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Cosmopolitan Philippines Beauty Awards 2023 is *finally* here! This year, over 400+ products were tried and tested, and we selected the winners with inclusivity in mind—because as we know, beauty comes in all colors, shapes, sizes, and ~textures~. From curly girl essentials to acne-prone-skin-friendly finds, we present you the best skincare, makeup, body care, hair care, and wellness products that deserve a spot in your regimen:
Cosmopolitan Philippines Beauty Awards 2023 Winners
Best facial cleanser: Oxecure Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser
A pH balanced daily facial cleanser cleanses, soothes, and hydrates the skin without stripping it off its natural oils.
Oxecure Ultra Gentle Facial Cleanser, P419, Lazada and Shopee
Best serum: Pond's Ultimate Youth Essence Anti-Aging Serum
Loaded with powerhouse ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide, activated collagen, and peptides, this multitasking serum improves the overall appearance of the skin, bringing out its natural ~glow~.
Pond's Ultimate Youth Essence Anti-Aging Serum, P1,219, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best serum for oily and acne-prone skin: Luxe Organix Miracle Solutions AHA BHA Acne Derm Serum
If acne is your main concern, this exfoliating serum will help keep new zits from forming. Spiked with polyhydroxy acid (a gentle chemical exfoliant), it gets the gunk out of your pores. It also has niacinamide to help even out the skin tone.
Luxe Organix Miracle Solutions AHA BHA Acne Derm Serum, P499, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best brightening serum: Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution
A daily dose of this vitamin C-infused serum fades post-acne marks and hyperpigmentation.
Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution, P4,500/50mL, Lazada and Shopee
Best moisturizer: SNAILWHITE Gold Advance Cream Retinol + Bakuchiol
Another winning multitasker, this silky cream softens, brightens, and lifts the skin with its potent blend of actives, including retinol and bakuchiol. It can be applied during the day and night.
SNAILWHITE Gold Advance Cream Retinol + Bakuchiol, P1,750, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best moisturizer for oily skin: Hyaloo AquaPlus Deep Hydrating Gel
We've said it before and we'll say it again: Oily complexions need a moisturizer. This water-based moisturizer is fast-absorbing so it doesn't feel greasy, and it leaves your skin feeling and looking ~refreshed~ upon application.
Hyaloo AquaPlus Deep Hydrating Gel, P395, Lazada and Shopee
Best toner for oily skin: ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads
Exfoliation is *key* to a clear complexion, especially when you have oily skin. Apply this clarifying pad that's soaked with glycolic acid and salicylic acid all over the face for at least twice a week, and you'll be left with clearer, brighter skin!
ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads, P4,500, Belo Shop
Best spot treatment: Benzac Spot Treatment
This OG over-the-counter spot treatment contains benzoyl peroxide that effectively reduces the look of pimples in just 48 hours.
Benzac Spot Treatment, P475, Lazada, Shopee and Watsons
Best face sunscreen: POND's UV Bright Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ with Gluta-Niacinamide
If you're looking for a sunscreen that doesn't feel sticky, this one from POND's is worth a try. Formulated with glutathione and niacinamide, it also fades dark spots with regular use!
POND's UV Bright Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ with Gluta-Niacinamide, P449, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best sunscreen stick: Hello Glow Sun Care Stick SPF60+
Sunscreen sticks make applying (and reapplying) SPF super easy. This one from Hello Glow glides on smoothly without ruining your makeup.
Hello Glow Sun Care Stick SPF60+, P395, Lazada and Shopee
Best tinted sunscreen: Kojie San Tinted Sunscreen SPF50+ UVA-UVB PA+++
This tinted sunscreen from Kojie San will make you skip wearing foundation. It has a lightweight, commute-friendly formula with a tint that adapts to your skin color.
Kojie San Tinted Sunscreen SPF50+ UVA-UVB PA+++, P479, Lazada and Watsons
Best eye cream: Olay Retinol24 Night Eye Cream
Retinol is the star ingredient of this reliable eye cream. With regular use, it brightens the undereye area and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Olay Retinol24 Night Eye Cream, P2,108.23, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best beauty treatment for skin tightening: Aivee Emface
Our smile lines looked less pronounced with only one session of the Aivee EmFace. It's a non-invasive treatment that promises to tighten, lift, and sculpt the skin. Stars like Bretman Rock and Heart Evangelista swear by it, too!
Aivee Emface, P38,000 per session, depending on the doctor's assessment
FACE
Best liquid foundation for textured skin: L'Oreal Infallible 32H Matte Cover Foundation
This liquid foundation with buildable medium coverage can cover up active pimples, post-acne marks, and other discolorations. It leaves you with a smooth, flawless finish, and we swear, it'll stay on for *hours*.
