arrived with her husband-to-be, Ron in my house (they drove all the way from Cubao to Las Pinas!). I would not have known Jossie had nada sleep since she was bubbly as she was online than she is in person. Anyway, I gave Jossie a natural look for her makeup. My love for sunshine seems to reflect on me having very sunshine-y brides as clients. Jossie is another cheerful, sunshiney, happy bride-to-be!

This is without falsies as she said she's not comfortable with them so I enhanced her lashes with my big guns of mascara. Lips are neutral, shiny, and moist but not too glossy since I don't want her intimidating Ron during the time when the priest says, "You may now kiss the bride." The gloss is actually fuschia, I just used little amount. :-)

For her hair, since she would be wearing a gown by Michie Calica, I wanted Jossie to showcase the details of the gown and put her hair up in a chignon (and also to show that makeup!).

And here's an eye detail of the second look I did on her, it's slightly smokier:

We decided to go for the first one as it's more natural and makes her look like herself still. All of us were pleased with the results!

(Cross-Posted from my LJ, looks like marami akong kasabay in the industry as well. :-) )

Exactly a year ago, July 9, 2007, I entered a building that would change my life forever for better. There I was, in my jeans, shirt, and sneakers. I looked like an ordinary student save for the plum-green smoky eyes and waves clipped back. I handed my medical exam to the admin and then in a few minutes, along with 13 other girls, entered a classroom. My life is about to take a 180-degree turn. I have traded my high heels (although I hardly wear them) for flats. My office attire has been replaced by all-black clothing and I lug a makeup mallete along with my purse. I wear dangling earrings instead of a headset. Makeup brushes and my eye for detail have replaced the PC and I have a huge vanity as a workstation instead of a messy computer table. 

It has been a year that I left the world I was accustomed to... the "safe" world of a regular employee for the adventure and unpredictability of the world of a freelance makeup artist. I had 2 months of intense and rigorous training. I was being praised, critiqued, reprimanded, name it. I worked twice as hard. If I'm not in school, I'm at home studying, researching, and practicing.

After those two months of intense training, I was in a roller-coaster journey. i had my photoshoots and the frustration of "when am I going to start getting paid". I've had my share of heartaches, flaky clients, clients who don't show up... the list goes on and on. I've also had my share of controversies, just like any makeup artist. Yet despite these setbacks, I still went on my career. This is what I've always wanted and I know I'm good at and there's no turning back and nothing should stop me.



I can't believe it's been a year already. In this year, I've handled photoshoots, fashion shows, done makeup for personal clients, set up a pro website, taught people. inspired people, and now I'm doing the challenge of weddings. I've had my face plastered in broadsheets.  I've got my own fan base (and still get giddy and excited everytime I get comments na, "Your work is amazing!), met new people, and done makeup for a magazine. A former colleague told me, "It seems you found na where you belong."

Isn't it funny? I've went from an aspiring doctor to the gray area of the BPO industry and right smack into something I've grown to appreciate, be proud of, and love.  But I like that twist of fate. What I love about it is that I'm not just a regular employee turned makeup artist. I'm a makeup artist, a writer, a blogger, a teacher, a model, a life coach, and mentor rolled into one. If anyone were to ask me, "If you were not a makeup artist, what would you most likely be?" My reply is... " I can never think of anything else". I'm happy here and I feel that I've found my niche. I belong here and I'm home. Okay, maybe I also would not mind working for a major cosmetics brand too. :D

This year marks a very specia journey for me, a journey I've loved despite the many rough patches it has. To those who have helped me grow... my special thanks to you. And here's to a fruitful career ahead!

During the time that my computer and Internet were both busted (sinusuwerte naman oo...), I received a text from a girl named Aimee Borsoto inquiring about my wedding rates. Apparently, she got my contact information from Louise, my first-ever "real bride" who's booked with me already, I replied also and we exchanged texts. Then I also found out guess what... her sister, Cheryl, was my teacher in Comm 1 way back in my UP Manila days. Heeheehee... o diba? Super small world. That was 8 years ago! (Teka teka... nahahalata ang age)

So I talked to her on the phone afterwards and I asked her what look she and her fiancee wants, the time of her wedding, the motif, etc. Since it would be a morning wedding, the look is supposed to be fresh and pretty. I also asked if she would be comfortable wearing false eyelashes (the natural ones naman) and she said na she would rather not. So, we scheduled a trial makeup in one (kikay) Saturday afternoon.

So that Saturday, they went to my house - Aimee, Archie, and guess what? Aimee's Ate Cheryl, who was there to take pictures. Cheryl is also a photographer and these pictures here are courtesy of her (No grabbing for any purpose whatsoever without her permission okay?). Archie was also super funny and making us kulit all the time. He even posed for a few pictures na look good as prenup pictures.

O 'diba?

