Last Saturday, after gracing the opening of Rฤis and Irvy’s, Mom and I began searching for a nice restaurant for lunch. On our way to the main building of SM City North EDSA, we were enticed to try a free makeover service offered by Professional Artist Cosmetics (PAC) on the ground floor of The Block. We actually didn’t know anything about the make-up brand. But since the outputs on women who had their makeovers done came out as refined and elegant, we decided to also go and check it out. ๐
We learned that PAC was launching a new range of products and at the same time having a competition for Filipino professional make-up artists that day, and the preparation for the event started early in the morning.ย That explained the whole bongga-cious setupโthe lighting, stage, booths, cashier and crew were all put together in an organized fashion. After about half an hour, our “facial transformation” was complete.
Before I share about the “makeover,” first let me enlighten you more about this brand of cosmetics:
What is PAC? (Pronounced as P-A-C)
I was pleased to meet their chief make-up artists and marketing manager who explained that Professional Artist Cosmetics (PAC) by Martha Tilaar was created in August 1997 as the pioneer of professional Asian make-up. The Martha Tilaar Group is the largest cosmetic company in Indonesia.
Originally from Indonesia and manufactured from Germany, their beauty products started to be distributed here in the Philippines seven years ago. (A quick computation reveals that the year was 2006.) It catered mostly to cosmetologists and professional make-up artists who specialize in stage make-up, bridal and high fashion. The brand has been widely known for its bright and colorful palettes and base make-up which gives good all-day coverage. But now, PAC extends its target market to end users as well.
When asked what their competitive advantage is against other similar beauty product lines, their claim is that PAC takes pride in offering excellent quality, waterproof, highly pigmented, affordable and long-lasting make-up that’s suitable for different skin types and skin tones.
Why I have not come across PAC ever since it first became available in the local market might be that their products were sold solely inย Landmark outlets & Gaisano outlets before. And truthfully, I have not visited the beauty and skin care department of any branch of those places because I wasn’t particularly a fan of make-up, and I knew that these products would most probably leave a huge dent on my wallet. Not to declare a sweeping generalization or false prejudice but I think that a huge population of Filipinos are the same as me. ๐ We prefer cosmetics that are priced conservatively, sophisticated and on-trend.
Now that PAC’s past distributor had left, Godiva Inc., a subsidiary of Tao Corporation, took its place and partnered with Watsons to officially distribute Professional Artist Cosmetics in SM Department Stores in leading premiere branches such as: SM Makati, SM Aura Premier, SM North EDSA, SM Megamall, SM Cebu, and SM Davao exclusively. I thought it was a good move, to be able to reach out to more people and obtain more impressions that could ultimately translate to more conversion in sales.
For more information, you can visit: PAC Beauty Website, Facebook and Twitter.
“Makeover” with Professional Artist Cosmetics Products
There was not a drastic change. If at all, the only noticeable highlight was the eye area, where matte black and green eye shadows, PAC’s black liquid eyeliner (PHp 749), PAC’s black Make-up Pencil (Php 599) and quick-drying mascara were applied. Other products used that I remember were: blush for a rosy glow and white eyeliner pencil on my waterline to accentuate my eyes, and sea coral lipstick.
What I liked best was PAC’s liquid foundation which left a matte finish that covered my facial imperfections wellโespecially the stubborn bags. The assistant used the yellow tone (other tones: rosy, light and dark beige) and glided the color gently using her fingertips,ย making my skin appear smoother and just natural (not pasty and super white like a zombie). The feeling was light (almost none) and not sticky.
After several hours of wearing the foundation inside the mall, my face did not become oily or dry while I normally struggle with a mid-day oily t-zone. I was so satisfied with its staying power that I ended up buying a tube (30mL). At PHp 699, the price is reasonable as it balances off the high quality.
Moreover, what was astonishing with PAC’s liquid foundation is that its water-proof formula lasts for an entire day (not sure if more). When we arrived at home eight hours later, I washed my face with water and was surprised after patting with tissue paper that nothing came off. The make-up remained intact without a hint of smudge.
