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Nailing the perfect work-life balance might sometimes feel like a pipe dream, but trust us, it doesn't have to be. Whether you're dealing with stress or just have more free time for some much-needed tender love and care, we think it's time to set your priorities straight and put yourself first.
This is why we came up with the first-ever Cosmopolitan Philippines Lifestyle Awards, an annual editorial special featuring editor-approved products that will help the Cosmo Girl live a well-rounded, fun, smart, and healthy life. With the mantra "work hard, play hard" in mind, this year's winners are essential to achieving a healthy work-life balance, as we're including products and services that aim to increase productivity and improve overall self-esteem and well-being.
Keep scrolling and you'll find standout products and services in Travel, Food and Beverage, Sex and Relationships, Finance, Tech, Home and Real Estate, Auto, and Health and Wellness. Each winner has been carefully vetted by the Cosmo team according to specified criteria that prioritize effectiveness, value for money, ease of use, innovation, and sustainability, so you know our recommendations are ~*worth it*~. Thank us later and you know the drill—happy shopping!
Cosmopolitan Philippines Lifestyle Awards 2024 Winners
Travel
Editors' Choice for Luggage: Samsonite Enwrap
The Samsonite Enwrap caters to the no-nonsense traveller looking for slick functionality. You really can't go wrong with its textured detailing, anti-theft zippers, and organizational pockets!
Samsonite Enwrap Spinner, approximately P20,950
Editors' Choice for Bag Organizer: Bash Manila
For jet setters who love embarking on endless adventures, a clever packing routine is a must. BASH Billow Trunk Organizer is a total savior if you want a bag that can have all your skincare and makeup essentials organized.
Bash Billow Trunk Organizer, P695
Editors' Choice for Swimwear: Nike Swim Essential Swimsuit
Whatever body type you're in, the Nike Swim Essential Swimsuit will look good on you. The suit also has padding so you won't feel too exposed when you get out of the water. Wear this for casual laps in the pool or while you surf!
Nike Swim Essential Swimsuit, P4,495
Editors' Choice for Travel Booking App: Klook
Whether you're traveling solo or with a group, you can turn to Klook for planning and booking your best trip ever. We've tried this app on both local and international trips, and we can't think of any other travel app that will offer the same services.
Editor's Choice for A Quick Weekend Getaway: BE Resort Bohol
If you want a peaceful getaway, book a few nights at BE Resort Bohol. It feels like a sunny escape and safe sanctuary for those who want to destress, unwind, and recharge.
Editor's Choice for Lifestyle Mall in the Metro: Uptown Mall, BGC
Our favorite shops and restaurants are here, so you'll always see us in this mall every weekend. We love that we can bring our pets here, too!
Editor's Choice for City Staycation: Grand Hyatt Hotel Manila
It's no surprise that we picked Grand Hyatt Hotel Manila in BGC as our favorite hotel of the moment because of its cool location. It's near cafes, restaurants, and malls—everything is walkable so if you're a tourist, you won't need to worry about booking rideshare cars. BTW, the rooms are superb and the food is unforgettable!
Health and Wellness
Editor's Choice for Overall Women's Wellness Clinic: Kindred
When it comes to your health, you deserve nothing but the best. Kindred Clinic offers women-centric quality care in a safe, judgment-free, and dare we say, ~*aesthetic*~ environment. They have virtual consultations, immunizations, health packages, and IV drips that can help you take charge of your wellness.
Editor's Choice for Hair Removal Kit: Veet Hair Removal Cream
If you have skin that's sensitive and prone to irritation, then your hair removal cream has to be packed with hydrating and soothing ingredients, like Veet's formula. It's enriched with soothing Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, so you'll have smooth and silky-soft skin–plus your hair regrowth feels softer, too!
Veet Hair Removal Cream for Sensitive Skin, P350
Editor's Choice for Deodorant: Rexona Vit C + Anti-Stain Roll-on
Rexona's Anti-Stain technology protects clothes from pesky deodorant stains, so you can sport any ‘fit without worrying about yellow marks or white stains. It's the perf choice for feeling and looking fresh all day long.
Rexona Vit C + Anti-Stain Roll-on, P135
Editor's Choice for Antibacterial Soap: Safeguard Bar White Camellia
While other body products can deliver a luscious experience, there's something about good ol' bar soap that delivers a clean feeling that's second to none. Safeguard's antibacterial bar soap does the job: It removes skin germs that may cause skin infection, pimple infection, and perspiration odor, improving the look and overall feel of your skin in just one wash.
