Makeup in The Gardens

Some of my favorite makeup stores have opened or are soon-to-open at the new wing at Alabang Town Center called The Gardens.

I have always loved stocking up on makeup supplies and paraphernalia at Suesh, but with my being Southbound and the first branches set in Greenhills and Trinoma, frequenting the stores wasn't possible.  Though a great deal of their products can be found online, this set-up wasn't really feasible for times when I needed supplies right away.  So you can imagine how thrilled I was when their latest branch opened 2 Sundays ago.

Another haven that is soon-to-open for makeup fanatics residing in the South is Shu Uemura.  This brand has products that I believe are more for personal use (they don't come cheap so you would want to use on self) and I favor more of their skincare and makeup remover items, but bottom-line, I am thrilled about the opening of their ATC branch!

Lovely "garden" indeed, but I could think of a few blooms to add...MAC...Nars...Laura Mercier...

Holiday 2011 Trends According to...

• Chanel Holiday 2011 Collection: Les Scintillances de Chanel - Staying true to Old Hollywood and classic glamour, it's all about subtle, glistening golden beige eyes and glossy, rouge lips. The Beige Lamé Eyeshadow and Rouge Allure lipstick (or stain) make for a breathtakingly beautiful holiday look. 

• Dior Le Rouges Or Christmas Collection - Dior gives us more seductive and smokey golden eyes with scintillating red lipstick injected with a golden powder that melts like a pigment on the lips. This look is so effortlessly eye-catching and it can be achieved with Dior 5 Couleurs Gold Edition and Les Rouges Or lipstick in Trafalgar.

• Lancome Holiday 2011 Collection - Another take on gold and red, but the gold is in the highlighter applied on cheekbones with the Golden Hat Illuminating Smooth Powder Goldenescent Glow while the red, L'Absolu Rouge in True Red, is a more vibrant shade to serve as the focal point of this look.  Seen on the hauntingly beautiful Kate Winslet are smokey brown lids to complete the look.  After 3 gold/red collections discussed, I guess it is safe to say that this combo doesn't fail.

• MAC Holiday 2011 Glitter & Ice - The name of the collection is pretty self-explanatory, but for discussion sake, it consists of high impact and marbled, pearly metallic eyeshadow pots, satin lippies and dazzleglasses (shimmery lipglosses).  Obviously, none of us are expected to wear these products the same way as illustrated (unless you will be attending a futuristic-themed party), but perhaps think of channeling makeup looks from 2000.

• Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Beaute Holiday Collection - A look that I never tire of - ultra smokey gray eyes and nude lips.  I usually prefer matte when it comes to nude lippies, but the Metallique (brownish shade) and Rose Metallique are absolutely gorg. With respect to eyes, the Noir Terriblement 5-Shade Eyeshadow is to.die.for.  They didn't make it limited edition for nothin'.

• Shu Uemura Holiday Collection by Wong Kar Wai - As expected, yet always delightful, Shu treats us to odd beauty with frostbitten eyes and contrasting shimmery, brownish red lips. The Burning in Water palette is lovely on its own, but what's a Shu look without the statement lashes?  The Dancing in Glitter Premium Edition Eyelashes are fab.  It's almost like having bits of snow crystals dusted on your lashes.

• Guerlain Belle de Nuit Holiday 2011 Makeup Collection - With a holiday collection inspired by the evening sky, it seems that Guerlain can do no wrong.  With lush blue infused in the spellbinding Le Ombres de Nuit eyeshadow quad, the Parure de Nuit powder and blush (ever so lightly for that extra translucent glow), and the 30s-inspired Nuit d'Amour (the bluish red shade seen in the collection photo below) lipstick.  This collection is nothing short of intriguing and is definitely a breath of fresh [evening] air.

The ad made use of the Flirt d'un Jour lipstick shade, which can be a softer alternative to the Nuit d'Amour shade

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I am a huge fan of holiday looks, because they mirror the milestones that occur during the closing out of every year.  Often times, my favorite brands release limited edition items that color up my annual Christmas Wish List.  Nevertheless, I don't always luck out on lists so I still find ways to pick up pieces here and there, make do with makeup that I already own and try out looks-for-less based on the most stand-out, fascinating holiday trends that I come across.  Instead of being intimidated by the [beautiful] struggle of getting each and every single product, there is no price on simply being inspired and aware.

Despite what any of our fates will be in garnering these collections, trying out these spectacularly genius ideas is still worthwhile.  Enjoy these Holiday 2011 Trends according to Chanel, Dior, Lancome, MAC, YSL, Shu Uemura and Guerlain.

Urban Opulence: The Cece Smith Premiere Collection // Sneak Peek

Yet another reason to be juiced about the upcoming Empresario Holiday Trunkshow 2011.  Naturally, I am looking forward to the prospect of rejoining the team as official makeup artist.  Even more so, I am thrilled that my good friend Agee Stella Dee will be showcasing the premiere collection for her brand Cece Smith at long last.

