You know it’s full-on summer in the Philippines when you’re already getting scorched by the sun at 7 AM. I usually play tennis outdoors at 6 AM, but next time, I’ll be switching to an indoor court—at least during the height of summer. It’s just so much kinder to the skin and hair, and honestly, I’d rather not start my day feeling like I’ve been roasted to a crisp.

That said, I wanted to share a few products I’ve been absolutely loving this season. They’ve been helping me feel pretty and put-together even when the weather’s doing the most.

These days, phrases like “protecting peace” and “enforcing boundaries” have become beloved mantras for people my age and younger. And honestly, why not? Who wouldn’t want a calm, drama-free life, free from the draining energy of people who refuse to respect us—and our peace? I know I do. I’ve worked hard to carve out a life that feels safe, cozy, and true to who I am. Protecting that is a huge priority for me.

Let’s welcome April with an all-local Beauty News Roundup! I am pleased to report that this week’s new launches from our homegrown beauty brands can definitely help us looking and feeling great through the sizzling summer heat. Careline Cosmetics has released new shade options for their bestselling Loose Powder. In true Happy Skin fashion, their newest Smart Shade Match Foundation is a tone-adapting sunscreen with SPF 50 PA++++. Meet Colourette’s new limited-edition release: the Lip Screen, a deliciously-scented lippy that protects from the sun with SPF 20 PA++++. Last but definitely not the least, SkinPotions is back after a long hiatus, bringing back fan favorites and launching a new day cream with SPF.

Lately I’ve been thinking about how I go for high-end skincare products in my routine. As someone who’s had experience in skincare product development, I know exactly how much raw materials cost. Honest, in many cases, the price is justified. For example, a P1,000-per-kilo Vitamin C active is worlds apart from a patented one that costs P20,000 per kilo. The more expensive one is usually more effective, works faster, and is more stable. So it’s rare for me to use drugstore skincare unless it’s something simple like a cleanser, which is pretty straightforward and doesn’t require hard-hitting actives.

For the past two months, I had been on a skincare detox. The only thing that went on my face was an ointment and a thick neutral moisturizer. Why? Because the holidays, combined with the weather and my hormones, added up to the worst skin days imaginable. My skin was irritated, inflamed, dry, and flaking. A trip to my derma told me that I had a seasonal eczema flare up and prescribed a medicated ointment, and because I wanted no interactions or secret irritations, I put a hold on all my skincare treats and focused on my skincare needs.