Japanese skincare brands always amaze me with minimalist yet effective products, so I was excited to attend the launch of Hada Labo's extension of their iconic skincare line. During the event, there were skincare talks from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Bea Chan and Hada Labo brand manager Jenny Arcellana. Did you know that Hada means “skin” and Labo is short for “laboratory”? The name Hada Labo goes hand in hand with the brand’s philosophy of “Perfect x Simple” and “Nothing more, Nothing less”. This means that their products are formulated without unnecessary ingredients – no alcohol, no mineral oil, no colorants, and no fragrance.

I didn’t grow up rich. I know how it’s like to go without and watch other people have nicer, newer things. So, when I started making my own money, I really cherished every single thing I bought which made it hard for me to throw them away once they were past their usefulness. Somewhere at the back of my mind lay a dark thought: what if I don’t get a chance to have something this nice again? I spent my early twenties hoarding stuff I don’t need in my tiny apartment.

The festive season is upon us, and Watsons is redefining the art of gifting with a thoughtful, environmentally conscious twist. Their latest initiative, Sustainable Choices, is more than just a product line – it's a commitment to the planet and future generations. Let's dive into how Watsons is turning the tide towards a greener Christmas.

This year, I made a conscious choice to save money by adopting an alternative approach to my Christmas gifts. As a skincare enthusiast and someone who is part of the Project Vanity Team, I've been fortunate enough to acquire a vast array of incredible products throughout the year. This abundance led to an extensive stockpile, or 'tambak', which inspired me to re-gift these items to myself for the holidays. My goal was to rekindle my love for the hidden treasures in my collection and to enjoy the experience of opening gifts, without the need to spend more of my hard-earned money.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, and what better way to celebrate than indulging in some fabulous beauty deals? Barenbliss, known for their chic and effective beauty products, is going all out for their 12.12 Christmas sale - their last double day extravaganza of the year. Trust me, you don't want to miss these bundles, each thoughtfully curated and packed with amazing savings. Let’s unwrap these delightful sets together!

This is dedicated to everyone who has a beauty girlie (or anyone of any gender identity) in their lives. You know who she is: she’s always in the know when it comes to new releases, she has a signature lipstick and scent, and she is the proud owner of a well-curated set of products that she researched heavily before buying. It’s tempting to go online or walk into her favorite store and grab something that looks good. After all, there are so many amazing gift sets out during the holidays! It’s not that hard to pick out something nice and with good value to boot. But I’m warning you: don’t do it. Just don’t.

With less than two weeks until Christmas, are you still pondering over your shopping list? Let me share my recent experience with The Body Shop's Holiday Collection, which might just be the solution to your gifting needs. This year, they've really stepped up their game with two special seasonal scents: the returning favorite, Pears & Share, and the new, delectable Cherries & Cheer. I was lucky enough to get my hands on these fragrances, along with two of their beautifully packaged gift sets. Each set is more than just a gift; it's a contribution to positive change, supporting communities globally through The Body Shop’s Community Fair Trade partnerships. Join me as we unwrap these treasures and explore what makes them the perfect gifts for this holiday season!

So who else is gearing up for the 12.12 sales? If you’re like me, you would have done your research on the best beauty deals by now. Because I love you guys so much, I’ll make it more challenging for you! This week’s Beauty Roundup will open your eyes to new local releases, a surprise pop-up collab, and a new local skin care brand. Saddle up and get ready for this week’s roundup!

If you’re the type of person who prefers the sheer to mid coverage of a tint, then this one is for you! I recently got to try the Barenbliss Apple Makes Adorable Mousse Tint (P399) and was hooked by the gloss-to-mousse formula. Interesting right? Upon first swipe, it feels like your normal glossy tint - wet, even a little balmy as it’s meant to be a moisturizing formula. Then, it dries down into an ultra light mousse texture with a powdery matte finish.

Last December 1, I was at an intimate luncheon at Admiral Hotel, surrounded by some amazing people, all united for a cause. The conversation turned to some pretty eye-opening stats from the Philippines – did you know there are over 1,100 confirmed HIV-positive individuals as of June 2023? And that's not all. During the pandemic, HIV testing and treatment saw a significant drop. It's a stark reminder that this fight is far from over.

Ladies, let me take you through a magical journey I had the pleasure of experiencing last November 22nd at the opening of Dior's Les Tuileries Royal Garden, Carousel of Dreams Pop-Up at SM Mall of Asia. This wasn’t just an event; it was a walk through a dream of a Parisian winter wonderland brought to life right here in Manila. As I stepped into the space, inspired by Dior's Holiday 2024 campaign with Anya Taylor-Joy, it felt like slipping into a scene from a luxe holiday film. The entire space echoed the charm of the snow-dusted Tuileries Gardens. Imagine a crisp winter night in Paris, the air filled with a sense of wonder - this was the essence captured by the holiday pop-up.

