Gabbi Garcia had the most exciting end to the first month of 2018. She flew all the way to Japan for an adventure with Maybelline, having the chance to explore the city and meet international supermodel Gigi Hadid! It was truly a trip for the books, and in an exclusive interview with Preview, Gabbi tells us exactly why. Check out our Q&A with her below!
Hi Gabbi! So tell us, how did this entire trip come to be?
"I was lucky enough to be chosen by the Maybelline team to accompany them to Japan for the launch of the Gigi x Maybelline collection in Asia."
How did you feel when you received the invite?
"The fact that I'd be going to Japan for the first time was really exciting for me. Getting a chance to meet Gigi Hadid was like a bonus! I couldn't hide my excitement. I really prepared everything, from my selfie camera to my outfits so I could have the perfect posts. [laughs]"
How else did you prepare for the trip?
"Because it's really cold in Japan, I prepared outfits with the help of my stylist, Kat Cruz. Since we had the opportunity to use winter clothes, it was really fun to dress up! We prepared pieces like thigh high boots, coats, and many more!"
IMAGE Courtesy of Maybelline
Gabbi's outfit for the afterparty
What are the Maybelline products you swear by?
"It's not available here [in the Philippines] anymore, but I've always been a big fan of the Great Lash Mascara!" (The Lash Sensational Mascara is a great alternative, though!)
Now tell us, what was it like to meet Gigi Hadid?
"When I first saw her, I told her how beautiful she is. She told me the same thing, thanked me for being on the trip, and asked me where I was from. I told her I was from the Philippines and she said, 'Wow, that's great!' and then we took a selfie. It was really quick, but she was in front of me the entire [makeup] class so I didn't mind!
"She was super accommodating. She really talked to us, and she's very bubbly and talkative. There was no dull moment throughout the session with her. Oh, and she's so fit!"
IMAGE Courtesy of Maybelline
GG meets Gigi!
What was the best beauty tip you learned during Gigi's makeup session?
"Gigi showed us how important highlighter is. [Her technique is] very intense. She puts it all over! On her eyelids, on top of her cheekbones, her lips, nose—everywhere. And if I were to choose my own makeup essential, it would probably be the highlighter."
IMAGE Maybelline
MAYBELLINE X GIGI HADID Liquid Strobe in Warm and Cool, P399 each, Watsons
Other than meeting Gigi, what were the other highlights of your trip?
"Probably meeting all the girls from the other countries like Thailand, Myanmar, and Indonesia. There were 10 of us. [The trip] was a great opportunity to mingle with all the other beauty vloggers and actresses."
IMAGE Courtesy of Maybelline
Gabbi with fellow Filipina actress Alexa Ilacad
According to Maybelline, you guys filmed some videos in Japan! Can you give us a bit of a teaser?
"We showcased their new lipsticks, the Superstay Matte Ink. It's really effective, like I tried drinking from plastic cups, and it stayed on the whole the day!"
Speaking of lipsticks, what are your favorite ones from the brand?
"My favorite would be the Superstay Matte Ink in Voyager. I also love Toasted Brown for everyday use!"
IMAGE Maybelline
MAYBELLINE Superstay Matte Ink in Voyager, P299 and Powder Matte Lipstick in Toasted Brown, P299, SM Beauty
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!