L'Oreal Infallible 32H Matte Cover Foundation, P829, Lazada and Shopee
Best liquid foundation for oily skin: Maybelline Fit Me Liquid Foundation
This drugstore foundation has been around for a while now, but it's still one of the best options out there for oily-skinned girls: It's mattifying, lightweight, and non-comedogenic (a.k.a. it won't clog your pores).
Maybelline Fit Me Liquid Foundation, P499, Lazada and Shopee
Best skin tint: YOU Beauty Cloud Touch Blurring Skin Tint SPF25PA +++
This skincare-infused skin tint can grant you that "my skin but better" look. Crafted for oily and acne-prone skin, it has a ~breathable~ formula that's enriched with ceramide and centella asiatica.
YOU Beauty Cloud Touch Blurring Skin Tint SPF25PA +++, P799, Lazada and Shopee
Best face powder: Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder
Don't let its size fool you: This loose powder will keep shine at bay, even after commuting!
Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder, P450, Lazada
Best blush: Spotlight Cosmetics Rising Star Marble Blush
This blush-slash-highlighter leaves you with a ~*dewy*~, healthy-looking flush.
Spotlight Cosmetics Rising Star Marble Blush, P350, Lazada and Shopee
Best liquid blush: Dazzle Me Heart-Melt Creamy Liquid Blush
You can apply this creamy, pocket-sized liquid blush to your eyes and lips, too!
Dazzle Me Heart-Melt Creamy Liquid Blush, P210, Lazada and Shopee
LIPS
Best lipstick: Ever Bilena EB Matte K-Beauty Lipstick
Score that K-drama *bida* look with this creamy matte lipstick. Its color payoff is A+, and it comes in six natural-looking pink and nude shades.
Ever Bilena EB Matte K-Beauty Lipstick, P225, Lazada and Shopee
Best liquid lipstick: Han So Hee for BYS Lip Nectar
This velvety-smooth liquid lipstick (which was created in collaboration with K-drama star Han So Hee, BTW!) stands out for its weightless, non-drying formula.
Han So Hee for BYS Lip Nectar, P499, Lazada and Shopee
Best lip cream: Dazzle Me Misty Matte Lip Cream
We're obsessed with the *soft-blur* finish of this lip cream. It won't emphasize lip lines!
Dazzle Me Misty Matte Lip Cream, P179, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best lip balm: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Ex
This is technically a lip mask, but we love using this as a lip balm because it gets the job done! Enriched with berry fruit complex, vitamin C, and coconut oil, it leaves the lips feeling oh-so-soft.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Ex, P1,129, Lazada and Shopee
EYES
Best brow mascara: Ever Bilena Shape and Set Brow Serum Duo
Shorten your everyday makeup routine with this double-ended brow pencil and clear brow gel that can groom, fill in, and set your kilay.
Ever Bilena Shape and Set Brow Serum Duo, P275, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best mascara: Barenbliss Roll To Volume Mascara
This volumizing pink mascara is TikTok-famous, and for good reason: Once it sets, it won't budge!
Barenbliss Roll To Volume Mascara, P399, Lazada and Shopee
Best eyeliner: Careline Graph-Ink Dual Liner
This dual-ended eyeliner has a liquid pen on one that lets you draw a subtle or bold wing and and a gel on the other, which you can use to tightline your eyes.
Careline Graph-Ink Dual Liner, P265, Lazada and Shopee
Best soap for sensitive skin: Cetaphil Ultra Protect Antimicrobial Cleansing Bar
This non-comedogenic cleansing bar zaps bacteria without irritating the skin. Add this to your body care routine if you want to treat and prevent bacne.
Cetaphil Ultra Protect Antimicrobial Cleansing Bar, P422, Lazada and Watsons
Best brightening soap: Dr. Wong Lightening Soap
Fade dark spots and brighten uneven skin tone with this soap. Aside from its brightening abilities, it can also leave the skin moisturized and soft. We recommend using this on the elbows, knees, underarms, and the singit!
Dr. Wong Lightening Soap, P43, Lazada and Watsons
Best body wash: Dove Ultra Moisture Cloud Self-Foaming Body Wash Milk Scent
The best thing about using self-foaming formulas is that you won’t need a loofah! Just spread the bubbly blob on your skin to cleanse and hydrate all over. You’ll love the subtle scent that won’t counteract with your perfume.
Dove Ultra Moisture Cloud Self-Foaming Body Wash Milk Scent, P499, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best body scrub: First Aid Beauty Bump Eraser Body Scrub
We swear by this body scrub! This got rid of the bumps in our arms, underarms, and bikini area. We’ll never let this go.
