Maritess De Ocampo

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July Mindful Shopping 

<p>We often speak of the mind-body connection, recognizing that a healthy spirit inevitably cultivates a healthy physical self. Yet, true modern wellness demands that we expand this philosophy outward as well, acknowledging that our personal vitality is deeply mirrored and affected by the health of our planet. Wellbeing is no longer a thing to be put into separate boxes, but instead something that truly flourishes when we value the interconnectedness of the different aspects of our lives.</p><p>This mindful shift is more than just a passing trend, as more and more people are hopefully realizing that the choices we make for ourselves ripple out into the wider world, and vice versa. From platforms that are giving eveningwear more airtime, to well-considered beauty products that celebrate the natural bounty of our islands, to clever upcycled creations that reframe how we view waste, the local landscape is brimming with conscious alternatives. Ahead, we look at a few brands that prove you don’t have to forgo efficacy, quality, or fashion to create a lifestyle that is not only nourishing to oneself, but good for the planet as well.</p><div><strong>Dermtropics</strong></div><p>F-Beauty is having a moment, and rightly so. Our country is blessed not only with amazing indigenous ingredients, but also innovative minds who are passionate about wellness and elevating local resources and know-how into world-class formulations. </p><p>One brand making waves in sustainable beauty is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dermtropics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Dermtropics</a>. Founded by husband-and-wife duo Miko and Margaux Lucena, the homegrown label centers its lineup around the restorative power of organic virgin coconut oil. The brand’s origins are deeply personal, harkening back to a simple bar of soap made with this botanical powerhouse that Margaux&#x27;s dermatologist Mom frequently prescribed to her patients. Witnessing the remarkable results in clients with sensitive and reactive skin, the couple was inspired to evolve this “open secret” into a full-fledged skincare brand.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784870818796Dermtropics-2 (1).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:688px"/></div><p>What sets their products apart starts even before the formulas are mixed in their lab, rooted in Miko’s expertise in sustainable agriculture and their exceptional virgin coconut oil. Ethically sourced from small partner farms in Mindanao, the rich soil makes the use of fertilizers for growing coconut trees unnecessary. The oil is then extracted from the meat using a wet-milling process that allows more of the beneficial antioxidants to remain intact (four times more than cold-pressed, in fact). These potent compounds then help in neutralizing the free radicals that cause dullness, dryness, and premature skin aging.  </p><p>The resulting soaps, shampoos and lotions are gentle, dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic, and are made without fragrances and parabens. “We created Dermtropics to fill a gap—products safe enough for sensitive skin, backed by real science, and rooted in nature,” shares Margaux.</p><p>Dermtropics also believes in caring not only for their clients, but also for the environment. They use biodegradable bottles, and have implemented a plastic-free shipping policy. </p><p>The brand has multiple stockists in the metro, like Kultura, Mitsukoshi Beauty, and Spatio, and is also available on their <a href="https://www.dermtropics.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>. For more updates, follow them on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dermtropics/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, Facebook and TikTok at @dermtropics.</p><div><strong>KaReTela</strong></div><p>Sustainability in fashion used to be a niche concept, but is now progressively becoming the norm. We all want to look stylish, but also want our sartorial statements to be good for the environment, or at least do no harm. Enter upcycling enterprises like KaReTela, which takes old denim and transforms them into cute pickleball sleeves and one-of-a-kind totes.</p><p>One of the brand’s co-founders, Tina, shares that they had wanted to challenge the way people looked at fabric waste, transforming them instead into a &quot;canvas of possibilities.&quot; She shares that denim is in itself a very durable fabric, and one that is often discarded before its time. By adopting these old garments, either from their own closets, the community, or from donations (through their sustainability partner Berdeng Kalabaw), they are able to give these textiles a second life.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784870845017KaRetela.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Incidentally, their patchwork aesthetic hits two birds with one stone. They are able to make use of smaller scraps, which would otherwise be discarded in dressmaking, while also ensuring that their creations are truly unique. With these &quot;functional art pieces” as the brand calls it, clients are sure to find one that really speaks to their sense of style.</p><p>KaReTela was launched just this July by four friends, Tina, along with Alma, Cecile, and Ria, who share a love for pickleball and fitness, as well as mindful style. The name of the brand, like its creations, is an amalgamation of many wonderful sentiments as well as an homage to a traditional form of horse-drawn conveyance. It combines “Ka”, referring to a companion or to be together as a community, “Re” to pertain to recycling or rebirth, and of course “Tela” for fabric. “KaRetela as our brand means we are everyone’s companion in giving fabrics you dispose of a second life,” Tina shares.