Menchu Draws a Fine Line

Proving that putting make-up on and experimenting is not a frightening concept, professional make-up artist Menchu Ouano shares that what she loves most about it is that it boosts one's confidence most especially when it is applied properly.

"My passion for make-up started in my early 20s, when I was living in Los Angeles," she shares. "Before that, I found it very annoying each time I had to put make-up on, I just didn't like the fact of having to remove it at night before going to bed. I was working for AT&T back then and I just couldn't understand why my sales were so low in comparison to other employees. Then, one day it clicked! Every single woman that I worked with had make-up on, and lots of it too! This was when I started experimenting with different colours. My confidence was boosted and so were my sales."

Equipped with the right amount of knowledge and make-up tools, Menchu trained at Make Up Forever in Manila, having earned a certificate in basic and advanced make-up. During her spare time, she also broadened her horizon by watching videos on YouTube by Danni Sanz. "I was obsessed with the MAC range, I just adore all their colours from blush, eyeshadow and lipstick as well as their false eyelashes," she says. "But overall, I love make-up, its colours and changing my appearance."

Since applying make-up is a very precise craft, Menchu shares a make up tip - to always apply a primer (you can use this as a moisturizer) for a more natural look, then to add a little bronzer on your cheeks to make you look sun-kissed and add a healthy glow onto your skin, as well. "Do not also be afraid of putting colour on your eyes. I have noticed that a lot of people tend to stick with brown or blue to be on the safe side but do try to make them match your clothing, it usually turns out very pretty. I myself am a fan of purple eyeshadows."

It always brightens Menchu's day when she sees the great results on her clients' faces! It truly is rewarding.