Okay, before you start thinking I am not fine, I am in fact the most contented and happiest right now than I’ve ever been this year. Finally things make sense and have aligned after a trip into the woods. I feel light, clear, and just have this general sense of well-being. That being said, I know how it feels to be not fine or well. You know when someone asks “How are you doing?” and you blank out because you’re not quite sure if you should be honest or participate in the social contract where you’re not supposed to make a public mess of yourself? Yes, you know. And I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to not to be okay.

I think that blush has been a bigger trend in the Philippines than it’s ever been this 2023. Before, when it comes to color cosmetics, Filipinos tend to focus more on lips but with stars like Heart Evangelista and Kathryn Bernardo sporting distinct blush styles, I think that we’ve developed more of an appetite for cheeky trends. Thoughts? Anyway, Spotlight Cosmetics’s Rising Star Marble Blush (P395 / 2.5g) is worth a look for anyone who loves a natural, healthy glow. I had the chance to try out all three shades - Big Night, Red Carpet, and Premiere - and I'm here to share my experience with these lovely blushes.

This week’s beauty roundup is scent-sational! This one is for all the perfume lovers out there. We’re covering new local releases: Avon’s new take on a classic fragrance that guarantees to take you Far Away, and an affordable yet Luxe (Organix) perfume line for men. Discover where beauty giant L’Oreal opens a multi-brand refill station for perfumes. And last but not least, find out where you can watch a documentary to make you say, “J’adore, Dior!”

Careline has always been the go-to drugstore brand for teens, but honestly their products are good enough to warrant a spot in an adult’s makeup kit. The products are affordable and they work really well, too! They’ve also expanded their collection with lots of new SKUs, but they still focused on leveling up one of their core products: their tints. They just released something new, so here’s what I think of the new Careline Serum Water Tint (P195).

In our pursuit of personal and professional growth, Imposter Syndrome emerges as a silent adversary, often unrecognized yet powerfully influencing our self-perception and actions. It’s a something that transcends average self-doubt. This behavioral phenomenon, marked by persistent feelings of inadequacy despite evident success, can be a significant barrier to realizing our full potential. It is not just a fleeting moment of insecurity; it's a recurring theme that can shadow our achievements and skew our self-image.

Understanding, acknowledging, and addressing Imposter Syndrome is not merely a step towards building confidence; it is a crucial part of our journey towards self-awareness and authenticity.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants! This iconic character from my teen years, with his quirky adventures in Bikini Bottom, has always been a source of joy and laughter. I remember rushing home from school, eager to catch the latest episode! That’s why I'm thrilled to dive into Careline's latest collection. This whimsical range, inspired by the delightful and occasionally profound world of Bikini Bottom, resonates not just with fans of the show for its nostalgic appeal, but also with beauty enthusiasts for its playful yet practical products. The packaging alone is a vibrant homage to our favorite underwater friends, making it a fabulous pick for those who love a bit of fun in their beauty routine.

Let’s get into it!

As 2023 is about to close, it's clear that this year has shaped up to be a monumental one for Filipino beauty. Cosmetics have made a grand comeback, bigger and better, mirroring our collective resurgence post-pandemic. Still, it seems 2023 has reserved its most thrilling reveal for the finale. The Philippines' pioneering hybrid beauty brand is set to launch their much-anticipated multi-use beauty essential this December, perfectly timed for your Christmas wishlist. I'm excited to share with you the arrival of Five Beauty – a brand that promises to redefine our beauty routines!

This beauty news is all about innovation. Did you know that there’s a product out there designed to immediately diagnose, treat, and color your lips? Everybody has probably tried a bath scrub, but how about a hair scrub? As for the eyes: a local brand has released an intriguing mascara that promises clump-free application, and an international drugstore beauty brand takes on colorful mascaras that just might complete your holiday look. Intrigued yet? Buckle up for another Beauty Roundup!

I went through a makeup minimalism phase and back then, the Happy Skin Off Duty collection is one that grabbed my attention immediately. Clad in minimalist packaging, it had all you needed for a full makeup look, including multi-purpose products. That's why it’s pretty interesting to see where they are taking the collection next with the Happy Skin Off Duty: Backstage Honeymoon Glow Edition, centered around the iconic Honeymoon Glow lip shade.