I’m in Tokyo by the time you’re reading this, and dying (figuratively) in the 10—0 c weather. My legs and lower back are also probably sore and painful by now from all the walking I have to do in the trade convention I’m visiting. I’m not complaining - you know what, I totally am! When did my body start to hurt so much for so little? It's a question I've been asking myself more often lately. It feels unfair to age and sense my body start to creak, and all of this when I’m only 35!

Now, let’s talk solutions, because if there's one thing I've learned, it's that being prepared is half the battle.

The Ever Bilena Powder Blush (P250 for 3 grams) represents a new stage for the brand, I think. I’ve tried their powder blushes before, and while they were good for the price, I can’t say they’ve far exceeded my expectations. This one is different. You know how some brands have become synonymous to certain products, like concealer, eyeshadow, foundation, and so on? I think that with this release, hot on the heels of Pillow Pop’s success, Ever Bilena is positioning itself as the definitive choice for blush.

Let’s go through the new Powder Blush!

I was having lunch with my two mentors yesterday and we were talking about lash lifts. One of them said that she never wants to try them because of the maintenance required, and the other said she actually got them once, then had them removed the next day. It was too weird not to be able to touch her eyes whenever she wanted! Personally, while a lot of brands have offered to give me a lash lift for free, I’ve never had them done. Like my friend, the labor and cost required to maintain them is beyond what I want to shoulder for myself.

That doesn’t make me better than anyone. It’s just not for me. I’d rather spend 6-10 minutes a week or a total of 24-40 minutes a month using eyelash curler and brushing on mascara

Two weeks into 2024, and I’m already lemming for some new makeup. New year, new (makeup) look! If you’re feeling me, this week’s BNR is right up your alley. Let’s roundup the most exciting releases so far in color cosmetics! I heard that our girl RiRi is adding a new hydrating concealer to her Fenty Beauty lineup. Drugstore makeup steps up with Essence Cosmetics’ Love, Luck, & Dragons collection. Natasha Denona curates beautiful colors for their 2024 Valentine additions. Last, but most definitely not the least, get ready to be dazzled with Colourpop’s latest collab with Twilight!

Before I started using Epiduo, my skin was struggling with persistent cystic acne. These were large, inflamed, and painful bumps that had to be covered with a thick layer of concealer every time I left the house. Nothing I tried to stop them worked! Thankfully, the oral medication prescribed by my dermatologist Dr. Erin Tababa-Santos (aka The Nerdy Derma) had already begun to lessen the severity of these outbreaks, reducing the inflammation dramatically.

I mention this because I want to be clear that while Epiduo has done a lot for my skin in just a week, the medication I am taking is the primary reason that no new acne is coming out. It’s not a miracle product. It’s really good though. Here’s what I observed over the course of a week!

Hello ladies! Today, I'm pleased to share something that's right around the corner. From February 1-4, a special event is unfolding - the Watsons Health Expo 2024 at SM Megatrade Halls. It's not just a shopping event, it's a gathering that celebrates our collective journey towards better health and beauty, all thanks to Watsons Club.

Watsons has been a go-to for many of us, myself included, for those little things that make us feel and look good. This expo, curated by Watsons Club, feels like a heartfelt thank-you to all of us who've made Watsons a part of our wellness routine.

Happy Skin is starting 2024 on a high note with an exciting new launch! For those of us with sparse lashes or brows that need extra attention (I can relate!), this is a game-changer. Meet the Happy Skin Holy Grail Lash and Brow Growth Serum (P1,299), a product which perfectly embodies the brand's philosophy of blending makeup with skincare. It not only nurtures your brows and lashes but also preps them for makeup application. This serum is a new addition to the already beloved Holy Grail collection, which has been focusing on brows and lashes since its debut in mid-2023. Lucky me, I had the chance to try this serum before its official release, and I'm excited to share my experience with you.

It’s common knowledge that vitamin supplements support good health overall, including the skin. There are specific vitamins we can take orally for better skin, but when it comes to products directly applied to our face, it can get tricky. We know that Vitamin C has been proven to even out skin tone, improve collagen production, and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Vitamin A is a source for anti-aging retinoids that is so potent, even dermatologists recommend its use with caution. BUT it’s not ideal to mix and match willy-nilly with other skincare actives just like that. It typically takes trial and error to build a skin care routine incorporating both of these skin care heroes.

Let’s kick off 2024 with an all-luxe Beauty Roundup! How do you feel about luxury skin care and makeup brands? Personally, I used to think their products were overhyped and overpriced - until I got to try some of them. I realized that more than just functional products, they provide a full experience that makes me feel special. I began to understand that, to each their own. That’s the beauty of beauty! There’s no right or wrong product, but there is definitely something for everyone. How about you, what do you think? Which luxury brands do you prefer when it comes to skin care and makeup?