Safeguard Bar White Camellia, P59
Editor's Choice for Antibacterial Toothpaste: Closeup Gel Toothpaste with Antibacterial Zinc
Just like skincare, good oral hygiene is a non-negotiable part of a proper self-care routine. Closeup's gel toothpaste offers long-lasting antibacterial protection, so you can smile bright with strong, healthy teeth and fresh breath!
Closeup Gel Toothpaste with Antibacterial Zinc Menthol Fresh 175g Twin Pack, P149
Editor's Choice for Whitening Toothpaste: Colgate Optic White Purple Toothpaste
Colgate's Optic White instantly color-corrects the yellow tones in your teeth, featuring micro-polishing crystals for a brighter, whiter smile.
Colgate Optic White Purple Toothpaste, P129
Editor's Choice for Body Wash: Dove Go Fresh Body Wash Sakura Blossom
Never underestimate the power of a good body wash: It can leave your skin softer and healthier and will give you a subtle but can't-get-enough-of-it scent! Dove's Go Fresh Body Sakura Blossom, with its Japanese-style pinkish Sakura and Rice Water essence, effectively replenishes the skin's moisture so your it feels plump and soft after every shower.
Dove Go Fresh Body Wash Sakura Blossom, P490
Editor's Choice for Sunscreen: POND's Hyaluron Sunscreen
POND's Hyaluron Sunscreen gets a lot of love from us for a multitude of reasons. In addition to its lightweight, whitecast-free SPF formula, it's also powered by Hyaluron, which instantly hydrates skin! Not to mention the feels of wearing nothing but still looking like you have a flawless base.
POND'S UV Sunscreen UV Hydrate with Hyaluron for Instant Hydration 50mL x2, P898
Editor's Choice for Multivitamins: Myra 400-E
Lasting healthy-looking skin surely starts from within! Incorporating tried-and-tested multivitamin capsules is essential to boost immunity—a can't miss part of any hot girl wellness routine.
Myra 400-E 30s Bottle, P367.23
Editor's Choice for Essential Oil: Origins Aromatic On-the-Spot Soother
The cult-fave-worthy Origins Aromatic On-the-Spot Soother feels just as lovely as it looks, thanks to a blend of Peppermint, Basil, and Eucalyptus that soothe and refresh the senses. We also love that it's pocket-sized, so it's easy to induce peace of mind whenever and wherever!
Origins On-the-Spot Soother, P1200
Editor's Choice For Daytime Moisturizer: Celeteque Skin Defense Matte Moisturizer
The Celeteque Skin Defense Matte Moisturizer is a non-greasy moisturizer that quickly absorbs with a matte finish, and provides protection against UV rays and blue light radiation. It's a total bang for the buck because it combines two skin-care steps into one.
Celeteque Skin Defense Matte Moisturizer, P430
Editor's Choice For Nighttime Moisturizer: OLAY Retinol24 Night Moisturizer
As skincare lovers, there's nothing quite like removing makeup at the end of the day and indulging ourselves with a luxurious night cream. OLAY's night face cream seals in moisture for a plumper, smoother feel by the time our morning alarm rings.
OLAY Retinol24 Night Moisturizer, P1,499
Editor's Choice for Shampoo: Palmolive Naturals Ultra Smooth Shampoo
The Palmolive Naturals Ultra Smooth Shampoo is a cult classic for a reason: Besides smelling great, it also smooths frizz and makes your hair feel crazy soft.
Palmolive Naturals Ultra Smooth Shampoo, P225
Editor's Choice for Conditioner: TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Conditioner
If you can't get to the salon chair soon enough, the TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Conditioner will reduce the appearance of hair breakage to make every strand look sleek and damage-free in no time.
TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Conditioner, P385.55
Food and Beverage
Editor's Choice for Fruit Juice: Locally
You'll always spot these juice drinks in our fridge. An ice-cold can of Locally will keep you refreshed on a hot summer day (or evening).
Locally Juice Drinks, P30 each
Editor's Choice for Snack: Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn
We're suckers for anything cheese-flavored, and this bag of popcorn keeps our snacky-snacky hearts happy without the guilt.
Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn 5.5oz, P108
Editor's Choice for Ice Cream: Carmen's Best
We hoard this ice cream flavor whenever we see it in the supermarket's frozen section. For some reason, we finish a tub in one sitting, LOL!
Carmen's Best S'Mores The Merrier 440ml (1 pint), P485
Editor's Choice for Energy Drink: Pocari Sweat Electrolytes Drink
Hydration is super important, and next to water, Pocari Sweat is our drink of choice post-workout or during an extremely humid day.
