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Welcome to the Cosmopolitan Philippines' Hot List 2023! After spending so much time cooped up at home, we know that you're ready to *explore* the outside world. Whether you're traveling abroad or taking a road trip closer to home, we've got you covered with the best beauty products to make sure you look and feel your best on your next trip. From sun protection to lightweight makeup, over 200+ products were tried and tested to bring you this curated list of summer must-haves.
Presenting, this year's Cosmo Hot List!
SUNCARE
Best Body Sunscreen: Vaseline SPF24PA++ Sun Pollution Protection Brightening Defense Lotion
Hate heavy and sticky lotions? This one from Vaseline has a non-greasy finish so you'll love applying it even in hot weather. You can also use it as a daily body sunscreen because it has SPF24 PA++.
Vaseline SPF24PA++ Sun Pollution Protection Brightening Defense Lotion, P445
Best Sunblock: Kojie San Sun Protect SPF 69 PA+++ Body
Heading out? This sunblock from Kojie San provides broad-spectrum SPF69 sun protection without feeling malagkit. It's infused with shea butter and vitamin E to help nourish the skin. Plus, it's water-resistant—perfect for your next beach trip!
Kojie San Sun Protect SPF 69 PA+++ Body, P199
Best Lip Balm with SPF: Hello Glow Lip Balm with SPF 20
This nourishing lip balm has SPF 20 and is infused with vitamin E to keep your puckers soft, smooth, and protected.
Hello Glow Lip Balm with SPF 20, P135
Best Face Sunscreen: POND's UV Hydrate Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
If you're looking for sunscreens without a white cast, POND's UV Hydrate Sunscreen is a must-try. Its creamy formula is absorbed quickly by the skin, and it feels light and refreshing, too!
POND's UV Hydrate Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++, available soon on Lazada and Shopee
Best Tinted Sunscreen: Hello Glow Anti-Pollution Tinted Sunscreen
A *commute-friendly* lightweight base, Hello Glow's Anti-Pollution Tinted Sunscreen adapts to the color of the skin so it can work for anyone. Plus, it has SPF50+ PA+++ to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays.
Hello Glow Anti-Pollution Tinted Sunscreen, P185
SKINCARE
Best Facial Cleanser: Dove Facial Cleansing Mousse - Moisture Care
This foam cleanser lifts oil, dirt, and other impurities from your pores while leaving your skin feeling silky smooth.
Dove Facial Cleansing Mousse - Moisture Care, P115
Best Serum: Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Perfecting Serum
Cetaphil's products are known for being gentle on the skin, and this brightening serum is no different! It's fragrance-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologically tested. It helped even out our skin tone without causing breakouts.
Cetaphil Bright Healthy Radiance Perfecting Serum, P1,940
Best Moisturizer: Oxecure Acne Oil Control Moisturizer
Say goodbye to oily T-zones with this fast-absorbing gel moisturizer from Oxecure. It helps regulate sebum production (thanks to willow bark, bakuchiol, and magnolia leaf extracts) and unclog pores.
Oxecure Acne Oil Control Moisturizer, P699
Best Micellar Water: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Vitamin C
Another glow-boosting pick, this vitamin C-infused micellar water does a great job of removing makeup and impurities while brightening the skin. It's formulated without alcohol, oil, and fragrance.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water Vitamin C, P114
Best Spot Treatment: QuickFx Pimple Eraser Spot Patch
These clear pimple patches—which contain camellia sinensis leaf extract, salicylic acid, and madecassoside—work wonders in flattening *angry* zits overnight.
QuickFx Pimple Eraser Spot Patch, P349/9 patches
MAKEUP
FACE
Best Cushion Compact: Barenbliss True Beauty Inside Cushion
A few taps of this cushion compact can cover up blemishes and discolorations with ease, and it leaves the face looking fresh and dewy!
Barenbliss True Beauty Inside Cushion, P899
Best Liquid Foundation: Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation
This skincare-infused foundation provides buildable medium coverage but feels ~lightweight~. It's sweat- and water-resistant, and it has broad-spectrum UV filters to protect your skin from sun damage.
Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation, P4,200
Best Face Powder: Aivee Lumi Mineral Powder SPF
This silky, finely milled face powder gives the skin a fresh matte finish—we love using it to set our makeup!
Aivee Lumi Mineral Powder SPF, P1,499
Best Blush: Ever Bilena Pillow Pop Cream Blush
If you're a fan of no-makeup makeup looks (like us!), this cream-to-powder blush will be your new staple. Enriched with Vitamin E, it blends seamlessly into the skin, leaving you with a natural-looking flush.
Ever Bilena Pillow Pop Cream Blush, P195
Best Liquid Highlighter: Careline Glossy Glow Liquid Highlighter
This warm-toned liquid highlighter gives the complexion a glass skin-like glow!
Careline Glossy Glow Liquid Highlighter, P275
LIPS
Best Lipstick: MAC Cosmetics Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick
Blur lip lines and smoothen the lips with this moisturizing, semi-matte lipstick from MAC Cosmetics.
