Two months away from the season of Christmas fun and mayhem, a lot of us are already on the lookout for perfect yet unexpected gifts that fit our favorite people.
Our October haul is a mixed bag of beauty, fashion, and art picks for three types of people that we’re sure you can find in your friend group or family. You’ll want to snag these for yourself, too.
For the young-at-heart beauty lover
Chu Chü Beauty’s Yummy Yum Skin Dewy Cushion and Loose Powder
Chu Chü Beauty is back with another heart-shaped collection that will make your bestie feel extra cute with each use. Its complementary Yummy Yum Skin collection is composed of the hydrating and oil-free Dewy Cushion foundation and the lightweight, breathable Loose Powder.
Dewy Cushion has a buildable medium coverage and comes in six fair to tan shades: Chiffon, Cupcake, Wafer, Cookie, Brioche, and Gingerbread. Coming in a mirrored case with a heart-shaped puff, we haven’t had this much fun while using a cushion.
For a matte finish, the ultra-fine Loose Powder is here to set. It comes in medium shades of Oat and Almond. It also comes with a heart-shaped puff.
Spongebob x Careline Better Than Basic collection
Careline Cosmetics’ latest cartoon collaborators are none other than the Bikini Bottom crew. The Spongebob x Careline collection debuted with liquid blushes, a liquid highlighter, and a liquid contour.
The liquid blush comes in four attention-grabbing shades: salmon pink Girly Girl with Spongebob packaging, bright pink Pink Patricia inspired by Patrick, nude pink Shell Pink reminiscent of Gary, and poppy red Red Ahoy based on Mr. Krabs. Our fave detail? Each one is infused with nourishing hyaluronic acid.
The brand has also unveiled new additions to the collection: a brow liner and brow mascara duo, brow soap as well as a gel and liquid liner duo.
Colourette Cosmetics’s Colourbounce
Colourette Cosmetics’s latest set of blushes is even more long-wearing with its hybrid jelly-to-powder formula. The Colourbounce comes in matte, shimmer, and glitter shades to fit any type of occasion.
From the office to the party, these shades are good company: matte burnt sienna Mochi and bright bubblegum pink Tutu, shimmery berry Bean and red Luv, and the glittery cherry Cheeky and coral Teddy.
For the casual chic gal
Penny Pairs’ Croissant collection
Literally French chic, Penny Pairs took inspiration from a certain buttery pastry for its latest collections. The understated brand dropped fun croissant-inspired pieces that are sure to have your bestie daydreaming about Paris.
The collection includes pieces in plain gold like the Carmen Gold Huggies, the Chloe Gold Ring, and Candice Gold Hoops. The Caitlin Gold Huggies and Colette Gold Ring, on the other hand, are in pavé. You can also check it out at the brand’s newly opened store at UP Town Center.
Uniqlo’s Embrace The Future UTme! collection
For Uniqlo Manila’s fifth anniversary, the brand finally brought Uniqlo Coffee to the Philippines. It also launched a new UTme! collection that featured collaborations with five local artists: Ross Du, Gianne Encarnacion, Happy Garaje, Myka Arnado, and Kajo Baldisimo.
It features two designs from each artist printed on shirts and totes. Some of our favorites designs are Du’s Weaving The Future Together, Encarnacion’s Continuum, Arnado’s Heart/Puso, and Baldisimo’s Banaue Botanical Complex.
Issy & Co. Cosmetics’ Cleansing Butter
Is your bestie worried that they’re not doing a very good job of removing their makeup? Issy & Co. Cosmetics’ Cleansing Butter may just be what their skincare routine is missing.
In its satisfying tutorial video, you can see the do-it-all melting balm cut through stubborn makeup and break down excess oils. Worried that it causes dry skin? It’s formulated with moisturizing and soothing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa seed butter, sunflower seed oil, squalane, and bisabolol.
For the bookworm
Jeong Yu-jeong’s “Seven Years of Darkness”
The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines has launched a modern Korean literature pop-up this month that’s convinced us to check out K-lit murder mystery “Seven Years of Darkness” by You-Jeong Jeong.
Dubbed South Korea’s preeminent author of psychological thrillers and crime fiction, Jeong delivers a chilling story of a man plotting revenge against the son of his daughter’s murderer. Be sure to check those content warnings, even if your friend’s the type to eat up a crime podcast.
Art+ Magazine’s “Homegrown: A Collection of Genre Art”
Is your bestie a fan of visual art coffee table books? Art+ Magazine has published “Homegrown: A Collection of Genre Art” that features the works of established and emerging local artists.
This curated selection of genre paintings celebrates the rich tapestry of Filipino culture and identity. It’s an impressive showcase of works from 36 visual artists: Joseph Albao, William Alvarez, Vic Bachoco, RV Basco, Inday Cadapan, Aisha Cajade, Xander Calceta, Fil Delacruz, Janos Delacruz, Vincent de Pio, Patrick Esmao, James Gabito, Jun Impas, Aileen Lanuza, Ronnie Lim, Art Lozano, Donn Manguilimotan, Denmark Maribojoc, Norlie Meimban, Almer Moneda, Kenneth Montegrande, Emmanuel Nim, Perfecto Palero, Anthony Palo, Sonny Palles, Aljo Pingol, Averil Paras, Richard Perez, Jun Rocha, Dominic Rubio, Aner Sebastian, Jomike Tejido, Edwin Tres Reyes, and Ralph Villaluz.
Sunnies Studios’ new oversized frames
The holidays are the perfect time to change frames and we’re eyeing this new trio of clear and oversized designs from Sunnies Studios. Paige, River, and Vance come in three cool shades: Ceylon, Jellyfish, and Slate.
Another interesting addition to their shop are custom mirrors and notebooks designed by Australian-Filipina artist Jessica Dorizac. You and your bestie can go matchy-matchy.
Art by Ella Lambio
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