“When I grow up, I want to be beautiful.” must be my motto when I was in my kiddies.
I was such an eager beaver to be beautiful one day, even wearing my mommy’s heels when it’s not yet my time, trying to glam up in my own way, even if I was still a kid. I loved to dress up and make myself pretty whenever I had the chance, and that love for beauty was with me as I grew up. Something top secret? I even secretly dreamed to be on TV one day. When the auditions for Ang TV were on, I found myself wanting to audition! Hahaha! Oh vain Sophie!
My love for makeup started as early as my very young years, when I would see my mom put eyelid tape on her eyelids, and sport really pretty eye makeup. She told me that during her younger years, alot of people would compliment her for her pretty eye makeup. She even owned a salon in which I had my bangs permed ( that was a thing of the past, okay! haha! )
Going back, I guess my love for makeup grew more and more when I started reading magazines. I devoured them when I was little, and bought my first ever oil-control product ( which turned out to be a makeup base! ) when I was in Grade 5, saving up my allowance of a few weeks ( that was 800 bucks! ), and even asking my yaya to buy me an “Angel’s Face” compact powder the same year, getting lured by the beautiful model on TV. I started getting experimental with makeup while I was in college, spending a fraction of my allowance with cosmetics. I had my compact always with me, a shimmer blush, and a lipgloss. But then, it was a series of hit’s and misses.
My experimentation was nothing short of bold. I tried everything just to make me look my best. I read books, watched videos, and played with makeup. Sometimes it was good, sometimes it wasn’t. Plus add the fact that my skin was acne-prone and very oily. Sometimes, I preferred hiding under foundation with the state of my skin. It was that bad.
I started a beauty blog out of my love for beauty products and makeup, and I think, I’ve become more engrossed with this niche, that I wanted to take another step. With getting frustrated on how to get my makeup techniques right, I enrolled myself in makeup school a good few years after graduation. I’ve always loved makeup and beauty, and I thought it was time to have some training. My dad shrugged it off as a waste of time, as I should be helping run our family business, but I chose the schedule most convenient and less of a hindrance – every Saturdays.
Let me tell you that my first course in Makeup Artistry absolutely changed my life. It made me empowered.
Empowered, that in the sense that I am felt more confident with someone affirming, and correcting my techniques, and with alot of practice, I was able to acquire a good skill in making people beautiful. I was a happier person, I loved doing makeup on other people, and most of all, I started mastering my features. It was quite an inspiring period for me.
With my happiness overflowing with what I’ve been doing ( I’ve been conducting workshops, doing makeup for people, and even blogging even more happily with techniques and looks), I really wanted to learn more. I took a giant leap, and told my parents that I was going to Singapore to explore further studies in makeup. They thought that I was mad and highly irrational, but it’s not just about “makeup artistry” for me. It was like more of searching for who I am, knowing myself more, and pushing myself to the limits.
January, and I left for makeup school for a training of 6 months. Tell you, it wasn’t easy. I am not one of those people who are “naturally gifted” with makeup artistry, as Singaporean makeup school was altogether another ballgame. It was more of “precision” for them. They peered to the most minute details and criticized. I was let down a couple of times, and was even told that I am not meant to be a makeup artist. There are days when I’d stay behind after class to practice, and there are days when I’d just stare at myself in front of the mirror, and try to perfect my makeup application. With that discipline of 6 months, I felt that my skills were more honed as I was pushed to the limit.
And it’s been two years since that experience, and I would never regret it.
Why? It’s because the experience made me feel powerful. I feel powerful that I was able to master the art of looking at features, what techniques look best in them, and how to accentuate one’s beauty. I am able to see the beauty in every person, with my mind running wild on how I could create “accents” on their special features, how to bring out the best in every person I see. It was a new, beautiful pair of eyes to see the world with.
But most of all, I feel most powerful in the sense that I know my features well, I’ve learned to embrace what I look like, and know how to use makeup to my advantage and look my best. My favorite makeup look must be the natural look, or prime look, as they call it, as it just looks fresh.
