One’s beauty blooms when she can express herself. Rustan’s Beauty Source understands this form of empowerment, gathering women creatives to join them in celebrating International Women’s Month with the theme, GRLPWR 2026: Beyond the Frame.

For the whole month of March, both Rustan's Shangri-La and Rustan's Makati will showcase curated beauty selections, along with works by Filipina artists including photographer Shaira Luna, movement artist Alison Black, designer Martina Lebron, multimedia artist Tara Soriano, and painter Rachel Le Roux. Photography, dance, textile, and immersive installations transform familiar beauty spaces into modern galleries of femininity. Interactive sessions, live performances, and limited-edition exclusives add to the experience, encouraging guests to see beauty not just as a routine, but as a form of self-definition.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we asked six women taking part in GRLPWR 2026: How do you express your confidence and individuality through your personal beauty routine?

"Because my job requires a lot of physical movement and facing people for long hours, I need my routine to be fuss-free and efficient while still making sure I look professional but still cute! I wash and air-dry my hair every day, religiously apply moisturizer and sunblock, choose a long-lasting lip color, and bring a full bottle (or two) of perfume on set so I can spritz throughout the day. "

"My beauty routine is guided by what feels natural to me. I tend to choose what complements my features and highlights the things I want to bring forward rather than covering them up. It’s also a space where I can play with how I see myself—sometimes subtle, sometimes a little more expressive. In that way, beauty becomes less about following a fixed standard and more about exploring different versions of myself while still feeling comfortable and confident in my own skin."

"My beauty routine has always been about intention and showing up for myself. I enjoy taking the time to get ready as a daily reminder to prioritize myself, even in the smallest ways. When it comes to skincare, I’m very much a creature of habit. I believe in a less-is-more approach. If it isn’t broken, I don’t fix it. With cosmetics and fashion, however, I love to experiment. I see beauty as a space for curiosity and play rather than strict rules. Sometimes it pays off, and sometimes it flops, but each choice helps me feel more confident and a little more self-actualized."

"My personal beauty routine consists of taking good care of my skin daily (cleanse, tone, serum, moisturize, sunblock), putting on the right makeup for the occasion, making sure my hair looks healthy and styled, and the finishing touch—wearing my favorite fragrance. Looking and feeling great makes me feel confident that I can conquer anything. "

"I express my confidence and individuality through a beauty routine that feels intentional rather than trendy. Skincare is just as important as makeup since healthy skin makes me feel more confident, and being in the right headspace helps me glow from the inside and out. My routine is less about perfection and more about feeling comfortable and confident, just a little more polished and radiant."

"My personal beauty routine that boosts my confidence is a promise I made to myself last year: to move my body for at least 15 minutes a day. The idea came from my cousin and a few friends, and it really stuck with me.

"I’ve felt such a difference in my energy. And the beauty of 15 minutes is that it leaves very little room for excuses. Even something simple like 20 squats or 10 push-ups takes less than five minutes—so there’s always a way to fit movement into the day.

"Another way I express my individuality & give myself some love is through dance. I enjoy putting a song I like on repeat and just moving. I do it before projects or as a quick pick me up during days when I feel sluggish or moody. Dance helps me become fully present in my body and shake off any restless energy that’s been building up. And of course, I keep small rituals that make me feel cared for—like a simple skincare routine and staying hydrated. The older I get, I want to feel strong and capable for as long as I can, so honoring my body is important to me. "

Confidence, for me, isn’t about perfection. It’s about feeling comfortable in my own skin and showing up authentically. My beauty routine is simple. I prioritise skincare, keep my makeup natural day to day, but never hesitate to reach for a bold red lip when I want that extra glam.

True confidence also comes from within. I take care of my body through getting rest, the right supplements and exercise and making time for the people I love keeps me grounded just as much. As an artist who lives mostly in the studio, carving out quiet moments for myself is just as much a part of my practice as anything else. Confidence isn’t something that you arrive at though. It’s something you keep coming back to, through the way you live, create, or show up for yourself every day.—Rachel La Roux, painter