With the rise of skinimalism to the three-dot concealer method, we’ve been noticing the no-makeup makeup look everywhere. Even celebrities and content creators are embracing the effortless era on social media, going against the typical Instagram looks characterized by bold brows, full coverage bases, and winged liners. The no-makeup makeup is basically the bare minimum, focusing on letting your skin breathe and shine through.
When we talk about the no-makeup makeup look, one particular celebrity comes to mind—Kaori Oinuma. The illusion of a makeup-free face, when you’re actually wearing makeup, is no walk in the park, but Kaori is known for her expertise in the field. And luckily, she shared the exact products she incorporates into her skincare-first, makeup-later routine with us.
Nars Orgasm
For Kaori, it’s all about that natural flush. Take inspiration from her effortless everyday look, and delicately apply a touch of blush to either the apples or the high points of your cheeks. For those seeking a sun-kissed glow with their no-makeup makeup look, Kaori recommends the fan-favorite NARS blush in the shade Orgasm—a natural, peach-pink with a subtle shimmer.
Benefit Cosmetics 24-HR Brow Setter
Nothing beats those au naturale brows, but most people aren’t blessed with a perfectly shaped and well-defined pair. Regardless, Kaori kills the no-makeup look by brushing them upwards with the Benefit Cosmetics 24-HR Brow Setter. This clear brow gel doesn’t disappear, making it one of Kaori’s must-haves in her beauty bag.
Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift Mascara
Even if you don’t feel alert and energetic, you can still appear that way by brightening up your eyes with a touch of liner or mascara. Kaori keeps it simple, using the Maybelline Falsies Lash Lift to achieve that wide-awake look.
DHC Moisturizing Medicated Lip Balm Cream
If lipsticks are not your thing, you’re just like Kaori—keeping her lips makeup-free, quite literally. Instead of using colored creams, her personal pick is the DHC Lip Cream with vitamin E, olive oil, and aloe vera leaf extracts for hydrated lips. After all, who wants their lips looking chapped and crusty?
Dior Addict Lip Glow
How could anyone resist the Dior Addict Lip Glow? It adds a subtle sheen that enhances Kaori’s natural beauty with your lips, but better. Her lips aren’t just hydrated; this gloss is the final step in sealing her no-makeup makeup look.
Having setting spray in your makeup collection is an absolute necessity. After all, what’s more annoying than having your makeup melt off your face just a few hours after you’ve put in all that effort? Without setting spray, you’ve got instant crusty concealer, rogue mascara, and a shiny T-zone.
But here’s the thing: if your skin is naturally oily like mine, finding a setting spray that will keep your makeup intact throughout the day is easier said than done—and I know that they often don’t come cheap, too.
That’s when I came across theDazzle Me Get a Grip Makeup Setting Spray on my Tiktok FYP. One after another, beauty girlies were doing smudge tests and all-day wear tests. Obviously, I had to personally test these claims. And girl, I’ve got to tell you something.This viral setting spray is trending for a long list of reasons.
There’s a reason TikTok is obsessed with Get a Grip, and finally, I got a front row seat to what it can do.
This Get a Grip Makeup Setting Spray is your final touch to 12-hour makeup that won’t move at all. With high-tech film-forming ingredients, your makeup turns fade-proof, waterproof, and sweat-proof. It also has hydrating and skin-loving ingredients we all know and love: hyaluronic acid and rose water. At this point, it’s like a guardian angel against makeup mishaps.
The mist itself is refreshing and has a fresh coconut scent. Personally, I love that. Packaging-wise, while some may appreciate a handy bottle, I’m lowkey hoping for Dazzle Me to release a version larger than their original 60ml. Something that good might as well come in a bigger size.
I Tried the Viral Setting Spray and Here’s What I Think
The moment I snagged the setting spray, I knew I had to recreate the trending swatch test. I swatched purple eyeshadow on both arms, and set the other one with Dazzle Me. In the video, it shows that the swatch with Dazzle Me didn’t budge at all.
Of course, I also did a full face wear test. For this one, I did my makeup around 8 AM, using my regular primer but skipping any retouching. It was the ultimate experiment—a long, busy, rainy work day. After 12 hours of work, I wasn’t really expecting anything anymore when I found myself drenched in that downpour on the way home.