I  gave Aimee what I call my rendition of one of my favorite bridal looks, inspired by MAC Cosmetics brides, sticking to classic, muted colors that make her look fresh. For her hair, Cheryl wanted her hair up and I could not agree more since when I saw her dress sketch, there was intricate detail at the back and I wouldn't want it covered nor would the designer. Classic bun is always the key (and a lot of hairspray, pins, and hair wax).

And the finished product:

Left: Aimee before the makeover. Right: Aimee looking like a radiant bride

More pictures at (http://aimeelin.multiply.com/photos/album/8/One_Kikay_Afternoon_#1). All photos by Cheryl Borsoto.

Doesn't she look pretty? I think so too!

Sino sya? (Photos by Ryan Fernando, Mac Ares and Joel Lao)

Tadaaaa.... Here she is!

Me!

You can see more at this album at my personal multiply site:

 http://thejavajunkie.multiply.com/photos/album/186#

with the complete credits. :) This is a preview

It was so much fun to model and it was such an honor to work with talented artists. I would love to model again (but I don't do nudity or super daring concepts) but of course, I'd love it if I do makeup too at the same time. :)

Thanks guys for giving me another opportunity to work my magic in front of the camera as well as behind it.

 

With the trend on everything being earth-friendly and organic from clothing, accessories, food, and makeup, it's no surprise that skin care ought to follow the trend as well.


Skin Hour, a new skin care line would make our environment-conscious friends and also our skin happy with its organic ingredients made from plants

"cultivated without the use of any fertilizers, pesticides; as ingredients."

so there are no chemicals to harm the skin, which is what some girls with sensitive skin have. I'm trying out the cleansing oil, mattifying day cream, toner, and moisturizng night cream and here's what I have to say:

• The Deep Cleansing Oil is miracle in a bottle. I've been a cleansing oil convert since I feel that it feels better than the conventional cold cream, whatever brand it may be. It's less sticky and it could remove all my 7 coats of mascara, waterproof gel liner, bronzer, or whatever trace of makeup or muck. And it's so easy to use. Just massage some on the face, then rinse off. If you're OC like me, follow with facial wash.
• More on the cleansing oil: It feels so cool and minty on the skin. Also, it's great in cleansing your lip brushes, liquid liner brushes, or foundation brushes or synthetic brushes after using the cream- or wax-based products if you really want to get the gunk out.
• The Mattifying Day Cream smells fruity and feels light on the skin instead of heavy and greasy. Great way of saying bye-bye oily skin on a hot day.
• For an extra pampering on the skin before I go to bed, I use the Moisturizing Night Cream, which has a hint of a sweet smell. Again, their creams are lightweight and safe on sensitive skin.
• Girls who are sensitive on scents would be pleased that there is only a hint of a light fragrance instead of heady perfume-y scents. Mattifying day cream smells citrusy and fruity clean for that energizing lift.
• Astringent-phobes who need toning and tightening would love the Clarifying Toner. No stings, no owies, no scents, and it feels almost like water instead of alcohol. Sophie of KikayKits loves this!

And with conviction, my skin has not been raw or red when trying a new product. It was welcoming it well. Looks like it would want to embrace a healthy lifestyle. For those who want to try first, you can order at http://skinhour.multiply.com. BTW, Skin Hour is not just for girls, it's also for guys. Since they are available also in gift packs, girls who would want their boyfriends/husbands/brothers/friends to graduate from the bar soap-water-lang ritual to something more pampering can give these as gifts. And not to worry, there's no girly packaging that macho men would be intimidated at.

(cross-posted from Baklitaan)

After a week of no net, I'm back on track to do more stuff! wheee!!!!!!!!!!!

So i'll get by all your inquiries as soon as possible. :)

And do watch out for my birthday blowout promo!

Another pretty client! Michelle is an oriental beauty with perfect skin, a nice smile, and lovely eyebrows. When I saw her I was like, parang masaya sya makeupan! Actually, she is. Even without a trace of makeup, she actually is pretty. She'll be attending the wedding of her boyfriend's brother so she has to look extra-pretty. Michelle though specified one thing: no fresh look since the fresh look washes her out. Although super smoky eyes are not an option, I came up with a subtle smoky eye for Michelle.

From simple girl, Michelle is all-glammed up. I lined her eyes with gel liner and put falsies on the sides. A swipe of lilac gloss and she's good to go. Since she's wearing a strapless dress, I let it show by pulling her hair up in a poufy bun a la Sarah Jessica Parker. :)

Michelle sure looks pretty and doing makeup for her again sure would be a joy. Maybe red lips? Or the clean look?  There are lots of looks that could fit Michelle and if she were to model for me, I'd definitely be honored. :)

Once upon a time, Stephanie was invited to attend a wedding and she was up searching for makeup artists to do her makeup on that day. With the blessing of the Internet search engines and Multiply.com, she somehow reached my page and inquired for my services. At that time, lil ol me was in an Internet coffee shop in Glorietta taking a break from my usual mall strolls. I saw her PM and several text messages later, she was booked.

