Basic make-up workshop

I HAVE just discovered the joys of being a girly girl, of dressing up, of grooming properly, and putting on makeup. Imagine my excitement when I received an invitation to join a 3 Day Basic Make-Up Workshop at the Fashion Institute of Design and Arts (Fida).

I was a bit hesitant to committing three whole days to just learning about make up. But I quickly realized it wasn’t a waste of time at all.

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The workshop was facilitated by the talented Archie Tolentino of Maybelline Philippines.

Archie began his career as a Make-Up Artist 10 years ago as a pioneer of Bench Fix. He continued on training under the best makeup artists in the country such as Juan Sarte, Alex Carbonell, and Barbie Chan. He has also worked on various ad campaigns, magazine and fashion shoots.

Archie began the workshop by asserting that the magic of makeup is not in the products that one uses but in how one uses these products, whatever brand or materials they are made of.

He explained that the workshop will give us a deeper understanding of makeup, when and how to use it, and when to stop using it. He emphasized on propriety and the best uses of makeup.

Day 1 of the workshop was dedicated to knowing the history and background of makeup. It also emphasized on proper skin care and how important it is to follow a strict regimen in taking care of one’s face.

Day 1 also included a discussion on the tools and materials in makeup application. We were shown different brushes and applicators and how these are properly used for various make up items.

We were also told that art supplies and craft materials can also be utilized for makeup application.

Archie also touched on Color Theory and the Color Wheel and showed how it can be used for better understanding of makeup.

The most interesting part of Day 1 was the discussion on Bases. Bases refer to foundations, concealers, and powders. The different forms, types, and uses of bases were shown, and its corrective uses were demonstrated on my very visible eye bags. I was amazed at how refreshed and well-rested I looked after just a few seconds of application of the right base items on my face.

After the demonstration, the rest of the participants were tasked to use different bases to hide their imperfections and highlight their good features. Everybody was skillfully guided by Archie throughout the process. And we were all happy with the results. Remember, as Archie asserts, the application of base make up does not always mean a full foundation on every inch of the face.

We were definitely off to a good start. Day 2 continued the creative process of proper make up application.

Day 2 started off with a lecture on the proper care and cleaning of brushes and applicators. It also touched on the proper storage of makeup items.

Day 2 of the workshop touched on eye makeup: discussing eye shadow, eyeliners, brow grooming, and mascara. Most of the discussion centered on how to best accentuate the eyes based on face shape and eye shape.
It also touched on some basic artistic eye makeup techniques such as the uses of white eyeliner, making cat's eyes, and multi-colored eye makeup. The proper shades of eye make up to match face shape, skin color, and occasions were also shared by Archie.

The proper application of blush on followed next. What was a relatively easy step was made more interesting with the lesson on contouring the cheeks and highlighting facial features based on face shape.

The last part of Day 2 of the workshop was the use of lip color. Archie imparted practical tips on using different kinds of lip color and finishes. Archie earned even more praises from the group after he demonstrated the proper way of underdrawing and overdrawing to make one's lips look proportional and more even.

The last day of the workshop was dedicated to practicing everything that was taught and learned in the first 2 days. Archie further worked on the newly-acquired skills of the participants by guiding them as they applied on themselves the makeup tips and tricks that Archie had imparted.

It was definitely a very educational workshop that gave new skills and confidence to the participants. The important thing is, according to Archie, not just making you beautiful through color, but making it seem effortless and practical.