Makeup doesn’t need to be bare. Makeup just needs to bring out your best features with colors. For the eyes that smile with delight, they can look brighter and happier with a dose of undereye corrector/concealer and light eye makeup. For cheeks that rise and beam up with glee, they can look more expressive and healthy with a slight stroke of blush. For lips that sing out words of kindness, they definitely deserve some color and shine. Makeup needs to bring out your inner beauty and further amplify it!
For my makeover that I’d like to share , I’ve used Bobbi Brown products. I hold Bobbi Brown products to a high regard, as Bobbi Brown, the woman behind the brand herself, is such an inspiration. Her philosophy in empowering women with makeup is just so inspiring, that she’s come up with two books, Makeup Manual, and Beauty Rules, that seeks to guide women of all ages to the world of makeup. I love those books, as they’re the sister that I never had, when I was trying to experiment with makeup way back then.
Using Bobbi Brown products, giving more focus on the Bobbi Brown Pretty Powerful Palette made me achieve this look :
I like this day look because I look awake with bright eyes, alive with the colors of health on my cheeks, and polished. I feel wonderful, looking good like that!
Pretty Powerful, that’s what I am.
What I’ve learned with makeup, is that it’s supposed to make you look better. It’s going to be still you – recognizably still you, only looking pretty powerful. In my personal experience, when I see myself looking good as I apply makeup, I start feeling good myself, and I become more productive. I feel inspired to do alot of things, and I am more confident in facing people, and my smiles have been more generous and beaming! I feel that I can conquer the world, when I feel good about myself! With that realization, I wanted to guide more girls into doing that for themselves, and thus, this beauty blog exists, and I have been conducting personal coaching sessions to girls out there.
Never underestimate makeup. It might just be a piece of cosmetic to you, but the way it makes you look more polished and accents your best features, being pleased with your transformation goes down to your psyche. You are happier, you are more productive with work, and you can do things that you’ve never imagined achieving, thanks to your optimistic outlook! Who doesn’t want to be happy everyday? See the power of makeup? A confident woman, happy with herself, can move mountains. We deserve to be happy. We deserve to achieve things. In order to do that, it must all start from within, loving ourselves, taking care of ourselves. Once we are bursting with self-love, then we can learn to share what we have to the world. When we do that, we are definitely most fulfilled.
So…to answer. How does makeup make me pretty powerful?
What I realized today, is that you don’t have to try to be someone else. You need to embrace who you are, and what you have. You are beautiful. Everyone is. I’ve learned the secret to beauty, and that is…
It’s all about knowing oneself. Mastery of one’s features. Having make-up work to its advantage. Knowing what looks best on you is the key. When you know yourself, you’re in control.
I believe that I am pretty powerful because I love myself, and I know myself. I take myself for who I am, appreciate the good things in me. I see makeup as a friend, and is a pleasant add-on to the existing me, that makes me “amp” up my features, very much like a camera, changing the setting to “vivid” mode. I love makeup because it gives me my self esteem an all time high. I love makeup because it makes me so optimistic, that I want to make all my dreams come true! ( oh, one step at a time, okay? ) In one sentence : makeup makes me function pretty well, as it arms me with all the confidence boost I need. It’s like an energy drink. Haha!
I also believe that I am pretty powerful because I am able to help and guide those who are about to embark on their journey of self-discovery in skin care and makeup. I write this beauty blog for the purpose of it – to reach out to women of any age, and express that makeup is something that you can do yourself, and it just doesn’t make you more beautiful – it shoots straight to your self esteem, gives you all the good vibes you need, and with being happy with yourself, you are able to achieve alot. It’s an effort for self-love. It’s an effort to be able to show the world your full potential.