PAC’s foundation also acts as a sunscreen agent and is made with organic ingredients. This product is downright amazing! ๐ฏ I’m beyond excited to use it for the first time at work soon.
PAC Contemporary Make-up Competition 2013
The first round of the make-up competition was held the day before, when 5 out of 20 professional make-up artists were drawn to battle in the finals. On Saturday, these five finalists competed and three of them were announced as winners.
They will be moving on to the next round of the competition to represent the Philippinesโin Jakarta, Indonesiaโjoining other contenders from other Asian countries. The round-trip air fare and accommodation would be all for free! The grand winner will take home PHp 30,000 worth of PAC make-up products and of course, bragging rights in winning the first ever PAC Contemporary Make-up Competition.
The Voice of the Philippines contestant Emmanuelle Vera sang beautifully for the audience. Celebrity/Beauty Queen Miriam Quiambao and Model Abbygale Arenas were present in the judges panel. Other VIP judges were PAC’s chief make-up artist Teddy Lim who flew from Jakarta to introduce and promote the brand and share his techniques on beauty and make-up to Filipino women and Head of Sales and Marketing of Godiva Inc. / Tao Corporation Marketing Manager, Edwina Guiyab.
Congratulations to all winners and to PAC for hosting this successful event! ๐
About Rochkirstin Santos-Sioco
Health and technology freak. Food and lifestyle blogger with a large appetite for food and travel.
I have a very big question on beauty enhancement of a lady or a woman. I know these beauty kits and everything for make-up could really transform an “ugly duckling” to a very beautiful “swan”. My question is since this could not a permanent and any woman who can’t afford to buy these beauty make-up items, would it not affect her personality and would she be nurturing an inferior personality for that matter?
I think that totally depends on the self-esteem of the woman or the person. Speaking for myself, I think that make-up, if worn appropriately, raises one’s confidence level, and this in turn would make others perceive the make-up wearer as competent, trustworthy, likeable and attractive. This is just the same as like wearing heels, wearing decent clothing, etc. – it’s all in the mind. Presentation is an important factor in the society. Cosmetics can therefore be put as a psycho-physical mask in order to promote a desired image. Yet again, this is not true for everyone.
Sometimes we really need to attend this kind of event especially us girls, because every year there is something new that we need to know about make-ups. And with every new learning, we can enforce that with our profession or lifestyle.
True. Learning from make-up gurus through these events will keep us informed. It’s not all about just knowing which brands are now trending in the market but also knowing the right formulas that can mean the difference between super soft, balanced skin and skin thatโs less-than-stellar.
You look gorgeous after make up. 7 years in the business in the Philippines is a good sign of their track record.
Thanks, Franc!
Yup, when a business passes those first three critical years of foundation, they are good to go. PAC has survived that and is prepared for the long haul to survival. Hope they can outlast and outsell the local competitors.
As for you, you’d make a good model with or without make up.
It is really a wonder how make-up can transform women into very confident beings.Nothing like feeling good about one’s self to boost confidence.
Yeah make-up works like magic. Blemishes? Gone. Uneven skin tones? Sayonara. The result also all boils down to the quality of the make-up product and the skill of the person who applies it on.
I though it was pronounced like PAC ๐
the next time I visit watsons, I’ll check out this cosmetic brand. what’s your favorite item by the way?
Yeah me too, I once thought that it’s pronounced as such. ๐ My favorite items have to be the liquid foundation (as mentioned) and also the matte eyeshadow palette with eight colors. Both have a waterproof formula for long-lasting results.
I like this make-up having excellent quality, waterproof, highly pigmented, affordable and long-lasting make-up. So cool on you ๐
Thanks, Jem! I further want to test the product by going on a treadmill or swimming. ๐ Let’s see if it’ll smudge or come off.
It’s the first time I’ve heard of PAC and it looks like a really good brand of make-up
Hehe we were the same. Also because I’m not that knowledgeable about make-up, shopping in any beauty store can get as complicated as rocket science.
I love long lasting make-up. I hate re-applying every now and then. I agree with you that it still boils down to the brand of the make-up. Sad that I can’t try PAC products.
