I’ve been following Bobbi Brown’s career for over a decade now. I admire her because she truly revolutionized the beauty industry, which is a distinction few can claim despite all the countless brands and launches in the market right now. She made nude and natural-looking lipsticks in the 90s when everyone else had neon or deep shades. However, it was her belief that makeup should make us look exactly like ourselves - just prettier and more powerful - that defines her career as a makeup artist and entrepreneur.

What does it take to be on top after 21 years in the beauty industry? Celebrity makeup artist - although she stubbornly says that she doesn’t even think of herself that way - Effie Go Iñigo has some answers. She does famous (and often controversial faces) like Toni Gonzaga, Derek Ramsay, and Sofia Andres to name a few. I sat down with her over coffee and she shared some stories about how she built her 21-year career, what she did to get over huge transitions in the industry, how she coped with the pandemic, plus her absolute favorite things.

While Manila is on lockdown, we have everyday heroes fighting against a deadly virus in their scrubs and PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment). Some, like Medical Technologist Elle Zamora, go the extra mile with her beautiful makeup looks and show-stopping natural curls. I was inspired by her when I saw her post on a Facebook group the other day and thought that you should hear her story as well! This is what her life as a medical frontliner is like, and how she copes with brutal 12-hour shifts and stress about COVID-19.

Tolerated, but not accepted. While this year’s #PrideMarch was more successful than ever, the Philippines as a country has a long way to go before truly becoming a safe space for the LGBTQI community. Just recently, there was news about a trans woman who experienced discrimination in a Quezon City mall. Gretchen Custodio Diez just wanted to use the female restroom, but was humiliated and arrested.