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The five best beauty tips we learned from a Bobbi Brown makeup artist

The recent opening of the Bobbi Brown store at SM Seaside City brought along the brand’s chief training artist Tamara Pineda, and we spend an afternoon picking her brain (and her beauty kit) on how we can look like the best versions of ourselves everyday.

We can admit it–we’re always looking for an excuse to indulge in a day devoted to beauty. We got to do just that when Bobbi Brown opened their stand-alone store at SM Seaside City (their first outside Metro Manila!) and brought along chief training artist Tamara Pineda (or Tammy, as she adds with a smile).

As a brand, Bobbi Brown know that women are most beautiful when they look and feel like themselves. The personality behind the brand believes in creating products that help women look and feel like the best version of themselves. The philosophy is something that’s taken to heart, and it’s even written in script on their handy makeup pouches: Be who you are.

Charming, cheerful and someone who definitely knows what she’s doing, Tammy happily answered our beauty questions while taking us through the brand’s skincare and makeup lines. Through all of it though, we picked up some basic everyday tips.


Skin is always in.

Tammy couldn’t stress this enough–the most important thing in your makeup routine is skincare. Clean, tone and moisturize may sound simple enough, but they do wonders for your face in the long run.

And when you’re feeling a little worse for wear, Bobbi Brown recently released Remedies. The specially formulated line specifically addresses different skin issues–the Skin Reviver to brighten up tired skin; the Skin Relief to battle redness and irritation; the Skin Clarifier to unclog and clarify pores; the Skin Moisture Solution that pulls moisture into the skin; the Skin Fortifier to rebuild and strengthen skin’s structure; and the Skin Salve for chapped, cracked skin. Just a two drops on a freshly clean face will do wonders, and make the rest of your skincare routine a lot more effective (and your daily makeup a lot faster).


Find your best match.

Speaking of cutting down your makeup time, Tammy emphasizes the importance of finding the right shade of foundation. “The problem with a lot of Filipinos is that they pick a lighter shade, and have to blend it in all the way to the neck,” she shares. “Why not just find the right shade and save all that time, right?”

She also says that when shopping for foundation, you shouldn’t be afraid to put it on your face. “I’ve seen so many people looking for foundation, but they’ll swatch on their arm. That’s not the same color,” she continues. She suggests taking two or three shades and creating swatches on your cheeks to see which color really disappears into the skin. “Also, you can do some swatches on your forehead. That’s usually a little darker than the rest of your face because it gets the most light.”


Tamara Pineda (photo from Instagram)

Go into the highlight zone.

One of our Bobbi Brown favorites is the Shimmer Brick, a palette of powders that you can use to add some glow to your look. The Shimmer Brick comes in bronze and pink palettes, and individual colors can be used to do eye makeup as well. Trust us, we know the impact that comes with a simple highlight.

For this, Tammy says to sweep the product into the parts of the face that gets hit by the light–the apples of the cheeks, the nose, your Cupid’s bow and the forehead.

 


Don’t be afraid of easy.

Even though she’s a makeup artist, Tammy admits her everyday look is pretty basic. She takes a deep breath and enumerates the steps a simple daily look should entail–skincare, concealer, eyebrows, mascara, blush and a little highlight, lipstick. Doesn’t sound all that hard to us.


In fact, don’t be afraid. Period.

Makeup is supposed to be fun. Experiment with colors and looks, and keep experimenting until you find the best look that works for you. “At the end of the day, you can just wipe it off,” Tammy adds.

If you really don’t know where to start, though, you can visit any of the Bobbi Brown counters and stores. Their artists are happy to answer any questions or to do quick tutorials–and that comes with absolutely no pressure.

Bobbi Brown is at Rustan’s Department Store in Ayala Center Cebu and SM Seaside City Cebu.

