Backstage Drama

The numbers speak volumes: 20 designers who collectively came up with more than 90 catwalk creations, a five-man makeup team, an impressive number of models brought together from seven batches in the 20 years the Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) has been redefining the ideals of Philippine fashion. In celebration of their 20th year, the PMAP held a gala celebration at the Peninsula Manila that was grand enough to encompass all these and the hundreds more who came to offer congratulations.

Backstage, however, two names reigned supreme: Scott Barnes and Francois Nars, the two makeup brands that were chosen to exclusively glam up the faces of each and every one of the models involved in PMAP’s 20th anniversary show with Rustan’s Essenses as a major sponsor.

These two maquillage brands, each one a creation of a top, A-lister-beloved makeup maven, are exclusively sold in Rustan’s Essenses and have caused their own stir among Manila’s most demanding chic set. Francois Nars, famous for his glossy how-to books, edgy colors and three-in-one Multiple sticks, has been a name to reckon with in Manila’s beauty circles for quite some time. The brand’s latest holiday collection boasts bronze and copper eye shades, sparkly nude cheek color and rosy lip shades.

Scott Barnes makeup, however, is a newbie in the local scene but is also gaining momentum from its shimmery palettes and luscious lip colors. Scott Barnes, its creator, made a name in the fashion and entertainment industry with his signature trait, The Glow, which Barnes equates with “expensive, jet set, naked and healthy.”  Incidentally, he is the man responsible for J.Lo’s transformation from dusky Latina to radiant, nude-lipped goddess. He has also created picture-perfect looks for the likes of Beyoncé Knowles, Lucy Liu and Gwyneth Paltrow.

Armed with these two makeup brands, local maquillage great Patrick Rosas and his team played wizard, concocting a vision of sultry elegance. Eyes were dark, smoldering and heavily rimmed (Nars’ silky shadows and Scott Barnes’ shimmer-heavy Eye Ice take full credit) to complement translucent, slightly-flushed skin. Lip color varied: shocking reds on the bold and daring, barely-there pink tones on those who wanted a more subtle runway outing. Scott Barnes‘ luscious mascara completed the heavy eye makeup.

Hair and makeup application went on smoothly, done amid endless prattle, compliment exchanges, loud ribbing and louder greetings, especially among the señoras who hadn’t seen each other in years.

When it was time to raise the curtains, however, all the prattling stopped and each mannequin, regal and enticing, stepped up to the stage, their best faces forward.

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