Behind the scenes at Spain's most important beauty pageants, expert hands work not only to transform faces but also to enhance the essence of those who walk the runway.
Today we speak with Franko, official makeup artist for the National Beauty Pageant (RNB), who reveals the secrets of professional makeup: how to achieve healthy-looking skin under demanding spotlights, how to use makeup to empower (not cover up), and what role conscious skincare plays in high-end beauty.
At OhMyKoko, we firmly believe that there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all beauty : each person has their own unique beauty, and the most valuable thing is learning to enhance it with respect, authenticity, and care. Collaborating with professionals like Franko, who share this philosophy, inspires us to continue working toward a more honest and diverse beauty.
How did your journey with makeup begin? What got you hooked on this profession?
Since I was little, I always played with dolls and my cousins' hair. I also watched my mother get ready, and it was mesmerizing to watch her transform with her lipstick, her curly hair, her dresses... I thought she was fabulous.
That's where it all started. Little by little, I began to understand that there was infinite creativity in making things, especially in making people feel beautiful. I think it's a way of getting to know the body, the face, and ultimately combining colors and concepts to flatter someone. If the person doesn't like it, it's their decision how they want to look, but I will always tell them what can help them look better, whether it's with makeup or hair.
This is how Avenida Maquillaje by Franko Portillo was born.
You work backstage at RNB ESPAÑA, one of the most important beauty pageants. What's the experience like doing makeup in such a demanding environment?
It's very demanding, because your job is to make the candidate feel confident and ensure that the makeup doesn't harm her in any way, but rather boosts her self-confidence. Everything is super exposed: social media, television, cameras, the public... you have to look spectacular. That's what made me grow.
I owe a lot to RNB SPAIN; they trust me, and I must repay that with clean work that also helps to internationalize the brand.
What do people look for in runway makeup these days? Has it changed much compared to a few years ago?
When it comes to beauty queens, the trick is to make them look flawless, to make even the person in the back row of the theater, auditorium, or stage admire their beauty. Makeup enhances, never takes away.
“I always insist: if you don't take care of your face, your makeup will never look good.”
There are many myths and media misconceptions about Miss Universe's makeup, but when I teach my courses, I always explain that it must look good and that the look must be elevated to make it extraordinary. It's changed a lot because now Miss Universe becomes an ambassador, and her image must be striking: simplicity doesn't exist in this context, because otherwise, you won't achieve that admiration. They're all beautiful, but without good makeup, they won't make the same impression.
How do you ensure that the makeup enhances each candidate's true beauty without hiding their essence?
A person's essence isn't hidden with foundation or blush; that's not the same thing: it's inversely proportional. With makeup, we enhance the exterior, we turn it into a brand, into a product, but they will always remain the same.
What role does skincare play in your work? How does it influence the final result of a makeup look?
I always emphasize this: if you don't take care of your face, your makeup will never look good. You have to treat it with love before and after each session because it helps your skin absorb the products better and gives a cleaner finish.
“Everyone has their own space in the world. Just live, enjoy, and put on makeup… without forgetting to take care of your skin.”
And it's not just about "slathering on a cream"; it's about understanding your face and its unique needs to care for it with what really works for it. That's what ensures the results are always flawless.
How do you prepare your skin before applying makeup? Do you have any rituals you never skip?
I always apply facial toner to my girls—and the misters too—I love refreshing the skin and giving it that dose of water it always needs, whether with rose water or hydrating toners. Then I use water-based creams to boost hydration and keep the skin fresh and radiant. I never skip that. The rest depends on the person's skin type: whether they need more or less facial preparation products.
What ingredients or types of cosmetics do you prefer to use before applying makeup? Do you have a preference for natural or vegan formulas?
I always look for products that have water as their main ingredient because it's essential for the skin, or hyaluronic acid to help retain that moisture and better maintain the makeup's finish. The formulas themselves don't matter to me; it depends on the person and whether they want to use specific products.
