Look who's talking

I remember the first time makeup artist Archie Tolentino told me about his new project some time August of last year. “We started up a makeup discussion group, some makeup artists and myself,” he divulged. “We meet about once a week and just talk about makeup and techniques.” Sounds like a slumber party, only theirs was at some Starbucks outlet. There were only about four or five artists in that first meeting but already Archie was hopeful about the group’s expansion. Pretty soon, they had a name, The Makeup Forum (TMF), and officers. Archie is board chairman, Lourd Ramos, Philippine ambassador for Smashbox Cosmetics and Davines Color is president and Al de Leon is vice-president. The three preside over discussions among 17 makeup artists, a varied mix that include new industry talent and individuals who have turned to makeup as a next-step career such as former supermodel Baba Parma and one-time software engineer Yen Uy.

Pretty soon, The Makeup Forum was already an agency of sorts for makeup artists, its members sharing work for magazine editorials, TV shows, fashion shows, commercials and corporate accounts. It’s almost like a sisterhood or a chance for bonding. “We hope that in the future, through the vision that the group has set, makeup artists will be more protective of their craft and (will be) more solid in terms of their relationship with fellow makeup artists,” relates Archie in the TMF booklet, distributed in their recently-held launch at Fiamma.

It may have taken more than a year but the wait was worth it, especially for the maquillage artists themselves. The TMF launch brought together industry heavyweights from the models of PMAP to established photographers and stylists, and basically showcased not just makeup artistry but also a passion begging to be extended to fellow beauty lovers. These captured works of makeup artistry whether macabre, dramatic, glamorous or kitschy, are all personal interpretations of beauty with underlying storylines. Says Kristine Albano, “The power of makeup can bring all tales to life.” And we are all invited to gather round and listen with our eyes.

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Log on to themakeup forumorg.multiply.com for more information.