But here’s the thing: after all that traffic, sweat, rain, and hours of good ol’ hard work, I still had my blush, contour, and highlight. Typically, they fade fast, but for the first time ever, I came home around 9:30PM with my nose contour intact, my cheeks still blushing, and my highlighter blinding. Although I noticed a little shine on my forehead, no rain and sweat were strong enough to set off my setting spray.
Here’s How the Setting Spray Works on Powder vs. Cream Products
I’ve heard that setting spray works better with powder-based products than with cream products, so let’s put that to another test. Only this time, the entire NYLON Manila team tried the Get a Grip Setting Spray. Here’s what we think.
As expected, it didn’t budge on powder-based products, but there’s a little smudging with cream-based products (and lipsticks). It’s honestly still impressive, considering that cream contours and liquid highlighters tend to fade quickly. Well, that’s a tip for all beauty girlies: this setting spray works best for powder products.
Final Verdict
For reference, here’s a before and after photo.
FINAL VERDICT: The Get a Grip Setting Spray isn’t just talk. It served every claim on a silver platter. Waterproof? Check. Sweat-proof? Check. Life-proof? 100% yes. Today, I gave the setting spray another go, and the moment that mist settled on my makeup, I was ready for anything. From attending an event to powering through a full workday, the Dazzle Me Get a Grip Setting Spray is the new holy grail. It’s safe to say, I’m stocking up on these bottles.
In the ever-evolving world of Instagram beauty gurus and TikTok skincare hacks, we’re being introduced to skincare smoothies. An approach popularized on social media, a skincare smoothie is the next skincare layering. Imagine creams, moisturizers, and serums—all of your skincare must-haves—carefully concocted into a handful (or more accurately, a glob) of product.
And when skincare smoothies are mentioned, one beauty brand comes to mind: Drunk Elephant. I would wager that you’ve spotted those pop-colored products somewhere, whether in the store or on social media. ICYDK, these are clean and minimalist skincare products that are supposedly suitable for every skin type. I recently started trying their products and I must say that I’m obsessed (and a little overwhelmed as a beginner). If you’re like me, here’s what you should know about skincare smoothies and must-try recipes.
When you’re feeling tired the morning after a wild party, there’s a hangover smoothie for faster recovery. Then there’s pre-workout smoothies and your daily dose of morning smoothies for energy boost. Like choosing ingredients for your beverage based on what your body craves, you should select products for your skincare smoothies based on your skin’s needs.
Imagine a new day, new smoothie—blend products with your skin type in mind. Nevertheless, I always advise people to consider their skin’s concerns as well. I concoct my skincare smoothies depending on what my skin feels that day. While it’s naturally oily, it could sometimes feel dehydrated in a cold room or become balanced after my period. Listen to your skin, it doesn’t always require the same treatment.
Generally (and I mean very generally) speaking, skincare layering is a suggested sequence for applying skincare products: cleansing, exfoliating, toning, moisturizing, and then sunscreen. But before overthink your skincare routine, I can’t stress enough that there is no correct amount of products. Whether your routine consists of two steps, three steps, or five steps— the choice is yours.
Between layering and skincare smoothies, the deal-breaker here is the time spent on your skincare sesh. With beauty brands like Drunk Elephant, some skincare products are formulated for a one-step only routine. As an on-the-go girlie, those extra minutes are a life saver.
Are there any skincare ingredients that should NOT be mixed together?
Creating your very own skincare smoothies and trying these various cocktails is a skin-loving type of fun. While there aren’t rigid guidelines and rules, be cautious when combining active ingredients like AHAs, BHAs, and Retinols. Also, don’t blend sunscreens and skin tints into your skincare smoothie as well. The bottom line is—unless the skincare products are explicitly formulated by the manufacturers to be mixed, then don’t.
With Drunk Elephant products, creams, serums, and oils can become a skincare smoothie in the palms of your hands, allowing you to apply them all at the same time. Take note that the long list of recipes doesn’t include C – Firma Fresh Day Serum and T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum, with one formulated for nighttime use and the other for your morning routine. Then again, apply the Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 last. Remember, the protective zinc sits on the skin’s surface and should always be the last step in your daily skincare routine.
Recall the basic lesson from skincare 101: it’s dry, oily, or sensitive skin. But here’s the thing: our skin needs are constantly changing depending on the products, the weather, and our overall lifestyle. Disclaimer: these recipes are mere recommendations for specific skin types. Feel free to mix and match them depending on your skin concerns.
