Heaven’s Palette: How student embalmers give new life to old makeup

In the mornings, an embalming lab is typically quiet, except for the occasional scrape of a spatula against a mixing palette. An embalming student might be dabbing foundation carefully onto the cold skin of a mannequin head, blending until the tone is just right; or another student might be selecting the perfect shade of lipstick, swatching it on her forearm.

“Her family said this was her favorite shade,” she might say. This exercise is meticulous — cosmetology is as much a part of the embalming process as preserving the body itself. And for these students, each stroke of makeup isn’t just practice — it’s to prepare for the real-life task of helping families say their final goodbyes.

“Families just need to see their loved ones looking peaceful, as though they are just sleeping,” Katrina Mercado, a licensed embalmer and instructor of the Pacific Center for Advanced Studies (PCAS), told Rappler.

This is why mortuary makeup is one of the most important skills a young embalmer must master. However, professional-grade cosmetics are costly, making hands-on training a challenge.

That’s where Heaven’s Palette comes in — a donation drive that collects used, expired, and recycled cosmetics to help future embalmers refine their skills and give old makeup a second life.

“Our students who are not so financially well off need a full set of cosmetics to prepare for their licensure exams, but not all of them can afford it,” Sarah Dychangco-Reyes, president and owner of PCAS, told Rappler. “This initiative helps them complete their kits while also promoting sustainability.”

From makeup drawers to embalming labs

What happens to expired makeup wasting away at the bottom of your vanity table drawer? Most people just toss it in the trash. But in late 2024, creative agency TBWA/SMP approached Sarah and Katrina with a different idea: why not repurpose pre-loved cosmetics for the benefit of embalming students?

“When TBWA presented the idea of Heaven’s Palette to us, we realized it was a perfect fit,” shared Sarah.

Before the campaign, Katrina was already fielding questions on social media about what to do with used makeup. “I’m part of different funeral industry groups online,” she said. “People would ask if they could donate, and I’d always say yes.”

Now, with TBWA/SMP’s help, they have an organized way to collect and distribute makeup to their students.

The moment the campaign launched, it spread like wildfire. Within 24 hours, Katrina found herself responding to an endless stream of comments and messages from people eager to donate. It was a viral success — people from Manila and even Cebu have sent in used and even brand-new makeup.

“Our PCAS admin has been receiving continuous personal drop-offs, as well as courier deliveries,” Katrina said, sharing that people were surprised that you could use pre-loved cosmetics for embalming training, or that an embalming school even exists in the Philippines.

“We are thankful to be able to educate the public about the local embalming industry,” she said.

What happens to the donations?

Every month, the PCAS team collects, evaluates, and segregates donations. “Not all makeup is suitable,” Sarah explained. “We check for issues like odor, texture, or consistency before distributing them.”

The makeup that is found to be suitable for the students’ review course on cosmetology is segregated and packed in a pouch to be distributed to the students randomly.

“Since PCAS’ enrollment of students varies per intake, the distribution of the cosmetics is random,” Sarah said.

However, it can also be a game of luck. “We always hope to collect enough usable cosmetics for all our students. We have to ensure that each packet will have the appropriate number of makeup items — one or two cream foundations in light and dark shades, an eyeshadow palette, blush, and at least two or more lipstick shades,” Katrina explained.

“Ideally, we want the makeup packs to be versatile and cater to different genders and skin tones.”

Why makeup matters

Why the need for donations? Simply put, high-quality makeup is expensive.

“Embalming students already spend money for the training program, board and lodging, and other personal expenses, so having access to this donated expired makeup will be a big help,” she said.

Sarah said there is a considerable difference between premium and inferior makeup, like pigmentation and coverage. And as an embalmer, especially if freelance, one would require spending a considerable amount of money preparing not just the cosmetics, but the embalming tools as well.

“Mortuary makeup is different because it contains beeswax and other surface wax that help with dehydrated or special cases, like refrigeration cases, autopsy cases, gunshot wounds, and burns,” Katrina explained. They can have a special formulation that can aid in preservation or restoration, depending on what’s needed.

“They also don’t oxidize unlike traditional makeup, and very rarely do they need touch-ups. Mortuary makeup can be treated more like paint where you can mix the colors to achieve a near replica of the departed’s skin tone when they were alive,” she added.

Katrina also takes into account the position of the remains during the wake — will there be light coming from above? From the side?

“Overall, there is quite an overlap in the techniques used for makeup for the living and the deceased; in fact, contouring and the use of airbrush makeup are gaining popularity among funeral homes,” she said.

Another little-known fact is that there are products that are similar to Botox and fillers to make the deceased look healthier or youthful.

“Even though the family may request that they don’t want any cosmetics for their departed loved ones, we still need to, so we do our version of the ‘no makeup’ makeup look,” Katrina said.

This is why access to makeup for student embalmers is key, as cosmetology and restorative art are key aspects of their training.

“Applying makeup on the deceased is entirely different from working on a living person,” she explained, noting that even skilled makeup artists struggle with the unique texture and challenges. However, the need for a peaceful, familiar appearance in death remains deeply human.

