Photography DIX PEREZ
Videography ANDREW APUYA
Makeup ANGELA YEO
Hair JET BABAS
Fashion Styling FLORIAN TRINIDAD
By: Sherry Tenorio
“Boy, I got a lot in my life and I just don’t know what to say to you…” The lyrics of the song “Wait” echoed throughout Kapwa Studio, a boutique multi-functional beauty spot along P. Burgos, and continued to play in our heads even after we finished shooting and filming the gorgeous “Wait” singer, Jess Connelly.
Her voice was absolutely as sweet as she looks – with a character that’s a mixture of charm, enigma, and confidence. And the more we knew her, the more we were riveted to her inspiring views as a musician. In this month-long series, we present the Jess Connelly we learned to know. Here, we’ll share her love of music, why she feels loudest when underground, and, of course, her fondness for beauty.
“It has always been about the music”
Raised in Australia, the half-Pinay, half-Irish performer would visit her mom’s hometown in Cebu for holidays. In one fateful extended vacation, Jess found her way in joining a reality television show in a leading local network. From that stint, she appeared in various TV soap operas and series. She tried it out for a while but she did not like it. “I’m not able to be me. I did not enjoy what I was doing when I was doing it,” she said as she recalled her ‘artista’ days. Though, the process made her realize that:
It’s really music for me. It has been my goal, and it has never changed. I just had to figure out how to get there.
Being ‘artista’ is the only way
“One thing that I have noticed here in the Philippines is that people don’t want to attempt doing something unless somebody else has been doing it,” Jess quipped. She felt that singer wannabes think that the only way forward for their careers is to join a mainstream, national media outlet. Jess shared, “I feel like there’s such a stigma with local music and being a local musician because people think that you can’t go anywhere with it and that’s why people go into showbiz. But no, I don’t believe in that.”
Going indie
Jess joined a band after her showbiz stint but after a year of doing so, she knew she’d turn to taste the local music scene by performing underground. “It was a leap of faith and throwing myself into the deep edge. I just did it. It took me a while to be comfortable with performing independently. But, it’s a really great feeling to perform in front of however many people who just enjoy the music. I love how my songs resonate with these people.”
Loudest when underground
I reckon I shine more when I am not in the limelight.
When I sing, obviously endorphins play their role and I can’t explain how good it feels to be comfortable and to not have any insecurities when I’m performing on stage. And this makes me truly happy.”
The song that actually describes me
“It’s ‘Viva La White Girl’ by Gym Class Heroes. I like the lyrics because it talks about this girl who is trying to make it. I feel like underneath it all, I’m a dreamy person. But I’m also a mixture of different songs and different artists.”
The top 3 songs on Jess Connelly’s Spotify playlist
The night before the Calyxta shoot with Jess Connelly, she sent a message of apology. With absolute professionalism, she noted that she’d be an hour behind
the schedule since she was attending Globe’s launch of iPhone 7. A brand ambassador for the local telecommunications giant, Jess’ songs are on also on Globe’s Spotify including Wait, How I Love, With You and To The Side. Meanwhile, asked about her own playlist, the talented and beautiful singer gladly answered: “The first song on my Spotify playlist is (at the 
time of the interview) ‘Don’t Run’ by the PARTYNEXTDOOR, but the last song in my head is the ‘Black Beatles’ by Rae Sremmurd featuring Gucci Mane.”
a
While some indie artists do not show much care about how they look on and off the center stage, the gorgeous underground singer Jess Connelly goes beyond the typical. Hailed as one of the best-dressed women in the country by the local fashion title Preview magazine, Jess is also a self-confessed beauty junkie.
“I definitely love Japanese skincare and Korean beauty buys,” the ‘Wait’ singer admitted with pleasure. She added, “My favorite is the Kiehl’s face wash and the cleansing oil from Shu Uemura.”
On one hand, if Jess swore by the power of Asian beauty products, she also swore against going out without concealer. “One thing I don’t feel confident without is a bit of concealer under my eyes,” she quipped.
The Makeup Products Jess Connelly Can’t Live Without
Nars creamy concealer; KissMe Heroine mascara; Shu Uemura eyelash curler; Nars Anna Audacious Lipstick; Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette; Nars orgasm blush
Jess Connelly’s Beauty Pet Peeve
The overstated makeup trends and looks – the exaggerated eyebrows and eyeliners, crazy lashes and contour, thick foundation – that rose to popularity on Instagram.