Saying goodbye to summer is never easy, but the August 2023 releases from these beauty brands are making the prospect a little more exciting. Fan favorites like GRWM Cosmetics, Issy, and Strokes Beauty Lab are bringing newness to back-to-school szn. No worries at all if you’re running low on makeup must-haves, lip care, and fragrances— we’ve got your back.
Whether you’re in the mood for splurging on a whole collection or simply investing in a do-it-all product, we’ve carefully curated the best beauty launches of this month. Are your kikay kits ready?
Issy & Co. can’t come to the phone right now. Why? Oh, ’cause she’s been recently reintroduced with an all-new identity— Issy. After a hiatus on all social media platforms, the brand came back better, bolder, and bigger with a 54-piece collection.
Personally, I’m guilty of purchasing palettes with 10 different shades but ending up using the same six eyeshadows. If you’re relating to this, it’s time to mix and match with the Issy Customizable Eye & Face Palette. Choose from inserts including blush, contour, highlighter, and eyeshadow shades—your palette, your rules.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with these options, here’s my palette combo: 1 blush insert in the shade Sunburn, 1 contour insert in the shade Storm, 1 highlighter insert in the shade Blonde, and four eyeshadow singles in Flax, Inferno, Rosebud, and Spice.
If you’re stuck in a rut with your base routine, consider giving your makeup bag a makeover. Strokes Beauty Lab has introduced the Complexion Veil collection, which includes a priming sunscreen, foundation, concealer, setting powder, and a cooling mist. I mean, what more could you ask for? It’s a one-stop-shop for base makeup products, perfect for the back-to-school season. After all, we’ll be concealing those dark circles from an all-nighter soon enough.
I’ve personally tried and tested these products, and they worked well for my oily skin. Within this collection, picking favorites is a challenge— I’m equally obsessed with every single one of them. However, it’s safe to say that the Skin Veil Cooling Mist is something entirely new in the F-Beauty scene.
If chapped lips are one of your skincare concerns, this tinted lip balm from Ever Bilena is calling your name. And ICYDK, the EB Plus Serum Tinted Lip Balm is Park Chanyeol’s personal pick. Formulated with Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E, this tinted balm will hydrate your luscious lips one swipe at a time.
EB Plus Serum Tinted Lip Balm comes in four shades: Bloom, Latte, Naked, and Toast of New York. As a morena, my fresh faves are Naked and Toast of New York.
We’ve all gone through that brow phase in 2016—bold, blocky, and super black. As we try to forget that era existed, we’re embracing natural, laminated, and brushed-up brows. That said, there’s a an ‘all-in-one brow bestie I’m currently obsessing over: GRWM Cosmetics’ Browlift Pro. It features a dual-sided gel for laminating and grooming, no fuss. Personally, I recommend applying the Browlift Pro on bare skin for a stronger hold.
ICYMI, SO… Fragrance is finally in the Philippines. I know what you’re thinking: are body mists still a thing? No worries, we’re no longer those teens craving sweet scents that came in aerosol sprays.
Whether you’re into wearing a signature scent or rotating fragrances, the London-based brand has iconic scents ranging from the tropical and rich, to the floral and fruity. As a rotation girlie, I’m travelling through scents with Bali Breeze, Ibiza Dreams, and Mykonos Nights.
After a year of culturally resetting the Filipino fashion scene, the Vogue Philippines Anniversary Gala has finally arrived. Last night, as we constantly refreshed our feeds for the show-stopping ensembles of our favorite celebrities and content creators, the word glamour might be best reserved for what accompanied those familiar faces.
Amid the star-studded guest list, all eyes were drawn to Bretman Rock, a name synonymous with pushing boundaries, shattering stereotypes, and redefining beauty. Complementing his Rajo Laurel ivory creation is the social media personality’s glowing skin and a graphic white liner. His hair is slicked back, and cascading in long waves. Yes, we’re all about that natural glam.
BTW, if there’s one more thing about Bretman Rock—it’s that he doesn’t gatekeep. As he expressed gratitude to his glam team and Carissa Cielo for skillfully showcasing his moreno and Palawan skin, Bretman spilled the exact beauty brands he wore to the event. And these beauty brands? Oh, you totally recognize them. Seriously, you can just snatch them right off the makeup aisle.
