Not a lot of local personalities can call themselves a Maybelline It Girl. Though there are a few, Calyxta’s Morena Muse and August 2018 #CalyxtaGirl, Gabbi Garcia, definitely stands out with eyes that smize, an incredibly infectious smile, and enviable golden-brown skin. As one of the current endorsers of a world renowned beauty brand known for its long-time slogan, “Maybe she’s born with it,” before changing it to “Make it happen,” to be able to empower cosmopolitan women of today, Gabbi was brought to numerous places, which include meeting fellow Maybelline Girl, Gigi Hadid, in Tokyo, and traveling to London to meet beauty bloggers and vloggers from all over the world.
At 19 years old as of this writing, Gabbi seems to already carry a kind of independence that shows you just how much of the world she has experienced already. She dreams of one day traveling to at least 100 places in her lifetime, and in this week’s cover, she gushes about all the beautiful and memorable cities she’s been to—and she’s only getting started.
How has it been so far being one of Maybelline’s It Girls?
It’s been an amazing journey so far, and Maybelline is such a prestigious brand. It’s also a brand that empowers women, so I’m really glad to be part of it.
What are your Top 3 favorite Maybelline products?
I really love their lippies, especially their Creamy Mattes. I love Toasted Brown and Nude Nuance, and also, their Lash Sensational Mascara!
What was it like going to Tokyo and meeting Gigi Hadid? And getting to experience London as Maybelline’s brand ambassador?
I always loved traveling ever since I was a kid, so it’s nice to travel and work at the same time. One of the women I look up to is Gigi Hadid, so that was like a dream come true for me. London, meanwhile, was a different experience because I was surrounded by different beauty vloggers and bloggers from all over the world. It was a memorable experience to mingle with them, to interact with them, plus we were all there for the same reason—for the love of beauty and Maybelline! It’s nice to really be out there and get to absorb all the knowledge, and just to learn by yourself when traveling.
Can you share with us some of the most important lessons you’ve learned while traveling?
Actually, the best teacher for me is traveling. I traveled recently—I went to London alone. Sometimes, since my mom is a flight attendant, I accompany her. So when she’s working, I’m like her passenger, and I’m kind of alone as well, because she’s busy. What I learned? Being independent and being street smart! Because you can’t really bring your academics to the airport. You have to be street smart and independent to find your way around. Trust yourself also. You have to trust yourself that you can really do it
How many countries have you been to so far? And what were your most memorable travels?
Wow, I actually lost track. Can I do cities instead? I’ve been to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Hawaii, and Guam. Maybe about 20 already. States or cities. My favorite so far—maybe I’d give my top five. First is New York, because of its grit, and I love the way people hustle in New York. It inspires me so much. When I got back from New York, I felt so empowered and inspired by their energy. Second is Paris. Third is France. Fourth is London, and then fifth is Hawaii.
Enjoy an additional 5% off ALL Maybelline products this whole month of August to celebrate our #CalyxtaGirl and Maybelline It Girl, Gabbi Garcia! Just use the code CALYXTAXGABBI upon checkout.
Cover Story By: GRETCHEN GATAN
Art Direction: MARGAUX CORTEZ & MING BAGAFORO
Editorial Assistant: MAAN FERNANDEZ
Editorial Intern: MARY VERESSE UBERAS
Videographer: RYAN TIZON
Photographer: CHARISMA LICO
Makeup: JASON DELOS REYES
Hair: MARK ROSALES
Stylist: JOHN KARUNUNGAN, JM GUMATAY AND HILLARY LEE OF @STYLEDITGROUP
Special Thanks to: LAS CASAS FILIPINAS DE ACUZAR, QUEZON CITY
