I’ve written before about the the Curly Girl Method (CGM) and how I learned to embrace what my genes gave me. With the right products and techniques, I managed to turn my frizzy halo into soft, defined curls and waves. But by 2023, I felt it was time to take things further and get professional help. That’s when I found KOOP Studio.

Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda is such an incredible play. There are so many themes that resonate with me, but what always gets me is how Alexander Hamilton came from nothing - like I did - and built something through sheer force of will. People often think it’s all about talent. And yes, that helps. But more than that, it’s the determination to win at all costs that makes the real difference.

There’s a line in the musical that lives in my head rent-free: “Why do you write like you’re running out of time?” I relate to it so much.

Welcome the first Beauty News Roundup of 2026! To kick things off this year, we have beauty news tidbits from the global beauty stage. First off, let’s take a look at the new faces of Dior Beauty: Anya Taylor-Joy, Jisoo, and Willow Smith. Gucci’s popular Éternité de Beauté Foundation now comes in a gorgeous cushion compact. Selena Gomez starts off 2026 for Rare Beauty with the release of Warm Wishes, a soft matte powder bronzer. Last but definitely not least, Marc Jacobs releases their newest addition to the Daisy fragrance family: Daisy Wild Eau So Extra.

Shopping for makeup online has never been easier, especially with trusted local brands like Happy Skin available on platforms like Shopee. But with that accessibility comes a growing threat that’s been creeping into our carts: counterfeit products. Last night, Happy Skin CEO Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez revealed that fake versions of their products are being sold on Shopee, and the way these fakes ended up back in the brand’s hands is deeply concerning.

I’ve always believed that beauty is deeply personal. It’s not just about the products we use or the trends we try, really. It’s more about the choices we make to feel good in our own skin. Looking back at 2025, the best beauty decision I made wasn’t something trendy or new. It was simply this: I finally asked for help.

This is my last Monday Musings column for 2025. It sounds so final, no? What was on top of my mind this year, just sitting in the background noise of my life, is the fact that 2025 marks my 20th year of blogging. I probably mentioned it to everyone I know already and said it in every speech I’ve made in the last 12 months. Twenty years, wow. I never dreamed I’d still be doing this for two decades.

Where are we on the holiday mood scale right now? I’m mostly settled in my holiday preps but I’m still keeping my eye out for stocking stuffers and *ahem* a gift from me to myself! If you’re looking for new beauty releases to try this holiday season, we got you. First up is Ever Bilena’s new Face and Blush Palettes. For dazzling holiday eye looks, Colourette has released limited-edition BFF Eyeshadow Palettes. Happy Skin makes mini versions of their best-selling Micro-fine Matte and Glow Setting Sprays. Last but not the least, Chappel Roan is the newest MAC Global Ambassador.

When I think of dry shampoo, I usually just see it as my go-to product for instantly de-greasing and freshening up my hair. It’s the kind of thing you reach for when you're in a rush, or when you're just not in the mood to deal with a full wash-and-blowdry situation. But recently, I’ve been pleasantly surprised to discover that dry shampoo can do more than just save you from oily roots - it can also elevate your scent game.

Lip product releases always excite me, as there’s just something about a fresh tube of lipstick that feels like a little luxury. So when I heard about the new Bobbi Brown Luxe Cashmere Matte Lipstick, I knew I had to try it. It’s being touted as “the softer side of matte,” promising a non-drying, comfortable finish. Naturally, that caught my attention. I’ve been firmly in my glossy lips era lately, favoring balmy textures and juicy finishes, but I was curious to see if this new formula could tempt me back to the matte side. Would it deliver that chic, blurred look without sacrificing comfort? I had to find out.

Green Tea is one of Innisfree's signature skincare ingredients. From the wildly popular Green Tea Seed Serum to the Vitamin C Green Tea Enzyme Brightening Pad endorsed by Wonyoung, the brand is always finding new ways to innovate with the ingredient. The latest? They just came out with a 3-in-1 Skincare Product that can boost our routines while simplifying them for the busiest days.

I was recently at an event for a beauty brand that was founded by a former Miss Universe finalist. One of those queens who actually made it all the way to the top ranks - and let me tell you, she looks exactly like you’d expect. Or maybe even better, come to think of it.

