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.
We need to talk about a makeup product that’s collecting dust on beauty shelves—primers. Either you can’t live without them, or you’ve never even tried them in the first place. While it’s the first step of my makeup routine, some beauty enthusiasts often overlook the full potential of a good primer. Here’s the thing: a must-have moisturizer and SPF 50+++ aren’t enough if you want your makeup to last throughout the entire day.
What are primers, exactly? Essentially, it’s like the foundation for your foundation (pun intended). A primer forms a barrier between your skincare and makeup. Whether you’re blurring wrinkles, controlling oil, or minimizing pores, primers are the ideal starting point for your base routine. While it takes an extra minute to apply another layer of product, imagine a camera-ready makeup look? I think that’s a minute well spent. Believe me, once you begin incorporating primers into your routine, you’ll be left wondering why you hadn’t given them a shot earlier.
Now, why should you bother with primers at all? Here are a few reasons why they deserve a space in your trusty kikay kit:
Less Is More: With a good primer, you can dial down on the foundation, concealer, and all that jazz, which means less cake-y makeup and a way more natural look. Speaking of makeup staying…
Makeup Life Span: Every primer serve as a barrier between your skin and makeup, preventing your foundation from breaking down or fading throughout the day. It’s not just that; a good primer protects your skin from breakouts when makeup and excess oil tend to clog pores.
Texture Troubles: If you’re dealing with the drama of uneven skin texture or those stubborn scars, here’s the 411: they work some major primer power by blurring out large pores, correcting pesky discolorations, and smoothing out texture troubles.
Truthfully, searching for the perfect primer can be overwhelming. Blurring, gripping, jelly—it’s like a whole new language. But for starters, primers are just like skincare, where each type serves specific purposes depending on your skin concerns. So, if you’re feeling uncertain about your next makeup purchase, don’t worry—we’ve prepared a helpful guide for you. A ~primer~ of sorts.
Blurring Primer
Yes, it’s all about moisturizing and slathering on that broad-spectrum sunscreen. Keeping it hydrated? Check. Protecting your skin from the sun’s rays? Check. But now, it’s time to apply a blurring primer. Picture your skin with a little less texture because blurring primers give your skin a soft-focus look. Whether you add a layer of foundation or a skin tint, their job becomes easier since the primer has created a smoother canvas.
Compared to blurring primers, a gripping primer feels like a gel serum that leaves a slight sticky residue on the skin. No need to stress, that stickiness is all part of the plan to give your makeup base a solid grip. BTW, what makes gripping primers a fan fave is that they work wonders on every skin type. Note that these babies don’t have a mattifying or oily effect, but they hydrate the skin and extend the longevity of cream-based products. My personal picks are Vice Cosmetics Aqua Grip Primer and GRWM Cosmetics Life-Proof Primer.
Jelly Primer
If you’re into that natural glow and avoiding matte looks, jelly primers are your best bet. They allow the skin to have that glass-skin shine without unnecessary dewiness. Imagine healthy-looking skin without a pore-blurring filter. Jelly primers are actually new to the local market, but they’re a must-have in your makeup bags. So far, my best purchases are the GRWM Cosmetics Jelly Primer and the E.L.F Cosmetics Jelly Pop Primer.
When life’s got you running from one errand to the next, we just can’t be bothered with the extra steps in our beauty routines. We all know that step-by-step skincare can work wonders, but sticking to them religiously isn’t always a reality. That said, there’s the latest innovation in beauty: skincare smoothies.
Taking inspiration from blended beverages, smoothies are a mixture of various fruits and vitamins, serving as another way to enhance skin health. Are your blenders ready? QUICKFX and NYLON Manila came together for a fruity fix! Here’s what went down at the launch of the QUICKFX Glo Smoothies skincare line.
Thanks to social media, skincare smoothies have become a worldwide trend, and now QUICKFX has brought them to F-Beauty shelves. To celebrate this innovative introduction in the local scene, QUICKFX hosted a baking party in collaboration with NYLON Manila. Held at the cozy counters of Bakebe at SM Aura, this unique skin-loving launch brought together beauty content creators for an unforgettable Saturday, seamlessly blending beauty education with culinary creativity.
Moreover, special thanks to Likha Canvas for the tote bags – these content creators now have the cutest place to store their Glo Smoothies and cupcakes!
What’s Cooking?
