"It's really trial and error. Be prepared to spend!" admits makeup artist Gela Laurel-Stehmeier when asked how girls can start building their arsenal of beauty products. In fact, she believes that discovering the perfect regimen is a matter of being bold enough to experiment with tools and techniques to determine what look suits you best. Catering to a clientele of It girls and celebs (Liz Uy and Georgina Wilson are regulars), Gela's personal approach to makeup is simple yet wise: "I don't like putting too much makeup because [it becomes] quite difficult to take off!"
Here's a sneak peek at her skin staples:
MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder Pressed, P1700, Lazada
"The secret to a quick midday touch-up!"
MAC Demi-Wipes, P999 for 30 sheets, Lazada
"I need only one ply to take all my makeup off."
QUICK FX No-Shine Mattifier, P99, Watsons
"The nifty packaging makes this mattifier a makeup bag staple."
Her passion for makeup can only be matched by her ardent love for and knowledge of fragrance. She advises, "Learn how to layer fragrances—that's a skill I want girls to know," emphasizing that scents add that subtle yet statement-making difference to someone's style.
MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN Aqua Universalis Eau de Toilette, price unavailable, Adora
"This scent goes from strong to yummy and feminine as time passes."
THE DIFFERENT COMPANY Tokyo Bloom perfume, price unavailable, Adora
"I love this scent 'cause it's fresh, pefect for every day, and I can share it with my husband!"
Asked which scents she thinks are best for Preview girls, her suggestion is both apt and unorthodox: "Something unisex. Preview girls are confident. They know their style. They're definitely girls of power. A scent that's quite masculine is perfect for them." But since there are different perfumes that fit different occasions, we also asked Gela for her top recommendations:
To the gym: Penhaligons Quercus Cologne
With a crisp white shirt: Prada Infusion d'Iris
Every day: Chloé Eau de toilette
To seduce: Laura Mercier Crème Brûlée collection
For cool skin tones: Balenciaga Florabotanica
For warm or olive skin tones: Diptyque L'Eau Trois
Photographed by Gabby Cantero
Hair by Jerry Javier
*This article originally appeared in Preview Magazine's April 2014 issue.
Hey, Preview readers! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Tiktok, and Twitter to stay up to speed on all things trendy and creative. We’ll curate the most stylish feed for you!