The brand aims to reach out to women in the metro that represent generations of rich values, strength and femininity. In fact, the line was named after (though with a twist) a woman that greatly influenced Agee and the women of her family - her grandmother.  With a lot of persistence and passion, perhaps Cece Smith will be one of the few homegrown brands that make it to the high fashion scene here and everywhere.  It shall all commence on Saturday, November 12 at M Cafe, Greenbelt 4 at the holiday show.

We recently did a shoot to give ladies an idea of what to expect.  Take a look at some bits and pieces of the premiere collection:

Credits

Models: Rita Kashinamilunda, Aian Miller, Kiera Garcia 

Makeup: Monique Jaramillo-Seneres

Hair & Styling: Agee Stella Dee

Photography: Dianna Capco

Shot on location at North Greenhills, San Juan

Women in different shapes and sizes, perhaps even backgrounds, but with the common bond of what Agee Stella Dee refers to as urban opulence.  "Representing women through generations; WOMAN OF THE WORLD".  Show your support this November and experience The Cece Smith Premiere Collection.

The Park

It's so much fun reconnecting with old friends after such a long time and being able to take your current hobbies and/or lifestyles to common ground. After years and years of not seeing my former music groupmate, Harry Javier, we decided to plan a test shoot given that he is now a photographer (he claims he is just a hobbyist, but his pictures are gorg!)

Originally, we were going to work with his friend's brand and based on the feel of the pieces, I came up with a concept based on a shoot that Ashley Olsen had done for Nylon mag. She was shot at a park and had some really easy, casual layered clothing and edgy makeup that played mostly on the eyes. I knew of the perfect location for this and you know what they say about looking "in your own backyard".  Well, it wasn't exactly my backyard, but my village happens to have a really photogenic park with so many worthy areas - from the jogging path to the playground to the basketball court, etc. I knew we could get some fun shots there.

Due to scheduling conflicts, the clothes didn't make it in time for our shoot, but Harry and I decided to go ahead and keep the concept and I styled our 2 models instead.

Here are some shots from "The Park":

Credits


Models: Eriko Megan of Yeoh Models and Edzen Pineda
Hair/Makeup/Styling: Monique Jaramillo-Seneres
Photography: Harry Javier

More photos to follow, but other shots can already be viewed at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.279172585439068.66701.138937482795913&type=1

I was very pleased with the outcome of the pics, because Harry was able to capture just what I had in mind. Makeup wasn't too crazy, but I definitely wanted to go with something very urban - so I went with a lot of smokey gray using many flicks on my blending brush with respect to eyes, rouge and strobe cream on cheeks to add color and catch the natural light and brown and berry lippies.

It just goes to show that you can find inspiration anywhere you are. Makeup artists, photographers, writers, what have you.  You can take a stroll through your village, connect with nature, go to the middle of the hectic, city streets to find something that gets the creative juices flowing.  For now, perhaps, I can lend you pieces of my inspiration - "the park".

Empresario Presents...Artists Playground - 2011 Holiday Trunkshow

This November, Empresario returns with a trunkshow featuring seven of Manila's budding fashion entrepreneurs and designers - The Aziza Collection, Ylla, Erzullie, Bonnie, Pazzy Navarro, Cece Smith, and Seven107.

I am, on so many levels, proud to be a part of this team's movements once more as their makeup artist. Their full-on efforts to provide a platform for artists and entrepreneurs to exhibit their works is truly admirable. I keep saying this over and over again, but I honestly believe that there are so many great talents over here that have internationally competitive works.  They just need the proper promotion and support.  It is amazing seeing Filipinos make names for themselves worldwide and Empresario operates in furtherance of this vision.

Now, on to makeup talk. As you may know, holiday collections are all about lush, opulent colors and textures.  The same thing applies to makeup really. When it comes to runway, artists often opt for intense, gray smokey eyes and deep red lippies or perhaps brown and golden smokey eyes with bold, chocolate lippies. In other words, eyes and lips are equally bold and rich over clean, flawless canvasses.

I have a few ideas that I'm fine-tuning at the moment and I am still undecided on color palettes (hence, the absence of color in my draft seen below), but I have come up with an eye makeup technique that I've been trying out and am nearly set on using for my team. I feel this somewhat avante garde style will look gorgeous on the runway, (trust, it looks even more alluring on a model's face) enough to make a statement from afar, but not so bizarre or loud that it would take focus away from the clothes.  In fact, the full effect is really seen up close.

I have roughly 3 weeks to finalize my look so between now and then, I'll be testing out palettes and possibly even other looks. Nevertheless, I can't wait to share documentation of this momentous event and of course a completed template with products and techniques used for all of you.

