EVERY woman is already beautiful! Thanks to make-up and other beauty tricks, all of us can be even more beautiful and confident. Good grooming is not a matter of impressing other people.
First, it is basic hygiene to be clean and presentable at all times. Second, women do it for themselves because it is empowering to be at our best. Most importantly, highlighting our natural beauty helps us project our own self-image and enables our real personalities to truly shine!
I spoke to Charmelle Ybanez Rivera of Charms and Queens, being a prominent mover in the beauty industry of our town, so she can share with us her insights.
At only 28 years old, she has already been awarded Best Makeup Artist of Acadeo Choice 2016 (About Cagayan de Oro). Her specialty includes bridal, model, prom, and even pageant make-up.
Aside from being a make-up artist, she is also a hairdresser, image consultant, beauty queen maker, and talent manager. She is the mentor, trainer, and handler of Ms. Sherlyn Legaspi Doloriel, the reigning Ms. Cagayan de Oro and representative to Ms. Earth pageant in the Mall of Asia Arena, Manila this July. She also mentored Anna Monica Paredes Tan, current Ms. Cagayan de Oro runner-up and former Ms. Carmen 2015. The girls even fondly call her, “Mommy!”
Charm has been in the beauty business for more than 10 years, starting way back in 2006. Her passion for makeup actually started in high school when they had a beauty skills competition in class. From there, she went on to attend professional training classes with the experts. Her favorite courses are from the schools of renowned stylists: Ricky Reyes, Fanny Serrano, and David’s for Rever.
I asked her about her struggles in this industry and she shared: “At the start, it was difficult, only because I needed to establish my name and grow my clientele. But I love what I am doing, so honestly, it doesn’t really feel like work. Imagine, I earn money doing my passion! I can be me here… an artist.”
I noted how some women can be flighty and difficult to work with. But she just smiled and said: “For me, as long as you know how to handle the pressure, and manage things, it is totally okay. I have to give the clients what they want. And the best part is when I see how I’ve helped women feel beautiful. Knowing that I have a hand in boosting their confidence makes me feel good.”
I asked her for simple daily make-up tricks and she gamely shared, “For a daily look, just put powder that suits your skin tone, apply earth tone lipstick, and make sure your eyebrows are well-shaped. Grooming and wearing makeup don’t have to be complicated. It can take as little as five minutes to apply.”
She gave these additional tips to enhance every girl’s features:
1. If skin coloring is uneven or blotchy, a light application of foundation and/or powder is important. Her favorites are: two way cake foundation from FS or Mary Kay.
2. Make it a habit to use a primer as the base to help make-up last longer. Her personal choice is the Urban Decay Primer.
3. Have the eyebrows shaped thru DIY (do-it-yourself) or a professional. Then use a brow liner to fill in faint gaps by using upward strokes. Perfect brows give symmetry to the face and frame the eyes. Her favorite brow liner is Anastasia.
4. Never underestimate the power of eyeliner and mascara because they make the eyes stand out. Her faves are Maybelline Great Lash Mascara or Mac.
5. Apply a little cheek color because it gives dimension to the cheekbones and gives the illusion of a healthy glow. Her choice: Nars and Mary Kay Blushes.
6. Wear gloss or lipstick. But don’t forget to moisturize those lips first! Wearing lipstick keeps the lips from disappearing into the face. Her favorites: Mac, Maybelline, and Mary Kay lippies.
Being a professional hairdresser, Charm also said not to forget hair care.
“Hair is everywoman’s crowning glory so do take good care of it. Don’t over process. If you color, space it out. Then regularly do spa or hot oil treatments. Most importantly, don’t overheat with excessive blow-drying and ironing. It will fry your hair!” Charm said.
Charmelle concluded by giving this sage advice: “For me, the most important thing is to just wear the make-up that suits you. No need to go overboard and pretend. Just be yourself always. Because if you show your true self, I believe confidence will just follow and flow naturally.”
To view more beauty queen pics, check Oro chronicles website. For bookings and inquiries, don’t hesitate to call Charmelle of Charms and Queens at 0916-485-8733. You can also reach her thru Facebook: Charmelle Ybanez Rivera and keep tabs there on her workshops.
This charming artist’s name totally suits her because it is difficult to resist her charms!
