Bridal Makeup Tips from Cairo Manta, the Artist Who Lets You Shine
Feature · Bridal Makeup Tips Philippines
Cairo Manta never planned to be a makeup artist. He started out tagging along to barangay pageants, helping friends backstage and watching in quiet awe as lipstick, lashes, and bronzer transformed contestants into queens.
“Makeup is here to enhance—not to change you.”
Fourteen years later, Cairo has become a trusted name in bridal makeup in the Philippines, known for his soft glam aesthetic and calm, collaborative energy. Brides turn to him not just for skill, but for reassurance. For presence. For a moment of stillness on a hectic day.
And now, for the first time, he’s sharing his process through a Simpol-exclusive bridal makeup tutorial, filmed just for our community.
Cairo Manta in action during his Simpol bridal makeup demo—layering soft, bronzy tones on a real bride. With every brushstroke, he blends technique, warmth, and years of experience into a look that lasts beyond the ceremony.
From Barangay to Bride: Cairo’s Story
Cairo’s journey began with no formal training—just fascination, resourcefulness, and a deep love for beauty. He practiced on friends. Studied fashion shows. Watched pageants and editorials. He learned by doing.
Breaking into the industry wasn’t easy.
“Sa Pilipinas, ang hirap kumuha ng market. Ang daming magagaling,” he says. “Kaya tiyaga lang talaga. At bawal ang bad review.”
What set him apart was professionalism. He asked clients about their skin tone, gown color, lighting. He showed up prepared. And over time, referrals flowed in.
“Masarap ’yung nire-refer ka. Ibang feeling ’yon.”
Today, he works out of Cavite, glamming up brides across Luzon. Many of them become his friends. Some still message months after their weddings for skincare tips or makeup advice. For Cairo, that’s the true reward: building trust, not just looks.
His Makeup Philosophy: Soft Glam, Always You
Cairo’s approach is deeply personal. Before picking up a brush, he talks to each bride about what they want—and what makes them feel most like themselves.
While he’s known for his soft glam looks—dewy skin, bronzed tones, softly defined eyes—he always adjusts to fit the client. Especially with morena brides, he leans into warm neutrals and classic finishes that highlight their features instead of masking them.
“Ayoko ’yung sobrang transformation. Gusto ko, pag tinignan mo ’yung bride, siya pa rin ’yon—just brighter, more confident.”
Cairo’s tips also reflect deep respect for Filipino beauty. Instead of chasing global trends, he adapts what works. Thai soft glam? Yes—if it fits the face and setting. Bronzed neutrals? Always a classic for morenas. But the most important thing is that the bride sees herself in the mirror.
“Clients don’t hire you to change them. They hire you to bring out their confidence.”
Makeup that Moves With You
Weddings in the Philippines come with emotion, movement, and heat. Cairo builds looks that hold up through tears, dancing, and long ceremonies.
Here are his top tips for brides:
1. Hydrate, early and often
Start at least a month before. “Kahit anong galing ng makeup, kung dry o patchy ang skin, makikita pa rin ’yon.”
2. Skip last-minute facials
Avoid any new treatments close to your wedding. “’Pag nag-breakout, mahirap na siyang takpan.”
3. Go for skin-like finishes
Cakey foundation won’t last in the heat. Instead, Cairo uses light layers to build breathable coverage.
4. Think long-term
“Brown and bronzy tones age well. ’Pag nakita ng apo mo ’yung photo mo, hindi ka matatawa.”
5. Customize, don’t copy
Thai-style soft glam is trending, but Cairo reminds brides to choose what flatters them. “Gusto ko, bumabagay sa gown, sa venue, sa personality.”
For Simpol Pips: A Makeup Masterclass
Cairo doesn’t just talk the talk—he shows it. For Simpol, he recorded a full bridal makeup tutorial, breaking down every step from prep to polish. You’ll learn how he chooses tones, balances glow with wearability, and brings out a bride’s best features with grace.
“Hi Simpol Pips,” he says. “Kung gusto niyong maging confident through makeup, alagaan niyo muna ’yung skin niyo. Iba pa rin talaga pag smooth lang e.”
Watch the full demo on Simpol’s YouTube channel and take home tips you can use for your own big day—or any day you want to shine.
Wedding Month on Simpol
This story is part of Simpol’s wedding month celebration—a special editorial series filled with ideas, stories, and expert advice to help you plan, dream, and personalize your big day.
From gown rentals to heartfelt vows, from budget hacks to bridal glow-ups—we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.
Browse the full wedding series here and find inspiration that’s practical, personal, and proudly Filipino.
What Makes a Great Artist?
When asked what he looks for in clients, Cairo answers simply: “Gusto ko ’yung mabilis mag-reply.”
But more than that, he values openness. Clients who trust the process, who collaborate, who care as much about the experience as the outcome. That’s what turns makeup into magic.
“Ang makeup, art siya. Hindi lang basta technique. Nasa taste. Nasa puso.”
And Cairo brings all of that—taste, technique, and heart—to every face he touches.
Follow Cairo Manta on Instagram: @cairomanta
Special thanks to Azadore in Quezon City for graciously hosting our shoot location for this feature.
