Everyday has been a different kind of adventure as we all try to keep up with the new normal while fighting our way through these tough times. But when you have a creative mind, staying at home doesn’t hinder you from creating. In fact, for our favorite creative sister duo, home has become a breeding ground for art in all its different shapes and forms, to come to life.
This 2020, summer has been a state of mind. As we all do our part by staying home during what was supposed to be beach season, let Chi and Gabs share tips on how they’ve coped and adjusted to this new normal. Read on to see how they’ve been keeping themselves safe and productive while doing their part to help out from home, plus everything fashion and beauty, including some tea on the exclusive Neon Island x ZALORA collection.
Chi: We’ve been in Manila, safely at home!
Chi: We try to stay creative as possible! We’re catching up on books and series like everyone else. Together, we’ve been doing a lot of painting & Tik Tok videos. Hahaha. Right now, Gabs is trying to make filters on Instagram, while I work on jewelry crafts. We’ve also been busy using the Neon Island account as a platform to support COVID-19 efforts of PAGASA.ph and ZALORA’s e-donation drive initiative in partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Caritas Manila, World Vision, and Hybrid Social Solutions.
Chi: We still try to follow our normal routine before going to work—maybe just a bit more chill and toned down version of it with more cats and more snacks. Hehe.
Gabs: Chi and I usually don’t get cabin fever when we’re stuck together because we’re all the friends we’ve got. Hahaha just kidding. But we love looking at DIY projects we can do at home—something we wouldn’t normally have the time for
Traveling and eating out!!
Chi: We grew up with parents that work in the entertainment industry, so we were exposed to the arts at a very young age. I think my love of fashion came from old Hollywood movies.
Gabs: I agree. My mom has always done her own makeup in shows & in movies. This definitely inspired me growing up!
Chi: Printastic, retro, colorful, lola chic.
Gabs: Moody, androgynous, retro, french
Gabs: I base my looks on my makeup, while Chi bases her looks on color.
Chi: We both have a love for vintage!
Chi: She has a lot of “borrowed from the boys pieces” I wanna steal.
Gabs: She has a really cool shoe collection I could never borrow!
Chi: Definitely! We steal from each other all the time!
Gabs: We have a rule where you can’t borrow something if the owner hasn’t worn it yet.
Chi: It’s such an honor to be working with a brand we admire so much! Was so excited for everyone to see the huge collection.
Chi: An Italian summer in the ‘60s!
Chi: I have a special spot for the Positano suit and the Verona maxi dress!
Chi: All our prints are hand drawn by either me or Aira. So, they’re one of a kind and made with a lot of love!
Chi: Having full creative control! Also seeing how people style or wear the collection once it’s released. That feeling never gets old.
Chi: Budget constraints for sure! Aira and I started with our own savings.
Chi: Always know your WHYs. I believe for any venture to succeed, you have to have purpose behind your passion.
Gabs: My parents have always encouraged us to express ourselves through art. Painting, drawing was where I really started before I transitioned into makeup.
Gabs: Makeup was also a security blanket for me, especially when I was in high school. I used to have really bad acne and makeup just made me feel more comfortable and confident in my own skin. I then knew the power of makeup.
Gabs: My first ever foundation, RMK, deserves a shout out! Haha. It really helped with my acne and it didn’t irritate my skin. I also love Tom Ford, Nars, Morphe, and Sunnies Face—of course!
Gabs: First, I remove my makeup with my Bobbi Brown Foam Makeup Remover—like anyone should at the end of the day! Next, I wash my face with Proactiv. Then I always, always use the Mario Badescu Vitamin C Oil. And lastly, I apply my Lamer eye cream.
Gabs: Always wash your face or pat to remove excess oil and dirt during the day!
Gabs: Of course! I love watching Vogue beauty secrets on YouTube. Also, Alexa Chung’s new channel is amazing.
Gabs:Natural fluffy brows.
Gabs:Lisa Eldridge.
Gabs:Vanessa Hudgens. I don’t know, she just has the perfect face for makeup. Hahaha!
Chi: Designer shoes
Gabs: Prada bag
Chi: Fedora hat
Gabs: Colored skinny jeans
Chi: Prairie anything
Gabs: Baby doll dresses
Chi: DVF, Cher, Giovanna Engelbert
Gabs: Caroline de Maigret, Joan Jett, Rihanna
Chi: Tee + Midi skirt + Sneakers
Gabs: Jeans + Sweater + Chunky Sandals
Chi: Slip dress + Blazer + Heels
Gabs: Cropped Cardi + High-Waist Flared Jeans + Baby Heels
Gabs: PJs
Chi: Shoes
*This feature was produced before the announcement of the Enhanced Community Quarantine.