Mortuary makeup is as emotional as it is technical. That’s why students must be trained in blending colors and selecting shades that create a natural appearance, Sarah said, noting the importance of providing grieving families with the comfort of a familiar face in their final farewell.

“It’s a big misconception that mortuary makeup will distort your departed loved one’s looks beyond recognition, or that it always has to be slathered thick,” she said.

“It also doesn’t have to be two to three shades lighter or darker than the actual skin tone. Mortuary makeup can be as minimal or glamorous as needed.”

A day in the life: What does it really take?

“Ethics and professionalism, embalming techniques, attention to detail, record-keeping, time management, and continuous learning are some of the most important skills one has to master in this profession,” Sarah said.

It’s important to remember that embalming is a science and learning anatomy and physiology is crucial, Katrina added, but learning cosmetics is also important because “the family won’t care if you embalmed their deceased loved one flawlessly. All they want is for their departed loved one to look at peace and resemble the photos and videos that they have.”

Professionalism and empathy are also non-negotiables. “Families grieve differently, and you need a lot of patience and understanding for that,” Katrina said.

What many embalmer students struggle with the most is passing the theoretical and practical classes — it is an intensive program that requires dedicated time, effort, and discipline.

Anatomy can be challenging for those without a medical background due to the extensive medical terminology involved. Those unfamiliar with funeral homes may also need to learn about instrumentation and assembly, adding another layer of complexity to the training.

But Katrina fondly remembers her time as a student — she would look forward to the case studies, because for her, this is a litmus test if you’re cut out to be an embalmer.

“Are you going to faint? Puke? Cry or walk out? The first-time reactions of the students are always interesting,” she said. “Once they’ve gotten the hang of it, it’s applying what they’ve learned in the theoretical lectures that make each case study exciting; knowing what techniques to apply and successfully embalming the remains — cosmetics included — can be fulfilling.”

After all, it is a fulfilling job and as an embalmer, Sarah revels in the reward of seeing the before and after-effects of what techniques and makeup do to the deceased.

“Hearing positive feedback from families and friends about the deceased, especially on how beautifully the makeup is done, gives our embalmers a sense of fulfillment,” Katrina said. The family’s approval during the final check before delivering their loved one to the viewing chapel is just as rewarding.

“It’s also the guests talking about how good so-and-so looked — how peaceful, beautiful, glamorous even — during the wake that can make the long hours worth it.”

Katrina shared that cases that require more work often have a big payoff, especially those involving restoration after an accident or a more violent passing. These can be tedious and time-consuming, with cosmetics applications becoming trickier due to reconstruction.

But sometimes, it’s the simplest details that mean the most — recreating how they looked on their wedding day or significant family event, curling their hair because they never got the chance to do it while alive, or just applying their favorite shade of lipstick.

“Small gestures like these can make all the difference for a grieving family,” Katrina said.

The art of saying goodbye

Heaven’s Palette is PCAS’ way of supporting the next generation of embalmers. And while makeup donations remain at the heart of Heaven’s Palette, there are other ways to help.

“Unused or sanitized brushes are also welcome,” Sarah said. “They’re essential for our students.”

This initiative is not just about helping students — it’s about shedding light on an often overlooked yet deeply impactful profession. Embalming still carries certain stereotypes in the public eye and this effort aims to challenge those perceptions, like how embalmers fit a particular image, or that funeral homes are eerie, unwelcoming places.

However, this perception is shifting. “We’ve had doctors, lawyers, and engineers who have taken up the course,” Katrina said. “Recently, we’ve even had a professional e-sports gamer pass the licensure exams,” proving that this career path is for individuals from all walks of life.

“We also want people to know that embalmers are professionals, educated and licensed and that they positively contribute to a nation’s safety and wellness,” Sarah said.

It also takes a great deal of mental fortitude and resilience to be an embalmer; it is a profession that isn’t taken lightly, Katrina said. Rather, it’s a calling.

“We are faced with mortality with every retrieval and embalming we do, and we do grieve with you for your losses, which is why we ensure that we perform the embalming procedure properly, tailor the clothes to fit well, and make sure the cosmetics are done in a pleasant manner, all to help families peacefully come to terms with the death of their loved one,” Katrina said.

For aspiring embalmers, Sarah advises: You must understand the role and responsibility of an embalmer and the strict ethical considerations before entering the profession.

“Embalming is a challenging yet deeply fulfilling profession, requiring scientific expertise, technical precision, and a compassionate heart,” she said. “With the right education, experience, and mindset, embalmers can make a meaningful impact on grieving families and communities.”

For students, mastering mortuary cosmetics isn’t just about skill; it requires access to quality products. By donating used makeup, Heaven’s Palette bridges this gap.

Old lipstick tubes and forgotten palettes get a second life — not just as makeup, but as a way to honor the departed with dignity, bring comfort to grieving families, and shine a light on a profession that deserves more recognition. – Rappler.com