This is dedicated to everyone who has a beauty girlie (or anyone of any gender identity) in their lives. You know who she is: she’s always in the know when it comes to new releases, she has a signature lipstick and scent, and she is the proud owner of a well-curated set of products that she researched heavily before buying. It’s tempting to go online or walk into her favorite store and grab something that looks good. After all, there are so many amazing gift sets out during the holidays! It’s not that hard to pick out something nice and with good value to boot. But I’m warning you: don’t do it. Just don’t.

With less than two weeks until Christmas, are you still pondering over your shopping list? Let me share my recent experience with The Body Shop's Holiday Collection, which might just be the solution to your gifting needs. This year, they've really stepped up their game with two special seasonal scents: the returning favorite, Pears & Share, and the new, delectable Cherries & Cheer. I was lucky enough to get my hands on these fragrances, along with two of their beautifully packaged gift sets. Each set is more than just a gift; it's a contribution to positive change, supporting communities globally through The Body Shop’s Community Fair Trade partnerships. Join me as we unwrap these treasures and explore what makes them the perfect gifts for this holiday season!

So who else is gearing up for the 12.12 sales? If you’re like me, you would have done your research on the best beauty deals by now. Because I love you guys so much, I’ll make it more challenging for you! This week’s Beauty Roundup will open your eyes to new local releases, a surprise pop-up collab, and a new local skin care brand. Saddle up and get ready for this week’s roundup!

If you’re the type of person who prefers the sheer to mid coverage of a tint, then this one is for you! I recently got to try the Barenbliss Apple Makes Adorable Mousse Tint (P399) and was hooked by the gloss-to-mousse formula. Interesting right? Upon first swipe, it feels like your normal glossy tint - wet, even a little balmy as it’s meant to be a moisturizing formula. Then, it dries down into an ultra light mousse texture with a powdery matte finish.

Last December 1, I was at an intimate luncheon at Admiral Hotel, surrounded by some amazing people, all united for a cause. The conversation turned to some pretty eye-opening stats from the Philippines – did you know there are over 1,100 confirmed HIV-positive individuals as of June 2023? And that's not all. During the pandemic, HIV testing and treatment saw a significant drop. It's a stark reminder that this fight is far from over.

Ladies, let me take you through a magical journey I had the pleasure of experiencing last November 22nd at the opening of Dior's Les Tuileries Royal Garden, Carousel of Dreams Pop-Up at SM Mall of Asia. This wasn’t just an event; it was a walk through a dream of a Parisian winter wonderland brought to life right here in Manila. As I stepped into the space, inspired by Dior's Holiday 2024 campaign with Anya Taylor-Joy, it felt like slipping into a scene from a luxe holiday film. The entire space echoed the charm of the snow-dusted Tuileries Gardens. Imagine a crisp winter night in Paris, the air filled with a sense of wonder - this was the essence captured by the holiday pop-up.

Okay, before you start thinking I am not fine, I am in fact the most contented and happiest right now than I’ve ever been this year. Finally things make sense and have aligned after a trip into the woods. I feel light, clear, and just have this general sense of well-being. That being said, I know how it feels to be not fine or well. You know when someone asks “How are you doing?” and you blank out because you’re not quite sure if you should be honest or participate in the social contract where you’re not supposed to make a public mess of yourself? Yes, you know. And I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to not to be okay.

I think that blush has been a bigger trend in the Philippines than it’s ever been this 2023. Before, when it comes to color cosmetics, Filipinos tend to focus more on lips but with stars like Heart Evangelista and Kathryn Bernardo sporting distinct blush styles, I think that we’ve developed more of an appetite for cheeky trends. Thoughts? Anyway, Spotlight Cosmetics’s Rising Star Marble Blush (P395 / 2.5g) is worth a look for anyone who loves a natural, healthy glow. I had the chance to try out all three shades - Big Night, Red Carpet, and Premiere - and I'm here to share my experience with these lovely blushes.

This week’s beauty roundup is scent-sational! This one is for all the perfume lovers out there. We’re covering new local releases: Avon’s new take on a classic fragrance that guarantees to take you Far Away, and an affordable yet Luxe (Organix) perfume line for men. Discover where beauty giant L’Oreal opens a multi-brand refill station for perfumes. And last but not least, find out where you can watch a documentary to make you say, “J’adore, Dior!”

Careline has always been the go-to drugstore brand for teens, but honestly their products are good enough to warrant a spot in an adult’s makeup kit. The products are affordable and they work really well, too! They’ve also expanded their collection with lots of new SKUs, but they still focused on leveling up one of their core products: their tints. They just released something new, so here’s what I think of the new Careline Serum Water Tint (P195).

