The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the joy—and challenge—of finding gifts that are thoughtful, practical, and truly elevate everyday routines. For beauty enthusiasts and makeup lovers, nothing beats products that not only look good on the shelf but deliver results that transform daily rituals.
To help you pick the perfect gifts this season, we turned to some of the Philippines’ top makeup artists from the United Makeup Artists of the Philippines (UMAP), who shared their go-to Pure Culture products for skin prep and radiant makeup.
Nikki Mendoza: Dream Drops Universal Hydro-Oil for Hydration and Glow
Based in Muntinlupa, Nikki Mendoza (@muan1kk1 on Instagram) has built her career on versatility and precision, creating looks that are either soft and natural or bold and transformative. But at the core of her artistry lies a simple principle: makeup should enhance the most confident, radiant version of you.
For Nikki, skincare is non-negotiable. She exclusively relies on Dream Drops Universal Hydro-Oil to prep her canvases—whether her own skin or her clients’. “Makeup is more than an application; it’s a tool for revealing your best self,” she explains.
Dream Drops provides deep hydration, helping skin appear luminous and supple before any makeup touches it. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this serum ensures foundation glides on smoothly and finishes beautifully, making it a perfect gift for anyone who loves to look and feel effortlessly radiant.
Bunny Marfil: Bulgarian Rose Everything Elixir for Skin-First Glam
If there’s anyone who embodies the “skin first, makeup second” philosophy, it’s Bunny Marfil (@bunnifiedph on Instagram & FB). Known for timeless, camera-ready looks, Bunny’s approach focuses on prepping skin so that makeup enhances rather than masks it. Her Laguna-based team is revered for its professionalism and skin-smart approach, ensuring clients always look confident and polished.
Her top holiday recommendation? Bulgarian Rose Everything Elixir. Bunny uses it daily, pressing a few drops into clean skin to achieve instant hydration, softness, and a natural glow. “It’s gentle enough for everyday self-care, yet powerful enough for professional makeup prep,” she shares. Packed with Bulgarian rose, hyaluronic acid, and plant-powered antioxidants, the serum calms, plumps, and smooths skin—perfect for seamless makeup application.
What makes the Elixir especially gift-worthy is its versatility. It enhances daily routines while doubling as a professional makeup prep serum, making it a thoughtful present that truly gets used. Whether it’s for a friend, sister, or colleague who loves skincare, this elixir brings both ritual and radiance into any routine.
Charisma Tiangco: Elevating Facial Care with Velvet Veil Moisturizing Matte Facial Oil
UMAP co-founder and seasoned makeup artist and aesthetician Charisma Tiangco has long sought a product that bridges professional makeup, aesthetic treatments, and personal care. She found her answer in Velvet Veil Moisturizing Matte Face Oil, discovering it during a Gua Sha Face Massage Workshop hosted by us at Pure Culture.
“Velvet Veil is lightweight yet nourishing, absorbs beautifully, and leaves a velvety matte finish,” Charisma notes. “It’s perfect for use with gua sha tools, gentle enough for all skin types, and ideal for the high-humidity, toxin-rich environment we often face in the Philippines.”
Charisma incorporates it nightly into her own gua sha routine, enjoying the lift, softness, and glow it imparts. She also uses it professionally in aesthetic treatments and makeup prep, emphasizing the product’s thoughtful formulation. For those looking for a gift that is practical, meaningful, and encourages self-care, Charisma recommends pairing Velvet Veil with a gua sha tool—a combination that transforms ordinary skincare into a mindful, ritualistic experience.
If you’d like to try a Gua Sha Facial using this product, you may send Charisma a message at Anaiah Aesthetics on Facebook or Instagram.
Why Skincare Gifts Make the Best Holiday Presents
This holiday season, the message from UMAP is clear: the best beauty gifts are those that enhance routines, support healthy skin, and create moments of self-care. From Dream Drops Universal Hydro-Oil for hydration, to Bulgarian Rose Everything Elixir for radiant prep, and Velvet Veil Moisturizing Matte Face Oil paired with our Gua Sha for mindful skincare, these selections are thoughtful, versatile, and universally loved.
Giving skincare as a gift isn’t just about beauty—it’s about wellness, confidence, and the little daily rituals that make a big difference. Whether you’re shopping for a friend, family member, or even yourself, these Pure Culture picks endorsed by top UMAP artists are guaranteed to make this holiday season glowing, radiant, and unforgettable.