My Top 5 Pro Makeup Artist Secrets Revealed!

I have been a professional Makeup Artist for almost a decade now!  Counting those times when I was just "happily" doing my classmates' or friends' makeup?  That would be a total of 2 decades!  Prettifying boys and girls have always been a goal of mine!  I remembered saving up my allowance to purchase international magazines back then just to flip through pages after pages admiring the makeup on each model (even on ads!)  That, my friend, was pre-Youtube days.

Now that I'm living my dream prettifying people professionally.  There will always be friendly competition out there and I know I have to "up" my game to make sure I keep existing clients and get new ones!  With so many talented makeup artists out there, we need to do something right to stay in the game!  How?  By ---

1. Constant Learning.

2. Maintain Client-Makeup Artist good relationship.

3. Take care of EACH of your client like how you would take care of yourself.

Well, there's more but that's the top 3 on my head as of the moment.

As you all know, makeup artistry is not all about fun and glamour!  Well, I do look a bit more "glamorous" in the photo below taken for Biogenic shoot just because they need a profile picture of me as a makeup artist but trust me, I don't look like this at work!

During the shoot, the makeup artist in me can't help but retouch my co Biogenic-mommies' makeup.  It is as natural as "breathing" when I would automatically check the makeup of Jackie and Frances making sure they are camera-ready!  I guess, once you're a makeup artist, you'll always be one! 

I bonded with Frances over retouch and we did a bit of "beauty talk" while taking the photo (above).  Frances told me about her dry skin issues and how I deal with clients who have dry skin.  I immediately shared all my tips and tricks and realized, hey!  I do have a couple of tips up on my sleeves, so why not share it to you guys too?

NU Lady Bulldogs Photoshoot + How I Survive A Photoshoot Day Like This!

I choose to focus on Bridal Makeup Artistry especially now that I'm a mom.  Any other makeup jobs like Photoshoots always excites me!  But I choose to limit myself on that route because I want to spend more time with my toddler and you know how Photoshoots take up a lot of your time.  (Kyle Nash, if you are reading this in the future, you know how much I love you ha!) :P

But when my favorite photographer Mark Lao and Bestfriend asked me to be part of the Biogenic Photoshoot for the NU Lady Bulldogs Volleyball Team, how can I say no?  It maybe a full day away from my son but it was worth it!

Pack-up faces!

The shoot calls for very natural makeup.  There were a total of 17 girls and I partnered with fellow makeup artist Bing Castro.  (Bing, great job!)  Aeicy Cruz was the one who did all their hair!  All 17 girls!

Pinky Pink Sweet/Vampy Look for the Love Month

It's been a while since I created a makeup photo-torial and truth be told, I missed it!  Thanks to my friends from Benefit Cosmetics Philippines for requesting me to do a Pinky-Pink look perfect for the month of February!  And here's my version... and obviously, my version comes with a crazy face! :P

I have used all the products from the Benefit Fortune, Fame and Fab kit (Php3,300.00) and more!

How To Cover Dark Spots and Acne Marks

Yay for another "How To" series, this time for my dear readers who have been emailing me to learn tips on how to cover their pimple spots or acne marks.  

Thankfully, my dear client was so gracious to let me take a photo of her pre-makeover.  She actually has gorgeous glowing skin but because she is going through skin treatment through her dermatologist, she was left with marks (not scars) that is just on the verge of healing.  So, as her make up artist that day, I am tasked to make her look like herself, at the same time, cover the spots that hides her lovely face!

I personally have gone through a stage almost like my client, but most of the spots are on my cheeks so I looked like I had natural "blush" from afar.  It may sound silly to some but I almost never wanted to go to school!  I wished I knew about concealers back then! #hehehe

How To: My Birthday Look

Hi AMW Friends!  Before the 28th!  I changed my Facebook Profile picture and actually posed for my Birthday Look with my Birthday Makeup!  

Here it is!  The first photo using a toned down lip color for day time while the right side is obviously meant for Party!  YAY!

If you are interested, I've finally created a photo-torial for this look! 

Step 1: Foundation

Since I wanted a dewy finish, I chose a hydrating foundation from L'Oreal called L'Oreal Lucent Magique Light-Infusing Foundation in shade N7 blending using my damp Nippon Pro Blend Sponge.

AMW Makeovers: Dynamic Youth Beauties

Happy Tuesday!
It's AMW Makeovers once again and this time, I'm sharing the look I've done for 5 beautiful ladies!  They are celebrating 60th Anniversary for the group Dynamic Youth and it was held at Manila Hotel a couple of weeks ago!  These girls are so easy to work with as they are very beautiful even without makeup!

Don't forget to comment below on your favorite look!

Client #1

Skin type: Combination (Normal/Dry)

Request: Very natural look

Client #1 has very beautiful skin to start with, so all I did was to concentrate foundation application on key areas (center of her face) and creating the "glow" from within using highlighting powder.  For her eyes, I just played a bit of neutral browns, silver and pearl white to create "uplifted" eyes.  And for the rest of her face?  I used a peach colored blush and lipstick.

Doesn't she look like local actress Iza Calzado?

AMW Makeover: Lush Angel!

Hi Everyone!
I'm sharing yet another makeover with before and after photos!  Let me know if you like these series! 
Today, I will be sharing a makeup I did for my very good Blogger Friend, Lush Angel!  Ayan ha, may sariling segment ka Angela!  hahaha

Well, she definitely deserves a spot in this blog because aside from the fact that she is a very good friend of mine (Kyle's Ninang too!).  She is also one pretty girl even without makeup!  Photo proof below!  

Angela will be part of an entourage for her friend's wedding.  Prior to that day, she sent me a makeup "peg" and the inspiration?  Julia Barretto!

Angela chose a perfect model, aside from the fact that both of them are beautiful, Julia's makeup is usually minimal, very fresh, full of life!  And her makeup depicts the makeup look I want to create on Angela!  

(Note: I apologize if makeup won't be shown properly on photos, again, I took this shot on my own without my trustee photographer!  The right side of her face (facing you) is where the natural sunlight comes in!  That explains the uneven makeup look!) 

Lush Angel

Skin type: Oily

Request: Julia Barretto Makeup

Because Angela have very good skin to start with.  I prepped her face by using an oil-free primer to help keep her foundation to stay longer without sliding off due to her oily skin.  After waiting for a couple of minutes, I applied Cream Foundation all over her face focusing more at the center to even out some of the redness.  

AMW Makeovers: MOH and MOB

Happy Friday AMW Friends!
Today, I'm sharing an MOH (Maid of Honor) and MOB (Mother of Bride) makeover!  This is a continuation of my bridal makeup as posted HERE.

As we all know, the Bride is top priority when it comes to hair and makeup but as a makeup artist, I never forget to really take my time to prettify those people who are with her!  The special people who walks the aisle together with the bride to witness the special bonding between a man and a woman!  

I was lucky enough to prettify these 2 beauties!  One is sister of the Bride who will also act as Maid of Honor and the other one is the "blushing" Mother of the Bride, who feels as excited and as nervous as the bride!

I would like to share the newest Virginia Olsen products I got that I loved so much I brought with me on the gig and actually used it!  I seldom bring with me loose mineral makeup but because the pigmentation and colors are so pretty, I can't help but use them!  Thanks Virginia Olsen for sending me these!  The shades are perfect even on Bridal gigs!

Matrix Chairs of Change: You Can Make A Difference!

Did you know that everyday, an additional of 3,500 children in the Philippines struggle with various types of cancer?

Sometimes, we tend to be so busy with our own issues we forget how others have it even worst!  Imagine going through these nerve-wracking, painful treatment at the same time losing your hair?  Imagine how these young children feel?

Thanks to my Matrix Family (I am so proud to be an Ambassador for this brand) as they took the initiative to gather hairdressers and Filipino women to make a difference with the Matrix 8-Inch Cut for Cancer Challenge.

When I got an invite to give 8-inches of my hair, my mind says yes but my hair says "excuse me, you don't have enough of me!"  I wished I have really long hair as I wouldn't mind chopping it off!   But that didn't stop me from helping in my own tiny ways!  Thank you Matrix Philippines for inviting me to be part of this important shoot to help spread the word to other Filipinas out there!

