We understand the appeal of luxury makeup products—we even share our monthly favorites in this beauty series. But today, the drugstore is filled with makeup and skincare gems that work just as well, and sometimes, even better. Read on as 10 Pinays share their ~holy grail~ picks!
P.S. You might want to get your wallet ready for some serious shopping after reading this.
1. Simple Micellar Cleansing Wipes
Price: P299
Where to buy: Robinsons Department Store, The SM Store, Watsons
"I love it because it's very gentle—especially since I have sensitive skin. It doesn't have a strong smell, and it really removes stubborn makeup." — Monica, 23
2. The Face Shop Style My Eyebrow Pencil
Price: P150
Where to buy: Robinsons Galleria, Shangri-La Plaza, SM Megamall, Gateway, Glorietta 3
[This] works great. I normally have two brow products in my kit pero ito 'yung hindi nawawala." — Chamie, 26
3. Maybelline Hypercurl Mascara
Price: P199
Where to buy: Robinsons Department Store, The SM Store, Watsons
Because it's cheap and it delivers on its claims.” — Fatima, 21
4. Nature Republic Aloe Soothing Gel
Price: P249
Where to buy: SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, Landmark Trinoma, Landmark Makati
It keeps my skin hydrated." — Kim, 27
5. Etude House Drawing Eyebrow Pencil
Price: P178
Where to buy: Trinoma, SM North, SM Megamall, Glorietta 3, SM Mall of Asia
The formulation is awesome; [the pencil] is not too soft and not too hard. It's easy to apply and blend, doesn't transfer easily, it's mura, and may brush siya." — Farrah, 32
6. iWhite Korea Moisturizer
Price: P179
Where to buy: Watsons, Robinsons Department Store
It keeps my oily skin moisturized throughout the day." — Bianca, 27
7. Maybelline White Super Fresh Powder
Price: P299
Where to buy: Robinsons Department Store, The SM Store, Watsons
Clear, smooth, and flawless skin is always in. Plus, it has SPF and lasts through sweat and oil for 12 hours!" — Jane, 21
8. Vaseline Petroleum Jelly
Price: P59
Where to buy: Zalora, The SM Store, Robinsons Department Store
It's super hydrating and it doesn't have the chemicals that other lip balms have. It doesn't dry my lips out and it makes my lashes thicker whenever I apply it overnight." — Victoria, 23
9. Nichido Final Powder
Price: P150
Where to buy: Watsons, The SM Store, Robinsons Department Store, Lazada
I use it for baking and pwede nang dupe ng Laura Mercier [Translucent Loose Setting Powder]!" — Jarelle, 23
10. Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
Price: P399; bought on sale for P299
Where to buy: Robinsons Department Store, The SM Store, Watsons
I like how maganda 'yung pagka-matte ng foundation and it doesn't feel heavy on the face. I normally put it inside the refrigerator before using it because I like the cold feeling when applying it." — Jocelle, 29
* Answers have been edited for clarity.
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