A surprising contender takes center stage for the Vogue Philippines Anniversary Gala: GRWM Cosmetics. Needless to say, Bretman Rock was all about the beloved local beauty brand. “Both my blush and color corrector are from GRWM, so supporting Filipinas, especially Filipinas in the beauty space,” the content creator says.
Bretman Rock is renowned for a long list of accomplishments: beauty guru, cool chicken mom, and author. Naturally, his signature glow is no exception. Bretman Rock’s appearance at the Vogue Philippines Anniversary Gala was nothing short of breathtaking. As the cameras flashed, his glam team undoubtedly captured the radiance of his beautiful moreno skin. The secret behind his natural glow? Not one, not two, but three shades of Tom Ford foundation. For this one, Bretman, I feel like we need some dupe recos.
No red carpet glamour is truly complete without the perfect pout. With a Wet ‘n Wild lip liner, Bretman’s choice of a brown lip look proved to be a statement in itself, effortlessly blending with both his eye makeup and his South Sea water pearl necklace. Who knew something subtle would stand out?
From Cherry Cola lips, we’re in for something sweeter and food-based with the Strawberry Girl makeup look. Only this time, we’re all about flushed and freckled cheeks. Think of the trend as a no-makeup makeup look, but with that post-beach glow (or maybe, post-strawberry picking glow).
The Strawberry Girl makeup look serves radiant, sun-kissed skin, with luscious lashes, and a touch of berry-pink-red blush. It’s like taking tomato girl summer and adding that sweet, Strawberry Shortcake realness. While we’re mimicking the seeds of an actual strawberry, the Strawberry Girl lewk is surprisingly simple—no stress. Just peep celebs AC Bonifacio, Criza Taa, and Ashley Del Mundo for the tutorial.
With those amazing red curls, AC Bonifacio is already rocking the Strawberry Girl look. Still, that didn’t stop her from recreating the trend. In a chill GRWM video, she’s serving Strawberry Shortcake realness while spilling the tea about her most spontaneous trip from Korea to Bali. Girl? Let’s absolutely talk about those travel goals!
To achieve the lewk, the trendsetter blends the Ready Set Glow Badass Face Tint in Over the Moon with the Rare Beauty Positive Light Luminizer in Enchant. While admitting she isn’t always a blush girlie, here’s her go-to trick: she grabs a blush brush and casually sweeps that combo across her nose, lids, and cheekbones–no biggie. And AC Bonifacio, being extra as always, sets everything with an added layer of blush.
If you’re looking for funny GRWM videos, Criza is your girl. Seriously, I had to rewatch everything because I’m all about her humor.
In her recent TikTok post, the actress and content creator recreates the OG Strawberry Girl look—with freckles and all. She starts off slowly with a bright pink SHEGLAM blush, swiping it over the tip of her nose and her cheekbones. Moving on, she creates faux freckles by dotting on a SHEGLAM freckle tint. Her trusty tip? Pop those bad boys in the most random places to keep ’em looking totally au naturel.
From mermaid makeup lewks to South Sea pearl moisturizers, beauty trends are diving deep into blue waters. Another trend that’s caught in our fishnets? The school of collaborative collections. BTW, it’s no longer limited to famous folks—cartoon characters are now taking center stage. And as a Y2K kid, nostalgia hits hard with this recent collaboration from Careline Cosmetics. Needless to say, the local beauty brand unlocked their imaginatiooon.
Growing up, we’ve all heard the tunes of a scruffy pirate, who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Yes, SpongeBob SquarePants! I’ll spare you the rest, but I know the entire Bikini Bottom crew holds a special place in our childhood, whether it’s SpongeBob’s squeaky laugh or Squidward’s sassy attitude. Are your carts ready? Aye, aye, Captain!
Spongebob Squarepants x Careline Cosmetics
As a beauty girlie, my apartment is filled with the latest lipsticks, blushes, and bronzers. Now my home feels like a pineapple pad. I mean, the SpongeBob SquarePants x Careline Cosmetics collection definitely served something different. While I appreciate a healthy dose of nostalgia (I’m a Y2K kid after all), what I’m loving about this splash of new products is snagging the biggest goodies without breaking the bank. Of course, seeing Sandy, Gary, and Patrick front and center on the packaging.
