Ynna learns to dress up

THIS Nikon D302 DSLR is a gift from boyfriend Mark. Photo by Jim Guiao Punzalan

Actress Ynna Asistio, who prefers the simple and casual look, says being a TV personality forces her to doll up and wear makeup, which she admits she is never comfortable with.

“My mom (former actress Nadia Montenegro) would always reprimand me when she sees me going out wearing jeans, T-shirt and slippers. She says I have to dress accordingly, now that I’m in show biz,” Ynna tells Living Stars during a visit to her home in Ayala Heights, Quezon City.

“Only recently, Tita Annabelle (Rama, her talent manager) told me, ‘Mag-ayos ka kasi mukha kang manang.’ It was only then that it really sunk in.”

Ynna is seen regularly in the Sunday variety show “Party Pilipinas” and the afternoon drama series “Sisid” on GMA 7.

SHE GETS useful tips from makeup artists on how to do her face. Photo by Jim Guiao Punzalan

She claims she has become more mature and self-conscious at 19 years old. “These days, I ask for tips from make-up artists on how to do my face. I’ve also asked my aunt Katya to be my stylist. I feel embarrassed now to be seen in public not dressed up.”

Clothes

Lately I’ve been keen on wearing overalls. It’s very convenient. You don’t have to worry whether your tops matches your bottoms. I also like pairing shorts with blouses. My advice to girls is, don’t fool yourself into thinking that a particular style looks good on you just because it looks good on your sister. You have to know what works for you.

SCENTS from Jessica Simpson, Marc Joseph and Salvatore Ferragamo Photo by Jim Guiao Punzalan

The gown I wore for my debut was designed by Frank de Leon. The party had an ‘80s theme.

Cosmetics

I try all sorts of brands. I use a bronzer because I’m the morena type. I experiment with different colors and blend them. My mommy checks if my make-up is too brown or too orange.

The Light Berry concealer from Fanny Serrano really works. A makeup artist from “Party Pilipinas” told me about it.

I love using red lipstick, bagay kasi sa akin. It’s ideal to try a particular makeup first before buying it.

Scents

My all-time favorite is Light Blue of Dolce & Gabbana. I’m using a cologne from Bath and Body that my lola sent me from the States. I also have the Encanto Heaven Ferragamo perfume that Enzo Pineda gave me on my 19th birthday.

iPhone 3G from Mark. Photo by Jim Guiao Punzalan

One of Mark’s (Herras, current boyfriend) gifts is the Paris Hilton bottle. He also brought me a Marc Joseph perfume during a trip to Hong Kong. My lola also sent me a Limited Edition Fancy Love by Jessica Simpson. She said it was from a fan of mine from the US.

Bags

I don’t have a lot of bags, but I really treasure the Gucci that Ate Regine (Velasquez) gave me. She handed it to me on our last day on the show “Diva.”

On my 18th birthday, I got a red Chanel bag from one of my aunts. I asked my mom to keep it because I’m not really very good at taking care of designer bags.

I prefer medium-sized bags, those that have enough space to carry all my stuff. I don’t like big ones because I have a tendency to over-stuff it with things I don’t really need.

Shoes

YNNA Asistio shows off her hand-me-down boots from mom Nadia. Photo by Jim Guiao Punzalan

I started buying a lot of high-heeled shoes because of “Diva.” My character in the show was very kikay so I was forced to have footwear other than my favorite slippers. The pair of gray high-heeled boots is from Tita Carmina’s (Villaroel) shoe shop, Muñiz  The items there are very limited. I get to use the pair of studded black leather heels a lot because I can match it with just about anything.

If I had my way, I’d just use my gladiator sandals because they’re very comfortable. I also have a few pairs of really nice boots, including those I wear when I dance in “Party Pilipinas.” I also have hand-me-down boots from mom. She had them when she was 14.

The high-cut Nike rubber shoes are from Mark. He heard me and my sister Yca argue because I had wanted to borrow her rubber shoes, so he bought me a pair.

Accessories

When I’m not at work, I wear a pair of pearl earrings and a necklace. I buy them from a dealer. For special events I use the jewelry that my mom keeps for me.

I prefer using silver bangles, kasi rocker ako. Recently, (actress) Bea Binene gave me a lot of those.

Gadgets

GUCCI bag from Regine Velasquez. Photo by Jim Guiao Punzalan

Mark gave me a MacBook when I turned 18. He also got me an iPhone. He heard me say I’d give my BlackBerry to Mama and buy a new one. Nakabili na pala.

The Nikon D302 digital SLR camera is one of Mark’s gifts for my 19th birthday. This was a surprise. I don’t remember telling him that I wanted one.