Omar Ermita, Beloved Filipino Makeup Artist, Passes Away
He was the talented artist behind innumerable Preview covers and editorials.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Sep 25, 2025
Omar Ermita, beloved Filipino makeup artist, has passed away at the age of 50. To many, he was an indispensable friend and creative who could brighten anyone’s day with his artistry, energy, and, of course, the quotable quotes he generously shared on Instagram. To Preview, he was all that and more, and his passing is one we deeply mourn.
Omar was the talented makeup artist behind innumerable covers and editorials, with creativity that spanned a wide range of looks and directions. His contributions to the magazine go back many years, and he also lent his artistry to Style Bible, Preview’s then-online counterpart.
His work graced our printed pages as well, and the warm friendships he formed with the faces he painted went beyond the job. Not only did he do the wedding makeup of Preview’s former fashion director Daryl Chang, he also lent his skillful hands to shoots she directed. One of them was The Color Issue starring Janine Gutierrez, released in 2018, where Preview unveiled two vibrant covers—one for print and another for digital.
He was also there when Preview fully embraced the virtual sphere. Who could forget the timeless looks he created for Janine when she graced another cover—this time with her beloved grandmother, the late Pilita Corrales, Asia’s Queen of Songs.
The creative always showed up with his artistry, no matter what. When an editorial inspired by Studio Ghibli required the team to trek, he not only went with them but also created a weather-proof makeup look that withstood every condition—from a sweat-drenched hike to a layout where the model was submerged in a river.
He was professional both as a teammate and as a loved one—the kind of person who would fly to Balesin for an editorial shoot and then head to Tagaytay for a wedding on the very same day.
Omar’s approach to beauty was simple and straightforward, and that’s exactly what allowed him to create the most unique and intricate looks. He was known for making a big impact by working with the minimum. He understood the significance of every detail, crafting each look with thoughtfulness and precision. Preview is deeply grateful for every contribution he made to the publication.
Rest in peace, Omar. You will be dearly missed.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.