Grab your flippy-flippers and scuba gear, because we’re diving deep to Bikini Bottom.
Countour Y’all
First stop, Sandy Cheeks with Contour Y’all. According to our favorite seawater squirrel, it’s prime time to sculpt those facial features. Even if contouring gets a little swamping sometimes, don’t let the cream-based formula fool you. Contour Y’all is all about that terracotta-toned shade, serving you a natural sun-kissed lewk.
Oh My Blush
This liquid blush-on is a perfect natural-looking flush on the cheeks! Personally, Oh My Blush is a new fave—it’s buildable, blendable, and enriched with Vitamin E. The only problem? Picking favorites is impossible with these four stunning shades: Girly Girl, Pink Patricia, Red Ahoy, and Shell Pink.
Shimmery Splash
Growing up, Pearl Krabs was my ultimate bias. Seeing her Shimmery Splash in the collection genuinely makes me happy. Just like Pearl, this liquid highlighter is all about that pretty-in-pink vibe. When they’re blended and melted into the skin, it totally serves a gorgeous glow.
Now, we totally feel you–we’re all fin-flipping to the closest store for that Spongebob SquarePants x Careline Cosmetics collection. But honestly, I’m crossing my fingers for an actual Spongebob Squarepants beauty blender. Imagine the cuteness overload, right?
Let’s dive deep into the benefits of papaya extract, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide—the three powerhouse skincare ingredients that are in Ever Organics’ Papaya Soothing Gel.
Perfecting the natural-looking glow is an achievement. Trust me, I’ve dedicated years to the pursuit of recreating the no-makeup allure of celebrities’ skin. At some point, it seems that these lucky girls are just born with a total glow-up going on—with a radiant complexion that oozes health and luminosity. To imitate this bouncy glow, I have every highlighting makeup item imaginable from the beauty market. Still, I’m actively searching for formulations that won’t accentuate my bumps and oily skin.
With highlighters out of the question, I had to reconsider my skincare routine. Now, I’d bet that all beauty girlies have an assortment of partially-used serums, gels, and creams currently gathering dust on their bathroom counters. I totally get it—we’ve all been on the lookout for facial moisturizers that give hydration and a glowing radiance from within. Well, perhaps it’s time to also look into what’s inside our skincare products. That being said, I finally found the exact moisturizer for that bouncy glow. Let’s dive deep into the benefits of papaya extract, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide—the three powerhouse skincare ingredients that are in Ever Organics’ Papaya Serum Soothing Gel.
Papaya Extract
We love papaya in our fruit salad, and yes, we love papaya on our faces too! Papaya extract is a Filipino household staple for skincare regimens. With our Nanays, Titas, and Lolas recommending it for ages, we never really questioned how it’s actually beneficial for the skin. ICYDK, papaya extract is packed with vitamins and antioxidants that keep your skin bright, radiant, and healthy. How? Well, papaya is mildly acidic by nature. Along with its mild exfoliating abilities, the vitamins, enzymes, and beta-carotene contains skin-brightening properties that reduce dark patches and post-acne blemishes.
Thankfully, the benefits of papaya can be enjoyed not only as a dessert but also with Ever Organics’ Papaya Serum Soothing Gel. This alcohol-free soothing gel gently exfoliates, fades stubborn spots, and boosts the skin’s natural glow.
Niacinamide
In recent years, niacinamide has been largely-considered a holy-grail solution for common skin issues. Hailed as the IT-skincare ingredient, niacinamide itself is a Tiktok sensation. I must say, it’s trending for a reason. Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that works with the natural substances of our skin to minimize pores and restore skin’s defenses against moisture loss.
Guess what? The Ever Organics Papaya Serum Soothing Gel comes packed with niacinamide. In its long list of perks, it’s been proven to enhance skin radiance and texture, soothe inflammation and redness, and reduce the visibility of pores. I’m saying it again because let’s be real, who likes large pores? Not me.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid might be a tongue twister to pronounce (and a challenge to spell), but this skincare superstar is a common player in our go-to serums, sheet masks, and moisturizers. If you haven’t tried moisturizers with hyaluronic acid, you’re missing out. Hyaluronic acid does wonders in hydrating the skin. When applied, it forms a shield on your skin, sealing in hydration and enhancing its texture.
