Slo Lopez: Beyond the Aesthetics
Known primarily for shaping other people’s images, professional makeup artist Slo uses her own tattoos and piercings to document markers of time and place.
Usually found behind the makeup chair, Sylvina Lopez, famously known as Slo the makeup artist, now takes her turn in front of it. Known for her creativity, she channels her artistry not just through brushes and pigments but also through the ink and piercings she wears.
Slo has two tattoos: one somewhat funny yet practical, one sentimental. “My funny one is like I have these dots here and they’re a ruler because I love to knit, so between each dot is an inch,” she says, laughing. “I’ve seen this tattoo on other people and I thought it was just really handy because like I don’t need to bring a ruler and I knit everywhere.”
Jerick Sanchez
Her other tattoo, a delicate cluster of her mother’s favorite flowers sits on her hip. “My mom’s favorite flowers are roses, sampaguita, and hydrangea. They look like three clusters on top of each other,” she describes.
Meanwhile, her piercings on her face have become souvenirs from her travels. “I’ve always been curious and I thought it would suit my face,” she says, and she was right.
Whether it’s a tattoo or a piercing, Slo takes comfort in knowing these arts are more than just for the aesthetics. “I’ve always liked self-expression and I think [tattoos or piercings] are one of the most fun and true forms of self-expression,” she shares. “And in a way, like I’m a sentimental person and there’s lots of sentimentality that happens with body modification in general.”
Art direction by Nicole Almero. Beauty direction by Leira Aquino. Makeup by Booya. Hair by Patty Inojales. Styling by Geno Espidol and Jermainne Lagura of Qurator. Nails by Extraordinail.
