EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea Fernandez’s Red Lip Returns—and Wins Again at MUPH 2025

The lights hit like déjà vu. A red lip, Miss Universe Philippines Sultan Kudarat, and a stage that’s seen this shade before—but not quite like this. From snagging the Miss Globe 2022 crown to becoming Miss Philippines Cosmo 2026, she returned not to repeat history, but to reframe it—her matte crimson mouth doing all the talking.

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One Red Wonder 

MEGA chats with her makeup artist Drew Galleguez, who revealed that the beauty direction was rooted in timelessness.

“We wanted to achieve a classic look for her,” he shared. “It fits her well and perfectly exudes her aura whenever she is on stage.” And classic, it was. Is there anything more eternal than a red lip? It was not only a statement but a perfect foil to her porcelain complexion. 

Notably, she was the only one who dared to wear a red lip from this year’s Top 12 roster. No matter where you sat, you couldn’t miss her.

Beauty Breakdown

How did Galleguez achieve this look? 

He used his go-to base combination on his muse: the Too Faced Born This Way foundation and concealer. “Since it’s a pageant, I wanted her to look seamless and flawless,” the makeup artist shares. 

On her cheeks was a soft rose tint that was just enough to bring life to her face. On the eyes, a smoky yet sculpted wash courtesy of Patrick Ta’s cult-favorite eyeshadow palette. To lock it all in, he layered the Charlotte Tilbury and ONE/SIZE fixing sprays—arguably the most bulletproof of all combinations.

For the question of the hour: what was the secret to her winning lip? It was NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in the shade Starwoman, the red that sealed the moment. 

The finals stage saw an array of beauty looks, each face making a statement. But only one made hers in crimson, and it won her a crown.

Photographed by JAI MURCILLO. Creative direction by JANUARY SAGA ABAD. Gown by LEO ALMODAL. Styled by ENJ PUNO. Makeup by DREW GALLEGUEZ. Hair by ERIC ACYANGAN OÑATE and JONELL DERELLO. Pageant Manager MHARK KENJIE DELA CRUZ. MUPH Sultan Kudarat Local Director DATU YAHIYA.

Featured Image and Photos: JAI MURCILLO, BINIBINING PILIPINAS (via Instagram), and GRANT BABIA