Coincidentally, the day of her booking is also my birthday, and technically, I got a birthday wish, which was a project. Before the meeting, I looked at Stephanie's personal multiply page and looked at her pictures. I saw her bear resemblance to Christina Ricci. When I met Stephanie yesterday, I noticed she had such a nice smile and bubbly personality. I love the way she lights up the room with how she laughs. I wanted to do makeup that would radiate that personality in her while keeping it glamorous.

 I gave her a simple look that makes her look fresh and elegant at the same time. Sheer foundation, peachy cheeks to match her dress, a coral lip topped with orange gloss, and shimmery coppery shadow. I defined her lashline with bronze shadow and lined it with dark brown liner. Falsies were added to emphasize those eyes and I topped off her look with my secret weapon of a shimmery compact to give that dewy youthful glow. For Stephanie's hair, she requested to leave it down. I set her hair in rollers then iron-curled each section. I teased the crown for height and pinned it back. I got this from Thalia's look during a Victoria's Secret event.

I really am happy with how Stephanie looked and she texted me how she got praises with how she looked as well.

Whenever people find out that I'm a makeup artist and teacher, I get questions on what makeup should we start off with, what's the best everyday look, or what not. It's a fact that there are still many girls out there who still have the wrong techniques, or simply want to learn makeup for personal application. I've also seen makeup kits that have too much of stuff they don't need or too little. Actually, if you look at my collection, it's a whole lot, but that's just me. :) For personal use, you don't need like, an entire mallette. You  can just stick to the basic, dahling, and then go branch out if you want more. 

So, I came up with this article here in the blog section of my website to give a guide when you want to start makeup shopping for your own "starter kit" - for personal use of course.

1. BRUSHES. Brushes, dahling, brushes! If you must invest, invest on these. No matter how expensive the makeup is, if you have nada brushes, the makeup just won't do. Now I'm not saying go for the most expensive brushes, there are affordable brush sets for personal use that work just as good as the expensive ones. So how about the brushes that come in compacts or the like? Uhm... no. There are makeup brushes with superior quality without breaking the bank. Makeup artists have Suesh brushes (available at http://suesh.multiply.com). The bristles are soft enough and blend enough pigment. I personally love the eyebrow brush and liner brush and the powder blush brush that works smack to create that glow. A 16-pc set costs Php 2,500 but it's really very useful. And darlings, take care of your brushes! Wash them after use.

2. Foundation. Foundation evens out the skin tone creating a perfect canvas for your makeup. Depending on your skin type, you use different fondas. I prefer light liquid formulations during hot days (like Maybelline Aqua Gel or Shu Uemura Face Architect Liquid Foundation) or I go for mineral makeup when it's really hot but still can't leave without makeup. Whenever my skin feels dry, I use a cream formulation (my favorite cream foundation is Paul and Joe Moisturizing compact #30). Mature skin can benefit from an age-defying formula. Choose also foundationt that exactly matches your skin tone. We Filipinos generally have a warm, yellow-toned complexion. To choose foundation, wear something white. Test your fonda on the jawline and see if it disappears into the skin. Also, to know if you're acidic, walk around a bit and wait for your skin to release its natural oils. If the foundation gets darker, you might want to adjust your fonda to a lighter shade. Also, ask the makeup artists on the counter to help you.

3. Powder. Powder sets the makeup and prevents it from sliding. It also helps eliminate shine. Just like foundation, choose powder that closely matches your complexion. I prefer pressed over loose powder because it's less messy and it's great for retouches. My favorite pressed powder is MAC select sheer pressed powder in NC30 or NC35.

4. Blush. Blush creates a natural glow and gives you that color. On days when I'm tanned, I go for bronzer to enhance that glow I got from the beach. I like peach colors but pinks work for me as well. For those who are prone to rosacea, you might want a beige or peach tone as pinks will just enhance the redness. Powder formulations are the easiest ones to work with. If you use gel or liquid blush however, I suggest applying it before powder and after foundation instead of powder first to avoid a blotchy appearance. Dahlings, what's the universal favorite blush that is perpetually sold out in makeup counters? NARS Orgasm.

5. Concealer. I almost forgot! Concealer hides those nasty dark circles and blemishes for a photofinish look. In concealer, it's best to get it as an exact match to your skin tone as a lighter concealer will just enhance the imperfection or cause those yucky raccoon eyes. For dark circles, I recommend an illuminatig liquid concealer. Blemishes can be nixed with cream concealers. When to apply concealer? I sometimes apply it before foundation for severe discolorations but slight ones can just be remedied after foundation, if needed.

6. Eyebrow makeup. Eyebrows! Eyebrows! Eyebrows! I'm obsessed with them. the eyebrows frame our face. My absolute favorite eyebrow pencil is by Paul and Joe, since they create natural contours without looking harsh. See my eyebrow makeup post for ideas.

