So many beauty brands hold makeup masterclasses featuring their affiliate or in-house artists. If you write about beauty, a makeup masterclass is nothing new, although you can always pick up a tip or two.
But a MAC Technique workshop with makeup artist RB Chanco, hosted by YouTube content creator Anna Cay and MAC Events Artist Raf Manosca, is on a different level.
I spent one Sunday morning at SM Aura’s SMX Convention Center with these three artists and 59 other beauty-crazy lads and ladies. I’ve always admired RB’s work on Bianca Gonzalez’s look but after the workshop, I have to say she is a genius. I took notes and realized afterward that RB’s makeup on model Jasmine Maierhofer took over 22 steps for a daytime look. To take the look from day to night, she simply made the eyeshadow smokier and added false eyelashes.
So here are some words of wisdom from RB:
- Makeup is not a one size fits all. Understand your skin and try a lot of products. Go to a MAC counter and ask for samples. Note: RB worked at a MAC counter for six years, so she knows what she’s saying.
- When applying foundation, start thin. Apply the first layer using a paddle brush (#190) and then perfect this with a stippling brush (187). If you want more coverage, apply a second layer. RB’s MAC brushes have been with her since 2000. She considers good brushes an investment.
- RB likes to combine lipstick colors. That way, she always has new shades.
- When applying foundation, RB avoids the under-eye area. “The lesser makeup you apply there, the better so there will be less creasing.” Use corrector and concealer only, then set with powder.
RB also revealed her top 5 products from MAC Cosmetics. They include:
- Select Cover Up is a concealer that brightens dark areas, erases spots and evens skin tone. It can be used on face and body.
- Prep + Prime Highlighter pen-style highlighter efficiently brings a soft, sheer wash of color to skin. RB uses this on the under eye as a corrector/brightener.
- MAC Veluxe Liner in Brunette is a brow pencil with a spoolie at the other end. Tip: Always outline your brows underneath before filling them in. Always round out the front of your brows instead of squaring them off. This makes the look soft instead of harsh.
- Blush in Well Dressed is a cool-toned light pink.
- RB’s top MAC product is Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15. “Foundation should mimic skin. It is an extension of your skin. MAC Studio Fix is perfect because there are many shades to choose from. Remember, your foundation shouldn’t be darker or lighter. It should be your exact skin tone,” RB said.
In looking for your Studio Fix shade, RB suggested going to a MAC counter to swatch.
“MAC foundations are mostly categorized into NC and NW. NC stands for Neutral Cool and is for those with yellow undertones. NW is Neutral Warm and is for women with pink undertones,” RB said.
First, you need to find out your undertone. If your skin is rosy, then your skin has a pink undertone. If your skin has a naturally golden tone, then your skin has yellow undertone.
At the store, have the makeup artist swatch the foundations on your jawline. Your exact shade is the one that “disappears” into your skin.
Another reminder from RB: Your neck is part of your face. Thus, your foundation has to match your face and neck.
MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 has been RB’s favorite since 2000.
“There is nothing like it in terms of coverage and longevity. It simply is the best.”