Jessica Lace's airbrushed beauties

MANILA, Philippines - Hollywood divas take their star turns almost always decked in red carpet glam. But did you ever wonder how they look flawlessly radiant in high-definition photographs without looking too made up? How their lines, blemishes, spots and wrinkles fade in a mere instant? How their faces glow on magazine covers?

Their secret? Airbrush makeup. Unlike traditional makeup where you dab foundation on your skin or apply it with a sponge, airbrushing sprays a fine mist so that the makeup “sits evenly” on your skin instead.

Airbrush makeup is ideal for film and TV, fashion shows, as well as for bridal makeup since it lasts up to 12 hours without smearing, running, fading and caking, and delivers a natural and translucent look. Minimal use of product provides maximum coverage, plus it’s suited to all skin types.

It’s easy to apply; it’s also hygienic (as the makeup artist need not touch the client’s face), fuss-free and economical.

Morning girl: Fresh, flawless, almost whimsical is Jessica’s makeup for morning nuptials. Subtle eye makeup complements the bride’s radiant skin.

You only need to spray on a thin layer of base makeup without wasting a single drop — no need for tissues, cotton balls and brushes!

London-trained professional makeup artist Jessica Lace is eager to share her know-how on this beauty innovation as she offers her airbrush makeup services in the family-owned J23 Salon at 66 Timog Ave., Quezon City.

Jessica wrapped up her masterclass courses in makeup and hairstyling at the London College of Fashion and London Academy of Media Film and TV. She obtained her Airbrush Masterclass training from the London Academy of Freelance Makeup and Airbrush for Film, HD and TV from London Academy of Film. She likewise gained certificates in makeup from Maquillage Professionnel sponsored by Make Up For Ever and the Tony Galvez School of Cosmetology.

But before embarking on a colorful career as a makeup artist, Jessica graduated with a degree in AB Communication from Ateneo de Manila University and obtained her Masters in International Public Relations at Cardiff University in Wales, United Kingdom. She also got the chance to work in a PR firm in London.

Jessica knew she had the passion and flair for putting on makeup even as a teenage girl. She says, “Whenever I saw a picture or video, I would try to imitate the makeup. Even if we were not allowed to wear makeup in high school, I would put on a bit of cheek tint and powder just to get away with it.”

So when she was done with her studies and their family acquired a salon, Jessica saw this as a perfect time and opportunity to tap her artistic side and become a professional makeup artist.

“Honestly, I can’t stand being in an office all the time. I need a medium for self-expression, and for me, it’s makeup!” she admits with a giggle. After learning the basic rudiments of makeup application at Make Up For Ever, she decided to specialize in Airbrush Makeup, which is the new trend now in the international fashion and film circuit.

To showcase her artistry, Jessica did a mix of classic looks for the models in this spread. She used airbrush makeup for the foundation and

Afternoon delight: Jessica’s bride traipses into her afternoon garden wedding wearing sweat-proof, waterproof airbrushed foundation and pastel pink on her eyes and lips.

conventional makeup for the eye shadow, blush, lipstick, etc.

She explains, “Applying eye shadow using airbrush is just plain gimmick. There is no sense in putting eye shadow using airbrush because there are no foundations yet developed for eye shadow. I studied it and tried it myself. It creases, it cracks, and there are lines. For eye shadow, you really have to use conventional makeup.”

Meanwhile, applying airbrush makeup is not as easy as it looks. According to Jessica, there is an intricate technique and skill needed that results in a perfect, flawless finish — which she learned from her mentors in London.

She concedes, of course, that using innovative products also has an important role in successful airbrush makeup, opting for makeup brands like Mac and Temptu, among others.

While she enjoys doing avant-garde looks, as she doesn’t get to do them often, Jessica is bent on doing more bridal makeup, which she deems more exciting and challenging. “I have this fantasy of making women extremely beautiful on their very special day,” she says.

To be accessible to more clientele, J23 Salon is opening a branch at The Fort in Taguig City in January 2011. 

For information on Jessica Lace’s makeup services, call 0917-8546244, or visit www.jessicalace.net and Facebook.com/J23salon.