Meet Dominique Cojuangco, the co-founder and director of the e-commerce self-care shop, The Collective
The year of the 2000s indicated a big shift that redefined our perspective and priorities in beauty. “Beauty sometimes has negative connotations of vanity, but there’s been an obvious shift in more positive word choices when referencing skincare and body care especially,” Dominique Cojuangco shared in an exclusive MEGA interview. She then added how self-care became the focus of the new era. “For example, looking [at] these rituals as self-care rather than just a routine.” As mental wellness becomes more synonymous with skincare and makeup practices, fans including Dominique embraced a more mindful approach to beauty.
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As mentioned previously, everybody has a beauty story to tell—let’s turn it into an open conversation. For today’s beauty profile, we caught up with Dominique Cojuangco, co-founder and director of the e-commerce self-care shop, The Collective. We sat down and explored her definition of beauty, her best-kept beauty philosophy, and her growth as a creative.
Meet Dominique
“At the beach, with my skin slathered in moisturizer and sunscreen, sun-kissed, with minimal to no make-up on, surrounded by my friends and family,” she smiled when asked when she feels the most beautiful. Dominique’s skin-first philosophy and mindful approach to beauty are admirable. Over and above, a conversation unveils her love and passion for skincare. It is also a common factor between her and partner Michael Hearn that helped make the multi-brand e-commerce website, The Collective, a true digital winner.
Alongside Hearn, her dedication to curating thoughtful formulations from all over the world and viewpoints to building a healthy yet transparent conversation towards skincare made The Collective diverse from any online beauty marketplace. However, like most of us, Dominique admits that she also appreciates her slow days. “I tend to be busy with the business, so when I do get some spare time, I love to travel, listen to podcasts, and watch crime documentaries.”
On creating The Collective
Dominique and Michael’s determination to change the beauty marketplace culture became the starting point for The Collective. “So many websites and distributors sell products with brand names and buzzwords to front their marketing. I was working in e-commerce, with a background in merchandising and marketing, and couldn’t find a platform in the Philippines that curated with efficacy and values. Michael and I wanted to change this.”
She continued, “I find that when you buy a product, you’re buying into a brand’s ideals. We’re so proud to be able to say we work closely with their founders, ensuring our values are aligned.” Dominique openly shared what makes the platform a standout. “The Collective has a full-time Regulatory Officer because we curate with our customers’ safety and health in mind. Each ingredient is reviewed thoroughly. We don’t sell any whitening products or anything that may potentially be harmful, and [we] work hard to ensure our entire storefront is 100% FDA-approved.”
Dominique also showcased that there are no signs of slowing down for The Collective. “Within our first year and a half of operation, we’ve gone from five brands to 20. Next year, we have plans to further expand our range while continuing to engage with and build our community.”
On her relationship with beauty
A delve into one’s beauty relationship is as beguiling as knowing their top-shelf products. It’s always different for everyone, but as mentioned previously, it’s a shared concept of feeling good inside and out. “When I began having issues with skin texture when I was younger, I used to try to cover it up with foundation. It never actually covered it up, nor did it make me feel confident,” Dominique candidly shared. However, as time went on, her mindset toward beauty improved. “Now, nearing the end of my 20s, I have made sure that taking care of my skin comes first, and makeup is used as a creative outlet or to enhance features.”
As we continued our beauty chat, Dominique wanted to remind everyone that learning to overcome beauty struggles has more to do with self-love than it does with the products themselves. “I went through all the motions of wishing I could change myself—[from] covering things up or contouring, etc. I wish I could say there was one answer to overcoming it, but personal growth came with age, as well as surrounding myself [with those that] genuinely enjoy my company.”
On her beauty routine
Dominique’s skin-first philosophy is central to her everyday routine. “My morning and evening routines are different, but during the day, I start with Faace’s Dirty Cleanser. It’s a gentle daily exfoliant, to keep any texture at bay, then I then pat on Goto Beauty’s Balancing & Hydrating Toner. It conditions my skin for that extra boost of hydration. This is one of the products that everyone at The Collective has in their routine.” The beauty fan also unveiled formulations that worked wonders for her skin. “Next, I go in with Alder New York’s Everyday Face Serum. [Its Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin B3] also tackles two of my concerns: dry skin and texture.
Elsewhere, Dominique named Pestlo’s Saferecipe as her favorite on-the-go product. “It’s extremely moisturizing yet lightweight, and has an SPF50+ PA++++ rating. It gives me enough protection for the office or running errands.”
The Collective’s co-founder and director also gave us a look into her makeup rotation, which consists of Benefit Cosmetics Cakeless Boi-ing Concealer, One Size’s Setting Powder, Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer, L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise, and a Lip Balm. She also named Regime de Fleurs’ Glass Blooms as her favorite scent. “I have no idea what it is about this scent, but I think that’s exactly what draws me to it the most. It has so much depth.”
On that one lip product that makes her confident
A swipe of a good lip product is undeniably transformative, but it can also make anyone feel more confident. In our conversation, Dominique shared that she often opts for a lip balm or gloss. “I’m currently using one by a brand we’re hoping to onboard onto The Collective next year!”
On her beauty philosophy
As we closed our chat, Dominique shared a short yet timeless piece of advice that is worthy to pass on: “Look to yourself first, then products second.”
Photos from DOMINIQUE COJUANGCO
Featured Image Photography FAVOUR AJAH
Makeup MISS NATE
Hair JONAS LUCAS
