We all know what inflation means in theory: “prices go up, your money buys less.” But in practice, such as when you’re staring at the newly hiked up price tag of a beauty product you love, it feels intensely personal. In September 2025, the Philippines’ annual inflation rate ticked up to 1.7 %, from 1.5 % in August. That’s still within the government’s target range of 2 %–4 %, but we are all still feeling the pinch. Why does everything suddenly seem more expensive?

Now, 1.7 % might sound low to macro watchers. But to someone whose budget is already tight, a 5–10 % markup on imported makeup, or a sudden 100‑peso hike in their favorite cleanser is a big deal.

This week in Beauty World, celebrations abound! Colourette celebrated their tenth anniversary. Lisa Macuja-Elizalde went viral (in the best way) this week for being a relatable “matipid” makeup queen. Blk Cosmetics continues their birthday celebration with the release of Brow Bond. Last but not least, GRWM Cosmetics’ Envirocycle Bin is now available in three locations.

You can always tell when an event is going to be good. When I received the call to attend Timeless by Design, a dinner hosted by Skin 101 and Vanguard Philippines, I already knew it wasn’t going to be one of those forgettable, filler-type gatherings. And I was right.

Held at Blackbird in Makati, the event was elegant and intimate. It was meant to introduce Ultherapy PRIME, a new and improved version of the classic Ultherapy treatment, but the night turned out to be more than just a product launch. It was a celebration of what it means to feel powerful in your own skin, whether that skin is 25, 45, or somewhere in between.

I have a soft spot for lip gloss. Maybe it's the early 2000s teenage girl in me, but there's just something pure about a glossy pout. It feels fresh, youthful, a little flirty even. I haven’t been wearing that many mattes these days since I find them too drying and, okay, aging, so it’s usually a glossy lip of me. That’s why I was immediately intrigued when Careline launched their Gloss Boss Lip Treat (P275 / 12 g). A gloss that promises not just shine, but serious hydration too? Yes, of course!

Beauty doesn’t always need to be loud. It can be soft, intentional, and quietly powerful. That’s what Vice Cosmetics taps into with their newest drop, the Perfect Kizz VELVET lip collection. Inspired by the idea of soft power and the blurred, velvety lips seen in Korean beauty, this line leans into that lived-in, effortless look. It’s all about smooth, diffused color that feels easy but put-together.

The shades range from barely-there nudes and everyday neutrals to warm reds you can wear any day of the week. Let’s take a look!

It’s been a stormy week out in the real world; likewise in Beauty World a whirlwind of unique releases awaits us! GRWM Cosmetics blows us away with their second wave of base product releases: the Daily Skin Tint and the Fresh Matte. Dazzle Me indeed dazzles us with the first ever spray blush in the Philippines: the Airbrush Spray Blush. Issy brings back full, incredibly glossy lips with Fat Gloss. Colourette releases Erase Base and Bye Base, making makeup removal a cinch.

If there’s one beauty step I’ll never skip, it’s sunscreen. We all know by now that sunscreen is non-negotiable, as it protects us not just from sunburn, but also from premature aging and more serious skin concerns. But here’s the catch: applying sunscreen once in the morning isn’t technically enough. To actually get continuous protection, you need to reapply sunscreen every three hours, especially if you’re outdoors, near windows, or playing sports.

That’s where sunscreen sprays come in.

Do you remember your first "grown-up" lipstick? For many Filipinas, that shade was Toast of New York by Ever Bilena. It had this warm terracotta-brown hue that looked good on just about everyone. It was affordable, dependable, and something you’d find in your tita’s purse and your best friend’s makeup kit. It was, in short, iconic.

So when I heard that Ever Bilena was launching a full collection inspired by Toast of New York, I was immediately intrigued. It’s a clever move, and a nostalgic one too. But does it live up to the memory, and more importantly, does it work for today's beauty standards? I spent the last few weeks trying out the collection. Here's everything you need to know, with swatches!

This week’s Beauty News Roundup is filled with must-haves for people on the go! Let’s kick things off with an energizing collaboration: But First Coffee x GRWM Cosmetics. We’ll check out the Hello Glow Ultralight Matte Sunscreen. Blk’s new stackable eyeshadow trios, the Eye Stacks, just might be your newest kikay kit addition. Last but not least, contouring is made easy and effortless with Careline Liquid Chisel Contour.

The killing of Charlie Kirk was a curious one, mostly because of how far the shockwaves reached, reverberating all the way to Manila. I had never even heard of the man before his death. And yet, suddenly, my feed was full of mourning posts from conservative acquaintances. They were grieving him like he was a fallen hero.

Naturally, I looked him up. What I found was unsettling. There it was, in black and white, years’ worth of inflammatory, cruel statements. Statements that, frankly, seemed to target people like me. People like some of those very same friends now praising him. I am shocked that people I know - the very people Kirk seemed to hate and want to disappear from his version of America - are defending his views.

