I’ve been in the beauty industry for almost 17 years now, and it’s incredible to witness how much it has evolved in just the last decade. When I think of the First Wave of modern Filipino beauty brands, it takes me back to the era when trailblazers like Happy Skin, Colourette, Ellana, and Sunnies redefined what local beauty could be. They didn’t just give us products; they gave us a new sense of pride in wearing makeup that reflected our skin tones, preferences, and local culture. They showed us that Filipino brands could stand tall next to international players.

When it comes to skincare, there’s only one place that comes to mind for the best selection of beauty finds: Watsons. The most loved health and beauty retailer in the Philippines offers a wide range of products catered to all types of skin, from holy grail items to skincare favorites recommended by dermatologists and enthusiasts alike.

Let’s be honest: saying “no” is hard. For a lot of us—especially women—it feels like we’re breaking some unspoken rule about being “nice.” We’ve been taught to be agreeable, accommodating, and to go with the flow, even if that flow is dragging us into something we really don’t want to do. And because of this, we find ourselves in awkward situations where we say yes, even when everything in our body is screaming nope.

But here’s the thing: saying yes when we really mean no is worse than just being upfront. It leads to resentment, frustration, and feeling like a walking doormat. Sound familiar?

When it comes to skincare, retinol is often regarded as the gold standard for well-aging, but one of the most common questions is: When should I start using it? You might think retinol is only for more mature skin, but the reality is that the earlier you start incorporating it into your routine, the better the long-term benefits can be.

In this post, we'll explore when and why you should start using retinol, and how products like Hyaloo's Power Lift Refining Toner and Power Lift Serum can make this potent ingredient a gentle, accessible addition to your skincare routine—no matter your age.

If you ask me, Ever Bilena makes the longest-wearing powder blush formula out of all the Filipino beauty brands, and the new EB Pro Blush Palette (P 325 / 12 g) doesn’t disappoint in that regard. I’ve been a fan of their blushes for a while, and this palette is a great addition to their line—especially if you're a blush lover looking for a bang for your buck. For just P325, you get four shades in each palette at 3 grams each (that’s a FULL SIZED blush we’re talking about), and that's an amazing value for the quality you're getting.

I could barely sit down and write this article because I’m too excited for tomorrow. What’s going on, you ask? I’m going to study metal smithing! It’s something I’ve wanted to do for years now. Ever since I started my jewelry brand Nobela during the depths of the pandemic (November 2020 to be exact), I’ve been steadily working towards being able to make something truly special with my own hands. Yes I can do a little bit of jewelry making and I’ve done a lot of jewelry design, but metal smithing has always seemed to be out of reach for me. Until tomorrow, that is.

I have a terribly sensitive scalp so it’s not easy for me to review hair products nor come to love them in the long term. But I can say with confidence that this Japanese shampoo - one formulated both for postpartum moms and their babies - is a staple in my everyday routine at this point. I’ve been using it since March (around six months now) and it is the best shampoo I’ve tried in a while.

Shopee and Lazada are two of the most popular e-commerce platforms here in the Philippines, offering a staggering range of products from beauty and fashion to gadgets and home essentials. While these platforms provide convenience and access to some pretty good deals, they also have their fair share of risks—especially when it comes to scams. If you’re not careful, you could end up with fakes, missing orders, theft, or, worse, falling victim to a phishing scam.

Don’t worry, though! With a little vigilance and some know-how, you can protect yourself from getting scammed while still enjoying the benefits of online shopping. Here’s a thorough guide!

When I think about beauty standards, I can’t help but notice how they’re constantly evolving. No matter how hard we try to keep up, it feels like the finish line is always being moved further away. It’s a lot like wealth. Remember when “stealth wealth” and the “old money” aesthetic took over our social feeds? Suddenly, everyone was dressing in muted beiges, ditching flashy logos, and embracing a more subtle, “natural” look. But here’s the kicker: as soon as everyone started following that trend, the concept of old money became just another aesthetic, a vibe. It wasn’t about true markers of wealth anymore.

There are perfumes that smell good, and then there are perfumes that transport you to another time and place. Ormonde Jayne’s Arabesque Eau De Parfum falls into the latter category. Inspired by the rich, complex beauty of the Middle East, Arabesque is an olfactory journey that weaves together flowers, fruits, and woods in a way that feels both enchanting and serene.

If you’ve just about had it with glossy balms and crave something a little different for your lips, I think you should take a close look at the new Spotlight Satin Butter Lips (P395 for 3 grams). It’s a balm at heart, which means you still get that much-needed moisture, but it surprises you with a satiny matte finish that’s almost full coverage. Interesting, right? It’s the best of both worlds: the hydration of a balm with the polish of a lipstick!

