Get ready for the ultimate lineup of must-haves! Handpicked by none other than Christine Palanca herself, these products aren’t just recommendations they’re her personal favorites! From skincare to style, Christine owns, uses, and swears by each one of them. And if she says it’s the best, you can trust it truly is.
As Christine coined for Best of the Philippines, “We feature only the best!” and this year’s picks certainly live up to that promise.
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes:
Christine’s eye for the best didn’t just happen overnight. From middle school to today, she’s always been the go to expert among her friends and family. Need a perfect resort for your next vacation? Want to know which skincare routine she follows? Curious about the makeup she’s rocking or the outfit she wore last night? Christine has always been the one everyone turns to for advice on all things fabulous.
Despite her love for staying behind the scenes, she felt it was time to share her top picks with the world. After all, she believes that being radiant and confident isn’t something you should ever gatekeep.
Because, in her own words: “Kindness is the highest form of intelligence. Sharing what you love is just part of that.”
So, without further ado, here are The Editor's Best Picks for 2024!
1. Luxe Skin Ecran De Luxe Sunscreen Gel (50g)
Christine’s First Pick: Skincare Savior!
When it comes to skincare, Christine Palanca doesn’t play around. As a self proclaimed skincare junkie, she rarely wears makeup, choosing instead to focus on perfecting her skin’s natural texture and glow. The result? Flawless, youthful skin that always has people asking, What’s your secret?
Her answer? Sunblock.
Christine swears by sun protection, a habit she started at the age of 11! It’s the key to her radiant complexion, and her go to product for years has been the Luxe Skin Ecran De Luxe Sunscreen Gel. Lightweight, non greasy, and with zero white cast, this sunscreen is everything she looks for in skin protection.
It’s so lightweight, I forget I’m even wearing it. Plus, it keeps my skin from getting greasy, which is a huge win! Christine shares. And it doesn’t stop there! The Luxe Skin Ecran De Luxe is also non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your pores or cause irritation. Instead, it leaves your skin feeling light, fresh, and protected.
If you want to look years younger and keep your skin glowing, take it from Christine Luxe Skin Sunscreen Gel is the ultimate skincare must have!A
2. Numbuzin No.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
Christine’s Dual Sunscreen Strategy: Everyday vs. Outdoors
Christine doesn’t settle for just one type of sunscreen – she’s got a whole strategy! While she loves her Luxe Skin Ecran De Luxe for everyday use, when it’s time to hit the beach or spend a day outdoors, she reaches for her trusty Numbuzin No. 1 Clear Filter Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ .
So, why does Christine love this sunscreen so much?
Here’s why it’s a total game-changer:
Redness relief: Packed with 49.8% calming herb water, it works wonders to soothe and calm redness, perfect for hot days in the sun.
Maximum protection: With SPF 50+ PA++++, this sunscreen doesn’t just shield your skin from harmful UV rays it hydrates your skin at the same time!
Cooling effect: It’s not just sun protection, it’s also a skin refresher. This essence helps cool your skin down, keeping it fresh and comfortable, even under the blazing sun.
Christine says, “It’s the perfect sunscreen when you’re at the beach or spending the day outdoors. It keeps my skin protected and cool, all while keeping it soft and hydrated!”
So, whether you're lounging by the shore or exploring the great outdoors, Christine’s pick Numbuzin No.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence has got you covered!
3. Glow Fuel C
Let’s dive into the world of glowing skin and the game-changing magic of Vitamin C! When it comes to achieving that clear, radiant complexion, Vitamin C is the superhero of skincare. After trying countless brands, she finally found her holy grail the one that outshines the rest and is now her forever favorite: Luminisce’s Glow Fuel C Serum.
This isn’t just any ordinary Vitamin C serum oh no! Glow Fuel C serum does more than just brighten. It’s designed to supercharge your skin’s ability to repair, renew, and restore, bringing your complexion back to life. What makes this serum stand out from the crowd? It’s not just about Vitamin C, but about using the most stable and effective form: Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate. This powerful, fast absorbing derivative penetrates deep, delivering results that will make your skin glow like never before!
