MTV VJ Holly Grabarek

This is my latest editorial work - Butterfactory's publication, Rhythm. The cover model is the lovely Holly, a fast-rising MTV VJ.

I love Pan-Asian faces as they have the best of both worlds. The call time was 9am and she came in looking fabulous even though she was not wearing a scrap of makeup. Her skin was smooth and beautiful, but I was drawn to her eyes which are expressive and kind. her friendly and humble personality immediately put everyone at ease.

We started with simple cleansing, toning and moisturising with a water-based moisturiser, which I recommend instead of the the usual oil-based ones. The latter has a tendency to darken foundations and stay true.

I have started getting into the habit of using the foundation brush - something I learnt from another makeup artist, Larry Yeo. My first experience with the foundation brush was disastrous. The foundation went on too thick as I applied it with the same heavy handedness as sponge applicators. Models have also shared similar woes with the brush. The foundation brush is specially designed to pick up the product effectively, so just use the tip of the brush and pick up a very small amount. Then lightly and deftly stroke on the foundation onto the face. I just love the soft, luminous, and natural effect (not as thick as sponge application). Next, I set the foundation with L'Oreal's Mattifying -Minerals in Natural 01. This is one of the best off-the-shelf mineral powders as the texture is really fine and the coverage is excellent.

For the healthy glow, I used Candlelight from Too Faced at Sephora. This is such an amazing product as it imparts that soft romantic glow. I dusted Candlelight, a softly illuminating transluscent powder, on the cheek bones and the chin (this is excellent for those with short chins).

For cheeks, the trend is peach. This shade is great for all skin types as it makes the wearer look healthy and slightly sunkissed. My choice is Hot Mama by The Balm available at all Sasa stores. This particular blusher imparts a nice iridescent sheen that combines well with the Candlelight. I used this combination at a Simply Her magazine shoot and my friend, stylist Janice Pidduck commended on the nice glow on the model.

For the eyes, we went with mauve as instructed by stylists, Firdaos and Mich. This is my first time working with them and I truly enjoyed the experience. Both of them have great, funky taste in fashion (simply love the shoes they got for Holly - fantastic choices).

For the lips, I mixed two matte lipstick shades - warm pink and brown pink. I like matte lipsticks as the high glossy ones sometimes catch the light all wrong and makes the lipstick look badly applied. For a pouty look, just dab a little gloss in the centre of the lower lip.

Holly was photographed by Photographer Colin Wee. Hmm, may I mention that he was once a top international male model? Loved the way he captured Holly - made my makeup look fabulous. Holly's tresses is styled by Ritz Tan, a renowned hair maestro whom I had worked with in my days in publishing.