Local beauty brands I discovered when I went back home to Manila
One of the things that got me really excited over coming back to the Philippines is access to our local beauty brands. It’s quite exciting to see how as a consumer, we now have so many choices! From brands, shade options, and even skincare products addressing highly specific concerns, we have it all here. I’m rounding up the local beauty brands that I’ve been loving so far!
Images via @sunniesface on IG
Sunnies Face
Everyone and their mother knows Sunnies Face by now. While we were living in Berlin, I would normally wait for people who are visiting or traveling for work to order lipsticks from them. This, to save myself from notorious shipping fees and having to fill out German documentation at the local customs office just to get my package released. Their Fluffmatte lipsticks in Girl Crush, Baby Spice, and Milkshake have been my favorites since I first got my hands on them. Glad to report that they’re still on heavy rotation up to now and I actually just bought my second tube of Girl Crush.
Been also enjoying their Eyecrayon in Jujube – and I’m planning to acquire more shades. For the last three years or so, I’ve been really into cream shadows. They make makeup application a breeze. There are days when I just swipe on some cream shadow, lip & cheek tint, mascara, and I’m through the door.
Image via @apothekescience on IG
Apotheke Science
A skincare brand I chanced upon on Instagram, I was so intrigued by their products that are formulated by a medical doctor and a molecular biologist. The line is extremely affordable and is starting to grow quite an online following due to their products’ efficacy as well.
I’ve been raving about their Skin Doctor Balm to anyone who would put up with me for about an hour. It soothes my sensitive skin really well and calms down my redness. I’m enjoying their Niacinamide 10% serum, too. I started using it after I ran out of my Paula’s Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment and I have no complaints so far. It’s been so helpful in keeping breakouts at bay.
Image via @inher_element on IG
In Her Element
Being in my 30s, I now invest in taking care of my skin more. Another local skincare brand that I’ve been loving recently is In Her Element. Their Super Soother 100% Centella Asiatica Extract is something I apply every single morning since I got it – no fail. I keep my bottle in the fridge. Whenever it gets too hot or even right after a workout, I just take it out, pat some on my cheeks and watch my skin calm down.
Been loving their Cocoa Lip Balm, too. It’s extremely hydrating. I use it right before applying lipstick that’s extremely matte. I’ve also been using it at night as a lip treatment at night. The moisture levels I get are pretty much comparable to one of my favorite lip treatments ever: Laneige’s Lip Mask.
Image via @stoastudios on IG
Stoa Studios
Armi Millare’s Essentialist Lifestyle brand Stoa Studios has ventured into beauty as well. I’ve been a fan of their soaps, candles, and skincare. So, it was no surprise that I was extremely enamored by their Tinted Lip & Cheek Balms. Cream products work so well on me with all this humidity and these buildable balms are such lifesavers.
How many Zoom meetings have I joined after rolling out of bed and just slapping on some of these balms? More than I care to admit! Stoa’s Tinted Lip& Cheek Blams come in three shades and they go well on both morenas and mestizas. The shades are also buildable, giving you full control over how much color you need that day.
Images via @lana.ph on IG
Lana
I haven’t tried a lot of things from Lana as of writing but one thing’s for sure: their sunscreen impressed me. I was running out of my usual sunscreens a few months back and I decided to seek local brands to try.
During a Shopee sale, I decided to purchase their travel-sized Skin Protect Brightening Sunblock which comes with SPF80. It’s been two months or so and I still have a bit left in my 50ml bottle. I love the matte finish and how it’s easily absorbed by my skin. The brightening effect of this product is also something that I enjoy. I have some acne marks from previous breakouts that don’t look as dark every time I have some of this sunscreen on. I wear it whenever I go to the Salcedo or Legazpi Weekend Markets and I don’t get sunburned while buying taho and fresh produce.
Images via @curlnationbyzen on IG
Curls by Zenutrients
I remember panic buying hair products for curly hair in Germany about a month before going back to Manila. Thinking that there won’t have a local brand that will cater to my hair’s needs, I made sure that I will have something to use for at least the first few months. Growing up, there really wasn’t anything available in Manila. After all, curly hair wasn’t celebrated in Asia. I wrote about that in detail here.
I was pleasantly surprised to see that there’s been so many changes while we were away – especially for curlies like me. I got to try Curls by Zenutrients and I’m now on my second set of their range. My hair is healthy, bouncy, and my curls form so well. I don’t follow CGM because it’s not really sustainable for my work and lifestyle. However, it’s so good to know that their whole line is CGM friendly. Highly recommend!
I’m looking forward to trying out more of our local beauty products. If you have any leads for me or if you know of a local brand I should try next, please send me a DM over at @almostdiplomatic!
