Martin Bautista recently got an update on his résumé. The designer, best known for his easy, unfussy silhouettes, is now officially a makeup artist.
Bautista grew up loving makeup, discovering an affinity for it as a kid when he’d pore over his mother’s cosmetics collection.
“Her frosted pink lipstick from Lancôme was like gold to me,” he remembers.
Now, the designer is committing to his hobby, collaborating with designer friends to do the makeup for their lookbooks, and working with celebrities on their event looks, including Metro Manila Film Festival’s breakout stars Hazel Perdido and MJ Jacobo from “Sunday Beauty Queen.”
The designer was candid about his love for beauty and cosmetics: what works, what doesn’t and why the “no-makeup makeup” look needs to go the way of the dodo.
How’d you get into makeup?
I’ve always been obsessed with makeup even before I started designing professionally. It’s been like that ever since. I remember, growing up, whenever my lolo and lola sent us a balikbayan box, there would be a lot of makeup for me!
Were you that kid who’d experiment with mom’s makeup while she was away?
Of course! Her frosted pink lipstick from Lancôme was like gold to me!
What’s in your makeup kit now?
My personal kit? The ones I apply on my face: Glossier face tint in Tan, just add some color to my face; 3INA 3 in 1 foundation to cover my pimple marks; Pat McGrath skin fetish highlighter stick/balm for a bit of highlight and glow; lots of Anastasia Beverly Hills brow definer in Medium Brown to groom my brows; Tatcha camellia lip balm for the lips!
own makeup, nothing too made up, very undone. I used MAC x Giambattista Vali lipstick in Eugenie, Dior Beauty’s Dior show waterproof mascara and Tarte Amazonian clay blush in Breathless.”
What are you into lately?
Lots of glitter! Either on the eyes or on the lips.
When you do shoots for your own collection, are you your own creative director? Do you think of clothes, makeup, styling, etc? You can essentially do it all.
Of course, I already have the images in my head, like the exact final look. But I also enjoy collaborating. It’s surprising how you didn’t imagine something and then end up liking the results.
When you design, do you automatically think of accompanying makeup?
Most of the time.
Favorite makeup trick?
Holding your breath while drawing a fine, sharp, winged liner.
Makeup trend you hate?
The no makeup look. I just find it a bit boring and sad. I’m not saying it’s a bad look. It’s just a personal preference. I’m not just obsessed about beauty, but I’m a makeup addict. There’s something about the process, mixing thousands of colors, blending and contouring, creating a liner that is so therapeutic and fun.
Trend you love?
A glamorous smoky eye in browns, coppers, lots of contour, a good nude lip! Classic, beautiful makeup.
If women should invest in one thing this summer, what should it be?
Facial masks.
Product you’re currently obsessed with?
SUQQU Japanese brushes. It’s like silk on your face.
Define your aesthetic?
Easy, undone, feminine.
Who is your ideal client?
Someone who can trust me.
Define your personal style.
My style as a person: basic, comfortable and simple.
What’s your daily uniform?
T-shirt and pants—very normal.
How did you get into design? Was there a moment you were discovered?
When I joined Philippine Fashion Week in 2007.
What’s your latest collection about?
The collection is called “Saturn.” It’s sort of inspired by the colors and strokes and imagery of the solar system and the galaxy as seen in encyclopedias or children’s books, or those diagrams you see in your science class. There’s a feeling of escapism, freedom and fun to the collection. There’s a very strong, modern glamour vibe to it, but always very undone and raw, not too prim and proper.
What materials and silhouettes did you work with?
The collection is all about the marriage of tradition (draping, tailoring, handwork) and new technology (metal hardware, plastic, plexiglass, fabrication) in fashion.
You’ve been designing for a while now. How have you evolved as a designer?
Oh, in many ways. I’ve learned many things along the way—dealing with clients, troubleshooting, creating a collection, running errands, catching deadlines. I’ve become mature in dealing with different situations. Experience has definitely been my greatest teacher.
Who are the señora designers you look up to?
Inno Sotto, because he has a very elegant and sophisticated mind, and I love listening to him when he talks, he’s very poetic.
Rajo Laurel is the nicest, most humble guy, he’s like a mentor and a good friend to me. He has an amazing work ethic. I will never forget what he told me: “Gumising ka lagi nang maaga.”
I also admire Pepito Albert, because there’s a feeling of mystery and elegance about him as a person and his creations.
Cary Santiago, because his work is original, intense. It’s something we can all be proud of. There’s a strong Filipino mark in it.
I also admire Joey Samson and Ivar Aseron, for the modernity, sharpness and creativity. But I think they’re not yet señora, they’re still a little bit young, upcoming señora pa lang!
Who are the young designers to watch out for?
Brit Tripudo, for his aggressive and strong streetwear sensibility.