CELEBRATING G-LOVE With her family during their dog G-Love’s birthday
TREAT everyone like a superstar.” That was what Mally Roncal’s parents, originally of Baguio, told her as a 7-year-old when they, both doctors, threw a party at the Middletown, New York hospital where they worked.
Not everyone seemed to be a star, especially in the psychiatric department where Rogelio and Pilar Roncal hosted the party, and where young Mally learned the lesson never to judge anyone by the way they look.
To her parents, and then to Mally, both the outer and inner beauty of people should always be recognized.
Mally was soon working with real superstars—artists and actors glammed up for the red carpet or a sold-out performance.
Mally readies celebrities to face the world. But before she herself was ready, her mother (and father) prepared her.
In her new book, “Love Lashes and Lipstick: My Secrets for a Gorgeous, Happy Life” (Penguin Random House, 2014), Mally recalls being trained by her mother, Pilar, to live each day as if it were her last.
Diagnosed with breast cancer when Mally was just turning 1-year-old and told she had six months to live, Pilar taught Mally, albeit a bit early, how to walk in high heels, why she should tailor her clothes and what makeup can do.
BEAUTY DEEP DOWN To her parents, Pilar and Rogelio Roncal, who are both doctors, the outer and inner beauty of people should always be recognized.
Power to transform
Her mother lived on for another 16 years, still too soon, but enough to leave Mally with fond stories like flying off to Paris the morning after they thought of it, buying their friends Louis Vuitton bags and getting a full make-over at Saks Fifth Avenue makeup counter when she was 12.
Now, Mally said she wouldn’t teach her three young daughters to wear makeup until they were in high school but her mom had limited time. And that makeover day was a turning point in Mally’s life and was the “best day ever” of her young life.
Furthermore, when her mother became ill, she would always ask Mally to “Pack my makeup!” on every hospital trip so that she would feel better and her visitors would feel comfortable.
So Mally learned early on how makeup had the power to transform feelings and how it can be the “accessory that allows someone’s true nature and beauty to outwardly manifest itself.”
FAMILY AFFAIR With her family on “The Rachael Ray Show” (left to right): Husband Phil Bickett holding daughter Vivienne, Mally carrying Pilar and Rachael Ray with Sophie
Boost of confidence
Even though Mally knew that makeup can make people feel better and provide a boost of confidence to those wearing them, she had apprehensions about her career of choice at first.
Being the daughter of doctors, she felt that being a makeup artist is of less value, until her father scolded her, as Mally shares in her book: “You put makeup on them, yes, but you also teach them how to look and feel good, so that they may go out and lead better lives and affect other people.”
From that day on Mally never belittled her career. “To me, makeup is about looking good, feeling good, caring about yourself and showing the world that you want to put your best face forward.”
Best face forward it is. From Jennifer Lopez to Mariah Carey and Taylor Swift, Mally has worked with them all.
Whether they were for award shows, concerts, or magazine covers, Mally makes sure these celebrities are ready to face the world.
Mally was responsible for prepping Beyoncé in her historic singing of the US national anthem for President Barack Obama’s inauguration in 2013, as well as her highly anticipated Super Bowl half-time concert the following month.
JENNY FROM THE BLOCK With Jennifer Lopez
Diverse range of looks
For her A-list clients, she has created a diverse range of looks from natural and elegant, to colorful and ultraglamorous.
Her beauty philosophy emphasizes healthy, breathable skin that looks flawless and dewy. “I like fresh, breathable skin that glows, soft smoky eyes and natural juicy full lips,” Mally said.
Having been on many private jet trips to the most prestigious concerts, cover shoots and awards shows, Mally wanted to make her red carpet tips and tricks available to every girl in the world.
That’s exactly why Mally created the Mally Beauty makeup line. Having been a longtime celebrity makeup artist, Mally’s natural gift is her ability to make her clients not only look beautiful but feel beautiful.
Though her makeup tips are often featured in magazines such as Allure, Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar, People, US Weekly and Entertainment Weekly, and shows such as “Oprah,” “Rachael Ray” and “Good Morning America,” Mally introduced her Mally Beauty makeup collection only in 2005. For 10 years now, she has taken her message—and her makeup—to women everywhere.
Every girl, after all, has her own most important and life-changing moments. With Mally’s easy-to-follow video tutorials, it’s as if Mally is right there with them, too.
XO MOMENT With Beyoncé Knowles
Personal recommendation
“I chose to sell my makeup on direct TV because I wanted to be the one to share the message to each customer,” Mally said. “It’s important to me that they hear it from my mouth—how to use the product, and how they will feel after they use the product. It may not change their life, but maybe make their day a little bit brighter,” she added.
“How you make up is how you make out. The way you see the world and the way the world sees your changes. When you put your face on, you are ready to face the world!”
With her positive attitude and vibrant outlook, Mally has gone beyond prepping girls outwardly—she also supports them inwardly. She is active on Mally Beauty’s social media outlets. She posts mantras like “Do the right thing even when no one is looking” and “Keep calm and put your lipstick on.”
She has the energies of Rachael Ray and Oprah Winfrey combined but also mixed with the power of Filipino beauty, strength and faith. In addition to sharing her makeup magic, she also proudly posts her love for cooking Filipino cuisine and practicing her Catholic faith.
Mally knows and shares that everything came from God and everything we do is for his glory. The rock of faith was instilled in Mally very early on by her parents.
“Even though I grew up in New York, I grew up feeling very proud of my Filipino heritage. Our home was essentially Filipino. My parents felt that it was very important to instill that pride in me.”
“My parents always taught me what makes you different makes you beautiful. So although I was different from all the kids in my school, I was always proud of who I am. I’ve always been proud of my Filipino heritage, so looking Filipino is something I’m very proud of.”
MALLY BEAUTY Mally’s own makeup line
Biggest inspiration
“I’m very blessed to have a family that is loving, supportive and accepting of any decision that our family makes. Originally, I was premed student in college. I wanted to become a dermatologist because I always loved skin and was fascinated by it but I couldn’t deny my passion for makeup. My love affair with all things glam started at a young age. I started experimenting with makeup on my mother, an incredible beauty who was, and continues to be, my biggest inspiration.”
Her mother lost the battle to breast cancer when Mally was 17 but the precious time they have spent together pushed her to acknowledge the power of beauty, pursue the industry and share its wonders to as many girls as possible.
Life’s purpose
Losing her mother made her appreciate life and her life’s purpose even more. In honor of her mother, she became a longtime supporter of Mommy’s Light Lives on Fund, an organization which “brings joy and comfort to children and teens” who lost their parents by helping them keep alive traditions or simple pleasures they have shared with them.
Having been on their advisory board since 2007, Mally was named its national sponsor in 2012. In a statement regarding her support for the organization, Mally said, “My mother has never stopped being present in my life and I know that keeping her spirit close is what has allowed me to feel fulfilled and complete.”
ONE SWEET DAY With Mariah Carey
Honoring her mother
Among the many ways Mally continues to honor her mother, she has also named one of her twin daughters Pilar, (the other twin is named after her mother-in-law Sophie) a lipstick Pilar Pink, and another one Manila Mauve. She also donates the sales of Pilar Pink to breast cancer research.
But more than any of the wonderful tributes, stories and valuable lessons—with the way she lives her life—Mally is her mother’s legacy.
For more information about Mally Beauty, visit www.mallybeauty.com or follow her on www.facebook.com/ mallybeauty, twitter.com/mallybeauty or instagram.com/mallybeauty.