The launch of the QUICKFX Glo Smoothies skincare line kicked off with a warm welcome from QUICKFX Category Lead Mari Barretto-Syquia and NYLON Manila Editor-in-Chief Ayn Bernos. As the sun streamed through the windows of the co-baking space, beauty content creators were treated to a delightful blend of skincare smoothies and the aroma of freshly baked cupcakes. Needless to say, the event was a sensory delight.
QUICKFX, known for its commitment to accessible and effective skincare, took the stage to discuss the delightful story behind their latest product line. According to the QUICKFX Team, ‘Formulating a new skincare product is truly a work of art, just like baking!’ The beauty brand’s dedication to providing carefully formulated products with skin-loving ingredients such as watermelon extract, peach extract, tranexamic acid and niacinamide was a masterpiece in itself. Just like baking, finding the perfect blend of ingredients was key in developing these fruity, brightening formulations.
Since we’re all about the QUICKFX Glo Smoothies, we tried and tested the skincare line. Here’s what we think.
Just like your daily dose of blended beverage for an energy boost, the QUICKFX Glo Smoothies line has watermelon and peach extracts for hydration and that glass-like glow. It’s plumping, perfect for prepping the skin, and also hydrating for beauty rest. To top it all off, they smell extremely refreshing like watermelons and peaches! Yes, we’re definitely getting that watermelon sugar high.
Check out the entire recipe for glowing skin with the Glo Smoothies regimen below:
Glo Smoothies Brightening Serum Cleanser
Cleanse with the Glo Smoothies Brightening Serum Cleanser: This brightening, non-stripping cleanser clears away dirt and excess oil without leaving your skin feeling dry. Packed with watermelon and peach extracts, it helps hydrate the skin to maintain that natural, healthy glow with every wash.
Glo Smoothies Ultra Brightening Serum
Treat with the Glo Smoothies Ultra Brightening Serum: This serum is a concentrated blend of fruit-based antioxidants that help lighten spots for a radiant, glassy glow. Enriched with Tranexamic Acid, Niacinamide, Adenosine and Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate, this serum packs a punch! It battles discoloration and sun spots while plumping and refining the skin. Just like your favorite smoothie, it’s perfectly refreshing and oh so good for you!
Makeup Artist Tip: Mix this in with your favorite foundation or tinted moisturizer for that extra lit-from-within glow.
Glo Smoothies Brightening Gel Cream Moisturizer
Moisturize with the Brightening Gel Cream Moisturizer: This brightening gel-cream moisturizer hydrates, detoxifies, and soothes skin with the refreshing blend of Watermelon & Peach Extract, Niacinamide, Adenosine and Centella Asiatica Extract. Besides the delicious smell, it leaves the skin dewy and glowing after every application.
We truly found the perfect mix for that glass skin glow with the new QUICKFX Glo Smoothies line, exclusively available in Watsons!
What does it take to make a friendship work? Best friends Vivoree Esclito and Kaori Oinuma talk all about the power of female friendships and how it takes time, effort, and commitment to sustain something beautiful.
Someone once told me that there’s nothing like female friendships. A connection between two people—founded on trust, forged in laughter, strengthened through shared experiences over time—is nothing short of magical.
Female friendships are beautiful and complicated. Even if they come from different backgrounds or upbringings, a bond between girls is unique in that no one else understands what it’s like to be a girl in this world except them. They’re strengthened by every sleepover, side-eye, debrief, rant about relationships, and yes, even petty fights.
Chainmail dresses used as top by La Glamour Queen, Denim skirts by Levi’s
But of course, female friendships are also prone to trouble. Jealousy, competition, serious fights, and drifting apart as lives shift and change can alter the trajectory of a female friendship forever. But at the core of female friendships lies a girl’s feelings of being seen, heard, and validated. They can help her keep going.
So for Gen Z artists Vivoree Esclito and Kaori Oinuma, it’s wonderful that being young, genuine souls working in the same industry got the stars aligning for them to build a friendship. The two friends worked together on hit teen shows He’s Into Her and Tara, G!, slowly forming their friendship while also cementing themselves as talented young women making a name for themselves.
The two are the epitome of kind. On cover shoot day, Kaori, the half-Japanese actress whose hype-worthy projects A Very Good Girl and Fractured air this September, came into the room smiling as she went over to our little NYLON Manila staff table in the studio and shook all of our hands, introducing herself with grace. And when the bright and glammed-up Vivoree entered the studio for the podcast shoot, she held the door open for everyone and laughingly said, “Acts of service po love language ko, eh!” The singer and actress released three singles this year and is currently filming In His Mother’s Eyes.
