Mama’s Favorite Lip Liner
Before I knew anything about fashion, I knew my Mama.
Growing up in a small province, I was always a curious child. I liked observing people, looking at their clothes, watching how they moved, and even listening to the way they spoke. For me, everything was new. But one thing that always excited me the most was seeing my Lola, whom I call my Mama, go to work with her unique sense of style. For her, there was never a dull day.
A Fashionista by Heart
Mama turned our street into her own personal runway every time she stepped out of the house. She would wear her matching flowy top and pants with her iconic 3-inch wedges and, of course, her striking red lips. Not to mention her pixie burgundy hair.
Every day was a new style for her, and she never failed to amaze me. She had over 20 pairs of different types of footwear: wedges, flats, sandals, stilettos, and even dancing shoes for cha-cha. She had custom jewelry for every look, making her outfits even more eye-catching. One thing I loved most was the pop of color her outfits always had.
Gay Kid
While Mama never seemed afraid to express herself, I grew up in a family where being “macho” was the norm. For my family, there were certain standards as to how I should present myself as a boy. I knew from the very start that I was a gay kid. I liked colorful things, styling my sister’s dolls, and even playing mother in Chinese garter.
But because I was afraid of not being accepted by my family, I had to stay in the closet. During those years, my Mama became my hope, someone I aspired to be when I grew older. I held on to that hope, and in many ways, I still do.
An Outlet for Fashion
When I eventually moved to Manila to pursue my passion for the arts, I brought Mama’s fearless approach to fashion with me. I carried what I learned from her into the way I dress and the creative work I do.
For me, she became a big part of my craft. She showed me that there was nothing wrong with being soft, vibrant, expressive, and unapologetically myself. Fashion became one of the ways I could express those parts of myself, and in many ways, it became an outlet for my creativity and self-expression.
Forever an Avon Diva
Mama was always a big fan of Avon brochures. Many of her things, from her shoes and bags to her cosmetics, came from Avon. She would even give us new bags and shoes before the new school year started. That is how I remember her: kind, loving, and always chic.
So, when Mama passed away in 2022, we sorted through her things. And guess what we found? Mama’s favorite lip liner: an Avon Ultra Glimmerstick Lip Liner in Red Brick.
Holding it made me realize that nothing in life is truly forever. Everything and everyone will eventually come and go. But some things stay with us because of the memories attached to them.
For me, Mama’s favorite lip liner is more than just a makeup product. It is a small piece of Mama that I get to keep. Every time I see it, I remember the woman who turned our street into her runway, who never shied away from color, and who unknowingly taught a little gay boy that there was nothing wrong with being himself.
She is, and will forever be, an Avon Diva.
