Some of our most trusted beauty guys and gals weigh in
One of the great things about BeautyMNL is the community of genuinely interested, open-minded and uninhibited beauty girls and guys it has created. It’s one that encourages members to participate in honest conversation surrounding the stuff on the site: Is a product effective? You’ll know the who’s, what’s, when’s, where’s, how’s and why’s of it all. Is a product disappointing? You’ll be warned just the same.
These illuminating online reviews, where certified buyers get their own verified badge along with an edge on the platform, have the power to influence your purchasing decision regardless of the fact that they’re written by absolute strangers.
Still, there’s nothing quite like a good word put in by a trusted acquaintance. Nothing beats the recommendation by a long-established beauty aficionado who, like you, has no problem scouring the far reaches of the internet just to make sure their one purchase counts and that it isn’t merely hype they’re buying into. Besides, there’s comfort in knowing there’s a (clear, healthy, glowing) face to go with the name in that review. That here is a guarantee.
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Ahead, one quick scroll through the absolute best of the best on BeautyMNL (versus skimming through the best sellers’ pages where several misses still exist among the hits). As tried, tested and repurchased products by some of our most trusted beauty guys and gals, we know these are the real deal:
Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam
Claim to fame: A pore-tightening cleansing foam for shine-free, clear skin
INNISFREE Jeju Volcanic Pore Cleansing Foam, P450
Loved by beauty girl: Kara Gozali
Skin type: Combination
How this got on her radar: Recommended by a friend
A fave because: “I feel its deep cleansing abilities. Even my brother who has sensitive, acne-prone skin loves it!”
Only con: “It can make your skin feel a bit dry afterwards [so follow up with a hydrating essence or serum]”
Has been using this item for: Two years
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid
Claim to fame: A nighttime pore-clearing treatment that helps removes whiteheads
COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid, P850
Loved by beauty girl: Tara Cabullo
Skin type: Combination
Swears by this for: Gentle exfoliation
A word of caution: “For any acid product, minimize sun exposure after application.”
Has been using this item for: 1 ½ years
Other favorite best sellers: COSRX Galactomyces Toner and Banila Co. Clean It Zero
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Dewytree Ultra Vitalizing Snail Serum
Claim to fame: A nourishing snail essence that softens, smoothens and restores skin
DEWYTREE Ultra Vitalizing Snail Serum, P1,499
Loved by beauty girl: Alex Lara
Skin Type: Oily
Skin concerns that this targets: Pigmentation from acne scars, uneven skin texture and problems with moisture retention
Application: “I apply it after using a hydrating toner and then pat gently onto my skin.”
Notes for first-time users: “It might not be for everyone texture-wise. It tends to feel sticky after initial application. Also, it leaves a shiny sheen once it gets absorbed into the skin. It might not be ideal for people who don't like a glow-y look.”
Has been using this item for: Almost one year
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion
Claim to fame: A moisturizing lotion for oily, acne-prone skin
COSRX Oil-Free Ultra-Moisturizing Lotion, P1,040
Loved by beauty girl: Cessi Treñas
Skin type: Combination
How this got on her radar: “For Korean skincare, I make sure to read up on product reviews before I leave on trips to Korea so I know which items to buy and try out. After purchasing them on my trips, I repurchase via BeautyMNL if I find that they work for me!”
A fave because: “My skin type is oily/combination but gets very oily on warm days. CosRX moisturizer definitely addressed this and is able to hydrate my skin while keeping oiliness at bay.”
Tip for application: Pile on a little more product on areas that might be drier than the rest of the face
Has been using this item for: One year
V&M Naturals CPC+G Oil
Claim to fame: An “it”-whitening oil treatment that blends four miracle ingredients
V&M NATURALS CPC+G Oil, P350
Loved by beauty girl: Elisa Aquino
Skin type: Dry
Where she gets her beauty tips, tricks and hacks: YouTube videos and Soko Glam, others through Instagram skin care accounts
Skin transformation: Lightening of acne scars
Swears by this because: Effective and affordable
Has been using this item for: One year
Also loves: Sage & Tera The Aftermask Face Mist, Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch and Son & Park Beauty Water
Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask
Claim to fame: A smart 3-in-1 product that can be used as a sleeping pack, a daily moisturizer, or a skincare booster
DEAR KLAIRS Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask, P1,410
Loved by beauty guy: JL Crespo
Skin type: Combination
On his first time use: “It was sent to me for review via my skincare microblog @allthings.skin on Instagram.”
What won him over: “Some dark spots lightened up quicker than usual with the help of this mask!”
Major takeaway: Vitamin E is best paired with products that have Vitamin C
How he applies it: “This is the last step of my nighttime skincare routine; I use it to lock in all the previous products I’ve applied. It’s also great if you mix your fave serum/ampoule with this for an extra boost.”
Has been using this item for: More than a month
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Skin Revolution Tea Tree Acne Spot Oil
Claim to Fame: A natural, anti-acne remedy made with tea tree oil
SKIN REVOLUTION Tea Tree Acne Spot Oil (10ml), P325
Loved by beauty girl: Sarah Santiago
Skin type: Combination
Skin concern addressed by this: “Top of mind would be a more natural and safer way of keeping sporadic acne attacks at bay through tea tree oil.”
Typical application: “I apply TTO to both surface-level and cystic acne at the onset, once dry, I put the COSRX pimple patch.”
Word of advice for first-time users: “Patience is a virtue. DO NOT POP THAT PIMPLE.”
Has been using this item for: Less than a year
Also loves: Vaseline Intensive Care Spray Moisturizer Essential Healing, COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch, Innisfree Jeju Volcanic Blackhead 3 Step Program and Nature Republic Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel Mist
RELATED: Beauty Lessons From Beauty Girl Mich Sancianco
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid
Claim to fame: A pore-clearing treatment that helps removes blackheads
COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, P990
Loved by beauty girl: Rousselle Pantua
Skin type: Combination
How this got on her radar: Recommended by friends
Skin transformation: “I feel like my face is naturally brighter and I produce less sebum resulting to minimized blackhead production! Woot!”
Swears by this because: “COSRX delivers on its promise by lessening my black heads and it's a painless and simple process.”
Notes for first-time users: “Try the product very sparingly at first (maybe try without the cotton pad for less friction, then apply only twice a week) and don’t forget to use sunblock since it causes the skin to be photosensitive.”
Has been using this item for: Nine months
To tie this all together, we highlight one other great thing about BeautyMNL: next-day delivery.
Art Alexandra Lara.