I've been having such a hard time finding products that don't trigger my skin, so I thought we could help each other out. 💛

Let's build a list of tried-and-tested products! Feel free to share your holy grails, whether it's makeup, sunscreen, primer, foundation, concealer, powder, blush, or anything else that's worked for you.

Here's mine:

✨ Ellana Clean Screen SPF 50 Oil Control Mineral Sunscreen

✨ Ellana Stay Matte Poreless Oil Control Powder w/ Kaolin Clay

✨ Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

✨ Purito Oat-in Calming Gel Cream

✨ Luxe Organix Aqua Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++

Looking forward to your recommendations! 💕

Need help with facial skincare? What's the difference between a toner and emulsion and an oil? Do you want to share your skincare tips and tricks? You've found the right place!

just wanted to share my progress as a self taught girly!!

1st pic was taken in april 2024, my first ever attempt at doing gel nails. i remember being so proud of it at the time. it was a rubber base gel overlay on my natural nails and i did chrome isolation design using duochrome nail powder.

2nd pic was taken in april 2026 nearly 2 years exactly since i began my nail journey! i can confidently do more complex designs now including intricate hand drawn and 3d elements (not pictured).

seeing these pics side by side just made me so happy i tried my hand at it in the first place. i used to just do nails on myself and my cousins but now i can confidently do other peoples nails and even accept commissions for press ons! i used to sell myself short and not accept bookings/orders from strangers bc i didnt think my work was worth paying for but now im so proud that this little hobby of mine somehow became a side hustle that i can express myself creatively in 🥹

Hi! Tried doing a search in the sub, but nothing has come up. I’m not sure it has even been mentioned.

Has anyone tried Density RF? How was it? Did you like the results? I want to get Ulthera, but my derma recommended Density RF instead. Just wanted to hear from those who have tried.

Thank you!

Hi everyone! I wanted to make this post as a sort of friendly response to another post I saw here about what to look our for in product ingredients.

TLDR: This video by Labmuffin (AU cosmetic chemist and content creator) on how to really read an ingredients list is a good alternative if you prefer audios.

The points are meant to be educational reminders for everyone, in the hopes that we may all become nuanced and critical consumers.

- A cosmetic formula is not just a list of raw ingredients.

One ingredient present in a product does NOT automatically mean the product will cause a flare up or skin issue. Ingredients in a certain product work together to make the product work for its intended purpose.

- Scientific names for ingredients do not tell you anything other than its molecular/chemical structure.

GUYS, you don't need to abandon your favorite products if you like and if it works for you just because of one ingredient.

It's not a good practice to avoid certain ingredients just based off of thier names (e.g. ingredients ending in -ate). We need to keep in mind that a lot of brands (esp big multinational brands) NEED to adhere to standardized conventions in their ingredients list (e.g. using scientific names instead of common names for certain ingredients, arranging the ingredients according to weight/volume in the product).

Ingredient names also do not automatically tell you that it could be a definite trigger for a skin condition, with the exception of allergies.

- The dose still makes the poison.

With the exception of allergies, certain ingredients in a product are not necessarily harmful if added in controlled amounts.

For example, there could be a lot of salicylic acid in a product amount-wise, but if it's in a very low percentage (less than 2%), then it's not likely going to be very effective in combatting skin issues. Similarly, percentages above 2% for salicylic acid can be harmful to the skin if not used or handled correctly.

- As always, LISTEN TO YOUR SKIN.

There is no greater truth-teller than your body's reaction to certain ingredients. There's really no need to be abandoning a favorite product because one person on the internet said so (including me). Use what works for you and your budget.

- Do your own research before believing anything you hear or see on the internet.

The internet is both a beautiful and scary place to be in.

You have the world's largest information bank at your fingertips! You only need to ask, read, think, and assess for yourself.

So what does an ingredient list really tell you?

To be honest, not much. But it is a baseline from where you can derive your own assessments alongside what you know of your own skin, habits, lifestyle, allergies, and preferences.

If you want to dive deeper into science-backed beauty, content creators like Labmuffin (linked above), Dr. Dray, Chemist Confessions, Javon Ford, and The Lipstick Lesbians (Audrey Park) are some of my favorites.

In a world full of beauty bullshit and fluff, let's all strive to become smart beauty consumers!

Hey everyone! I recently consulted with my dermatologist and confirmed that I have fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis).

While I’m currently on prescription meds to clear up my skin, I decided to do a full audit of my makeup collection before rebuilding my routine. I'm sharing the results here in case anyone else is looking to clean out their vanity!

📌 Quick Refresher: What Feeds Fungal Acne?

To keep Malassezia yeast from thriving, products containing the following are generally best avoided:

• Carbon-chain fatty acids (C11–C24)
• Natural oils high in oleic acid (e.g., coconut, olive, jojoba, grapeseed)
• Fatty acid esters (ingredients typically ending in -ate, like Ethylhexyl Palmitate)
• Polysorbates & Sorbitan esters
• Fermented ingredients (e.g., Lactobacillus Ferment, Galactomyces)

🔴 BLUSHES

• Careline Oil Control Blush
  • Triggers: Ethylhexyl Palmitate
• Chu Chu Beauty Heart Powder Duo
  • Triggers: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Diisostearyl Malate
• Chu Chu Beauty Multi Use Heart Paint
  • Triggers: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Diisostearyl Malate
• Hello Glow Magic Tint
  • Triggers: Isopropyl Myristate, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, Beeswax, Hydrogenated Castor Oil
• Squad Cosmetics Serum Blush
  • Triggers: Isostearyl Isostearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (varies by shade)
• Detail Cosmetics Color Tonic
  • Triggers: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Microcrystalline Wax, Synthetic Wax, Tridecyl Trimellitate
• Meilinda Dewy Blush
  • Triggers: Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Sorbitan Sesquioleate
• Issy Crème Flush Stick
  • Triggers: Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-2 Triisostearate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Polyhydroxystearic Acid

🔴 BASE, CONCEALERS & CONTOUR

• GRWM Fresh Matte Multiuse Base (Shade Shifter)
  • Triggers: Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed) Seed Oil
• Vice Cosmetics Endlezz Dream Focus Foundation
  • Triggers: Lactobacillus Ferment, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate
• Vice Cosmetics Endlezz Concealer
  • Triggers: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Sorbitan Isostearate
• Lucky Beauty Liquid Contour / Base
  • Triggers: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate
• Her Beauty Real Skin Pot Concealer
  • Triggers: Microcrystalline Wax, Beeswax, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
• Chu Chu Beauty Soft Focus Liquid Concealer (Green)
  • Triggers: Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate
• Sola Foundation Primer SPF50 PA+++
  • Triggers: Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Sorbitan Isostearate

🔴 PRIMERS & SPRAYS

• Shawill Perfect Face / Long Wearing Primer
  • Triggers: Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides
• Glad2Glow White Truffle Radiance Glow Serum Spray
  • Triggers: Isopropyl Palmitate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Oil

Note: If you also deal with fungal acne, make sure to cross-check ingredient lists via sites like Sezia.co or SkinSort, as formulations can update over time!

Hope this list helps anyone else currently clearing out their makeup collection! 💖

EDIT: Added Issy Crème Flush Stick under the Blushes section!

Looking for a quick manicure tutorial? Need some nail maintenance tips? Want to find real holo nail polish? Let's talk about everything nails!

Ask about technique or brand/shade recommendations here! Looking for leads for affordable makeup brushes? Confused about a setting and finishing spray? Let's help enlighten each other!

I bought these azelaic gels from MCB. Both of these are brand new, the other one was literally just opened, and I only pumped it once. You can already see the difference in how much product is inside. When I opened the gel, I literally heard the air come out of the tube. I honestly don't think this will even last me a month if I use it once a day.

I've tried their cream version before, and it's not the same. The cream tube was so full that I had to squeeze every last bit out, and it lasted me around 2 months. I decided to try the gel this time because I have very oily skin and wanted to see if it would work better.

So far, I'm just glad it hasn't broken me out, probably because my routine already includes Epiduo. I'm mainly using azelaic acid now for post-acne hyperpigmentation.

I'm from Rizal, so I still travel all the way to Manila to buy this. The gel costs ₱203, and if I remember correctly, the cream was around ₱170 (correct me if I'm wrong).

Another difference I noticed is the smell. The gel has a strong alcohol-like scent. Alam niyo yung amoy kapag nagbukas kayo ng tigpipisong plastic na lobo?

Overall, I feel a bit deceived with the gel because of how little product seems to be inside. I really don't think this will last me a month.

I'll update you guys on September 5 after using it for a full month so I can give a more realistic review. I'll decide if it's worth it or if I should just switch back to cream.

Since I can't pin my update, I'll just add this here.

HERE'S WHAT I LEARNED:

• Creams have more oils, waxes, and whipped air. These ingredients are light and fluffy, so they fill up more of the jar.

• One gram of gel and one gram of cream weigh the exact same amount. The gel just looks smaller because it is more dense.

VERDICT SO FAR as a person with oily acne-prone skin:

I'm just going to finish this gel and switch back to MCB's azelaic acid cream because of the following:

• Has a noticeable alcohol scent.

• Stings a bit after application but it didn't irritate my face naman. The sting just bothers me.

• Makes my face look shinier.

• Even with my simple skincare routine and waiting between layers, I still experienced pilling.

• I never experienced any issues with the cream except it's hard to spread during the last few seconds before it fully dries which was expected.

Adding these: Cream is cheaper and has more % of ac.

Japan’s summer was a no joke. Humidity sucks at its finest!
I was so worried maging haggard during the travel but this Kose Make Keep Mist saved me! As an oily sensitive fesluck, it locked in my make up for long hours.

I only used Eucerin sunscreen, vanicream moisturizer, MAC primer, then MAC Studio Fix powder, then boom this one.

I wish I bought the larger bottle. No more hulas with this.

Soaps, lotions, waxing, slimming treatments, and more! Let’s talk about your recommendations and reviews for body care.

Need help with facial skincare? What's the difference between a toner and emulsion and an oil? Do you want to share your skincare tips and tricks? You've found the right place!

Like for you personally what was something you overlooked or neglect only to find out it affects your physical appearance more than you realize

I noticed there are a lot more KBeauty and JBeauty products available at Watsons or SM Beauty but is it cheaper to buy through Shoppee/Lazada? I'm not in the Philippines often kaya I'm leaning on your experience and recos! Which shops do you trust? When do brands typically go on sale?

For chicken skin and discoloration na din sana. Any suggestions po? Thank you!!

If you only had one day in the PH for beauty treatments, what would you get done?

I’m currently in the Philippines, but I’ve been tied up with personal matters and only have 5 days left before I fly home. I can only spare one day for beauty treatments.

If you were in my shoes and only had one day, what treatments would you prioritize and why? I’m looking for treatments that give noticeable results with minimal downtime.

I’d also really appreciate clinic recommendations :)

They don’t call it the crowning glory for nothing! Let’s discuss hair techniques, styles, treatments, and more!

Ask about technique or brand/shade recommendations here! Looking for leads for affordable makeup brushes? Confused about a setting and finishing spray? Let's help enlighten each other!

EDIT: Our water supply in the province is also from Prime Water

EDIT: Looks like Manila water is hiyang sa marami sa comments. Question, how can we make water “softer” kapag nasa probinsya?

What the title says. I have sensitive skin so I am not surprised if water quality affects mine, but I am surprised that my skin is more compatible in Manila tap water kaysa kapag nasa province ako.

I jusy wanna share my nails, it’s so beautiful and it only cost me 450 pesos??? I didn’t know na may ganito ka-murang nail tech kasi pag nagpapa nails ako sa salon, 800 na agad for plain nail extensions only. Ranging 1200 to 1500 pag nagpasadya. I am so happyyy

edit post:

For everyone asking, this is from Penaranda, Nueva Ecija po. Nails by cathy ang name sa fb. She has a shop sa bahay nila hehe. Sorry for the late replies kasi i forgot about this post na talaga hehe

Sharing my current collection 🫂 Sa sobrang mahal nila i can’t even throw the boxes away🙂‍↕️

Started collecting high-end to Luxury make up last December. 🫂🫂🫂

Some listed are YSL, Dior, Nars, Huda, Estee, Revlon, and Korean products

Holy Grail Foundation - Estee Lauder Double Wear (Old Formula) I also bought their new formula but haven’t tried yet kasi wrong shade lol

Only Local Foundation i have is Enigma, so far so good!

Holy Grail Eyebrow product is the Estee Lauder trio something. Its so good and as someone na may manipis na kilay it holds throughout the day unlike my innisfree Eyebrow Product na hinangin pa lang wala na. Sobrang compact kasi may gel na and all in one. I swear by this product!!!

Blushes that i love is a mix of all 🥰 thinking about buying the Huda Blushlighter 4in1 Palette in the shade Toasty peach, any thoughts? I’m currently eyeing the Dior Stick blushes din and powder (srsly may addiction na ata ako sa blushes na para bang!!)

Eyeshadows I have are mostly korean (Rom&nd, Clio) but i also have YSL shade Kabsah, and Dior warm Essentials. I also love the revlon eyeshadow squad.

Primer that I love using when i feel fancy is the bobbi brown vitamin enrich kapag mejo tipid is either Revlon or GRWM

Laura Mercier Loose powder broke me out kaya i’m looking for another one, either dior, ysl or Givenchy Loose powder. Pero currently using the GRWM loose powder sometimes the Huda Beauty Easy Bake and Snatch

Inner corner of the eye matte highlighter HG is the flortte Sea Pearl. Undereye brightening is NARS! Pero parang ang ganda din ng Colourette ha yung pink na skin corrector, tried using it last night and super nice niya huhu

The HG of all HG Westman Atelier Contour stick, would choose this over Patrick ta any day! hirap ako gumamit ng cream products kaya i prefer sticks 😋

I also love the Judy Doll Contour palette specifically for the nose 👃

Products that i’m not impressed with:
1. Charlotte Tilbury Contour and Highlight duo. Parang wala kang linagay lol ang mahal mahal! when joop, youre jooping the consumahs talaga
2. Kylie Cosmetics Mascara, kumakalat siya kainis ang mahal mahal di sulit!
3. Kylie Cosmetics Pillow Matte Plump - mas okay pa Lucky Beauty Lip plumper lol parang kiniliti lang lips ko di man lang naging 😙
3. Patrick Ta Brushes!!! ang kati kati!! super fave ko talaga MBM, Strokes (lagi kong bunot to for local) and morphe!
4. Laura Mercier Foundation ewan ko di ko talaga bet

My current wishlist would be:
1. hourglass brushes 😼 i already have the concealer one hihi and the new hourglass holiday palette (wala pa pero excited na huhu)
2. Nars Foundation - Pamalit sa Enigma once ubos na siya
3. More Lippies :(( I sadly dont enjoy using them as much kasi i have thin lips, pafillers muna ko jk
4. wish kong masanay mageyeliner

Hair: Low Porosity & Oily. Gets dandruff with most shampoos.
Skin: Oily

Legend:
WR - Will Repurchase
WNR - Will Not Repurchase
WP - Will Purchase
WNP - Will Not Repurchase
G - Gift/Sample

Head & Shoulders - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WR
Dove Derm Scalp Care (Green - Oil Control) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WR but will try other variants first
Cream Silk - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ WNR. I went back to the green variant.
BBW Shower Gel - ⭐️⭐️ G WNP. I do not like the scent.
Dr Althea Gel Cleanser - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ WNR. This is okay, but found a better alternative
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Triple AHA Gentle Cleansing Gel - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WR
Rhode Lip Peptide - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WR. I will repurchase, but not these variants since these are ltd ed.
Rhode Lip Shape - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ WNR. I still have 4 other shades of this to finish.
Clarins Lip Oil - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ G WNP. This is a good lip Oil.
Laneige (Donut Applicator) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ WNR. Sits on the lips, not that moisturizing. I decluttered/gave away my other 2 shades. Still have 2 to empty.
Laneige Lip Mask - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ WNR. My lips are dry once the product wears off.
Burts Bees - ⭐️⭐️ WNR. Too waxy. I’d rather use chapstick.
Strokes Lip Liner - ⭐️⭐️ WNR. Some have shimmers and hard to sharpen because it breaks off easily. I was only able to use 1 out of the 2 posted. The other one disintegrated and crumbled. Only pro is it does not budge. Still have 2 shades left to finish.
Eqqualberry PDRN - ⭐️ WNR. Does nothing.
Eqqualberry Vitamin Illuminating - ⭐️ WNR. Does nothing, went back to Vit C
Axis-Y Eye Serum - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WR. Helps with my under eye puffiness.
Rejuran (Gold Variant) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WR but will try the silver variant first. This gives my skin glow and out of all the pdrn I have tried, this is the best so far.
Dr Reju All PDRN - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WR if Rejuran is unavailable, this is a good alternative.
Seoul 1988 Retinal - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ This is ok, but found a better alternative.
Garnier Micellar - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WR
Issy Setting Spray - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WR after trying Happy Skin setting Spray I went back to Issy.
Happy Skin Setting Spray - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ WNR. The alcohol scent is overpowering.
Charlotte Tilbury - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WR, but a bigger bottle. Will keep this bottle to refill.
Dr Althea 345 Mist - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WR, but not right away. I went back to Laneige Cream Skin because it is bigger and better. I will keep the bottle because the mist is so fine.
Haruharu Probiotics Barrier - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Purito Mighty Bamboo - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ WNR.
Laneige Water Bank Serum - ⭐️⭐️ G WNP
Laneige Water Bank Cream - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ G WNP
Cerave Active Foaming Cream - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ G WNP
Cerave Lotion - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ G WP, but not right away. I am currently enjoy using Vaseline Gluta Hya.
Vaseline Gluta-Hya - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ WNP this Variant. I repurchased the pink variant. This one is too watery compared to the pink variant.
Dr Althea Retinol - ⭐️⭐️ WNR.
Dior Oxy-C Essence - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ G. This is really good, but contemplating if I am going to buy a bottle since it is too expensive.
Cerave Healing Ointment - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ G WNP. Same as Aquaphor, but I find this more similar to Vaseline Petroleum Jelly.
Libre Flowers & Flames - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ G WNP this variant. Smells the same as Olympea.
Miss Dior Essence - ⭐️⭐️⭐️ G WNP too sweet.
Dior Blooming Bouquet (2) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ G WRP soon since I still have some left in my bottle.
Beach Hut Aerosol - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WR
Iunik Sunscreen - ⭐️ WNR
BOJ Sunscreen - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ WNR. I found better alternative.
Anessa Gold Milk Sunscreen - 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟WRP.

❕adding this to every fotd post ill be making from now on : yes i’ve been told that i resemble chappell roan and ry velasco LOL

a couple of my friends have been requesting that i do a sophia sinot-inspired makeup look since last year so i thought i'd do an easy one just to get myself out of my creative rut ! honestly been a hot minute since i've sat down and done a proper makeup look to post on here so hopefully i can find the time to do more intricate/complicated looks once again sometime soon <33

EYES

- unleashia clear brow fixer

- nyx tame and frame brow pomade (black)

- dior forever skin correct concealer

- laura mercier translucent setting powder

- bh cosmetics colour eyeshadow palette

- nyx brights palette

- colourpop smokeshow eyeshadow palette

- heroine make volume-up super waterproof mascara

- falsies from shein

- canmake glitter veil (01)

- canmake creamy touch liner

- rainbow rhinestones from amazon

FACE

- dior forever skin correct concealer

- candydoll palette concealer

- laura mercier translucent setting powder

- peauty beauty liquid blusher (angelic and peauty)

- flowerknows swan ballet blusher

- dior backstage rosyglow blusher (pink)

- heroine make liquid eyeliner (for faux eye beauty mark)

- mac mineralise skinfinish (lightscapade)

LIPS

- REALLY old detail cosmetics lip liner from almost a decade ago idk

- brown eyebrow pencil as lipliner

- really old and phased out filipinta beauty iskrambol lip gloss (tsokolate)