As the year draws to a close, it’s customary for accolades to be showered upon beauty brands for their outstanding foundation formulas and long-lasting lipsticks. However, amid the glamor of these cosmetic triumphs, it’s essential to turn our attention to the unsung heroes of the beauty industry—those moments and endeavors that deserve recognition, whether from longstanding giants or emerging players.
In this year’s installment of The Beauty Edit Honor Roll, we redirect the spotlight to the truly exceptional “beauty bests” of the year. We delve into the narratives of the industry’s movers and shakers, exploring how they injected unprecedented value into consumers’ lives. Join us as we uncover the inspiring stories behind brand initiatives that have not only transformed the beauty game today but hold the potential to influence it for years to come.
Asian Beauty
Much more than a passing trend, A-beauty blossomed this year and has everyone changing up, and sometimes even simplifying their routines. If there’s anything Asian Beauty teaches us, it’s that sometimes it’s not about slathering layers upon layers of product to achieve a desired effect; instead, it comes down to approach and quality. Leading the way is J-Beauty, as it had been the case way back when beauty lovers were abuzz with the latest beauty innovations hailing from Japan. This year saw Mitsukoshi Beauty and Shiseido’s powerhouse hair care system, Tsubaki, arriving at last in the country—and Filipina beauty junkies need not book flights to Tokyo just to shop and hoard all the cult-favorite Japanese beauty essentials. Not to mention, South Korea’s viral TikTok injectable treatment, Rejuran, has also made its way to our favorite derm clinics this year, with the promise of rejuvenating the skin from within for your best, most youthful, healthy glow.
Vogue Philippines’ Beauty Issue Cover, Featuring Apo Whang Od
There she is—an icon, a legend, and a moment! In April 2023, Vogue Philippines revealed an innovative, iconic cover with legendary hand tattoo artist-slash-mambabatok Apo Whang Od, photographed by Artu Nepomuceno. It captured the entire world’s attention. And rightfully so! This was not just a total moment of presenting traditional Filipino beauty to the world, but had also marked Vogue’s oldest cover star to date worldwide. Recognized by international news publications and media outlets, not to mention getting majorly viral on social media, this cover had put Vogue Philippines on the map and truly made it an edition to watch.
Gen Zs and Beauty
As the generation who (practically) grew up with social media, it’s no surprise that Gen Zs have forged their own path as they have gone on to adulthood. Their self-expression, experimentation, and hyper-individualism allowed them to defy the norm and seek authenticity in everything—including beauty. What thrives when Gen Z stays keen on beauty? Products that are clean and natural, sustainably sourced, gender neutral… and the list goes on. Truly, when it comes to consumer trends and buying behaviors, no other generation has had this much attention, interest, or (dare we say) power. And frankly? The industry is better for it.
LazBeauty
When Southeast Asia’s premier e-commerce giant decided to fully embrace the beauty realm, it wasn’t just a fleeting commitment—it was a resounding declaration. Far surpassing the confines of the pandemic-driven beauty surge, Lazada has undertaken a strategic and comprehensive elevation of its beauty offerings in recent years.
Enter LazBeauty Club, a game-changer that beckoned beauty enthusiasts from every corner of the Philippines to join its ranks. Offering exclusive deals, vouchers, swift and complimentary shipping, as well as the innovative Try & Buy feature, LazBeauty Club became a haven for those seeking not just products but a curated beauty experience.
This year, Lazada amplified its beauty resonance further by enlisting the charismatic Gabbi Garcia as the face of LazBeauty. This move not only added a touch of celebrity allure but also cemented Lazada’s commitment to aligning with influential figures who embody the essence of beauty.
Moreover, Lazada took a moment to recognize and celebrate the creative prowess of content creators and high-performing LazAffiliates. The spotlight shone on individuals like Marj Maroket, Kryz Uy, Miss Nate, Rei Germar, Ashley Yap, and Toni Sia, accentuating Lazada’s dedication to fostering partnerships and acknowledging the influential forces shaping the beauty landscape.
In essence, Lazada’s beauty takeover extends beyond transactional exchanges; it’s about building a community, fostering creativity, and redefining beauty as an inclusive and dynamic experience. The strategic maneuvers made by Lazada in the beauty arena underscore the platform’s commitment to not only riding the wave of beauty trends but actively steering the ship toward a future where beauty knows no bounds.