</p><p>The brand is available online in their Instagram page <a href="https://www.instagram.com/karetela_ph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@karetela_ph</a> for now, although they hope to join trade fairs and pickleball tournaments someday. They also have occasional drops at the Berdeng Kalabaw booth in Salcedo Market.</p><div><strong>SharkNinja </strong></div><p>Taking control of what goes onto our plates is one of the most effective ways to champion our personal health. However, packed calendars and long workdays can also mean that labor-intensive meal prep is usually the first thing to give. Thankfully, clever kitchen gadgets, like the ones from SharkNinja, are making it easier to cook at home. The premier American brand is known for coming up with innovative culinary solutions that are effective, user-friendly, and designed to adapt to the fast pace of modern living, making healthy eating a bit easier.  </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784870868875Shark Ninja_.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:595px"/></div><p>Take for example the Ninja Dual Zone Air Fryer. Aside from allowing the use of less oil, it has two baskets that allow you to cook two dishes simultaneously, with different temperatures and cooking times. Dessert lovers who want to indulge with a little less guilt can also turn to the viral Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker, which effortlessly transforms your favorite healthy ingredients into rich ice creams, sorbets, or milkshakes. And for those constantly on-the-go, the NinjaBlast serves as a portable blender that transitions into a tumbler so you can enjoy nutrition-packed smoothies with ease.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784870890016Shark Ninja_2.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:600px"/></div><p>What makes SharkNinja truly stand out is its ability to adapt to how we actually live. Their clever solutions aren’t limited to meal prep either, with their roster inclusive of home and beauty innovations. Easy to clean and put away, these versatile tools are great for anyone looking to optimize their household.</p><p>Visit the <a href="https://sharkninja.com.ph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a> to learn more.</p><div><strong>Aveda</strong></div><p>For those looking to elevate their haircare routine and achieve a high-gloss finish without the weight, Aveda’s new Miraculous Oil High-Shine Hair Concentrate may be just the thing. Just a few drops of this lightweight elixir worked through damp strands delivers the right amount of nourishment needed to tame frizz and impart a glass-like radiance. Beyond its finishing perks, the formula doubles as a heat-protectant, which is a must for those who frequently style their hair. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784870909674Aveda.png" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:662px"/></div><p>This 100% vegan serum derives its power from a curated cocktail of botanical oils. There’s Tsubaki seed oil, harvested in part from Jeju island, to condition one’s mane. Then, daikon seed oil, responsibly sourced from farms in Oregon, as well as Camelina oil, infuses it with smoothness and shine. As an added bonus, it has a fresh and calming scent from a blend of ylang ylang, lavender, petitgrain, and a cornucopia of other plant essences. Aveda is 100% vegan and cruelty-free.</p><p>Aveda is available in Rustan’s Department Store and Look At Me. For more information, follow them on Instagram at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/avedaphilippines/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@avedaphilippines</a>. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-beauty-fashion/2026/6/24/abs-cbn-lifestyle-the-beauty-round-up-june-2026-2242" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The Beauty Round-Up: Rainy Season makeup essentials, skincare discoveries, and fragrance finds</a></div><div><strong>The Real Company</strong></div><p>Sun protection is indeed a non-negotiable part of our daily skincare routine, with the best ones out there providing not only UV-shielding powers but a host of other benefits. One such example are the ones from<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bytherealcompany/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> The Real Company</a>, which is made with an up-and-coming buzzword in the beauty industry: tallow. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784870960796Tallow Sunscreen and Tallow Sunstick 1.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:700px"/></div><p>Tallow is a natural ingredient that is often used in soaps, and is highly compatible with the skin barrier. It helps nourish with Vitamins A, D, E, and K, making it a truly nifty addition to amp up the beneficial properties of beauty products.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784870988017The Tallow Sunstick (₱450 for 20g).