First Aid Beauty Bump Eraser Body Scrub, P1,850, LOOK At Me and Sephora PH
Best deodorant: Dove Deo - Radiant + Care Deodorant Serum Roll-On
If your beauty goal is to have brighter and smoother underarms, then you *must* turn to this deo for everyday use. You’ll be surprised with the results!
Dove Deo - Radiant + Care Deodorant Serum Roll-On, P170.50, Lazada and Watsons
Best everyday scent: Avon Eve Truth Eau De Parfum
A clean, sophisticated fruity scent you can wear for everyday.
Avon Eve Truth Eau De Parfum, P779 (Original price: P999), Lazada and Avon
Best floral fragrance: Marc Jacobs Perfect Eau De Parfum
A sweet, creamy, fruity fragrance that will make you feel uber-feminine.
Marc Jacobs Perfect Eau De Parfum, P8,198, Rustan's The Beauty Source
Best spicy fragrance: Carolina Herrera Good Girl Carolina Herrera Eau De Parfum
A sensual fun fragrance you’ll spritz on if you want to have a sexy vibe.
Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eau De Parfum, P9,850, Rustan’s The Beauty Source
Best daily feminine wash: PH Care Natural Protection for Antibacterial Care
Raid every Cosmo Editor’s bathroom and we assure you that you’ll spot this feminine wash there. It’s ideal for everyday use, especially when you want to feel fresh.
PH Care Natural Protection for Antibacterial Care, P180, Lazada and Watsons
Best feminine wash for red days: Gynepro Ultra Protection Feminine Wash
When our OB-GYNs recommended this, we knew it would provide the best hygiene care for us during red days.
Gynepro Ultra Protection Feminine Wash 60ml, P87, Lazada and Watsons
Best body serum: Deoproce Snail Recovery Body Serum
This body serum is lightweight yet ultra-moisturizing on the skin. You’ll want to add this to your post-shower routine if you want glowing skin all over.
Deoproce Snail Recovery Body Serum, P671.50 (Original price: P790), Lazada and LOOK At Me
Best brigthening lotion: Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Lotion Overnight Radiance Repair
Here’s a gentle reminder to pay attention to your body as much as you care for your face. This brightening lotion will grant you super soft skin overnight. And with daily use, you’ll notice a more even skin tone.
Vaseline Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Lotion Overnight Radiance Repair, P623, Lazada and Shopee
Best body lotion for dry skin: Skinwhite Moisture White with Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
Your arms and legs will be as smooth and soft as a baby’s skin when you use this moisturizing lotion every day.
Skinwhite Moisture White with Hyaluronic Acid Lotion, P188, Shopee
Best nail polish: Flormar Full Color Nail Enamel
One swipe of this nail polish creates an opaque layer. You’ll also love its almost gel mani-like shine.
Flormar Full Color Nail Enamel, P79, Lazada and Shopee
Best alcohol: Hygienix Germ Kill Alcohol with Moisturizer Trigger Spray
We don’t think we could ever leave the house without alcohol. This formula is not drying on the skin, plus it leaves a subtle fragrance.
Hygienix Germ Kill Alcohol with Moisturizer Trigger Spray, P73.64, Lazada
Best teeth whitener: Sparkle Whitening Booster Gel
This teeth-whitening gel has been a staple in our oral care routine for months. As coffee drinkers, we noticed that this product has reduced yellowing in the teeth.
Sparkle Whitening Booster Gel, P519 (Original price: P699), Lazada
Best toothpaste: Closeup All Day Fresh Breath Gel Toothpaste (Red hot)
A no-nonsense toothpaste that gets rid of 99.9% bacteria and delivers fresh breath for up to 12 hours.
Closeup All Day Fresh Breath Gel Toothpaste (Red hot), P150 (Twin pack), Lazada
Best shampoo: Sunsilk Smooth and Manageable Shampoo
This *fresh-smelling* shampoo, which contains a blend of oils, vitamins, and proteins, protects hair not only from frizz but also malodor.
Sunsilk Smooth and Manageable Shampoo, P235, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best anti-dandruff shampoo: Head&Shoulders Smooth & Silky Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
When it comes to keeping dandruff away, this shampoo from Head&Shoulders gets the job done without drying out our locks.
Head&Shoulders Smooth & Silky Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, P280, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best anti-dandruff shampoo for men: Clear Men Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Cool Sport Menthol
Specifically made for men, this anti-dandruff shampoo is infused with menthol to thoroughly get rid of traces of grime, grease, and dandruff on the scalp while providing a ~cooling~ sensation.
