In the hustle to meet deadlines, attend endless meetings, and balance a semblance of personal life, we often find ourselves on the fast track to burnout city. The exhaustion creeps in silently, often masquerading as a bad mood or a lack of creative spark until we hit a wall, and the dread settles in. Before we know it, we’re questioning our capabilities, feeling uninspired, and the world suddenly lacks the luster it once had.

And so, here are a few ways that we can process our burn out! It takes time and consistency in the effort, but it’s well worth it to follow these few steps.

You know that feeling when your heart races a bit because you’re stepping into a beauty wonderland? That’s exactly what swept over me as I stepped into SM Mall of Asia Main Atrium for the SM Beauty’s The Best of K-Beauty event on September 20. Imagine a day set in a scene right out of a Korean drama with a pinch of K-pop excitement thrown in, and you've pretty much captured the essence of this event.

I woke up today to news that's, quite literally, in the air. PHILVOCS announced that since 12:30 PM, volcanic smog or 'vog' has been blanketing Taal Lake, making it the talk of the town – and not in a good way. This vog has been a constant presence since the first week of September, with an astounding average of 3,402 tonnes/day of SO2 being degassed from the Taal Volcano. That's a lot of sulfur in our atmosphere! Even in Manila, if you look outside right now, you can see some of it.

While scrolling mindlessly through TikTok the other day I saw a letter that Kurt Vonnegut wrote to a high school class. The kids were given the assignment to write a letter to their favorite authors, but only one person replied. I thought it was a beautiful letter worth sharing, so please read and I hope you take it to heart.

The Barenbliss Peach Makes Perfect Tint is one of my go-to daily lip products, as it doesn’t dry my lips and leaves such a nice stain as it starts to fade. The shades available as also quite pretty and fresh, plus it has a glossy finish which I find makes my lips look fuller. Can’t go wrong with that! It’s pretty affordable too at P399 (and they go on sale often) which makes it an easy pick for casual days.

So, I was excited to properly test the Bloom Matte Transferproof Tint (P399) this time since they have some all-new colors!

Today we find ourselves chatting about something that’s been popping up quite a lot again lately - mall pull out perfumes. Sellers claim that these are the perfumes straight from the factory, overstock, or items that have minor defects, hence the considerable markdowns on the prices. But before you snag that deal, let’s have a little heart-to-heart about what you're actually getting into and why it’s a better choice to stick to the official retail stores.

I found myself thinking about a significant question as I settled in for a celebratory birthday manicure, fully prepared to treat myself to an elaborate gel manicure. As someone constantly using my hands, I routinely choose a gel manicure to ensure longevity. However, as my hands went under the UV lamp, a worrying thought crossed my mind, sparked by a flurry of social media posts and a recent study making rounds.

Could my cherished manicure sessions be raising my risk of cancer?

Another day, another story about me loving a Japanese beauty product. I can’t help it! J-Beauty has got to be my favorite, favorite beauty movement and category hands down. I love that Japanese brands constantly innovate and they do it at fantastic price points too. Their products, for me, are the best in the world and they happen to suit Filipino needs too. A good chunk of the beauty products I use on a daily basis is from Japan and it wasn’t a conscious decision; it’s just what makes sense.

And so, today, let me share a quick rave about the LuLuLun Cleansing Balm Rich Moist (P995 for 90 grams, available in Beauty Bar).

In the competitive landscape of beauty products, where each brand jostles for a spot in our skincare routines and makeup arsenals, I couldn’t help but wonder: how do Filipino beauty brands stack up against the international behemoths?

Planning a wedding can be incredibly demanding, particularly when you are orchestrating it on your own. If, like me, your coordinator isn't stepping in until a month before the grand occasion, it's understandable to feel both stressed and fatigued. This is precisely why a bridal shower serves as the perfect interlude; a moment to unwind and rejoice in the celebration of you, the bride-to-be. Whether you find yourself as the bride, the maid of honor, or a devoted family member tasked with arranging the bridal shower, allow me to share the strategy I employed to craft the bridal shower of my dreams.