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:570px"/></div><p>The Filipino brand is launching two products: the Tallow Sunscreen, a fitting final step in your morning regimen; and for convenient touch-ups during the day, there’s the Tallow Sunstick. Both come with SPF 50, and are also made with reef-friendly, non-nano zinc oxide, and formulated for use even by those with sensitive skin. </p><p>To learn more, follow @bytherealcompany on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bytherealcompany/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, Facebook or TikTok. </p><div><strong>Rags2Riches</strong></div><p>Weaving is in our blood, an inextricable part of our culture that goes back hundreds of years. It’s also the design language used by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rags2richesinc/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Rags2Riches</a> (R2R), one of the pioneers in sustainable fashion in the country. What started as a simple mission to help lift local artisans out of poverty by partnering with them and turning fabric scraps into woven rugs and bags, has become a masterclass in empowerment and sustainability.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784871016918photo_2026-07-15 19.52.07.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:506px"/></div><p>But what has allowed this brand to thrive all these years is their ability to constantly come up with new, must-have designs. They have made the woven aspect both central to the structure of the piece, while also being merely a conduit to convey an artistic message. Take for instance their Sari-Sari and Salu-Salo collection—adorable fruit-shaped creations you may have also seen on the arms of P-Pop idols Bini. The purses are clearly woven, and woven well, but what first draws you is the cute shape, the colors, and the tiny leaf that really brings the point across.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784871039536R2R.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:591px"/></div><div><br/></div><p>Another interesting thing is how distinctive the look of R2R has become, and how it’s evolved over the years. They pride themselves in supporting community-based workers who have mastered a special technique that allows them to make tiny, yet durable knots which result in the clean, geometric patterns and lines of R2Rs weaves. </p><p>There’s also a sense of whimsy and fun to their wares, making them great conversation starters as well.The brand has since expanded into fashion, now combining heritage weaves from different parts of the country into their designs. There’s the Mangyan Ramit from Mindoro, the T’nalak weaves created by the T’boli tribe, and distinctive weaves from Ilocos.</p><p>Catch them at the upcoming <a href="https://www.instagram.com/artefinoph/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ArteFino</a> fair which will run from July 30 to August 2, 2026. </p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-beauty-fashion/2026/7/17/style-guide-sony-1000x-the-collexion-over-ear-headphones-1757" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Are over-ears headphones the new fashion accessory? Here&#x27;s what to know before you shop</a></div><div><strong>Continuiti Studio</strong></div><p>Imagine if you had a remarkably stylish friend whose wardrobe is a treasure trove of ethereal floral frocks, dramatic statement ballgowns, and slinky evening wear. Then imagine if you could raid that closet for your next black tie event or European getaway. Well, Continuiti Studio has taken it upon themselves to be that friend, providing a platform where people can peruse clothes like in a library, and check them for that special occasion. By creating a rotating closet filled with luxury gowns, they’ve made outfit-repeating into a chic and ingenious business model. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784871089017Continuiti.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:663px"/></div><p>Founded by friends Rocio Escaño, Ina Cruz, and Sam Villavicencio, Continuiti is a proponent of a win-win situation that has worked very well abroad, and is likewise finding resonance here. Styling clients gain access to a sweeping, and ever-evolving collection of premier garments, while fashion lenders generate passive income from their own archives. </p><p>Clients can easily peruse what’s available on their website, and search based on their size or the occasion. It’s also a win for the environment of course, as oftentimes, we only get to wear our special occasion dresses once or twice. By championing circularity, Continuiti ensures these beautiful dresses remain active participants in the fashion dialogue rather than being relegated to the back of a closet. </p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1784871118898Continuiti__.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:462px"/></div><p>So if you’ve got a party on your calendar and don’t have anything to wear, or even if you just need a cute outfit for the ‘Gram, this cool space may be where you’ll find a few hidden gems.</p><p>Continuiti Studio is on the 6th Floor of the Finman Centre Building in Salcedo Village, Makati. You can also visit their <a href="https://continuiti.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a> or check out their Instagram page at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/continuiti/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@continuiti</a>.</p>

<p>From circular fashion and sustainable style, to clean beauty and mindful practices, here are seven labels to put on your radar.</p>

From circular fashion and sustainable style, to clean beauty and mindful practices, here are seven labels to put on your radar.

Holistic Habits: 7 brands for sustainable living, beauty, and wellness

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Holistic Habits: 7 brands for sustainable living, beauty, and wellness

Mariane Perez

Published July 24, 2026 01:59 PM PHT

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Updated July 24, 2026 03:49 PM PHT

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Mindful Shopping

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