MAKEUP CHRONICLES: Local HMUAs Who Do Wonders

In this episode of the Makeup Chronicles, we are to introduce you to a fresh set of talented local makeup artists who are known for their signature techniques in transforming faces into their best versions.

Earl Yuji Ortiz

Earl Yuji Ortiz took a leap of faith last year to fulfill his calling for the art of makeup, in which skills he has already started developing since he was 13 years old. He was always fascinated by seeing transformations in fantasy, horror films that he would secretly play with his mom’s stash.

“Embarking on my dream was initially a challenge because it wasn’t the career path that my family wanted for me; primarily because of the rigid gender stereotyping that exists in our society. Luckily I was able to outmaneuver those hindrances and I went to my first gig with nothing but a small pouch filled entirely with cheap drugstore makeup and a ton of terribly misplaced confidence. But I vividly remember being extremely proud of my work and feeling more alive than ever.”

Furthermore, he shared that despite all the hardships that came his way in this journey, this industry has taught him how to adapt to different situations, be a well-rounded professional, and to see how one’s passion is a very powerful force in achieving anything you set your sights into. Aware that he still has a long way to go and is a work in progress himself, he is certain he is here to stay, to improve and innovate.

When asked about his dream muses, he was ecstatic to drop names!

“I want to work with Ms. Sharon Cuneta! I think she’s awesome and I’m inspired by her success. I’d love to work with Maine Mendoza too! We went to the same college, and I crossed paths with her before. She seems like a pretty cool girl and I think we’re instantly gonna vibe. I’d also love to work with Sarah Geronimo cuz I’ve heard nothing but great things about her from my colleagues!”

Perry Sarmiento Gamboa

Perry Sarmiento Gamboa first started doing makeup when he was a volunteer for an HIV Awareness group called Love Yourself Project in Manila in 2011. Since then, his skills were discovered and deemed worthy to handle bigger personalities in the local scene.

“As it progresses, several years later after doing the series of the campaign, I was introduced with (renowned) photographer Kraus Estanislao during another photoshoot event (Love Yourself Project Open Photoshoot for a Cause). He commissioned me to partner with him for several engagements. During this time in 2014, (the late) Archibald Tolentino – then Head Makeup Artist for Maybelline Philippines saw some of the photos and asked Kraus (Estanislao) who the makeup artist was and would like to invite me to be part of his team for the Candy Magazine Fair 2014 (#CandyFair2014). It was the first time I was able to do grooming for male models and celebrities — the likes of Mark Neumann and James Reid. The fact that I do not know these celebrities back then. Archibald saw some potential and invited me to be his apprentice. I started my apprenticeship in 2015.”

Under this apprenticeship, he managed to handle a variety of clients, from corporate, academic, and even to international brands. Of course, he attributed his now success to this humble start.

Model 2 |Angela Maria Robson

“I am inspired by my humble beginnings. I never thought of having this kind of talent until someone trusted and believed in me and has honed me to be the makeup artist that I am today. The late Archibald Tolentino is one of my greatest inspirations who taught me everything I know in this industry.

“Looking back, I only have a pouch of makeup stuff while others were fully set up with all their vanity cases, a range of branded makeup products and tools. I was the person in the corner with an overnight bag as a makeup bag with drug store makeups and Divisoria makeup tools. Asking politely if they can share with me their vanity mirrors with lights.”

Her dream muses as of the moment are popular celebrities of this generation: Sanya Lopez, Catriona Gray, Anne Curtis, and Liza Soberano.

The signature look for Perry is a balanced and neutral face.

George Luces Moraca

An artist from the year 2012, George Luces Moraca does hairstyling, make-up, fashion styling, and body paints. Over the years, he has already laid his magic on several famous personalities including with Derek Ramsay, Solenn Heusaff, Carla Abellana, Aljor Abrenica, Kylie Padilla, Kiray Celis, Ella Cruz, Bangs Garcia, Tessa Prieto Valdez, Arron Villaflor, Mike Tan, Ria Atayde, Joj, and Jai Agpangan, Dianne Medina, Isabelle Diaz Daza, and Maricar Reyes.

Model 3 | Romarie Fonseca of ELITE Model Mangement Manila

“What inspires me to enter this industry is to express my creativity and inspire the aspiring artist to be courageous in using their ability to make their artistry shine in the faces of the people. I also learn a lot of things by learning it by myself and exploring my abilities by experimenting looks within myself or with my friends. I have joined an international competition called Professional Artist Cosmetics which I made into the top 20 qualifiers. As a makeup artist, I see every client as a piece to reveal their inner beauty so that confidence within them will awake and they can inspire more people.”

The secret is using special techniques, shared George. In fact, he used to mix up colors from his palettes and use them for contouring and even lipsticks. He believes in being resourceful in what he has as it serves as one of the assets in fulfilling his desired look.

Jai Murcillo

The Makeup Chronicles is the brainchild of Photographer Jai Murcillo. In fact, he has been in the field for more than seven years and has done his magic among known local personalities.

“I would always hear people say that my photos are clean and most of the time with warn tones. For portraits and travel photos – full of love, passion, and optimism.”

Jai’s love and passion for combining natural and artificial light compliment his output and he’s an admitted fan of doing long exposure on fashion and portraits.

Publisher | Richie de Quina

Gwyn Crisostomo

Editor-in-Chief | Jim Reynold Zamora

PR & Advertising Manager | Josh Austria

Produced and Photography by | Jai Murcillo

Hair and Makeup |Earl Yuji Ortiz

Model 1 | Mia Mimi

Hair |Rhoy Pineda