Metro Beauty Awards 2023: Best Makeup Finds
30+ new discoveries for your makeup cabinet—tried and tested!
Welcome to the Metro Beauty Awards 2023! After months of trying, experimenting, and deliberating, we've arrived at our next list of winners, the best Makeup products out in the market! From among hundreds of beauty products, the METRO team chose this list of exceptional picks, that you should consider adding to your vanity. From amazing cushion compact finds, to J-beauty and K-beauty staples, to brand new discoveries, we hope you enjoy browsing this year's list of winners. To see our list of winning Filipino brands, click here.
To find out this year's winners, check out the shopping widgets below, click "Learn More" to find out why we love them, and click on "Shop" to start adding to cart! Stay tuned for more of Metro Beauty Awards in the coming days!
Artdeco No Color Setting Powder
The Artdeco no color setting powder is great! Even if the product appears to be white, it totally adapts to the natural color of your skin. It not only mattifies an oily face but also makes it appear smoother and blemish free. The light base surprisingly holds for several hours.
₱1850.00
Artdeco All In One Cream
Talk about a multi-tasking product! It is a CC cream that gives a healthy glowing skin look. It would have been peen perfect if it came with SPF though, but you will love this texture and can build it for any occassion.
₱1950.00
Avon Hydramatic Matte Lipstick
Tried this out in Hydra Ruby, Hydra Rosy, and Hydra Pink and liked all of them. Good color payoff but moisturizes well. When you prefer your lips to look like they are just pretty, go for this consistency.
₱379.00
Bobbi Brown Luxe Matte Lipcolor
It melts onto the lips, creating a hydrating, long-lasting stain! Infused with a slew of skin-softening ingredients, this product gives lips comfort, so they never feel parched or flakey.
₱2250.00
BYS Decoded Full Coverage Powder with Vit. C
Was expecting full coverage but this is medium at best with a sponge or powder brush. It can be buildable and layered well and sits nicely on top of a base. It is quite heavy duty and long-lasting.
₱229.00
Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Cushion Foundation Dewy
This luxury Japanese brand is known for its skincare products, but little did I know that their makeup line was outstanding as well! I have been having a cushion phase lately, and I have tried a lot, but this one stands out. One dab and immediately I see how well this covers uneven skin tone, blemishes, and dark spots. There is no need to build over the first layer as it's enough to give amazing coverage and longevity throughout the day! While it is not yet available for purchase online locally, you can purchase at their Greenbelt 5 boutique. Price available upon request.
Clinique Almost Lipstick
Personally, I prefer bold lipsticks. But some days also call for lighter and subdued shades, and this one is the perfect product to use. It is called Almost Lipstick because of its transparent finish. What it does is it gives lips that pretty, glossy finish. I think it works for topping a bolder shade of lipstick too.
₱1800.00
Dior Addict Lip Maximizer
As a perpetual user of the Dior Lip Glow, the Lip Maximizer is natural next step. It is an ultra plumping and moisturizing ingredient that proves to be a great base before putting on your lipstick. And yes, it instantly plumps but with a sheen that is dependent on the user if it is the sheen for you! Price available upon request at Dior Beauty boutiques.
Dior Forever Cushion
I used to not reach for cushion foundations whenever I was looking for a base product but this changed the game quite literally. The packaging is very Dior and the matte formula did not disappoint. The applicator feels luxe as well! Price available upon request at Dior Beauty boutiques.
Dior Backstage Rosy Glow Blush
No that I am biased, but this blush immediately drew me in for its stunning packaging and equally eye-catching shades. One swipe gives enough pigment to color both cheeks, so it is a great product for long-lasting use. Price available upon request at Dior Beauty boutiques.
Jane Iredale PurePressed Blush
Mineral makeup will always be included in my must-haves, and the Jane Iredale blush is one of the key items I will always love. It gives just the right pigment without going overboard so you can control the intensity. It comes in a nice little compact, but you will need a blush brush if you want to be able to use it properly.
₱1700.00
K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo 3 Way Eyebrow Pencil
This lives up to its name. It has a brown pen and a brown powder for an extra soft finish. It is also waterproof!
₱795.00
K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real Lasting Eyebrow 24h
I am obsessed with perfecting my brows. I never leave the house without fixing those arches. I have always been a fan of the K-Palette eyeliner, too, and it feels great to discover its signature tattoo effect carries over to its eyebrow line. This product is liquid type, which could probably make it hard for others to control, but once you get the hang of it, you will be able to draw soft lines with it. It is long-lasting, too, so I do not feel the need to retouch in between the day.<br />
₱845.00
Kiko Milano 3D Hydra Lip Gloss
This product is on cult favorite status for a reason. It is able to supply high shine with just a single swipe, to create dramatic lips that are perfect for the upcoming holiday season!
₱800.00
Kiko Milano Contour Obsession Contour & Highlight Face Palette
I absolutely love this palette as it gives my face the definition it needs with its two contour shades and highlighting powder. No need to be a pro here, just use good brushes, watch a contour and highlight tutorial, and you are good to go! The shades are subtle yet able to define the face really well.
₱1450.00
Kiko Milano Full Coverage 2-in-1 Foundation and Concealer
Kiko Milano impresses in more departments than one. Their products are pro-grade yet are still friendly for beginners and longtime makeup fans alike. This product is a 2-in-1 base product that gives superior coverage and keeps blemishes and uneven skintone at bay.
