Trial Make-Up Adventure

I started early, since make-up is as important as the food (PG kasi ako) and photos (vain kasi ako).

I was advised by ALL brides to make sure I do trial first. It is, according to them, an indispensable requirement. But being the very practical girl that I am, I do not want to "trial" for trial's sake. So I thought of all the occasions ahead and decided to do trial only when Im attending an occasion.

During the very early stage of our preparations, I personally met with Ms. Charisse Tinio, owner of Niceprint/Exige (btw, she's the first one I booked, wala pa kaming definite date, church and reception, SYA NA!)  I asked her a Boy Abunda question: "Ms. Charisse, since you're the one behind those cameras, who for you is the best make-up artist based on the photos you print?"

She thought long and hard. She gave me three: 1) Toto Bagamasmad; 2) Mickey See; and 3) Albert Kurniawan.

Thereafter, the next occasion was my cousin's wedding on 24 March 2012 but Mickey See was her MUA na, so di ko sya na-try. However, I still communicated with him and learned how steep his TMU is, PHP6,500. I asked Albert Kurniawan and learned din that he charges PHP7,000.00. I was aghast, ang mahal ng TMU nila, hindi ko naman magiging kamukha sina Kristine Hermosa and Heart Evangelista respectively. On the other hand, Toto's TMU was reasonably priced at 3,500, but he was not available on that date.

My (future) sister in law, Earl suggested Lourd Ramos, a very fab salon owner of "Creations". He's very humble, given his 18 yrs of expertise in hair and make-up. And yes, he is THE Smashbox Ambassador to the Philippines. We clicked and chika-ed a lot. He charged me, PHP3000 for TMU. Here are my photos:

My mom super loved my make-up. Batchoy liked my MU too. But my cousins at the wedding thought that my face looked "matapang". So I thought of another TMU.

The next occasion was St. Dominic's college graduation (16 April 2012). Good thing, Toto was available (and willing) to do my face, even at 6:00 a.m. Oh by the way, I have good friend in DOLE (Atty. Tin Ambatali) who got married on 3 March 2012, Toto was her MUA in her wedding and prenup, and she only had good things to say about him.

Toto arrived at our house just on time. Note: he did not get lost, and I LOVE people who are on time. He started spreading his armory and I did not bother to look at his make-up brand. I simply trusted his fingers and hand. Yes, no sponge. With him are Ruben (the hairstylist) and Dyosa (the assistant). Ruben was equally unique on how he can softly twist and turn my hair. Dyosa on the other hand, knows what to prepare, set-up and of course actively assisted the two. Here are my pictures:

I'm more comfortable with how I looked with Toto's make-up. And I guess the fact that I got too many compliments in my FB page helped me decide na SYA NA!

I am glad that it only took two trials for me to decide. YIPEE!