Makeup class with the master

Dear rissa,

Where can I go to learn to apply makeup?  I am not talking about department store makeup counters.  Are there professional makeup artists who conduct hands-on classes?  Will such a teacher also guide me in choosing the best way to apply makeup for my personal facial features? I am a 50-year-old mother of two teen-agers.  I have been applying makeup for 30 years, but I don’t think I’ve truly developed the correct technique for lining and blending. I hope you can help me. 

Liza

Most women are confused and intimidated by makeup. When I first started modeling 10 years ago, I hardly wore any makeup. The only thing I knew how to do was curl my lashes, put on face powder and lip gloss. I did not even own a single makeup brush then! Yet I’m the type who likes to experiment. Over the years, I’ve had my share of disasters and discoveries with makeup and beauty products. Point is, you shouldn’t be afraid to try something new — you might like it! Remember, makeup isn’t like a bad haircut. You don’t have to live with it. You can always wash it off. And when you’ve washed off those mistakes, you equally arm yourself with a new lesson learned. Nothing can be more empowering than experience.

After 10 years of modeling, I’ve also been very lucky to work with some of the greatest makeup artists in our country. With their help and just observing their makeup and how they applied it during photo shoots and fashion shows, I’ve learned a lot of simple tips that work for real life.

The perfect makeup artist who can address your concerns is Xeng Zulueta. I met Xeng many years ago and though I was new in the modeling industry then, she was always so open to answering my curious questions about makeup. Unlike others, she was always willing to share her knowledge and talent. After countless shoots and shows together, she has now become a very good friend. A favorite of many celebrities and fashionistas, Xeng has done countless magazine covers, print campaigns, TVCs, and weddings. With training from London, LA, and Japan under her belt, this freelance makeup artist now offers private, one-on-one sessions NOT for aspiring makeup artists, but rather for those who would like to learn to apply makeup on themselves. Whether your concerns are proper concealer application, eye shadow application, choosing the right foundation, or applying makeup to suit your facial features, she can help address every woman’s makeup worries. Sessions are anywhere from two to four hours and she can accommodate up to two persons at a time, by appointment only from Monday to Thursday. Depending on which is more convenient for you to go to, you have two locations to choose from for your sessions — One Lafayette Square in Salcedo Village, Makati or The Makeup Studio in San Juan. While chatting with her at one party, she shares that some clients would come in pairs such as mother-daughter, sisters or best friends. Apart from teaching insider tips and tricks, she suggests to clients that they bring all the makeup they own so she can also advise them on what to toss, keep, and buy to update your look! Not only do you learn makeup from the expert, you also learn to edit and streamline your makeup kit! “All you really need is one session to get a routine going. What others do is they will take a refresher session around or before the holidays to update their kit and their look for the coming season, such as holiday makeup, for example,” Xeng explains.

For inquiries and appointments, call +63915-983-6581, or visit http://xengzulueta.multiply.com and http://makeupstudioteam.com/blog.

Rissa

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Shimmer and Shine

Dear lucy,

What is the right way to use bronzing shimmer? When is it best to use a matte version?

Lester

I like using shimmer, a very light dusting of it, on practically naked skin. It gives the skin a natural-looking radiance. But please use a fluffy brush and sweep on strategically — across the forehead, the apples of the cheeks, a little down the nose line, and the peak of the chin. Always pick a shade that is colorless or at the most, the same color as the skin. Anything darker will make you look dirty and untidy. Try the Mineral Veil from Bare Minerals or Chanel 4 Facettes bronzing powder, a compact that comes in four colors arranged in strips that seamlessly blend into each other. Nars in albatross works great, too.

Going matte, on the other hand, is always a good alternative, especially if you have oily skin and you want to look really polished. Matte bronzing powder has to be applied evenly across your entire face though. The happy thing is you do not have to choose just one or the other, you can play with both and have fun with the different effects both can create.

Lucy

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RX for crow’s-feet

Hi, ms. Tingting!

I am in my mid-30s and I have tried several products, including Obagi partnered with Flawless in-house products, but I did not get good results. How do I get in touch with Dr. Cervantes or Dr. Val Herbosa for DermaPrin, which I read before in your SOS column?

Leah

DermaPrin, I love this cream recommended by Dr. Val Herbosa. Dr. Val Herbosa holds clinic at the Makati Medical Center. You may call Maybelle, the secretary, at 817-0523.

I used to interchange DermaPrin with Sisley and Biorica. DermaPrin is a highly concentrated moisturizer that gives the appearance of reduced wrinkles and fine lines known as crow’s-feet. It also helps in the prevention of premature wrinkles all over the face and neck. It’s super!

Tingting

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Send e-mail to tingtingcojuangco@yahoo.com, ltg@pldtdsl.com, and stylesos_rissa@yahoo.com.