Here’s What Chesca Garcia-Kramer Teaches Daughter Kendra and the Rest of #TeamKramer About Beauty and Wellness

In honor of Mother’s Day, Chesca Garcia-Kramer and her 16-year-old daughter Kendra talk about all things beauty and wellness—and the important lessons that these kinds of conversations bring forth.

When it comes to the Kramer family, or #TeamKramer as they’re known online, you—whoever you are—probably feel a personal connection. You feel like you know them, because you’ve seen husband and wife team Doug and Chesca grow from young newlyweds to parents of a full brood, because you’ve seen 16-year-old Kendra transform before your eyes from a sassy toddler to a tall, striking teenager, because you’ve seen 14-year-old Scarlett become a charming young lady from the little doll that she was, and even because you’ve seen the youngest, Gavin, grow taller and more athletic, turning into the spitting image of his former pro basketball player dad, dribbles and all.

Yes, the Kramers have definitely made their mark on our collective psyche. You have to wonder what they’re like offline. And when Chesca and Kendra sit down with you for a little chat about all things beauty and wellness, you have to wonder what their takes on these two topics will be.

Jerick Sanchez

For the matriarch of a family that has large swathes of their lives—including beliefs, lessons, mundane activities, and milestones—posted online, Chesca Garcia-Kramer is refreshingly, even unexpectedly, grounded in practicality and in her steadfast personal beliefs and faith. You’d expect her to be fussier in her routines, to be more concerned with the upkeep of appearances, but in the course of our conversation, she comes across as the opposite.

“I don’t think I ever emphasized beauty standards at all,” Garcia-Kramer answers, when asked if there are any beauty standards that she’s making an effort to not pass down to her kids. She even comes off as a bit perplexed at the question—a bit baffled with the idea of why anyone would force certain beauty standards on their children.

“When we talk about beauty, we talk about, maybe giving advice or sharing a review on products and stuff like that,” she muses, continuing, “but then a certain standard—I have never ever spoken to my daughters about things like that. If there’s anything, I would always remind them not to conform, or allow anyone to say that, ‘oh, you know, you should look this way or that way’, or you should be a certain way that you’re not.”

Garcia-Kramer admits that she’s always been a “kikay girl,” but the understanding of beauty and wellness that she’s managed to pass on to her teenage daughters, is centered on, in Kendra’s words, “taking care of yourself.” While visits to the skin clinic, shopping for beauty products, and everyday chitchat about cheek tints and lip colors are de rigueur for the Kramer girls, when Garcia-Kramer and Kendra start talking about their daily routines, it’s apparent that, as a family, they take a more holistic approach to beauty and wellness, while keeping in mind that it’s not just skin-deep—without discounting the fun stuff.  

Below, this mother and daughter duo talk to Allure Philippines about all things beauty and wellness, and what it means to them as a family.

Jerick Sanchez

Can you describe each other’s approach to beauty and wellness? Why don’t we start with Kendra?

KENDRA: I think my mom’s approach to beauty and wellness is very much centered on taking care of yourself—sleeping early, getting good rest, eating well most especially, and also working out because my mom, she works out very often. Like today, she just did Pilates.

So, I think her main approach to wellness is just something that she can do everyday, because it’s not like you can do makeup every day, but you can eat well, sleep well, and work out every day.

CHESCA: Nice answer, Kendra. So with Kendra, I think her approach to beauty, may it be skin care or putting on makeup, for her, less is more. She does things that work for her, she doesn’t overcomplicate her beauty routine, and she sticks to things that keep her young. I’ve advised her before, ‘take care of your skin, don’t put too much makeup if you don’t have to.’ If she’s not in a shoot or she doesn’t have to attend an event, I always tell her, ‘make good use of your youthful skin because that doesn’t last forever. You have good skin, you’re young, don’t cover it up, enjoy it.’ I think she’s taken that advice of mine.

And at the same time, she’s also very health conscious. She works out everyday. I would like to say that she eats well, but there are times also that she indulges in things that make her happy. And then at the same time, she tries to sleep early. If she doesn’t, she sleeps long, and then she also naps. I think those are really important—sleep, eating well, and then working out.

Are there any fun beauty things or rituals that you love to do together?

CHESCA: I think one of the things that we enjoy doing is going to the pharmacy abroad.

