Beauty Roundup: LOOK x GRWM, Small Steps Into Beauty, New Ever Bilena Eye Makeup, and Issy Releases
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!
Image via GRWM Cosmetics on Facebook
GRWM Cosmetics made you LOOK!
I can’t help but root for homegrown beauty startup GRWM Cosmetics. Officially launched in 2021 by influencer Mae Layug, the brand started with cutesy tints but now has a full lineup of professional yet affordable makeup products. The brand has been a hit online in Lazada and Shopee since then. They also opened a physical store mid-year this 2023, co-spaced with 2.15 Coffee (also co-owned by Mae Layug) in Molino, Bacoor, Cavite. This news was welcomed with much excitement by goal-getters (GRWM brand followers), amid calls for more branches in the Metro. So when the brand dropped hints on December 1st about “a new place to LOOK out for,” goal-getters were quick to guess just where the brand will pop up.
This weekend, you can check out GRWM products at SM Mall of Asia (MOA) and SM Makati as they partnered with LOOK (inside SM department stores).Their popup booths will be at LOOK SM MOA on December 8th and 9th, and at LOOK SM Makati on December 10th. Finally, goal-getters can try their GRWM picks before buying! There will also be a photo area, games and prizes, vouchers, and even free product engraving. I can only wish that this is a trial run that will end up in a more permanent brand presence at SM stores. Keeping my fingers crossed!
Image via Small Steps Skin on Facebook
Take Small Steps into The Bright Side
Even though I knew that socialite/content creator Small Laude comes from an entrepreneurial family, I was surprised to hear that she recently launched her own skin care line! Meet Small Steps Skin’s first collection: The Bright Side. This skinimalist set was designed to achieve better skin for all skin types, featuring Niacinamide, Vitamin C, and Bakuchiol. The line has a total of six products: Daily Gentle Cleanser, Pore Caring Treatment Toner, Ultra Light Sunscreen, Skin So Soft AHA Exfoliating Gel, Brightening Power Glow Serum, and Feels So Light Niacinamide Gel Cream. These are available individually at reasonable prices (ranging from P399 to P549 apiece) or as a complete set at P2,744 at Lazada and Shopee. I think the line is well thought-out, right down to the simple numbering system. I like how it makes multi-step skin care less intimidating to newbies. This is a local brand to watch! I’m excited to see Tita Small’s next steps in the beauty industry.
Image via Ever Bilena
Pro eye looks with Ever Bilena
This December, Ever Bilena expands their lineup with new eye makeup products and tools. I was surprised to see that the EB All Day Fiber Max Mascara was only P250 – I remember shelling out money for Japanese fiber mascaras years ago. I’m glad that there’s a local and affordable alternative! The EB PRO XL Lashes Lengthening Mascara (P295) combines a unique comb wand with a waterproof formula that lengthens, curls, and volumizes. There is also a new metallic pink Ever Bilena Eyelash Lift Curler (P165) with built-in lash comb. Another sulit new release is the EB PRO Brow Soap. At P185, it already comes with an angled spoolie and eyebrow razor!
Image via Issy Cosmetics on Facebook
Issy revamps fan faves
On November 30th, Issy dropped a major announcement on their social media accounts, hinting that there will be three new drops coming soon for the brand. The very next day, they re-introduced their Lip Bullet (P349). Don’t you worry, they retained the formula, the original 21 shades, and finishes (True Matte, True Velvet, and True Satin). They just changed up the packaging to make the product sturdier.
Images via Issy Cosmetics on Facebook
Have you been curious about the Issy Active Foundation (30 mL, P699), but don’t know which of the 27 shades will work for you? Say no more! The brand recently released the Active Foundation Sampler Set (P199) to help you find your match. It is available in 9 shade families (Fair, Fair Light, Light, Light Medium, Medium, Medium Tan, Tan, Tan Deep, and Deep), with each kit containing three shades with different undertones. Each tube contains 5mL of product, so you can try and test to your heart’s content until you decide on the full bottle.
So far, we’ve uncovered two surprises from Issy Cosmetics. I wonder what the third is? Or could there possibly be even more? What’s your guess?
And that’s it for this week’s Beauty News Roundup, local brands edition! Did it make you reconsider your 12.12 carts? Do spill your plans! See you next time, soon.
