14 unique Filipino-founded beauty brands you must try

Know more about these remarkable brands, befittingly led by empowered women, that are dominating the country's beauty scene

Hygiene, health, and happiness. These are the primary reasons Filipinos care deeply about their skin and are crazy about beauty brands. And with the hundreds of skincare and cosmetic lines in the industry—trust me—it's not a surprise if you won't be able to keep up with the chase for both aesthetic desires and holistic wellness.

In case you missed it: Bringing beauty home: 8 Filipino-owned makeup brands to fall in love with 2022

It is great timing by the way, that you've stumbled upon this list. Especially if you're searching for a fresh face, the rediscovery of a trusted brand you've been longing to sink your teeth in, or you just got curious about these continuously rising names in the Philippines' beauty scene. Probably, the girl bosses behind them may be the ones who have piqued your interest with their ceaseless influence to empower women and even men, if not the entire population.

On top of it all, through this piece, you'll be able to explore the distinct ones in the market and what makes them irresistibly appealing or worthy of recommendation. What are you waiting for? Read on, beautiful!

1. Hindy Weber Skin

The prominent Filipino fashion designer, Hindy Weber, didn't stop at fashion. Her label now includes her very own Hindy Weber Skin under Hindy Weber Studio, which strongly emanates the 'powerful beauty' the collection stands for. From body balm, blush stick, hair & scalp oil, eye & lash balm, down to her famed healing oil.

Why not pair her inviting skin products as you flaunt the pieces you have from HindyWeber Swim?

2. Skin Poem

Skincare with a dash of poetry. You read that right, poetry. Enamoured with poems, Skin Poem's CEO Chin Simpson thought it was a good idea to embed verses in each product to make you feel exceptional—internally and externally altogether—with every use. Lo and behold, it wasn't just a good idea but a great one.

Additionally, Skin Poem held a Poetry Contest in appreciation and support of the craft. Even the community of writers approve of this skincare line that serves as an avenue of passion, packaged as a reminder to keep your well-being in check.

3. Sunnies Face

Sunnies Face offers a variety of products, from creams to lip treats!

Things really do go by threes. Founded by Jessica Wilson, Martine Ho, and Georgina Wilson, the beauty brand is keen on expressing its understanding of each individual—apparent in their tagline “we are beauty that gets you”. Wilson once shared in an interview that this message resonated with many, which was the catalyst of their success.

4. Ellana Cosmetics

Theresa Carbonel and Coney Avellana's Ellana Cosmetics are sustainability champions. It's eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and vegan. Highly popular for their Ellana mineral foundation, their products and well-loved sets come in biodegradable and recyclable packages.

In case you missed it: Shop essential skincare: 5 face mists and sprays to prevent maskne

While their mission is to deliver skin essentials that are good for you, their principle is to ensure that it is good for the planet too. As they save the environment with one product at a time, Ellana is committed to improving your quality of life.

5. Happy Skin

Happy Skin CEO Jacqe Gutierrez is no stranger to the beauty scene, as she also has ties with BLK Cosmetics and Seoul White.

The beauty brand is committed to offering skincare products that are “just right” for the Filipino complexion.

6. In Her Element

In Her Element: a small yet well-curated line of beauty products as an addition to your skincare options.

Liz Lanuzo was indeed in her element when she laid out this collection. It is multi-purpose as much as it is highly effective. The lip balm can be used as an overnight lip mask, while the moisturizer also acts as a serum.

7. Colourette Cosmetics

Of course, how can we forget one of our Gen.T honourees, Nina Ellaine Dizon-Cabrera?

Colourette Cosmetics has made a name in the Philippines and is maintaining its position and reach ever since. Known for advocating beauty in all ways, as well as being vocal in its use of cruelty-free ingredients, it's no wonder that it has a good image.

8. Lana

From the founder of Mink, the body care line that captures what it means to be quirky, Rizza Lana Sebastian moves forward with Lana. Their best-loved bundles are your introduction to that full-on skincare routine.

Lana's assortment consists of collections for all, regardless of skin type. Sensitive? Oily? Dry? Take your pick!

9. Issy & Co. Cosmetics

If you're looking for another makeup option to complete your kit, then Issy & Co. Cosmetics might be for you.

Established by Jasmine Ang, it maintains its affordability to this date.

In case you missed it: Shop essential skincare: 5 face mists and sprays to prevent maskne

10. Pili Ani

Mother-daughter duo Rosalina Tan and Mary Jane Tan-Ong created Pili Ani from the former's intent to support agricultural communities and their farmers. What started as buying Pili oil as a source of skin rejuvenation, reinvigoration, and revitalisation, resulted in sharing the wonder of this anti-ageing elixir through beauty products.

Translating to 'chosen harvest', Pili Ani is the only brand that uses Pili oil in all of its mixtures which are claimed as a potent and rare oil; focused on the healing of the skin.

11. BLK Cosmetics

Together with previously mentioned Jacqe Guittierez, Anne Curtis established BLK Cosmetics.

The cosmetics brand is keen on following one vision: simplicity. They aim to simplify the makeup routine, paring it down to the absolute, most versatile essentials—just simple, wearable, and beautiful makeup that's worth everyone's time and money.

12. Strokes Beauty Lab

Momoi Supe is the founder and CEO of Strokes Beauty Lab.

The Filipino cosmetics brand aims to bring innovative beauty products to the world through world-class makeup artistry. Even with brow artistry at the heart of the Strokes brand, it still offers a variety of products for the lips, cheeks, and more.

13. Human Nature

Natural care products by Human Nature are simply must-haves, especially with today's hot weather conditions.

Anna Maria Wilk, co-founder and president of Gandang Kalikasan Inc, makers of Human Nature, ensures that every skin their product touches will protect your skin from any danger from the heat!

14. V&M Naturals

V&M Naturals by Jamie Tan. Otherwise known as the country's first Emu oil skincare line. Emu oil contains fatty acids from the respectively flightless birds (don't worry, it is ethically sourced) that are utilized to treat skin conditions—psoriasis, eczema—you name it.

This brand provides many kinds of soaps, creams, serums, and more as a solution to all your beauty needs.

NOW READ

Beauty radar: new makeup and skincare drops you have to try this 2023

Perfume tops the most purchased beauty product in the Philippines, research reveals

Try out these beauty items based on trends for summer 2023

Tatler Asia