KENDRA: Oh, yeah, checking out the products that they have!

CHESCA: Yeah. And then, you know, a lot of people just focus on skincare, but we also like hair care. So, those are the things that we enjoy with Scarlett. We constantly look for the best.

KENDRA: Scarlett is obsessed with hair care.

CHESCA: We also check out what’s new when it comes to gels, hairspray and stuff like that. So we’re not just big on skin care—we also like hair care.

Are there any products that you share, or that you’ve swiped from each other even?

KENDRA: Just yesterday, I swiped my mom’s Luxe Organics makeup remover for my eye makeup. But I wouldn’t say that me and my mom really share skin care because, of course, [we’re] different ages, so [there are] different things that your skin needs at certain ages. I think mostly the simple stuff—certain makeup products or certain makeup removers like that.

CHESCA: Yeah, I agree with Kendra. I feel because we’re different in age, we have different skin care needs. I think we respect each other’s stuff enough to not really get from each other. But I think if it’s like a makeup remover, then she’d ask me, ‘Mom, can I borrow your makeup remover?’ Because I tend to use more makeup than her, right? So I have the proper stuff to remove makeup. Other than that, I don’t think we really share much, (to Kendra) but I get your bags.

KENDRA: We share bags all the time, like rotation, the three of us, even Scarlett.

CHESCA: Or maybe if there’s—oh, if there’s anything, it will have to be our hair tools, like a blow dryer, and things like that. I think that’s where we share things more.

At what age, Chesca, did you start talking to them about beauty and all of these rituals and things?

CHESCA: I’ve always been very particular with the things that I would buy for my children. I was always researching for the best, let’s say, lotion, because they had sensitive skin, the best soap—just things that would be gentle on their skin. So early on, I would tell them, or if they buy certain things, I tell them ‘not that, because it’s not so gentle,’ or ‘it’s not so good for your skin,’ or maybe ‘you’re too young for that. You can wait a while.’

What are some beauty rituals that have been passed down to you that you are passing down to your daughters?

CHESCA: Beauty rituals would have to be keeping your skin clean. And again, less is more. I don’t also believe in putting so much makeup, so that’s one thing that I’ve passed on to my daughters. Just constantly put your SPF, your moisturizer, establish a good beauty routine that works best for you.

And then of course, sleep early, eat right, work out—all those things. And then on a monthly basis, we go to Facial Care Center. I always make sure that I schedule [that for] my daughters and I. That’s a date that we always have. We also go to the salon, the three of us.

Those are the things that we do. We have our daily rituals, and then we have our monthlies that we do. And then going to the salon, maybe three times in a year.

Jerick Sanchez

How about beauty standards or beliefs that you are making an effort not to pass down?

CHESCA: I don’t think I ever emphasized beauty standards. When we talk about beauty, we talk about, maybe giving advice or sharing a review on products and stuff like that. But then a certain standard—I have never ever spoken to my daughters about things like that. If there’s anything, I would always remind them not to conform, or allow anyone to say that, ‘oh, you know, you should look this way or that way’, or you should be a certain way that you’re not. That’s something that I really would remind them. You don’t have to dress the way everybody dress or you don’t have to look like the way everybody looks.

And [I’ll] just be honest with them. If they tell me that they want to do this kind of haircut or maybe have this kind of look, I’ll honestly tell them if I don’t think it’s the right time to do that or you’re too young for that.

What do you emphasize then, in conversations about beauty or beauty standards?

KENDRA: I think for mom, it’s always been important that we would look presentable. Mom cares about looking presentable, looking clean, looking nice. Whenever she meets people, of course, she gets ready for herself, but she also wants to make the person that she’s meeting feel important by looking well and by looking presentable.

And it’s kind of cliche, but inward beauty also matters—the energy that you bring, how kind you are, you have a smile on your face, and things like that.

CHESCA: Just like what Kendra said, I would always emphasize ‘always look presentable, dress up properly for the occasion, make sure of where you’re going.’

KENDRA: Yeah, even in school, I don’t get ready for anyone but for myself, but I always make sure that I smell good, I look good, I dress well—stuff like that.

Chesca, how crucial is the role a mother plays in shaping a child’s perception of self and self-confidence?