MAC Cosmetics Powder Kiss Velvet Blur Slim Stick, P1,600
Best Lip Tint: Dazzle Me Juicy Punch Lip Tint
Complete your "fresh lang" makeup looks with this glossy lip tint! It comes in seven pretty colors, with shades ranging from peach to pink to plum.
Dazzle Me Juicy Punch Lip Tint, P139
EYES
Best Eyebrow Pencil: Ever Bilena Shape and Set Brow Serum Duo
Scoring fuller kilay is so much easier with this double-ended brow pen, which comes with a clear brow gel and a creamy brow pencil.
Ever Bilena Shape and Set Brow Serum Duo, P275
Best Mascara: Avon Ultra Volume Waterproof Mascara
If you're still looking for a waterproof mascara that won't budge, this one from Avon won't disappoint! Its smudge-proof formula has fibres that add definition AND volume to the lashes.
Avon Ultra Volume Waterproof Mascara, P329
Best Eyeliner: Spotlight Cosmetics Showstopper Liquid Eyeliner
This waterproof liquid eyeliner will stay on for *hours*. Its felt tip glides on smoothly and it allows you to control how thick you want your wing to be.
Spotlight Cosmetics Showstopper Liquid Eyeliner, P325
Best Eyeshadow: Y.O.U. Beauty Dream Glide Eyeshadow Palette
Perfect for everyday wear, this compact eyeshadow quad is packed with matte and shimmery shades that are blendable, buildable, and wearable.
Y.O.U. Beauty Dream Glide Eyeshadow Palette, P399
BODY CARE
Best Soap: Palmolive Naturals Pinkish & Glow Bar Soap
The pomegranate extracts in this soap help to brighten and even out your skin tone, giving you a pinkish glow that looks healthy and radiant. The milk extracts, on the other hand, moisturize and hydrate your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. Bonus: It leaves a lovely scent, too!
Palmolive Naturals Pinkish & Glow Bar Soap, P33.59, P70/3-pack
Best Body Wash: Dove Go Fresh Body Wash Sakura Blossom
The Dove Go Fresh Body Wash Sakura Blossom is a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. It has the delicate scent of the sakura blossom and provides a luxurious lather, creating a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home.
Dove Go Fresh Body Wash Sakura Blossom, P700
Best Body Scrub: SNAILWHITE Glow Jelly Mask & Scrub
The Glow Jelly Mask and Scrub is perfect for those days when your skin needs a little extra TLC. Whether you're dealing with dryness or dullness, trust in this multi-tasking shower care product. It combines the benefits of a mask and a scrub in one. Infused with snail secretion filtrate and natural extracts, it gently exfoliates and nourishes your skin, leaving it soft, smooth, and luminous.
SNAILWHITE Glow Jelly Mask & Scrub, P159/50g; P349/200g
Best Deodorant: Dove Zero Deo - 0% Aluminum Spray Cucumber & Green Tea
Stay fresh and confident all day with Dove Zero Deodorant Spray. This aluminum-free formula in Cucumber & Green Tea scent is gentle on the skin and keeps odors at bay.
Dove Zero Deo - 0% Aluminum Spray Cucumber & Green Tea, P298
Best Everyday Cologne: Caronia Watermelon Brust Refreshes & Perfumes
Indulge in the refreshing scent of watermelon all day long with Caronia Body Mist in Watermelon Burst. This small bottle is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups or spritzing on after a long commute!
Caronia Watermelon Brust Refreshes & Perfumes, P60
Best Feminine Wash: pH Care Daily Feminine Wash Natural Protection
Experience long-lasting freshness with the pH Care Feminine Wash Natural Protection. This pH-balanced formula is gentle enough for everyday use, keeping you clean and comfortable throughout the day. Its natural ingredients provide protection against odor and irritation, ensuring your intimate area stays healthy and fresh.
pH Care Daily Feminine Wash Natural ProtectionP58/50ml; P180/250ml
Best Feminine Wash for Red Days: Gynepro Ultra Protection Feminine Wash
Its antibacterial formula is designed to keep your intimate area clean and fresh, while preventing odor and irritation. The compact 60ml bottle makes it easy to take with you on-the-go, ensuring you're always protected, no matter where you are. OB-GYNEs recommend using this on your period or after a hot and heavy sesh in the bedroom.
Gynepro Ultra Protection Feminine Wash, P87
Best Scented Lotion: Jergens Oil-infused Hydrating Coconut Lotion
This lightweight lotion is infused with coconut oil and coconut water. It deeply nourishes and hydrates your skin, leaving it soft and smooth to the touch. Its non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, making it perfect for everyday use.
Jergens Oil-infused Hydrating Coconut Lotion, P412
Best Lotion for Dry and Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion
If you're suffering from eczema or dermatitis, this lotion should always be on your nightstand. Formulated with nourishing oatmeal and rich emollients, the Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion deeply hydrates and soothes even the driest skin. Its non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and provides 24-hour moisture, leaving your skin feeling soft, smooth, and healthy-looking.
Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion, P720
Best Brightening Body Cream: Belo Illuminating Cream
This ultra-rich derm-approved body cream will be your new BFF if you want to *brighten* your knees, elbows, and singit. JSYK, it works by decreasing the formation of melanin in the body.
Belo Illuminating Cream, P6,900
Best Tanning Lotion: Amazing Maui Babe Browning Lotion with Coconut Oil
Get your perfect tan with Maui Babe Browning Lotion with Coconut Oil. Infused with natural ingredients such as Kona coffee, this tanning lotion not only helps you achieve a beautiful, golden glow. Its easy-to-apply formula and pleasant scent make it the perfect addition to your beach bag. (Ed’s note: Remember to apply sunscreen before you get a tan!)
Amazing Maui Babe Browning Lotion with Coconut Oil, P2,248
Best Alcohol: Ethyl Alcohol Casino Active
Keep your hands clean and protected with Casino Active Ethyl Alcohol Triclosan. This powerful disinfectant effectively kills germs and bacteria, making it a must-have for your daily hygiene routine. Its large 500ml size is perfect for use at home, in the office, or on-the-go.
Casino Active Ethyl Alcohol, P90/500ml
Best Mouthwash: Sparkle Fresh & Cool Mouthwash
Fight bad breath and keep your mouth feeling fresh with the Sprakle Mouthwash in Fresh and Cool flavor. Its alcohol-free formula helps kill germs and bacteria while preventing plaque and gum problems.
Sparkle Fresh & Cool Mouthwash, P279
Best Toothpaste: Closeup All Around Fresh Toothpaste
Get fresh breath and a brighter smile with All-Around Fresh Cool Mint Toothpaste. It effectively cleans and protects your teeth from cavities, plaque, and other dental problems with its fluoride formula. Plus, its refreshing cool mint flavor gives you a long-lasting clean feeling.
Closeup All Around Fresh Toothpaste, P203
Best Supplement for Glowing Skin: Myra Vitamin E
Myra 400-E is a vitamin E supplement that helps keep your skin healthy and glowing. It provides antioxidant protection to help prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals, and supports your immune system. With regular intake, you'll notice your skin looking more radiant and supple.
Myra Vitamin E, P368/30s
HAIR CARE
Best Shampoo: Dove Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
This shampoo effectively removes dandruff while being gentle on the scalp and hair. It is formulated with pyrithione zinc, which helps to control dandruff and relieve itchiness, and coconut oil, which nourishes and moisturizes the hair. It has a pleasant scent and leaves hair feeling soft and manageable. Read one Cosmo Girl’s honest review here.
Dove Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, P186/150mL
Best Daily Treatment: CREAMSILK Daily Treatment Damage Repair
Switch your conditioner with the Creamsilk Treatment Keratin Damage Repair. It transforms dry, damaged hair from too much heat styling or chemical processing to strong and softer strands. Detangling your buhol-buhol hair would be a breeze, too!
CREAMSILK Daily Treatment Damage Repair, P262.50
Best Hair Mask: Dove Advanced Keratin Treatment Mask
This advanced treatment mask should be a mainstay in your weekly hair repair routine. It contains a powerful blend of keratin, niacinamide, and a vitamin complex to deeply nourish and care for your hair. This potent formula works by penetrating deep into the hair and targeting damaged areas to leave your hair feeling renewed and revitalized. With this treatment mask, you'll get instantly smooth, healthy, and damage-free hair for the whole week.
Dove Advanced Keratin Treatment Mask, P649
Best Dry Shampoo: My Amazing Extend It Dry Shampoo
We all have those days when we don't have time to wash our hair but still want it to look fresh and clean. Turn to this dry shampoo to revive greasy (or smelly) locks. The lightweight formula lifts the roots and leaves a scent that won’t overpower your perfume.
My Amazing Extend It Dry Shampoo, P1,498
Best Hair Brush: Tangle Angel Rebel Detangling Brush
This brush features flexible bristles that can easily detangle even the most stubborn knots, without pulling or damaging your hair. It also has antibacterial additives, which help to keep your hair and scalp healthy and clean.
Tangle Angel Rebel Detangling Brush, P1,498
Best Hair Tool: Avon Iris Hair Straightener With Keratin
This Iris Hair Straightener with Keratin has ceramic plates infused with keratin that gently straighten your hair while leaving it feeling soft, smooth, and healthy. This hair tool isis also designed with safety in mind. Its auto shut-off feature ensures that it turns off after 60 minutes of non-use, so you never have to worry about accidentally leaving it on. Plus, its lightweight and compact design won’t make your arms feel super tired after each styling session.
Avon Iris Hair Straightener With Keratin, P1,599
Links are updated regularly and as much as possible, but note that products can run out of stock, discounts can expire, and listed prices can change without prior notice.
PRODUCED BY: Patricia Melliza and Ira Nopuente
ART DIRECTION BY: Pau Moyano
PHOTOGRAPHY: Alan Segui; ASSISTED BY: Miles Wency
SET & PRODUCT STYLING BY: Lady Badoy