Yesterday, I finally consulted a dermatologist after years of trying to wing it on my own. I’m not proud of the fact that it took me so long to just book that session. But I’m so glad I did it, because Dr. Erin Tababa-Santos (aka The Nerdy Derma) is great! She was able to diagnose my skin and hair issues quickly, and have a great medication plan in place for me. I am so excited to see the results, especially for my acne problem! It’s going to take a month or two, but I’m really looking forward to not having to have to use concealer every time I leave the house.

Recently, I had the delightful opportunity to experience the latest Estee Lauder Nutritious Collection, a fresh release in the Philippines just a few months back. Before you ask, it's not a rehash of the 2015 Nutritious Collection, despite the name's familiarity! This revamped lineup is encased in sleek, minimalist packaging, adorned with a subtle and elegant pink gradient that captures the eye. The containers have a substantial, quality feel in the hand, yet they exude a playful, youthful charm when sitting on the vanity. I'm thrilled to take you through a tour of this exciting line!

The new year just rolled in and everyone's social media essays sound so inspiring. At the same time, perhaps you feel a twinge of envy - why does it seem like the people around you have it all figured out? The life that you thought you would have by now hasn’t yet materialized and no one told you it was going to be this way. Maybe you feel a little empty, a little lost. But you know you still have a lot of fight left in you and refuse to give up on yourself. If you want to reclaim your old purpose or find a new one, here are a few things you can do right now to get you started!

If you’ve always wished for more eyeliner options that’s specific to the way you love doing your eye makeup, then the new Careline Graph-Ink Collection is worth checking out. This is an extension of their best-selling Graph-Ink Liquid Liner which is well-known for its longevity, intensity, and affordability. If you’re already familiar with it then you know why it has such a loyal fanbase after all these years! Now there are five more types to choose from, all featuring Careline’s award-winning formula in some form.

Let’s go through it!

I can’t believe 2023 is almost over! It’s been a solid year for beauty comebacks and upstarts. I feel like slowly but surely, the beauty industry has finally found a foothold in the post-pandemic landscape. Let’s take a look at new products we can take delight in this coming year!

This is the year that I finally got to try Barenbliss, and honestly I should have done so a lot sooner. This brand gets so much hype on TikTok that it sometimes seems too good to be true, but I’m here to tell you that the products are in fact worth a hard-earned spot in your kit. I’ve tried almost all of Barenbliss’s products so I can tell you, with conviction, my top four picks which have made it to my regular makeup routine. Let’s go!

There's something undeniably chic and empowering about the ritual of twisting up a fresh lipstick and applying it with a little attitude. It's a small act that connects us to our mood for the day, I think! Embracing this iconic format, Ever Bilena introduces the EB Matte K-Beauty Lipstick (P225), a modern twist on the beloved bullet lipstick, designed to appeal to both long-time lipstick lovers as well as a younger, trend-savvy generation. This line, with its coquettish, muted pinks encased in sleek matte packaging, is a nod to K-Beauty aesthetics and a testament to the bullet lipstick's unshakeable status in the beauty world. Let’s take a look!

Are you feeling a little guilty because you ate “too much” during the holidays? It’s ok - I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. This is a shared experience, particularly for women, many of whom have been navigating the toxic waters of diet culture since the 90s and 2000s. It's a culture that has often dictated how we should feel about food and our bodies, leaving a lasting impact that many are still working to overcome. But guess what? We can shift our perspective and soothe those feelings of guilt about holiday eating. Here's how we can reframe our thoughts and start embracing a healthier, more forgiving relationship with food and ourselves.

"Are you ready, kids?" It's time to dive into the colorful depths of Bikini Bottom once again with Careline’s third installment of their massive SpongeBob collaboration! This collection is like a day at the Krusty Krab - full of surprises and delightful treats, but for your makeup bag. Whether you're a die-hard SpongeBob fan or just adore playful makeup, this lineup is sure to bring a splash of fun to your daily routine. So, grab your jellyfishing net and let's explore! Here's a rundown of the new products in this latest batch, along with my personal take on each one. And yes, I've included swatch photos for a closer look.

Looking for last minute gifts can be such a hassle but if your giftee is a beauty enthusiast, Laneige has got you covered. It is one of my favorite K-beauty brands and with good reason! Read on to check out their holiday offerings with links to why we love them. They have sets featuring their best-sellers and ranging from P500-4,000 so we get a choice for every budget.