All throughout the long day, Vivoree and Kaori exuded a sparkling warmth that brought a smile to everyone in their vicinity. From leaning on each other to exchanging laughter and high-fives, the love and affection inherent to their friendship was unmistakable.
While the two would cross paths later in life, they did get their start similarly, as contestants on Pinoy Big Brother. Vivoree was on the seventh main season that ran from 2016 to 2017, while Kaori entered the house one season later in 2018. Soon after, the two found themselves crossing paths more frequently, and—as they say—the rest is history.
SLOW-BURN FRIENDSHIP
Vivoree and Kaori didn’t start off as besties immediately. Their friendship, like all great ones, took some time and effort to be as wholesome as it is now. They first met at a go-see for He’s Into Her, but they admitted that they watched each other’s seasons of PBB and admired how kind and genuine the other was.
Planet print coordinates and boots by Just Bonita by Bonita Penaranda
The pair got the chance to bond when they were roommates during the filming of He’s Into Her season 2 and Tara, G! in the same year. They learned quite a bit about each other, like how Kaori is more organized than Vivoree, and how Vivoree inspired Kaori because the former could shower anytime, even with cold water!
On a more serious note, early on in their friendship, the two were able to bond over how they’re not the kind of people who open up to others easily.
“Since hindi talaga kami nag-oopen up sa ibang tao, parang nagkaroon kami ng connection to open up to each other,” Vivoree shares. “Parang may trust na nabui-build, which is something nice. Iba yung friendship ko talaga with Kaori.”
SHARED EXPERIENCES
It’s often difficult to find someone on the same wavelength as you are—someone who you can relate to, trust, and be yourself with—especially in Vivoree and Kaori’s unique line of work. But a big part of many friendships is owed to having shared experiences and offering unwavering emotional support through it all.
From their respective stints in Big Brother’s house to working on the same projects, the pair bonded over their experiences as young women in showbiz.
Vivoree explains, “It’s rare to find a friendship in showbiz… people come and go.” She adds that sometimes you get to work on a project with great people, but afterwards, the friendship doesn’t grow to be anything more than work acquaintance.
But with Kaori, through all of the acting work, hosting stints, and baking vlogs, they kept the embers of their friendship burning, despite the lightning-fast pace of the entertainment industry.
SUPPORT AND SISTERHOOD
However, sharedexperiences don’t guarantee the strength and longevity of a friendship. Women and young girls are constantly compared and pitted against each other, especially in the entertainment industry, both internationally and locally. Picking sides over media-amplified issues about boys, artistry, superficial stuff—it’s like we can’t allow more than one young woman to be happy and successful. And sometimes, all that outside pressure causes a deeper rift between them.
So in this world where young women are constantly pitted against each other, it’s refreshing to see Vivoree and Kaori’s friendship be pretty different. They’re generous with their praise for one another and firm in their desire for each other to succeed.
“Super genuine ng soul niya,” Kaori raves about the singer-actress. “Lagi kong sinasabi sa kanya na isa ako sa mga naniniwala sa kanya, and happy ako na nakikita ko siyang nag-grow and, as in, lumalayo yung nararating niya.” She cites Vivoree as one of her inspirations, a sentiment born of watching her on PBB.
Vivoree was also full of praises for the young star. “Ang warm ni Kaori. She’s not hard to love as a friend, as a person.”
The faith and trust they have in one another is undoubtedly strong. And it’s great to witness how these two young women constantly uplift each other and prove that they’re each truly a girl’s girl.
“Yun ako as a person,” Kaori explains. “Ayoko masira yung tiwala sakin ng tao, lalo [pag] babae, of course. Tayo tayo lang nagkakaintindihan.”
The two align like stars when it comes to listening and understanding where the other is coming from, given their shared experiences and how far they’ve come to trusting each other. Staying as each other’s support system despite their high-speed careers necessitates all that faith and trust, and a commitment to love.
“Yun nga yung magic with my friendship with Kao,” Vivoree gestures to Kaori. “Kasi even if may kanya-kanya kaming life or projects, we still look out for each other. Kinakamusta pa rin namin yung isa’t isa, and we still support each other, which is is something na talagang importante sa friendship for me.”