CHESCA: There’s a saying, that character building begins at home. You don’t want your children to get their validation elsewhere. The best validation they can get is from their parents who love them, who know them, who have raised them, who don’t judge them, but tell them things honestly and with perspective.

It’s very important that you’re the voice that helps your children in whatever situation they’re in, or you’re also that voice and that comfort when it comes to securing them. If they’re feeling insecure, as a parent, you’re supposed to be there to help them process things, to help them realize things. Hopefully, they get to realize those things also.

I’ve always believed that. That’s why our relationship is always so important, that your children also know where to anchor their beliefs, their thoughts, and who and where they put their trust on.

But I also tell my children, as a parent, there will be times that I’ll fail you, but you should also put your anchor number one in the Lord. That’s what I always say. Put the Lord first and then your parents. And then hopefully with that, they get to know themselves even better, and just don’t believe in whatever things are around them, but have a stronger conviction.

Kendra, what are the biggest lessons on beauty and wellness that your mom has passed down to you?

KENDRA: Well, I know it sounds super repetitive, but she always reminds me to embrace my natural beauty—not putting on that much makeup and just keeping my daily routine simple whenever I get ready. And also she’s emphasized—very important—putting on your sunscreen, especially because I swim a lot. It’s very important. And it’s been a part of my daily routine to constantly reapply my sunscreen on my face.

Kendra, are there some looks or things, beauty things that you wish your mom would try?

KENDRA: I really already like mom’s sense of style, because I feel like, of course, I don’t want to bring up your age, but (to Chesca) how old are you? 40, 45? I’m saying that she’s been through like so many eras throughout the years. And I feel like throughout all of the trends that she’s seen, she’s been able to get to that conclusion of her own sense of style. So I think that what she’s doing now is very authentically her. She knows what works best for her and what doesn’t work. I think I wouldn’t really change anything that she’s doing.

Kendra, what are the things that your mom does in terms of beauty and wellness that you would like to eventually try yourself?

KENDRA: I don’t know if this counts, but I really love it when mom does like a deep red, puts on deep red lipstick, or like dark brown lipstick. And every time I see it, I’m like, ‘Oh, that’s so cool.’ But I feel like if I do it, I look so mature. And it just doesn’t suit me because I’m still so young. But I don’t know, maybe when I’m older, I’ll probably be more experimental with my lip colors, my lip combos.

And ever since I was a kid, I used to be so obsessed when Mom used to do those like winged liners. (to Chesca) Do you remember? But then Mom would just do a little bit, but she’ll be like, ‘you’re still young, you’re still a baby.’

CHESCA: I want her to preserve her youthfulness, right? I mean, I’m not a killjoy wherein I won’t allow her to try makeup, of course. In fact, we obsess over cheek tints, lip gloss, lipsticks, liners, and everything—we talk about that. That’s one of the things that you know, we enjoy talking about.

I just tell her be careful with the foundation that you choose. Don’t put too much powder and foundation and powder, as if you’re going to tapings or you’re doing a commercial. That doesn’t necessarily have to be your go-to look.

KENDRA: Yeah. And mom and dad always want me to show my freckles, you know, they never want me to cover it. They say it’s like really cute.

CHESCA: So yeah, I also tell her maybe a good tinted SPF or a good tinted moisturizer or a really light foundation would be good.

KENDRA: I think the most I usually put on my face, as far as base, is just concealer, but it’s mostly just under my eyes. And maybe a bit on my chin, then I call it a day.

Jerick Sanchez

When you talk about beauty, how do those conversations go?

CHESCA: I think it’s, like a girl’s worry. It’s like you’re sharing something. The one that likes to research a lot is Scarlett.

KENDRA: I think we all suggest certain products, but it’s Scarlett who’s like, obsessed with researching, and she knows so much.

CHESCA: She does a deep dive.

KENDRA: Like, she watches videos on it. She doesn’t play around.

CHESCA: Oh, and she’ll know for my skin type, [she’ll say] ‘this is what works for your skin type. This is better.’ She knows the ingredients, she knows what’s good, what’s bad, and all of these things. Scarlett is really the true beauty junkie. She’s the one, I think. Kendra and I are a little bit more ‘what works for us,’ and so we stick to that.

