Heaven Palette recently launched a campaign in collaboration with PCAS embalming school and TBWA\SMP, alongside social media posts by celebrity makeup artist and influencer Jigs Mayuga. The initiative aims to support embalmers-in-training by addressing one of their significant recurring expenses: cosmetics.
Through the Heaven Palette, the public is encouraged to donate pre-loved makeup, which will be used as training tools to help students develop their skills and perform their work with care and precision.
In 2023, nearly 2,000 Filipinos died daily on average, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. The funeral services industry is set to break the 1 billion dollars a year barrier in the next 5 years, according to Bonafide research. That industry will need a steady stream of trained professionals to keep up with the growing demand.
In addition, the initiative hopes to make an environmental impact by encouraging the repurposing of makeup that would otherwise simply go to waste. Jigs Mayuga said: “At least hoarders like me, no longer need to feel bad about letting go of old eye shadow, old powder, used lipstick because we now have a meaningful purpose for it.”
Over-Qualified, Under-Appreciated
The skillset required of those in the funeral services industry is highly specialized and broader than most imagine, and embalming in particular is a highly technical profession.
“Similar to the medical profession, embalmers also undergo training in Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Microbiology, Hygiene and Sanitation, Instrumentation, Ethics, and Jurisprudence among other subjects,” said Sarah Dychangco-Reyes, President and owner of the Pacific Center for Advanced Studies.
“Embalming is a science and learning anatomy and physiology is crucial in knowing how to handle cases with different causes of death. Learning cosmetics is also important because the families want their departed loved ones to look at peace and resemble the photos and videos that they have,” said Katrina Mercado, licensed embalmer, Luzon admin, and instructor for PCAS.
Beyond the skills, embalmers must have a rare mindset and a large capacity for empathy. “It takes a great deal of mental fortitude and resilience to be an embalmer, and we do not take this profession lightly– it’s a calling. We are faced with mortality with every retrieval and embalming we do, and we do grieve with you over your losses,” added Mercado.
The Cost of Getting Good
Putting makeup on human remains is a skill that requires practice, and using good makeup is vital, so this is often a pain point.
“Simply put, high-quality makeup is expensive. However, there is a considerable difference between premium and inferior makeup, in terms of pigmentation and coverage,” said Mercado.
From the time of its first posting in late February, The Heaven Palette has received a steady stream of donations: “Our donation boxes are continuously filled with assorted cosmetics. Some cosmetics are used, while others are still in pristine condition. Our PCAS admin has been receiving continuous personal drop-offs as well as many deliveries via courier,” said Dychangco-Reyes.
The donations are evaluated, segregated, and arranged into actual Heaven Palettes, which are then distributed to students.
