We know beauty: Barbi Chan talks about colors, airbrushing, and SM

A master of colors and shades, Barbi Chan, has explored the world of makeup artistry for the past nine years. And her sense of adventure has led her to SM Beauty — where she has discovered many beauty must-haves and finds. For her, it has become a place that she can always rely on.

MANILA, Philippines - She started working on her amazing brushstrokes when she enrolled in Makeup Designory in Los Angeles, California. Being the artist that she is, she wanted to learn more, so her next step was to finish a course in airbrushing at the Dinair Airbrush Institute, another makeup school in Los Angeles.

To further advance her craft, she flew to Milan and trained at the Up To Date Academy; then headed straight to Makeup Academy in Munich, Germany; and the MAC Airbrush Training Beverly Hills in California. She also trained at The Powder Group and the Pamela Taylor Makeup Academy, both in New York.

Barbi is known for her great passion for makeup; and her work in print and television campaigns, as well as personal events, have received raves. Her first big break was when she was signed up as the First Asian Makeup Artist for Maybelline New York. This was followed by an overwhelming award as the Makeup Artist of the Year (US Girls Yearly Fashion Award). And then there were countless fashion shoots and the like.

She says that being a makeup artist is really interesting. Continuous training and working with different personalities has helped her broaden her horizons and improve herself more as she goes along.

“I have learned many things along the way,” she says. “The importance of passion, hard work, and creativity. I have also come to realize that it is important to have a good relationship with the people I work with.”

Beauty is best, she believes, when it is natural. “Looking natural does not mean no makeup, it means using the right products and always investing in your skincare regimen,” shares Barbi.

SM Beauty has been a part of Barbi’s life ever since she started out as a professional makeup artist. “It’s a place of many amazing cosmetic finds,” she says. “And much of the stuff I get there is part of my professional beauty kit.”

Here, Barbi Chan shares with us her beauty tips and favorite picks from SM Beauty.

Worth the splurge

“Go for the products that are economical, but at the same time also look for those that are made with good quality. Makeup is also an investment and it’s important that you invest in ones that you can use most of the time.”

Beauty secrets

“A very good eye cream and sunblock are a girl’s best friend. If you have good skin, you can get away with a barely-there makeup, so spend on face cleansing products too.”