MAC Champions Backstage Artistry And Inclusivity With Transmodels Across Asia

In partnership with Slay Model Management, MAC Cosmetics showcased its pride in artistry by supporting “Slay Model Search Asia 2023,” a trans model search out of Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Staying true to its inclusivity mantra: All Races, All Ages, All Genders, MAC’s team for the model search was led by its Asia Pacific Senior Artistry Manager, Anton Zimin. Working with Zimin were certified MAC Philippines artists who showed their artistry by highlighting trans beauty throughout a two-week series of backstage preparations and competition propers from April 18 to 27.

MAC led the backstage scene with back-to-back shoots from Las Piñas to Pampanga. Each shoot was had different themes, each one emphasizing the models’ respective origin, features, and personality.

The Black& White Shoot kickstarted the model search. Here, MAC focused on soft glam, highlighting the core features and individual uniqueness of each model. A swimsuit shoot was also held at Mella Hotel, Las Piñas where models were glowing the MAC way and this was the best time for the MAC artists to showcase their trendy takes on the dewy look.

Lastly, the Modern Asian shoot held in Bale, Pampanga highlighted the bold, individual colors of each model. Hailing from different parts of Asia, each model's makeup look was tailor fitted for bold glamour as inspired by the models' home countries.

The latest skincare set from MAC—Hyper Real Serumizer and Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil—prepped the skin for a smooth makeup canvas. For dewy looks, MAC's Strobe Cream illuminated the models’ skin giving them a shiny, summer glow.

The iconic Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 and Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation was the makeup used to give the models’ skin a strong, smooth canvas for color cosmetics. An amazing shade range of bases was used to complement all skin types and skin colors for a more inclusive approach to backstage artistry.

One of the core requirements for the competition is colors and MAC's iconic matte lipsticks delivered. Among the colors used were the shades Velvet Teddy, Taupe, Mehr, and more. To add more dimension and colors to the eyes, classic eye shadows from MAC, such as the Powder Kiss Eye Shadow in Give a Glam, were used.

The models were also able to visit the MAC Megamall Store and get artistry tips from Anton Zimin's express makeup demo. The demo highlights MAC's artistry specialty, which is  trends. 

"Everyone loves trends. [It] can be a makeup trend, color, or product that can be popular or viral - that is a trend," said Zimin.

In addition, MAC showcased its transformative and classic artistry through the competition preliminaries at Revel, Bonifacio Global City. Overseen by Zimin himself, models went through various wardrobe changes while retaining their makeup looks.

Lastly, closing off the Slay Model Search Asia 2023, MAC makes its final bow with its final runway looks for the competition finals. Hosted by Kaladkaren and trans man model Cameron Scrase, the finals was held at ABS-CBN's Studio 10 featuring performances from stellar artists, including Maymay Entrata.

MAC's Brand General Manager, Audrey Laglagaron, joined the pool of judges together with personalities like Vice Ganda, Myrza Sison, Zarah Juan, and more.

“I want you all to give yourselves a round of applause because you're all changing lives. Being part of something that I have been doing for a few years now and coming home; and really giving a platform for amazing women - it warms my heart. And I'm happy that I get to do it in my home country, the Philippines." said Cece Asuncion, Slay Model Management Director.