PAC rocks but it’s not only all about the product that makes up for lasting effect but on how you apply it. Layering is key and it’s important to have a light touch to look fresh and natural. Loose powder with a puff would provide more control. The range of colors is fun, from earth tones to jewel tones. I recommend it for night out, or even everyday glamming. Yeah it’s unfortunate that you’re far from the branches they are available.
Whoah! Your charm is more enhanced with the makeover they have done to you. I love organic products.
Thanks, Janina. ๐ Generally, organic makeup is made up of essential oils, plant extracts, vitamins and minerals. What I like about it is that they are never tested on animals.
i am not really fond of make up so it is really less likely for me to check out an event like this. glad i visited your blog, i was able to learn something new. make up that are long-lasting is really convenient for any woman, especially mums so this brand is good in my book + it sure looks good on you!
Thanks and welcome. ๐ More and more women are learning about the potential problems associated with preservatives and other suspect chemicals in cosmetics. That’s why the market in organic and natural beauty products is booming. I’m also glad that you’ve learned something out of my sharing.
I love mineral make up…or also make up that protects the skin as you put it on (how’s that called lol). You look fab and fresh but still like natural, love it!
What is it called? Sun-screen protection / SPF? ๐ Thanks, Marie.
You seem to look so pretty with or without makeup, but I must say that the makeup was well done on you and that it added extra glam on you! I also support the use of organic products! =)
Thanks, Kim! Sana nandun ka rin. ๐ I’m also a supporter of all things organic.
I’ve come across the brand a few times before, but I didn’t know it’s from Indonesia pala. Anyway, love your makeover, although you’re already pretty to begin with. I might check out the foundation soon. I’ve been using Revlon ColorStay for so long, but it’d be nice to find a good alternative to change things up.
Thanks, Sumi. ๐ You can also have a makeover at the PAC section in any branch anytime. I have not used Revlon for foundation, but since you’ve been using it for so long, I trust that it’s great as well.
hi how much ang mga price point nya and is it an affordable alternative to popular make up brands?
I’m not the best person to answer your question. Anyway, I think that the best competitors in terms of price point and quality are MAC cosmetics, Revlon, Maybeline, Clinique and Bobbi Brown.
i see a lot of advertisements of P.A.C and i wondered if the rpoducts are really good. judging from your blog about it, looks like another quality make up ignited my curiosity. il check out their lippies:)
PAC has large selections in color and texture for lippies and other artistry professional quality products like brushes. Update me when you purchase one. ๐
Hiding behind this colorful contraptions has gone a long way since and with technique it can transform someone differently from without it. The only thing is that, society is making things harder for everyone.
I am in awe when watching women physically transform when they take some time for themselves and apply a little makeup. Shoulders go back and chin goes up in a gesture of the inner confidence that comes from looking good. The same holds true for a good hair day, or even a great outfit that fits just right. Thereโs a reason why makeover shows and magazine articles are so popular. Everyone likes to see the physical transformation that inevitably leads to an emotional oneโthe bright smile, the great posture, and the sometimes tears of gratitude from seeing how beautiful they can look.
So pretty! <3 I'm really intrigued with this brand. I've been hearing lots of positive feedback about it. I also heard about the event sa radio while I was driving home. Everytime I hear nga lang PAC, I remember MAC ๐
Hehe yeah because they rhyme! ๐
PAC? never heard about it! maybe im not basing in the philippines for a long time and haven’t lauched it in japan yet! by the way seeing you after wearing it proved that this brand gonna make its own legacy in the world of cosmetic world someday.
Haha I’ll take your words as compliment. Thanks, Kate! ๐
[…] Biokos eye shield treatment on my under-eyes and above the lash line nightly since the day I met Professional Artist Cosmetics (PAC). Like PAC, Biokos is an Indonesian line / brand by Martha Tilaar. The Biokos eye shield treatment […]
I haven’t really tried any makeovers of makeup brands but yours was great! You look pretty. And would love to try this make up too ๐
Thanks, Hainrihi! I’m loving the foundation more each day.