The Best Makeup Hacks We Got From Our Favorite Celebrity Makeup Artists
Because when it comes to beauty, nobody knows better than the pros behind your favorite stars.
When it comes to show-stopping makeup that lasts through heat, lights, and long hours, who better to learn from than the glam experts behind your favorite Filipino celebrities? These artists don’t just paint faces–—they create looks that bring out personality and confidence. And while we love a good product recommendation, sometimes the real game-changer lies in the technique.
We’ve rounded up the most practical, pro-approved hacks from top Manila-based makeup artists in the industry: Juan Sarte, trusted by icons like Judy Ann Santos and Marian Rivera; Lala Flores, veteran MUA and founder of INKED Beauty; Gery Penaso, the genius behind some of the most iconic Miss Universe Philippines (MUPH) titleholders’ looks worn by Pia Wurtzbach and Celeste Cortesi; Jigs Mayuga, an industry mainstay with over 20 years of experience.
Also on the list are Albert Kurniawan, Manila-based Indonesian MUA and founder of local makeup brand Teviant Beauty; Mickey See, who’s worked with Liza Soberano and newly-crowned MUPH Ahtisa Manalo; Jelly Eugenio, known for his signature glow on Nadine Lustre and other A-listers; and Nicole Ceballos, a go-to for bridal makeup. Whether you’re prepping for an event or just want your everyday makeup to hit different, these insider secrets will get you one step closer to looking like a star.
1. Moisturize first, then mattify
Flores lays it down simply: hydrated skin makes better makeup. “Make sure you get a really good moisturizer and serum to keep your skin supple for makeup,” she says.
But in our tropical climate, she insists on using a mattifying primer after your serum and moisturizer to keep shine in check. The combo of supple skin plus a semi-matte base creates a fresh, photo-ready finish.
2. Exfoliate the night before, not the day of
According to Ceballos, exfoliating right before makeup can leave skin raw and reactive. Instead, exfoliate the night before your glam event to give skin time to soothe and absorb hydration. This results in a smoother, more even canvas the next day.
“If you exfoliate right before you do your makeup, your skin will be a little raw and it’s gonna be on the rough side rather than smooth, and if you put on chemicals on top of raw skin like makeup, in the end you’re gonna break out,” Ceballos explains.
For beginners, she suggests starting with gentle acids like lactic acid or low-dose glycolic, while seasoned users can explore stronger formulations.
3. Puff off the excess
For a pro finish, Mayuga adds a step many skip: blotting off extra moisturizer before makeup with a clean powder puff or even tissue. This gives the skin a satin finish: not too wet, not too dry. It also ensures your base sits better, especially if you’re dealing with oilier skin types.
4. Light layers only
More isn’t always better. Whether it’s skin care or foundation, Kurniawan and Mayuga stress using a light hand to avoid product buildup.
Heavy layers can emphasize texture rather than hide it. “Some people go really heavy with foundation because they try to fill in the texture. But you should go with a really light hand,” Mayuga reminds.
Kurniawan has the same technique, but for skin care, especially for humid or hot days. “The less layering, the better,” he emphasizes. A lot of people now are big on skin prep, he says–primer, moisturizer, serum, SPF, all of that. “But too many layers, especially with different products and chemicals, combined with your skin’s natural oils and pH, [can trigger] reactions that actually shorten your makeup’s longevity.”
5. Spray between every step
To lock in each layer and boost makeup longevity, Kurniawan recommends using a fixing spray after every step, and not just at the end. “I make sure that every layer of my process, I spray with fixing spray,” he says. After foundation, after powder, and once more after your final look: this helps seal everything in place and gives your makeup a seamless, lasting finish.
6. Tap, don’t swipe
Both Mayuga and Kurniawan swear by tapping the product in, not swiping it across your face. For powder, Mayuga recommends brushing off excess and lightly tapping it on so the finish still looks like skin, not cakey coverage. “If I were to use powder, I would pick up some powder with a brush, but I would actually brush off the excess,” he explains. “And I don’t swipe, I just really tap the powder on, so it goes on very, very light, so it still looks like skin.”
Albert agrees, especially when working with dry patches: instead of swirling or dragging product, he gently presses pigment onto the skin. This way, nothing gets displaced, and your base stays flawless. “You have to press lightly because you don’t want to move [anything on the] skin,” he says.
7. Look for warm undertones
Foundation and contour products with warm undertones are key to avoiding an ashy finish for morenas, says Penaso. He emphasizes choosing shades that enhance your morena glow instead of neutralizing it into grayness. “For morenas in general, what I use is very common. Nasa warm undertones para di nag-g-gray,” he explains during Allure Philippines’ Morena Icons shoot. “That’s the only thing you have to watch out for–wag mag gray.”
8. Red is the most natural blush
According to Sarte, the best blush shade is the color of blood: red. “Blush, by the name itself, is actually your faking, how you blush, the rush of blood to the face,” he explains. “If what you want to achieve is really natural blush, then the most natural would be the color of blood.”
9. One focal point for shimmer
If you’re going for that sparkle, pick your moment. See recommends choosing just one focal point, while keeping the rest of the face matte. This keeps the overall look balanced and chic, rather than overwhelming. “Choose one focal point if you want to wear texture and keep it there,” he says. “If you want to wear shimmer on the eyes, keep the rest of the face matte to keep it balanced.”
10. If in doubt, glow
Eugenio is all about the dew when you have a big glam night. He believes dry skin is harder to recover from than a little oiliness. “If you’re oily, that’s okay [because] you can blot it,” he says. “But if your skin is very dry, and you don’t have any solution if you’re already [in] the event.”
That’s why he experiments with moisturizers (some oil-free, some richer) depending on the event. His rule of thumb? Prioritize moisture to keep your skin plump, fresh, and radiant under makeup.
Expert-approved makeup, the Filipino way
From subtle tweaks to total game-changers, these tried-and-tested tips from the Philippines’ top celebrity makeup artists prove that it’s not just about the products, it’s about how you use them.
With the right techniques, a light touch, and a bit of diskarte, you can achieve that same polished, camera-ready finish your favorite stars are known for.
Photographer: Jharwin Castañeda. Makeup: Angeline dela Cruz. Hair: Muriel Vega Perez, assisted by Iza Tando. Model: Luisa Jocson of PMAP.
