Kathryn Bernardo says beauty is about confidence, not perfection

Kathryn Bernardo was introduced as the newest ambassador for Ultherapy Prime during the Tala Awards 2026 at the Grand Ballroom of Solaire Resort Parañaque, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Merz Aesthetics.

An important part of the evening was the announcement, which reaffirmed Ultherapy Prime’s dedication to self-assurance, educated self-care, and improving oneself.

Held under the theme “Confidence Without Limits,” the ceremony brought together nearly 500 of the country’s leading aesthetic doctors and partner clinics to celebrate excellence, innovation, and long-standing partnerships in Philippine aesthetic medicine.

 Kathryn Bernardo talks about self-care, beauty, and aging. Handout
In light of this, Bernardo’s introduction was more than just a new face for the brand; it reflected a shared belief that confidence is built through thoughtful choices, consistent self-care, and starting early.

Following the unveiling of the Ultherapy Prime, Bernardo joined host Jackie Go on stage for a discussion about beauty, confidence, and the importance of investing in oneself.

Reflecting on how perspectives on beauty have evolved, Bernardo shared, “I think people today are more informed than ever. We see so much information about wellness, skincare, and treatments, and we’ve realized that taking care of ourselves isn’t just about looking good today — it’s about feeling confident for years to come. For me, beauty has become less about chasing perfection and more about making thoughtful choices that support you in the long run.”

That philosophy naturally extended to the idea of self-investment. When asked whether skincare is another form of investing in oneself, Bernardo answered, “Absolutely. We invest in our education, our careers, and our health because we know those decisions benefit our future. I see skincare the same way. It’s about being consistent and taking care of yourself early, so you’re giving yourself the best foundation possible. To me, that’s really an investment in confidence.”

The Kapamilya A-list star also encouraged a proactive approach to self-care, emphasizing that consistency matters more than perfection. Looking back on her younger years, she said, “I’d tell myself not to wait until something becomes a concern before taking action. Appreciate your skin, protect it, and don’t underestimate the value of consistency. Small habits today can make a big difference over time — not because you’re trying to stop aging, but because you’re taking care of yourself.”

Her perspective echoed the evening’s message that prevention and education go hand in hand. “Definitely,” she said when asked whether prevention influences her approach to beauty and wellness. “That mindset doesn’t just apply to beauty — it applies to life. Whether it’s your health, your finances, or your relationships, it’s always better to care for something before problems arise. Beauty is no different. I believe in being proactive, making informed decisions, and choosing what’s right for me.”

Kathryn Bernardo for Ulthera Prime. Handout For the box office queen, modern self-care is rooted in balance rather than perfection. “For me, self-care is really about balance. It’s getting enough rest, eating well, staying active, managing stress, protecting my skin every day, and making time for myself even when life gets busy. It’s not about doing everything perfectly — it’s about being consistent and choosing habits that help me feel healthy and confident: My Skin, My Way”.

Speaking about her decision to join Ultherapy Prime, the celebrity ambassador explained that the partnership aligned with her personal values. “What resonated with me most was the message behind the partnership. It’s not about changing who you are — it’s about taking care of yourself and feeling confident in every stage of life. I also appreciate that it encourages people to seek advice from qualified medical professionals so they can make informed decisions that are right for them. Ultherapy saw me when I was in my 20s, and now, Ultherapy Prime continues that journey with me. That made this partnership feel very authentic to me.”

She also shared a message for young professionals and women beginning their own self-care journeys: “Don’t think of self-care as something you’ll do later. Start now, even in small ways. Build healthy habits, take care of your skin, prioritize your well-being, and remember that confidence grows from how you care for yourself every day. It’s never about looking like someone else — it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.”

Recognizing the role of the medical community, she underscored the importance of trusted guidance. “I think education is everything. There are so many trends and opinions online, so having trusted doctors who can provide evidence-based guidance is incredibly valuable. They help people understand their options and make decisions that fit their own goals and lifestyle. That kind of partnership between patients and doctors builds confidence.”

Kathryn Bernardo with Merz Aesthetics and Vanguard Aesthetics execs. Handout

She began her lifting journey with Ultherapy Legacy and is now embarking on the next phase with Ultherapy Prime, reflecting a long-term commitment to skin care. Her journey emphasizes the importance of investing in skin quality early on, thereby supporting the skin’s natural collagen foundation over time, and inspires others to take a proactive approach to confidence and healthy-looking skin at any stage of life.

She has joined Ultherapy Prime’s growing roster of global ambassadors, alongside regional ambassadors Jun Ji Hyun and Lee Min Ho, as well as US ambassador Salma Hayek, to bring the message of confidence and authenticity.

As Ultherapy Prime begins this new chapter with the Kapamilya actress, the partnership reflects a shared vision based on confidence, authenticity, and informed decision-making. Introduced on a night honoring the country’s aesthetic medicine leaders, the collaboration reinforces the belief that confidence is not about changing who you are, but about caring for yourself with intention — now and in the future.