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The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PHILIP RODRIGUEZ

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

Cebu’s esteemed designer, Philip Rodriguez, pays homage to imperial attire with this stunning yellow silk brocade qipao. While adhering to the traditional cheongsam silhouette, Rodriguez infuses a touch of sensuality by incorporating see-through silk tulle panels along the waistline. Known for his timeless designs and culturally respectful creations, Rodriguez’s attention to detail is unparalleled. His embellishments are intricate and exquisite, showcasing impeccable taste and luxurious design without veering into ostentation. Take, for instance, his cheongsam for the Year of the Dragon. While it may seem daring compared to traditional sensibilities, Rodriguez maintains elegance by delicately veiling the wearer’s skin with sheer tulle on the cutout side panels. The front slit of the dress is cautiously calculated to strike the perfect balance between modesty and allure “I design for women who possess sophistication beyond their years, “ Philip emphasizes. “My clothes are crafted to evoke a sense of beauty and allure, leaving her feeling exquisite and confident.” As a seasoned designer, Rodriguez consistently achieves harmony in his designs. His qipao for 2024 seamlessly blends elements of royalty and sensuality, luxury and practicality, reflecting his mastery of the craft and his ability to create pieces that are truly elegant and well-balance.

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The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: JC BUENDIA

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

JC Buendia, celebrated for his ability to tell a million style stories through minimalist details, is a master of clean, chic lines in fashion. Eschewing frivolity and nonsensical embellishments, every element of his designs contributes to their overall elegance.

Inspired by cinematic portrayals of Chinoiserie, Buendia’s first fascination with the Qipao began with Gloria Romero’s iconic portrayal of a Chinese princess disguised as a ‘sampan’ girl in the 1957 film “Hong Kong Holiday.”

“This admiration for orientalalia only deepened as I watched films like “The Last Emperor” and “In The Mood For Love,” JC recalls.

Buendia’s latest creation is a testament to this cinematic influence. His interpretation of the Qipao for the Year of the Wood Dragon features a cropped top crafted from silk Dupioni, embellished with diamond brooches on the reverse closure for a touch of glamour. Paired with a tea-length bouffant skirt made from frothy layers of delicate tulle, the ensemble exudes sophistication and timeless elegance.

With meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for design, JC Buendia’s Qipao captures the essence of cinematic glamour while offering a contemporary twist on a classic silhouette. It’s a tribute to the enduring allure of Chinoiserie and the timeless beauty of the Cheongsam.

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The Qipao As Interpreted by Innovative Filipino Designers: PROTACIO EMPACES

The Qipao, an iconic symbol of Chinese fashion, takes center stage as we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Wood Dragon. This singular closely-fitted garment crafted from the most opulent silks originated in 1920’s Shanghai. ZEE fashion editor Oj Hofer, has sought the creative insights of some of the Philippines’ most innovative designers for their interpretation of the elegant Qipao, also known as Cheongsam.

Protacio Empaces is renowned for his talent in reinventing historical silhouettes into stylish statements perfect for modern women’s lifestyles. His reinterpretations present wearable, contemporary, and highly coveted fashion pieces. The distinct embroidery he incorporates adds an extra touch of charm to his creations. Take, for instance, his cheongsam adorned with delicately hand-embroidered macro daisies and trapunto leaves. “I imagined a vibrant qipao inspired by tropical aesthetics, tailored for chic city living in ASEAN mega-cities. I’m using cotton pique for its structure and infusing it with lively colours to retain a stylish, sensual silhouette,” explains Protacio. His knee-length qipao captures the timeless sophistication seen in Maggie Cheong’s iconic look in the classic film “In the Mood for Love.” Crafted for the Year of the Dragon, this design seamlessly complements the film’s aesthetic, presenting a potential addition to the character’s wardrobe. Seasoned designer Protacio’s creations speak to women aged 30 to 80. His intial Qipao offering for 2024 combines modern elegance with classic charm that resonates with these women’s sophisticated tastes and vibrant lifestyles.

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