7. Eyeshadow. In buying eyeshadow, look for a brown pallette first, since browns never fail us. Eyeshadows have lots of colors to choose from. I have eyeshadows in different shades from bright pink, red, blue, smoky black, brown, peach, green, orange, yellow, gold, silver, etc. In eyeshadow, powder formulas are easier to work with. creme formulations can crease. I do have cream shadows though, but I use them as base for my powder shadow. For eyeshadow, have a lid color (a medium shade), a contour color (a darker shade), and a browbone highlight. If the contour color intimidates you, try the lid color and the browbone highlight first. Apply a lid color from lashline to crease (the hollow of the eyes) and a browbone highlight on the browbone and blend where the two colors meet.

8. Pencils - Eyeliner and lipliner - eyeliner defines eyes. Dark brown is a classic color, as black can be too harsh. Lipliner prevents dark lipstick from feathering, especially for the chicas who love red lips - LIKE ME!

9. Mascara and Eyelash Curler - another obsession of mine. In my kikay kit, I have 3 eyelash curlers - a heated one, a mini one, and a regular one. I also have 2 mascaras with me - a lengthening and volumizing one. But again, that's me. You're okay with one mascara and one lash curler. I suggest a waterproof one for days when you need it but do rest your lashes from waterproof mascaras by a regular mascara. For lash curler, get the Shu Uemura Lash Curler if you must.... It's the best there is. A budget-friendly lash curler that creates those nice fringes is Fanny Serrano Lash Curler. I have both, I love both.

10. Lipstick - I started my love affair with lipsticks when I was 13, and it stuck since. I love lipsticks. They just give that pop of color on the face. A neutral pink or brown or beige is great to start off with. However, I believe too that every woman must have a tube of red lipstick. I love red lipstick - it's a simple and effortless way in upgrading day makeup to night makeup. Don't think that red is just for mestisas. There's a red for everyone. Just look around for your shade or whattheheck, play around and mix shades of red. It's believed that Gwen Stefani's famous red is a combination of  6 shades.

So that's off to start with. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask me. If you do spot me hanging out in the makeup counters, you can approach and ask me questions. For the girls who want to get started with makeup... This is for you. :)

Practically if you're in the Fashion Industry or a lover of fashion, the much-awaited culminating activity would be Philippine Fashion Week, which happens bi-annually. I always see the pictures in magazines or newspapers and all I did was ooh and aaah at the designs, how beautiful the models are, and how creative the makeup and hair team is!

I dreaded eyebrows. I used to shy away from the brow part since it was my main weakness and I'm not alone.  Alot other people I know hate eyebrows as well. Sad as it may say though, eyebrows are crucial in makeup.  For one thing, they frame the face and it somehow "completes" it. Do makeup without eyebrows and it's practically like, uhm...cheeseburger without the cheese.

Even if anatomically speaking eyebrows may be a teensy fraction of the face, it actually can alter the mood and expression, depending on its shape, color, or volume. Depending on the technique, product, or shade used, eyebrows can make a person look differently or convey a different mood. Take a look at these photos for example..

As you can see, that's the same eye with the same eye makeup  but if you notice, they both look different (I got this idea from Kevyn Aucoin's book Face Forward, with Isabella Rosellini as the model.  Here, I use my eyes). The filled-in brow (right) actually makes the overall expression stronger than the subtle, casual brushed-and-gelled brow (left). So, there you go with the product used. if you want a natural look, just brush with gel. If you want more definitaion but subtlety, use powder to fill in. If you want uttmost definition.. whip out those pencils, girl!

Also... notice the difference:

The brow on the left is a filled in brow... and see how stronger it is than a naked brow? It's cool to note how a tad of definition can change the overall appearance.

Now don't get scared, ladies. Here are some tips for the kilay-phobes out there!

1. Get those eyebrows groomed. Nothing else says clean and put-together trhan a pair of well-groomed eyebrows. For brow virgins, you can get a professional to do that for you and if you're just as scared to pluck them yourself. Ask a friend whose brows you love where she gets hers done. TIP:  I prefer threading or plucking as opposed to shaving, where regrowth is slower. I get mine done professionally then maintain it using tweezers. If I need a "booster," I just go back to the partlor.

2. Maintain those lovely brows. After major brow manicuring, it's now your job to get that perfect arch maintained. Ask the brow aesthetician how to maintin them. Pluck stray hairs when you see them. Soon you'll get used to it.

3. Color - the rule is: the brows should be 2 shades lighter than the head hair color, not darker. Black is too harsh and aging and can make a person look older than she really is. We can't go wrong with a light blond shade. Also, it's safer to get a lighter shade (try MAC brow shader in Walnut or Paul and Joe eyebrow pencil in #04) and build gradually than  harsh shade. Another tip: blond mascara looks great with those summer blond hilites. The look is gentle but not fake (try MAC brow set in Sophisticated).

4. Find a technique that's yours - whether it may be simply lining the brow or a bit of powder or throwing the big guns of eyebrow pencils... just practice and see which one looks great on you.

5. If there is no arch, don't force an arch. Keep brow shape natural. The best brow shape is what nature gave you... all you need is just to keep them clean. Fill in brows where they ought to be, not where you want them to be.

