Beauty Guru of the Year for 2013!

Article by: Jenny Aluning

Most adults underestimate the impact they have on children. For Tina Daffon, StarCentral Magazine’s Beauty Guru of the Year for 2013, it was the example displayed by 2 incredible women that set her feet upon the path of her future. “…Growing up, I always watched my mom & aunt get dolled up for parties, family get-togethers & even just a regular old shopping day…I loved seeing the different types of makeup they would use & how they would apply it on themselves. I always remembered them looking so classy at every event!”

After years of dabbling in makeup, Tina first realized that her interest could become more when a friend asked her to do the makeup for her wedding. “…I was SUPER nervous & we would have trial-run after trial-run, but on the actual day, I remember being so relaxed! I just had so much fun doing it! It just clicked!” Her career finally got its start when Indulgera, an online boutique was updating their lookbook and asked the 29-year old to do the makeup for their model. “…I was so grateful to be given the chance & til this day, the owner & I are good friends…”

The fashion and makeup world has highlighted for the Bay Area resident that “…everyone is unique in their own way!” But while her time in the industry has been peppered with successes (including being asked to participate in the Encompass Showcase hosted by RAW:natural born artists Sacramento – an international independent arts organization), the challenges have served to teach her some valuable lessons. One of which is to carefully look through a photographer’s work before agreeing to be their makeup artist, “…because in the end, it will determine the quality of your work. When looking at their pictures, ask yourself ‘Would I add this to my portfolio?’” That savvy approach has seen this Filipina become a Freelance Makeup Artist for makeup giant, MAC Cosmetics.

For Tina, it is very easy to attribute her success to the people she loves, “…they continue to help me grow not only as a person but as an artist as well…” But most instrumental in her career has been the support of her boyfriend, Weldon. His gender obviously renders him less than knowledgeable about makeup, so he shows his support through his enthusiasm for her art as well as giving her sound business advice. “…But the most important thing about Weldon is that he keeps it real. No matter if it’s good OR bad! I can always count on him to be honest when it comes to my work…”

Big plans abound for Tina Daffon. “…I plan on opening my own makeup boutique, getting published on the cover of Vogue, & eventually starting my own makeup line! I know these are big plans, but it gives me momentum to never give up. Besides, no one can ever tell you how big your plans can or can’t be!”