Alongside papaya extract and niacinamide, hyaluronic acid stands as the third powerhouse ingredient in the blend of Ever Organics’ Papaya Serum Soothing Gel. Imagine naturally glowing skin, reduced stubborn spots, and hydration. Finally, we manifested that bouncy glow.
The real reasons behind ending relationships are beyond what we could ever imagine. Maybe it’s a matter of time and distance, whether it’s moving away for college or just chasing dreams in another city. Before you even realize, the same person and the shared moments might not matter anymore. Remember, that’s okay—we’re growing up after all. But let’s not talk about those “I have to find myself” messages sent at three in the morning when they’re out partying with friends. Maybe because one other reason is something like Netflix and Cheating, who knows? Regardless, if it’s causing more drama than a Tiktok trend, I guess it’s time to go.
What’s actually funny is we think that relationship splits are all about boyfriends-girlfriends. I’m blaming Pheobe Buffay of Friends for this one. She said, “Boyfriends and girlfriends are going to come and go, but this is for life.” LOL, apparently not. We’ve all heard people saying that ending friendships are worse than an actual breakup. Well, I couldn’t compare because I’ve never experienced a real relationship before. I’ve only seen it from friends who went through them. The stages of denial, anger towards your ex, and the shame game for failing to make the relationship ‘work’ are always part of the narrative. Of course, there are tearful meltdowns and the lapses back into heartache. Now, I finally understand why ending friendships feels like an actual breakup.
Here’s what happened, SKL
For five years, I’ve been with the same circle. They weren’t the type of friends you would only see twice a week, either. We were practically neighbors, so we literally spent every waking second hanging out, goofing around, and just being in each others houses doing our own thing. Those years felt like a never-ending sleepover. It was pretty much that, because we would decide where to crash, and it didn’t matter where – we’d all be squished into the most random spots. As if it wasn’t epic enough, we had the most amazing summers just traveling across the country. We were actually at the beach when I realized that I was in love with each and every one of them. Not in some lovey-dovey romantic way, but imagine being eternally grateful for someone’s existence.
We were only teenagers when we started hanging out. Just like everyone else, we bonded over drinking and late night conversations about aliens, television shows, and who’s who. I thought we would grow old together after countless birthdays, graduations, and a Christening even. But before I even realized, I was called out for ‘snitching’ on a cheater. While I can’t pinpoint the day we all became friends, I can vividly recall the exact date I was deemed toxic for doing something I thought was right. With the fact that these people made me feel loved and secure, who knew something so beautiful could still fall apart? From planning our kids names together to betting who’s getting married first, I suddenly found myself feeling helpless, betrayed, and alone. Now that I’m moving on, here are the lessons I learned along the way.
Regrets and Reminders
Many regrets in life are irreversible. You can’t study for a failed exam or take back what was said. And yet, we still wish we could’ve done something different. Imagine if you start to think, and you wouldn’t be the only one, that ending everything is a mistake. Maybe the memories began to resurface—let’s say, the songs you screamed along to played on the radio, or a stranger reminded you of their quirky mannerisms. Of course, there are the midnight thoughts and accidental relapses.
You know those scenes in movies where the main character remembers their ex with the most random things? Ending friendships feel like that too—it’s sad and funny all at once. For me, it was corned beef and garlic rice. They were well aware of my intense hatred for onions that they would set aside a separate plate just to spare me the struggle of picking them out. Fast forward to last week, I found myself crying over breakfast food. Yep, pretty pathetic. Long story short, our friendship isn’t some cinematic BFF saga. We wouldn’t have heart-to-heart talks about mistakes, and apologize for what happened. Don’t get me wrong, some stories deserve a second chance. Trust me, I’ve considered messaging them countless times, but think about why we’re all in this mess. Ask yourself why you’re hurting and how you hurt them. Sometimes, it’s better to live with regrets and reminders than going through that pain all over again.
First Dates
Picture this: going out on a first date again after ending a long-term relationship. After spending years with the same people, their birthdays, pet peeves, and life stories become a no-brainer. Now you find yourself in a new scene, making friends with new faces, and diving deep into their likes and dislikes. After all that history, you’re basically back to square one. Of course, it doesn’t matter how ‘nice’ your new friends are. You’ll play the mental game of whether these new people are the ones your future kids will call tito and tita, or if it’s just another heartbreak in the making.