6. To make waxy brow pencils stay put, dab some eyeshadow/eyebrow powder (same way as setting foundation). For eyebrow colors that tend to get red, neutralize with a brown with a green undertone like Elegant Minerals in Khaki. The result is very serene and subtle.

7. Less is more.  Apply less product first and build on as you go. It's better that way. trust me.

So that's it for brows! Hope all you girls learned a thing or two. I promise, once you get the hang of it, you'll love brows as much as I do and start playing around them. Practice with your weaker side, and see what techniques you have. :)

 

Maritess is positivity personified. Her personality is just pure sunshine when I met her for the first time, I was immediately drawn to her big smile and welcoming personality. I sat down for consultation with her on what look she wants for her wedding. She wanted something natural, wearable, and something classic. She was drawn to Lana's picture (lovely shots courtesy of Stanley Ong) so I had an approximation of what look she wanted. She also wanted her hair down and set in loose waves since her hair had natural curls. And a cardinal rule - no red lipstick and no thick foundation.

As I did her trial makeup and hair on her, she showed me pictures of magazines. I was drawn to an ad with Francine Prieto as a model, which had warm bronzes, taupes, and browns as a color scheme and another ad in a bridal magazine done by one of my favorite makeup artists. I made a hybrid of the looks, and for hair, i just set it in benders and let it loose and casual. Then, we decided to do some alterations and we came up with a better look:

For the hair, we were inspired by Marian Rivera's look during the last episode of MariMar (her wedding), where the top part was pulled back and we worked on her natural waves. We stuck to an orange-y apricot blush to suit her morena skin tone and coral lips to match with a tad of skintone color. Eyes were basic browns with lots of mascara and I lined the eyes with dark brown liner to define them and contoured the crease with copper and blended it well. Her eyebrows, I just filled in sparse areas with a brown pencil and dotted powder to fill in and set the brows with brow mascara.

Maritess is fond of matte finishes on the lips but to make them look lush and moist, I prepped them with lip balm and used lipstick in a creamy finish. I think matte is also a good choice because aside that it looks so naturally sexy, it's less intimidating.

We both loved the look!

Once during my down days I received a PM from a girl who wanted to inquire about my makeup service for weddings. Apparently, I was referred by her friend who was searching at multiply for makeup artists and admired my work. After exchanging emails, we set a date for a trial makeup but a car mishap prevented that from happening until today.

That girl is Louise. Although I did bridal before, that was for bridesmaid makeup, guest's makeup, and also a model who posed as a bride. Louise is my first real bride since she's set to get married this September to her boyfriend of 5 years. She currently resides in Hongkong but she shuttles to Manila. When I finally met them personally, it's hard to believe that they're together for 5 years... they're still in their honeymoon stage. Clearly in love! So Louise, being my first bride had to look extra-special on her wedding day

I'm not a risk-taker with colors, especially for brides. For my brides I want fresh, clear skin, peach cheeks, kissable lips for the "You May Now Kiss The Bride" Moment, and a radiant glow. After all, we only get married once in our life! Classic is good. Louise's ideal makeup was natural lips but slightly dramatic eyes (remember, in bridal makeup, the more classic the look, the better)

And so, here's our transformation:

Louise has perfect skin to begin with and cheekbones waiting to be noticed.  I gave her a natural look with drama to the eyes. Her motif is yellow and orange, which are warm, sunset-y like colors so warm colors and a glow is just apt. :)  I pulled her hair back to make it neat and she prefered a chignon since the gown would be having intricate details at the back that had to be shown.

I cant wait for her wedding on September when I get to be her makeup artist. :)

Gorgeous...as they always are. And events are always fun with friends... Here's Sophie of Beautynomics.com....

Interview by Liee Lozano for Baklitaan

Being as it is that she is the face of our beloved Baklitaan, I'm sure many of our readers want to know some things about me. And it is also to address our own vanities that we decided to interview one another heheheh...

I have known Bambi for about two years now. We first met through my now-boyfriend (who has her former officemate), and it was actually through a Livejournal account that I first got to know her. And then the numerous comments on each other's Ljs followed, coupled with hours and hours of YM chatting. It is from one of those chats that the seeds of Baklitaan were planted and nurtured. So folks, thank YM for this blog. :-)

Over the shared love of makeup and coffee and a lot of other things, I have become friends with this baklita and is one of the closest friends I have. She is one talented makeup artist who works hard and definitely deserves the best that this profession has to offer. Her dedication shows through in whatever she does, be it in writing, be it Baklitaan, be it modeling, be it makeup. There is no bullshitting about her, she is who she is and has her own opinions. This is why we're friends. She has a good (and pretty) head on her shoulders, is generous in doling out makeup tips and advice, and is a crazy makeup junkie. Without further ado, here is my friend and partner in crime, Bambi de la Cruz:

Art, fashion, trinkets – we both have tried our hands in these things (and still do, by the way), how did makeup came about?
I think when I was young, I remember my older sisters getting makeup sets from my grandma from the U.S. and I see them putting it on. Of course, it was attractive seeing all those colors and my aunties were good in putting makeup themselves so I’d watch them when they taught my sisters how to put makeup on while we were in the U.S. I had to my play makeup set and pretend that I actually had makeup while playing with them. I also had Barbie dolls so I loved dressing and making them up with the toy makeup that came with them. I had my first, REAL makeup when I was 13 – I remember it was the brownish-red lipstick trend of that time. O ha, san ka makakakita ng 13 years old na naka ganung lipstick? But I never thought of it as a career up to high school because I was focused on becoming a doctor then (I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from U.P. in 2004) but I just like makeup and clothes. I also did makeup for our school presentations in college since I didn’t want to go onstage or have the gruel of practices. Actually, at that time hindi ako ma-makeup sa sarili ko. At most, I’d just wear lipstick and pressed powder but that’s it. Pero at that time, I knew in my heart na that I didn’t want to pursue medicine. I didn’t know what was for me then but I knew medicine wasn’t for me and if I push through with my NMAT and med school applications just because masasayang yung bio degree ko, it was just wasting my life more with a career that I didn’t like. All I knew was I liked makeup, fashion, magazines, and theater. So I worked for a while in medical transcription. Basically, the job did make use of my Bio knowledge especially my electives, Parasitology and it was something that I could use to fund my shopping sprees and all and I still had time to go out after office hours. It was like I think 2-3 years ago when I stumbled on YouTube, ABB, and LJ communities. Somewhow, during all these years accumulated for me loving makeup that na-awaken sakin na eto na ang gusto kong career. I guess it had always been there, from the start that my sisters would put Chinadoll makeup on me …. Kelangan lang magising. So in a way, you were a part of it na rin.

How was your makeup school experience? Is it really a necessity to become a succesful makeup artist?

Makeup School? Probably that was my highlight in the year 2007 and one of the best birthday gifts I ever had (It was my parents’ 25th birthday gift to me). It was a wonderful experience. I met a lot of new people, had a great instructor, and learned many new things – like how to contour, and how to apply false eyelashes, how to do different looks, etc. I also learned the discipline there is in the industry. CAS (my makeup school) is a very good school. Bo (my instructor) really pushed us to do our best. I remember him always stressing on blending and eyebrows. Of course the downside is that since I’m back to student mode, I’m poorer than what I am when I was working since I was subsisting on allowance and savings. I also learned the lesson in humility since there are lots of people who are better than me – to think I was already writing and giving beauty advice na. Actually, makeup school is important but if you can’t go to makeup school, there are also ways in learning. You should practice and educate yourselves through books, internet, magazines, stuff like that. Makeup school will help us a lot with our techniques since there’s an instructor to guide you, plus the social networking. What I’m saying is that if you have the means to go to makeup school, then take it. If you don’t, self-study first and then go to makeup school when you have the chance.

What is your favorite makeup style to do on people, say, for events?

It depends on their preference, really, like their comfort level on makeup. Sila naman ang magsusuot eh, so I have to consider their opinion. For me, it’s more of enhancing their best qualities rather than changing the face by layering on foundation or pagpilitan paputiin ang isang tao when she’s morena. I want my clients to look like a best version of themselves, parang “Oh, I just feel gorgeous today.” I also like red lips – It’s such a sexy, classic color that never goes out of style. Of course, I always love a pair of gorgeous, clean eyebrows.

You have such great skin. How do you keep it that way?

Uh, a good set of DNA I guess, since my mom has good skin. However, good skin isn’t just based on genetics. You have to maintain it too with proper skin care. I never forget to cleanse my face even if I’m really tired and most especially after wearing makeup the whole day. I use Ponds or Walgreens Cold Cream or when I’m too tired, Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil (I love it!). I carry with me baby wipes so I can remove my makeup when I’m out but I feel that makeup has been sitting too long in my face then cleanse when I go home with my favorite facial wash (I use Pond’s, Dove, or L’Oreal PureZone). I also add vegetables and fruits to my diet (like a cold glass of Big Chill) and take my vitamins. I try to get a good night’s sleep when I can and exercise- I’m into Pilates and yoga. I’ve quit smoking already and it’s one of the best beauty tips I can give ever. So girls, QUIT BEFORE EVEN STARTING! Yung natipid niyo sa kabibili ng yosi, ipambili ninyo ng makeup or treat yourself to a massage. I’m obsessed with sunscreen, thanks to my friend, Charles, especially that summer’s coming up. I always put sunblock on my face, neck, chest, arms, or whatever exposed part of my body is to the sun. I also use makeup with SPF. Lastly, I carry with me a pair of sunglasses to prevent wrinkles caused by squinting from the sun’s glare. Oh, and never pick on a zit, even though how yucky it is. I’ll talk more about skin care in future posts!

Why is it important not to shy away from less expensive makeup brands?

