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MAKE-UP PASSION

By Natalie Morales

"I've always had a passion for make-up… I'll never get tired of it!" says Jessyka Gabriel

It's easy to feel Gabriel's passion for the one thing she loves the most in the entire world… Make-up! She was still 15 when she graduated from the Ephraim Hunte International Makeup Academy (EHIMA), Class of June 2011 completing the Advanced Make-up Artistry course in fine style.

"I've always loved make-up. It all started with me and my mom's cosmetics… I'd reach for her make-up ever since I started tiptoeing and grabbing for things." Today nothing has changed much, except that now Gabriel wheels her own professional make-up kit - a true indication that her dream is finally becoming a reality.

Though she toyed with products and colours through the years, she was only allowed to wear make-up about a year ago. "I wear it to enhance my natural beauty basically but I also just love experimenting and having fun with colours; my favourite colours are greens and pinks." Although she loves these fun and flirty colours, her personal 'pet' is the 'smoky' look. "I love the way it looks on me!" Gabriel's 'smoky eye' technique in a nutshell? "It's dark colours wrapped around the entire eye. And blended well."

Her natural sense of style is certainly not a secret. The Form Four student is quickly becoming popular for her new craft at St Joseph's Convent, St Joseph. "Whenever my friends have to go out, they call me to do their make-up… They have all solicited my services for their weddings in the future, but alhough she is immersed into the world of make-up artistry, her education certainly does not take second place.

Gabriel has managed to keep ahead in her classes. Some of the subjects she continues to excel in include Biology, Chemistry, Business and Spanish. "I'm able to remain focused because of the support and love I get at home and also from family and friends", she says with smiling yet tearful eyes.

Although it has been just mere weeks since graduating from EHIMA, Gabriel already boasts of having had some high profile make-up projects already added to her portfolio. At 15 years she has done make-up for CariVele magazine in the Bridal 2011 issue and also assisted in the COSTAATT 2011 catalogue make-up looks. "Patrons are often shocked when they hear my age." At this young stage in her life; she has already created lasting impressions with patrons she has made up. "They would say that I'm a good listener, I'm creative and have good work ethics," she added.

Managing Director of Ephraim Hunte Makeup Academy (EHIMA), Ephraim Hunte believes that this is just the beginning for the very promising youngster, as her positive attitude, punctuality and 'cleanliness' set her apart. She attributes this to the professional training she received in EHIMA's Advanced Make-up Artistry course. While some argue that simply the love for make-up is enough to excel in the business, Gabriel swears by professional training. "I've learnt so many new techniques, from Facial Mathematics to Eye Theory to different skin types and undertones. You must learn it the right way!"

Gabriel hopes to have her own signature make-up technique some day, as well as her own line of cosmetic products. She would like to make a mark in make-up sanitisation following the stringent hygiene regimen of her make-up mentor, Ephraim Hunte. "It's the other thing that I'm known for besides always being on time… having clean make-up." This conscientious young lady has huge plans for the future. She's got her heart set on becoming a celebrity make-up artist and confesses that she would love to work with International celebrities Kim Kardashian and Ashley Greene.

She however knows only too well that being really good doesn't come easy, "I want to keep growing… it takes hard word to be the best." Plus, she certainly has a plan in store to keep ahead of the competition, "I intend to keep practising, following up on the latest trends, upgrading my techniques and learning from other great make-up artists like Mr. Hunte…" Traveling and becoming a respected International make-up artist is only inevitable now.

To the woman who says that she's not into make-up, Gabriel's take is that most women shun away for make-up because of not knowing how to apply it. "Don't dismiss it until you try it," And to any young person who would like to become a professional make-up artist, her advice… "If you love it, go for it. I did!"