HERE’S a roundup of the beauty bits I’ve been reaching for almost non-stop for the past month. Some of these may be your favorites, too, or may give you some inspiration for what to try next.

Catrice Cosmetics The Precious Copper Collection eyeshadow palette

This also serves as a travel souvenir for me because of the story behind it. I was only supposed to buy stick deodorant in Changi because airport security had confiscated my liquid deodorant in Gatwick, but beauty addict that I am, I couldn’t help but be attracted to this palette of nine pearly and shimmery eyeshadows. The colors are still neutral but a notch above the usual cream and medium brown, with bronze, copper, and subtle purples. For about P500, you get about 10 grams of smooth, good quality eyeshadows in a slim palette that’s bag-friendly. I’ve been using this palette almost exclusively for weeks because it’s easy to apply and just works with any lip color I’m in the mood for.

Maybelline Fashion Brow cream pencil

Here’s another thing I picked up on a whim while at the pharmacy. I was honestly not expecting much but I thought, for P99, why not give it a try? I was pleasantly surprised that this pencil is pigmented but fills in brows evenly, as opposed to some pigmented pencils that leave too much product on the brows. It’s soft enough to blend easily but doesn’t melt off right away in this humidity.

L’Oreal Voluminous Original mascara

Mascara’s one cosmetic I wear almost daily. This is one of the few I’ve repurchased because it defines lashes really nicely while still looking believable. You’ll get longer, darker lashes without the clumps or weight.

MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix powder

This is one of the best powders in the market for providing mattifying, long-wearing coverage. It is expensive, but it will last for months even if you use it daily. I’ve had this powder for so long but I’ve only just started hitting pan on it because I tend to use it only on my T-zone.