Not too long ago, our makeup routines revolved around full-coverage foundations, sharply arched brows, and ultra-matte lips. You could say Kylie Jenner—circa 2016—had us all in a collective glam chokehold. And while that beauty era had its moment, it also paved the way for a refreshing shift: one where skin-first routines and subtle, feature-enhancing techniques take center stage. Think natural flushes, sheer layers, and products that nourish your skin while letting it breathe.
This shift ties into the “Skin as Status” movement—a beauty ideal that surfaced just a couple of years ago and is now back in the spotlight, positioning glowing, well-cared-for skin as the new kind of luxury flex. Today, clear, hydrated, naturally radiant skin signals access to quality wellness, skincare, and now even self-care—aspirations that have only grown stronger in a post-pandemic world.
In this context, paring down your makeup or skincare routine isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing what works. Whether through lifestyle, diet, or vanity, people want to be informed and they want products that deliver—without the excess.
This glow-forward approach to beauty has been building for years. Today’s products are lighter, more wearable, and infused with skin-loving ingredients that do more than enhance—they actively support long-term skin health. Intentional and effective, that’s exactly what this complexion-first lineup offers: skincare and makeup that highlight your natural beauty. And best of all? It’s proudly local.
CKIN: The Skinfulness Daily Self-Care Kit
Founded by style and travel blogger Camile Co-Koro, CKIN was made to become someone’s go-to for gentle yet effective skincare—giving your skin the care and healing journey it deserves. The brand itself advocates a holistic and mindful approach to skincare, or as she calls it, “Skinfulness.” This very notion is what inspired her own collection of skin-first products, and the best way to experience it is through The Skinfulness Daily Self-Care Kit.
Like any great skincare routine, CKIN begins with a calming and purifying first step: the Skinfulness Gel Cleanser. What sets this formula apart is its gentle yet effective blend of salicylic acid, Ocimum Basilicum (basil leaf extract), Camellia Sinensis (green tea extract), and D-Panthenol—carefully chosen to minimize tripping and irritation. Salicylic acid works to deeply unclog pores and refine skin texture, while basil and green tea extracts soothe, calm, and help control excess oil. Finally, D-Panthenol hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier, leaving your complexion feeling fresh, clear, and perfectly balanced.
Next up is the Skinfulness Toner Essence—think of it as your reset button in a bottle. This gentle formula pairs two exfoliants, lactic acid (AHA) and lactobionic acid (PHA), to smooth rough texture, brighten dullness, and clear away buildup—all without the sting. Balancing the effect, Centella Asiatica (Cica) soothes and strengthens the skin, while Ophiopogon Japonicus Root Extract (mondo grass) delivers lasting hydration. It’s the kind of refreshing boost your skin will thank you for every day.
And for the finishing touch, CKIN wraps things up with its Skinfulness Hydrator—a lightweight, soothing formula that locks in hydration while calming and refining the skin. Packed with niacinamide to brighten and smooth uneven tone, plus Cica to soothe and help your skin bounce back. The Japanese mondo grass root extract was also added for a hydration boost and antioxidant love, and you’ve got a hydrator that leaves your skin feeling soft, balanced, and totally radiant.
The Skinfulness Daily Self-Care Kit
₱2,480, CKIN
Dermtropics: Raw Coconut + Shea Butter Nourishing Lip Shield
For those who swear by their lip care, there’s no such thing as too many lip products—especially when each one packs multiple benefits into a small, handy package. Enter Dermtropics’ Raw Coconut + Shea Butter Nourishing Lip Shield. Infused with organic wet-milled virgin coconut oil and creamy shea butter, it deeply nourishes and soothes dry lips. Argan oil provides a restorative boost, while jojoba esters deliver a silky, lightweight finish that locks in moisture without any heaviness. Hydration and protection, all wrapped up in one luxe little package—who wouldn’t want that?
Raw Coconut + Shea Butter Nourishing Lip Shield
₱640, Dermtropics
Beach Hut: Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
With skin-first as the theme, it only makes sense to have a sunscreen that puts your complexion front and center. Beach Hut’s newest release, the Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50, delivers high-level sun protection without the heavy, chalky feel. This invisible, lightweight formula blends seamlessly into the skin, providing a smooth, non-greasy base that’s perfect for layering under makeup. Infused with nourishing ingredients, the sunscreen also keeps the skin hydrated and comfortable throughout the day.
The Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50
₱949/50ml, Beach Hut
Enigma: Brow Blade Pencil
Brows can either make or break your look, so they too deserve some love—especially in a skin-first routine. That’s where Enigma comes in—a newly launched beauty brand founded by beauty YouTuber Raiza Contawi. The Brow Blade Pencil is a dual-ended essential that’s all about easy definition, with one end delivering crisp, hair-like strokes and the other a spoolie for seamless blending. The formula is smooth, buildable, and feather-light—ideal for those no-makeup makeup days when your skin takes the spotlight and your brows are the subtle co-stars.
Brow Blade Pencil
₱349, Lazada
Popique: Face Forward Multi-Complexion Pot and Kiss Me Multi-Peptide Lip Balm
We’d say the timing couldn’t be better—Popique joins the local beauty scene with a skincare and makeup line made for those who believe less is more. And here, we’re spotlighting two essentials—one for your base, and one for your lips.
First up is the Face Forward Multi-Complexion Pot, a creamy, blendable concealer that delivers just the right amount of coverage while letting your natural skin peek through. It smooths, hydrates, and evens out tone without caking—it’s best for a barely-there base.
Then there’s the Kiss Me Multi-Peptide Lip Balm, a nourishing treatment that softens, plumps, and delivers a sheer wash of shine. Packed with skin-loving ingredients, it cares for your lips while adding a natural, healthy glow. The best part? This sleek balm comes in six versatile shades—from delicate pinks to rich browns—so you can add a subtle pop of color to your pout for some charm.
Kiss Me Multi-Peptide Lip Balm
₱499/10ml, Popique
Clocheflame: All Around Flush
Midway through the pandemic, Clocheflame’s All Around Flush became a cult favorite for lovers of effortless, natural color—and it still is. Infused with nourishing mango butter and shea butter, it keeps your skin soft and hydrated, while hydrolyzed collagen helps maintain that youthful plumpness we all crave. Dab it on your cheeks, lips, or even eyelids for a fresh, dewy flush that feels like your skin, only better—because sometimes, less really is more.
All Around Flush [Multi-use Tint]
₱349/10ml, Lazada
