More than just her larger-than-life persona and being the internet’s GRWM queen, Criza Taa is a young force of self-assuredness.
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Social media has democratized the kind of content shared online and, more importantly, the creators who make it. It’s a change that can be felt in certain fields more than others, such as beauty. Beauty content creation is one of the most popular forms of content. But there’s only so much you can get from a less-than-a-minute video you watch on a screen.
Draped metallic bustier, Gabriel Buenabajo (@gabrielbuenabajo), Gloves, East of Eden (@exploreeastofeden), Volume skirt, East of Eden (@exploreeastofeden), Heels, Sofab! Philippines (@sofabph)
Behind what some may see as superficial content is the power to embrace and bring out what makes you uniquely you. And the best part? You look good doing it. Just ask Criza. Through her viral content, the Gen Z actress and content creator showcases how beauty content, and beauty in general, can bring about the best of a generation that champions going beyond rigid standards.
THE BEAUTY IS HERE
The beauty about Gen Z is that where you started doesn’t dictate where you’ll go for the rest of your life. Criza was introduced to the general public at only 13 years old through her stint in PBB. After she left the famous blue and yellow house, she embarked on an acting career. But over the past couple of years, Criza took over social media as the internet’s crowned Get Ready With Me (GRWM) queen. With her talent in beauty and outgoing personality, she quickly became a favorite of many online, which is no wonder fans voted her as Favorite Beauty Content Creator at this year’s Big Bold Brave Awards.
Bodysuit dress, DHENYZE (@by.dhenyze), Rosette bust gown, Larry Espinosa (@larsespinosa1), Volume skirt, SGA STUDIOS (@sga.studios), Opera coat, Joshua Chiong (@joshua__chiong), Heels, Melissa Philippines (@melissaphilippines)
At just 19 years old, Criza has taken her craft to the next level. “[K]apag nagawa ko na and nakumpleto ko na yung lahat ng roles na gusto kong gampanan,” the young actress says on what it means to embody “Next Level”. “That’s when I can say na mag ni-next level na yung career ko.” More than just knowing how to turn out a look, Criza has been climbing the faves list of many netizens for how she isn’t afraid to let her outgoing and distinctly Gen Z personality take center stage in what she does.
That, in fact, is what Criza champions in beauty, the freedom to do and be whatever you want. “There’s no rules in beauty or makeup. You just have to do whatever you want and feel the most confident in!” And for Gen Z, when we see someone genuinely enjoying what you do, we gravitate towards it. When it’s fun, it’s fun. As Criza puts it, “[Beauty content] boosts our confidence, we make ourselves look nice so we can feel nice throughout the day.”
FACE CARD NEVER DECLINES
To put yourself out there for millions to see isn’t easy. The scrutiny on social media is real, especially when it comes to beauty. Criza knows this well and isn’t blind to the pitfalls many find themselves online. “It affects A LOT,” says Criza on social media’s effect on today’s beauty standards matter-of-factly. But, while it’s one thing for people to say what they want to say, it’s another to let it affect you. “There’s always a positive and negative side to it. It’s just a matter of how you will take it & how will you let it affect you.”
Sculpted bustier, East of Eden (@exploreeastofeden), Pouf armband, East of Eden (@exploreeastofeden), Utility skirt, East of Eden (@exploreeastofeden), Heels, United Nude PH (@unitednudeph), Spiral ring floater, DHENYZE (@by.dhenyze)
Self-worth is your best friend in a space where criticism is abundant, haters are around every corner, and the social currency is measured in likes, shares, and views. And the tea is that you don’t have to look far to find it as it can be inside you, or, like with Criza, can be found in the people that love you the most. “My lola!!!” she proudly exclaims on where she gets her famous confidence from. Like with any great mother, Criza credits her lola, who she fondly refers to as her mama, as the one she finds strength from.
Coat, AJ JAVIER (@ajjavierph), Metallic bra top, Gladys Ayuste (@gladysayuste), Draped leather skirt, AJ JAVIER (@ajjavierph), Heels, Melissa Philippines (@melissaphilippines)
“She’s always reminding me kung anong klaseng ganda yung meron ako. That I don’t have to compare myself to anybody and just focus on the beauty that I have.” It’s this mindset of appreciating yourself that Criza is taking to her content. Toxic beauty standards who? That isn’t in Criza’s vocabulary. “Honesty is very important in making any content. Try to always be considerate and true to yourself and your audience.”
BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE
To some, beauty content is just people putting on makeup. But to many more, it’s not just looking good on social media or hopping on trends. Beauty content is a form of self-expression, an art form, and an escape from the real world. Social media tends to sell you the latest trend as your next personality trait and make you think that what you have is not good enough. But life is too short to worry about whether or not you’re keeping up with trends. What matters is that you do what you do as the authentic you.
“Focus on your own spark, your own traits, your own features,” advises Crzia on how to appreciate your own beauty. “Be authentic and be genuine. True beauty comes within us so always value yourself.” And, as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day. So it’s ok if you don’t have it all figured out on day one. Just as long as you start and invest in what you do, then you’re on the right path to taking it to the next level. “Whatever aspect in the beauty industry, I think that you’re taking your skill to the next level by investing.”
Photography LYNDON KYLE ASUNCION
Assistant Photography ANIKEN DELA CRUZ
Creative And Fashion Direction ANDRE CHANG
Art Direction GELO QUIJENCIO
Styling ANDRE CHANG
Assisted By KURT ABONAL, MARIA PAZ GAMUS
Graphics Editor VINCE CANLAPAN
Multi Media Artist KYLA AMADORA, ABBY CHUA
Makeup Artist THAZZIA FALEK
Hair Stylist DALE MALLARI
Nails EXTRAORDINAIL
Shoot Coordination JASMIN DASIGAN
Shot At LIMITLESS BARCADE
Editor-In-Chief MAGGIE BATACAN
Managing Editor RAFAEL BAUTISTA
Brand Associate BIANCA LAO
Marketing Services Manager MARVIN MANCERA
Ad & Promo Supervisor SOPHIA SAMALA
Special Thanks To STAR MAGIC and LIMITLESS BARCADE
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