Beauty Beat: Best Beauty Launches Of August 2023 

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Right on time for the ber months.

The best beauty launches this month from ISSY, Strokes Beauty Lab, and many more.

Related: Beauty Beat: 8 Gen Z Celeb-Approved Brow Products and Where to Shop Them Online

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

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.

Strokes Beauty Lab

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.

Ever Bilena

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.

GRWM Cosmetics

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.

So… Fragrance

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.

Continue Reading: Beauty Beat: Recent Drops From Our Favorite Filipino Beauty Brands That Deserve The Hype

The Exact Beauty Brands Worn By Bretman Rock At The Vogue Philippines Anniversary Gala 

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These beauty brands? Oh, you totally recognize them. Seriously, you can just snatch them right off the makeup aisle.

Related: 7 Weird, Wonderful Workout Outfits By Bretman Rock That We’d Wear 100%

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.

GRWM Cosmetics

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.

Tom Ford

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.

Wet n’ Wild

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?

Continue Reading: These Filipino Snacks Are Bretman Rock-Approved

Short Hair Is Back—Should You Make the Cut?

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Chop chop.

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.

Related: 9 Hairstyles To Mark Your New Era This 2023

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?

@keeleydelaneey your honor.. your honor shes slaying! no but really I think this is the best hair style ever had!!!!🥹🌈 #hair #haircut #shorthair #shoulderlengthhair #chop #bob #boston #safar #hairstyle ♬ glow up challenge – spencer 💅

RESTART, REFRESH, REVAMP

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.

@.ashley.kay in my 1989 era 🩵 #haircut #hairtransformation #swifttok #taylorswift #1989taylorsversion #1989 ♬ son original – 𝘼( Taylor’s version )

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.

Continue Reading: 10 Easy Hairstyles You Can Copy From NewJeans

Miley And Selena Are Taking Back Their Crowns With New Music—And The Internet Is Nostalgic

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HANNAH VS. MIKAYLA 2.0.

Old friends and former Disney icons Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez are coming back with new singles this August 25!

Related: 7 Times Selena Gomez and Taylor Swift Were Ride-or-Die BFFs

Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez have been staples of pop culture for almost two decades now. From screens to studios, the two have been consistently booked and busy, making headlines with every move they make.

So when the world found out they were announcing (and would be releasing) singles on the same day, people were yanked straight back into the 2010s when these former Disney stars were the definition of It Girls for the younger generation. On August 25, Miley will be dropping Used to Be Young, and Selena will be dropping Single Soon ahead of her yet-to-be-completed album.

HANNAH VS. MIKAYLA, MILEY VS. SELENA?

News of a same-day single drop from the two got people reminiscing. Referencing a Hannah Montana season 2 episode where Selena Gomez guest starred as rival pop star Mikayla, @mazzypopstar on X (formerly Twitter) posted a clip of the two characters’ iconic verbal spar while on a fictional call-in talk show.

Miley and Selena, as Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana in Hannah Montana and Alex Russo in Wizards of Waverly Place, respectively, were Disney darlings and breakout superstars in their own right. They’ve been friends since the late aughts, and—as is unfortunately normal in celebrity culture—have also been rumored to be rivals like their Hannah Montana characters. This was driven by the fact that we apparently can’t let two young women share the spotlight side-by-side (even today, ahem) and by the Miley-Selena-Nick Jonas love triangle.

Photo from Getty Images

Even these days, as the news about their new music comes out and people on the internet are digging up remnants of the past, people are still speculating about their rumored feud. Regardless of what went down over the years, the two have shown their respect and love for one another all throughout their careers.

Just in the last few years alone, they’ve crossed paths and reached out to each other online, calling each other “old friends.” Selena even guested on Miley’s Instagram Live show to talk about mental health and living with bipolar disorder.

POP MUSIC’S BARBENHEIMER

The same-day release caused people to refer to the Barbie/Oppenheimer phenomenon, calling this “pop music’s barbenheimer.” And just to make things extra spicy, Ariana Grande is also releasing music on the 25th, albeit the digital deluxe release of Yours Truly in honor of its 10th anniversary. Pop music is going to be wild this Friday.