See you on November 12, 2011, 7:00pm onward at Museum Cafe, Greenbelt 4 for Empresario's Artists Playground - 2011 Holiday Trunkshow!

Seductive Sights & Sounds: The Sultry DJs of Sari-Sari Sounds

Believe it or not, it's not often that the 2 passions in my life are able to coexist.  That is why the shoot that I did for online radio station www.sarisarisounds.com was doubly special - it was a full day of makeup and music for me.

"Sari-Sari Sounds is a brand new online radio station that plays nothing but Original Pilipino Music round the clock, all week." Shot on location at Victoria Court, Pasay (think what you want, but the rooms are highly photogenic), the concept took a modern spin on Old Hollywood and naturally, was very provocative. Designs consisted of slinky silhouettes, hair was oh so glam and sculpted, and makeup [on the ladies] was strong on the eyes and the lips.

Here are some of the photos for your viewing pleasure (some of which were launched last October 5, 2011 at Bond):

There is something just so enticing about Old Hollywood glam. I can never tire of its style, aura and of course makeup.  Paired with subjects that serve as major eye candy and it's a makeup artist's dream come true.  If you like what you see then guaranteed you will also like what you'll hear. Tune in to Sari-Sari to experience the sounds from these seductive sights.

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• Makeup tips on eyeshadows and techniques as well as red lippies used on different these lovely ladies based on skin tones coming soon...
• Log on to www.sarisarisounds.com to view schedules, read up on blogs/news, and to tune in

Photo Credits


Photography: Dianna Capco and Raymond Fabul
Makeup: Monique Jaramillo-Seneres*
Hair/Styling: Agee Stella Dee
Designers: Hot Young Designers, Sassa Jimenez, and Sheryl Viernes-Vicente
*Makeup on Michelle by Patricia Milanes

Makeup for Chaos & Confused Weather

I know it's been a minute since my last post and it's mostly because I haven't had enough idle time in the past few weeks to drop lines for everyone.  From makeup jobs (which I am either not allowed to post pics of yet or do not have the official photos for yet) to projects (one very significant makeup-related project I will be unveiling soon) to preparation and execution of my son's birthday weekend (yes, it was a series of fun celebrations); busy, busy, busy.

In effect, I haven't really come across anything particularly new in makeup and beauty this month.  However, that doesn't leave me empty-handed as I write today.  I figured I would share information connected to what I've been through lately and I'm sure you can all relate.

Basically, for my son's main birthday celeb, Hubby and I took him and close family members to a full day at Enchanted Kingdom (for non-Philippine based readers, this is our humble take on a theme park FYI).  Let me tell you that it was one chaotic day. First of all, lines were insane due to the fact that it was a weekend crowd plus several different schools had chosen to do their "family day" all at once.  Can anyone say body heat? Then of course, we had to deal with the schizophrenic weather ("I'm blazing hot" "No, I'm raining cats and dogs" "Uh uh, I'm blazing hot").  Which leads me to my topic for the day: makeup for chaos and confused weather.

Here are the products that I packed for EK:

Olay Total Effects w/ Cooling Essence - Some people don't like Olay moisturizers, because they're more on the heavy side, but this one is water-based and light in texture.  You feel a mild, cooling sensation along with quickly locked in moisture, slight pigments to cover imperfections and of course active agents to protect against the sun and signs of aging. Great for any skin.

Max Factor Facefinity Compact Foundation (in Natural 03) - I skipped on concealer and instead relied on my trusty compact which provides ample coverage and also has SPF15.

Just can't shake my infinite love for Facefinity

L'Oreal True Match Blush in Golden Apricot - For a modest amount of color and sparkle that wouldn't battle with natural flush from the heat.

L'Oreal Double Extension Mascara - Somehow, I prefer using this compared to waterproof mascara, because at times, even waterproof formulations smudge from extreme weather situations or lashes tend to lose their shape in the humidity.  Whereas, the conditioner (the white side) of the tube acts as a sort of extra hold gel on the lashes.  Therefore, when mixed with the actual mascara, lashes take shape (even without a curler), stay curled, and mascara only comes off when rubbed off (you can feel an almost glue-like texture when you rub your lashes in between your fingers with water or product).

Mentholatum Lip Ice - A little shimmer, a little moisture and sunscreen. 

Paul and Joe Moisturizing Mist - Spritz. Ahhh.

Tony & Guy Dry Shampoo - No one wants sweaty scalp smell right? 

• OFF! Lotion - Does that count as a beauty product? In any case, didn't want to take any chances with mosquitoes.
• Rubbing alcohol - Definitely not really a beauty product, but still very necessary!