Let me end this entry, by sharing with you an excerpt from a cute poem that I wrote about makeup way back,
Ode to my Favorite Thing
My life had changed
The moment I knew you existed
You transformed this pale, lifeless color of a lass
Into an overnight masterpiece
My loneliness , you mask by a whole new layer of confidence
My nature , you perfect by a mere dab of flawlessness
My sleepless nights, you conceal with your creamy touch of radiance
My personality of pale further flushed with a color of life
My best features, you enhance with your boost of pearly glow
Because of you, My beliefs in love are further enhanced by the reddish tint of smile
My innocent smile is transformed into the lips of a temptress
My flaws are covered by the caring affection of a friend
My dry puckers are further nourished with a wet shine of seduction
You proudly line me up with the goddesses of beauty
You comfort me with your sweet strokes
Your colorful love never fails to make me feel good
For I am bound to you and you are bound to me.
Do you feel the power of makeup? I’d love to hear your story!
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Sophie, that’s an uber cute baby pic of you! Love the projection
Awesome transformation in the second to the last pic *wink*!
I think I remember that abovementioned poem of yours. Is that from Creative Writing class in college? Cool. Anyway, I just want to say how much I am proud of you dear. You have accomplished so much as young as you are and still, persevering more to reach a full self-realization. I may have not been too vocal about it but you are truly an inspiration for me. I look up to you very much with respect to your perseverance and dedication sans ka-kikayan. If I am truly pushing myself beyond boundaries in reaching my own dreams, a part of it is owed to you. Thank you. It will still be a bumpy road ahead but rest assured, we will not be letdowns in our respective areas of practice, and we will hopefully be able to leave a stellar mark eventually. =)
looking bea-u-tiful dear soph!
you are a powerful woman!! and pretty inspired on being one! 
all the best!! 
thank for compliments on my brows — made me realize maganda nga sila. haha
OMG YOU ARE SO CUTE!!!!!
Shobe! bata ka pa lang super cute ka na!! I love it that you’re into makeup as early as that age!!!
I love your before and after shot and Mark did a WONDERFUl job too!!! Girl, I know you will be going far!!! Muwah :X
Nice one soph!
Sabon, please remove our pic please argh! Hahaha! though that picture is a living testament on how we were before in college and how we now have evolved into becoming beautiful and empowered women.
Seeing you chase your dreams and spreading words about your first love, which is beauty, makes me more inspired each day to follow my own dreams as well.
Thank you for always teaching me make up techniques that made more confident about myself
Super nice transformation by the way! I’m looking forward to seeing you like that tomorrow! Hehe!
Cheers!
I think we may have been barkada with our super vain kiddie photos!
And sobrang cute lang! 
Yes, you are one pretty powerful woman, Sophie. I am proud to be your friend
Mwah!
You’re my enabler sophie! had it not for you and nikki, i wouldn’t have been doing what I’m doing now! Thanks for enabling me!
love your baby pic!
and i love your last picture!
Btw, I love the Pretty Powerful palette. How much is it and is it available in stores? =)
This is a pretty inspiring post. Thanks for sharing.
you sure are pretty and powerful lady!
very nice story! really inspiring. keep it up sophie!
Hi Gracy : Thank you for saying that
Hi Ida! Thank you! Glad that you liked it
Angel : It’s for P 3,000.00, avail at Rustans Shangrila or Makati
Hi Sugar! Haha! Thank you!
Shenny : Youve been calling me that over and over LOL! Am I too much?
Thank you for coming into my life and sharing your passion with beauty with me 
T: I’m shooreeee that we could have been the best of barkadas during our kiddie days! We might have been separated by fate because we might be a bit too much while we’re too young ( maybe we’d be having lipsticks for breakfast haha! ) ! the timing’s just right! *winkwink!*
Katz : Glad to be of an inspiration for you! I’m happy that my nagging to you don’t go to waste! haha!
Oops intense pressure for tomorrow 
Lorsh : Thanks!
Nikki : Thank you dear achie!
We did our best, didn’t we? 
