Earlier this month, I shared some of my favorite SM Green Finds from Kultura. For this column, I’m excited to talk about something fresh from both Kultura and SM Beauty—the Glow Filipina pop-up, now happening at SM Makati.

A first of its kind, this collaboration brings together the best of local fashion and beauty, showcasing brands that have created a special connection with the modern Filipina. “This event highlights local indie makeup brands together with local fashion,” says Kultura President Ivy Yap in an interview. “It’s really for the young, modern Filipina who is empowered. She loves to dress up and put makeup on. These make her feel empowered.”

With the theme “Your Look. Your Style. All Local,” shoppers can expect a thoughtfully curated selection of fashion and beauty products that cater to every personal style and preference.

Ten beauty brands join this exciting pop-up—absidy, blk Cosmetics, Careline, Ever Bilena, grwm cosmetics, Happy Skin, Issy, Spotlight, Teviant, and Vice Cosmetics. Each one of them has been carefully handpicked for their high-quality, inclusive makeup that are formulated for the diverse skin tones and beauty needs of the modern Filipina.

If you haven’t tried most of these local brands yet, here are my personal recommendations—and why I think they deserve a spot in your kit. From absidy, the Cashmere Kiss Matte Lipstick has a luxe matte finish that’s comfortable on the lips and perfect for daily wear. For a true multitasker, blk Cosmetics’ Creamy All‑Over Paint makes a great on-the-go product as it can be used as blush, lip tint, and even eyeshadow. From Careline, the BFF Liner is a must for its precision tip and long-wearing formula.

If you’re after a dependable base, Ever Bilena Liquid Concealer delivers coverage and blends well with fingers or a brush. For brows, grwm cosmetics’ Browlift Maxx Grooming + Laminating Gel gives that clean, lifted look with zero stiffness. As for lips, Happy Skin Lip Mallow Plush Matte Tint leaves a velvety, buildable finish.

When it comes to complexion, Issy’s Active Skin Stick is a standout thanks to its easy, fuss-free application. For subtle sculpting, Spotlight’s Glow & Contour Duo makes contouring beginner-friendly with its smooth, blendable formula. As for Teviant, the Starbalm comes with a cushioned puff applicator that lets you apply just the right amount of shimmer for a glowing finish. To finish, Vice Cosmetics’ Setting Spray seals your makeup with a fresh, dewy glow that lasts.

Aside from this showcase of local makeup brands, Kultura also has fun displays that feature our homegrown fashion labels such as Berches, Binibining Marikit, Matthew and Melka, Nuevo Ystilo, and Rurungan, to name a few. “Everything from resort wear, Filipiniana to accessories such as pearls. These are what we want to highlight in this collaboration,” adds Yap.

What I enjoyed the most from my visit to this pop-up is the opportunity to mix and match my picks, from clothes, bags, accessories, and makeup, to create different looks. It’s a fun and empowering way to express your mood, personality, and style using some of the best local brands in the country.

From local makeup discoveries to heritage-rich fashion picks, Kultura’s Glow Filipina is all about celebrating Pinoy pride with style. Not only do we get to look and feel good, but we’re also empowering Filipino artisans, creators, and entrepreneurs with every purchase. It’s a win-win initiative that showcases the best of Filipino creativity, and I’m proud to be part of this community that supports local talent and passion.