It’s sad when I see someone scoff at drugstore or Asian brands because they cost less or find them too bakya because they’re missing on a lot of good stuff. Not that I have something against luxury brands, because I do carry them and promote them. It’s just that there are some products out there made from our local shores. I’m telling you, I still shop at SM, Landmark, and Watsons and I just go crazy with Php80 blushers and Careline loose eyeshadow powders. Besides, most of the Asian brands are tailor-made for our skin. Besides, the key to a good makeup artist will always be on his or her skill, not just on the products s/he carries. Kung maganda trabaho mo kesyo Ever Bilena yan or Avon or Lancome ang gamit mo, magaling ka. Basta don’t snub them out. Try ka lang ng try. Kaya nga may testers diba?


And speaking of makeup brands, what are your favorite makeup brands?

Oh my, there are so many! Naku Liee, uumagahin tayo nito kakasagot eh! Everytime I go out, I try out products and then evaluate them (thank God for testers). As in mabuwiset na ung counter sakin kasi ung testers nila todo testing talaga pero minsan di naman ako nabili. So okay, I love lots of favorites. For Asian brands, I go crazy over Face Shop’s skin care, Freshian Volumizing Mascara that add oomph to my lashes without making me look like a drag queen, and lipsticks. Elianto maganda rin ha for starters. Ever Bilena has an amazing line of eyeshadows, blushers, and bronzers that really flatter our Pinoy skin tone. Oh and their lipliners are fabulous. Php50 lang yan ha! I also stock up on Fashion 21 and Nichido smudgy eyeliners and Avon Mascara. Oy try the Fashion 21 lipliners na waterproof – they’re just Php39.00 each! Fanny Serrano has an amazing eyelash curler and pigmented eyeshadows plus yellow-toned concealers. For the luxury brands, winner pa rin ang MAC. I’ve been a MAC fan for years! Shu Uemura has the most amazing skin care line there is. I love, love, looove their cleansing oil, UV underbase (#01), and their lipsticks. Their eyeshadows and blush are so pigmented and they really last you. Of course, we all know about the famous Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler and I am proof to tell you how amazing it is. It’s a good investment. I’m also loving Paul and Joe for their packaging and incorporating skin care to their makeup plus their mascara and eyebrow pencils are really wow! Make Up for Ever I’m beginning to fall for their waterproof makeup. I also love L’Oreal Paris’ True Match Foundation and Maybelline Mascara. I just bought a bunch of stuff from NYX and I’ve my own collection of mineral makeup. I have no exclusive favorite. Oh did I mention the Beauty Bar and Sephora brands? Oh okay, there are more questions to answer.

Which makeup artists whose work you admire?

Here in Manila, I’m a big fan of Jigs Mayuga, Erica Paredes, Juan Sarte, Xeng Zulueta and my mentors – Bo Vicencio and Nina Dumpa. Xeng Zulueta is one makeup artist that has inspired me to strive to succeed and dream big. I have the Cosmo article where she was interviewed taped to my dreamcatcher. I’m very fortunate to have met her during Shu Uemura’s Workshops. She’s an amazing person and very down-to-earth despite her success. That’s how a makeup artist should be – no matter how successful you are, you should always be approachable and friendly. Abroad, I admire Bobbi Brown for her signature clean look and of course, the late great Kevyn Aucoin. I guess every makeup artist admires him. He’s the god of the makeup world nga eh!. I have 2 of his books – Making Faces and Face Forward. Those are my Bibles. Craig Ryan French of Paul and Joe is another one of my favorites and also the legendary Mr. Shu Uemura.


What are your plans for the future? Come on, spill.
Talagang spill ha? Of course I’d want to succeed in my career. I’m still starting and I wanna go on full throttle. I plan on continuing my quest for learning, probably another makeup school for more advanced courses like airbrush or body art. I also want to travel soon para naman magkalaman ang passport ko - hahahaha. I also want to teach in a makeup school, just like my instructor Bo. I want to share what I have learned and help a budding makeup artist fulfill his or her dreams of a rewarding career. Of course Baklitaan will continue, and I won’t stop writing. Oh and that big bag of money to drop from the sky and to my lap – right now (hahahaha). I also want to write for a magazine, kahit contributor or maging feature makeup artist. Movies, TV, commercials! Naku lahat gusto ko na! Go! Go! Go!

What are your plans for Baklitaan?

To make it bigger, better, and bolder. Actually, I never thought that Baklitaan would be such a great site when it started as something like, “Magsulat nga tayo ng blog nating sarili” while we were chatting during work. Now we have fan mail and we cover events. I still get kilig when people ask us questions or when we get notes at our chatterbox saying “This is such a cool site!” and stuff. But really, these are really proof that we’re doing a good job and naiinspire tuloy ako magsulat pa. So for Baklitaan, more posts, more features, more sponsors, and more great things. So sa readers namin, keep on patronizing Baklitaan! O ha, shameless plugging. Plus the long-term goal is for us to launch a book a-la Bobbi Brown. Naksss! Umaambisyon!

