In a MEGA exclusive interview with RB Chanco, the makeup artist unveils all the details behind the stars’ ABS-CBN Ball glam looks
The focus is back on the red carpet as the ABS-CBN Ball makes a comeback. And while the spotlight is mainly on the celebrities and their ensembles, their beauty looks also deserve the attention. “It’s all about the confidence that the star will be wearing in totality,” RB Chanco says as she detailed the secret behind a memorable red carpet look. “It should be curated—from the gown, the hair, to the makeup.”
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Every red carpet calls for its own special flair, but one thing is certain: the best glam entries are the ones who make heads turn. “It’s a collaborative effort between the celebrity and the makeup artist,” RB explained. “Think of it as translating how the stars want to portray themselves. It’s like a role. Do they want to be sultry? Do they want to be angelic? Do they want to be lowkey? At the end of the day, the main focus should always be that your client will be worthy of the spotlight.”
No wonder, then, that her muses Francine Diaz, Loisa Andalio, and Ronnie Alonte are among the stars who stood out. Below, RB Chanco gave an exclusive beauty breakdown behind the stars’ red carpet look. In addition, the celebrity makeup artist also unveiled the easy process on how to achieve each of their glam entries.
Francine Diaz: Gold is the new black
Francine Diaz has mastered the art of subtle makeup. Think of her signature radiant base, feathered brows, and a beautiful wash of colors on her cheeks. But to play into the ABS-CBN Ball theme, RB has taken up the ante with a new motif: gold is the new black. “We’re doing gold,” the celebrity makeup artist detailed. “The main focus is definitely her eye makeup as we work on a gold palette. Elsewhere, everything is still Gen Z, the makeup is still very appropriate for her age.”
As we continued our chat, she detailed the exact process of how she achieved her look. “Usually, we don’t use foundation because she already has good skin. But for the ball, it can be an exemption,” she said. “I opted for a really light foundation and concealer to perfect her base. She likes flushed cheeks, but for this look, the blush will be placed on the upper temples of the cheeks and sides of the eyes. And for the lips, she wanted it to be as close to her natural lip color—that’s her thing.”
Loisa Andalio: Latte makeup
The ABS-CBN Ball called for the most noteworthy red carpet entries, and Loisa Andalio delivered. As for her beauty direction? “Her ensemble is quite revealing and sexy, so we want to complement that with a quiet yet powerful glam—the trending latte makeup. Everything is going to be matte browns—subtle brown eye makeup, hint of contour, and flushed cheeks. And the finishing touch? The perfect high shine nude lip color.”
The celebrity makeup artist also gave the full makeup equation to the star’s look. “I did the whole nine yards since she likes the idea of perfect skin and the perfect contour. Loisa has a really nice jawline and cheekbone, so it’s just fitting,” she mentioned. “As for the latte eyes, I worked on subtle, smoky eye makeup, but all in matte browns. I added a definition by placing full-on wispy lashes to elongate her eyes and a subtle wing. Loisa loves the look of glowing skin, so I’ll add a hint of highlighter to complete the look.”
Ronnie Alonte: K-idol glam
Ronnie Alonte knows exactly how to take gentlemen dressing to lofty new heights at the ABS-CBN Ball. “The overall aesthetic is all about the dapper look,” RB explained. “And to complement his ensemble, we went for a K-idol look.” And how did the celebrity makeup artist achieve his glam? “I just have to be honest that his skin is not at its best right now since he is also acne-prone,” she confessed. “And that explains why you have to be really careful. The wrong product formula can aggravate his acne-prone skin.”
RB added, “As for this case, I used products that are specifically formulated for troubled skin. Color correcting is also crucial to perfecting the base. Covering it with concealer is not enough. There is a process and there is a proper technique.” Elsewhere, the celebrity makeup artist also swished on a hint of blush and groomed his brows to complete the look.
On working with her muses
It’s no secret that her proficiency in her craftsmanship made her one of the most promising makeup artists in the country. But one standout feature about RB Chanco is how she continuously collaborates with her muses. “Of course they trust you, that’s why they are getting you as a makeup artist,” she said. “The confidence that you will give them is very important.” As for Francine Diaz? It appears that both of their styles in makeup are the same. “There is always the trust that I can bring her vision to life. And I really appreciate that.”
It’s one sentiment that resonated well with Loisa Andalio and Ronnie Alonte. In fact, the celebrity makeup artist confessed how both stars would simply send her a peg and trust her to work on her magic. “Loisa trusts my work and my style,” she mentioned. “She’s so easy to work with. I swear.”
As we concluded our chat, RB shared a piece of advice that she has learned in her craft. “Even if you are the greatest makeup artist in the world, keep in mind that your muse will always go first. It’s still them who’s going to wear it. Sila ang may alam kung saan sila maganda at saan sila gwapo,” she detailed. “So to all makeup artists out there, don’t feel down dahil hindi ka pumasa sa isang client. There are instances where your style won’t work on other people. But it will work on some, especially if you collaborate.”
Photography KIM ANGELA SANTOS