“I never imagined that I’ll find myself loving what I do now and making a living as a makeup artist,” Janell Capuchino humbly reveals to Preview. After all, the 26-year-old Computer Science graduate only began dabbling into the craft when she started cosplaying back in 2015.
Opportunity knocked when her brother, Stephen Capuchino, a fashion and commercial photographer, introduced her to his UST-CFAD blockmate, Anthea Bueno. As luck would have it, the celebrity makeup artist needed an assistant, so she quickly grabbed the chance to work with the very best.
The first time Janell assisted Anthea, “I was fascinated to see lots and lots of makeup, different shades of foundations, concealers, lipsticks, etc.” The then bright-eyed 20-year-old apprentice observed and learned as much as she can, noting the different styles from commercial to editorial makeup. “There are so many things you could do with makeup pala,” she beams, recalling her amazement.

She has then spread her wings, pursued the industry fulltime, and is now steadily building a name for herself. While her portfolio boasts a variety of different looks that reflect her vast training, we couldn’t help but notice that she has been the go-to for buzzworthy morenas: Youtube sensation Mimiyuuuh, Ayn Bernos, and Preview girl herself, Vivoree.
Embracing the natural golden complexion of Filipinas, Janell makes sure to bring her clients’ best face forward by flaunting their gorgeous skin tone.

“Gone are the days na pinapaputi natin yung makeup,” she says, recounting the time wherein it was the norm to don foundation that is a lighter shade than your actual skin tone. She elaborates further with horror stories from old prom pictures and graduation photos wherein “super puti nung face mo, and you thought that was the right thing, and [then] after how many years, when you try to look back at your photos again, mapapasabi ka na lang ng: Bakit ganito?”
Instead, “I want to just enhance one’s features not totally cover or transform someone’s looks na [it] would make her unrecognizable,” she says, describing her makeup style which leans towards the more natural look.
After all, the makeup artist adds: “Most Filipinos have morena skin and it’s about high time where you highlight, give importance and accept loving your own skin color.” We couldn't agree more! Lucky for us, we have Janell to guide us with specific tips and products to let our morena beauty shine through.

Morena makeup tips and holy grail products according to Mimiyuuuh, Ayn Bernos, and Vivoree’s makeup artist, Janell Capuchino:
1. Start off with skincare and a primer.
First things first, you have to assess what type of skin you have. Check if have a natural, dry, oily, or combination skin type, and then address your skin’s needs from there.
She recommends Laura Mercier Nourishing Rose Oil which soothes and nourishes the skin and the Pure Canvas Primer Illuminating that enhances skin’s natural radiance.

Nourishing Rose Oil, P3575, LAURA MERCIER, Rustan's

Pure Canvas Primer, P1720, LAURA MERCIER, Rustan's
2. Pick the right foundation.
According to Janell, “Morena girls should select or choose the correct shade of foundation based on their undertones.” She then gives concrete and practical steps, “Start by shortlisting three shades that is close to your skin tone. Try to swatch a small portion of foundation and blend it on your jawline down to your neck. Or have at least two foundations, one shade lighter, and one shade darker that is close to your skin tone.”

For a skin-like finish makeup, she recommends finding your match in the following lines: Laura Mercier Radiance Perfecting Foundation, Maybelline Fit Me, and L'Oreal Paris Infallible 24 Hr Fresh Wear Foundation.

Flawless Lumiere Radiance-Perfecting Foundation, P2650, LAURA MERCIER, Rustan's
3. Make sure your concealer matches your foundation.
“Concealers need to be almost the same shade as your foundation to conceal pigmentation and blemishes,” Janell says.

4. Morenas shouldn’t wear colorful eyeshadow is an outdated myth.
Nothing is off-limits to your lids! “Bagay pa rin sa mga morena ang colorful makeup, kaya pa rin ma-pull-off with their skin,” Janell declares.
She believes that colors to embrace depend on the situation, citing brown, bronze, and earthy tones for work and casual, everyday makeup; and fun, colorful shades like blue and yellow for editorials, and when you're feeling more adventurous.

5. Get cheeky.
"As a morena you need peach, coral, or berry shade blushes to give your cheeks a warm touch of color," Janell advises. For a natural-looking flush, she recommends NARS blush in Orgasm and Orgasm X.

Blush in Orgasm, P1800, NARS, Rustan's

Blush in Orgasm X, P1800, NARS, Rustan's
6. Multi-purpose make up is your best friend.
Opting for peachy nudes and warm-orange based shades will work wonders on your face, especially your lips. She recommends trying Sunnies Face Fluffmatte Lipstick as it glides easily and can be used for the eyes and cheeks as well.

Fluffmate, P395, SUNNIES FACE
7. Morenas can wear a red lippie
Bin the notion that morenas can't wear red lipstick. According to Janell, reds with blue undertones are perfect for morenas!

8. Finally, don't skip the powder.
Finish off your look with a lightweight loose powder like the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, or the Laura Mercier Candleglow Sheer Perfecting Powder for a subtle glow and a sheer finish that is totally celebrity approved.

Candleglow Sheer Perfecting Powder, P1950, LAURA MERCIER, Rustan's
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