Kudos to Mark for helping me take photos and cram. Haha! 
He’s really the best. 
Trixie : so are you!!!! hahaha!
Angel : Awww!! Im proud of you too.
Im quite sure that we wont be letdowns this life. We have each other 
Dear Patts: Thank you! Now, keep Sabine’s kikay photos so she can reminisce days like these one day! LOL!
Real powrful! Love it!!!
looooove
Kikay chicka
Btw, love your makeup:)
Hihi
You are one of the reasons why I put on makeup! You made it so easy and it sure did boost my self-esteem a lot.
Thank you for all the help achi sophie!
Love your close-up shots! But, I have to say that your baby pic is just sooo cute.
And yes, the only way we can be beautiful and empowered is if we believe in ourselves. Being successful does not only come with talent, but it’s more of 99% passion. If you’re passionate with what you’re doing, not to mention you have a positive disposition towards it, then there’s only one path you’re gonna end up to. Surprise! Surprise!
Soph!!! andun ako sa mga pics mo! hahahaha OMG im much prettier before hahaha you know we have been through a lot and you are one of people i really admire. You never give up! when you want something, you do it with passion and always get it. I am soooo proud of you. You are beautiful inside out. Ang galing galing ng cousin ko.. hahahaha
Actually, you taught me everything about beauty, from skin care to make up… Thanks for teaching me and touching our lives 
mwah! friends 4ever 
misshu
nice makeup u have there! stay pretty n stay inlove<3
soph you look so good!! i’ve seen first-hand how make up has transformed you and your life and i’m just so happy and proud of everything that you’ve accomplished. through your love of make up, you have influenced me as well and made me see how confident feeling pretty can make one feel. you’re my friend, my make up consultant and skin doctor all in one! haha i can see that you’ve truly found your calling – a pretty powerful one! more power.
Soph!! Everything you said in the last few paragraphs is so true. Very nice! I love also your make up on the last pic.
Btw, when was that group pic taken? super vintage na nyan ha. haha! ang bata pa natin lahat!
wow soph! make-up has really helped you with how you turned out to be. You don’t really need make up because you have beautiful features. But yes, make up really boosts confidence and helps us feel good about ourselves. Thank heavens for your blog. You are indeed a fashion guru!
way to go sophie!! you ARE definitely beautiful inside and out
Anly : Thank you, and glad you like it!
Miss you loads dear! 
You are the fashion guru, not me! 
Jenn : glad to have encouraged you to do makeup! You are definitely beautiful with or without makeup!
Roanne : I like that way of thinking!
Tin : makeup lessons again soon? aww sponsor my flight back haha!
Mai : Glad you have inspired you to apply makeup! You look lovely even without it, but I just must stress my point! haha!
Che : at Ube’s debut!
Krishy : Thank you Krish!
Fran : Thank you! You are one of those people whom I see as someone like that -beautiful inside and out
ang cute mo BB, as in bata ka pa lang…maarte ka na pala! hahhaa, kering keri ang makeup
your story’s inspiring…geesh, i still remember those times we spent in makeup class. we try to inspire each other lalo na pag if we feel we’re being palpak..pero o-ha, matataas grades natin 
you’re the reason why i started blogging…and why i started putting on eyeshadows! you enabled me into your minerals aahaha, see it’s your fault that i’m a makeup addict.. =)
Hi achi sophie i love the before and after shots! Very pretty!!:)
Hi Sophie!!!! Hope that you still rmber who i am? I’m th lil sister of yours, rmber:DD haha, what I can say abt th things that you wrote is way too awesome!! Haha, especially your baby pic, omg!!! You look so cute!! Oh well, u’re now looking cute too:p Anw, meet up soon Sophie!! I miss and love you so much:) may god bless you and your family:) a big kiss you, mwahs^^
Sophie, i was so like you when i was a kid, I remembered putting eyelid tapes sa eyes ko din. haha
I remembered meeting you for the first time at the cosmetic fair in Shanghai and that was years ago. I can see how you have grown and bloom with your makeup skills thru hardwork and dedication tlaga. Super enjoy reading your blogs especially for a beauty junkie like me. Keep it up Soph!
