For Martine Ho, beauty has always been more than just makeup—it’s part of her identity. As the co-founder and creative director behind Sunnies Face and Sunnies Studios, she has helped shape a new vision of modern beauty that focuses on simplicity, warmth, and authenticity. Her personal routine reflects the same philosophy: natural skin, effortless makeup, and rituals that support overall wellness.
Growing up between Manila and California, Martine developed a unique perspective on beauty. Exposure to both cultures shaped her aesthetic, blending the relaxed, sun-kissed California style with the vibrant beauty culture of Southeast Asia. From an early age, she was fascinated by makeup and dreamed of eventually creating her own beauty brand. That dream would eventually lead to the creation of Sunnies Face, a cosmetics line known for flattering shades and easy-to-use products designed for a wide range of skin tones.
Building a Beauty Brand from a Simple Idea
The concept behind Sunnies Face began during photo shoots for the eyewear brand Sunnies Studios. Martine noticed that finding the perfect lipstick shade for models—especially Southeast Asian skin tones—was surprisingly difficult. Many nude shades appeared too pale or ashy, so she often mixed different lipsticks on set to achieve the right color.
Eventually, people began asking about the lip colors used in those shoots. That curiosity inspired Martine and her team to develop their own cosmetic line. Before launching their signature matte lipstick, the team tested hundreds of color samples to ensure the shades would work across a wide range of complexions.
The response to the brand’s debut exceeded expectations. Some customers even waited hours to purchase the products during the initial launch. For Martine, the overwhelming demand confirmed that there was a strong desire for beauty products that celebrated diverse skin tones and effortless everyday makeup.
A Minimalist Approach to Skincare
Despite working in the beauty industry, Martine prefers a relatively simple skincare routine. She believes that healthy skin doesn’t necessarily require an elaborate, multi-step regimen.
One of her unique habits is skipping a morning face wash. Instead of cleansing right away, she prefers to keep the skin’s natural oils intact and begins her routine with a hydrating serum followed by a lightweight moisturizer. This approach helps maintain skin balance and hydration throughout the day.
For puffiness or tired skin, she uses an unexpectedly simple trick: chilled green tea bags. The caffeine in the tea can help reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels, and storing the used tea bags in the freezer makes them a quick and sustainable eye treatment.
Sun protection is also a key part of her daily routine. A lightweight sunscreen with high SPF ensures the skin stays protected while remaining comfortable enough for everyday use.
At night, Martine focuses on thorough cleansing. Depending on how much makeup she wore during the day, she may use a gentle cleansing oil or a milky cleanser to remove impurities without irritating sensitive skin. Exfoliation—either physical or chemical—is used occasionally to keep the skin smooth and bright.
Beauty and Healing: A Personal Journey
Martine’s relationship with beauty became even more meaningful after she experienced Ramsay Hunt syndrome, a condition that can cause facial paralysis due to a virus affecting the facial nerve. The experience was physically and emotionally challenging, particularly because it occurred during pregnancy.
During this time, beauty routines became a source of comfort and confidence. Simple rituals—like applying makeup or practicing facial massage—helped her reconnect with herself and support her recovery.
She now prioritizes practices that promote lymphatic circulation, including dry brushing and gua sha facial massage. These techniques encourage blood flow and can help reduce facial tension while supporting overall skin health.
The “No-Makeup Makeup” Look
Martine’s makeup philosophy centers on enhancing natural features rather than dramatically transforming them. She often describes her aesthetic as warm, peachy, and softly radiant.
Her typical makeup routine begins with a lightweight primer or skin tint to even out the complexion. Instead of heavy foundation, she prefers sheer formulas that allow natural skin to show through. A touch of concealer and cream bronzer adds dimension without creating a heavy look.
For blush, she gravitates toward warm peach or terracotta tones that mimic a natural flush. Highlighter is used sparingly to create a soft glow rather than an intense shimmer.
One of her signature features is a blurred matte lip in a warm nude shade. These tones complement many skin tones and align with the brand’s philosophy of effortless beauty.
To complete the look, she often adds subtle eyeliner, curled lashes, and lightly groomed brows.
Low-Maintenance Hair with High-Impact Results
Martine follows a simple rule when it comes to hair: put in the effort at the salon so daily styling can remain easy.
She works with trusted colorists who carefully customize highlights to mimic the way sunlight naturally lightens hair. This approach allows the color to grow out gracefully, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
At home, she typically washes her hair every other day and styles it with minimal tools, focusing on soft waves or natural texture.
Wellness as Part of Beauty
For Martine, beauty isn’t limited to skincare and makeup—it also includes overall well-being.
She enjoys wellness rituals that support both physical and mental balance, including dry brushing, lymphatic massage, and relaxation practices. Even small habits, like using refreshing body washes or aromatic shower products, contribute to creating moments of self-care in a busy schedule.
Her fragrance choices also reflect her preference for subtle elegance. Instead of sweet or overpowering scents, she tends to favor clean, fresh fragrances that can be worn by anyone.
Redefining Effortless Beauty
Martine Ho’s approach to beauty highlights a shift happening across the industry. Instead of complex routines and heavy makeup, more people are embracing natural skin, simple products, and personalized rituals.
Through her work with Sunnies Face and her own beauty philosophy, Martine demonstrates that the most effective routines often focus on balance, authenticity, and confidence.
In the end, her message is clear: beauty should enhance who you already are—not hide it.
