Karen Davila: All Things Beauty

Karen Davila’s Beauty Secrets 

Journalist Karen Davila is a very busy woman. Her days start and end at the TV studio. In between her broadcasts, she spends time with her husband, DJ Sta. Ana of TV5, and their two sons, David and Lucas. She’s also visible in the social scene and active on social media. Karen Davila is most passionate about family, friends, and of course, her career. When we at Calyxta shot her at her home, we noticed two more things she loves—Filipino art and fashion. Her walls, floors and shelves are filled with paintings, sculptures and furniture created by local artists. She opened a closet to reveal gowns made by Filipino designers. With all these passions filling her life, does she ever have time to care for herself?

I love looking natural. That’s the key!

Karen admits she has no time for pampering. At first, we couldn’t believe it. Someone who spends that much time in front of a camera must spend a lot of time taking care of her looks. But Karen just retorts, “Sa ilaw lang yan! Kahit sobrang ganda ng makeup mo, pag pangit ang ilaw mo, pangit lahat!” She tells us that when she does shoots for magazines, she spends hours on the makeup chair but when she’s being prepped for TV, makeup is quickly and thickly applied, and you just need to rely on the lights to look good. “TV is lighting,” Karen says in a matter-of-fact tone, assuring us that she can’t reveal any beauty secrets because she doesn’t have any.

But we probe anyway, and she finally gives us her few tried-and-tested tips to look good at any age, in any light.  

I put moisturizer every day

At our shoot, you were very particular about your look—from hair and makeup up to the angle of your pose. What looks work for you best and how did you know these are your best looks?

I love hair with volume, I don’t look good with super flat hair. I think it’s the shape of my face. I look best when my eyes have the focus. I love looking natural. That’s the key! With years on television, you eventually know your best angle.

What’s in your kikay kit? 

I’m very low maintenance. I love mascara, eyelash curler, and a natural cream for my skin.

What’s your skin care regimen like? 

I use a makeup wipe to make my skin breathe, and I put moisturizer every day. I always have sunblock when I’m at the beach. I love facial masks. But believe me when I tell you I am low maintenance. 

What is your most important skin care and hair care tip?

Don’t wear too much makeup! Drink a lot of water!

Believe me when I tell you I am low maintenance

You mentioned that you’re set in your ways when it comes to products. But are there beauty products, makeup trends, hair colors, skin treatments you’d like to try? 

I’m open to new products but I love the reliables. I would like to try—if I had more time!—spa treatments, hair treatments, anything natural. 

Catch our natural beauty and inspiring Calyxta Cover Girl Karen Davila on daily morning news show Headstart on ANC at 8 AM, and on late night news show, Bandila, on ABS-CBN; and at 4:30 PM on Pasada Sais Trenta on DZMM radio.