“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” the old adage goes, but in today’s world, the “beholder” is often society, and its vision is filtered through a lens of ever-shifting trends and often unattainable ideals.

While inclusivity and diversity are increasingly celebrated, the pervasive influence of social media and heavily edited images continues to perpetuate a yearning for “flawless” skin, a specific body shape, and a perpetually youthful glow. This creates immense pressure, especially for celebrities navigating the entertainment industry, many of whom face harsh criticism for not conforming to these constantly evolving standards. Singer-actress and international model Maymay Entrata knows this pressure all too well.

During the Garnier Green Academy launch, where she was unveiled as the ambassador for the Garnier Vitamin C Serum Cleanser, Maymay opened up about her own struggles with insecurity, particularly regarding her nose.

“I don’t deal with skin-related insecurities like acne,” she shared, emphasizing her diligent skincare routine of cleansing, moisturizing, and sunscreen. “But I’m insecure about my nose,” she confessed, jesting, “Look, wala talaga, flat.”

Maymay, with her beautiful morena skin, naturally Filipina features, and petite frame, embodies a genuine and relatable beauty. Yet, despite her insecurities, she has firmly resisted the pressure to conform, stating she would never consider undergoing cosmetic surgery. “I am not open to that idea,” she declared. “My mom told me, ‘hindi na kita anak kung magpapailong ka (I will disown you if you’ll go nose job surgery).’”

Maymay shared that while these insecurities once affected her self-esteem, she chose to channel those feelings into her music instead of dwelling on negativity. This creative outlet led to the birth of her hit single Kabogera in 2021.

“To be honest, all of us could come to a point where we are not confident,” the Garnier ambassador acknowledged. “That’s what happened to me back in 2021. I reached my lowest point.”

Maymay's journey, however, is one of resilience and self-discovery. “But I know I have to take care of myself holistically,” she emphasized. “What I do now is I surround myself with my loved ones. I always surround myself with those people who truly care for me and would support me.”

Her holistic approach to well-being also includes prioritizing activities she enjoys, such as performing and making music, and focusing on her blessings rather than her perceived shortcomings.

“I always do the things that I enjoy… and I only focus on the things I have, not the things I don’t have,” she explained. “Also, I want to thank Garnier because they have inspired me to take care of myself. By doing skincare, that’s already self-care. And if you’re taking care of yourself, it means you love yourself.”

This journey of self-acceptance has brought Maymay a newfound peace, which serves as the inspiration for her upcoming album, “Paradise.” “The paradise that I have is something that is peaceful and calm,” she shared. “Maybe because I have God in my life. I have learned to surrender everything to Him, especially the things that I can’t control. That’s why I have peace in my heart—something only He can give.”

Alongside introducing Maymay as a brand ambassador, Garnier also launched Garnier Men in the Philippines, a skincare line tailored to address concerns like acne and oily skin.