Jillian Ward sees make-up as more than just a tool for vanity.
In an exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on May 22, 2025, at her Meet & Greet event for the cosmetics brand Pretty Secret, the Kapuso star begins: "Medyo ano lang, nakakalungkot yung mga nagme-make-up-shame.
"I think we should just accept lang na everybody's different, and they express themselves differently."
For Jillian, wearing make-up allows people to show who they are and feel good about themselves.
The Kapuso star says, "Well, each to their own, but I feel like make-up is actually, it gives us a sense of freedom kasi parang we can express ourselves.
"It's not just for vanity. Kasi, ako nga nagme-make-up ako sa bahay. Pero wala naman nakakita sa akin."
JILLIAN WARD: DISCOVERING MAKE-UP
The former child star describes herself as a late bloomer when it comes to make-up.
Her father, Elson Penzon, didn’t allow her to wear make-up during her childhood, permitting it only when necessary for her work.
The 20-year-old actress recalls, "Actually, dati, when I was younger, super bawal sa papa ko na nagme-make-up ako. So, nagme-make-up ako in secret.
"Nag-aral ako na mag-kilay sa CR bago umalis ng bahay nang hindi niya alam.
"So ngayon, mas may freedom and mas nagagamit ko siya para to make me feel a certain way."
When it comes to her current make-up style, Jillian tailors her beauty look based on her mood and the demands of her work—whether she's playing a character or performing on stage.
She tells PEP, "When I'm performing, gusto ko medyo mas fierce ako, medyo mas parang seryoso ako, ganun.
"And kapag sa taping naman, nakaka-help talaga siya with my characters. Kumbaga, medyo mag-iiba-iba po yung itsura ng characters ko.
"Tulad ngayon, medyo mas demure ang look ng character ko ngayon sa pinag-ge-guestan ko na show, yung Mga Batang Riles.
"So, mas ganun, mas may freedom, and mas nagagamit ko siya to transform my mood and myself."
JILLIAN WARD: MAKE-UP TRENDS
Is she into online beauty trends?
"Tina-try ko din yung iba mga trends pero hindi super dalas," she replies.
"Recently, tina-try ko yung parang mga... yung mga trending make-up looks, like, Douyin, ganyan."
For those unfamiliar, Douyin is a beauty style popular in China that features bright, radiant skin, a touch of pink blush, and softly blurred lips.
Jillian continues, "Minsan, iba-iba yung nagagawa ko sa make-up... Pag may nakita akong picture, gagayahin ko siya."
Thanks to her trusted makeup artist, Mama Joel, she receives expert guidance.
"Binabantayan niya ako. Tinuturuan niya talaga ako."
She adds with a laugh, "And pinapalo niya ako pag mali yung ginagawa ko."
One key lesson she learned is the importance of knowing her facial features.
"Meron din kasi talaga akong parang routine for my face talaga. Importante din yung parang kilalanin mo yung mukha mo mismo and ano ba yung talagang pinakagusto mong look for yourself."
JILLIAN WARD'S MAKE-UP MUST-HAVES
What are her must-have make-up products for her daily routine?
Her kit always features brow gel because, as Jillian says, "Kilay is life."
She notes, "Always iyan [dala sa make-up kit]."
Following brow gel on her must-have list is concealer.
Jillian explains, "Concealer ng Pretty Secret. Kasi, aaminin ko na, yung eyebags ko talaga, pag wala akong concealer, kita talaga siya sa super puyat ko every day."
Pretty Secret Concealer is available for just PHP149 on Shopee and Lazada.
Jillian is also a fan of the brand's 3-in-1 Beauty Palette, which conveniently includes blush, highlighter, and contour all in one package.
"Super gusto ko yung bago nilang nilabas na compact," she says.
This three-in-one make-up compact is available for PHP199 on Lazada.
Completing her make-up must-haves, Jillian says, "Lip tint and pinaka-favorite ko talaga sa lahat, highlighter kasi, yun yung nagbibigay sa akin ng parang fresh look talaga.
"Parang gising ako, so yun yung pinaka-favorites ko."
READ MORE: