Welcome to the Metro Beauty Awards 2024!
Another batch of winners is coming your way, and this time, we're directing the spotlight on our very own Filipino beauty brands. Through the past couple of years, local brands aka F-Beauty have been amping it up in every way possible. Multiple drops, fresh innovative ideas, upgraded packaging, and world-class formulas. We at Metro have witnessed the rapid shift in development, and we're here for it! Whether you came across a Filipino beauty product on TikTok or randomly discovered it at the mall, one thing's for sure—a lot of them are worth your hard-earned Peso.
Metro Beauty Awards: The Local List
Check out our list of the best F-beauty picks from this year:
MAKEUP
"The winning ticket to this formula is that there's a built-in primer in your blush—you can only imagine the staying power. It really does stay on for a long time, and you can build it up with a brush to get the desired effect. Definitely worth adding to your rotation." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"The powder contour is a good choice for anyone looking to sculpt and define their face with a matte, natural finish. It's light but buildable coverage and smooth texture make it beginner-friendly. I'd say it really does the job make the face look lifted." - Randz Manucom, Fashion Editor SHOP HERE
"The soft blur foundation applies smoothly and evenly. The formula is finely milled, allowing it to blend easily into the skin without looking patchy. The powder isn’t too heavy, so it doesn't look cakey even when layered. Also good for touch ups!" - Randz Manucom, Fashion Editor SHOP HERE
"This is a super cute product that the Nickelodeon-raised generation—ahem, mine—will absolutely love for the sheer nostalgia alone. Thankfully, it works just as well and is both hydrating and moisturising. Bonus points for the packaging not being prone to spillage." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"A little goes a long way! It's easy to apply and blends easily with a sponge or even just my fingers. I like that it's buildable and a 3-in-1 product. I can go soft on the eyes and cheeks and bold on my lips using just one product. Very useful ti those on-the-go!" - Randz Manucom, Fashion EditorSHOP HERE
"The menthol on this product is very noticeable—while I enjoy it, some people might not prefer it. It's not particularly plumping but it does, instead, give your lips some comfort with its cooling effect. It's a soft formula so the glide is very smooth but that also means that the packaging can easily get messy. Overall, it's great if you want a really minty lip balm that has a dash of color and shine." - Chin Ann Obiedo, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"This product was a pleasant surprise! Tints can be notoriously hard to blend, too pigmented, or strip your lips of moisture. But this one is lightweight, hydrating, and just the right amount of color when you first apply it, then leaves an even tint when the glossy layer fades." - Chin Ann Obiedo, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"Color payoff is great and long-lasting. This will last you awhile because you only need to apply a bit to get that ideal flush." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"One of the best tinted lip balms I tried from this batch. It leaves a flattering and pigmented tint as promised! The shade 'Bloom' is a deep rouge. I can see myself wearing this during nighttime because I don't usually reach out for budgeproof lip products when the day is about to end. This lip product is for girls who don't like the hassle of removing budge-proof lip products at night!" - Carla Buyo, Fashion Associate SHOP HERE
"Hydrating, non-sticky, and looks very pretty when applied on top of a matte lip product. Not too much of a fan of the fruity scent, though." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty Writer SHOP HERE
"An outstanding, nourishing, and moisturizing product. It performs like a high-end tinted lip oil. It's leaves lips moisturized the whole time and the color is good on its own or on top of your lip liner." - Olivia Estrada, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"For a cream multi-use product, its formula is more or less ideal for where you'd want to use it: not too creamy that it would melt off your eyelids, not too budge-proof that it would be difficult to blend on your cheeks. You also get a lot of product for what you're paying for." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"I tested the mettle of this product during a spin class. I liked how smoothly the ink goes onto the eyelid and the precision that the dual tips offer—perfect if you're going for a winged cat eye. It does break down a bit when you sweat, so make sure you set it for a more budge-proof look." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"The watery formula has major stain power. It gives my lips a natural, just-bitten color but makes them look a bit warmer and bigger if I overline." - Red Dimaandal, Managing Editor SHOP HERE
