In this MEGA exclusive, the artist also unveiled his early chapter as a makeup artist and what it is like to work with his muse Gabbi Garcia
Many of us are made to believe that life begins once we find our true calling. However, there are times when it often feels like a lost myth, a story that only few would know and a theory that only time can attest is true. Perhaps it’s the magic of it. A calling is not something that one cannot see, but rather it is something that one can feel. It is a deeper sense of purpose that one is instinctively drawn to. To say the least, it’s destiny.
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One of the best virtues about life calling is when Oliver Wendell Holmes said, “Every calling is great when greatly pursued.” It’s true. In fact, celebrity makeup artist Jason Delos Reyes proved exactly that. “Since high school, I have always been fascinated with makeup, particularly how colors tend to have an enhancing effect on faces. But due to certain environmental pressures at that time, I couldn’t fully explore that side of myself,” he recalled. “Fast forward after college, I am already a licensed nurse and working at a government hospital. I was earning well and doing great at work. It’s just that, I can’t shake off that side of me exploring the possibilities of entering the fashion and entertainment industry through the artistry of makeup.”
It’s undeniable that he is meant to be a part of the beauty sphere, but his passion and dedication made him one of the most notable artists in the industry. Below, we explore his beauty beginnings, his muse Gabbi, and his secret to achieving the actress’ beauty signature.
Naming the artist
Jason Delos Reyes is one creative force that is impossible to forget. Apart from his impressive roster of celebrity clients, his expertise and proficiency in makeup artistry etched his name in the industry. However, his success didn’t happen overnight. “While my friends and I have been doing photoshoots for fun, I am still employed as a nurse,” he shared. “Alfy helped with styling, and Angelo helped with direction and logistics. I think it all started there because those endeavors built my confidence to be the makeup artist I am now.”
As we continued the conversation, the celebrity makeup artist looked back at the breakthrough that pushed him to pursue his craft. “To start a new and very different career is quite scary for anyone,” he began. “What really pushed my career as a makeup artist forward and devoted my full attention to it happened when I won the grand prize at the PAC Cosmetics makeup competition back in 2015. It gave me the complete confidence boost that I needed to really focus all my energy on my makeup career.”
“Right there and then, I quit my job as a nurse and bought all the necessary materials like brushes, color palettes, lipsticks, blushes, etc. I also got free stuff, of course, from PAC Cosmetics!” he smiled. “That win also made it possible for me to start my network in the industry, meeting other makeup artists, models, the owner of PAC in the Philippines, and other personalities that made it possible for me to enter as a new makeup artist.”
On his craft
“I think to sum it up in one word, I can describe myself as reinventive,” he answered when asked how he identifies himself as a makeup artist. “In the very competitive business of the entertainment and fashion industry, one must continuously improve and reinvent their styles, skills, and approach to their chosen field of expertise.”
IIt is an accepted fact that every career comes with its own challenges. The celebrity makeup artist, for one, considered the pandemic as one of the biggest life-changing situations he faced. “I believe it [was] very challenging for all of us, but it hit the entertainment industry hard,” he reminisced. “As part of the freelance workforce, I am at the mercy of bookings from brands, events, and celebrity clients, which [were] virtually non-existent due to all the lockdowns and safety protocols. I didn’t have any income for a year where I relied on my savings. It taught me how to be smart with money.”
“To be resilient in difficult times—it also gave me the chance to reflect on myself to be better, as a person and as a makeup artist.”
On his friendship with Gabbi
His beautiful friendship with his muse Gabbi Garcia can’t be left unmentioned either. “We were introduced by a common friend. The first time I met Gabbi was on a trial makeup session for her Sunday Variety Show way back on February 1, 2015. I can still remember the exact date!” the celebrity makeup artist reminisced about their first encounter. “At that time, it was purely a business relationship. It [then] became a repeated engagement that I became close to her family, too. We get to hang out even outside work.”
The celebrity makeup artist continued to express his gratitude to his client-turned-friend. “I will be forever thankful for Gabbi’s trust in me as a makeup artist and as a friend. I wouldn’t be where I am now if not for her. Fun fact about us, we share the same birthday! One thing that she is very particular about is that she doesn’t like much pink on her face. But other than that, she is a wonderful client and friend.”
A list of his favorite things
A delve into his portfolio unveils that he is the master of natural glow. The secret to achieving his signature? Skincare. “I can’t reiterate it enough! The skin should be prepared well by cleansing it with micellar water, then apply some serum, moisturizer, and lip mask. I use more liquid and creams than powdered makeup—specifically cream highlighters so that the glow looks natural.”
Of course, the beauty chat wouldn’t be complete without asking the artist about the non-negotiable products that he loves using on his clients. “I love using the Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum because it works with any skin type and it serves as the perfect base for any liquid and cream makeup,” he shared. Jason also named Lamer’s The Moisturizing Soft Cream as his favorite formula. “It makes our skin well adapted to a humid environment. It prevents any greasy feeling and keeps us looking and feeling fresh all day long.”
In the realm of makeup, the celebrity makeup artist revealed that the Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting Foundation is his most trusted formula. “[It’s] currently my favorite foundation,” he enthusiastically answered. “It adapts well with any skin tone. It has medium coverage and a sheer finish that is perfect for a natural glow.” Highlighters are also a staple in his kit—his top pick? “For the liquid type, I use Vieve Skin Dew Liquid Highlighter—perfect for achieving the glass skin that radiates your inner glow. As for the powder type, I use Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter. Even if it is in powder form, you can still achieve that glow.”
Take it from the pro
As mentioned previously, it’s only given to complete the beauty conversation with a piece of beauty advice. As we closed our chat, Jason shared the secret to achieving the coveted look. “Exfoliate your skin at least once a week. Make sure you do your skincare regularly, like sunblocks and moisturizers.” The makeup pro also strongly recommends for every enthusiast to assess their skin type. “Know your skin type so that you know what type of makeup to use. For example, if your skin is on the dry side, make sure to use liquid or cream type of illuminators or highlighters. If you’re on the oily side, more powder. Combi-skin: You can use both and see what works best.”
Photos from JASON DELOS REYES (via Instagram)