So there may have been a few items that I could have brought along like actual sunscreen, but fortunately, it didn't stay scorchingly sunny for long periods of time anyway.  With respect to the products I did bring, well, the point was to maintain a decent look, hygiene, and protection from weather conditions.  Besides, I find it weird when ladies look all made up at active spots like theme parks.  I like to be a bit more realistic when it comes to beauty for these types of outings so I skip things like filling in eyebrows, lipsticks, eyeshadows, eyeliner, and the like (even the most amazing fixier sprays can't save those when you get soaked on the water rides!).  A simple look also poses as less of a hassle when it comes to touching up, because mind you, not only do the rides have crazy lines; the bathrooms lines are equally crazy.

Now I'm not sure that any of you are planning to make similar trips in the near future, but the holidays are just around the corner so you never know.  Nevertheless, I hope this information helps in any way possible for other hyperactive happenings. Have a great week ahead!

The Run-Down on My Runway Makeup

Credits
Fashion Show Photography: Art Alera
Backstage/behind-the-scenes photos: MJ Izon and Edzen Pineda
Assistant Makeup Artists: MJ Izon and Nybie Ng
Hairstyles: LuxAsia team
Fashion: Dimple Lim/OHM Playground
Accessories (jewelry): Anica De Guzman for LAURA
Accessories (bags): Reshma Chulani for Trosseau


Last July 27th, I was blessed with the opportunity to creatively direct and exhibit my makeup style for a spectacular trunk/fashion show called Empresario.  The event also featured the works of some of Manila's freshest, most impressive entrepreneurs from different art fields like Art Alera for photography, Raoul Olbes & David Rapaport with Vice Ink Tattoo, Anica De Guzman with LAURA for jewelry architecture, and Dimple Lim with OHM Playground for fashion design (to name a few).

When hearing the word "empresario", you'd assume that it is just a fun spin on the word "impress", but it actually means "entrepreneur" in Spanish.  Nevertheless, what these entrepreneurs did do throughout the whole planning and launching of the event, was truly impress me.  So you can imagine how nervous I was trying to keep up with these guys.  With an amazing team, though, and a whole lot of confidence building from the Empresario organizers, I was really happy with the overall makeup presentation.

Here are some shots of the models as well as my exhibit space at the launching night (Note: apologies for the order, blogger isn't quite working with me today):

There was a brewing typhoon that day so the wind kept blowing my tarp around

Profile done by Empresario Manila

Some of the models backstage before changing into first outfits

The stage and a portion of the exhibit area.

To give a little run-down on my runway makeup, I was (and still am) obsessed with the trending metallics seen everywhere in fashion and beauty so I decided to make use of bold, metallic eyeshadow in an almost mask-like manner.  In order to make a full impact for the show, my team and I agreed that strong eyes and strong lips would work.  So we paired the dramatic eyes with lush, berry lippies.  I figured with the exception of the eyes, my look and how to achieve the same is pretty explanatory.  Therefore, I will provide just the products used on the eyes and steps on how to achieve the same.

Here are all the products that were used for eyes:
-L'Oreal HIP cream shadow paint in Witty
-Gun metal gray eyeshadow from the Coastal Scents 88 matte palette
-Black eyeshadow also from the Coastal Scents 88 matte palette
-White eyeshadow from Makeup Forever
-Clear tape
-Thick false lashes
-L'Oreal Contoul Kohl Eyeliner in Black
-L'Oreal Liner Intense (liquid eyeliner) in Black
-Silver glitter glue

Now, steps on how to recreate my look:
1. Place clear tape from below your upper lash line until your hairline
2. Then get another piece of clear tape to place from the tip of your eyebrow tail also to your hairline so that it meets with the tip of your other piece of tape in a > shape
3. Paint cream shadow over your whole eyelid until your brow line and within the > shape
4. Extend cream eyeshadow downward on sides of nosebridge
5. Contour eye crease using the gun metal gray shadow and blend outward along the lower piece of tape
6. Add some smoke to the corners of the eyes (I did not apply the usual techniques on eye types and instead enjoyed seeing the same effect on different eyes) using the black shadow and again, blend outward along the lower piece of tape
7.  Line eyelids with liquid liner, but do not add "wings"
8. Place thick, false eyelashes and re-line as needed
9. Add "jewel" accents on the cream shadow in the nose bridge area/corner of eyes (it is up to you how many you would like to put)
10. Line outer to middle of water line with kohl eyeliner and lightly smudge
11. Finish off with white shadow along the brow line and under the inner corner of water line

There you have it. Obviously, I wouldn't expect any of you to try this look out on a regular day, but it is definitely something fun and whimsical to see at special events or for concept shoots/shows. I'd like to reiterate how jittery and scary the idea of putting myself and my ideas on blast was at first, but now that the event had settled in my mind, I was ready to share.  What I would truly appreciate is feedback on this look for improvement purposes in the future and of course, photos of your adaptations if ever.

Thanks and enjoy! <3