Lifestyle
Cosmopolitan Lifestyle Awards 2025: The Style & Living Winners
The everyday upgrades your 2025 routine needs.
Published on May 7, 2025
Let's be real: your stuff says a lot about you. The shoes you wear on your Hot Girl Walk, the water bottle you treat like an extension of yourself, the streaming app you swear has the best comfort shows...these little things are more than just things—they're part of the way you move through your everyday life. This year's Style & Living winners for the Cosmopolitan Lifestyle Awards 2025 aren't just pretty to look at (though they're that, too!)—they're functional, intentional, and seriously well-loved by the Cosmo team. From fashion staples to smart everyday upgrades, these are the items we'd buy again in a heartbeat. Welcome to your new lifestyle MVPs.
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Cosmo Lifestyle Awards 2025: Style & Living Winners
Winner: Comfy Dad Shoes
Nike Vomero 5
The Nike Vomero 5 isn't just another dad shoe—it's a masterclass in balancing comfort and cool. With breathable mesh panels, cushy midsoles, and just the right amount of bulk, it's built for all-day wear without sacrificing style points. Whether you're pairing it with your fave jeans or a blazer (yes, really), this is the kind of sneaker that earns a permanent spot in your rotation of kicks.
Why we love it: "The Vomero is a tried-and-tested for me! I used it during my recent Japan trip—where it's easy to walk up to 20,000+ steps in one day—and my feet didn't hurt by the end of it."
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Winner: Classic Office Shoe
Vivaia Margot Mary Janes
The Vivaia Margot Mary Janes just scream, "Yes, I have my life together, tyvm." They're sleek, structured, and shockingly comfortable (and actually support your feet). Made from recycled materials, they're equal parts polished and practical. You can wear 'em to work, brunch, or anywhere you want to look put-together without having to suffer through the dreaded blisters.
Why we love it: "I didn't expect to like these shoes so much, but I do! They're cute, crazy comfortable, and somehow still feel polished enough to wear whenever."
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Winner: Emotional Support Water Bottle
Owala FreeSip
The Owala FreeSip is one of the rare water bottles that actually makes us want to achieve our hydration goals. The built-in straw and spout combo (!) is genius, it comes in colors that spark joy, and the leak-proof design means you can toss it into your bags without a second thought.
Why we love it: "I love the convenience of the straw spout. I can drink (water!) while driving and I like knowing that it’s covered and not germ-y."
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Winner: Social-Friendly Phone
iPhone 16 Pro
If you've been looking to replace your old phone, then we're here to tell you that the iPhone 16 Pro is worth the hype. The upgraded camera takes crisp photos that you can immediately post on Insta without much editing, the battery doesn't die on you mid-stalk, and the slimmer bezels make everything look 10x more immersive. Plus, the titanium finish looks and feels luxe AF.
Why we love it: "I upgraded from an iPhone 12 to the iPhone 16 Pro and lemme tell you, the upgrade is so, so worth it. There's no lag even though I have a lot of apps running in the background, the camera quality is crisp, and the thinner bezels make watching content easier than ever."
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Winner: Customizable Jewelry
Russet Accessories
Scroll through any cool Manila girl's Insta and you're bound to spot a pic of them wearing a charm necklace or bracelet—and chances are, it's made by Russet Accessories. This local jewelry brand offers a wide (and constantly evolving) selection of charms and chains to let you build your own accessories that feel more you.
Why we love it: "The charm selection is really what keeps me coming back to Russet Accessories—in particular, the custom charms they make for events are super cute!"
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Winner: Office-Ready Bag
The Paper Bunny Arc Series
We get it—office totes can look kinda plain and boring, but not this one from Singaporean lifestyle brand The Paper Bunny. The Midi Arc from their Arc Series, in particular, hits that sweet spot between being roomy enough to carry all your essentials while also not being too big that it overwhelms petite frames.
Why we love it: "I've tried a lot of tote bags in my time, but the Midi Arc is the perfect office tote for me. It looks small, but it can fit my laptop comfortably as well as my numerous (but essential!) pouches."
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Winner: Shapewear
SOLA Sculpting Classic Shapewear Bodysuit
The SOLA Sculpting Bodysuit does exactly what you want shapewear to do—smooths, shapes, and supports—without making it harder to breathe. It's lightweight and seamless under clothes, which makes it easy to wear on night-outs or workdays. Bonus: It actually looks good on its own, too!
Why we love it: "Shapewear is kinda intimidating for me because of how cinching it can be, but the one from SOLA is comfy while still giving me shape. I also like their selection of colors—so cute!"