Pocari Sweat Electrolytes Drink, 500ml, P56
Editor's Choice for Meal Plan Provider: Dear Diet PH
Do you want to eat healthier but don't know where to start? Meal prep takes time and cooking skills! It's best to book a food delivery service that offers nutritious, nourishing, and filling meals. Most of us chose Dear Diet PH as the most sulit diet plan. The glowing review? Their dishes don't taste like diet food at all.
Sex and Relationships
Editor's Choice for Reproductive Health Services: LIKHAAN Center for Women's Health
Likhaan is a non-profit organization that promotes community-based sexual and reproductive health clinics. Among their products and services are mainly contraception, postpartum care, treatment of reproductive tract infections (including STI), and support and emergency care for victims of sexual violence.
Editor's Choice for Dating App: Bumble
If you're looking for a sign to get back into the dating app scene—this is it! Unlike meeting organically and making small talk, the great thing about Bumble is that people can display their values, likes, and interests right on their profiles, so you get an idea early on if you're down to connect. And yep, some of our editors met the loves of their lives here so... time to swipe right!
Editor's Choice for Lube: Durex Play Saucy Strawberry
For a best-for-your-bod lube we can stand behind, Durex Play Saucy Strawberry is a light and silky pleasure gel designed to give you an intensely sensual experience. It's safe to use with toys and condoms too. ;) You're welcome.
Finance
Editor's Choice for Digital Banking App: Maya
Looking at your finances in an organized and optimistic light will do wonders for your mind! With its game-changing lending products, Maya Easy Credit & Personal Loan—Maya paves the way for a brighter future, getting you covered, be it for monthly needs or big girl moves.
Editor's Choice for Credit Card: UnionBank
We hate to sound like an ad, but UnionBank Credit Cards do offer the hottest deals. If you're a UnionBank Credit Cardholder, you can take advantage of early access to plays and concerts to major rewards and shopping discounts.
Tech
Editors' Choice for Smartphone: Samsung S24 Ultra 5G
Whether it's capturing on-the-fly memories or captivating concert moments (even from afar!), the Samsung S24 Ultra edges imagery closer to real life. Aside from its insane zooming powers, we also love its Live Translate and Interpreter AI features, which are super helpful when it comes to travelling.
Editors' Choice for Smartwatch: Huawei Watch GT4
With its airy light form that doesn't skimp as much as sartorial value is concerned, the Huawei Watch GT4 is a must-have if you appreciate a smartwatch that's equal parts high-tech and chic.
Editors' Choice for Noise-cancelling Headphones: Sony 1000XM5
From morning meditation sessions to Zoom calls and workout playlists, the Sony 1000XM5 is a lifesaver for happily escaping and drowning out all the noise (yes, pun intended).
Editors' Choice for Wireless Earbuds: SoundPEATS AirPro 4
These earbuds are perfect for work and play. The active noise cancellation feature will help you focus on work and online meetings. You'll love the strong bass and crisp and clear sound quality. You can bring this everywhere, thanks to SoundPeats AirPro 4's 26-hour battery life and compact charging/carrying case.
SoundPEATS Air4 Pro Wireless Earbuds, P2,966
Home and Real Estate
Editor's Choice for First Condo: DMCI Homes
Living close to where you work is the goal nowadays because traffic is just getting worse. Condos are perfect for city girlies because of their prime location and accessibility. Cosmo Eds favor DMCI Homes properties not just because of their locations but because of their unique design. The hallways are naturally well-lit and ventilated because of Lumiventt Technology. Every condo property has lots of wide open spaces—you'll forget you're living in the city. As for the residential units, the smart layout makes it easy to live in and decorate.
Editor's Choice for 360 Home Improvement: IKEA
Your money goes a long way when you're shopping at IKEA. The Swedish megastore has affordable homeware and furniture that are practical and stylish. It's also helpful that their showroom gives you ideas on how to spruce up your space, depending on your budget, aesthetic, and house size. They also offer installment packages if you're going BIG with your home improvement project.
Auto
Editor's Choice for Motorcycle: Yamaha Mio Fazzio
We know, we know. We easily get sold on anything with a cute design and color. The Yamaha Mio Fazzio is no exception. This motorbike's size and build provide a comfortable ride for first-timers.
Editor's Choice for City Driving: Toyota Raize
It was love at first sight when we first saw the Toyota Raize. The size is just right for girlies who want to upgrade their sedan cars. It's spacious enough to fit multiple passengers, a week's worth of groceries, and your essentials (extra clothes, shoes, or gym bag).
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Produced by Ira Nopuente and Cass Lazaro
Art by Pau Moyano