Jess Connelly’s Must-Try Beauty Tip
“At night, I sometimes use lemon juice as a toner because it shrinks the pores and kills all the bacteria.”
5 Questions with Angela Yeo
A Calyxta resident beauty contributor, Angela Yeo coins herself as the @beautylista on Instagram. With a great amount of following, the professional makeup artist is one of the most sought after names that have proven her gift in beautifying local celebrities and famous personalities featured in print advertisements, brides, advertorials, newspaper, and magazine editorials.
In her recent collaboration with Calyxta, the pretty Angela did the gorgeous makeup looks of Jess Connelly. While she’s at the shoot, we also ran down with her a few questions that needed her beautiful insights.Watch this exclusive Calyxta Behind The Scenes with Angela Yeo video now!
Our Calyxta Girl for December, Jess Connelly, has what it takes to be the next star. She has the looks. She is definitely – undoubtedly – talented. And, she has an amazing personality. Yet, she has kept her feet away from stardom, and focused on making music. The big question is: Why?
“Because, I enjoy it,” Jess answered. The gorgeous vocalist is known for creating music that’s relaxed, fun and a bit free – the kind of music that gives the vibe that she likes to listen to.
Then, Jess added, “Being an independent singer [musician] is a lot of fun. And, I hope that, in a positive way, I make people see that it is possible to succeed in something even without following a pre-existing lane. Your music will be recognized if you really work for it. I have met many talents who are doing well in the local music scene, and even making a living out of it.”
Her latest music video, Radar/2AM, has just been released and at the moment, Jess is busy working on her next mixtape. “I’m calling it a mixtape because it’s going to be longer than my last EP,” Jess shared. She also mentioned her plans of bringing her music outside the Philippines.
“I wish to do shows in other countries. I am personally grateful for the opportunities I had here in the Philippines – this is the place where I discovered myself, and where I started as an artist. But, I know that I have to go beyond here,” Connelly concluded.
Best advice to give to fellow artist
I’ll say, just do it, and not second guess yourself. Personally, I am a big over-thinker, and I am my worst enemy. But, I reckoned that the more I think, the more I mess up. So, I realized that you won’t find any good in you and you’re not going to progress if you just don’t let it out, and just do it.
Jess Connelly: The Best Dressed
Local fashion magazine, Preview, recently revealed the country’s “Best Dressed” list for the year 2016 wherein the reigning Miss Universe, Pia Wurtzbach, tops the line-up. Among these stylish ladies is our home girl, Jess Connelly, who usually rocks a laid back, street style. Watch our Calyxta video, Underground Allure, to get a glimpse of Jess’ personal style. In this cover shoot, Jess specifically requested for us to stay away from shorts and skirts, to the delight of our stylist, Florian Trinidad.
Take a behind-the-scenes look with Jess and Flor. The young stylist, who has been making a name of her own in the local fashion scene, infuses her ‘hip-meets-hipster’ creativity to complement Jess’ effortless urban street style.
Like her music that sounds relaxed and free, Jess Connelly’s personality also gives a refreshing vibe. Her beauty and casual elegance is a breath of fresh air –like a charming pause after a few lovely tunes.
Here is our quick-fire repartee that will help you understand this refreshing persona better:
What’s your favorite time of the day – morning or evening?
– Evening
What’s your favorite word?
– Dope
What do you like more – puppies or kittens?
– Puppies
Would you eat French fries or salad?
– French Fries
What’s your favorite dance move?
– Millie Roca
Do you chew on your pen?
– No
Are you a coffee or tea drinker?
– Coffee is a must in the morning, but I drink tea anytime I want it or anytime I want to cleanse my stomach
What do you use more: Facebook or Instagram?
Who is your favorite Disney princess?
– Ariel! I’ve always wanted to be a pretty red head!
What’s your favorite Emoji?
– The one which has the tongue out, and winks.
What’s in Jess Connelly’s makeup bag?
– Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder
Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Rose Water
– Flowerbomb Perfume by Viktor & Rolf
Beauty advice Jess Connelly would give to her young self:
“Be proud of things that make you who you are. Learn how to embrace yourself. Once you own yourself, you stand out.”
