BEAUTY TALKS

Describe your signature beauty style.

My editorial style is mostly inspired by runway makeup. It was and still is my first love. Even though I don’t see myself as a fashion designer anymore, I still love watching fashion shows. Currently, I’m also inspired by John Galliano and Pat McGrath, and as much as possible, I try to veer away from Instagram trends. I also exert extra effort in making the eyes stand out because it’s the first thing that people see. For celebrity makeup, I describe it as elevated natural beauty.

How did you cultivate a close relationship with your muses?

I realized, working with celebrities, that glam time is their time to relax; the moment I finish their look, it’s time to work. So as much as possible, I want to give off a very calm and trusting energy so that they are themselves around me and we can talk about random or personal stories. In return, I don’t tell anyone what they told me while they’re on my makeup chair.

How has your beauty style evolved through the years?

My goal has always been the same, and that is to enhance beauty. As I go along in the industry, I also want my art to keep on improving.

Is there any dream beauty look that you would like to do in the future? For whom?

For a long time, I wanted to do a very editorial makeup on Rei [Germar] that has no foundation, no curling of lashes, no mascara, and just painterly makeup. I’m happy that I was able to do it for this editorial. What I love about working with Rei is that she gives me 100% freedom in what I want to do. Initially, I was concerned because working with influencers and celebrities is different. After all, they have a fan base, and that fan base expects a certain look from them. However, with Rei, she reassured me that she was not doing this for them, but she was doing this for me. It shows that she really cares and trusts me.

What is your most crucial piece of advice to aspiring makeup artists?

My crucial piece of advice to those who want to be a good makeup artist is that you have to be mentally and physically prepared. Not everyone’s going to like you and your work and that’s okay, that’s part of it. Always be open to opinions, criticisms, and suggestions, and never stop learning. Most importantly, always remember that your dreams are valid. No matter how big or small it is, they are always valid.

What about the local beauty industry do you like best?

What I like about the industry is that it’s much bigger now and is composed of a lot of new and upcoming talents. What I don’t like about it is that there is still toxic competition, when in fact, we should all be united.