The U.K.'s premier body mist has arrived in the Philippines! With a launch reminiscent of both Elle Woods and Barbie, SO…? Fragrance unveils a range of over ten captivating scents, from rich and bold to sweet and classic, tailored for daily wear and all preferences. More than just offering a taste of the U.K., SO…? Fragrance invites users to embark on global adventures with So…? Escapes, a collection of body mists inspired by the allure of sun, sand, and sea breezes from around the world.

Now, onto my latest find that's become an integral part of my haircare routine: Dermtropics Raw Coconut + Aloe Vera Moisturizing Shampoo (P350 / 50ml and P1,200 / 500ml). Yes, it's low-foaming, low pH, fragrance-free, and yes, it’s fantastic. The lack of foam initially made me skeptical. I mean, how can something that doesn't lather like a soapy cloud actually clean my hair?

Happy Skin has just reintroduced their Generation Happy Skin line and if you like a fresh, blooming look using just a few quick products, then this is worth a gander. I have a few things from the new collection, so let’s go ahead and take a look.

Ah, cushion foundations. They promised a revolution in the beauty world and, to an extent, delivered. I've been around the beauty block, and I've swiped, dabbed, and patted on more cushions than I can count. But just when I thought I've seen everything, along comes the Barenbliss True Beauty Inside Cushion (P719) to re-ignite my passion. Here's why this cushion is different from what’s available in the market!

In a world deeply entrenched in the age of digital media and constant visibility, there's an overwhelming pressure to be in a perpetual state of greatness. The carefully curated snippets of our lives on social platforms, the highlight reels of achievements, and the incessant call to be more, do more, and show more paint a distorted image. In today's age, we are often bombarded with notions of consistent greatness, of being the best at all times. But how realistic, or even desirable, is this notion of unceasing heroism?

Issy & Co. has rebranded as simply Issy and dropped a crazy impressive launch while at it. They've unveiled a staggering 54 new products, staying true to their "bigger is better" mantra. The collection boasts powder blushes, bronzers, contours, and highlighters. Additionally, it features a diverse range of pressed eyeshadows, complemented by an eyeshadow and concealer base.

Ever since I discovered the world of beauty, there's been one constant theme: the evolving dance of innovation and responsibility. Today, I am thrilled to share about a beloved K-beauty brand, Barenbliss, and their latest sustainable move.

You might know Barenbliss for their TikTok viral lip tints, powders, and game-changing cushion formula. Their signature product, the Peach Makes Perfect Lip Tint and Cherry Makes Perfect Lip Tint, has been staples in my own daily lip wardrobe.

Drunk Elephant recently launched the new and improved Drunk Elephant A-Shaba Complex™ Eye Serum (P4,000/15ml) – a dedicated eye treatment with retinol that many fans of the original Shaba Eye Serum requested. This joins the “Retin-all” line-up of the brand which includes the A-Passioni Retinol Cream and the A-Gloei Maretinol Oil. It also rounds up the trio of Drunk Elephant eye treatments consisting of the Ceramighty AF Eye Balm and the C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream.

I’ve been an entrepreneur for about seven years now, and it’s been a rollercoaster ride, that’s for sure. The highs are high indeed but the lows can really flatten a person, too! I get lots of great advice from my husband and my friends, of course, but I needed someone who can guide me and put me on an even clearer course. That’s when I met Myrza Sison.

The Filipino beauty industry has grown by leaps and bounds, especially during the pandemic. It’s ironic because while a lot of established brands struggled during this period, this also gave smaller brands opportunities to build a loyal following. Now, there’s nothing I love more than discovering and celebrating Filipino beauty brands that deliver passion, innovation, and truly cater to the diverse skincare and makeup needs of Filipinas. Today, I’m ecstatic to share with you four new local brands that have captured my attention. Let’s dive in, shall we?