Tried & True: Popique’s Take on Light, Sun-Ready Beauty

Welcome to our Tried & True series, where we highlight the holy grails and OGs, the top-shelf regulars and under-the-radar picks, as well as the new, fresh-off-the-lab products and viral sensations worth the hype—all from reputable brands we’ve road-tested ourselves.

Behind the name, we explore what makes a brand worth discovering, whether it’s how it has redefined beauty, its founder’s inspiring story, or how its range of offerings gave consumers what they truly want and need. In this edition, we take a closer look at Popique, a local beauty brand that places equal weight on performance, skin comfort, and self-expression—made for those who live life under the sun, whether that means long afternoons outdoors or days spent on the move.

“Popique was inspired by my love for color, the beach, and the kind of effortless confidence that comes with natural beauty,” shared Popique’s founder, Aleah Sia. Growing up in the Philippines, she recalls being surrounded by vibrant landscapes and warm energy—something she felt was missing from much of the local beauty space.

“Many brands leaned toward minimalism or followed global ‘clean girl’ trends, which are beautiful, but I didn’t see many that truly celebrated color in a way that felt authentically Filipino. That gap, which lies between vibrancy and everyday usability, is where Popique was born.”

That island-inspired point of view carries through both the brand’s look and its formulations. “That inspiration shows up in everything, from our color palette to our textures and formulas,” she said. “Aesthetically, Popique is unapologetically playful and warm, much like life in the tropics.” Formula-wise, the brand stays grounded in reality. “Products have to be lightweight, breathable, and comfortable in heat and humidity,” she notes, adding that “creamy, blendable textures were important to me because they melt into the skin and look natural, even under the sun.”

While Popique celebrates life outdoors, it isn’t limited to sunny days alone. “I always say Popique is inspired by the sun, but it’s made for real life,” the founder explains. “The colors may be joyful and tropical, but they’re designed to sheer out beautifully so they can be worn softly or built up depending on your mood.”

 “I wanted products that could work for a casual workday, a quick errand, or a beach trip. It’s about giving people options. You can keep it fresh and natural, or you can lean into the color and have fun with it.”

That same intention shaped the brand’s first collection. “I wanted the first collection to feel intentional and complete,” she shares. For her, a modern Filipino routine starts with good skincare. “Makeup should enhance, not mask,” she said. “That’s why our lineup included both skincare and makeup from the start, so you could go from bare skin to a full look using Popique alone. The goal was to create a routine that feels easy, cohesive, and realistic for everyday use.”

Balance is also important in Popique’s philosophy—between effectiveness and comfort, structure and play. “Texture played a huge role,” she explained. “I wanted formulas that were buttery, smooth, and finger-friendly, so they feel almost intuitive to use.” Comfort, she adds, is what builds confidence and encourages experimentation: “When something feels good on the skin, you’re more likely to experiment with it.”

“From there, color became the tool for self-expression. We focused on shades that are vibrant but still flattering, so people can play without feeling overwhelmed. It’s that mix of performance, comfort, and joy that defines Popique.”

Being a Filipino brand also shapes how Popique approaches inclusivity and wearability. “Filipinos have incredibly diverse skin tones and undertones, especially warm, neutral, and olive shades that are often overlooked,” she says, noting that this directly informed products like the Face Forward Multi-Complexion Pot. At the same time, the brand stays mindful of daily conditions. “People want products that last but still feel light and natural,” she observes, especially in a hot, humid climate. “I’ve noticed that local consumers gravitate toward makeup that looks fresh and skin-like rather than heavy or overly matte, and that definitely guided our formulas and finishes.”

Beyond formulas and finishes, Popique hopes to leave a larger mark on the local beauty conversation. “I hope Popique helps shift the idea that beauty has to fit into one look or one trend,” she shared.

“I want it to be a brand that encourages self-expression, inclusivity, and authenticity. Beyond the products, I want Popique to be about community; overall, making people feel seen, celebrated, and confident in their own skin. If Popique can inspire more Filipino brands to embrace our unique skin tones, culture, and sense of joy, then I feel like we’re contributing something meaningful to the industry.”

HERO PRODUCT
Face Forward Multi-Complexion Pot

This clever little pot is more than just a concealer. Created as a multi-complexion tool, it doubles as a spot concealer, undereye brightener, foundation booster, and even a contouring cream all in one creamy formula. Available in several variants, including Brighten + Correct, Conceal + Cover, and Contour + Sculpt, it’s an all-around solution for everyday makeup needs. What also makes it stand out most is how adaptable the product is. The different variants encourage users to customize their base rather than rely on a one-shade-fits-all approach.

On skin, it blends easily and settles into a natural skin-like finish rather than a flat matte. Coverage is in the light-to-medium range, which makes it ideal for evening out redness, brightening the under-eyes, or refining areas around the nose and mouth. Though it’s not designed to mask everything completely, it leans into a more natural, second-skin look.

On drier areas, proper hydration underneath helps prevent clinging, while those who prefer full coverage may still want to layer it with a traditional concealer. But as an everyday essential, it delivers exactly what it promises: ease, versatility, and a finish that looks like skin—just more even.

CULT CLASSIC
Kiss Me Multi-Peptide Lip Balm

Kiss Me Multi-Peptide Lip Balm earns its cult classic status by treating lips like skin that deserves actual care, not just color.

From the first swipe, this balm delivers a subtle sheen that’s not sticky or waxy. The texture is smooth and cushiony, gliding across lips with a comforting richness that’s nourishing and light. The formula is infused with peptides, ingredients typically associated with conditioning and smoothing, which makes this balm feel more thoughtful than the average quick fix. Over time, dryness feels less persistent, fine lines appear softened, and the lips take on a more even and healthier look.

