In life, there is always a beginning and an end. 2020 began in horrendous events that come unpredictably at the start of the year. And the emotion continues to increase over time as the effect of lockdown started to hit us real hard. Realizations were made though, either we adapt or we surrender. And despite the anxiety brought about by the entire lockdown experience, I see that many of us use this opportunity to adapt instead, to reinvent ourselves, to discover new potentials outside our comfort zone, and embrace the new passion we never knew existed within us. As a new year begins, we look into life with a hopeful spirit; we desire to stay firm amidst the risk, and we long to see a path well lit, bright enough to illuminate across the end of this long process of darkness and isolation. Therefore, elements and colors that bring positivity are crucial in this time of chaos.
For only in the signs of hope that we are truly uplifted and encouraged. Taking the present global situation into an account, the Pantone Color of Institute has announced its color of the year for 2021:Illuminating Yellow and Ultimate Gray.
With this in mind, I choose to believe that the New Year has in-store wonderful life’s surprises for each one of us. In fact, 2021 marks the beginning of my first beauty editorial for Spotted, a space of opportunity to share what has been part of me all along- my experience, my knowledge, passion and time, with the industry that uncover and nurture my potential as a make-up artist, allowing personal growth withnew discoveries in my lists. Reminded of optimism, I, together with my incredibly talented team, have decided to create these looks using the aspirational duo, considering the role that both Illuminating Yellow and Ultimate Gray play in this present time, and how colors display a powerful effect in our mood and thoughts. Also, the looks were created alongside with the make-up trends for 2021: Dolphin Skin, Glossy and Smokey Eyes.
This first look will absolutely attract positivity and hopefulness, creating a vibrant mood. Using just the right amount of yellow tone by HUDA Beauty Electric Obsession Eyeshadow Palette for the eyes and Colourette colourglaze in Daydream on top, made the look more enlightening. Naturally done brows by my own personal favorite eyebrow kit by Strokes Beauty Lab and with neutral colored lips topped using the same gloss will surely make your lips plump and juicy. Makeups are best wore in a healthy looking skin. Using the the best skincare products that suits you, exfoliating and keeping it hydrated is a MUST. Any facial scrub will do, make sure all the dead skins are gone for a sure flawless finish. I used Mario Badescu hydrating mist to help the skin hydrated and dewy, while Light and luminous foundation such as All day Luminous Weightless foundation by Nars is just perfect for this look to give your skin a breathe throughout the day. Minimal contouring and blushing will give depth and color, but highlighting is the one of the main stars of this look. Better to use a very soft and wet-look highlighters to achieve that glowy effect. Anastasia Beverly Hills Sugar Glow Kit took the total look to another glowing level.
Given the same base from our first look, a blend of Matte and Metallic Gray using Natasha Denona eyeshadowpalette 28 has produced an amazing and elegant look, reflecting a solid foundation for Ultimate Gray concept. For the transition, I used the shade Smoke, delicately blending with the shade Quicksilver into the inner and outer corner of the eyes then topped with the shade Chromatic in the center of the lids, which created that futuristic vibe, leaving what was there in the past, and stepping forward to the promise of a brighter future. Also to complete the looks, we matched the eye color with Nude Matte Brown Lip Color by Strokes Beauty Lab Click Stick in Contessa which kept everything around in balance, as Gray is known for its neutrality.
In the end, it is our choice that makes a difference. Our outlook in life defines how we perceive our future to be, whether on a positive note or the other way around, with prayer and unity, we will survive all colors of life.
Photographer Rap Yu
Makeup Artist Mauri Estrada
Hair Stylist Misty Gabriel Gancaico
Stylist Robin Rodriguez
Model Angelina Hartshorne
Nair Artist Harley Rafanan Diquit of Tipsy Turvy Nails +63 9279852322
Image source:
Nars All Day Luminous Foundation- www.rustans-thebeautysource.com
Natasha Denona Eye Shadow Palette 28- www.sephora.com
Huda Beauty Electric Obsession Palette– www.hudabeauty.com
Strokes Premium Brow Kit- www.stokes.ph
Strokes Velvet Click Stick- www.strokes.ph
Mario Badescu Facial Mist- www.sephora.ph
Colourette Colourglaze- www.colourettecosmetics.com