And playing on the hype, Miley and Selena also utilized X and Instagram to ride the wave of nostalgia and joint social media virality. Miley took to X to respond and partake in the trending viral memes about her and Selena. She quoted the clip of the telephone feud, captioning it “.@selenagomez and I are both dropping our new SINGLEs SOON…..I SAY WE #USEDTOBEYOUNG .”

She also posted a clip from her upcoming documentary special Endless Summer Vacation: Continued (Backyard Sessions) where she imitates the viral meme of Miley Stewart saying goodbye to the Malibu home in the Hannah Montana season 3 finale.

Selena also took to Instagram Stories, posting the same telephone feud clip. “@Mileycyrus and I both have a SINGLE SOON and we are releasing on the same day…We have been friends since we USED TO BE YOUNG. Excited for August 25!!!”

SELENA AND MILEY TODAY

Selena Gomez, thriving as a musician, producer, actress, and beauty entrepreneur, last released an album in 2021—a Spanish-language EP titled Revelaćion and has lent her vocals to features in songs by Rema and DJ Snake. Her recent screen stint as producer and lead actress on the mystery-comedy Only Murders in the Building (currently airing its third season on Hulu) earned her critical and audience acclaim, and her cosmetics brand Rare Beauty is well-loved across the world over.

Miley Cyrus has continuously revamped and reinvigorated her versatile career through strong, authentic music with her latest release Endless Summer Vacation (2023) and its successful lead single Flowers. As acclaim for her stellar rock vocals grows, so does a more widespread recognition of her talent and ability beyond Hannah Montana and Wrecking Ball. Nostalgia and legacy are taking center stage in the current wave of pop culture, and since Miley has been an integral part of youth and pop culture from the late 2000s to the present, people think she could definitely pull off an “Eras tour” of her own.

If you grew up with these two on your screen, then you know it’s a special, nostalgic feeling to watch them interact and take on the world with no signs of stopping for years on end, despite all the wild media coverage they’ve faced. So mark your calendars: Miley and Selena are coming back with new music on August 25th to prove that they’re generational pop culture icons—and they’re going nowhere but up.

Continue Reading: From Golden Child of Disney to Gucci Goddess, Track the Beauty Evolution of Miley Cyrus Through Her Music

This Spongebob SquarePants Collaboration With A Local Beauty Brand Makes For The Best Day Ever

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Add to cart? Aye, aye, Captain!

With this collection, Careline Cosmetics definitely unlocked their imaginatiooon.

Related: Celebrate Careline’s 18th With A Birthday Budol

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?

Continue Reading: Beauty Beat: Recent Drops From Our Favorite Filipino Beauty Brands That Deserve The Hype

Introducing the Newest Face of Ever Bilena, Park Chanyeol of EXO

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It's the Chanyeol comeback we've all been waiting for.

You’ll totally feel FOMO because one of Chanyeol’s four picks from Ever Bilena isn’t even on the beauty shelves yet.

Related: We Weren’t Ready For This Throwback At EXO-SC’s Fancon In Manila

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.

Continue Reading: This HEBE Beauty Brand is Making Waves in the Beauty Industry and They’re Getting The Recognition They Deserve

Manifesting That Bouncy Glow? Try This Papaya Soothing Gel

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Lucky girl syndrome? We only know glowing girl syndrome.

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. 

Related: Yes, A Skincare Order Exists, And This Is What You Should Follow ASAP

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

Ever Organics' Papaya Serum Soothing Gel. 

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

Ever Organics' Papaya Serum Soothing Gel. 

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

Ever Organics' Papaya Serum Soothing Gel. 

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 Ever Organics Papaya Sooting Gel is available online and at leading department stores nationwide.

Continue Reading: This Year, Double Down On Self-Love With These Skincare Resolutions

DIY Chrome and Holo Nails With This Local Independent Artisan Nail Polish Brand

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Level up your nails at home!

You don’t need to go to a salon to achieve the manicure of your dreams.

Related: Get Stylish Nail Extensions by Student and Self-Taught Nail Technician Nika Pascua

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.

ABOUT PAINT POLISH PH

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

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/Multichrome Nail Polish

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.

Special Effects Polish

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!

