Skin is still the focus, with brands releasing lightweight foundations, luxury skincare and a pore-minimizing primer
Summer is officially upon us, thanks to the sweltering temperatures and the onslaught of beach photos in our social feed. For many people, especially beauty lovers, this means an adjustment to their skincare and makeup routines: less coverage, more oil control and supreme focus on the skin. We’re not only baring more of it, but also exposing it to more extreme environmental stressors. Here are the latest skincare and makeup releases to try out:
STRESS-FREE SKIN
Stressed? Perhaps it’s time to make-under your skincare routine. Oftentimes, we are too aggressive with our skincare, stripping it of natural oils and good bacteria that protect it and keep it healthy and looking great. Pure Culture is a proudly Filipino brand that focuses on de-stressing skin with its proprietary blend of pure and natural ingredients. Each product is designed to nurture the delicate microbiome of one’s skin—so-called beauty bugs that keep it strong. Their newly released Bulgarian Rose range was made for aging gracefully, using the stunning flower to boost hydration, radiance and collagen production. We particularly adore the Everything Elixir (P985), which can be used to cleanse skin and to refresh it throughout the day.
Shop this socially- and environmentally-conscious brand here.
MAC recently expanded its Lightful C3 range, which now boasts three “Cs”: vitamin C, coral grass and cherry blossom. The range, which used to be an Asia-exclusive, was created to reveal skin’s radiance while adding a boost of hydration and protection. While MAC is mostly known for its iconic makeup products, this range is beloved by many beauty editors and no less than Blackpink’s Lisa is the face of the collection. Pick up the Lightful C3 Quick Finish Cushion Compact, which contains SPF 50/PA++++ and light diffusing complex, as well as the Coral Grass Tinted Primer SPF 45/PA++++ and the Radiant Hydration Skin Renewal Emulsion for glass skin perfection.
Get the good light in their official Lazada page.
Luxury eye creams tend to be on the rich side, but the La Mer The Eye Concentrate (P14,000) is able to deliver potent, long-lasting hydration—as well as a slew of other rejuvenating and firming benefits—via a lightweight formulation. This may be an all-season favorite, but it’s especially important during the summer, which sees more sun exposure. Many may be looking to trim their skincare routine during the steamier days, but this eye cream, which contains a specialized version of the patented Concentrated Miracle Broth, remains an essential.
Yes, this luxury brand can be found online now.
CLEAN FOUNDATION
Since its debut late last year, Clé De Peau Beauté has acquired a steady following among local beauty lovers. One of the products that is on the must-have list of many is the Radiant Fluid Foundation Natural. The silky, cushiony texture delivers 24-hour wear, 12-hour moisture and a radiant finish that doesn’t venture to oil slick territory. It’s perfect for Zoom calls or in-person meetings as it looks remarkably, well, natural—but better.
Clé De Peau Beaté is located in Greenbelt 4
The iconic NARS Light Reflecting Powder (seriously one of the best setting powders on the market) has inspired the newest foundation from the brand, the aptly named Light Reflecting Foundation (P2950). The brand touts it as a skincare-makeup hybrid, meaning it not only improves the appearance of skin upon application, blurring fine lines, covering redness, spots and scars, and giving skin a radiant finish that isn’t oily. Its sensitive skin- and acne-prone skin friendly formula contains biomimetic oat, Japanese lilyturf and cacao peptides and milk thistle. Despite being a new release, it’s already drawing comparisons to NARS popular Sheer Glow foundation.
Shop NARS here
If it seems like Benefit’s latest releases are always things that you need right now—it’s no coincidence. Benefit has always looked for gaps in the market, constantly listening to their customers for improvements. Case in point, their newest release: the POREfessional: Lite Primer (P2120). Not only is it perfect for the steamy summer season, but also the return to office and school for many people. The light version of the popular primer has the same pore-minimizing and blurring effect of the original, but this time with a 73% water-based, cooling formula. It’s weightless, breathable and has a natural finish—exactly like that we’re looking for.
Shop this essential primer now
Three cheers—the Aesop is now open in Rockwell! Make a pitstop at the Austarlian brand’s second Manila location before you head to Mamou or A Mano to stock up on “aesthetic” wellness essentials. We can’t get enough of their heavenly-scented hand creams and body washes, along with their gentle toners and facial moisturizers. Aesop Rockwell is particularly eye-catching for its bahay kubo design inspiration, complete with the sunny color palette, stilt-like shelves and large marble wash basins at the entrance and center of the room. Pay it a visit and we dare you to walk out sans one of their amber-colored bottles.
Aesop Philippines is also available online