At OhMyKoko, we talk about skin activism as a way to respect our skin and avoid harmful things. What do you think about this approach?
I think you have to take care of yourself in every way. In the end, it's what you show the world: your face. If you're not careful with it, don't complain about the changes it undergoes. Eat healthy, drink water, always wear sunscreen, exercise at your own pace... but keep this in mind.
Your promotion of this speaks to the need to convey accurate information to those who read it, so they can learn and apply what contributes to their care.
In pageants, the aesthetic pressure can be intense. How do you, in your role, manage the balance between beauty, authenticity, and self-esteem?
It's a delicate subject that ultimately converges on one point: you have to know how far you want to go, how you want to look, and what kind of image you want to present, especially if you're going to be a beauty pageant. Many things have changed now, and beauty is subjective, but I don't think certain physical and mental aspects are healthy if what you're going to show doesn't reflect well-being.
"Empowering yourself starts with feeling good in your own skin."
We must take care of what we have inside our heads as much as what we have outside. We must be consistent and coherent with these factors. The personal aspect must be authentic, organic, and fresh. That takes you far, because nothing fake is good: fake characters fall quickly if you don't truly feel them.
What has been one of those special moments at RNB SPAIN that you will never forget?
There are many moments, and every time we get together we remember the first time we got together for this; we always agree that it was the best thing that's ever happened to us.
Although I always remember the day the organization's presidents, Jesús Bueno and Juan Delgado, called me to showcase my talent to the world with them. That thrilled me and made me realize I could be part of something big, contributing to a country to which I owe everything and which I love madly. And also when I have to help them with their wardrobe or run around backstage... that's always a laugh!
What advice would you give to those who wear makeup daily and want to take care of their skin at the same time?
Always remove your makeup. Just as you put it on, take it off. Use your skincare routine after applying makeup, because even if it makes you look pretty, it's not healthy to leave it on your face, eyelashes, eyes... for so many hours, or worse, go to sleep with it on!
Are there any common mistakes you see when someone does their makeup at home that you could help correct?
Calling only foundation "makeup" or saying "makeup" to refer to the act of applying makeup. Everyone does the rest as they can, want, or have learned. Oh, and be careful: "natural makeup" doesn't exist.
Where do you find inspiration for your makeup? Do you follow trends or do you prefer to create from an emotional or artistic perspective?
I'm very visceral; I create from what I feel and see in the person. I certainly follow established concepts, but I draw a lot of inspiration from what I see from other colleagues.
I love following everyone from students to experienced professionals, because everyone has something to contribute. I don't copy; I'm inspired, and from there I create. When I'm doing it from my head, I focus a lot and get it out without thinking too much.
What would you like to see change in the professional makeup industry?
Nothing. Makeup has been incredible ever since I've known it, and it's evolved so much. That's what makes me love my profession, which I've been doing for 12 years, since I started. I think every new thing that comes out contributes and doesn't disrupt anything; in the end, there are always different ways to do it, and everyone sticks with what makes them feel comfortable. So I wouldn't change anything about this wonderful career.
Finally, what is true beauty for you?
The immensity of being an incredible human being. No foundation can cover that up, no lipstick can enhance that. If you're not kind, if you're not respectful to others, no matter how symmetrical your face is, you'll be ugly.
“ OhMyKoko supports all types of beauty: there is no single beauty, each person has their own light. ”
It's all about embracing harmony and coexistence with your surroundings, living however you want without harming anyone—not even a fly. After all, everyone has their own space in the world. Just live, enjoy, and wear your makeup... without forgetting to take care of your skin.
🎤 We invite you to explore our 'We talk with' section, where you will find various interviews with healthcare professionals and those from the beauty and health sector, who address topics related to health and skin care.
Why choose OhMyKoko?
At OhMyKoko , we don't just offer natural and vegan cosmetics, we're also the first skin activist brand . Our products are formulated with high-quality, natural ingredients, free of toxic chemicals , designed to care for your skin and respect the environment.
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