I’m as straight as they come, but I could not stop staring. Her face is perfect. Every angle is symmetrical, her skin looked like it glows from within (I’m guessing both genetics and some serious treatments. But it wasn’t just her face. Everything about her was long – her hair, her neck, her limbs, her torso. Even her posture was elegant. She looked like someone fed a prompt to an AI engine and it came to life!

And just like that, it’s the last month of the year! I can definitely feel the shift in the air; the holiday rush is definitely upon us. This week’s beauty roundup brings us news of gift-worthy new releases from both international and local beauty brands. Patrick Ta and Selena Gomez seem to be on the same wavelength as they release their versions of tinted lip balms. Locally, Blk releases their bestselling Radiant Glow Filter and Bronzer in adorable mini sizes. Vice Cosmetics releases their Holiday Quartet: a ready-to-gift set of three blush, highlighter, and bronzer minis with a cute mini cushion puff.

Feeling festive yet? Whether you’re ready for the holidays or not, there is a lot to celebrate! Congratulations are very much in order for this week’s Beauty News Roundup. GRWM Cosmetics releases their sparkly limited-edition Holiday Collection for the year. Teviant celebrates their anniversary by releasing a new shade of The Ultimate Skin Master Loose Powder: Matcha! Faboulash partners with three beauty influencers for their newest Bespoke Cluster Lashes collection. Last but definitely not the least, let’s check out what Sephora.ph has in store for us in their Black Friday Sale!

Following the success of the first-ever Beauty Creator Summit last year, it was only a matter of time before the second one came to life. The Beauty Creator Summit 2025 took place last November 22 at KMC Solutions, One Ayala in Makati, hosted by the ever-energetic Mica Pineda. While last year’s event centered on branding basics and beginner-friendly tips, this year’s summit leveled up with conversations on collaborating with beauty brands and taking the leap beyond content creation, like launching your very own brand.

The love for K-beauty in our country is still going strong. Our latest proof: Korean cult-favorite, Too Cool For School, is now back in the Philippines! Loyal customers may have been left scrambling to get their makeup staples from the brand before but this time around, Too Cool For School are coming back strong  and adding online sales channels for easy access.

Looking to restock your beauty essentials? This week’s edition of Beauty News Roundup has got your back! You just might find your new must-haves from this week’s batch of new local beauty releases. First up, we have Happy Skin Cloud Flush, a serum-infused multi-use product for cheeks, lids, and lips. Vice Cosmetics releases a new eyeliner: the On The Daily Precision Liner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner. GRWM Cosmetics surprises us with a Mini Loose Baking & Setting Powder in a new shade: UBE! Last but not least, Careline’s new Oil Control Setting Spray will lock in your look and keep it fresh for up to 8 hours.

The holiday season in the Philippines is always packed with back-to-back celebrations. We’ve got office parties, Christmas reunions, weddings, and all the in-betweens. It’s one of the busiest times of the year socially, and of course, we all want to look extra polished when we show up. Whether you’re headed to a year-end party or walking down the aisle as part of a bridal entourage, now is the perfect time to level up your skin prep.

Last Thursday, I found myself whisked away from my normal busy life and into a world of fantasy and glamour. Dior Beauty Philippines hosted an exclusive event at Medusa in BGC, and the venue shimmered with old-world glamour and modern magic. Ballet dancers floated across the room and guests sparkled in their best circus-chic ensembles. The occasion? The unveiling of Dior’s much-anticipated Holiday 2025 Collection, themed the Circus of Dreams.

This week’s Beauty News Roundup will take you back to teen nostalgia! Blk Cosmetics launches a definitely young Blk Firsts Collection. Albert Kurniawan stirs things up with the upcoming launch of the new Teviant Ultimate Skin Master Cushion Serum. Keep your look fresh all day with Carelin Fresh Fix Setting Spray. Stock up on your fave Too Cool for School products via your fave online shopping platforms and select Watsons stores.

Recently, I had the honor of being invited by Estée Lauder Philippines to a major launch event for their iconic Advanced Night Repair line. I kid you not, this has to be one of the most glamorous affairs I’ve attended all year! Everything about the dinner was stunning, from the elegant setup to the thoughtful little touches that stayed so true to the brand’s identity. Guests arrived dressed to the nines in chic black and navy ensembles, and the food, specially prepared by the Grand Hyatt’s chef, was an absolute delight. It was truly a night to remember!