Face Paint # 1

For months now, I've been searching for HMUAs that are within Cavite and creates a natural look for the brides. I have found various choices, but was able to trim it down to 2, and 1 of which is Makati-based, but offers low OOT fees. Going through their portfolios, I wanted the Cavite-based MUA, but her arrangements are not flexible enough for us. While the Makati-based MUA could accommodate Ron and I even if we were prepping in different locations. But before booking anyone, I knew I wanted to do trial makeups first so as to back up my decision and to have a feel of the MUA's personality. Ron's sister advised the same, so I knew I was on the right track. As time went on, and as a bride-to-be, I wanted more options since (1) I wanted to know if there would be others that could service us within the same price range, and (2) I wanted to book the one that I think could make me more beautiful for our big day! ;)

Having this persistence to find another option, I asked one of my photographer friends if he has an official HMUA. Fortunately, he does have one, Karl Balao. My friend was able to give me Karl's number and make a referral as well. So with the new excitement that I had, I immediately texted him. He was quick to answer, and was able to provide me with his rates. Surprisingly, his rates are way below our budget, and I knew that we could save more if we book him. So the next question was, how does his works look like? I browsed through his facebook page, and was impressed to see his portfolio. So as soon as I saw this, I immediately texted him again to schedule a trial make-up.

Earlier today was scheduled trial makeup. The trial makeup was not free, and will not be deductible if we decide to book him, but we did not mind since we were attending an event in the afternoon. Karl came in time - he was not late, and that was a good sign. :) We immediately started, and of course the chit chat came as soon as he entered the door. Apparently, we studied in the same school - me being ahead of him by 4 years. During the entire trial makeup, we talked mainly of people we bought knew and he shared as well how he started as an HMUA. Ron would check up on us every now and then, and he would smile very weirdly and so my nerves were not at ease (there were no mirrors for me to see myself - I wanted to be surprised!).

By the end of the session, this is how I look:

HMUA: Karl Balao

HMUA: Karl Balao

HMUA: Karl Balao

Sorry, no before shots... :P

At the end of the session, I liked his work, but I still want to keep my options. Mainly because he does not offer Airbrush, yet (he said he plans to have it by end of the year) and because I wanted to see other HMUAs' works. Though, I have him short-listed in my HMUAs for our prenup. :)

Still blushing,