I started this blog as a way to keep me afloat. Absurdity and frivolity are lovely skills to have when trying to deal with minutiae of being an adult. (I first wrote growing up, but really who am I kidding?) Especially when the smarter, more mature voice in the back of your head (the one who never means to be condescending,) knows that your life is actually pretty good.
But after a bizarre emotional meltdown in mid-April (though it must be said that Aunt Flow usually comes bearing torrential teacups—yes, monthly,) I discovered just how expensive a diploma course in make-up is. And after a sobering discussion with people (who were trying their best not to laugh while I wailed and wailed about not knowing what made me happy anymore or what I was to do with my life, oh the embarassment,) I realized that perhaps a more practical opportunity would present itself.
And it did. Eventually. So I signed up for a module on Beauty and Bridal Make-up at Make Up Designory (MUD) Manila. With the last dregs of my money and a really helpful boost from Papa who was wise to ask, "What about your writing?" And even after scheduling acrobatics (what I thought would start at the end of May actually did at the end of July,) I was more than psyched to begin my 5 days. And that sets our stage.
DAY 1
I came mega-early. It was the SONA and I happen to live a stone's throw (naks, I finally used this lovely cliche from my real estate brochures) from Batasan so we were all paranoid about time. Classes were to be at PurBeauty, 2/F Serendra right above Le Petit Artisan (that's the entrance of Serendra in front of Market!Market!) and my waiting period before class was a hint of one of the biggest distractions of my 5 days at school. Serendra is right beside High Street and all its lovely stores. By the second day, I was glad that it was raining discouraging me from crossing over.
Anyway, this was the day with the longest lecture. We covered everything—skincare, base, eyebrows (do you know that there's a theory for eyebrows,) eyeshadow application, eyeliner and lips. And though I did pick up tons of new hints, what was completely new was hygiene. My teacher, Kris made sure to emphasize that this was really important.
As a make-up artist, the fact that you're going to be using your tools on so many people makes hygeine an integral part of the whole shebang. And honestly, I like the care that you take not to double dip (parang fish ball,) or that you use a spatula and a mixing palette, and for the tools to be used for the more sensitive parts of the face (mascara wands and lipglosses,) come prepared with disposables or be ready to clean your brushes (yes, there's a brush for mascara!.) I also took note that I would be needing an atomizer with alcohol,too! It makes the whole exercise feel like kindergarten where you have your tools and this is how you take care of them. I made the mistake growing up of underestimating the finger painting and crafts part of studying, now all I have to show for it is really pretty handwriting and bad eyes (knowledge, not so much either. hahaha!)
I worked on two faces that day, the shopgirls at PurBeauty were such gracious volunteers and I went home questioning if I could really do this. Though I've been to two personal make-up classes before, I've never really had anyone take apart my work and point out what was wrong. And I will say that this is the one thing I was sure I was happy to pay money for—someone who's done the work to go over what you're doing and provide you with recommendations. And it was Kris' careful observation of my finished work which made me realize that WOW, i need tons and tons of practice. There was a lot to learn that day.
One which is extremely important is to look at the mirror periodically to check on what you're doing. Much of the appreciation of make-up comes from a couple of feet. It also helps you make sure that you're doing things evenly. When doing your own make-up, this could actually mean getting out of your chair and looking at yourself from a couple of feet away from the mirror every so often.
More to come! With tons of pictures!
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