4 for 2: Heartthrobs share skincare and style hacks
‘Because there’s nothing more refreshing than running in the morning, when it’s not too hot and when you’re just getting a little bit of sunlight — with sunblock — that is refreshing!’
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‘Because there’s nothing more refreshing than running in the morning, when it’s not too hot and when you’re just getting a little bit of sunlight — with sunblock — that is refreshing!’
TikTok Beauty Fest was an immersive event filled with creator meet-and-greets, interactive beauty experiences, exclusive brand activations and offers in One Ayala Activity Center, Makati City.
DENI BERNARDO FOR DAILY TRIBUNE
“Filipinos want more than SPF (sun protection factor),” Gluta-C claimed in a statement, which is why the skincare label recently launched Brightening Sunscreen SPF 60+, a sunscreen collection that combines blue light defense for daily digital exposure, glutathione, vitamin C, skin tint and moisturizing care.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF Ardent World Inc.
Content creator Leon Barretto
Leon Barretto via Instagram
Actor Jameson Blake wearing a modern barong Tagalog at the SM and Bench collaboration event.
DENI BERNARDO FOR DAILY TRIBUNE
When it comes to fashion and beauty, it’s all for one and one for all for four hunks: Mister International 2025 Kirk Bondad, content creator Leon Barretto and actors Joaquin Arce and Jameson Blake.
Sunblock, according to Kirk, is an all-year, both outdoor and indoor must-have for men and women alike.
“I’ve been using sunblock before, but now, I’ve been using it more as skincare. I feel like it’s the missing link (in my skincare routine),” he told DAILY TRIBUNE in an exclusive interview at a recent Vision Express event. “Oh my, girl, I’ve got so much in my skincare routine, that’s why it’s funny that I often forget sunblock! But I have everything, from facial wash — I have three different ones. I have a toner, I use snail mucin.”
According to him, his favorite brand when it comes to sun care is Filipino label Camou. “It’s a local brand in the Philippines, which I like, because I like supporting local brands,” he vouched.
Camou is among the skincare brands that was launched on leading short-form mobile video platform TikTok, which wrapped up the second year of its TikTok Beauty Fest last week with Own Your Beautiful: The Glow Up Masterclass and an immersive event filled with creator meet-and-greets, interactive beauty experiences, exclusive brand activations and offers in One Ayala Activity Center, Makati City.
From trends and tutorials, their “Beauty” space, said TikTok Global Business Solutions, Singapore and Philippines General Manager Zhi Wei Sok in a statement, has evolved to become an avenue for beauty enthusiasts to discover products that work for them, connect with beauty communities around the world and express themselves “authentically and confidently.”
As for fashion, running shoes are Kirk’s style must-haves: “Because there’s nothing more refreshing than running in the morning, when it’s not too hot and when you’re just getting a little bit of sunlight — with sunblock — that is refreshing!”
Kirk, who planned to join a Bohol and a New Zealand marathon this year, advised those who also want to get started at joining marathons: “Don’t run to burn fats or for your body. Just do it for mental health, to make yourself feel better, then work yourself up. Because a marathon is a commitment. So don’t think about a marathon, think about your first 5k or 3k. It’s perfectly fine.”
Sunblock with blue light protection
For Joaquin, in addition to sunblock, moisturizer keeps his skin always looking healthy and youthful, he told DAILY TRIBUNE in an separate exclusive interview at the recent Vision Express event in Makati City.
“Filipinos want more than SPF (sun protection factor),” Gluta-C claimed in a statement, which is why the skincare label recently launched Brightening Sunscreen SPF 60+, a sunscreen collection that combines blue light defense for daily digital exposure, glutathione, vitamin C, skin tint and moisturizing care to deliver the multi-benefit skincare experience Filipinos are looking for.
According to the brand’s research, for years, sunscreen conversations centered almost entirely on preventing sunburn. “Today, Filipino consumers are asking different questions — whether a sunscreen will feel lightweight enough for the daily commute, stay comfortable without becoming oily by midday, wear well under makeup and blend seamlessly without leaving a white cast. In today’s climate, sunscreen’s everyday wearability has become just as important as its level of sun protection. Recent social listening across Filipino skincare communities shows that texture, comfort, trust and ease of use now influence sunscreen purchases just as much as SPF protection,” the brand added.
“We’ve always believed that skincare should do more than solve one concern,” said Angeline Fiechter, president of Ardent World Inc., which produces Gluta-C. “Our consumer research confirmed what we’re seeing today — people no longer define beautiful skin by fairness alone. They want skin that looks healthy, even-toned, moisturized and naturally glowing. That’s exactly what inspired the development of our new Brightening Sunscreen. We wanted to create a sunscreen that not only offers high sun protection but also delivers the skincare benefits consumers truly value while remaining lightweight and comfortable enough for everyday use.”
As for fashion, eyeglasses, according to Joaquin, are more than just accessories — these protect his prescription contact lenses.
“Basic saving tip: If you don’t need something, don’t buy it,” he advised. “Use your money for things you need and save always. Look at your life and lifestyle. Ask yourself repeatedly if you really need something before buying it.”
Beauty bonding
DAILY TRIBUNE spotted celebrity siblings Leon and Dani Barretto shopping together at the recent BeautyCon in SMX, Pasay City. Dani, said Leon, introduced him to skincare.
“For me, I’m focusing on the skincare aspect. I think as men grow, we should prioritize sunblock and of course moisturizer and, especially for work and when I have breakouts, I think I’m trying to explore different brands I can cover that up through makeup,” Leon said. “So yeah, I think those are the products I’m trying to eye for today’s makeup.”
Dani shared that among her latest beauty discoveries are toner pads. “It’s life-changing!” she attested. “It’s really nice to set your face before you finish your entire skincare line.”
Pinoy pride
Fashion pieces such as shoes and watches, according to Jameson, are not just statements — they’re investments. Besides watches and casual caps, the actor believes spending on barong Tagalog is a worthy investment since it entails supporting local weavers and communities.
When shopping for a barong Tagalog, he goes for something that’s not hot, very relaxed and really “brings out the best of our culture and heritage” in its design, he noted in an exclusive DAILY TRIBUNE interview at a recent SM and Bench collaboration event.
“Especially if there are events, that’s when I wear something that speaks of our Filipino culture and it’s always best to wear something that represents our country,” he affirmed.