HARDWORKING MUST-TRY
Make A Splash Multi-Peptide Gel Cleanser

If your skincare routine leans toward fewer steps done well, this might be the kind of cleanser that earns its place. It doesn’t foam dramatically or tingle for effect, but it works efficiently enough to cleanse thoroughly and is gentle enough to leave skin calm.

The texture is a glossy gel that lathers into a gentle foam—enough to sweep away makeup residue, sunscreen, and daily grit, yet soft enough that it doesn’t strip the skin’s natural balance. It’s also the peptide infusion that makes the difference in this cleanser. These skin-supporting ingredients bring a level of care rarely found in cleansers, leaving skin clean without that tightness. With continued use, skin feels more comfortable post-wash: less reactive, less dry, and better prepared for whatever product comes next in your routine.

FIRST STEP FIX
I’m Ready Blurring Primer

A lightweight, silky gel, the I’m Ready Blurring Primer glides onto the skin like a soft veil, smoothing pores and fine lines while leaving a soft-focus finish that instantly enhances your complexion. Infused with skin-conditioning ingredients like glycerin and vitamin E, it also treats your skin with care. Silicones create that signature blurring effect, giving skin a soft-focus look without being tacky.

Applied solo, it smooths the complexion and gives skin a more even texture. Under makeup, it seems to enhance longevity: foundation glides more evenly and adheres with less patchiness.

Another key feature is its SPF-boosted formula. While it isn’t a replacement for a dedicated sunscreen, the added protection is a smart bonus in a primer–especially for everyday wear when a full suncare step might be skipped in a rush.

POPULAR PICK
So Comfy Blur Lipstick

From the very first swipe, this lipstick lives up to its name: it’s comfort-first. The texture glides on with a creamy, weightless feel that hugs the lips without tugging. Rather than a perfect solid color, it offers a soft‑blur finish—a diffused hue that looks both modern and flattering. Pigment is there, but it’s never harsh. It’s the type of pigment that enhances your natural lip tone while giving a subtle radiance that works for different occasions.

Enriched with conditioning ingredients, the formula keeps lips feeling supple throughout the day instead of parched and retreating for constant touch‑ups. Whether worn alone or layered under a gloss for added shine, this lipstick stays comfortable even when you’re on the go.

UNDERRATED ICON
Set & Smooth Baked Powder

Soft-focus, weightless, and non-comedogenic, this baked powder diffuses light and smooths imperfections with ease. It blends the airy texture of a loose powder with the convenience of a pressed format, giving you that soft‑blur finish that eliminates shine and smooths texture without weighing skin down.

The formula’s breathable texture means you can dust it over foundation or wear it alone on casual days—and still walk away with a complexion that looks fresh, not flattened.

SUNCARE STAPLE
Protect Me Lightweight Sunscreen Lotion

The Protect Me Lightweight Sunscreen Lotion doesn’t just provide SPF 50+ PA++++ protection. Lightweight, breathable, and fast-absorbing, it shields against UVA and UVB rays without leaving the familiar chalky residue or sticky feel that makes you dread reapplication.

Applied solo, it leaves a natural, skin-like finish; layered under makeup, it doubles as a primer, letting foundation glide effortlessly while holding everything in place.

This is the kind of sunscreen you’ll actually enjoy wearing. And especially in humid climates like ours, the difference is noticeable: this sunscreen feels weightless, breathable, and doesn’t leave a white cast, making it easy to actually use every day.

HYDRATION HERO
Take A Sip Multi-Peptide Toning Essence

Light in texture and effortless to apply—whether with gentle pats from your palms or a soft swipe of a cotton pad — this pH-balanced toning essence hydrates deeply without stickiness or heaviness. Its lightweight formula means it absorbs almost instantly, leaving behind a soft, supple surface that makes serums and moisturizers glide on smoothly.

Behind that airy delivery lies a formulation fortified with peptides, which help support moisture retention, enhance elasticity, and leave skin feeling more balanced and resilient.

UNDER-THE-RADAR ESSENTIAL
Seal It Up Multi-Peptide Water Cream

Forget bulky creams and heavy gels—this water cream feels like a cool mist for your face, a surge of hydration that doesn’t make your skin shine too hard and doesn’t weigh you down. The multi‑peptide blend works quietly beneath the surface to fortify your skin’s natural moisture barrier, while its freshness transforms dull, parched skin into something supple and awake. Plus, its non‑sticky and breathable finish makes it a natural choice for layering under sunscreen or makeup, or even on its own.

EDITOR FAVORITE
All Over Multiuse Cream Palette

Popique’s All‑Over Multiuse Cream Palette has earned its place in both beauty editors’ kits and everyday routines because it’s versatile, and also because it genuinely simplifies creativity.

At first glance, it’s beautifully efficient: three complementary cream shades—two mattes and a shimmer—designed to work interchangeably on cheeks, lips, and lids. So whether you’re aiming for a soft daytime flush or a more sculpted evening look, the palette’s harmony of tones encourages experimentation and adapts to a variety of looks and moods.

The palette’s creamy formula is also key to its appeal. It glides effortlessly across cheeks, lips, and lids, blending easily with fingertips or brushes. For those who need precision under tight schedules, this reliability is crucial—the shades are buildable and layer beautifully, so a single swipe can achieve a soft, natural flush or be intensified for impact. With just one compact, you get endless possibilities and looks that always feel complete and perfectly put together.

Shop Popique and more F-beauty discoveries 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.