RISSA MANANQUIL & JACQUE GUTIERREZ OF HAPPY SKIN

Partners Jacque Yuengtian-Gutierrez and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo are changing the face of local beauty with homegrown cosmetic brand Happy Skin. A model and beauty columnist, Trillo has tested a plethora of makeup brands and products that ultimately ruined her skin. Spiraling from a desire to create products that enhance Filipina beauty, Happy Skin was born.

“We wanted the brand to be fun, witty and approachable— not intimidating,” says Trillo of their response to the fact that the Philippines has one of the lowest numbers of makeup users. By listening to their consumers’ needs and wants and creating an innovative line that cares for skin instead of damaging it with tones and shades suitable for the local market, Happy Skin hit gold.

With just two years to its name, Happy Skin has already become a staple in the makeup kits and social media feeds of industry insiders and bloggers alike. Debunking the myth that imported is better, Gutierrez says proudly, “I think Happy Skin serves as an inspiration to all Filipinos that one can dream and aspire to create brands that are globally competitive.” With new products, exciting collaborations and a global expansion in store, the world will surely listen.—AL