Make-up Magic

A Chat with Freelance Make-up Artist

Jasmine Mendiola

A born thespian, Jasmine Mendiola has always been a surge of creative energy. Her animated quirks and vivacious personality without a doubt make her stand out in a crowd. This life of the party however is now channeling that colorful persona of hers as a freelance make-up artist.

As the current Fashion & Beauty Editor of Total Girl Magazine, Jasmine shares her journey towards potentially becoming one of the country’s premier make-up artists

How did you learn doing make-up?
I majored in Theater Arts in Ateneo de Manila. Makeup and prosthetics was one of the topics for Technical Theater, one of my major subjects. Our teachers for that semester were Marlon Rivera and Ricci Chan of Propaganda who saw my potential and encouraged me to apprentice with them.

What inspired you to do it professionally?
My interest in doing make-up only began when a friend complimented my work on my own graduation photo and several makeup plates I was required to do for technical theater. I officially became a makeup artist in 2003. My first clients were friends, particularly Jean Madrid. I was a contributing stylist and make-up artist for Chalk, Youngstar and YES! Magazine. I also had a stint with Citrus Productions for a Ragnarok ad. As for bridal makeup, which is now my forte, my very first client was Che-Ann Manongod.

Any memorable experiences as a wedding make-up artist? What are the perks of being a make-up artist?
A lot of memorable things happen in weddings! Besides the fact that I’m a big fan of weddings and romance in general, a lot of my brides become good friends afterward. I enjoy seeing their radiant faces when they gush after seeing my work. You can really see how confident they become as they shed off their last minute jitters and when everybody raves on how they’re just glowing.

One of my favorite moments is seeing the groom crying happy tears when he sees his bride more beautiful than ever.

What should a soon-to-be bride look for in a make-up artist?
I always say that aside from the artist’s skill and professionalism, it’s a matter of finding the one you're most comfortable with. Because no matter how skillful an artist is, if the two of you aren't on the same page when it comes to the vision of the look you desire, it won’t work out.

Do you give workshops/seminars?
I’ve done several workshops on Basic Makeup application for Robinsons Land courtesy of Marie Claire Magazine. For GMA News Room I gave one-on-one seminars to over 40 newscasters on how to do TV makeup for their job. Other clients are Citibank courtesy of Cosmopolitan Magazine, counter consultations for Beauty Bar (collection launches for Smashbox, Bloom, Pout), Sugarbaby and Lancome. Since I also do personal makeup coaching for individual clients, I’m launching classes around February of this year for that. Romina Tobias

To get in touch with Jasmine, or to be updated on her upcoming classes, see Jasmine Mendiola's ad profile.