BEAUTY REFRESH WITH SISTERS MAKEUP
Nadynne Esguerra has taken her passion for beauty to the next level by traveling to Thailand to study under Sister Makeup, a respected name in the industry. Driven by a commitment to growth and excellence, she immersed herself in advanced techniques, modern trends, and innovative approaches to makeup artistry. This experience not only refreshed her existing skills but also expanded her creative perspective, allowing her to bring back new knowledge and inspiration. Through this journey, Nadynne continues to evolve as an artist, dedicated to delivering refined and up-to-date beauty services to her clients.
Truth be told, even though my work has been bringing me so much joy, I reached a point where I felt stagnant. I would look at my work and, while I liked how it turned out, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was still room for improvement. I wanted to challenge myself again. I was itching to experience something new that could reignite my passion for makeup.
A few months ago, I began researching and discovered a school in Thailand called Sister Makeup. They offered a four-day course that introduced techniques I had never learned before, including Thai, Douyin, and Korean makeup. The idea of studying in a foreign country, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and a completely different environment, excited me. I knew no one there, which made the experience even more thrilling. Simply put, I was stepping out of my comfort zone.
After weeks of thinking it through—carefully considering the costs and commitment—I decided it was time to invest in my growth. Contrary to popular belief, the most expensive investment in makeup artistry is not your products, but your skill. You can own the best tools, the most luxurious brands, and the finest brushes, but if your technique does not match your equipment, it will always show. Anyway, clients don’t walk around advertising the brands on their faces; they carry your technique with them, and that is what people see.
When I arrived in Thailand, I was nervous. It felt like my first day of kindergarten. I hadn’t been in a classroom setting in years, and I was in a place where I didn’t speak the language. Still, I chose to approach the experience with an open heart, ready to learn.
On the first day, we were given a manual, a set of brushes, a special sponge, and an eyebrow pencil. Our first task was to sharpen the pencil into a precise chisel tip using a blade. It was unexpectedly challenging—almost like a scene from a movie where the novice start from the most basic skills. I felt like Daniel LaRusso from Karate Kid, only this was make-up artist edition. In that moment, I realized that this was exactly the kind of challenge I had been looking for and the newness of it all appealed to me.
We began with Korean makeup techniques, and immediately, I was outside familiar territory. The process emphasized meticulous skincare preparation and thoughtful layering of products. Even on the first day, I learned so much—better ways to curl lashes, apply false eyelashes, and contour the face subtly. It made me reflect on my own techniques and recognize areas where I could improve.
Our days were structured with lectures and demonstrations in the morning, followed by hands-on practice with models in the afternoon, ending with a photoshoot. As I worked, instructors would walk around, correcting everything from how I held my brush to how I blended foundation. I truly felt like a fish out of water. But I realized that to grow, I had to set my ego aside. No matter how long I had been doing makeup, I needed to stay teachable. Growth depends on how willing you are to accept and absorb new knowledge.
On the second day, we focused on Thai makeup—a style I was particularly excited about because of its growing popularity in bridal make-up artistry and a branch of make-up artistry I was finally more willing to delve into. I was eager to enhance my work, especially in eye makeup. That day, I learned new eyeshadow techniques and focused on perfecting how to add individual lower lashes, something I had specifically wanted to improve. It felt rewarding to see that my personal goals aligned with what the course was teaching.
The third day introduced Douyin makeup, a Chinese-inspired style known for its transformative qualities. The instructor shared its cultural background, explaining how the look emphasizes pale skin and soft, vulnerable features—qualities historically associated with beauty and status. While this style felt more like artistic expression than something I would use on brides, I appreciated the creativity behind it. It taught me how to manipulate light, shadow, and shape to evoke emotion. I struggled the most with this technique, especially when creating “dolly eyes,” but a teacher reminded me that understanding the purpose behind a technique makes it easier to execute. I thought how much her insight held value and it stayed with me.
The final day felt like a competition. We were assigned models randomly and given the task of creating a complete bridal look—from hair and makeup to styling and accessories—all within three hours. I chose a white wedding dress and decided to combine everything I had learned over the past few days. I incorporated elements from Korean, Thai, and Douyin techniques while staying true to my own signature style.
When everything came together, I felt proud. In just four days, I had transformed—not only in terms of skill, but also in mindset. I met new people, gained a deeper appreciation for different cultures, and experienced what it felt like to be a student again in a foreign place.
I came home with more than I expected. The experience didn’t just teach me new techniques—it renewed my love for makeup. I returned feeling inspired, excited to work again, and curious about how far I can continue to grow in this craft.
“Always remember, no matter where you are in life, there is always something to learn, and school will always be COOL.” #CoolisinSession