Continue Reading: 12 Nail Designs that Serve Big Barbie Energy

New Product Alert! This Gen Z Beauty Brand’s New Collection is an Obsession

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Live your main character moment.

Move over! The Gen Z trendsetters are here to slay and pop off with the newest Generation Dazzle Me collection

A lot has been said about the Gen Z community, but the truth remains: our generation is taking the world by storm. We’re unafraid to make big and bold movements that give us the freedom to express who we really are and what we want to do in life.

From mixing the natural hues of our hair with bright blues and purples to making our own dance craze, we set the tempo of what’s in and out. As the epitome of the digital generation, selfies and vitamin sea ‘gram-worthy pics must be the best expression of our best looks. 

The perfect beauty ammo is the Generation Dazzle Me collection. Launched last July 2022, the beauty brand was founded by a group of young beauty enthusiasts and experts worldwide, which is superb because who can better give us the glow-up we deserve?

Main Character Moment

To refresh, re-introduce, and strengthen the association of the Dazzle Me brand with the Gen Z community, they began with an idea: The Generation Dazzle Me campaign. This campaign alludes to future change-makers ready to shape the future faces and phases of beauty—yes, it’s you. It’s us. 

Through this collection, Dazzle Me encourages us to be our most authentic selves and to be unafraid to discover beyond norms. Here’s what the Generation Dazzle Me collection has in store for us to give us that main character moment: 

Misty Matte Lip Cream

This is a soft-blur lip cream that will never dry out our lips. It delivers full pigment and sets to a soft matte finish without emphasizing lip lines. With a soft-blur finish, it sets to a soft-matte texture without emphasizing lip lines and does not feel tight.

What’s more, it’s a lip-loving matte. It looks matte, but lips are enveloped with hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed oil, and shea butter for a non-sticky and non-drying feel. Because of its foolproof formula, it stays put all day—mask-, smudge-, and water-proof.

Glossip Girl Lip Cream

Get ready to feel like one of the beautiful socialites on Manhattan’s Upper East Side with Glossip Girl Lip Cream. This lip cream is a gloss-to-stain formula that provides the luster of a gloss, pigment of a lip cream, and stain of a tint.

With a gloss-to-stain finish, it dries down to a pigmented, glossy sheen and fades into a moisturizing yet long-lasting stain. It has no sticky feel as the creme-gel consistency smooths over the lips. Lastly, it is infused with 4D Hyaluronic Acid that drenches lips in hydration and leaves long-lasting moisture even after taking it off.

Heart-Melt Creamy Liquid Blush

Heart eyes for this buildable hybrid formula blush that seamlessly blends into skin for a long-lasting flush of color. Its unique staying power has a liquid-to-creamy texture that lasts longer than a powder blush.

Seamlessly blending like a dream to create a subtle or vividly flushed look without caking, it can be used as blush and eyeshadow for an easy monochromatic look.

24/7 Wonderfullip Serum

Serums are like magic potions that grant healing and afterglow effects. This serum is a multi-purpose lip topper and treatment that conditions lips, brightens lip color, and reduces the appearance of lip lines while providing lasting moisture.

It also performs double duty: As a lip topper, it adds extra shine and subtle tint. As a lip treatment, even flaky lips are provided supple nourishment and rehydration overnight. Infused with skin-friendly and plant-derived ingredients for safe day and night use, it feels almost weightless and effortless to achieve glass lips without stickiness.

We are the social media savvies of the world. We will never be afraid to try something new because we move forward into the future with a sprinkle of gloss and sparkle that braves through the old and goes out with a bang. 

Keep yourself posted on the latest trends and updates of Dazzle Me and check out their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. You may also shop this latest collection on their Shopee platform.

Holiday Makeup Inspo To Recreate From The Star Magical Christmas Party

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Wanna look naughty or nice?

Take notes, kids. These beauty techniques from artists who graced the white carpet at the Star Magical Christmas Party might just be the perfect makeup guide for your next holiday get together! 

December is a few days away, and we all know what that means: holiday get-togethers and Christmas parties left and right. As exciting as these may be, it can also be a point of anxiety to prepare for. Other than getting through the holiday rush, planning your makeup look and themed outfit can be quite a handful. Some of us prefer the same holiday beat every year, while others go all out. Regardless, sometimes it’s also nice to try new things. This season, why not opt for an experimental approach on your makeup?