How?

I shared my makeup expertise to prettify a beautiful Blogger friend, Jackie Go, one of the Project Ambassador.

Jackie Before and After Shoot

AMW Makeover: Bridal Makeup

Hi AMW friends!
It's another Makeover day!  I hope you like the before and after photos I show and let me know if you have any questions by commenting below!

I've done a lovely bride last Saturday and I really enjoy being part of such exciting event!  That is one reason why I concentrate more on Bridal makeup because the energy is just amazing! 

Here's my gorgeous bride very pretty even sans makeup!

Before and After Noelle

Skin type: Oily and Acidic

Request: Keep the oil at bay at the same time, make sure foundation doesn't darken on her.

I did Trial Makeup on her several weeks before the wedding.  The makeup I've done on her for trial is lighter as compared to the day of her wedding.  Well, I always darken the makeup of my brides on the day of her wedding because of the harsh lighting from photographers.

AMW Makeovers: Sisters of the Bride and Groom

Sis Mhean, as I fondly call her, is a Filipina Blogger-friend based in Singapore whom I finally met in person when hubby and I visited Singapore almost 3 years ago!  She does flawless makeup application and she's a professional makeup artist herself!  That's why when she messaged me on Facebook asking me to do her sister's makeup and the rest of her family, I had this huge questioning look: "Why me?" 

I'm touched and happy at the same time for her to trust me on her sister's most important day!  Of course, I said yes!  And it was a wonderful decision because I made new friends and enjoyed this gig so much!  Thank you so much Mhean for the trust and it was great meeting your wonderful family!

Mhean Before and After

Skin type: Combination (Normal/Oily)

Request: Natural makeup look

Mhean, of course, as a Beauty Blogger, is very experimental with her looks and she is very comfortable with strong eye makeup!  Since it was her sister's special day, she wanted the spotlight to be on her sister and go for a toned-down makeup look instead.  Her wish is my command!  I had a "fresh" makeup peg on top of my head that is perfect for her and I hope she liked it!

I prepped her skin with an oil-control primer and Benefit Porefessional prior to foundation application. I spot conceal some redness around her cheeks and highlighted her undereye area as she was tired from the trip the day before.  I defined her brows with brow powder mixing dark and light brow powders for a natural effect and used browns and beige for her eye makeup.  

I went for bronzer to keep her skin looking healthy and fresh and went for a baby pink lipstick as it is the secret to looking 5 years younger! :D  Not that Mhean looks old but nakakabata talaga ang baby pink lips!

More makeovers for the Bride's Sisters.

AMW Makeovers: Airbrush Bride

I usually advise my bridal clients that Traditional makeup nowadays can achieve the flawless look airbrush makeup can offer!  I am also confident enough that I have good makeup bases to help their makeup stay until removal!  Thanks to my past clients for always texting me after the event, I actually knew which product works for which particular skin type!  And yes, I get feedback that their makeup stays until removal!  (Thank God!) 

For today's client, she particularly requested for Airbrush Makeup and of course, her wish will always be my command!  If you think she looks familiar, well, I did her trial makeup a week before her wedding (read Trial Makeover post HERE)

Airbrush Bride: Angela
Skin type: Combination (Normal/Oily)

Request: Cover red spots and create natural-looking flawless skin.  

She also availed retouch makeup.

Before and After

AMW Reports: Guerlain's La Petite Robe Noir Event

Guerlain --- upon mentioning this name, I immediately thought of the famous Guerlain Meteorites!
But after attending an event called La Petite Robe Noir (Little Black Dress), that explains why all of us wore black that day, I learned Guerlain is more than Meteorites!  Guerlain has something more to offer, something glamorous and fascinating ---

Embodied in their newest scent called La Petite Robe Noire Couture.

AMW Makeovers: Trial Makeup For Soon-To-Be-Bride

Happy Tuesday AMW friends!

I thought having a baby would stop me from doing what I love most, makeovers! 

Thankfully, I have clients who are very understanding!  I got a call for a trial makeup and it was a Saturday where no one can look after my baby!  So off I went with Baby AMW and thankfully, he was such an angel that day (and most days) he behaved while mommy worked! 

