I’ve been a menstrual cup user for three years now. I started using it during the start of the pandemic, when there wasn’t a lot of certainly about getting tampons and pads from supermarkets with supply issues. Since then I’ve never looked back. Menstrual cups are simply superior to pads in every way - well, not counting the learning curve one needs to go through to properly place it inside the vagina. But once that’s sorted out, it’s a lot, lot less shitty dealing with menstruation as a woman.

Recently though I’ve gotten on the menstrual disc train and it is even better than menstrual cups. Here’s a quick comparison, and why I ultimately decided that a disc is better for me!

Foundation is an essential part of makeup routine as it provides a base for other makeup products to be applied. However, achieving a smooth and long-lasting foundation can be challenging, especially if the skin is not prepped correctly. The good news is that there are a few techniques that can help you prepare your skin before applying foundation, ensuring that your makeup looks flawless and lasts all day.

L'Oreal has made a major move in the luxury skincare market by signing to acquire Australian brand Aesop for $2.53 billion. This is L'Oreal's biggest brand acquisition yet, and it comes at a time when the company is moving towards more upmarket labels where consumers are less affected by economic downturns. The purchase provides some financial relief to Brazilian company Natura, which owns Avon and The Body Shop, and has been struggling with shrinking margins and heavy debt.

Anessa, one of our favorite sunscreen brands, launched its first summer event after the pandemic called Golden Island. The event, held at The Island in BGC, featured themed areas such as Luxe Beach, Tropical Gardens, and the Hamptons, each representing a different adventure. Anessa showcased its ability to withstand the hot Philippine summer through temperature pods in each area.

The Anessa Squad, composed of experts in beauty, lifestyle, and sports, discussed the importance of sun protection in their respective fields and why Anessa is the ultimate age-defying sun care.

Summer is just around the corner and I'm thrilled to add sunkissed glowy makeup looks to my routine! Fortunately, GRWM Cosmetics has launched their 25-piece Summer Collection, featuring products and colours that are perfect for fun in the sun.

The brand has introduced new formulas to their already impressive catalogue, such as the Browlift, Lip Booze, Shady Sunstick, and Glow Tint, which have been developed with formulas and shades that can withstand the heat of Filipino summers.

Jo Malone London's relaunch of the Cologne Intense Collection was a scent-sational event that captivated all the senses. From the immersive room that showcased the collection's campaign video on three large screens to the personalized leather stamping station, guests were treated to a night of discovery and delight.

Summer has arrived which means hotter days and more trips to the beach. The intense heat we feel on our skin is a not-so-gentle reminder to always use sun protection. Happy Skin has quite a few sun care products already (check out reviews here: Rescue Me Invisible Sun Gel Primer and Rescue Me Tinted Matte Sun Gel Primer) but they’re expanding the line-up with their newest “sun-centric skincare collection”: the Happy Skin Sun Boosters.

Five days ago, Rep. Arlene D. Brosas from Gabriela Women’s Party filed House Bill No. 7758. It’s an act that seeks to grant all women a maximum of two fully paid menstrual leaves a month. This proposed law is not new; the late Miriam Defensor Santiago actually also filed something like this in August 2004, with the law requiring a one day leave with 50% pay every month. Just last January of this year, Rep. Ma. Alana Samantha Talino Santos filed for a law that grants women two paid menstrual leaves a month, with 50% renumeration per day.

The first two months of the year have been slow in terms of beauty releases but little did we know, it was just the calm before the storm! As we celebrate National Women’s Month this year, our local beauty brands seem to be keeping us on our toes with new launches left and right.

Here are all the beauty releases we have been blessed with this month alone!

Being booked and busy is part and parcel when you are turning your dreams into a reality and sometimes, self-care is something that gets pushed off the schedule. As a fellow hustler, I have been there, done that, and mastered the art of getting ready even while I am on the go! 

Luckily, SM Deals has a ton of Glow Up Deals for us as we celebrate  Women’s Month. So here are my top five beauty picks that you can add to your on-the-go makeup kit to keep you looking chic through all of your day-to-day happenings. Whether it is an after class org meeting or a business lunch, these products have got you covered! These products will sure help you achieve that Clean Girl Aesthetic vibe - beautiful yet very minimalist and effortless!

I remember the first time I tried Double Wear back in 2018 and was absolutely blown away by how well it performed. And guess what? The product is still killing it today! It's lightweight, transfer-resistant, and long-wearing, making it one of the most highly reviewed foundations out there.

That being said, here’s some news: photographer to the stars BJ Pascual has officially joined the Estee Lauder family as the new ambassador for their iconic Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup Foundation.

As someone with sensitive skin, finding a body wash that doesn't irritate or dry out my skin has always been a bit of a challenge. So when I came across Naive Pure Foaming Body Wash (P595 for 550ml at Beautybox), I was intrigued. Made with 100% plant-derived cleansing ingredients and free from harsh chemicals, Naive Pure Body Wash sounded like a great option for me.

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the Mitsukoshi BGC store to join in the celebration of Pili Ani's new flagship store. It was an afternoon filled with Pinoy Pride as I got to explore one of the pioneering brands of Filipino skincare in the global market. What made the event even more special was the appearance of the one and only Bretman Rock, who brought his signature style and personality to the celebration.

I love that there is an entire month - March - that’s been set aside to celebrate women’s achievements and shed light on women’s struggles around the world. But sometimes this can be a bit, well, navel gaze-y at least and exploitative at most. A lot of brands take this opportunity to sell more product and women are often cheered on just because they are women. Nothing wrong with either. It’s tough being a woman. But it sidelines the entire point of Women’s Month.

Whether you're preparing for a special occasion or simply pampering yourself, achieving healthy, glowing skin is always a win. As for me, February was not just love month, but also my wedding month! So, I'm excited to share my skincare routine for getting bridal ready.

My routine consists of my tried-and-true products, as well as some new additions to achieve my skincare goals in time for the big day. I have sensitive and allergy-prone skin, so these products have passed my high standards of never causing irritation.

Have you always wanted to learn how to make your own perfume? It’s seriously easier than you think. Last week I got to attend a seminar conducted by Eunice Inc.’s RJ Lopena Jr. where he shared his formula and process of making perfume. I was astounded by how simple it is - for some reason I’ve always thought it’s more complicated and fussy to mix everything together! It’s certainly not, and I want to try to do it myself soon.

Celebrity Andrea Brillantes has always wanted to be the CEO of her own cosmetics brand. She wanted her vision to be front and center and come up with products that are representative of her own beauty routine and ultra feminine vibe. And so Lucky Beauty was born. “Makeup is a wearable lucky charm,” Andrea says. For her, it helps her feel more confident and in control of her fate.

We've all been there: we wake up with a zit right before an important event. Whether it's a date, an outing, or a big presentation, a pimple can be a big downer. And with people still dealing with maskne, we're all trying to find quick solutions. I recently tried the complete Acnes line by Mentholatum and here's what I found.

I’ve been to Japan about 12 times now and I’m planning to visit again sometime soon. Let me tell you that it’s a massive understatement when I say I’m excited to be back post-pandemic. It’s my favorite place in the world! I love the food, the parks, the fashion and of course, the shopping. First place I’d go to is Shimokitazawa for the vintage stores and cool cafes.