Industry Insider: Celebrity Makeup Artist Roi Santos is Carving His Own Lane as a Top Filipino Beauty Pro
Written By: Samantha Cee
Celebrity makeup artist Roi Santos is standing firm in the beauty of his truth as the world’s leading Filipino glam professional. Santos has carved out his own lane glamorizing the faces of award-winning and influential celebrities such as Socialite and Politician Jinkee Pacquiao (Manny Pacquiao’s wife), Rabiya Mateo (Miss Universe Philippines 2020), Cherie Gil (Award-winning Actress), Maria Isabel Lopez (Miss Universe Philippines 1982), Angel Jones (Actress and Fit Model) and many more. Based in California's Bay Area, Santos is well known for being vocal about his struggles as a gay man, being bullied for a skin condition and his passion for transforming the looks of the Philippines most viral stars.
Favoring polished, effortless makeup looks with a twist of a modern flair, Santos combines special effects techniques and natural elegance to produce an enhanced version of his subject to bring forth their innate beauty. “My struggle with being bullied in high school due to cystic acne compelled me to explore a remedy for my skin condition—makeup. While searching for various shades of concealers and foundations to cover my blemishes, I discovered the essence that defined my confidence….my creativity,” shares Santos. Through creating eye-catching visual looks and being a positive voice for his community, he hopes to inspire a world of non-judgement and universal beauty.
With his expanding knowledge, experience and passion for the beauty industry, Santos has had to hustle with humility to achieve the success he is so proud of. Getting his start working at global retailer Sephora, Roi met Filipino comedian/actress Rufa Mai Quinto. The star took him under her wing and trusted him to do her hair and makeup, which led to him connecting with her inner circle. From there, he linked up with highly sought-after photographer Vincent Gotti, and was given the opportunity to indulge his passion for beauty on stars like Lj Moreno, Donita Rose, Madeleine Humphries, Michelle Madrigal, and many more. Gotti and Santos have teamed up to shoot many stars for leading magazine covers, such as the cover of Hollywood Magazine, Mesa & Bar, Showbiz Magazine and several others. The celebrity makeup artist has since been featured himself, sharing his story for the cover for Outre Magazine for their Pride Issue. Santos and his partner share the intimate challenges of rising above all the hate, trials and tribulations that they have endured being gay.
Recently, Santos was named the #1 Makeup Artist in the Bay Area by Soelish Magazine San Francisco and featured on their cover. He is an ambassador for Abby Skin Care Clinic and Med Spa, and he continues to use his platform @roithemakeupartist to impact others positively through his work.
