Caring for yourself doesn’t have to hurt Mother Earth. If you’re looking to be more sustainable – or maybe just looking for affordable alternatives – consider these eco-friendly items you can use to replace ones you already have. Trust us, they’re just as good – if not better – and are kinder for the environment too!

Menstrual Cups

Having your period can be troublesome. If you’re worried about period products limiting your clothing options or mobility, consider switching over to menstrual cups. This option allows you better movement and freedom and is much more environmentally friendly.

A single menstrual cup can be reused for up to two years, creating less waste than traditional sanitary products (most of which are made with synthetic and thereby non-biodegradable material). In the long run, the cost of a single menstrual cup is also much less than two years’ worth of sanitary pads or tampons.

Those who want to try it out can check out Sinaya, a leading menstrual cup brand in the Philippines. With over 40,000 customers, Sinaya has diverted over 8 million sanitary pads from ending up in landfills, and continues to advocate for both sustainability and menstrual freedom.

Visit the Sinaya website

Shampoo Bars

What do you do with your shampoo bottle after all the shampoo has been used up? For most people, the answer is: to simply throw it away. If you’re feeling a little guilty about that extra waste, then we suggest shifting to shampoo bars. Often packaged in paper, shampoo bars can last just as long as regular shampoos but are a more environmentally friendly option (they also take up less space in your shower!).

A fantastic option for shampoo bars is Ecoshift’s line of naturally made bars. They have a variety of options that cater to different needs such as: sensitive scalp, dandruff care, hair fall defense, color protect, and volumizing. Each bar is also made with delicious smelling ingredients such as tea tree oil, patchouli, clementine oil, and cinnamon.

Visit the Ecoshift website

Crystal Hair Remover

Waxing and shaving are popular options for hair removal, but if you haven’t tried a crystal hair remover yet, you definitely should. It might change your mind about what your favorite method is.

A crystal hair remover, like the one from Nail Staple, is both a hair remover and an exfoliator. To use, simply rub it gently against the target area (such as legs or arms) in circular motions. While it’s not recommended for use on armpits or the bikini area, it does a fantastic job everywhere else, with zero waste afterward. All you have to do is wash it and let it dry before it’s ready for another session.

Visit the Nail Staple website

Bamboo Cotton Buds

Because most cotton buds are made of plastic, there’s a likelihood that the ones you used years ago are still sitting in a landfill somewhere. Fortunately, there are more alternatives these days, among which are bamboo cotton buds, made with earth-friendly materials that are meant to biodegrade.

Eco Warrior’s bamboo cotton buds are made with sustainable bamboo and organic cotton, making them a safe and healthy choice for your ears. Due to their materials, each bud is 100% biodegradable and comes packaged in cardboard, not plastic – proof that small changes make the biggest difference.

Visit the Eco Warrior's website

Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

Makeup remover wipes are convenient, but let’s face it, they’re not very eco-friendly. Fortunately, there are reusable options that can be used more than once. Body Shop’s Clean Conscience Reusable Makeup Remover Pads come sold as a set of seven and are made with bamboo and organic cotton. They quickly and effectively absorb makeup removers, oils, and butter to make cleanup that much easier.

After use, soak the pads in warm water to clean any residue, then pop them in the laundry at the end of the week. Voila! They’re ready for use again; no waste is created.

Visit the Body Shop website

Bold and experimental. From maxi frames to sleek cat-eye silhouettes, Fall/Winter 2024-2025 eyewear collections were nothing short of fashionable. The season saw a blend of retro revival and futuristic innovation, with tinted lenses, geometric shapes, and luxurious metallics taking center stage.

Before we head on to the Spring-Summer 2025 season, let’s take a look at our best eyewear picks from Fall/Winter 2024-2025 that turn heads for every style.

Sporty: DITA Lancier

Designed for optimal vision in any kind of environment — may it be the land, sea, or air, New York-founded brand DITA Lancier’s Fall-Winter 2024 collection is the perfect choice for a sporty style. Aside from its impeccable style, this collection boasts functionality with its advanced lens technology and anti-slip rubber nose pads and temples for utmost comfort.

Our best pick from the collection is the aviator sunglasses LSA-404, which comes in three colorways: the matte crystal gray and black palladium with a grey lens for sea activities; the matte black and white gold with a brown lens for land sports; and the matte black and matte black gun with a green lens for air activities.

DITA Lancier’s FW2024 is available at Vision Express stores nationwide. You can also check it out here.

Classy: Chanel

Keeping it classy? Go for French luxury house Chanel’s Fall-Winter 2024-2025 eyewear collection.

