With a respectable work ethic and youthful intellect, Jelly Eugenio is a makeup artist who brings out a true sense of individuality in beauty.
Related: Jelly Eugenio Reveals His Secret To Starting Beauty Trends
May it be a brand or celebrity, a makeup artist who does this well and embodies the talent of understanding the face is Jelly Eugenio. Famous for Nadine Lustre’s “drunk blush” and Catriona Gray’s Miss Universe-worthy brows that trended all over the beauty community, his name now carries prestige within the industry. As any true artist, he’s someone who appreciates quality control and prioritizes adding his signature touch to each look he creates. “You have to make sure that the look represents that person well. Learn to translate a person’s character through makeup,” he says about his craft.
While he seeded connections with several pros, Eugenio also earned a place in the hearts of everyday beauty enthusiasts online. One can witness his keen sense of individuality in fashion and beauty ideals of today through his YouTube channel and IGTV videos, proving that he’s an artist who doesn’t follow the trends but instead leads them. Working with Eugenio in real life is also no different, always one to nail the brief, he comes armed with a vast and passionate knowledge of the story that wants to be portrayed before he decorates any face. He was sure to ask the narrative we wanted to tell and explained how he will add his own Jelly Eugenio twist. The result? A beauty look that brings out the best version of both of our ideas combined. Never one to succumb to any boundary of self-expression, he continues to push himself as a creative, never losing touch of who he is and who he can become.
Beauty Talks
YOU WERE ONE OF THE WINNERS ON THE MEGA FASHION CREW. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES FROM THE CHALLENGES, SHOOTING IN PARIS AND STUDYING IN INSTITUTO MARANGONI IN CHINA?
I loved my whole experience in MFC (Mega Fashion Crew) and I can still remember it like it was yesterday. My favorite part is when my team, the Varsity Crew, won the avant-garde makeup challenge which I felt was one of my defining moments in the competition. The show gave me my first flight in my entire life, and it was en route to the fashion capital of the world, Paris, where we shot a fashion and beauty editorial. I was so young and was puzzled the whole time I couldn’t believe I wasn’t in Manila anymore.
Also, as part of the prize, I got a Fashion Imaging course in Istituto Marangoni in Shanghai, where I studied the history of fashion, fashion photography, styling, runways, and curating mood boards—which I do a lot now. All those experiences I’m immensely grateful for and it was the best training I could ask for before I started my journey in the industry.
OVER THE PAST YEAR, YOU’VE BEEN PRODUCING BEAUTY CONTENT ON YOUTUBE AND OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS, WHAT MADE YOU PURSUE THIS?
We must admit, everything is digital now and social media presence is a good thing. I’ve always wanted to create videos because I feel like I can present myself well by speaking in front of the camera, especially about beauty. I also enjoy shooting videos because I feel like I have the freedom to present products or techniques the way I imagined them to.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP WHEN IT COMES TO COLLABORATING BUT STILL INSERTING ONE’S UNIQUE STYLE FOR ASPIRING MAKEUP ARTISTS?
Your makeup doesn’t have to be too perfect. Unshaved brows, no false eyelashes, bare skin is okay. You don’t have to cover everything, instead make sure that the look represents that person well–learn to translate a person’s character through makeup.
HOW HAS YOUR BEAUTY STYLE EVOLVED THROUGH THE YEARS?
It’s crazy how much my makeup style has changed. When I was young, I wanted everyone to look like dolls. I wanted to give everyone full eyelashes, I used a lot of foundation and contour, but thank goodness those days are over. Now for me, less is more and you only apply what is needed. During this quarantine I never stopped doing research, trying out new products, and watching YouTube and TikTok videos every night to be aware of trends and beauty news. What I recently learned is people have stared at their faces with no makeup on for more than a year since most of us stayed home, so it will be a shock for them to be slapped on with a ton of heavy coverage. So, one thing’s for sure, light makeup is being celebrated right now and I’m loving it!
YOU ALSO TACKLED DOING ONLINE TUTORIALS AND REGIONAL MASTERCLASSES FOR MAKE UP FOREVER. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THAT EXPERIENCE?
During quarantine, I started doing online classes called “The Process by Jelly Eugenio” where I provided classes for aspiring pro-makeup artists and non-makeup artists, I taught them my techniques and “the process” on how I come up with looks from natural daytime to celebrity glam moments and pageant and bridal looks. I might do it again this year because I enjoyed doing it.
Earlier this year, I was honored to be the sole presenter of the newest products by Make Up For Ever in Southeast Asia—a regional launch of their newest primers—and we had the top influencers and artists from the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore, in a fun interactive afternoon online. I felt pressured but I’m glad Catriona and my team were there to cheer me up and the event went well. I enjoyed the masterclass, and it’s definitely one for the books.
IS THERE ANY DREAM BEAUTY LOOK YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO IN THE FUTURE AND FOR WHO?
I used to say Bella Hadid but I’m currently obsessed with K-beauty makeup and its gentleness with an edge, much like how I want my looks to be. I watch a lot of Korean beautyvideos so maybe a K-pop or K-drama star would be a dream to create a look for. BlackPink, especially Lisa, is killing the game and so she’s my top choice of today
WHAT’S NEXT FOR JELLY EUGENIO?
A lot. I’m creating mood boards and shoot decks for brands. I receive products ahead of time for study. I shoot a lot of videos. I’m collaborating with many creatives and discovering young talents. But the path I’m going for now is the creative direction for beauty shoots and brands. I love doing it and it’s where I spend my energy recently.
Photography ED ENCLONA
Photography Assistant CHINO VILLAGARCIA
Makeup JELLY EUGENIO
Model CATRIONA GRAY
