Step Into A World of Beauty: BEAUTYCON 2026 Is Almost Here!

I always look forward to BeautyCon every year—and I’ve made it a tradition to attend since it first started. It’s one of those events where I get to appreciate what’s new in beauty while also rediscovering and relearning the brands I’ve worked with since my blogging days. And of course, it’s always nice reconnecting with fellow beauty enthusiasts who share the same love for all things beauty.  

This year, BEAUTYCON 2026: World of Beauty is back for its third year—bigger and better than ever, brought to you by Watsons, SM Beauty, and LOOK At Me.  

Taking over 9,000+ square meters at SMX Manila, the biggest beauty event of the year gathers 185+ brands with interactive booths, exclusive gifts with purchase, huge discounts, irresistible bundles, and deals available exclusively for Watsons Club, SMAC, and LOOK List members.  

Shopping also gets easier with the Watsons app Click & Collect feature—simply scan products at participating booths, check out through the app, and pick up your purchases at the collection point. Plus, with 60 cashiers around the venue, checkout will be faster and more convenient wherever you shop.  

Inspired by the community it has built since its debut, BEAUTYCON 2026 celebrates beauty with no limits—reminding us that beauty can be defined in a thousand different ways depending on your unique preferences and features.  

There will also be workshops, talks, and panel discussions featuring some of the country’s most important names in beauty and wellness, along with makeup demos, forums with dermatologists, and appearances from celebrities and brand ambassadors sharing their beauty tips.  

You can even enjoy FREE skin and scalp consultations from the Philippine Dermatological Society during the event.  

This year’s BEAUTYCON is extra special as it also celebrates the 185th anniversary of AS Watson, the mother company of Watsons—marking nearly two centuries of making health, beauty, and wellness accessible worldwide under the theme “Grow As One.”  

📍 BEAUTYCON 2026: World of Beauty 
March 19–22, 2026 
SMX Convention Center Manila 
10 AM – 9 PM  

The event is FREE for SMAC holders, Watsons Club members, and LOOK List patrons—just present your physical or digital membership upon entry.  

I will be doing a makeup demo on March 20, 1:30-2:00pm and will be there the whole afternoon to explore the world of Beautycon myself!  I hope to bump into you guys? 

See you there!  

Follow @smbeauty @watsonph @lookatme_ph for updates and announcements.

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

 

Cathy Doll Not Too Matte Lips Launch: Comfortable Matte That Feels Like Second Skin

Matte lips and comfort don’t always come together — but this time, they actually do.

Las year, I hosted the launch of Cathy Doll Not Too Matte Lips and let me tell you… this is one of those products that instantly makes you rethink everything you know about matte lipsticks.

Meet the Cathy Doll Not Too Matte Lips — a soft-matte formula designed for everyday wear, especially for those of us who love that matte look but hate dry, heavy lips.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Nikki Tiu 黃素華 (@askmewhats)

I've worn and tested all the shades on video above, feel free to check it out and show some love. After more than months of trying these random colors since the launch, here are my thoughts.

Polka dot Romper OOTD + Coffee : A Cozy Morning Before the Busy Day

Most of the time, I skip breakfast, but today hits differently.  I felt my age, I felt my lack of sleep.  I need to reset my energy.

This morning was one of those slow, simple days — coffee in hand, comfy sandals on, and a polka dot romper that made getting dressed feel effortless. Before the busy schedule kicked in, I treated myself to a peaceful breakfast and a little me-time.

I paired my romper with my favorite Zaxy Glam Sand Sandals , and honestly, they’ve become my daily essential.

They’re:

• lightweight
• cushioned for walking
• stylish enough for casual OOTDs
• perfect for long days out

A very simple reminder for us going through very busy days, I try to keep this to myself as well for reminder:

We do not need grand plans to feel good. Sometimes, it's just wearing out favorite outfit (I've had this Polka-dot brown romper for years!), a comfy sandals, a good cup of coffee, breakfast that screams - warmth from a hug!

Simple yet Classy OOTD Outfit Ideas in the Philippines

When it comes to weekends, I usually love dressing down—comfort over everything. But let’s be real, there are always those days when I still want to look classy, even if I’m in my casual staples.

Today was one of those days!

I’m a shorts girl through and through—I probably own almost every color imaginable—and this battle green shorts from Love, Bonito is no exception. The length is just perfect, and I love how versatile it is. Pair it with a classy top and a belt, and suddenly, what could’ve been an underdressed outfit becomes dressed-just-right. Weekend vibes, but make it chic.

I've had the top from eons ago, I bought this in HK and never get to wear this much.  Because off-shoulders are back in the game, it finally saw the light of day!

 

Quick tip from me on pairing shorts ---

• Tuck it in for instant polish
• Add a belt for structure
• Opt for tailored or structured shorts - this one from Love, Bonito is perfect!
• Play with textures - both top and bottom uses different material.
• Can layer with a blazer or light jacket.
• Footwear matters - change to heels from usual sneakers or rubber shoes will make a huge difference.
• Accessorize.

Enjoy styling!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Issy & Co True Flex Illuminator Review

 

I love a good Illuminator. Recently, I have been using the one from MAC and still, with a favorite in mind, I can't help but compare the higher end ones to somewhat more affordable version.

I've got the Issy & Co. True Flex Illuminator since 2023 and I am unsure why this draft has been sitting here for the past 2 years.  I guess I haven't been picking this up more often or my work (as a host) requires me more of a matte-finish foundation rather than radiant ones.  

Issy & Co. has been receiving positive reviews on their base makeup and I was excited to see if this single product could live up to the hype—especially for those of us who want glow without looking overly shiny or textured.

Issy & Co says ---

A versatile, affordable liquid highlighter with micro-fine pearls for a natural glow.  Available in shades like Flare (Champagne) and Halo (Rose Gold) and Ray (Pearl Opalescent).  It's desinged for various applications: As a glowy primer, mixed with foundation/tint, used as a liquid highlighter on high points, or applied all over the radiance, offering customizable luminosity without the heavy glitter.

Shade: Flare (Champagne)

Php600-Php700 via LAZADA

AMW says ---

• Packaging is sleek, minimalist and easy--to-use and control the amount to dispense.
• Travel-friendly.
• Texture is easy to work with.
• Can use on its own or blend with Foundation or moisturizer.
• Not thick or greasy.
• No harsh shimmer.
• No patchiness.
• Does not dry out dry skin.