If you’re serious about getting your glow on, this serum is a must have in your skincare routine.
4. GOLDEN AGE REFINING SERUM
This year, I made a game-changing decision she said, to level up her skincare routine with some serious anti-aging ingredients! Enter her new favorite Golden Age Refining Serum. It’s packed with powerhouse ingredients like Pomegranate Fruit Extract and Hyaluronic Acid, expertly formulated to balance oil and water levels in the skin while working its magic to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles.
The best part? It’s incredibly gentle, even on my combination-to-sensitive skin. No irritation, no redness just glowing, youthful skin! This serum is officially my skincare hero!
5. Y.O. U. Golden Age 2-in-1 Essence
Introducing Golden Age 2-in-1 Essence, the lightweight skincare powerhouse you never knew you needed! This multitasking essence is designed to deeply hydrate, fortify your skin barrier, and prime your skin for optimal absorption of the rest of your skincare routine. But what truly sets it apart? Its ability to leave your skin looking radiant, healthy, and glowing .
And don’t worry this essence is alcohol-free, so it’s gentle enough for all skin types. It’s loaded with powerhouse ingredients that deliver serious results:
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Niacinamide: A superstar ingredient for acne control, brightening, and cell communication. It does it all!
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Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract: Potent antioxidants that fight free radicals and protect your skin.
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Lactic Acid: A gentle exfoliant to smooth out texture and boost radiance.
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Glycerin: Keeps your skin hydrated by mimicking its natural moisturizing factors.
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Allantoin Panthenol: These soothing agents calm any irritation while nourishing your skin.
With this essence toner, expect nothing less than hydrated, balanced, and glow worthy skin everyday!
6. Numbuzin No. 3 Super Glowing Essence Toner
Christine: The Numbuzin No. 3 Super Glowing Essence Toner has become my ultimate go to, especially when my skin decides to misbehave whether it’s that time of the month or I'm dealing with unexpected breakouts. This toner is my secret weapon to calm redness and inflamed pimples like nothing else!
What makes it truly stand out? It’s formulated with an incredible 50 types of fermented ingredients that work wonders in brightening and firming up dull, tired skin. Not only does it prep and hydrate, but it also comes with all the nourishing benefits of an essence, making it a perfect multi-tasker.
This revitalizing formula doesn’t just stop at hydration it also works to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a refreshed, youthful glow. Plus, it’s part of a numbered series of toners, each offering targeted care for specific skin concerns, like roughness and dryness. For anyone seeking a calming, revitalizing, and hydrating boost, this essence toner is a total skincare savior!
7. PAPA FEEL 5D Peptides Anti-aging Eye Repair Cream
This is one of her absolute top favorites from the list and get this, she blind-bought it without any expectations! But after using it consistently, she was completely blown away.
Christine: Surprisingly, it brightened my dark under eyes and smoothed out those baby wrinkles! I've tried countless under-eye creams, but this one is truly something special.
Highlight Ingredients:
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5D Peptide – Anti-wrinkle and skin-firming magic!
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Soluble Collagen – Boosts skin elasticity for a more youthful look.
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Ceramide – Strengthens and repairs the skin barrier.
This product is a total game-changer!
8. Alba White Truffle VEGAN First Spray Serum 100ml
I reach for this Spray Serum anytime my skin needs a little extra love and care. The luxurious scent alone is enough to calm my senses, but the way it leaves my skin feeling hydrated and soothed is pure magic. One spritz, and I instantly feel relaxed and refreshed. She utters.
Key Ingredients:
This powerhouse serum is infused with Premium White Truffles carefully extracted from Piedmont, Italy. Combined with Tocopherol (Vitamin E) , they form Alba's signature ingredient, Trufferol. Rich in antioxidants, white truffles are six times more effective than the famed propolis, making this serum a true skin savior! (Source: Phenolic Flavonoids Profile and Antioxidant Ability, and Effects on Cell Oxidative Stress of White Truffle (Tuber magnatum) and White Truffle Composition).