Level up your beauty game with this week’s beauty news roundup! Let’s kick off with Happy Skin’s newest Play Collection, a set of primer, powder, lip treatment, and finishing spray that promises 24-hour active wear. Vice Cosmetics collaborates with Jelly Eugenio once again, this time with a bonus masterclass and collection launch in Cebu. The OG Tati Westbrook is back, this time with a new brand called Details by Tati. Glossier’s bestselling Cloud Paint family gets a new member: the Plush Blush.

If you’ve read any of my previous articles you know I love getting into the nitty gritty of product formulations and ingredient lists. I like learning how effective a product is and love when my skincare has the science to back up its claims. So, my ears perked up when I heard about new things from Cantabria Labs.

This week’s Beauty News Roundup is all about the sparkle! ✨Let’s check out Careline’s newest liquid highlighter, the Beam Booster. Your eyes will do the talking (and shimmering) with Generation Happy Skin Creamy Eyeshadow Stick. Hourglass releases three versions of their newest take on the Ambient Lighting Edit - Unlocked. Ever Bilena capitalizes on their best-selling OG shade with the Toast of New York Collection.

If you’ve been reading this space for a while, you’d know about my long-standing, conflicted feelings toward doing any major procedures on my face. I’ve been tempted more than once, but each time I managed to hold back, telling myself I didn’t want to rely on treatments just to feel confident. I wanted to believe I could accept the natural changes, to embrace every line as a record of years well-lived.

Here’s the thing though: there was a single deep line on my forehead that just wouldn’t go away. It became less obvious when I lost 20 pounds, but now that I’ve gained back 10, it’s back with a vengeance.

And just like that, the BER months are upon us. Hopefully, this edition of Beauty News Roundup will help us prepare for the busy season ahead. This week, it's all about stepping up, improving, and innovating. Benefit releases two new shades of their beloved Benetint. The new Generation Happy Skin Blush Balm is everything you love in a Happy Skin multi-use formula–but now in a more convenient stick form. Hello Glow unveils a Mattifying Sunscreen Spray with broad-spectrum SPF55protection. Last but not least, we learned that you can drop off your GRWM Cosmetics empties at SM Makati to help the environment, and get an exclusive freebie to boot!

blk Cosmetics has done it again! Their newest collaboration with Rei Germar feels like the perfect fit for the brand. Think youthful and goal-driven, versatile and hard-working. It’s not trying to be loud or overhyped and it just makes sense. The kind of collection that blends into your routine effortlessly, with pieces that feel like they were made for your everyday, not just your feed.

This week’s new local releases make the perfect additions to any travel beauty kit, and will help get you ready in a jiffy! Colourette releases a one-and-done base: the Blur Base Everyday Powder Foundation SPF 15. An on-the-go kikay kit isn’t complete without a multitasking stick for eyes, lips, and cheeks; and that’s just what Issy has been brewing up with their soon-to-be-released Crème Cheek Stick. Ever Bilena has a new must-have for brows that last: the 24H Brow Liner. Last but definitely not the least, you can leave your falsies at home with Spotlight’s new Faux Lash Mascara. Read on to see which ones would make worthy additions to your on-the-go makeup kit.

It feels like an understatement to say that so much can change during pregnancy. You're literally growing a whole new person, reshaping your home, and bracing for a completely new chapter of life. In the middle of all that, it's surprisingly easy to overlook the small stuff—like checking the ingredient list on your go-to beauty products.

It might seem like a tiny detail in the grand scheme of things, but tweaking my beauty routine has become part of how I prepare and protect both myself and my baby. I’ve learned that being mindful of what I put on my skin is just another way of taking care.

We know what you’re here for, and we totally have it ready for you. Here is this week’s hottest news from the local beauty scene! We have a couple of new noteworthy launches, a can’t miss beauty buffet, and a challenge for aspiring content creators. Strokes Beauty Lab is serving full face looks in travel-friendly compacts with their new Beautiful Any Day Palettes, which pair well with their new Pro Brush Elite Travel Collection. Faboulash collaborates with three legendary celebrity makeup artists for their Bespoke Collection of cluster lashes. Build up an entire makeup collection for P999 with Spotlight Cosmetics Buffet Station. Dazzle Me is celebrating Shopee Brand Day with tempting deals and a challenge for content creators. Read on for this week’s edition of Beauty News Roundup.

Sometimes it’s the smallest tweaks in design that make the biggest difference in how a makeup product performs. Take the Careline Click on Fleek Brow Liner (P245 / 0.14 g). At first glance, it’s just another twist-up pencil. But look closer and you’ll notice the angled, sword-cut tip. This shape changes the game.

Why? Because our brows aren’t uniform. They have curves, dips, and awkward corners (hello, sparse tail area!) that can be tricky to navigate with a standard round tip.