BYS Fashion Week 2023
A convergence of creativity, fashion, and beauty unfolded at the BYS Fashion Week 2023, marking a notable moment in the Philippines’ fashion landscape. The event, themed “The Filipino Palette: Same, Same, But Different,” transcended traditional boundaries, breathing life into a spectacular four-day celebration that showcased Filipino talent and artistry.
BYS, a makeup brand, took center stage as a trailblazer in curating this event, bringing to the forefront not just beauty but also an entire spectrum of fashion and design. What makes this occasion particularly noteworthy is BYS’s instrumental role in spearheading an actual fashion week—at least in Manila—an endeavor that was conspicuously absent from country’s calendar for a while now.
This year’s BYS Fashion Week featured a stellar lineup of some of the Philippines’ most esteemed designers, including Ha.mu, Antonina, Rafa Worldwide, Randolf Clothing, Neric Beltran, Chris Nick, Vin Orias, Cheetah Rivera, and Vania Romoff. The runway was transformed into a canvas of diverse creativity, where each designer presented their unique interpretation of “The Filipino Palette.”
Adding the finishing touches to this sartorial symphony was renowned makeup artist Gery Penaso, and his talented team. Their runway glam not only complemented but elevated the designers’ visions, creating a seamless fusion of beauty and fashion that left a lasting imprint on the audience.
Beyond the realm of cosmetics, this initiative signifies a broader commitment to fostering and promoting the Philippines’ vibrant creative spirit. BYS has not merely curated an event; they have reignited the intersection of beauty and fashion.
Belo at 33
Simply put, aesthetic medicine in the Philippines would not be where it is today without Dr. Victoria G. Belo—founder, CEO, and medical director of the Belo Medical Group, which recently commemorated their thirty-third year anniversary last August. Having created a true legacy and always forging the path forward for beauty and aesthetics in the country, Dr. Vicki is a true pioneer. She built the Belo empire when she was just 33-years-old, 33 years ago, and brought all the leading technologies and techniques in dermatology and aesthetics to the country. From liposuction and thread lifts, to state-of-the-art lasers and skin tightening machines—Dr. Belo truly had an eye to spot the next beauty breakthrough that will have one feeling like their most beautiful self. Belo is also the very first clinic in the country to have a presence all over the Philippines, not just in their fifteen clinics, but in their super accessible skincare and bodycare products, as well.
Aivee’s Beauty Beyond Borders
In 2009, Dr. Aivee Teo, founder and medical director of the Aivee Group of clinics, began Beauty Beyond Borders after having seen and recognized how little access many underprivileged communities had to dermatological care and healthcare. A staunch advocate for beauty, dermatology, and wellness being accessible to everyone, Dr. Aivee has led a team of hardworking doctors and nurses in helping thousands of patients for fourteen years now (and counting) and has tremendously changed so many lives. Each mission carried out sees the Aivee team working with organizations to perform life-changing procedures and provide treatments, medications, and follow-ups to individuals who cannot afford dermatological and surgical care. Making people look and feel beautiful, inside and out!
The New Rustan’s Beauty Hall in Makati
In September, premier luxury retailer Rustan’s introduced a new era as it transformed and revamped its Beauty Hall within Rustan’s Makati into a haven of beauty and sophistication. The newly revitalized retail space reflects the brand’s dedication to setting an unparalleled standard of excellence in luxury retail, creating an impeccable setting for the most sought-after, luxury beauty brands. The new Beauty Hall was revealed to the public at the iconic annual Beauty Addict Event by Rustan’s The Beauty Source, which saw attendees seeing all their favorite beauty brands in a new light: CHANEL, Clarins, La Prairie, diptyque, HERMES, and more. A spectacular night for beauty!
The Little Lipstick That Could: MAC Viva Glam Lipsticks Give Back 100% To HIV/AIDS Charities
Ever since it was founded in 1984, MAC has always sought out to support everyone—all ages, all races, all genders. In more ways than one, it has always been a fierce ally of the LGBTQ+ community, and in 1994, it launched the Viva Glam campaign which would champion and fund numerous HIV/AIDS programs all over the world, raising awareness as well as assisting people currently living with HIV/AIDS. In the Philippines, in commemoration of World AIDS Day (December 1), MAC Cosmetics invites all to join the fight in choosing to purchase the only lipstick that gives every centavo to HIV/AIDS charities and organizations such as Positive Action Foundation Philippines Incorporated (PAPFI), with a mission to empower people living with HIV/AIDS and their families to live a normal, happy, and productive life within society.