In our pursuit of personal and professional growth, Imposter Syndrome emerges as a silent adversary, often unrecognized yet powerfully influencing our self-perception and actions. It’s a something that transcends average self-doubt. This behavioral phenomenon, marked by persistent feelings of inadequacy despite evident success, can be a significant barrier to realizing our full potential. It is not just a fleeting moment of insecurity; it's a recurring theme that can shadow our achievements and skew our self-image.

Understanding, acknowledging, and addressing Imposter Syndrome is not merely a step towards building confidence; it is a crucial part of our journey towards self-awareness and authenticity.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants! This iconic character from my teen years, with his quirky adventures in Bikini Bottom, has always been a source of joy and laughter. I remember rushing home from school, eager to catch the latest episode! That’s why I'm thrilled to dive into Careline's latest collection. This whimsical range, inspired by the delightful and occasionally profound world of Bikini Bottom, resonates not just with fans of the show for its nostalgic appeal, but also with beauty enthusiasts for its playful yet practical products. The packaging alone is a vibrant homage to our favorite underwater friends, making it a fabulous pick for those who love a bit of fun in their beauty routine.

Let’s get into it!

As 2023 is about to close, it's clear that this year has shaped up to be a monumental one for Filipino beauty. Cosmetics have made a grand comeback, bigger and better, mirroring our collective resurgence post-pandemic. Still, it seems 2023 has reserved its most thrilling reveal for the finale. The Philippines' pioneering hybrid beauty brand is set to launch their much-anticipated multi-use beauty essential this December, perfectly timed for your Christmas wishlist. I'm excited to share with you the arrival of Five Beauty – a brand that promises to redefine our beauty routines!

This beauty news is all about innovation. Did you know that there’s a product out there designed to immediately diagnose, treat, and color your lips? Everybody has probably tried a bath scrub, but how about a hair scrub? As for the eyes: a local brand has released an intriguing mascara that promises clump-free application, and an international drugstore beauty brand takes on colorful mascaras that just might complete your holiday look. Intrigued yet? Buckle up for another Beauty Roundup!

I went through a makeup minimalism phase and back then, the Happy Skin Off Duty collection is one that grabbed my attention immediately. Clad in minimalist packaging, it had all you needed for a full makeup look, including multi-purpose products. That's why it’s pretty interesting to see where they are taking the collection next with the Happy Skin Off Duty: Backstage Honeymoon Glow Edition, centered around the iconic Honeymoon Glow lip shade.

Sunscreen sticks are the latest staples in skincare, and for good reason! They bring a whole new level of convenience and efficiency to our sun protection routine. One such product making waves is the Hello Glow Suncare Stick SPF60+, priced affordably at P395 for 17.5 grams. Let’s delve into why this, and sunscreen sticks in general, are becoming must-haves in our skincare wardrobe.

Laneige has always been at the forefront of cushion makeup, and I've been using their cushion since 2015. So, when they reformulated their best-seller in 2021, I was naturally curious and immediately bought one. I even reviewed it here on PV as part of my search for mask-proof makeup! Since then, the brand has introduced changes to the cushion formula and expanded the NEO lineup to include a liquid foundation, the innovative NEO Dot, and most recently, a blurring finishing powder. Now, let's delve into the current NEO line and explore some tips on how to use these products effectively.

If you're anything like me, you're always on the hunt for that one lip product that feels like a little hug for your lips, without the high-end price tag. Well, let me introduce you to my latest find - the Ever Bilena Plus Serum Tinted Lip Oil. For P225 and 2.6 grams of product, it's nestled comfortably in the 'treat yourself' category without making you feel guilty about the splurge.

Here in the Philippines, there is still a bit of a stigma when it comes to speaking up for yourself and going hard for what you deserve especially as a woman. People call others “bida bida” (or too much of a main character) when coming across people who have a strong drive. Because of this, women end up in the shadows too conscious of how they are perceived at work. But what if you could be your own best advocate, ensuring your voice is heard and your contributions recognized? Advocating for yourself at work is not just about getting ahead; it’s about acknowledging your worth and making sure others see it too. Here’s how you can start advocating for yourself in the workplace with confidence and poise.

So, have you been marked safe from the 11.11 and November pay day sales? I’m afraid the #HolidayBudol Beauty brands have got a few new holiday releases that might still grab your attention. Keep your eyes peeled for a new local arrival that promises to help get you #ReadyInFive. Fasten your seatbelts, because we’re going on another Beauty Roundup!