Kaori refers to Vivoree as someone who’s like family to her, like a sister. They are kindred spirits. They listen wholeheartedly to each other’s stories, providing a safe space of comfort and validation whenever they needed it. “I promised naman sa kanya na kahit anong mangyari, makikinig ako sa kanya.”
SUSTAINING FRIENDSHIPS
Although their busy schedules keep them from seeing each other all the time, Vivoree and Kaori do have some secrets to sustaining their friendship—one of which, they agreed on, is being a good listener. They strive to be understanding and open to trusting, and they strive to make time for each other.
“Pagka mayroong oras na kaya naming magkita, makapag-usap…gagawin namin,” Kaori assures.
The pair, having had their share of both good and bad experiences with people, have learned a few things about life and friendship. Vivoree advises people not to trust blindly. “Basahin mo yung tao, kilalanin mo muna slowly.” When you believe you can develop the bond and solidify the connection, you can trust someone deeply and openly. Kaori shares similar sentiments.
“Kung gusto mong pagkatiwalaan ka ng tao…magtiwala ka rin,” she says. “Matuto ka magtiwala.” Kaori herself was apprehensive about trusting people, particularly in showbiz. But when she met Vivoree, she felt that her colleague was open to trusting her, and so she, in an act of faith, reciprocated.
But when it comes to toxic friendships, Vivoree advocates for knowing that you have the freedom to leave the relationship. “Not everyone deserves your space, deserves your time and attention. Yung tendency niyan, you’ll be the one who’s gonna get drained. Ikaw yung mauubos, tapos sila, puno sila nang puno.”
On the other hand, Kaori draws on what she admires about Vivoree and urges people to just be kind and authentic to everyone. “Maging genuine ka na lang sa lahat ng makakasalamuha mo, and then kung ma-reciprocate yun, that’s good. Magkakaroon ka ng friends. Pero kung hindi…siyempre di mo na kailangan i-overthink yun.”
Thoughtful, loyal, and wise, these two young women exemplify the power of genuine female friendship—how it’s often hard to come by, how it provides shelter in the raging storm of life, how it makes life better and just that much brighter. Not everyone can come into a strong female friendship outright. It’s not enough to have the same interests and experiences—you have to work on powering through pressure, examining and reevaluating your relationships, and genuinely growing as friends as well as people. So when I remembered someone telling me that there’s nothing like female friendship, I realized that Vivoree and Kaori’s genuine, love-filled friendship was nothing short of magical.
Catch the rest of Vivoree and Kaori’s story, including more advice about friendship, dealing with friendship breakups, and more on Seated with NYLON Manila on YouTube or Spotify!
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?
The time has come. Bobs, pixie cuts, and bangs galore. It’s that part of the hair trend cycle again where people are doing the Big Chop, and we are here for it.
The time has come. It’s that part of the hair trend cycle again where people are doing the Big Chop, and honestly, we’re living for it. Allure predicted that nostalgic, short hair styles are going to make a splash in 2023, and so far, they’re right. Bobs, wolf cuts, pixies, short bangs, and more are making the rounds in style these days, and maybe you’re thinking you should follow suit?
You don’t have to be going through it to feel an urge to cut your hair, but it has been proven to signify a certain change in one’s life. Whether it’s because of a breakup (Venus retrograde has been especially unkind, to celebrities at least) or simply wanting to spice up your look as you go through a lull in your life, sometimes a chop is just what you need. Check out Zendaya, for example, who rocks every hairstyle, but also posted that she “needed a little refresh.”
Zendaya/Instagram
Hair is tied to choice and agency, identity, and even culture. The freedom to do what we want with our hair is intrinsically linked to who we are. No wonder many people are loving their short hair—and as well as those who cry after regretting their new cut!
A hilarious scene in Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag delves into what hair means to women, and it strikes a balance between being commentary on beauty standards and femininity, and being a reminder that hair doesn’t change lives as drastically as we wish it would.
But a chop could still affect our lives, give us confidence, and express our personalities and creativities. Whatever your decisions may be, hopefully it’s made with much thought and consideration.
TO CHOP OR NOT TO CHOP
If you do decide to chop, there’s plenty of styles you can experiment with. Aside from Zendaya’s voluminous layered, Rachel Green-esque hairdo, recent new celebrity chops include Kim Kardashian’s sleek bob (or FAB, depending on who you ask), Yujin of IVE’s cute bob with bangs, and Keke’s edgy, tousled ‘do. You can keep a “short” haircut still pretty long, or go wild with pixie cuts, bangs, color, and the like.
