How long have you been a makeup artist and how did you get your start in the industry?
Well, my initial dream was to become a fashion designer. I never thought that I would end up as a makeup artist instead. My mom and sister used to ask me to help them get ready for parties and events. So I would help them with their outfit, makeup, and hair. Somehow they believe that I can do a better job than them, thus my confidence grew and I became more creative to try new things with makeup. My jumpstart in the career was the moment when a friend of mine asked me to work on hair and makeup for his project since the assigned makeup artist wasn't able to make it that day. Fortunately everyone was satisfied with the result and I continued doing makeup ever since.
What do you strive for when putting on makeup on a bride?
What I strive for is the bride's sense of comfort. I will do my best to make sure the bride feels comfortable and happy during and after the makeup. Because to me, makeup is not only putting some cosmetics and colors on my client's face, but it's about good chemistry between me and the client. It is their special day, and I need to ensure the bride's happiness from the moment she sits on my chair until she has the veil attached on her head.
You specialize in corrective makeup, what exactly is corrective makeup?
Corrective makeup is a technique to create an optical illusion on the part or area of the face such as nose, cheekbones, forehead, ears and perhaps some other parts that we need to correct – or highlight, but in a natural way and without overdoing it.
Why do some brides need corrective makeup? How do you decide which parts to correct?
To me every woman is beautiful. But on their special day, it is my job to make them look even more beautiful. How do I decide? Every face is different of course. As a makeup artist, I need to have the expertise to see which parts of the face that needs correction. When I look at my client for the first time, I already know which parts to enhance.
What could go wrong when doing a corrective makeup?
If a client wants to 'correct' her nose, an excessive amounts of products used to contour and put a shading on it would only make the nose looks even more obvious, rather than camouflaging it. In this case, I will concentrate on emphasizing her eyes instead. Once her eyes are done beautifully, there will be less attention given to her nose.
There are sometimes brides who, in daily life, don't wear that much makeup. After putting on corrective makeup, will they still look recognizable?
Corrective makeup is not always applied to change the way they look. When it is necessary some contouring can be applied to accentuate their bones structure to achieve more ideal face shapes on camera, followed by highlighting some areas of their faces for a more flawless complexion. What I do mostly is enhancing their own natural beauty, not making them look like someone else.
Who inspires you the most?
I am a huge fan of Kevyn Aucoin, the legendary makeup artist. I remember 18 years ago when I used to read his entire book in bed until I fell asleep with it. His works give me such a deeper knowledge and aspiration in makeup artistry.
Do you have any advice for brides-to-be on determining the perfect look for the big day?
Book me! Nah, just kidding. Stay in your comfort zone. Communicate and be honest with your makeup artist to help them understand what and how you would like to look on your special day. Get to know them; you wouldn't want a stranger doing your wedding day makeup, right? This will also create a bonding and confidence between you two. Also, make sure you get a makeup trial before booking. Last but definitely not the least, pick a timeless look and take the inspiration from the classy brides. Sure, having a trendy makeup and hair might seem like a cool idea for your wedding day, but don't forget that all the moments will be captured. I believe you would want to enjoy looking at all of your wedding photos in the future and not regretting anything about your hair and makeup.
You can check Phalapa's bridestory page or his website www.palapa.eu and Instagram account @palapabeatdaface for more inspiration on flawless makeup and hairdos.