In recent years, "clean beauty" has become one of the hottest buzzwords in the beauty industry. You see it everywhere — on product packaging, in influencer reviews, and even in our favorite stores. It sounds great, right? Who wouldn’t want their beauty products to be free of toxic chemicals, ethically sourced, and better for the environment? But here’s the catch: not all "clean" beauty is as clean as it claims to be.

It’s that time of the year again when Lazada and Shopee host their big 9.9 sales, and honestly, it’s hard not to get tempted by the flashy discounts and all those “Add to Cart” buttons! But here’s the thing – sales like these are not just about overindulging in random purchases. It’s actually the perfect opportunity to snag those products you’ve been eyeing for a while and treat yourself a little, all without breaking the bank. Let's dive into a few gems that are worth checking out during this sale – whether you're looking to restock a favorite or try something new.

I only recently got to know Farmacy Beauty when I hosted an event with them for the Project Vanity Community, and I have to say, I was impressed. I loved learning about their commitment to cultivating conscious beauty through cruelty-free, clean skincare. But what really stood out to me was their mission to give back—especially their partnership with Feeding America, which has provided 7.5 million meals so far. How’s that for a mindful beauty brand?

But of course, you're probably here to find out if their products are actually worth trying. I’ve had the chance to test out some of their best-sellers for the past few weeks, and I’m excited to share my thoughts! Here’s my honest review of how they performed.

Growing up in the Philippines, the parade of advertisements showcasing "ideal" beauty standards is relentless. These ads often glorify flawless, fair skin, particularly when it comes to armpits and inner thighs, or "singit" as we commonly refer to them. This insidious imagery can lead to deep-seated feelings of inadequacy and shame among many women, pushing the narrative that anything less than perfect is unacceptable. I would know, as I’ve spent years covering up, avoiding sleeveless tops and swimsuits without shorts.

But a turning point came with a visit to a dermatologist. After years of discomfort and self-consciousness, I was diagnosed with acanthosis nigricans.

I was listening to a book just now, and one of the characters said, “Poetry begins where language ends.” That really struck a chord with me because, in many ways, fragrance is like poetry. Just as poetry uses imagery to convey feelings that words alone can't capture, perfume expresses a part of ourselves that goes beyond what we wear or how we style our hair. It’s the invisible aura that lingers, the trace of emotion and memory that others catch a whiff of when we're near. A good fragrance, like a well-crafted poem, stays with you long after the initial encounter.

Recently I congratulated a friend who is running an exciting startup. She just got recognized by a prestigious society magazine as a female leader and placed in a startup pitch competition in Singapore. There are a few things I enjoy more than seeing women I admire win. I know exactly how much work it takes to get recognized, and seeing someone deserving finally getting their flowers, well, it’s a win for all of us strivers. After I congratulated her, my friend said something that’s been stuck to my head since then.

She said, “Recognition is good, but I need money.” To which I replied something along the lines of, well, recognition usually leads to money. But is that really true?

I’ve sworn left and right about how awesome the Careline Aye Aye Lashes! Mascara (P 325/6.5 g) is, so I was interested to see how the brand’s other mascaras perform. Aye Aye Lashes! is so good because it basically thickens and lengthens my lashes while keeping them curled and smudge-free all day. And, even though it’s highly water-resistant, it’s not quite as hard to remove as other similar products. A little bit of cleansing oil is enough to break it apart without too much rubbing. This is why it’s my go-to daily mascara!

Now, Careline sent over their Lash Boost Mascara (P195) and Skinny Mascara (P185) to test. I had high hopes for these two so I really put them on the grind. Let’s see how they perform!

Life, am I right? It has this funny way of piling things on when you least expect it. Between work, family, friends, and the constant ping of notifications from social media, it’s no wonder we feel like we’re barely keeping our heads above water sometimes. I’ve been there—staring at my to-do list with a sinking feeling in my chest, wondering how I’m going to get it all done without losing my sanity.

If you’re nodding along right now, trust me, you’re not alone. When life feels like it’s spiraling out of control, the best thing you can do is take a pause. But how do we actually do that in a way that’s effective and not just another thing to stress about? Let’s talk about why pausing is essential and how to make it a natural part of your daily rhythm.

Aloe vera has been a trusted skincare raw material for centuries, renowned for its soothing and hydrating properties. Here in the Philippines, it’s long been a staple in natural remedies, used by our ancestors to treat everything from sunburns to skin irritations. Fast forward to today, and aloe vera is still celebrated in modern skincare, bringing its natural benefits into the products we love.