Before Muriel Vega Perez became one of the most in-demand makeup artists in the Philippines, he was a licensed nurse, caring for patients with the same precision and dedication he now brings to his craft. He was committed to his medical profession—but in between shifts, he found himself drawn to beauty. Whether he was swiping lip and cheek tint onto his coworkers or recreating editorial looks from fashion magazines, makeup became his hobby.
It wasn’t until he found himself in a career limbo—waiting for the paperwork to finalize his move abroad—that he gave being a makeup artist a real shot. Friends started asking him to do their makeup for small events, and what started as a casual side hustle slowly turned into something bigger. One gig led to another, and before he knew it, he was swapping scrubs for brushes and building a career he never imagined possible.
These days, Muriel’s artistry is everywhere—whether it’s creating soft glam for Anne Curtis, a fresh-faced glow for Catriona Gray, or elevating the looks of political figures like Leni Robredo and Maria Ressa with his refined touch. But no matter how high-profile the client, Muriel’s approach is always the same: enhancing natural beauty without masking individuality.
In this profile, Muriel opens up about the leap of faith that changed his life, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and the beauty philosophies that define his signature style.
Preview Beauty Insider: Muriel Vega Perez
How long have you been in the beauty industry as a makeup artist?
"I have been in the makeup industry for 12 years now."
You started your career as a nurse. What led to your decision to transition into makeup artistry?
"It started out as a hobby doing my classmates' lip and cheek tints when I was in high school and college and co-workers in the hospital doing simple touch-ups, copying the how-tos and don’ts from fashion magazines. Until the time I was applying to work abroad and there was a very long waiting time to arrange all the legalities, I was encouraged by some friends to do their glam for simple events and realized I could do it as a side hustle. Along the way, I met some people who inspired me to perfect and practice the craft of makeup."
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you realize you wanted to pursue a creative path instead of staying in the medical field?
"Art has always been a part of my life—I love to draw and paint, and I’m mesmerized by fashion and colors. As I earned my license to practice nursing, I also fell in love with its educated form of art—one that requires us to dedicate 100% of ourselves to our patients.
"In nursing, we have a saying: "When in doubt, discard." I had a hint of doubt about nursing as my chosen profession, so I followed that principle and decided to pursue my true passion—makeup artistry."
How did your family, friends, or colleagues react to your decision to switch careers?
"I am just very blessed to be supported by my family, friends, and colleagues. But there were a few who would always comment, 'Sayang your license, Sayang your master's degree, Sayang all your training,' but it did not affect me at all as I was super focused and enjoying my passion."
Looking back, what advice would you give to someone contemplating a career shift, especially to a field that’s so different from their initial path?
"I think you would like a career shift because you are not happy with your current one. Sometimes we have to consider some things like, does the new career make us happier? Would it never make you feel like you never worked a day in your life? On the other note, shifting careers is not all about passion, we also have to consider our economic stability. Is it practical? But at the end of the day we really have to answer the question: Do you really want it?"
What has been your most memorable project or collaboration so far, and why?
"I have many memorable projects, like my very first billboard shoot with Patty Grandidge for the brand For Me, my very first instore beauty and 360 ad with Watsons Beauty with Vanessa Matsunaga, my very first print cover with Alyssa Valdez and Kiefer Ravena, my very first celebrity cover James Reid back in the Jadine love team times, working for big names in the industry such as Sunshine Cruz, Anne Curtis, Pia Wurtzbach, Catriona Gray, Solenn Heusaff, and many more. Lastly working with Inspiring people like Leni Robredo, Maria Resa, Ej Obiena, and Hidylin Diaz."
You've worked with several high-profile clients. How do you adapt your style to fit their unique personalities and preferences?
"I would always ask their preference and process. Most high-profile clients have a definite preference which we always follow but then I would just inject a bit of my personal recommendation with their approvals."
What has been the most challenging aspect of your career, and what did you learn from it?
"Time. It’s as if 24 hours a day is never enough, but I learned how to manage my time very well so I can still manage my professional career, personal growth, and time with family and loved ones."
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring makeup artists, what would it be?
"Always believe in yourself, if everyone is in doubt of you never ever let it get through you. Don’t let anyone kill your spark. Keep on shining."
What does your makeup routine look like?
"I always start by preparing my clients or models' faces, making sure everything is clean and well-prepped. As I go along the way I always execute what is required or needed maybe for an ad and endorsement shoot, editorial shoot, or for an event."
What are your go-to products that you always keep in your kit?
"There are eight things that will be forever in my makeup kit:
1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyebrow Liner 24H, P845, K-PALETTE, Rustan's and Beauty Bar
Backstage Glow Face Palette, P3550, DIOR, Available at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Podium, SM Aura, SM Makati, and Rustan’s Cebu
Radiant Creamy Concealer, P1900, NARS, Rustan's
Beauty Face Sculpt Cream Contour Stick, P498, STROKES, Lazada and Shopee
Enriched Face Base and Moisturizer, P4250, BOBBI BROWN, Rustan's
3D Hydra Lip Gloss, P1050, KIKO MILANO, Lazada and Shopee
Ultra HD Microfinishing Loose Powder, P2350, MAKEUP FOREVER, Sephora Philippines
Caviar Sticks, P1800, LAURA MERCIER, Lazada
How would you describe your signature style as a makeup artist?
"My signature style will be 'how do you want your look and I’ll execute it the way it would fit you'. I will never conceal your personality because a lot says this should be your look. If you want lilac smokey eyes for your wedding, a graphic line for your prom, or bold red lips for your graduation—I would always say 'GO!' But let's adjust it the way it fits you and the event too."
What is your current beauty must-have?
A very nice skin primer and setting spray.
Best beauty budget buy?
Superfine Liner, P149, DETAIL COSMETICS, Lazada
Best beauty splurge?
Prestige La Lotion Essence de Rose, P8400, DIOR, Available at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Podium, SM Aura, SM Makati, and Rustan’s Cebu
What's a beauty tip or trick you follow religiously?
"I always make sure that the skin is well-prepped and hydrated, and [my beauty tip is to] always keep your brushes clean."
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