A vast ocean of bright, pink promotional material led me to the cinema this weekend to experience the much-anticipated Barbie movie. But, let's cut to the chase: I walked away from the theater with a somewhat mixed bag of feelings.

First off, a piece of advice for the enthusiastic marketers out there: hold back a bit on the promotional content! Because there were so many clips online, I felt like I had already consumed a sizeable chunk of the film through the myriad of trailers and teasers. It took some of the mystery out of the experience, and I couldn't shake off the feeling that I was just watching the extended cut of an already familiar story.

I’ve been a feminist for as long as I have understood what the word meant. I thought it made perfect sense—but why is it that many women don’t want to be labeled as a feminist? They sidestep it, like a bad word, despite the fact that this movement is rooted in advocating for our rights. Isn’t this movement good for us? Today I'd like to address why some women shy away from identifying as feminists, and why that shouldn't be the case.

It's time to mark your calendars, beauty girls! From July 26th to 28th, Barenbliss is hosting an incredible Super Brand Day on TikTok Shop with discounts reaching up to a whopping 50% off. But it doesn't stop there: customers can look forward to freebies up to P1,000 and a grand giveaway! We're talking about a shopping experience like no other, filled with great savings and exciting events that are sure to thrill every beauty aficionado.

Let’s dive into some of the most coveted Barenbliss bestsellers that are part of this exciting sale. Each product is designed to enhance your natural beauty, and with such amazing discounts, you'll want to grab them all.

I am what people call a wearer of many hats - editor, influencer, entrepreneur - though I must admit, some hats fit better than others. There's one hat, however, that I put on every day that isn't always met with the same recognition: the hat of a woman bravely navigating the minefield of societal beauty standards. Like a cat chasing its tail, I've often found myself eyeing my reflection, wondering if I would ever catch up to the tantalizing and somewhat elusive ideals of beauty. Enter stage left: face positivity, our new hero challenging these exact ideals.

We are truly living in the golden era of sunscreen. Before, sunscreen was merely a beach-day essential, but it has now seamlessly woven itself into the fabric of our daily routines. However, the staggering variety of options can be daunting. Allow me to simplify this process in this comprehensive recommendation post.

If you prefer a sunscreen that is lightweight, comfortable on the skin, and leaves minimal white cast, then this list is for you. Here's a curated selection of sunscreens that I have personally tried, tested, and loved!

A lot of things might change in the world of beauty but one thing remains the same: investing in a good base is still one of the best things you can do for your makeup routine. Yes there are many affordable brands out there that make good foundation, concealer, and powder, but if we’re talking about great then one needs to get a little spendy.

NARS, for me, still makes some of the greatest bases in the world. Their Light Reflecting Foundation is one of my holy grails since first use, and of course you can’t go wrong with their Soft Matte Concealer and Radiant Creamy Concealer as well!

The day I learned how to read price tags as a child was when I asked my mother to buy me a particular Barbie that I liked in Rustans. I can’t remember what the doll looked like anymore; but I do remember it was somewhere around P256 pesos. It was a lot of money to me as a child, but Mama always indulged my love for dolls.

Get ready, beauty enthusiasts - the local beauty scene is absolutely electrifying this week! We're seeing a dazzling display of new shades that are transforming our favorite formulas, while some of our most adored makeup staples are making a triumphant and much-anticipated return. But that's not all - a host of fresh, innovative releases have emerged, completely captivating the Philippine beauty community. So, buckle up! This is a week of beauty you won't want to miss!

Olaplex, the acclaimed hair care brand, has successfully made its official debut in the Philippines, delighting fans with its Complete Hair Repair System. This comprehensive hair solution, known for its vegan, cruelty-free formulas and unique numbering system, promises to repair, strengthen, and nourish hair from the inside out.

I’m currently reading the 2023 Pulitzer prize-winning book called Trust by Hernan Diaz. It’s a tale about ambition and wealth set in New York at the turn of the 20th century, told from three different perspectives. I’m enjoying it so far! Today I want to share a quote from the book that had me thinking about it for days.