"This controversial product won me over when I discovered how to properly apply it. After moisturizing my skin with either colorless or tinted moisturizer, I apply SPF and then I immediately apply the blush and blend seamlessly. It gives off that perfect, natural flush—as if you just ran 5 kilometers on the treadmill!" - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty EditorSHOP HERE
"Seamless and perfecting indeed! Don't let its watery consistency fool you—it has superb coverage abilities and glides onto your skin effortlessly. I am obsessed with how long-lasting it is too. Not to mention it has a beautiful bottle!" - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty EditorSHOP HERE
"I was skeptical at first because green concealers can be tricky for someone who doesn't have color correctors on her beauty rotation. The few times I've tried this kind of product that's supposed to help cancel out redness and help conceal a pimple, the green hue is always so obvious on the face even when you blend it, set, and complete your base. But I'm happy to be proven wrong by this one! It's easy to use and the white-based green really helps in giving it a seamless blend. The formula is thin and lightweight but very effective in covering up a zit. It's good to know that I'm no longer intimidated by green color-correctors and I use it almost everyday!" - Chin Ann Obiedo, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"I sadly have both redness on my cheeks and some dark circles that have purplish/blue hues under my eyes. This concealer is love at first try. A few dabs were all I needed to instantly see my undereye area brightened and color corrected!" - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty EditorSHOP HERE
"The soft focus effect this has is quite nice and unique as we don't see that happen too often these days because it isn't a trend. Happy Skin has always been consistently amazing with its formulas, and this buildable, velvety product is no exception." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"You know how when you want to touch up your makeup in the middle of the day but don't want to add too much product yet again? This is your savior. It allows for makeup refreshes minus the cake-y finish that regular powders tend to give. Pack it in your day bag and look great all day long!" - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty Editor SHOP HERE
"One of the best products from this brand! It almost gives your skin a wet look, a sheen not a shimmer. You can use a brush or your fingers to apply the product and it'll still look ethereal. It's very hard to overdo which is high praise for a highlighting product!" - Chin Ann Obiedo, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"The finely milled powder delivers quite a bit of impact, and the gradient effect upon application was something I enjoyed working with. The founder herself mentioned that it lasts even longer when you layer it over a liquid or cream blush, and I'm happy to report that it does work wonders." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty Writer SHOP HERE
"My favorite thing about this product is the provision to turn it into a keyring or bag charm. Not only does it make for a cure accessory, but it’ll also be an easy reach for reapplication—which you’ll need to do quite often given it has little staying power. You’ll have to layer it on to achieve some decent colour, which might be detrimental because there is a scent and a sort of flavor that might not fly with some users. I do like the texture, though; it sits nicely on the lips and isn’t sticky. It’s a nice enough lip glass, but not something you absolutely need to have." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"Super fun lip balm to own! I see this as what you would bring to a party for touchups or extra hydration because it’s pretty and compact. I love how it looks upon opening the tube. I like how it looks and feels on the lips, too: sheer and glittery. It’s just more of the want type of lip balm than a need, hence the score. But nothing against it at all; I personally really like it." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"I keep reaching for this product the moment I first used it. The thinness of the pencil gives you the right strokes to fill in and define your brows, the spoolie at the end helps shape, brush your brows, and blend the product with your brow hairs. It lasts all day and is beginner friendly." - Olivia Estrada, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"I wouldn't reach for this to help make my makeup last longer. I reach for this as quick refresher during a road trip or a long work day when your skin feels dry. The aloe vera scent is just right, it adds to the "perk-me-up" feeling." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"The Spotlight Hydra Tint lives up to its name, delivering hydration with a beautiful tint that enhances your lips. Unlike many tints, it keeps your lips smooth and minimizes the appearance of fine lines. The shade Soak is particularly flattering on lighter-skinned Filipinas, offering a soft, light-red hue that looks natural yet radiant. What’s more, the formula is buildable, allowing you to easily adjust the intensity to achieve your desired lip color. With an added sweet scent, this tint provides a lovely, sensorial experience that makes it a pleasure to wear." - Randz Manucom, Fashion EditorSHOP HERE