Chanel’s FW 2024-25 collection perfectly nails the classy look that never gets old. Take, for example, its rectangle-shaped sunglasses, adorned with golden tweed patterns on the temple, a timeless black frame, and, of course, the brand’s iconic double C logo.

But what really takes center stage in this collection are the Butterfly glasses, which turn heads with their uniquely shaped frame and lenses that mimic that of a butterfly. It comes in blue light glasses and sunglasses variations, depending on your preference.

Explore the collection here.

Edgy: Dior

Dare to be different? With a contemporary and bold take on sunglasses, Parisian luxury brand Dior’s VeryDior M1U sunglasses made its debut at its Winter 2024 show and instantly became a hit with fashion enthusiasts with its edgy look — kind of like what mysterious super spies wear on a mission.

These sunglasses, which take on the shape of a wrap-around frame, boast an avant-garde look with a gold-finish metal Christian Dior signature at the temples and woven patterns at the temple tip. It can also be worn as a headband, combining luxury, style, and functionality in one.

See how Dior’s M1U glasses fit your edgy style here.

Casual-Chic and Streetwear: Versace

Have that perfect blend of a casual and chic style like Sabrina Carpenter or aespa’s Ningning, or the swag of NBA player Alexandre Sarr? If you do, Versace’s eyewear should be your go-to.

For Fall-Winter 2024-2025, the Italian luxury designer brand unveiled the 2024 version of their iconic Medusa Biggie glasses, named after the late rapper Notorious B.I.G. The collection features cat-eye-shaped frames, which are perfect for a chic ensemble, while the bold, low-lens-shaped sunglasses give off a cool vibe, perfect for a streetwear-inspired style. Its temples are also equipped with a gold-toned heritage Medusa Medallion for that added luxury and signature Versace identity.

Check out Versace’s new Medusa Biggie eyewear here.

Preppy: Miu Miu

If you’re in the mood for something cutesy and preppy, we recommend Miu Miu's Fall-Winter 2024 eyewear collection!

Aside from the usual black and brown lenses, the brand is also popular for their pink and blue-hued lenses, both of which go well with bright-colored fits and girly girl styles. We especially love the Nocturne collection, a reinvention of sporty sunglasses, which also comes in various lens colors.

Explore Miu Miu's eyewear collection here.

Streetwear has always reflected culture — bold, rebellious, and unapologetically real. As fashion evolves, so does streetwear, expanding to appeal to larger audiences — sometimes to different countries.

Streetwear, as a culture, goes beyond the confines of boundaries, and Southeast Asian brands DBTK, Pestle & Mortar Clothing, and Ageless Galaxy showcase this message through their latest collaboration titled, “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders.”

Unveiled at a dynamic and intimate launch held at the Saikou Bar & Café, the “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” collection exhibits cultures representing the three countries these brands come from — the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia — and their united front of showing what Southeast Asia is all about.

For someone who does not typically wear streetwear, the collection (or streetwear in general) may appear intimidating to try, style, and wear. But you’d be surprised to know that streetwear is one of the trendier fashion styles Filipinos wear daily.

Elements of streetwear can be seamlessly mixed into any kind of wardrobe or aesthetic; you may not even realize that some of your go-to fashion items could even fall under the “streetwear” category.

So, with that in mind, here are a few ways we’d style the “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” collection regardless if your style is streetwear-focused or not — all Philippine/Southeast Asian weather-friendly, of course.

Minimalist

Minimalist streetwear is already a sub-culture on its own, characterized by sleek lines, monochromatic color palettes, and a more subdued take on graphics. This style combines the aesthetics of streetwear with the simplicity of colors and an eye for versatile pieces.

All T-shirts from the “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” collection all seem too loud to be considered for a minimalist take on streetwear but hear us out. The “National Fruits” tee designed by Ageless Galaxy is the one to go for if you’re looking for a piece that’s not all “in your face” with the design.

Featuring the national fruits from Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, the shirt is vibrant and rings true to “what Southeast Asia is all about.” To keep with the minimalist aesthetic, pair this top with a polished, plain bottom (whatever you want), layered with a blazer of the same color (or in the same color palette), and a pair of sneakers.

The 90s Era - Grunge

The 90s were an era filled with a variety of fashion trends, from the carefree and feminine glamour and preppy styles to the rise of grunge fashion and flannel shirts being commonplace, the 90s were an era worth all the nostalgia.