KENDRA: Me and mom, I feel like we get certain things and then we’re like, ‘Oh, this works for us. I’m just gonna keep it like this.’ But then Scarlett’s like, ‘Oh, this works for me. But I wonder if this will work for me, too. I’ll try it out.’

CHESCA: Like she’s on a constant hunt for the very, very, very, very best.

KENDRA: It’s actually so funny. I’ll be like, ‘Scarlett, why are you buying? Don’t you have something like that already?’ And she’s like, ‘I need to try it.’

CHESCA: Yeah, ‘I heard the reviews are really good,’ and stuff like that. So she’s tried everything. Scarlett knows about makeup, skin care, hair products, and even hair tools, name it. She’s the ultimate beauty girl. Because with Kendra and I, if you look at their products from from shades, you’ll see pareho pareho. It’s all the same.

KENDRA: I use what works for me. Yeah, I really do. I probably only have three different makeup looks in rotation, you know?

CHESCA: Yeah, I’m the same. I’m also the same.

KENDRA: Whatever works for me.

Chesca, for you, do you approach these conversations about beauty as shallow or trivial topics? Or have they become important teaching moments for you with your girls?

CHESCA: I don’t find them shallow. I think it’s nice that my daughters can talk to me about things like this. And I would like them to talk to me about things like this, because I feel like, as what Kendra said, I’ve already faced different eras in my life. I think I would be a good person to come to when it comes to beauty questions and stuff like that.

And I also enjoy it. My daughters keep me young, and they keep me updated. And I feel like they’re my best friends also when it comes to these things it’s become also one of our bonding moments. And you know what, from one beauty conversation, it grows to other things, and then it opens other stories.

Although, I don’t just emphasize on beauty. I also tell them that there are other things that are [important]—how you carry yourself, how you are towards other people. So you can’t just be a beautiful face. There has to be something there, more than just your pretty face—your thinking, you have a good heart, are a good conversationalist, and you’re aware of what’s going on. You have compassion for everything that’s happening and what’s going on. It has to be more than that. I think those are the things that I also want to highlight more than, you know, just talking about fun things.

What have your children taught you about beauty and wellness?

CHESCA:  That they’re growing up. That’s really it—that my daughters are growing up. They are their own person already. More than what they can teach me, it’s really watching them and hearing them. They know what they want. They know what to do. Especially Scarlett, because I feel like, for me, ever since I was little, I’d always like picking out my own clothes and makeup, ever since I was young, I’ve always been the kikay girl. But then Scarlett, it kind of took her a while to get there. But I remember the day that she was like, ‘oh, I want to put on makeup. I want to learn how.’

KENDRA: Mom got surprised. ‘Oh, wow, Scarlett’s like, really, like, becoming her own person,’ really thinking what she wants, rather than just like following me or Mom. Unlike before, actually knows what she wants to do.

CHESCA: Yeah, something like that. It’s more of that kind of realization rather than what I’m learning or what I’m learning from them. It’s seeing and learning that my daughters are really growing up.

Jerick Sanchez

Kendra, you have a beautiful mother. Can you describe in your own words, the beauty that you see in your mom?

CHESCA: (to Kendra) Be nice.

KENDRA: Of course. So my mom, she’s always taught me how it is like to be a woman. And she’s always emphasized how I need to take care of myself. And I can really see through and through that she really cares about not just me and Scarlett, but like our entire family. And I appreciate how much she spends time with us, how much she loves us, how intentional she is when it comes to taking care of us. She’s always there to help me when I need anything, whether that comes to my homework, or helping fix my hair, you know, things like that.

CHESCA: I always tell my daughters, I want them to be a better version of me. So, I really guide them and I’m constantly reminding them over and over again—sometimes, you know, we argue because I’m so makulit—the time will come wherein you’re really going to live your own lives and decide things on your own. But the only thing that you’ll probably remember are my reminders and when you want to hear my advice. So, I always say, while you’re still living with Mama and Papa, allow us to guide you, to teach you, to impart that wisdom.

Art and beauty direction by Nicole Almero. Photography by Jerick Sanchez. Makeup by Justine Navato. Hair by Brent Sales. Styling by Team Rain x Em.

On Chesca: Top and Trousers both by Debbie Co and Frames by Gucci from IdealVision
On Kendra: Top by Whoopy Clothing and Frames by Calvin Klein from IdealVision