"I was pleasantly surprised by this product. I took it along with me to the gym because I had an event to attend after, and not much time to prepare. It went on easily enough, but you do have to build it up a bit because it only provides about light to medium coverage at most. I do like its skin-like finish, though, and while it will break down over time, it's a good compact to have in your purse. Really nice for "regular day" use." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"As someone who wears eyeshadow daily, this innovation from Strokes Beauty Lab has got to be one of my dresser's newest staples! I literally just dab it on with my fingers, blend and smudge as I please. I sometimes layer it with other shades or a shimmery variant to create depth. Everyone has to have this!" - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty EditorSHOP HERE
"Because this product is silicone-based and oil-free, it dries down easily so you have to go in with your sponge or brush to make sure it lays out evenly. I felt weird about letting it sit on my face at first because I could actually "feel" that I had foundation on. There was a semblance of tightness as well in the beginning, but it eventually wore off. It's a good foundation for long days and nights because your face will hardly budge. Once I got over the initial heebiejeebies, I learned to like it. Not a fomula I would reach for frequently—this may not be ideal for dry skin types—but definitely something I'd like to have on the shelf. " - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"Highly pigmented and quick to set, this is a blush meant for long days ahead. You don't need much to get the desired colour payoff, and you most likely won't need to reapply because it stays on for hours." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"The formula is quite good. I enjoyed the instant minty feel as soon as I swiped it on, and the plumping effect really does come into play almost immediately. My only gripe is with the packaging because it can get quite messy. The product is in a non retractable matte tube, so you have to be careful not to twist up too much because you'll end up getting stuck with so much product exposed, which can be troublesome when you close it or if you want to keep it neat." - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"This foundation has got to be one of the best formulas I've ever tried. Coverage is superior, application is seamless, and staying power is 100%. It has pro makeup artist Albert Kurniawan's standards stamped all over it—so we know we're in good hands!" - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty EditorSHOP HERE
"I found myself relying on this hardworking concealer the entire year—and that means something! It has an amazing ability to cover up blemishes, dark spots, and whatnot, without the need for reapplication. An affordable pick and a truly awesome beauty find for Filipino skin!" - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty EditorSHOP HERE
"I love the ultrafine texture of this product--it layered over foundation seamlessly without looking chalky or heavy. It also worked nicely under the eyes,helping to prevent concealer from creasing." - Red Dimaandal, Managing EditorSHOP HERE"This product is perfect if you want a comfortable matte. It gives great color pay off and applies evenly on the lips. No notes!" - Chin Ann Obiedo, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"Anothe product from Vice Co that proves why it is a social media favorite. This product promises a long-wearing wash of color, even after its dried down. It's full pigment and doesn't feather on your lips. On its own, it is the that effortless color on your lips that needs minimal re-application. I like using this under lipstick as "insurance" - Olivia Estrada, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
SKINCARE
"I love its cloud-like texture that forms a moisturizing film on my skin. This product helped restore normal moisture levels on my skin, as it has the ability to deeply penetrate into the deep layers of the skin. It has Ceramide and Hyaluronic Acid, both powerhouses for hydration." - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty Editor SHOP HERE
"We love a good collagen-boosting cream. This product has a truly creamy texture that's non-greasy and nourishing. It instantly relieves dryness too but as for skin elasticity, results aren't immediate just yet." - Randz Manucom, Fashion Editor SHOP HERE
"The Ellana Calm Down AHA+BHA Acne Spot Gel did a great job of calming down a big pimple I had. It’s soothing and effective in reducing redness and inflammation, making it a good spot treatment. I wouldn’t use it all over my face, though, as I prefer more targeted treatments for acne. If you're looking for something to treat stubborn spots without irritating your skin, this gel is worth a try!" - Raff Colmenar, Art Director SHOP HERE
"I never thought I'd like a sunscreen stick this much but I do! This formula by blk applies smoothly and seamlessly on skin and gives a sheer wash of color to bring life to your face! This is perfect for no-makeup or beach days!" - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty Editor SHOP HERE
"Sometimes, simpler is better, and EB ended up with a hero product because of it. Our skin barrier does go through some serious wear and tear because of how and where we live, so a barrier cream as a final step to seal everything in is ideal. I like how weightless this felt and how there was hardly any scent. I used it before bedtime and woke up to skin that still felt nice and moisturized first thing in the morning." - Red Dimaandal, Managing EditorSHOP HERE
"This sunscreen was designed with skincare as well as layering in mind. It's lightweight, fragrance-free and has no white cast. Definitely a dreamy base under makeup!" - Red Dimaandal, Managing EditorSHOP HERE
"Let's face it: Not everyone can afford expensive skin tightening treatments in beauty clinics. It's a good thing there are local brands that innovate and provide alternatives for those keen on doing an extra step at home. This Microcurrent Device gives a V-shaped face with regular use, reduces facial puffiness, and even enhances the absorption of your skincare products!" - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty EditorSHOP HERE
"This has got to be one of my absolute favorite finds for 2024. I love a good mist midday and this can liven up my makeup and hydrate my face instantly. It has a lovely scent, and is also a great companion to the beach." - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty EditorSHOP HERE
"A comforting, caring 2 in 1 product that I don't mind adding to my weekly skincare routine. The scrub isn't rough on the skin, but it gives you that extra-clean feeling. Something to consider on weeks you've skipped on a facial or two, or after days of wearing makeup so you can have a clean slate." - Olivia Estrada, Contributing Beauty WriterSHOP HERE
"If you're looking to add more hydration to your skin, this Resveratrol+Edelweiss-infused formula may just be your answer! We love putting it on our skin and following it up with a facial massage or a good gua sha session! Oh, the glow!" - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty EditorSHOP HERE
"The Sunnies Face Dream Serum is a gentle and lightweight option for anyone looking for a simple, everyday serum. It absorbs quickly and feels refreshing on the skin, making it a nice addition to your skincare routine. While I didn’t notice a dramatic change in my skin, it left my face feeling smooth and hydrated, which is always a plus." - Raff Colmenar, Art DirectorSHOP HERE
BODY CARE & FRAGRANCE
"Ever since this brand came into the market, we've been in love with its formula—vegan, 14-free, quick drying, and long-lasting! It has a brush that's shaped to cover more in one swipe. This particular collection called 'Melt With You' is inspired by ice cream flavors in yummy shades." - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty Editor SHOP HERE
"I'm a big fan of body lotions, perhaps 'cause it's something my dad taught me to practice as a child. No to dry skin, ever! Human Nature does a great job at creating body lotions that are easily a shoo-in for my bathroom closet. This one has a pleasant scent and protects my skin's barrier. A true winner." - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty Editor SHOP HERE
"I love using this when I feel like my skin needs a deep clean and scrub. Shaped like a volcano, it has amazing natural ingredients like Pili Butter that help detoxify your skin after just one use. This should be a staple in your shower!" - Kate Paras-Santiago, Beauty Editor SHOP HERE
"It's an easy to wear and easy to like fragrance—a little too delicate for my personal tastes, but definitely a crowd pleaser. What I liked the most is that the lychee top note pops out at first spritz; there is a uniqueness to it in that sense. It doesn't last very long as well, so you'll have to carry it in your bag to respritz—which isn't a chore at all because the bottle is nicely sized. Plus, it comes with a little charm!" - MJ Jose, Contributing Beauty Writer SHOP HERE
Stay tuned for more of #MetroBeautyAwards2024!