Clear Men Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Cool Sport Menthol, P279.74, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best shampoo for bleached hair: Luxe Organix Color Toning Purple Shampoo
Bleached hair doesn't come cheap! This purple shampoo will keep your locks looking vibrant by neutralizing its brassy and yellow undertones.
Luxe Organix Color Toning Purple Shampoo, P179, Lazada and Shopee
Best volumizing shampoo: Belo Thick & Shiny Shampoo
We were so amazed at how this shampoo gave our tresses major ~*volume*~ without using a blow-dryer. Particularly formulated for thin-haired ladies, it contains banana extracts and Manganese minerals that encourage hair growth.
Belo Thick & Shiny Shampoo, P820, Belo Shop
Best conditioner for dry hair: TRESemmé Serum Conditoner Keratin Smooth
This hairstylist-approved conditioner deeply nourishes dry and frizzy hair with the help of KERA10 Protein Complex and Oleo Serum.
TRESemmé Serum Conditoner Keratin Smooth, P481.94, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best conditioner for curly hair: Curls by Zenutrients Conditioner
Made for curly, coily, and wavy hair, this CGM-approved conditioner is free from sulfate, paraben, protein, and silicone. Use it to moisturize or co-wash your curls!
Curls by Zenutrients Conditioner, P202, Lazada and Shopee
Best conditioner for bleached hair: Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Bleach Enhance Purple Conditioner
This keratin-infused purple conditoner won't only deeply nourish your hair but also preserve its color, thanks to its anti-discoloration technology.
Cream Silk Triple Keratin Rescue Ultimate Bleach Enhance Purple Conditioner, P301.88, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best hair essence for curly hair: Luxe Organix Premium Curl & Define Essence
Define your curls without that sticky feel with this moroccan oil-infused essence. It's free from paraben and sulfates, too!
Luxe Organix Premium Curl & Define Essence, P129, Lazada and Watsons
Best hair oil: Kerastase Elixir Ultime Versatile Beautifying Oil
Do you love using hair styling tools? Add this luxurious hair oil to your routine to nourish, smoothen, and protect your locks while adding shine. It contains a blend of oils, including argan, marula, and camellia.
Kerastase Elixir Ultime Versatile Beautifying Oil, P1,750, Lazada
Best hair perfume: Vitress Hair Freshener Floral Bloom
This fruity-floral-scented hair mist has Instafresh Technology that works wonders in masking ulam and usok odors. It's also formulated with Antibacterial Actives, which help kill odor-causing bacteria.
Vitress Hair Freshener Floral Bloom, P147, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best dry shampoo: My Amazing Dry Shampoo
A must for hair emergencies, this dry shampoo effectively absorbs sweat and grease while adding a bit of volume to the tresses. It'll make you smell like you just got out of the shower, too!
My Amazing Dry Shampoo, P1,498, Lazada and LOOK At Me
Best hair brush for all hair types: Wet Brush Go Green Tea Tree Oil Infused Shine Brush
What makes this brush stand out is its ultra-soft bristles that detangles the hair so effortlessly, minimizing pain and preventing breakage.
Wet Brush Go Green Tea Tree Oil Infused Shine Brush, P799, Lazada
Best essential oil: Hello Glow Essential Oil Roll-On Lavender
A newfound "tita essential," this handy roll-on has a lavender scent that will ~calm~ your senses.
Hello Glow Essential Oil Roll-On Lavender, P120, Lazada and Shopee
Best pillow spray: Neal's Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist
Spritz this mist on your pillows at night for a more restful sleep! It's formulated with a blend of organic lavender, vetiver, and mandarin essential oils.
Neal's Yard Remedies Goodnight Pillow Mist, P1,250, Rustan's The Beauty Source
Best mouth spray: Namu Life Fahthalaijone + Zinc Super Mouth Spray
An everyday bag must-have, this mouth spray contains herbal andographis paniculata extract, a traditional Thai herb staple with antibacterial properties, which helps reduce bad breath ASAP.
Namu Life Fahthalaijone + Zinc Super Mouth Spray, P355, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best multivitamins: Conzace
Boost your immune system with the help of this multivitamin that's high in zinc as well as vitamins A, C, and E.
Conzace, P142/10 capsules, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
Best supplement for women's health: Fortima
This supplement does more than keep your body strong: Containing vitamins C and E, and zinc, it helps you glow from the inside out, brightening your complexion and reducing inflammation.
Fortima, P106/8 capsules, Lazada, Shopee, and Watsons
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.
For more discounts and deals, check out Cosmopolitan Philippines' exclusive vouchers.
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PRODUCED BY: Patricia Melliza and Ira Nopuente
ART DIRECTION BY: Pau Moyano
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: Andrea Genota
SET & PRODUCT STYLING BY: Lady Badoy