9. Dior Forever Clean Matte Foundation
If I’m being honest, I hate wearing makeup. It just doesn’t feel comfortable, and I can’t stand the heavy, caked on feeling of layers on my face. But here’s the dilemma I still need to look my best for events and meetings! So, I went on the hunt for a foundation that’s super lightweight, and guess what? I found it at Dior Rustan’s Shangri-La!
Introducing the Dior Forever Clean Matte Foundation it’s everything I needed. It’s got 24 hour wear, no-transfer, and a natural matte finish that gives my skin high perfection without the need for constant touch-ups. It evens out my complexion, tightens pores, smooths the skin, and controls shine without that suffocating feel.
What sets it apart is its formula an 86% skincare base infused with floral extracts, which means it’s not just makeup, it’s skincare too! It feels so comfortable, lets my skin breathe, and even improves its quality over time. Plus, it's heat and sweat resistant, so I stay flawless even in the most intense conditions.
10. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Light Revealer Skin Ulluminator SPF 25
On days when I’m not in the mood for foundation, I reach for my Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Light Revealer. It offers ultra sheer, flexible coverage that enhances my skin’s natural radiance while keeping it hydrated and glowing. The secret? A water-break cream formula infused with French Algae for hydration, plus shade-specific luminescent pearls that bring out a healthy, personalized glow.
It’s packed with an Antioxidant Complex and Broad Spectrum SPF 25 to protect against UV rays and environmental stressors. The best part? It’s so lightweight, it feels like you’re not wearing anything at all! With a luminous finish, all-day hydration, and smoother skin texture, it gives me that “no makeup, makeup” look effortlessly.
11. Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer
Discover the magic of high-performance correction with a soft-focus blurring effect: the Soft Matte Complete Concealer. This amazing product not only instantly conceals dark spots, undereye circles, redness, and breakouts but also smooths out uneven texture for a flawless, matte finish that lasts all day.
The best part? Over time, it helps your skin look softer and smoother, thanks to its blend of supportive Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, and a powerful mix of Vitamins A, C, and E that work together to nourish and protect.
What I love most is how lightweight and natural it feels on my skin no cakey look here! Just a smooth, flawless finish that stays put.
12. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless
Just like with foundation, I can’t stand the feeling of heavy face powder. That’s why I’m obsessed with the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish (8g) a cult favorite for good reason! This smoothing and blurring powder has captured not only my heart but the hearts of many beauty lovers out there.
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It gives a smoothing, pore-blurring effect , instantly perfecting your complexion.
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It minimizes shine with a soft-focus finish, leaving your skin looking naturally flawless.
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Plus, it’s infused with hydrating Rose Wax and Almond Oil , so your skin stays nourished while looking matte and radiant.
It’s everything I want in a powder light, breathable, and utterly flawless!
13. KATE LIP MONSTER
Let me tell you about my new obsession KATE Lip Monster. This long-lasting lipstick truly lives up to its name, delivering bold color that stays vibrant all day long!
Here’s why I love it:
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Vivid coloration that looks just as stunning hours later as it did when I first applied it.
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Long-lasting formula that doesn’t budge, even on acidic lips like mine!
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And best of all, it’s super moisturizing, leaving my lips feeling plump and hydrated.
It’s everything I need in a lipstick rich color, lasting power, and a comfortable feel all day long!
14. Sunnies Face: Fluffmatte
Sunnies Face is hands down my favorite local makeup brand here in the Philippines, and my absolute must have from them is the Fluffmatte lipstick. It’s a modern, weightless matte that delivers instant, high-impact color with just one swipe!
What sets Fluffmatte apart for me is its creamy, blendable, and breathable formula. It feels so comfortable on the lips with an airy, powdery-light finish that’s just perfect.
• Easy to use
• Paraben-free
• Non-drying
• Cruelty-free
• High-impact color
• Fragrance-free
I love how lightweight and pigmented it is it makes my lips look plump and pouty, without ever feeling heavy. If you’re after bold, beautiful lips that stay comfortable all day, this is the one!
15. SUPER STAY® VINYL INK
When it comes to lipsticks, longevity is key for me I’m not a fan of constant touch-ups! That’s why I’m loving the Super Stay Vinyl Ink Liquid Lipstick .