Taylor Swift announcing 1989 (Taylor’s Version) actually precedes some of these chops. Inspired by her short hair era in 2014 to 2016, people are chopping their hair off to signify their own new era beginning. It also ties back to the notion of agency—agency in taking control, agency in cutting hair, agency in Taylor’s reclamation of her discography. While Taylor herself has not returned to a short ‘do, it just goes to show that people place a lot of meaning in hair, haircuts, and hairstyles.
Other precedents to cutting hair could be stress, anxiety, or a need to feel in control. When emotions run high, sometimes we take it out on our hair. It could end up being a good distraction, or even an act of liberation. But essentially, before you give in to the universal urge to chop your hair, you have to consider at least a few things: why you’re doing it, what do you want out of it, and how would you feel once it’s done?
And while your personal decisions shouldn’t really be contingent on what’s trendy or how stressed you feel at a certain point in time, it’s always good to try new things. Be sure to not jump into things without any thought unless that’s what you really want to do. Ask the right questions and plan the right execution. Hair may not be everything, but it definitely means something.
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?
Are you ready, Yeolmaes? It’s official! Park Chanyeol from EXO is now the fresh face of our beloved local beauty brand, Ever Bilena.
At a youthful age of 30, Chanyeol has become a household name. ICYDK, his ride into the limelight kicked off as a member of EXO—the powerhouse K-pop group that has taken the music scene by storm. His killer vocals and powerful presence immediately made him a total standout. And clearly, Chanyeol’s skills stretch beyond rapping and songwriting.
In the constantly changing landscape of the entertainment industry, only a few performers effortlessly transition between music, acting, and modeling as smoothly as Park Chanyeol does. Needless to say, he’s more than this and that. Right now, Chanyeol is the first international endorser and male face of Ever Bilena. Who would’ve seen this as a Chanyeol comeback?
Chanyeol’s Picks
“Ever Bilena is a proudly Filipino brand. So when selecting a global ambassador, we wanted it to be someone with world-wide appeal but also resonated to Filipino beauty. Park Chanyeol has always been vocal about how much he loves the Philippines. Moreover, his heart and positive personality is both aspirational and relatable. Which is important to us for Ever Bilena as a brand,” the CSMO of Ever Bilena, Denice Sy, shares with NYLON Manila.
It’s no surprise that Ever Bilena chose Chanyeol. I mean, who wouldn’t? But like the K-Pop idol himself, the local beauty brand is a household name. I would wager that every beauty girlie has an Ever Bilena makeup product stashed in their kikay kits. And there’s a good reason for it—they seriously serve top-notch quality. Personally, I’m still all about their lippies. But let’s not make this about me. Let’s dive deep into Chanyeol’s picks and discover new faves from Ever Bilena.
EB Plus Fearless Serum Skin Foundation
Want that effortlessly fresh and flawless skin? Well, the Ever Bilena Plus Fearless Serum Skin Foundation is a legit game-changer! This super lightweight, medium coverage foundation is loaded with skin-loving stuff like Glycerin and Vitamin E that’ll keep your skin hydrated and smooth AF.
EB Plus Shape & Set Brow Duo
Next up: we’ve got the tea on the Ever Bilena Plus Shape and Set Brow Serum Duo. Trust me, it’s your next brow besties with a brow pencil on one end and a clear brow gel on the other. You can totally customize your brow style—from bold to natural, it’s your call.
Oh, guess what? It’s all about giving your brows bomb looks, this bad boy is also packed with Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and Keratin. It’s time to give your brow hairs and skin some TLC.
EB Plus Two Way Cake Serum Foundation
Ever Bilena’s iconic Two-Way Cake Serum Foundation got a killer upgrade—it’s got not one, but two broad spectrum sunscreen filters on lock. Whether you’re serving a fresh-out-the-gym glow or that easy everyday look, it’s the perfect product for on-the-go girles (and guys).
EB Plus Serum Tinted Lip Balm
You’ll totally feel FOMO because this Chanyeol pick from Ever Bilena isn’t even on the beauty shelves yet. No stress, it’s dropping soon. But be prepped because it’s time to upgrade your glow game with the EB Plus Serum Tinted Lip Balm. Packed with Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, and Vitamin E, these babies won’t weigh you down.