₱1800.00
Kiko Milano Maxi Mod Volume and Definition Mascara
So far, easy to apply and remove (no need for mascara or makeup remover), but lasts for 6-8 hours. It also does not give raccoon eyes even if your face or lids are oily. It is volumizing but not that lengthening, but we don't mind. Make sure to apply carefully to avoid clumping.
₱950.00
Kiko Milano Skin Trainer CC Blur
I could not rave enough about this amazing product that is able to absolutely, truly blur out your skin and provide a great base for your makeup. You have to try it to believe it. It comes with a subtle shade that mimics your skin color, and removes imperfections in a snap. I highly recommend this for anyone who is serious about creating the perfect makeup base.
₱1850.00
Kiko Milano Unlimited Double Touch
This viral product truly lives up to the hype! You only have to apply the base color once. Reapplying the top coat will not ruin the base color! Tube feels luxe and handy. We are obsessed!
₱950.00
Kiko Milano Unlimited Blush
Definitely a great pick for those who like a little shimmer in their blush. This is a cost-efficient pick that gives the same effects as its uber luxury counterparts.
₱900.00
KissMe Heavy Rotation Coloring Eyebrow Mascara
This does not budge at all but it is not hard to remove at all. A miracle in a bottle! Another J-beauty hit that we are keeping in our kits from now on!
₱575.00
L:A Bruket Lip Balm 017
This is the kind of lip balm I would lug around with me on travels to cold weather destinations, as it is able to instantly hydrate dry lips and keep it hydrated for long hours. I love putting this on at night before bed, so I wake up with moisturized, healthy lips.
₱1000.00
Laneige NEO Cushion Glow
Laneige NEO Cushion Glow has a dewy feel and is definitely lightweight. It leaves a second-skin finish on the face and does not cake or crack. It is delicate and seamless, and the puff structure is a plus. This is now a top-shelf staple for me and my favorite so far.
₱2200.00
Laneige NEO Cushion Matte
The Laneige NEO line is and has always been top-notch for me. Their cushion compact is equally amazing like its liquid foundation sister, as it's able to give great buildable coverage on-the-go. While some blemishes still need concealer to completely hide, overall it has the ability to even out the skin and keep you looking fresh all day.
₱2200.00
Laura Mercier High Vibe Lip Color
The Laura Mercier High Vibe Lip Color provides both a plumping effect and rich pigmentation. I love how the product easily glides on. It is a go-to for a statement lip, thanks to its plumping formula and intense color payoff.
₱1900.00
Laura Mercier Petal Soft Lipstick Crayon
I am obsessed with its sheer yet pigmented formula—it is almost like a colored lip balm that is also buildable and great for day or night! A surefire keeper for your daily beauty bag.
₱1520.00
MAC Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation
The hybrid of makeup and skincare has been all the rage, but not all brands were able to get it right. MAC, on the other hand, has launched a foundation that truly gives the best of both worlds. It gives superior coverage and blendability while infusing skin with much-needed serum skincare benefits. This is the new age of foundations!
₱2600.00
Max Factor Miracle Pure Foundation
I find Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin-Improving Foundation flattering in that it doubles its task as a foundation and as a skincare supplement. It has a fine coverage and does not cake like other liquid foundations, and has a small opening for a spill-free use. The decision is upon you, to make or miss!
₱766.00
NARS Powermatte Lipstick
I love how this lipstick applies smoothly and dries matte without drying your lips. The formula is creamy enough to apply with ease, and if you are looking for a true matte finish, this is the lipstick to wear.
₱1900.00
Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick
A true matte lipstick! It is long-lasting and feels incredibly weightless with little to no touch-ups. The shade Beso is the most flattering shade of red, among many other available shades.
₱1450.00
Vaseline Lip Therapy Original
The Vaseline no-fuss lip balm is great at what it does: moisturizing and keeping the lips healthy and soft. It is effective, uncomplicated, and budget friendly. A classic!
₱168.00
Benefit Fluff Up Brow Wax
The Benefit Fluff Up Brow Wax has a clean white color to it at first stroke, which slowly fades as you carry on with the brushing. It coats the brows and gives it a natural gloss after application, and lasts fairly long. The product packaging also has an aesthetic appeal.
₱1730.00
Luxx Liner Bundle Lashes
Luxx launched amazing new lash sets that include false eyelashes and a special eyeliner pen that serves as the glue that makes the lashes stick! No need for separate lash glue for the eyeliner already does the job. The Martine offers a clear line and band, while the Ronnie gives a black line and natural band.
₱1299.00
Faboulash So Snatchural False Eyelashes
Faboulash is a brand I trust for falsies. They are literally so natural to the touch, and applies easily too. This particular collection is great for days when you do not want eyelashes that are overly dramatic, but still give that much-needed oomph for your eyes!
₱249.00
Happy Skin x Marj Makeup Brushes
We trust beauty content creator Marj Maroket for beauty advice, so her brush collection with Happy Skin was definitely a treat. Pro brushes at affordable price points, what is not to love?
₱499.00
Lucky Beauty Skin Blur Powder Foundation
A compact powder is a must-have in my bag. This product has nine shades, so it was such a delight to find one that perfectly matches my skin tone. The cakey texture is often the issue with powder foundations but that is something I did not encounter with this one. It feels light on the skin but also delivers its promise of blurring blemishes with its medium-to-full coverage.
₱549.00
Dazzle Me 24/7 Wonderfullip Serum
Tastes like candy, and gives a subtle shine. Moisturizes the lip but needs to be reapplied throughout the day.
₱149.00
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