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Photographer: Meinard Navato
Winner: Streaming Platform
Prime Video
Trust us, we know there are a ton of streaming platforms out there, but there are only a few that can actually make us say it's worth buying a subscription to. Enter: Prime Video. The interface is clean, and the variety of its catalogue—filled with buzzy originals, comfort watches, and nostalgic shows—will ensure you'll never be stuck in the "I have nothing to watch" spiral.
Why we love it: "I like how easy it is to search for my shows and the recommendations for my next binge watch!"
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Winner: Innerwear
Herah Seamless Panty
The Herah Seamless Panty is one of those pieces you just forget you're wearing because of how damn comfortable it is. Thanks to its seamless and breathable fabric, it won't roll, ride up, or show through your clothes(!). Repeat after us: no more VPLs in 2025, please and thank you.
Why we love it: "Highly recommend investing in seamless panties—they'll just make your life so much easier. They're soft AF, and they won't give you visible panty lines. The Herah ones are great 'cause they come in packs."
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Winner: Casual Slip-Ons
Birkenstock Boston BS Taupe (Narrow Fit)
We know clogs have been trendy for a hot minute now, but the Birkenstock Boston will actually stay in your shoe rotation. The narrow-fit version feels a little more streamlined, but still delivers on the contoured footbed and easy slip-on design that we all know and love. Once you break them in, you won't want to take them off. And honestly? You probably won't. *wink*
Why we love it: "It got one that's a size too small for me, but even then it was super comfortable. It provides an easy but elevated wear, which I appreciate. It's a bit on the pricier side, but to me it is justified for the quality."
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Winner: Light-as-a-Feather Daily Pair
Allbirds Tree Runner in Wheat
The Allbirds Tree Runners are the sneakers you forget you're wearing—in the best way possible, ofc! They're breathable, feather-light, and ridiculously soft thanks to their eucalyptus tree fiber knit. The wheat colorway is also neutral without being boring, and the minimalist shape makes them easy to pair with your casual or gym 'fits.
Why we love it: "I like shoes that gives me an ROI, so this was perfect for me. I can use it in and out of the gym. It's also really comfortable on the feet."
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Winner: Commute-Friendly Sneakers
Merrell Maipo 2 Explorer Aerosport in Pigeon/Seaway
For all the Strava girlies who love monitoring their hot girl walks, get yourself a pair of the Merrell Maipo Explorer Aerosport. The breathable mesh upper keeps your feet cool, while the grippy sole makes them reliable on any kind of terrain. Bonus: They're lightweight and give enough support for your gruelling commute.
Why we love it: "This is the perfect gym shoe for me—it's light enough that I don't have to exert extra effort in lifting my feet, plus it's comfy and stylish enough to wear even after working out."
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Winner: Lifestyle and Local Community Space
Spatio
Spatio isn't just a place—it's a whole vibe. It's a unique space located in Opus Mall at the heart of the city that houses shopping, relaxation, and luxury all in one. Whether you're in need of caffeine for work, want to have a casual drink while having a chow, or you're looking for gifts for your BFF's birthday, Spatio is the place to be.
Why we love it: "I like hanging out here because it has everything I need in one spot—cafés, restos, grooming places, and shops!"
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Photographer: Meinard Navato
Winner: Long-Lasting Silky Matte Lipstick
MAC Cosmetics MACximal Matte Lipstick in 685 Iconic Photo
If you love MAC's old matte formula but found it to be too drying on your puckers, you'll be glad to know that they switched things up and re-released it under the MACximal Silky Matte line. It glides on smoothly, wears down evenly, and won't have your lips cracking by the end of the day. The shade Iconic Photo—a rich, neutral brown—is a nod to the '90s and will have you feeling like a supermodel in no time.
Why we love it: "I'm a MAC girlie through and through, and this is one of my favorite releases of theirs. The formula just glides on to my lips smoothly without any tugging, and the pigmentation is top-tier as usual."
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Winner: Comfortable Pigmented Lippie
Avon Ultra Creamy Lipstick
If you want buttery texture and bold color, the Avon Ultra Creamy Lipstick can do both. It goes on like a balm but leaves behind a pigment that sticks around (and actually looks like the color on the tube!). A swipe of this, and you're good to go—mirror check optional. *wink*
Why we love it: "Sometimes, a girl just wants to have pigment on her lips without them feeling dry AF at the end of the day, you know? I also love that the color on the tube is also the same when applied on the lips."
