MANILA — In a world where beauty and personal appearance often take center stage, the makeup industry generates tons of products that go unused. 

For many, this leads to a buildup of cosmetics that, while once loved, are no longer needed. Instead of letting these valuable items go to waste, you can repurpose them for a meaningful cause. 

The donation for Pacific Center for Advanced Studies (PCAS) came from TBWA/SMP that started in 2024 when the idea came out when one of the students used their pre-loved make ups.

“This donation drive came about when TBWA/SMP reached out to the educational institution in the last quarter of 2024. TBWA presented the idea of Heaven Palette to our PCAS team. Upon hearing the idea, PCAS realized that using pre-loved cosmetics for PCAS students who are training for the Embalming Licensure Exam can help incoming students prepare for their exams,” PCAS said via email.

The Heaven Palette is where mortician students work hard to gain the skills needed. Unfortunately, the cost of education can be burdening, and many students may struggle with expenses that distract from their studies. By donating cosmetics, beauty enthusiasts can also support both the education of aspiring morticians and the principles of sustainability.

“The idea of helping to recycle cosmetics also helps in sustainability. PCAS also has different students from all walks of life. Some of these students who are not so financially well off, so this idea of Heavenly Pallette will help the students complete that necessary kit that is needed during their review for their Embalming Licensure program,” PCAS said.

Makeup is not just for the living. Students in PACS are learning to skillfully apply cosmetics. These cosmetics would have significance in training their skills in bringing the looks of the deceased to life.

“Useful makeup products include cream foundations, eyeshadow palettes, blush, and lipsticks in multiple shades. These are essential for mortuary students to practice and perfect their skills,” Students learn to apply makeup by considering embalming effects, correcting discoloration, and ensuring the deceased looks as close as possible to how they appeared in life,” PCAS said.

In the field of mortuary science, presentation plays a crucial role.  It is a reminder that cosmetics are not solely for aesthetic purposes; they can also be vital tools that help portray dignity and compassion in farewells.

“It helps normalize mortuary cosmetology as a legitimate and important field of study, just like traditional makeup artistry. The initiative educates the public about the role of embalmers in providing closure to grieving families, showing that mortuary work is not just technical but also compassionate and artistic,” PCAS said.

This task includes not just the logistical aspects of the funeral process but also caring for the appearance of the deceased. A well-executed cosmetic application can provide comfort to grieving families, allowing them to see their loved ones in a peaceful and dignified state.

“By discussing the use of makeup in embalming, it challenges misconceptions about the industry and fosters appreciation for the skills required to prepare a loved one for their final viewing,” PCAS said.

The initiative sheds light on the evolving perceptions of beauty and death. Traditionally, these two concepts seem disconnected; however, this project promotes the idea that beauty exists in every aspect of life, including honoring those who have passed.

“Being able to get to know that there are also embalming students or school is really an eye opener as we’ve also get to find out that there are people who’re working their best to help bereaved families. I think this has helped me realize that we need to give light to the embalming industry as an avenue for creativity and advocacy. Sometimes death doesn’t have to be gruesome but also beautiful in reminding us the wonder of living. This is what embalming makeup does for the dead. Giving them the look of a happy or peaceful afterlife,” PCAS said.

By providing quality makeup products, donations enhance learning experience and ensure they have the tools they need for their professional journey. It is a big help for students and instructors practicing their skills.

“Students and instructors appreciate the donations because they provide access to high-quality makeup, which can be expensive. The donations help students practice and refine their skills without additional financial burden. PCAS has received positive feedback from students, with many expressing gratitude for the availability of makeup that allows them to practice mortuary cosmetology,” PCAS said.

Many individuals hold misconceptions about the profession, often viewing it through a lens of fear or misunderstanding. The school's purpose goes beyond mere training; it strives to redefine how society perceives embalmers and morticians.

“By raising awareness about the importance of mortuary cosmetology, reducing the stigma around makeup for the deceased. By providing educational content on color correction, texture application, and blending techniques, which are crucial in mortuary makeup application,” PCAS said.

The school of morticians is one part of the educational system that is often ignored. The shame of embalming, which is sometimes perceived as eerie or unsettling, overshadows its reality. By donating unused or gently used cosmetics, makeup lovers can help support a sustainable practice.

“Mortician schools are an often-overlooked part of our educational system. The stigma surrounding embalming—often perceived as eerie or unsettling—overshadows its true value as both an art form and a compassionate service that helps families cope with loss. Since we’re using expired or pre-loved makeups, this is ideal for us to find an opportunity in which sector this can work on without harming anyone in the process whilst being sustainable,” PCAS Said.

For PCAS, makeup is an essential for giving the deceased a serene and as near to their actual appearance as possible, this would also be a way of helping families in processing their sorrow.

“A well-done cosmetic application helps bring comfort to loved ones by ensuring a dignified and familiar appearance for the deceased. Families often appreciate small details, like using their loved one's favorite lipstick shade or recreating a special look from an important life event, which can bring solace during a difficult time,” PCAS said.

Makeup techniques in a mortician school may also differ from traditional makeup artistry, and there are also some key considerations for working with deceased individuals that PACS consider.

“Mortuary makeup differs from traditional makeup in formulation and application. Some mortuary makeup products contain beeswax or surface wax to help with dehydrated or special cases (e.g., refrigeration cases, autopsy cases, gunshot wounds, burns). Unlike traditional makeup, mortuary makeup doesn’t oxidize and rarely requires touch-ups. It is often mixed like paint to replicate the deceased’s natural skin tone. Special considerations include ensuring eyes remain closed, assessing lighting conditions during the wake, and adjusting for discoloration caused by illness or Injuries,” PCAS said.

By donating gently used makeup, it does not only help alleviate some of the financial stress faced by these future professionals but also contributes to sustainability efforts by reducing waste in the beauty industry.

“By donating high-quality, expired, or unsellable products to mortuary schools, helping students who cannot afford expensive makeup. By giving mortuary schools high-quality, unused, or expired goods, assisting students who are unable to purchase pricey makeup,” PCAS said.

The ability to enhance the natural appearance of the deceased using such techniques is an essential skill for morticians. Thus, quality makeup—a resource often discarded or forgotten—can serve a critical purpose in their training.

“Color correction techniques are essential, especially for counteracting yellowing or discoloration due to illness. This can involve using dyes during embalming or applying color-correcting makeup afterward. Special mortuary makeup can be used to mimic botox or fillers to make the skin appear youthful. The "no-makeup makeup look" is often used for families who request minimal cosmetics while still ensuring a natural, peaceful appearance,” PCAS said.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Donating your unused or lightly used makeup products is a simple yet impactful way for you to give back. Items needed for the mortician students include foundations, concealers, powders, blushes, lipsticks, and eye shadows are well in The Heaven Palette. Not only does this foster a sense of connection, but it also encourages others to think critically about the lifecycle of beauty products.

“People who have excess makeup may it be unused, pre-loved or expired can be donated to PCAS Mortuary Students for their practice and other exams. They can coordinate on PCAS PHL on Facebook or have their donations delivered to the donation drop off point,” PCAS said.

 DROP-OFF POINTS

Quezon City drop-off point

Contact person: Kat Mercado, 0945 366 7404

Pacific Center for Advanced Studies

c/o Cosmopolitan Memorial Chapels and Crematory

332 G. Araneta Ave., Brgy. Dona Imelda, Quezon City

Cebu City drop-off point

Contact person: Niña Delos Reyes, 0960 284 2853

Pacific Center for Advanced Studies

c/o Cosmopolitan Memorial chapel

Nivel Hills, Lahug, Cebu City