United States-based makeup artist and licensed cosmetologist Roi Santos admits there are a lot of perks in doing makeup for celebrities.

“Yes, there are perks lalo na ngayon na (more so now that) everything is on social media,” Santos said during an online press conference on Jan. 13.

Long before Santos did makeovers of celebrities — which include Rufa Mae Quinto, Donita Rose, Miss Universe Philippines 2020 Rabiya Mateo, Jinkee Pacquiao, Cherie Gil, Bunny Paras, Beth Tamayo, Angel Jones, Maria Isabel Lopez and more — he only had 200 followers on Instagram.

“And when I started doing celebrities, it skyrocketed to 51,000 [in] Instagram [because] their followers follow you,” he noted. “Lalo na po kapag pino-post nila ‘yung makeup nila and they would tag you. I get a lot of inquiries sa mga fans nila.”

(Most especially when the celebrities post photos of the makeup I did on them, and when they would tag [me]. I get a lot of inquiries from fans.)

Santos talked about how fans would also directly message him. He would be asked, “Can you make me pretty like Jinkee Pacquiao?” and was also commended for his clean and polished style.

In the course of his work, Santos has forged friendships with his celebrity clients. He credits them for the many lessons he has learned, not only as a makeup artist but also as a person. They gave him tips about how to last in showbiz and how to stay humble. While they have different experiences, one constant thing they remind him is not to become swellheaded.

“Do what you do and always do your best,’” is another tip Santos shared.

roi santos with cherie gil — Cherie Gil with makeup artist Roi Santos. Image: courtesy of Roi Santos

Santos particularly spoke about her makeup sessions with Jinkee Pacquiao, Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s wife, whose makeup he did for a magazine cover.

“’Yung skin niya ang asset niya. Sobrang flawless. I was very amazed when I was doing her makeup. Talagang ‘yung foundation niya sobrang konti lang. Talagang pantay ang kulay niya,” he said.

(Her skin is her asset. It’s too flawless… I used only minimal foundation. Her color is even.)

Santos also raved about her makeup session with esteemed actress Cherie Gil.

“Cherry Gil was very nice. I was nervous, you know. I was nervous at first [because] she’s an icon, she’s a legend. Again, I studied her face for a month,” he recalled. “Pagdating pa lang niya, ipinakita ko na ang aking drawing. ‘Miss Cherrie Gil, from this gown this is gonna be your eye shadow, this is gonna be your peg, OK po ba?’”

(As soon as she arrived, I already showed her my drawing and asked, “Miss Cherrie Gil, [for] this gown, this is gonna be your eye shadow, this is gonna be your peg. Is this OK?)

As a practice, Santos draws his celebrity client’s face prior to doing the makeover.

“Kasi po (It’s because) when you draw it on paper, it’s like you do your research,” he explained. “You do your assignment.” JB

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