Editor’s Picks: Little Luxuries That Make Life Better
I’m reheating the nachos by bringing back my Editor’s Picks column, where I get to share a few things that I’m enjoying lately. There are so many new and upcoming beauty products that it’s a challenge to make space for all of them on TikTok and Instagram, but in an article I can get into it with a little more detail.
This week, let’s talk about the little luxuries—the things I used to brush off as unnecessary but now realize are absolutely essential to my happiness. You hit a certain age where “pwede na yan” just doesn’t cut it anymore. Smelling amazing? A must. Sleeping well? A priority. Healthy hair, hydrated skin, and soft, moisturized lips? If it makes me high-maintenance then so what. It’s all about refusing to suffer unnecessarily when better options exist. So, here are the small but mighty upgrades that are making life just a little bit better.
I remember sneaking some spritzes of my mom's Avon Far Away perfume when I was younger, so this line holds a lot of nostalgia for me. The original Far Away scent is a dreamy blend of freesia, jasmine petals, and vanilla musk, creating a classic warm floral fragrance.
Now, the line has expanded with a sleek new look and additional scents:
Far Away Beyond The Moon – A deep, mysterious scent with sweet cherry, night-blooming florals, and warm sandalwood.
Far Away Glamour – A bold and elegant mix of blackcurrant, orange blossom, and sensual black musk.
Far Away Shine – A bright, playful blend of juicy raspberry, delicate florals, and creamy vanilla.
I’m glad that my nostalgia isn’t the only thing making me appreciate Far Away today; honestly, these all smell way more expensive than they are. And the price? Pretty good too, with the Far Away Eau de Parfum Spray (50ml) at P779. A solid win for smelling luxe without breaking the bank!
I've been on a health and fitness kick lately, so receiving a package with Vitanature V-Collagen Gummy and Daring & Co. Naked White Collagen Jelly was exactly on time. I've had great experiences with both brands; their products deliver on their promises for me so far.
The Vitanature V-Collagen Gummy (P950 for 30 gummies) is yummy! It has a mild berry flavor so I feel like I’m eating a healthy candy. Each gummy is packed with hydrolyzed collagen, vitamin C, and zinc, supporting skin elasticity and overall vitality. Plus, they're sugar-free and free from artificial flavors.
The Daring & Co. Naked White Collagen Jelly (P999 for 12 sachets) contains marine collagen tripeptide and blackberry extract, aiming to brighten skin and improve elasticity. It's easy to incorporate into my daily routine since I can eat it directly from the sachet, unlike their original powder formula which I have to mix with water. Our writer Claire loves these for her skin and I’m glad to be picking this up again; I was a bit too lazy to make a juice each time so a jelly version is perfect.
Getting a solid seven to eight hours of sleep is non-negotiable for me, which is why I’m particular about my sheets and pillowcases. My rule has always been 100% cotton or nothing, but I’ve been silk-curious for a while now. So, when Lily & Adora sent me their pure silk pillowcase and eye mask (P975), I was more than happy to give them a try.
Silk bedding isn't just about feeling fancy (though let’s be real, it does feel ridiculously luxe). It’s also great for your skin and hair. Unlike cotton, which can absorb moisture and cause friction, silk helps retain hydration, reducing dryness, wrinkles, and frizz. Less tugging means fewer sleep lines and smoother hair in the morning—a win-win for anyone who values their beauty sleep. Plus, the cooling effect of silk makes it perfect for our humid weather.
The Happy Skin Volume & Bouncy Volumizing Shampoo is the brand’s first-ever venture into hair care, so of course, my curiosity was piqued. A clear, sulfate-free formula that promises to add volume? Sign me up! True enough, it delivered—my hair looked fuller and had more lift after just one wash.
I also love the floral scent, though I wish it lingered a bit longer on me. At P799 for 250ml, it’s not the cheapest option, but still more affordable than my current go-to, the Aesop Volumizing Shampoo. Right now, I rotate between the two, and I’d say Happy Skin’s version is a solid alternative if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that still delivers fluffier, more lifted hair.
I'm on isotretinoin right now, so my lips are starting to get waaaayyyy drier than they usually are. I’m leaning heavilyon the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask in Candy Cane (P1,175 for 20g) because it's so moisturizing—I mean, it’s one of the best lip mask formulas out there—while not feeling like thick goop on my lips.
This variant has a candy cane scent and flavor, which is honestly so tasty (yes, I sometimes end up licking it, don’t judge). It also has a very light red tint, but you won’t really see it unless you’re way up close. I like to use this before bed or when I’m masking during the day, and it’s been a lifesaver while my lips go through the dry spell of the century.
And that’s it for this week’s Editor’s Picks! Any new finds you’re enjoying lately? Let me know in the comments!
