Blend it like Raisa
Make-up guru Raisa Bercede goes natural with her craft
By Fiona Patricia S. Escandor
HERS is one of the more popular names in the local creatives community, a name regularly splashed on editorial shoots and look books, a reputable name favored by the tasteful few, sought after by those who have seen her potential and have sported her handiwork in make-up artistry. Yet, this beauteous 26-year-old is only starting.
Earlier in the summer season, Cebuano make-up artist Raisa Bercede added another label in her portfolio as she took on the role of head make-up instructor at the Self-Esteem Learning Formation Institute, otherwise known as Selfi Studios.
“Since most of our students are younger, we’ve created a program that takes a fun approach,” she said. “They learn the basics of make-up while being closely guided by a team that’s very hands-on. By the end of the session, they will definitely become more confident and ready to face the world.”
Natural beauty
Raisa has been doing make-up as a profession for four years now, but her passion for it goes way back, having first dabbled with brushes and palettes in her high school days.
“I was just amazed — and I still am — with what makeup can do to the face,” she said, “The dramatic cat-eye, the countless colorful eye makeup styles, among so many others, are aspects that have interested me so much. What’s even more inspiring is how it can enhance natural beauty. Everyone has his or her own beauty, and as a make-up artist, it’s my job not to cover or change that, but instead, to enhance.”
Raisa recalled that back then she was always fond of watching tutorial videos on YouTube, watching it until the wee hours of dawn, and then practicing the different looks she learned on herself, and sometimes on her friends. She later took on formal training, enrolling herself in workshops with Jessie Glova, at the Fashion Institute of Design & Arts with Rhino Deiparine, and most recently with celebrity make-up artist Albert Kurniawan.
“I actually never thought I would end up doing it professionally. I’ve just been blessed, really, and I owe everything to God,” Raisa, who is also a licensed nurse, said. Some of her earliest gigs were for photo shoots for online shops, until eventually friends started calling her to do their make-up. The rest, after that, is history.
“I would say that my style is clean and fresh, with focus on the eyes,” she said. “I lean toward natural (looks), but of course I also do dramatic looks when appropriate. As a make-up artist, it’s so important to be versatile.”
“The number one item I can’t leave without is for my brows, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Pomade in dark brown. If I want more natural brows, I use Wet N’ Wild Ultimate Brow Kid. For a natural blush, I love the Nyx Rouge Cream Blush in glow. The third would have to be Sooper Skeen Lip & Cheek in hot red therapy, especially since it uses natural ingredients. I really just try to keep things as simple as possible, unless I need to put on heavier make-up.”
Time, patience
When not doing make-up for clients, Raisa spends her time helping out in their family business and conducting workshops. Aside from Selfi, she has done several workshops around the city, like in Bright Academy’s summer workshops and at Wake Up to Make-up organized by Project Me Co.
“When I don’t have work, I hang out with my friends, cook healthy food at home, or practice makeup,” she shared.
To aspiring make-up artists, Raisa has some advice to dish out: “Blending is key. Know what shades to use on different skin undertones. Always be updated — these are the ones I personally believe are a make-up artist’s key pieces of knowledge.”
“However, the most important lesson I have learned in my career is to always have a good attitude,” she continued. “No matter who you work with, or whose make-up you’re doing — treat everyone the same, treat everyone kindly, and be professional at the same time. Not all people you meet will be nice, but still, always be on your best behavior. Also, as much as possible, never complain. It takes a lot of patience to be in this field.”
Despite being a fairly new player in the industry, Raisa has already made a mark for herself in her chosen craft — years met with fulfilling and memorable experiences. She said, “It has been fun… challenging, too, in terms of having to deliver the look your client describes to you. I just love doing makeup, and when I know my clients love my work, when I see their faces light up when they look in the mirror — that’s the best.”
Photos: Alfred Gregory E. Bartolome
Hair Stylist: Shyra Qyumbi
Model: Ella Sarmago
Locale: Selfi Studios