And how about your modeling, what are your plans on that?

Modeling siguro paminsan-minsan lang, but not really my main career. You see me doing model shots, though, but it’s more for the experience since I really want to concentrate on makeup and writing. Modeling for me is a tool in helping my models pose and also, to get the feel of being in front of the camera so naiintindihan ko rin yung trabaho ng model. Saka just in case in a shoot for example nakulangan ng model, “Hello! Here I am!” Of course I wouldn’t complain about the lovely pictures as an outcome. When I see those I’m like, “Wow, that’s hot!”.

As a makeup artist who is just starting out on her career, what have you learned so far? What lessons can you share with other girls/boys out there bent on makeup as a career?

Aside from makeup? Lahat n’yan nasa practice. I mean you might have memorized Kevyn Aucoin’s books and have enough expensive makeup na pwede na pang-collateral sa bahay pero if you don’t practice, bali wala rin. That’s what I advise to the fan mail I get from our readers who ask me pano bam aging magaling na MuA. Also, like any other career, you have to love what you’re doing in order to succeed. If you think becoming a makeup artist is the fast-track to cash, that’s not true. It’s a lot of hard work. Gapang rin ano. Being a good makeup artist is not just learning to shape eyebrows or blend perfectly – you also need to be a good businesswoman (or businessman). Be wise about choosing clients and deals, weigh rin the advantages versus the disadvantages. Keep ourselves educated and up-to-date with trends via the World Wide Web and magazines para hindi parati panahon ng history books natin ang trabaho natin. Also, it helps to share what we have learned. Wag tayo magmakasarili - gift yan satin so we should share it. We’ll be rewarded a thousandfold. Also, another trick dress well for events and the like – para hindi ako magmukhang utusan. At dapat rin, even if beauty industry tayo matuto tayo maging cowboy rin tayo at wag na masyado mag-inarte. For example, sa location shoot mag t‑shirt, jeans, and rubbershoes na at we should not be afraid or squirmy about getting down on our hands and knees to do makeup pag walang upuan – dapat kahit na anung sitwasyon, nadedeliver ang trabaho ng maayos at mabilis. Aba eto ha, mga photographers nga dumadapa para makakuha ng magandang anggulo eh! Oh ang haba nito ah, you think I should just write an article about this?

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And of course, you can always find out more about Bambi by checking out Baklitaan, and her pro makeup site at http://makeupbybambi.multiply.com./

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photo credits: Paola Aseron, Lana Macapagal, Owee Salva Gemma Javier, Paelo Pedrajas, Tony Santos, Erick Suliguin, Magda Zeevi, and Nova Zeevi. :-)

Do you have an event where you want to look fabulous? Are you getting married or celebrating your debut soon? Then have me beautify you. 

I offer hair and makeup services at these areas: Las Piñas, Alabang, Paranaque, and Makati.  I also go to the Fort, Ortigas, and Mandaluyong areas for an additional transportation fee.  People from the South can also go to my house here in Las Piñas and have their makeup done here, especially if your function is within the area. Trial makeup for bridal/debuts can be done here as well. Whether it be a party, a wedding, or an occasion where you need to have your makeup professionally done, I'll be there and make sure you look your absolute best. Aside from weddings and debuts, I also do makeup for photoshoots, fashion shows, and other events.

I love doing makeup since I feel that I've helped someone feel and look good while having fun at the same time.  I love doing bridals and debuts as well - since these are two important milestones in a woman's life and being part of it is just exhilarating. I love the smile a client has and how she appreciates my work.  While at it, I also share tips and tricks on how to create a simple look themselves, like if they're clueless about a new makeup that they bought or what-not. For my makeup style, instead of piling foundation or changing a face entirely, I like to keep a fresh and natural look - a look that the wearer can feel comfortable with and a look that makes her look just like her in an "I-just-woke-up-gorgeous!" sort of way.

In conjunction with this, I also offer makeup lessons for personal application.  We can meet up in a place together with a group of friends (A whole group of girls and a lot of makeup, ain't that fun?).  I can teach a maximum of 15 persons. I see some of my friends have a lot of makeup but have no idea how to use them, so this lesson will show you how you could maximize your stash and create a makeup that suits you - an everyday makeup for the office, or school, and adding some oomph with color so you can take it on the special date with your honey. This is great if you want a different kind of bridal shower or birthday party. Also, I can teach young girls how to apply makeup on themselves for prom, sophomore night, or graduation that will look absolutely great without making them look too "grown-up".  Who knows, among these young girls could be a budding makeup artist.

My sessions and lessons are guaranteed to be a wholelotta fun.  I love to talk, to have fun, and I always like my clients and models to be relaxed and just have fun instead of being all stiff and intimidated.  If I got your fancy, holler me a PM, send me an SMS, or email me.

In the meantime, have fun, stay gorgeous, and let's go makeup! Who wants to be pretty? We all sure do!

(Cross-posted from my Baklitaan post on 02/28/08)

by Bambi C. de la Cruz