Eyebrows, as we know by now, can make or break our look. We all have a go-to style that we love for our face, but I think that we should also explore different brow looks just to change things up! I like doing different shapes according to the vibe I’m going for the day, and one of the best ways to do that is with a brow pomade like the Barenbliss Like A Pro Brow Pomade.

Whenever there is an opportunity to talk about Sex and the City, I take it. Okay, I’m underselling myself. I seize the opportunity. I milk it. The casual conversation turns into a podcast. If someone I’m talking to isn’t a fan, then I start my TED Talk to convince the person to watch the show. I just love Sex and the City so much – can you imagine my pleasant surprise when I found out it premiered on my birthday (June 6)?

This week's Beauty Roundup is a testament to the vibrant and constantly evolving landscape of the Filipino beauty scene. As we explore a variety of new launches, each designed to celebrate and enhance our unique expressions of beauty, we delve into products that touch all aspects - from the eyes and lips to face and hair.

I know that In Her Element, my company’s proudly Filipino-made skincare brand, has been quiet for a while. Honestly, it’s been a struggle for us post-pandemic as we deal with mounting costs of raw materials and manufacturing. We’re a very small brand and I felt lost about what to do with it for a while. So I decided to go back to just making things for the pure joy of it. That’s who I am, and that is who I’ve always been. Today, I’m excited to finally share with you one of those things!

The In Her Element Fresh Start Scrub Wash (P385/ 40 grams in Shopee / Lazada) is a low pH powder facial wash that’s formulated to gently exfoliate skin. If you’re dealing with oily skin, rough texture and clogged pores, this one is for you!

As an avid concert-goer, I understand the challenge of creating a durable and stylish makeup look that lasts through the sweat, energy, and emotion of the event. Drawing from my personal experiences and lessons learned, here's my guide to crafting your concert makeup, complete with my tried-and-true product recommendations.

Alright, lip lovers, gather 'round because we've got some lip-smacking goodness to talk about today! Say hi to the Barenbliss Ceramoist Glow Lip Serum (P299 / 3.5g), the new kid on the block that's here to make your pout feel like a million bucks. With a promise of vitamin E, nourishing oils like jojoba and macadamia, and a dash of ceramide, this lip treatment is made to take your lips from drab to fab with a glossy finish. So, get your gloss game on and let's dive into this juicy review!

Hey there, fabulous folks! It’s me, hi, and I’m ready to spill the tea on the unforgettable shindig that went down at Butterboy in Quezon City last weekend. Benefit Cosmetics sure knows how to throw a party, and last Saturday's event was a delightful mix of Pride Month festivities, lip-syncing divas, and, of course, the grand debut of their newest brow release: the Goof Proof Brow Powder. So grab your mimosa and let's dive into this drag brunch realness!

Yes, you read that right – cult-favorite sun care brand Supergoop! has finally arrived in the country!

Created in 2005 by Holly Thaggard, Supergoop!’s plan back then was to bring sunscreen to different schools in Texas and Louisiana. As a mom and former elementary school teacher, Holly wanted to encourage children to develop the daily habit of protecting their skin.   

We infuse the world with beauty through our actions, and BYS Cosmetics is taking that beauty to new heights with their latest sustainable makeup line, Be Free by BYS. The launch of Be Free was a fantastic celebration, set against the backdrop of art and lush gardens at Palacio De Memoria. It was a night filled with mouthwatering food, delightful drinks, and lots of fun. We enjoyed a mesmerizing makeup demonstration and even had a fashion auction for a cause.

Ah, designer bags – those eye-catching fashion statements that effortlessly elevate our style and empty our wallets. As the debate rages on about the worthiness of these luxury accessories, it's time to delve into the juicy topic: are designer bags truly worth the exorbitant price tags? Are they solid investments or just fancy sacks of disappointment? And hey, with super fakes lurking around every corner, should we even bother splurging on a luxury bag?