Welcome to Expert’s Spotlight, a new series highlighting leading dermatologists, editors, and creators—each sharing their trusted essentials and the philosophies behind them.
There was a time when beauty meant keeping up. For Kate Paras-Santiago, now in her 40s and nearly two decades into publishing, the early years were about mastery and momentum. As a young Fashion Assistant at Chalk Magazine, then Fashion Editor, and eventually Beauty Editor at METRO, beauty was visual, technical, and thrilling.
“It revolved around being able to pull off beautiful makeup looks,” she recalls. “Being in the know about the latest trends. Making sure I had the latest ‘it’ products.” The industry opened doors—travel, treatments, experimentation. Hundreds, then thousands of products. Skincare innovations. A glamorous education.
But time does what it always does: It refines.
Today, her definition of beauty is less about acquisition and more about alignment. “From aspiring for perfection on the outside, I now see beauty as an entire package,” she says. “How one dresses, speaks, relates with others, and makes choices for his or her life.” Beauty, for Kate, is no longer found in symmetry or flawlessness. It’s found in stewardship.
In Your 20s: Performance & Play
Her twenties were social and smoky-eyed.
“I learned how to do the smoky eye in my 20s,” she laughs. Endless dinners. Endless parties. Skincare? Minimal. “Youthfulness felt permanent. I only used SPF at the beach—sparingly, because I loved tanning.” Foundation wasn’t necessary. Coverage wasn’t a concern. Skin was supple, resilient, forgiving. If there’s one thing she would tell her younger self? “Love your sleep. And please don’t tan without sun protection.”
In Your 30s: Awareness & Intention
In her thirties, something shifted. Awareness entered the routine.
She bought her first red lipstick. It made her feel sophisticated. She started applying SPF and eye cream religiously. Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair became a staple.
She drank more water. Paid attention to ingredients. Thought about maintenance.
This is the decade where many women move from reactive beauty to preventive beauty.
In Your 40s: Stewardship & Substance
Now, in her forties, fine lines are part of the picture—but panic is not.
She prioritizes:
- High-quality sun protection
- Hardworking serums
- Moisturizing the neck (often neglected)
- Eating clean
- Sleeping well
“What goes into the body really matters more than what goes on it.” Her priorities have shifted from covering to caring.
The Beauty Edit Recommends
VMV Oil-Free Makeup Remover
P1,200, The Beauty Edit
Detail Multidimensional Eyes
P749, The Beauty Edit
Clocheflame Lip Muse in First Love
P399, The Beauty Edit
Pure Culture Bulgarian Rose Sublime Serum
P899, The Beauty Edit
Beach Hut Unseen Clear Gel
P949, The Beauty Edit
What to Look For at Every Stage
Skincare
“Know your skin type. Don’t chase viral hacks. Consult a dermatologist when possible.”
Makeup
“Let young skin breathe. Start with tinted moisturizer. Build only if necessary.”
Texture & Finish
“Consider skin type and climate. Manila’s humidity changes everything.”
Fragrance
“Find the notes you truly love. Don’t buy a perfume just because it’s trending.”
Advice to Her Younger Self
“Love your sleep. And please don’t tan without sun protection.”
The Beauty Edit Recommends
VMV Hypoallergenics Skintangible
P1,500, The Beauty Edit
Scent Studio Pound Cake Eau De Parfum
The Beauty Edit
Detail Jelly Blur Lip
P349, The Beauty Edit
EB No Budge Lip Liner
P195, The Beauty Edit
Shop all these F-beauty brands and more at The Beauty Edit Gallery at Spatio, located on the 3/F of Opus Mall, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Quezon City. An editorial-led retail concept—and the first-of-its-kind in the local scene—the gallery spotlights indie innovators, cult icons, and niche trailblazers shaping F-beauty today.