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Winner: Everyday Skin Tint
Colourette First Base
The Colourette First Base does what you wish all skin tints would do: it evens out your skin without actually feeling like makeup, protects you from the sun (hello, SPF 30!), and actually plays well under other products. The finish is skin-like while still being able to camouflage any redness, marks, and acne.
Why we love it: "With how hot it is in our country, a skin tint is all I can handle on my face, and I'm happy that the First Base is v lightweight while still being able to cover up my redness. A win!"
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Winner: Skin-Caring Longwear Foundation
L'Oréal Paris Infallible 32H Fresh Wear
This foundation has range, y'all—both in shades and performance. The L'Oréal Paris Infallible Fresh Wear lasts up to 32 hours (!) while still feeling weightless on the skin, and includes skincare ingredients like vitamin C and SPF. It gives medium-to-full coverage with a natural finish, a.k.a. your skin, but more put together.
Why we love it: "It delivers breathable, buildable coverage that feels like nothing on my skin, yet holds up through long days without caking or sliding off. Plus, the added SPF is a nice add-on to my regular face sunscreen."
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Winner: Statement-Making Scent
Lancôme Idôle Now Eau de Parfum
Lancôme Idôle Now is not your typical subtle spritz. It's bold, bright, and modern, with a rose-vanilla mix that turns heads in the best way. This is the perfume you wear when you want to be remembered—for first dates, big meetings, or anytime you're in need of some main character energy.
Why we love it: "This stays on me forever! And people even tell me they can smell me from halfway across the office. It's a nice go-to floral scent."
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Winner: Everyday Fragrance
Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Hysope
If you're in need of a fresh, everyday scent, then the Chloé Atelier des Fleurs Hysope is the way to go. It's a little bit like a white button-down polo: clean, timeless, and something you'll never go wrong with. With bright top notes of bergamot, petitgrain, and neroli, it opens crisp and clean, while the heart—hyssop, violet, and rose water—gives it a soft, herbal-floral scent that still smells and feels modern. It dries down to a cozy raspberry-tonka mix that lingers well throughout the day.
Why we love it: "This is a soft floral that isn't too loud. But it makes enough of a statement for day to day."
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Winner: Long-Lasting Fragrance
Diptyque Fleur de Peau Eau de Parfum
Diptyque Fleur de Peau from Diptyque is soft but strong—the kind of scent that lingers long after you've left the room. It's a musky floral that feels nostalgic without smelling old-school, and the staying power is just *chef's kiss*. One spritz in the morning, and you'll still catch hints of it well into the evening.
Why we love it: "The whole team knows this is my signature scent at this point. It's admittedly a bit pricey, but I'd repurchase it every time because it sooo long-lasting but with just the right amount of sillage."
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Winner: Daily Cologne
FRESH Sweet Calypso
FRESH's Sweet Calypso is bright, juicy, and just sweet enough that it doesn't get too cloying. It's the kind of scent that just smells like good vibes in a bottle—perfect for running errands, hangouts, or tossing in your bag for a mid-day pick-me-up.
Why we love it: "Sweet scents usually make my head hurt, but this one from FRESH was just the right amount of light and fruity. I also love that it's so affordable—I don't feel any guilt in spraying a lot, LOL!"
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Winner: Travel Cam
DJI Osmo Pocket
The DJI Pocket Osmo is your favorite vlogger's favorite cam—and it will probably be yours, too. It has a built-in stabilizer, takes great footage even in low-light, and is low-key enough that you won't feel awkward while walking around with it.
Why we love it: "While I do like taking videos, I feel awkward having a professional-looking camera on hand while I walk around, lol. But it's not a problem with the Pocket Osmo 'cause it's so small! Plus, my shaky hands appreciate the stabilizer."
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Winner: Digicam
Canon G7X Mark III
Yet another must-have of your favorite content creators, the Canon G7X Mark III does it all. It's compact, has amazing color output, and nails that nostalgic-but-crisp picture quality that doesn't require any more post-processing.
Why we love it: "It's been so easy to take nice (non-smartphone) photos during my trips. Through Canon's app, I can easily transfer the photos to my phone and upload them to my IG Stories."
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Photographer: Meinard Navato
Photographer: Meinard Navato
Art Director: Ica del Mundo, assisted by Patty Tanquintic
Associate Editor: Ida Aldana
Product Styling: Kamila Garcia
Words: Cheska Santiago
Video: Cherrie Julian
Social Media: Aina Lizarondo
