The heat has let up about one degree. Rain has come in its welcome but almost unpredictable bouts. May is winding down, and we are entering the sixth month of the year. As much as time is still warped a little bit, life is moving forward. And when the mid-year comes, we know there’s a slew of new beauty launches awaiting us.
Hada Labo introduces its Premium Whitening Range
Hada Labo, one of the favorite Japanese skincare brands, updates its product options with a whitening range. This features an Arbutin Facial Wash, Whitening Lotion, and Whitening Cream. The formulations combine three types of hyaluronic acid with arbutin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and phosphate to create a brighter complexion. Added to this is the active ingredient tranexamic acid that addresses skin discoloration problems such as melasma, hyperpigmentation, acne scarring, and redness.
Hada Labo is available via Watsons, Lazada, and Shopee
Anniversary alert: Kiehl’s Commemorative Collection and Limited Edition Heritage Collection
When it comes to skincare loved by generations, there’s always Kiehl’s. In light of their 170th anniversary, they offer two special collections. The Commemorative Collection includes their beloved best-sellers in white and gold packaging: Calendula Herbal Extract Toner, Ultra Facial Cream, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, and Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.
The Limited Edition Heritage Collection brings new life into the brand’s throwback products. You can get the Essential Oils launched in the 1920s in three fragrances: Love-Luring, Fortune Seeking, and Jinx-Removing. From the 1960s, Kiehls brought back the Heritage French Rosewater Toner, and from the 1990s, you can enjoy the Heritage Glycerin Soaps.
Kiehl’s is available online and via LazMall
The icon gets a different take: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo
Laura Mercier stans know there’s nothing like the Secret Camouflage Concealer. The compact that offers two shades to conceal and brighten is found in the kits of the world’s best makeup artists. It’s only but right that it gets a grab-and-go iteration.
The Secret Camouflage Concealer Duo is a dual-ended stick with a “Correct” tip to hide dark spots and imperfections and a “Brighten” tip to bring light to your under eyes. I like how the pen offers precision to your application and how the formula can be easily blended with your fingertips. In 16 different shade duos, you’ll find the one for your skin tone and maybe even another one for contouring!
Laura Mercier is available via rustans.com
Sephora PH brings Ole Henriksen to the Philippines
Sephora PH continues to expand our beauty world as it welcomes Ole Henriksen. The brand takes its name from a passionate Danish cosmetician with a refreshing approach to skincare. Henriksen believes in aging well, going for the best ingredients, and making skincare uncomplicated.
Ole Henriksen combines effective solutions and packaging that’s #shelfie-worthy. One item that’s made social media review rounds is the Banana Bright Eye Creme. I recommend the Glow 2OH Spot Toner and the Cold Plunge Pore Mask for blemish solutions.
Ole Henriksen is available via SephoraPH
Skin by BYS creates a fuss-free, straightforward skincare routine
After fueling TikTok makeup transformations and celebrity collaborations, BYS enters the skincare realm. Skin by BYS is a complete range of skin solutions for both men and women.
The white packaging underlines how the line is all about what’s inside and products that do the job well. My top picks include the Extra Gentle Micellar Water and the Extra Effortless Pore Perfecting Sunblock. The micellar water doesn’t sting but still gets a lot of your makeup off, along with dirt and excess oil. I also am a fan of the pump packaging, so you don’t waste any product. The sunblock is a watery formula that absorbs quickly on the skin, doesn’t have any fragrance, and doesn’t leave you with a sticky feeling.
Skin by BYS is available via Watsons
Lips that make a statement: Revlon ColorStay Satin Ink
One of the original makeup brands continues to introduce products fit for the current sitch. The Revlon ColorStay Stain Ink is a creme liquid lipstick that features a “won’t-budge or smudge” formula. Once it dries, the color doesn’t transfer at all, not even on your mask. It doesn’t leave the lips dry, nor does it crack or flake off. Just be ready since the long-wearing ability means you have to massage in that cleansing oil to get the pigment off by the end of the day, as a makeup wipe won’t cut it.
Available in 12 shades, the range welcomes those who love a strong pout with reds like “Seal The Deal” and “My Own Boss” and those who like natural lip with shades like “Mauvey, Darling” and “Eyes On You.”
Revlon is available via Shopee
Meet the new Oxecure pH 5.5 Gentle Cleanser
Oxecure is that rare brand that caters to every other problem of a person with acne-prone skin. It’s not about just treating the red spot for them. Oxecure addresses the marks it leaves after and finds ways for you to stop pimples before they ruin your complexion. If you’re the type to get lots of little bumps, start your routine with Oxecure’s pH 5.5 Gentle Cleanser.
It prevents irritation and redness by cleansing the skin without damaging its acid mantle–the natural barrier that protects the skin. It also has a combination of ingredients to keep your skin balanced: Dual Moisture Lock Technology—a blend of Glycerin and Vitamin E, mangosteen extract–to keep germs away, and 0.02% Encapsulated Salicylic Acid–an ingredient that lifts away dead skin cells and smoothens rough texture.
Oxecure is available online
Kloss Beauty delivers lipsticks for the “Instabaddie”
Local beauty label Kloss Beauty makes its debut with a collection of lipsticks, Kloud Kiss Vol. 1. The six colors fit a wide variety of skin tones, especially if you’re still looking for that perfect everyday lip. The formula features a creamy texture that applies easily to the lips and feels moisturizing.
To note also is the transparent packaging reminiscent of the first tubes of play lipstick you would get as a kid. My top favorites are the “On the Rocks,” a brown nude, and “Pepper,” a wearable red.
Kloss Beauty is available via Lazada
Featured image via @olehenriksen
5 beauty treatments for days between professional appointments
