Morena Spotlight is a digital series from Allure Philippines that highlights the stories of morenas from all over the country and the Filipino diaspora. Know a morena who deserves the spotlight? Send us an email at [email protected].

Martie Datu-del Pilar, 44, is an artist and a socio-entrepreneur of The Fine Life Market, from Metro Manila.

Courtesy of subject

When she was young, Martie Datu-del Pilar had the fairest skin tone among all her siblings, and would often overhear people telling her parents, “ang ganda ng anak mo, ang puti,” or “bagay lahat ng kulay, kasi maputi siya.”

Like most children, Datu-del Pilar loved playing under the sun, as well as enjoying time at the beach. And over time, her often-complimented skin, just like most Pinays, grew darker, richer, and more golden, as a result of all that time spent outdoors.

That changed the tune of the comments. Datu-del Pilar recalls being told, “Ano ba ‘yan, ang itim-itim mo na! Ang panget. Hindi maganda.” And although the darkening of her skin never mattered to her, hearing both the praise and judgment was baffling.  “As a child, that contrast confused me. It was the first time I realized how deeply color bias ran in our culture,” she shares today. 

It didn’t help that, in school, Datu-del Pilar’s morena friends were bullied for their skin color. “I remember one incident so clearly. A bully had sprinkled powder on my beautiful morena friend’s chair and mocked her as ‘lahar’ or ‘ashfall,’” Datu-del Pilar recalls. She stopped her friend from sitting down, and cleaned the chair for her. 

Although this happened years ago, the same friend recently reminded Datu-del Pilar about it, demonstrating what a lasting impact a small act of kindness can have on a person. 

“It made me see how kindness can stay with someone forever,” Datu-del Pilar, today an artist and a socio-entrepreneur who founded home goods shop The Fine Life Market, says. And although, at one point in time, she was told she was beautiful because of the color of her skin, today, she finds real beauty elsewhere—in depths where the surface-level shades and colors of skin don’t matter. “That moment [when my friend reminded me of what I had done for her] reinforced my conviction that true beauty has nothing to do with the color of your skin, and everything to do with the kind of person you are.”

Below, Datu-del Pilar shares more about how she cares for her morena skin, and about her very own definition of beauty.

What’s your skin care routine as a morena?

Very simple: I cleanse, hydrate, and protect. And sunscreen is non-negotiable.

Any preferred techniques, hacks, or products?

I gravitate toward natural, gentle products that nourish instead of strip. For me, healthy skin is better than masking flaws with layers of makeup. I also believe good skin starts from the inside—through exercise, a balanced diet, hydration, a positive mindset, enough sleep, and surrounding myself with people who uplift me and make me laugh.

How about your beauty or makeup routine? Are there particular shades or tricks you apply?

My routine is simple. I stick to a gentle cleanser, toner, moisturizer, and always sunscreen. When I do wear makeup, I keep it minimal. I choose warm tones that complement my skin, like peach or terracotta. Less is more for me. Makeup should enhance, not cover.

What do you love about being a morena?

I love how it connects me to my identity as a Filipina—rooted, real, and strong. There’s a timeless beauty in being morena. But for me, skin color is never the point. What matters most is who you are, what you value, and how you make a difference in the lives of others—whether at home or in the community.

Courtesy of subject

There’s been a positive shift—more women are now celebrated for their natural skin tones, curves, and individuality. Beauty feels more inclusive today, though some of the old pressures haven’t completely disappeared. 

Social media plays a big role in this—it can set unrealistic standards, but it has also widened the lens of what beauty can look like. And that’s where I see hope: alongside these pressures, there’s also a growing appreciation for authenticity and natural beauty. Little by little, people are starting to embrace individuality—realizing that beauty isn’t about trying to look like someone else, but about owning who you truly are.

Frequently Asked Questions

Morena Spotlight is an Allure Philippines digital series that highlights the stories of morenas across the country and the Filipino diaspora — celebrating their identities, skincare practices, and definitions of beauty beyond skin tone.

A simple, protective routine — cleanse, hydrate, and apply sunscreen daily — is the foundation for morena skin care. Dermatologists and Filipina beauty experts consistently emphasize broad-spectrum SPF as non-negotiable for tropical climates and darker skin tones prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Warm tones — peach, terracotta, bronze, and amber — tend to complement morena complexions by working with the skin’s natural undertones rather than against them. The editorial approach favors minimal coverage that enhances, not conceals.

Colorism in Filipino culture ties skin lightness to beauty and worth — a bias reinforced from childhood through comments, media, and social standards. Many morenas recount being praised when fairer and criticized as they darkened, reflecting how deeply ingrained color bias remains in Philippine society.

Beauty standards in the Philippines are shifting toward inclusivity — more women are celebrated for natural skin tones, individuality, and authenticity. Social media has widened representation, though older pressures around fair skin persist. Advocates and creatives increasingly define beauty through character and values, not complexion.

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