With the fashion trends of the 90s being revived almost every year, streetwear elements can easily find their place with them. The “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” tee in Black Sandwash designed by DBTK is your best bet if you’re trying to achieve a mix of grunge and streetwear. The shirt has a “Unity Bridges Culture” print on the left chest and a sun and stars graphic on the right at the front. More symbols for Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines can be seen at the back, all in neon colors.

To give this shirt a grunge twist, pair it with a pair of faded or distressed wide-legged jeans, layered with a plain long-sleeved top inside (of thin material), some fishnet if you feel it, and a pair of combat boots (doesn’t have to be Doc Martens, but us 90s kids will tell you to go for it).

Loungewear

Most people nowadays want to blend comfort and style in their fashion choices, and loungewear is just the solution. However, this trend isn’t just about putting on outerwear over home clothes, pairing it with trendy sneakers, and calling it a day — it’s about choosing comfy fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and refined basics.

Incorporating streetwear into the mix can seem like a break into the homey vibe that loungewear gives, but it can elevate the look and give it a different mood.

The “Triple Threat” T-shirt designed by Pestle & Mortar Clothing is a good choice for the “loungewear but with some prints” kind of feel. Now, it may look a bit like our minimalist take on streetwear too, but the fabrics and silhouettes are what make these two styles different. The characters symbolizing the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia are seen at the front, paying homage to these countries’ cultural unity and craftsmanship.

For a loungewear streetwear look, pair this shirt with a black, relaxed loungewear set and a pair of sneakers with a loud color, and you’re good to go. Being comfy doesn’t mean you have to be slouchy.

Cottagecore

Wait, what? What do you mean by Cottagecore and Streetwear looking good together?

At first glance, these two fashion styles don’t seem to complement each other; cottagecore is whimsical, nature-inspired, and vintage, whereas streetwear is urban and edgy. However, when you put these two together, they make an unlikely but surprisingly cool pairing. The contrast between the flowy fabrics of cottagecore and the structured element of streetwear creates a new take on “opposites attract” and allows creativity to find its way into fashion.

The “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” Coach Jacket is the perfect example of this, with the graffiti-inspired graphics making a bold statement, while still leaving some room for a dynamic look. Perfect for the Southeast Asian weather, this Coach jacket can be dressed up or down, depending on the look you’re going for.

A style tip: Try to match a flowy dress and chunky boots with the Coach Jacket. Make sure to put the jacket as the point piece in your outfit by pairing it with earthy and neutral tones. Plus, accessorize appropriately with the boots and jewelry, of course!

Streetwear as a Personal Statement

Streetwear, like every other fashion aesthetic, is an expression of one’s personality. The logos and graphics on your chosen articles of clothing reflect who you are, what you stand for, and how you want others to perceive you.

Fashion is all about experimenting, collaborating, and breaking boundaries. DBTK, Pestle & Mortar, and Ageless Galaxy showed how streetwear transcends borders, providing a space for cultural appreciation while remaining true to their roots.

The “S.E.A. No Bounds, S.E.A. No Borders” collection is made for anyone, whether you’re a die-hard streetwear fan or prefer a different aesthetic. From clean lines and refined fabrics to bold graphics, fashion can be redefined to reflect how you wear your culture on your sleeve.

DBTK (Don’t Blame The Kids)

Check out their website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram

Location: DBTK, 40 Shorthorn St., Proj 8, Quezon City (Headquarters) | Ronac Art Center, San Juan (Satellite)

Pestle & Mortar Clothing (PMC)

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram, and visit their website

Location: Pestle & Mortar Clothing, 3A-10, Block C Phileo Damansara 1, Jalan 16/11, 46350 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Ageless Galaxy (AGLXY)

Check them out on Facebook, Instagram, and their official website

Location: Ageless Galaxy Headquarters, Jl. Bangka Raya No. 10, Unit C, Pela Mampang, Mampang Prapatan, Jakarta Selatan 12720, Indonesia

Kapuso Primetime Princess Barbie Forteza is booked and busy. With projects left, right, and center, Barbie is one of today’s most sought-after actresses.

With her back-to-back schedules and showbiz appearances, it’s a wonder how Barbie keeps up with her skincare regimen and youthful glow every day. Barbie says it's all because of her commitment to taking time for herself and 9 Young-Basic's newest collagen drink.

In the official launch of 9 Young-Basic's collagen drink, the Gen Z icon shared how she takes care of her skin and how she keeps her vibrant, youthful glow despite her busy schedule.

During the event, Barbie shared details about the skincare routine she follows religiously. This includes an “everything shower” and skincare products that she’s grown to trust over the years.