It’s such a nice story!! You knew what you wanted early in life! haha We’re the complete opposites. I remember washing my face right after my mom finish putting makeup on me for whatever event (eg. flower girl). =)
Soph!!! I love your pretty powerful look! So pretty indeed!
And i loved reading about your make up obsession at a very young age! haha learned something new about you 
Sophie!! I agree with you that we should never underestimate the power of makeup.You have definitely improved loads compared to the time you were in SG. Keep up the good work!
wow although your post was really long, i didnt even notice it! great entry. I can relate to your story. I know for some makeup is shallow but to me it is such a personal and empowering experience and essential aspect of self discovery too! stay pretty powerful
very pretty!
and lovely poem
Never underestimate makeup. – totally agree. makeup has the power of bringing out the best in you
Your first and second photos are too cute, Queen S! Confession: I also wanted to audition for AngTV!
My dad said yes only if I can read my Filipino books aloud without stuttering. Needless to say, that audition never happened reason why (I guess) I’m all up for vlogs these days. 
You’ve truly transformed from a cute little kitty to a pretty and powerful lady. I hate my mom a little every time she says “look at Sophie — she’s so ladylike and you — you look so much of a tomboy!”. hahaha I might have missed on much of this transformation but I’m happy to have witnessed how you morphed and gained a strong-willed spirit from B&M birthing days to date.
hey pretty soph!!
such a very cutie baby pic dear!.A great looking, and gorgeous friend i know..
Her personality is her true source of beauty.
you have a charm that sort of a bloom on a woman.
Pretty powerful is really your statement my dear!
You have the drive to follow your dreams, though some really gave you a hard time huh. Yet still it never stopped you from doing what you do best. Good job! clap clap clap!
Your self-confidence and will power brought you a long way and we are all proud of you.
Keep it up Sister!
Wow Sophie! The makeover is awesome! I really like the bright & pinkish healthy glow. Reading about how you began your journey also brings back memories of how I used to ‘correct’ make-up techniques of models & celebrities in magazines. I would shade their eyes or line their eyes with ballpoint pen. Lol! Sounds so silly now, but I guess that’s how it all started!
Keep sharing your make-up views and ideas here, it is always informative and a joy to visit your blog!
You are indeed an empowered woman, just because you had the courage/guts to veer away from the established norms of your society, and follow your heart. Congratulations and you are truly beautiful and powerful!
Dearest Sophie,
Your passion & love for make-up has indeed made you a pretty powerful woman that you inspired to be! Bravo! Keep it up & all the best!
All I can say is “WOW” you can bring out the beauty in anyone… passion and hard work always reaps good people and you are definitely one of them.
More power to you!!
Wow pretty inspiring! Ü look how far you’ve become. Just goes to show you can do anything if you put your mind to it.
cute pic soph hahah
u always get what you want, empowering all of us girls to do the same! thankss!!!
Hi Sophie
One of my favorite entries! You’ve come a long way from being the a pretty girl wearing your Mom’s heels to a Pretty Powerful Woman! Best of all, your beauty really comes from the inside that radiates on the outside! You’ve come such a long way from the time we would talk online & when you first approached me in school back in college!
Congrats shiobe!!
xoxo
MrsM
You are really beautiful, Sophie, inside and out.
And this inspiring, beautiful entry…is a winner!!! Congratulations, Sophie! You have a good story that inspires many girls. I hope may beauty blogs na when we were younger no? Same as you, maaga ko umarte. But there weren’t a lot of help then. Hihi.
So proud of you! <3
Indeed a very pretty powerful story Sophie, I totally agree with you in every single way you define pretty powerful would be like and meant to you. Really love your post, and touch a soft spot in me :’)