I fell in love with this local beauty brand ever since it was launched in 2019.

From its humble beginnings of lipstick pens, liquid lipsticks, multiuse crayons, cushion lippies, and cream tints, Issy and Co. has "glo-ed up" into a brand that deserves to be on the global pedestal.

Issy and Co. has released various products over the years but this time around, it spotlights the newly improved Active Skin Tint, Active Concealer, as well as the new True Flex Powder Foundation and True Flex Illuminator.

The Active Skin Tint and Active Concealer was first launched in 2021. Since then, it has gained a cult following for its lightweight,
skin-like finish and intentional, skin-loving ingredients.

For the last quarter of 2022, it introduced new versions of the products that give users "Next Level Skin."

The Active Skin Tint is now formulated with Niacinamide which is known to improve skin hydration. Other ingredients include Squalane, Glycerin, and Sunscreen Actives (love!).

From six shades, the updated version now has 12 shades to cater to all skintones.

Then came the Active Concealer which I believe was everyone's ride or die makeup product. Some beauty enthusiasts even call it a dupe for the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer — as I said, world-class.

This time around, the product line now has 24 shades which include color correctors and contour shades. However, Issy and Co. co-founder and creative director Joel Andrade said during the launch that they had to rename all of the shades to aptly define each one.

Issy and Co. proves that it is not in the game "just because."

With this comes the True Flex Powder Foundation which, personally is a dream come true for my normal to oily skin as it is, by far, the only powder that is able to control the shine of my skin.

It also minimizes pores, sets makeup, blots excess oil, and has a medium to full coverage depending on the makeup tool used thanks to the finely-milled powder incorporated with Etylhexyglycerin, Japanese Camellia Seed Oil, among the other ingredients.

Finally, the brand joined the bandwagon of skin enhancers with its True Flex Illuminator.

This boasts of a lightweight formula (which I can attest to) that can be used under the base or as a highlighter. And yes, it does not have chunky glitter in it. Instead, it has micro-fine pearlescent pigments that do not emphasize skin texture.

The future looks bright for the local cosmetics industry.

Issy and Co. is just one local brand out of many that continues to innovate and create top quality products without breaking the bank.

Available in Shopee, Lazada, and Beauty Manila PH

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While a lot of makeup brands are stepping it up, having a clean and healthy base is still essential to beauty.

Cetaphil's Bright Healthy Radiance line claims to make the skin radiant in just 14 days so this writer put it to the test.

Included in the line is the Gentle Renewing Cleanser, Perfecting Serum, and Instant Radiance Mask. Although it isn't technically included in the new line, I also included the Brightness Refresh Toner in my routine.

Events continue to pile up and I had to wear makeup almost every day which made my skin very dull, pale, and textured.

While the Bright Healthy Radiance line does not have claims on minimizing texture, it did salvage what was left of its vibrance.

When my friends wanted to take a selfie and I complained about not having makeup on, she told me, "Hindi nga halatang maputla ka eh (You don't look pale at all)."

Care to try it out for yourself? Cetaphil is available in Mercury Drug and Watsons stores, supermarkets nationwide, and the official Cetaphil Philippines stores in Lazada and Shopee.