“Lagi akong nagte-take ng 'Everything Shower.' I really take my time when I take a shower, kasi parang feeling ko, 'Me Time' 'yun e. Time with myself. Tapos syempre, maarte ako. Ang dami kong nilalagay na kung anu-ano [like] 'yung skincare ko (I always take an 'Everything Shower.' I really take my time when I take a shower because I feel like that’s my 'Me Time.' Time with myself. And of course, I’m nitpicky; I put on a lot of things for my skincare)."

Her daily intake of collagen blends seamlessly with her current skincare routine, which adds on to her youthful glow.

The Beat Manila was able to ask Barbie what advice she could give to people struggling to find a skincare routine that works for them. The short answer? Knowing what your skin needs, staying hydrated, drinking collagen, and wearing sun protection.

She recounted how she also experienced breakouts due to products that weren’t suitable for her skin type, and like everyone else, she tried almost everything that she saw online before finally landing on products and formulating a routine that works specifically for her skin’s needs.

“I guess the best first step before making your skincare routine is to know what your skin needs. That’s where everything comes together. You have to know what your skin type is — if you’re on the drier side or the sensitive side. From there, you can opt for lighter textures of skincare products,” Barbie told The Beat Manila.

Barbie also emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, using moisturizing products, and doing your research before trying anything. “Pero para sa akin kasi, ang pinaka nag-work talaga is staying hydrated. I think 'yun 'yung number one talaga. Kahit anong skin type mo, 'yun 'yung kailangan mong i-practice talaga (But for me, staying hydrated was the one that worked the most. I think that’s really number one. No matter what your skin type is, that’s the most important thing to practice). Drink lots of water.”

She added, “And actually it’s encouraging now because we’re normalizing the collagen drink. Because before, if I’m not mistaken, it’s quite intimidating when we hear about collagen drinks. But it’s really safe, it’s healthy, and it really improves your skin health.”

“Actually, I read something; of course, I did my research. Collagen improves our skin elasticity. It even helps reduce cellulites and improves our skin’s texture. Because as we age, we see the signs of aging because our collagen production lessens. So, the fine lines and wrinkles appear, and our skin gets dry faster."

Beyond her meticulous ways of maintaining her beauty, Barbie also stresses the importance of taking care of oneself from within. According to the actress, doing things that make her happy is what helps her in doing so.

"For me, it's living life to the fullest. Trying different things, [like] travel. Basta 'yung talagang mapasaya mo 'yung sarili mo (Anything that would make you happy), [like unwinding] after a busy schedule,” Barbie told the press.

While the 27-year-old star is seeing success in her acting career, she also confesses that working her way through it is not a walk in the park. Thankfully, her optimistic attitude helps her overcome such challenges, "I admit that sometimes, it's challenging because of the demands and challenges that my job entails. I see to it that I enjoy my job. I always try to see the good in everything, and it really helps when you're friends with your co-workers; the environment on the set is great, so even if I'm tired, I go home happy and fulfilled as an actor."

She also reminds people to prioritize themselves above all things, "Ang trabaho ay trabaho lang (A job is just a job). At the end of the day, sarili mo pa rin ang pinaka importante (you're the most important). You have to really take care and love yourself. If that means taking a break from work to go somewhere, to go on a trip, be with your friends, para lang mawala 'yung stress mo (just to relieve your stress). And again, don't forget to take good care of yourself from within."

If she has one piece of advice on how to be confident, it’s to be aware of your own needs and wants.

"Bago mo masimulang mahalin 'yung sarili mo (Before you start to love yourself), you have to be self-aware. You have to be aware of your needs, your wants, and your desires. But you have to start with yourself. From there, masisimulan mo nang maging (you'll start being) confident, [from] how you address people, how you go on about your day. It all starts with yourself."

Barbie Forteza made her television debut at the age of 12 when she portrayed a young Jodi Reyes for the 2003 GMA remake of the South Korean drama “Stairway to Heaven” and has since gained prominence locally and internationally for her acting prowess.

In 2016, she won the Best Actress Award at the 36th Fantasporto International Film Festival in Portugal for the indie film, “Laut." Most recently, she starred in the historical fantasy portal drama “Maria Clara at Ibarra” as Klay Infantes and currently stars in the historical war drama “Pulang Araw” as Adelina dela Cruz, a vaudeville actress-turned-spy.

Want to live young like Barbie Forteza? Check out 9 Young-Basic's newest collagen drink via TikTok Shop, Lazada, and Shopee.