Born to Glow: The Beauty Staples of Empowered Morenas
Across generations, these women show how loving your morena skin is the ultimate form of beauty—and these are their favorite ways to do it.
Bubbles Paraiso
Model, actress, yoga teacher, triathlete
As a proud morena, I love enhancing my glow even further! I use the Rare Beauty Positive Light Liquid Luminizer in Flaunt or Captivate as my face base, and the Teviant Star Balm in Champagne all over my body for a head-to-toe radiant look. These two products give me the ultimate sunkissed, luminous glow.
Gabbi Garcia
Actress, host, Five Beauty co-founder
As a morena, I’ve truly learned to embrace the skin I’m in. My go-to beauty staples? A radiant SPF and a lip and cheek tint that gives me a fresh, sunkissed glow. And when I want to elevate my look, I’ll add a bit of bronzer. It’s simple, effortless, and most importantly, it makes me feel like me—a proud, confident, and glowing authentic Filipina.
Isabelle Daza
Mom of 3, actress, host, content creator
I love using the La Mer Moisturizing Soft Cream for every day and whenever I travel. On hot, humid days, I also like the La Mer Renewal Oil. For my nighttime routine, I recently discovered that the CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum is great to use in the evening!
Ces Drilon
Veteran broadcast journalist
I’m proud of my morena skin tone and I’ve never felt compelled to lighten it. Even if I love being under the sun, I still make sure to avoid potential sun damage. I use an SPF 30 sunscreen lotion on my legs and arms and an SPF 50 sunscreen on my face and neck. One very costly mistake I made during the pandemic was skipping sunscreen, which led to a melasma flare-up on my face. Now, I apply a serum twice a day on my brown spots.
Before going to bed, I lather lotion on my entire body to even out my skin tone, as prescribed by my go-to skin care specialists from Avignon Clinic. More than anything else, I believe what’s most important is your inner confidence and glow, which you get from knowing that you are unique and worth celebrating.
Pam Quiñones
Vogue Philippines Deputy Editor
In recent years, I’ve noticed my skin becoming drier, so I gravitate toward hydrating products that leave a glowing finish—I’ll never get tired of a dewy look. The Charlotte Tilbury Glow Toner and Hindy Weber Healing Face Oil are my skin prep products. They keep my skin hydrated and moisturized. I also do Gua Sha with the oil when I remember, usually twice a week. To amplify my morena glow, I love using the Chanel Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick in Golden Light. For coverage, I mix the Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation in Maple and Citrine and use it as a light concealer. I add warmth to my face with the Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzing Stick—it also works great for contour. Then I finish everything with Rare Beauty’s Always An Optimist 4-In-1 Mist for an extra hit of hydration.
Chelsea Manalo
Miss Universe Philippines 2024
Feeling confident in your skin can be quite a journey, and it often takes time and intentional effort. I make sure that I use hypoallergenic formulas, because I find them to be soothing and nourishing for the skin. I love that they’re designed to be gentle, minimizing the risk of irritation, while hydrating and protecting my morena complexion. I also use body oils, like coconut or jojoba oil, to lock in moisture for a healthy glow. Remember, your skin deserves the same kind of tenderness you show to anyone you care about. Nurture it with patience and love.
