With skincare routines being more intertwined with self-care, it only indicates that our beauty priorities have positively shifted. Below, MEGA beauty experts Agoo Azcuna-Bengzon, Mia Castro, and Mara Go share their non-negotiables
Skincare routines have several positive effects, with a particular focus on the skin’s overall health and appearance. But, as time passes, it only indicates that our priorities have shifted as beauty becomes more personal than ever. Of course, the culture-defining change is a product of post-pandemic. With skincare routines being perceived as one thing that is meditative and self-honoring, it has already set a prediction of what is to come in the future.
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Accessing one’s top-shelf products is one story. But beauty priorities? Now that’s another. Here, we put the spotlight on MEGA beauty experts Agoo Azcuna-Bengzon, Mia Castro, and Mara Go as they talk about their renewed beauty priorities and products that are non-negotiable to their skincare shelves.
Agoo Azcuna-Bengzon, MEGA Beauty Director
![Agoo Azcuna-Bengzon, MEGA Beauty Director](https://mega-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-02-32.jpg)
![Agoo Azcuna-Bengzon, MEGA Beauty Director's Skincare Picks](https://mega-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Artboard-1-7.jpg)
Agoo Azcuna-Bengzon’s beauty priority has always been focused on products that don’t just help improve the physical appearance of skin, but are pleasing to the other senses as well. “They must pass the olfactory test as I can’t use products—no matter how effective they are—if they don’t smell good,” she detailed. “Feel-wise, the way a product applies onto [the] skin and how it’s absorbed should also be considered. In the end though, what’s most important to me is the general feeling I get after using a certain product. It can’t really be explained, but I think just having the time for self-care is a win in itself already.”
Mia Castro, MEGA Features and Beauty Writer
![Mia Castro, MEGA Features and Beauty Writer](https://mega-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-03-30.jpg)
![Mia Castro, MEGA Features and Beauty Writer's Skincare Picks](https://mega-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Artboard-3.png)
Meanwhile, Mia Castro’s beauty focus is on the right products, tools, and practices—no aspect left overseen. “When it comes to my skincare and wellness routine, I make sure I cover all bases, from head-to-toe to inside and out,” she said. “For example, not only do I apply products that nourish and protect my skin, but I also make sure I practice healthy habits such as drinking enough water everyday and prioritizing quality sleep. Having items like an eyelash extension-friendly eye mask or an insulated water tumbler makes that easier to do.”
Mara Go, MEGA Digital Beauty Writer
![Mara Go, MEGA Digital Beauty Writer](https://mega-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/IN-ARTICLE-PORTRAIT-01-37.jpg)
![Mara Go, MEGA Digital Beauty Writer's Skincare Picks](https://mega-onemega.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Artboard-4.png)
My early years have seen a slot-machine cycle of skincare mistakes—all in the pursuit of achieving a perfect complexion. But as I re-align with the idea of being kind towards myself, my beauty priority has positively shifted to one thing that matters the most: skin health. That means curating my top-shelf with ingredients that my skin needs, brands that align with my values, and of course, beauty tools that best complement my routine. Alongside is adopting mindful and meditative habits that take care of my body inside and out. At the end of the day, skincare is self-care, one thing that should make you feel good about yourself.
Photos: MEGA ARCHIVES, AGOO AZCUNA-BENGZON, MIA CASTRO, MARA GO (via Instagram)