After the first few times this occurs, you won’t see people in the same light. For me, I subconsciously become skeptical about relationships in general. What if they’re talking about me behind my back? If I’m being honest, I’m not so sure. What I’m certain about is that you should heal yourself first. You know, it’s pretty much the same deal with romantic relationships. You don’t have to love yourself to love someone else, but you should at least like yourself. Why? When you have a positive outlook of yourself, you’re more likely to make choices that avoid toxic relationships.
Moving On
A friendship breakup hurts, sometimes more than a romantic relationship ending. Whether you grew apart or experienced betrayal, we’re all about what we could’ve done differently. Reflecting on the friendship is part of the healing process, but moving forward would be impossible if you obsess over what could’ve been. If I were you, start by boxing up gifts, photos, and anything else that prevents you from focusing on the present. Yes, you can even burn them. That being said, it’s time to focus on yourself. When you spend years with the same people, it might have been a while since you stepped out of your comfort zone. If you’re currently friendless like me, use the time, energy, and love as an opportunity to create new memories with yourself or new people (if you’re lucky). Before realizing, you’ll be okay without your ex-friends.
In conclusion, friendship breakups aren’t one-size-fits-all. There’s not always a resolution, and it doesn’t always involve a conversation for closure. It might take time for you to get over them, trust new people, and forgive yourself. Again, that’s okay. No one is perfect, including you, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t move forward. It’s over, stop obsessing over what went wrong.
Painting your own nails doesn’t have to be boring! You could achieve showstopping manicures just by using artisan nail polish handmade right here in the Philippines. An independent local brand, Paint Polish offers a wide selection of nail polish in a variety of colors and finishes, from dark, witchy multichromes to ethereal pastel holos.
Four years ago, Jerrica Galope’s day job was temporarily halted due to the pandemic. Around the same time, her interest in nail polish grew from a simple hobby to a business opportunity.
“There are no independent, handmade polishes in the Philippines and it was expensive to ship internationally,” she shares. During the pandemic, she was able to research how to mix her own formulas, source raw materials, and start her own business from scratch. Now, while still a small indie brand, Paint Polish is Filipinos’ own version of international brands specializing in specialty-finish polishes like Mooncat, Cirque Colors, and YouTuber SimplyNailogical’s Holo Taco.
BUILD YOUR COLLECTION
Paint Polish offers locally-made, artisan polish that is free of 5 of the harmful chemicals commonly found in nail polish formulas. They also offer base coats, top coats, nail care products, custom polishes and even a DIY nail polish kit where you can mix up your own unique nail polish using pigments and glitters. Unleash your creativity and wear your heart on your nails by checking out some of their products below!
Holographic Nail Polish
Holographic nail polish makes use of glitter that reflects all the colors of the rainbow. The glitter could be different shapes and sizes and could also be suspended in different base colors and formulas. Paint Polish offers holo nail polish in rainbow colors, as well as specialty finishes that have a subtle holographic shimmer.
Magnetic nail polish is one of the most fun nail polishes to use. You need special magnets that will attract the magnetic pigment in the polish to create different lines, shapes, and designs. You can wear the polish on its own—it’ll look like a simple, shimmery duo- or multichrome—but when magnetized, the pattern creates depth and elevates your manicure to new heights. Paint Polish’s Zodiac and Spells collection (inspired by Harry Potter) include several magnetic polishes.
Duochrome and multichrome nail polish are where it’s at if you want to get people’s attention. The way the metallic-finish polish shifts from one color to another depending on the angle the light hits it makes for a versatile nail look that’s sure to get you compliments. Duochromes refer to pigment that shifts two colors, and multichromes refers to pigment that shifts to three or more.
Paint Polish is known for releasing themed collections that look just as amazing on a shelf as the polish does on your nails. They’ve released a university campus-themed collection with metallic-finish nail polish, a coffee-themed collection in different shades of brown and mocha, a 7-piece BTS-themed collection, and even a boba milk tea-inspired collection. Among these collections, specialty finishes range from speckled and iridescent to holographic and even reflective!
Paint Polish primarily operates online, but has popped up in bazaars where they also offer DIY polish-making sessions where customers got to customize their own polish!
As nail polish and nail art grow in popularity in the Philippines, this nail polish brand is bringing what is huge abroad back home in its own unique ways. Explore ways you can experiment with local brands and see what our vibrant creative and beauty culture has to offer!
