This Derm-Favourite Skincare Brand Now Has An Anti-Acne Range

Aside from cleansing, moisturising the skin is something that dermatologists recommend, especially if you are on topical or oral acne medication. There’s a misconception that you shouldn’t moisturise when you have acne, but it actually helps hydrate, soothe and smooth the skin. Solicit the help of the ​Cetaphil PRO Acne Prone Oil-Free Moisturising Lotion SPF 25​.

*​Galderma data on file RD.06.SPR.18225.

Masumi True Beauty Hydrating Rose Mist

PHP375/~USD7 (beautymnl.com)

PROS: If you're looking for an affordable face mist, this one is a great option at only PHP375/~USD7. The rose smell is definitely refreshing and therapeutic, making it great for those who are really after the aromatherapy aspect of face mists. It also contains aloe vera extract and collagen, which are great for soothing and repairing purposes. Based on my tests, I found that this works great over makeup as it helps give the skin a nice, luminous glow that lasts throughout the day without making the makeup melt or look clumpy. It's also in a standard 100ml bottle that makes it easy to chuck in purses. 

CONS: The availability of this one is quite tricky as it's still not available in major supermarkets here in the Philippines. While the smell is something I personally love, people who are quite iffy when it comes to fragrances might find it offputting. 

Recommended for: Those on a budget but want to incorporate a reliable face mist in their beauty routine. 

Peter Thomas Roth Water Drench Hyaluronic Cloud Hydrating Toner Mist

~PHP1,460/USD28 (peterthomasroth.com)

PROS: If you expect your face mists to hydrate and make you really feel it, Peter Thomas Roth's contender is for you. It's not kidding in its use of the word 'drench' in the label; it has a powerful mister that will definitely leave your skin hydrated and cool after setting. Plus, it's infused with witch hazel, amino acids, Vitamin B5, and more, on top of being alcohol- and fragrance-free. At ~PHP1,460/USD28, I'd say its price point is quite reasonable given that it commits to its promises of helping my skin feel soft and hydrating my dry patches even after 48 to 72 hours of use. 

CONS: People who love fine mists would not like this at all. As I mentioned, the mister will definitely leave you wet and dripping, which makes it better for pre-makeup prep than an on-the-go face mist. It also takes a while to get absorbed, so I say use it as a toner instead. It's also quite bulky compared to the Masumi bottle, so it's better off as a mainstay in your vanity. 

Recommended for: Those who are looking for a toner that has lots of hydrating benefits. This is absolutely great for salvaging your skin from dry patches or tightness due to intermittent weather. 

Tatcha The Satin Skin Mist

~PHP2,500/USD48 (sephora.com)

PROS: If you're looking for a mist that not only hydrates but also helps deal with oil control, this one is for you. Formulated with Okinawan Clay and Silk Powder, this unique pick from Tatcha also doubles up as a setting spray that keeps makeup looking fresh and satiny smooth. I find this face mist very ideal if I need a quick touchup midday. I also noticed that with continuous usage, it did help improve my skin texture similar to the Peter Thomas Roth one, probably as a result of the anti-ageing Japanese superfoods and skin-firming Wild Rose in its formula. My skin definitely feels a lot softer and healthier up close despite me trimming down my skincare routine to only a select number of products. 

CONS: For a whopping ~PHP2,500/USD48, I think people might find the price to be a bit too steep for a face mist. While its glass packaging feels very luxurious, fragility is a major issue especially when one is dealing with a hectic schedule. It also has lesser product at 40mL compared to the other two. 

Recommended for: Those who are willing to splurge for a mist, a setting spray, and an essence-like product rolled into one. 

Curious to see which other beauty products we've pitted head-to-head? Find them all here. 

Was running your own beauty business in your plans before all these?

I was 16 when I attended my first beauty convention in Hong Kong. The interest was there but I wasn’t that serious at that time. Since I was the only girl in the family, obviously, I would be the one to inherit everything. Still, my mom was really a big influence on me and as I grew up, I learned to love cosmetics, too.

How was your life prior to the creation of your beauty brand?

Before Hello Gorgeous, I was a Senior Account Manager at a marketing agency that my family owns. I handled big accounts and worked closely with my boss, who’s my uncle. He’s the one who trained me and groomed me to be an entrepreneur and be ready for Hello Gorgeous. Our family pushes everyone to be an entrepreneur. So when I was ready, I resigned and focused on building Hello Gorgeous. 

How did you prepare for the establishment of your brand? 

Aside from continuously attending annual seminars and conventions, I’m also currently enrolled in a Certificate Marketing Course. To be honest, I never expected that it’s going to grow like this. When I was starting Hello Gorgeous, we didn’t really push marketing that much yet. I am proud to say that the number of likes and followers across all our social media platforms grew organically and I wanted it to remain that way. Bloggers, celebrities, online magazines, and TV channels who wanted to feature us started messaging us and it all started there. But now, of course, there are a lot of other local cosmetics brands here and there so we have to be aggressive in marketing the brand. 

What made you move and rebrand from Skinline Essentials to Hello Gorgeous?

We’ve seen that the big chunk of our consumers are teens and young professionals. So from Skinline Essentials, we rebranded to Hello Gorgeous and offered trendsetting, easy-on-the-pocket, and eco-conscious cosmetics.

How do you keep up with the latest beauty trends?

I keep up by attending conventions in different countries. During these conventions, you learn what the next beauty trend for the following year will be. Also, your suppliers will help you develop your product based on what is trending in the market today.

Do you plan on producing other non-beauty-related products or delving into other types of businesses?

I’m actually back in the marketing agency where I worked before because it's my first love. Aside from that, my husband and I have a fleet of cars for a transport network vehicle system.

How do you manage your businesses and being a mum?

It’s all about time management and priorities. If you love what you are doing, everything will be easy. Work doesn’t feel like it’s work because you are passionate about what you do and you enjoy it! 

Share with us your five Clozette essentials. 

My Hello Gorgeous makeup kit, a big bag that could fit all my stuff (and my kids’ stuff), a pair of comfortable flat shoes, my phone, and my laptop are my life!

Can you give us a beauty advice?

Don’t skip your skin care routine. Always remove your make up before going to bed. Feed your skin with moisturiser. Lastly, lashes will always make you look pretty!

What's next for Hello Gorgeous?

We are focusing on our makeup line this last quarter of the year and we’re making Hello Gorgeous available nationwide and worldwide through our Beauty Bosses.

This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.

(Cover photo from: @mawysapuay)

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