eaving a career in fashion retail, Xeng Zulueta took her three-year savings, studied makeup in London and San Francisco , and moved back to Manila to start over a new life. Now a celebrity makeup maven as Japan-trained senior artist for beauty brand Shu Uemura, she talks to Cosmo about what it took to succeed, and how she let go of the old to make space to the new.

What was the most difficult trial on the way to where you are now?

I gave up my weekends, sometimes with no days off at all so that I could train my team, sell the products, and build the brand. It took a while before I could gain the respect of the industry, and I had to prove myself to everybody. I was constantly being scrutinized by everyone. Suddenly, I had a very little time for myself and for my marriage.

What was it like leaving a marriage to nurture your career?

It's the hardest decision I've ever had to make in my whole life. I remember pushing myself so hard at work that I started to neglect my health. Before I knew it, I had no time for anybody. If I couldn't take care of myself, then how could I take of another? I had no business being in a marriage. It was unfair to my partner if I couldn't be there, even fifty percent. I let my work take over my life at that time and wanted so much to succeed at it. My friends, family, and my ex-husband have a newfound respect for me because I took a stand and stuck by it. There's no room for failure because of the price I've had to pay for success.

What advice would you give anyone who wants to start over with her life?

It's never too late. Don't be afraid to have big dreams, but never lose sight of what needs to be done. Be ambitious and know what you want! Don't be afraid of change—accept it and welcome it into your life. Most importantly, there is no room for regret.

What would you say is your biggest extravagance?

Nourishment and health are one's treasures. I don't need a special occasion to have foie gras or caviar. If my taste buds crave it, then I have to have it. When I'm sick, I won't have second thoughts dishing out all the cash I have to buy medicine so I can get well. Materialistically, I tend to obsess over bags and shoes. Right now I'm obsessing over Havaianas—last time I counted I had 10 pairs.

What is the biggest accomplishment you'd like to call your own?

I'm proud to say that I'm debt-free at the age of 31. Not a lot my age can say the same. Another dream that has yet to be fulfilled is to see my work splattered in international glossies such as Cosmo, Vogue, InStyle, and Allure. I'd like to do makeup for big fashion houses such as Dior, Chanel, YSL, Gucci and many more. But the ultimate dream is winning an Oscar for best makeup in a film!

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