Meet soon-to-be-bride A, A is not used to putting on makeup so I was very particular in making sure she's very comfortable on every step.  I also explained to her that Bridal makeup is a bit tricky, eventhough she wanted to look very natural (no makeup look), her face will definitely be more made up than the usual daily makeup routine due to flash photography, extreme sunlight on that very special day.

Here's my take on makeup that make her look more vibrant (aka IN LOVE) yet she still looks like herself!

Client Skin: Combination (Dry/Normal)
Request: Natural makeup

AMW Makeover: Trial Makeup For Soon-To-Be-Bride (Airbrush Makeup)

Happy makeover Tuesday AMW friends!
I'm all excited to share a Makeover I've done for my soon-to-be AMW bride!  She's a sister of a very good Beauty Blogger friend (who is very good in makeup) so I'm super glad she entrusted me!

The DAY is this weekend so a week before, Soon-to-be-bride decided to experience an AMW makeover!  I will also share some tips as I go along so feel free to ask questions on comment box below!

Airbrush Trial Makeup

Skin: Combination with a bit of acne marks.

Request: Fresh makeup that helps keep her oils at bay!

AMW Makeovers: The Groom's Room

Does this family picture looks familiar to you?
Well, your hunch is right!  They are a repeat client and this time, they have a lovely bundle of joy!  Read about their Prenup Pictorial makeover HERE.

This time, I was tasked to do makeovers for the "Groom's Side". 

Check out more transformations....

AMW Makeover: Get the Look with Benefit Cosmetics (Holiday Edition) + Giveaway

Congratulations Jan Ellaine Sy !

Happy Monday AMW Friends!
Christmas parties, gatherings are probably filling up your calendar!  I know this is the busiest time of the month and I'm sure aside from worrying about your wardrobe, you also worry about the makeup looks you would want to sport!  

Do you need ideas?  Well, I'm here for you!  I recently collaborated with Benefit Cosmetics Philippines to create 2 simple looks perfect for the holidays! 

And the best part?  After getting tips from me and Benefit, you also can get the chance to win a Groovy Kind-a love! kit. 

AMW Makeovers: A Long Time AMW Reader

Good morning and happy Monday AMW Friends!

I am excited to share my most recent makeovers done for a long-time AMW reader!  Nancy was originally drawn to my blog because of my Nail Art Tutorials, turned out, she enjoys prettifying her nails as much as I do!  Then, we ended up sharing and comparing mobile phones, then makeup!  That is how random we could get! 

After so many years, we finally had the chance to meet, and it was during her brother's most special day!  She played one of the most important role --- mother of the groom!  Though she's still young for that, I have this goal to make her  look and feel the prettiest "young mom" for the day!

Click to see more before and after photos.

AMW Makeovers: Benefit's Ladies of Benefit Lane

Happy Tuesday AMW friends!
Remember my BTS: Ladies of Benefit Lane Photoshoot post? Well, I do not have the official photos for now but I'm glad to announce that some of the photos were used in stores and some were flashed on screen during the launch or opening of Benefit SM MOA.  I am so excited to share the before and after photos taken by Mr. AMW (not official photos) and I want to thank Benefit Cosmetics Philippines for trusting me to do this job!  #VeryThankful

Before and After: Julia Sniegowski

AMW Makeovers: Bea and Claire

Happy Friday!
I am so excited to share another AMW Makeover post, I  haven't done a makeover posts for quite some time but now, I'm back with a vengeance!  I am very thankful that I still get clients even if I was "on leave" for several months after giving birth!  

I got a text message from my dear friend who's currently the Brand Manager of Silka, she asked me to do her makeup on the company's anniversary party!  Who am I to say no?  She has been very supportive of my makeup artistry and I can clearly remember the times I practice my makeup skills on her!  

It has been several years after so I'm really excited to prettify her again!

Bea has always been on a "safe side" in terms of eye shadow shades, it has always been golds and browns so that day, I suggested she gets out of her shell and try on something different, something she doesn't sport much and it's definitely a smokey eye makeup! 

Thankfully, Bea felt the same about the change and gamely asked me to do whatever I think would work for her!  It was a night event so a smoky eye makeup is perfect!