Getting ready for a big event can be quite daunting when you don't have a glam team on speed dial. However, there are tons of alternatives to home service makeup and they're perfect for when you're on a budget but you need a photo-ready face. Below are a few options to consider, so take notes!
Beauty Counters
Did you know that aside from shopping for products, you can get a full makeover in beauty counters? In fact, many brands offer the service for free for a minimum purchase. Not only does this give you a chance to try a specific brand's products, you'll also be all glammed up for your occasion!
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MAC Cosmetics
MAC beauty counters offer different kinds of complimentary makeovers depending on the total amount of products you buy. A single receipt purchase of P2,000 merits you to a free 30-minute simple makeup session, while a purchase worth at least P3,000 grants you 60 minutes in the makeup chair for a full, event-ready look.
If you're heading to a costume party or if it's Halloween, you can get a free 90-minute theatrical makeup session for a minimum purchase of P5,000!Branches: Glorietta 3, Power Plant Mall, SM Makati, SM Megamall
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Estée Lauder
When it's time to stock up on your Estée Lauder products, keep in mind that spending a minimum of P4,000 grants you a special gift. You will receive a "Glam It Up" card, which you can use to claim a full makeup service at any of the brand's counters. The best part? You can claim the perk immediately after purchase.
Branches: SM Aura, SM Mall of Asia, Power Plant Mall
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Benefit Cosmetics
Every P3,000 worth of products bought at Benefit grants you a complimentary makeover right inside the store. But if you're still fully stocked with your favorites, you can avail a makeup session for only P1,300—no purchase required.
Branches: Greenbelt 5, TriNoma, SM Mall of Asia
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Shiseido
Shiseido is known for their base products and skincare, but they recently updated their color cosmetics range to have all your beauty needs covered. If you're a fan, visit a counter and choose between a full makeover and a facial when you reach P3,500 in a single receipt.
Branches: SM Makati, TriNoma, S Maison Conrad
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Clinique
Clinique customers can get complimentary makeovers in any of the brands' counters. If you're a regular, you can simply message your go-to consultant and state your time of visit. When you get there, you can browse their menu of "You-Time" makeup services and choose your preferred look. These free sessions are great for when you're in a rush, ranging from five, 10, to 15 minutes according to the makeup you go for.
Branches: Power Plant Mall, Rustan's Makati, SM Megamall
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Revlon
The beauty advisors in all Revlon counters offer free makeovers to anyone interested in trying their products. After all, the best way to know if something is worth buying is to actually wear it. With the range of products available, you can request for any look, and if you do end up loving your glam, then you can purchase the key products right away.
Branches: SM Mall of Asia, SM Makati
Salons
The thing about salons is that you can get both your hair and makeup done in one go. Most of the time, you don't even have to make an appointment, so it's a good option for any last-minute occasions.
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Piandré
Many beauty enthuasiasts have Piandré as their go-to for color, so while you're at it, why not stop by for a makeup session, too? They have branches all around Manila, after all! Prices start from P1,300 to P2,700 for airbrush makeup.
Branches: Alabang, BGC, Cebu, Greenbelt, Salcedo Village, Greenhills, and more
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Basement Salon
If you're off to somewhere special but don't have the pro skills to polish your look, Basement Salon offers eye makeup-only services for P1,500 and a complete look for P2,000 (traditional) and P3,000 (airbrush).
Branches: Shangri-La Plaza Plaza, Power Plant Mall, SM Aura, Eastwood
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Studio Fix by Alex Carbonell
Studio Fix offers several makeup service options for different price ranges. For P1,500, you can get glammed up by an apprentice. For P3,500, a senior stylist has your look covered. For P5,000 to P7,000 (for out of the salon bookings), you can avail of the signature Makeup by Alex Carbonell service.
Branches: Century City Mall, Greenbelt 3 and 5, Shangri-la at the Fort
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Jing Monis Salon
Whether you're from Alabang or Quezon City, you can head to your nearest Jing Monis Salon for a makeover. A full makeup session is priced at P3,000. Maybe you'll have spare time for a haircut, too?
Branches: Makati, Alabang, Quezon City