This lipstick delivers budge-resistant vinyl color with up to 16 hours of wear. Its Color Lock formula keeps it smudge and transfer proof while giving your lips a gorgeous, shiny finish.
What I love most is that it’s long lasting without clinging to dry patches or emphasizing lip lines. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and staying power, making it my go to for all day wear!
16. & Honey Silky Smooth Moist Shampoo and Honey Silky Smooth Moist Treatment
Back in 2019, a salon experience left my hair completely damaged. It was heartbreaking my hair went from healthy and shiny to brittle, dry, and lifeless. It felt like I had lost all the bounce and glow that made me feel confident.
But then, I discovered Honey Silky Moist Shampoo Treatment , and it was a game changer! This incredible formula not only cleanses but provides deep moisture that my dry, brittle hair desperately needed. The secret? It's packed with more than 90% moisturizing and protective ingredients, leaving my hair feeling silky smooth after every wash.
What I love most is the thoughtful blend of three types of honey , carefully sourced from around the world, to restore moisture and luster. Add in the goodness of Argan Oil, Honey, Shea Butter, Raw Ceramide, Golden Silk, Hyaluronic Acid, and Keratin, and you've got the ultimate hydration boost for stiff, damaged hair.
If your hair feels dry and brittle like mine once did, this product will turn things around! I swear by it Honey brought my hair back to life, making it silky, shiny, and healthy again.
17. ODID Milk Protein Intensive Water Treatment Florist Garden
This product works like magic on my hair! It transformed my once untidy hair into something shiny and healthy. When the ampoule meets water, it turns into a highly concentrated cream that forms a moisture coating film, giving my hair the nourishment it needs without any greasiness.
What I love is the 3 types of care it offers:
• Perfume care for a lasting fresh scent,
• Protein care to strengthen and repair,
• Safety care for sensitive scalps.
Even those with sensitive scalps can use it, thanks to its hair loss functional water treatment that contains patented ingredients promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss. And the best part? No silicone so I can trust that it’s safe for long-term use.
If you’re looking for a non-greasy, fresh, and effective hair treatment, this is definitely the one!
18. Kamilosan M
One thing I never leave the house without is my Kamillosan M Spray. It’s a staple in my bag, and honestly, I don’t know how I ever managed without it!
This versatile spray is a lifesaver for so many things: it helps with inflammatory infections in the mouth and throat, parodontosis, acute gingivitis, and even eases pain after tooth extractions or during second dentition. It’s also great for relieving irritation from dental plates and soothing tonsillary angina and canker sores. Plus, I use it as a quick fix for freshening my breath it's a total game changer!
19. Aura Cacia Organic Castor Oil
I absolutely love using castor oil for my hair ends, eyebrows, and even my eyelashes! It works wonders, making them healthier, thicker, longer, and shinier.
Aura Cacia Organic Castor Oil is my go-to. It’s cold-pressed from the seeds of the tropical castor plant, ensuring it retains all the nourishing goodness of ricinoleic acid and essential fatty acids. These ingredients are amazing for moisturizing and balancing the skin, which is why castor oil is commonly found in products like soaps and lotions. Plus, it’s hexane-free, so I know I’m using something pure and safe.
Whether it’s for hair care, skin care, or massage, castor oil is an absolute must in my routine!
20. Palmers Cocoa Butter Hand Cream
This is hands down the best hand cream I’ve ever used! It truly lives up to its claim of keeping my hands moisturized for a full 48 hours and I can definitely feel the difference.
• Heals softens even the roughest, driest skin with the nourishing power of natural Cocoa Butter and Vitamin E, leaving my hands looking and feeling healthier.
• Provides 48-hour moisture that lasts.
• Vegan-friendly—no animal ingredients or testing involved.
• Dermatologist recommended and perfect for eczema-prone skin.
• Free of parabens and phthalates.
• As America’s # 1 Cocoa Butter Brand, 3 out of 4 dermatologists recommend Palmer’s when suggesting cocoa butter products.
• It’s also the perfect post-sanitizer solution, keeping hands from drying out or cracking. If you’re looking for a long-lasting, skin-loving hand cream, this is it!