Last weekend, Star Magic artists graced the white carpet at the Star Magical Christmas party and we were all stunned by the glitz and glamour. What really stood out from the crowd? Bold and bright liner and pearl embellishments to match their sparkly looks. While soft glam is common in carpet numbers, it was nice to see celebrity makeup artists paint their muses in striking and creative looks. Take a look at some of the techniques you can test out for your future festivities. 

BRIGHT AND BOLD LINER

Anji Salvacion
PHOTO BY @GELLOVEEWITE

Who says red and green are the only colors of the season? Reminiscent of a snow angel, Anji Salvacion’s eye makeup is all blue’d up. Makeup artist Japeth Mike Purog used a light aqua shimmer for the inner corners and a striking royal blue pencil liner to make the eyes pop. Some might say hazel eyes shouldn’t be paired with a bright blue eye look, but Anji Salvacion proves otherwise as she looks heavenly as ever.

Anji Salvacion
PHOTO BY @GELLOVEEWHITE

CUT CREASE AND FOX-EYE COMBO

Janella Salvador
PHOTO BY @NIKO.GONZALES

Soft glam with a twist? Yes, please. A nod to drag artists, makeup artist Carissa Cielo Medved used a makeup technique commonly known as a cut crease to add dimension to Janella Salvador’s lids. Normally, cut creases may appear extravagant for an everyday look, but a great example of how you can transform this theatrical technique is by simplifying a complicated process and using neutral tones to make it more wearable. Pair it with a cool-tone red lip and you are good to go.

PEARL EMBELLISHMENTS

Heavily inspired by Euphoria’s influence in the beautyverse, embellishments are a great way to go from plain jane to hyper-glam real quick. Makeup artist RB Chanco applied intricate pearl detailings to Francine Diaz’s natural beat and shimmery lids; to describe this beat as otherworldly is an understatement. Glue a few pearls, or go all out and apply it all over your face–you are sure to stand out at this year’s Christmas party.

Francine Diaz
PHOTO BY @FRANCINESDIAZ

SUMMER DURING WINTER?

Alexa Ilacad
PHOTO BY @NIKO.GONZALES

In western countries, Christmas means the cold of winter. In the Philippines, it’s almost always bright and sunny, so why not serve a warm and tropical ensemble like Alexa Ilacad? Steering away from a neutral glam look, makeup artist Jake Galvez painted the it-girl’s mug with warm orange and yellow hues and a peachy glossy lip to match her freshly baked bibingka-inspired dress.

INTRICATE RHINESTONES ON THE LOWER LASH

Krystal Ball
PHOTO BY @EADVINCULA1121

If you think pearl embellishments are a bit much, but still want a mug that will turn heads, consider adding intricate gems or rhinestones on your lower lash instead of a shimmery shadow to make the eyes appear bigger. Makeup artist Celine Lin applied this technique on Star Magic artist Krystl Ball and it elevated the douyin-inspired mug that we’ve been seeing all over social media. 

BOLD RED LIP AND A NATURAL BASE

Maymay Entrata at the Star Magical Christmas Party
PHOTO BY @OWENSARMIENTO

You can never go wrong with a bold red lip! To highlight Maymay Entrata’s beautiful lips, makeup artist Owen Sarmiento chose a natural beat; simple brows, minimal eye makeup, and a glass skin base. The star of the show was a matte red lippie and it was a serve. 

Thinking about recreating this look? Pro tip:  there are dozens of shades and tones of red. Whether it’s a cool or warm toned lippie, better test out a few shades to see, which matches your complexion. The last thing you want is your teeth to look yellow during your group holiday photos. 

NEGATIVE SPACE EYE LINER

Applying a winged eyeliner is a common technique used in glam makeup. What we don’t see often is eyeliner applied at the bottom lash and extending a wing at the end of the eye to create a negative space effect for a lifted illusion. This simple step can really make a difference if you’re going for a snatched mug.

Related: Here Are Christmas Eve Outfit Inspos From The Star Magical Christmas Ball