If you're just beginning to explore the world of fragrances, having so many to choose from can overwhelm you. Choosing one that suits you or feels worthy of becoming your signature scent is something of a trial and error thing, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the journey in the meantime!

Good fragrances aren't cheap so to start your perfume collection, we recommend in investing in tried and tested classics. Many of these fragrances are best-sellers that have been loved for decades, and continue to enjoy a cult following even now. Here are ten from different fragrance families for you to try out!

First up is Philosophy’s Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette and Pure Grace Eau de Toilette. Amazing Grace is a citrusy floral scent with notes of musk, freesia, jasmine, rose, bergamot, grapefruit, and mandarin orange. It’s light, refreshing, and womanly. It has a soft powdery scent that makes it a hit even for sensitive noses.

Pure Grace, on the other hand, is a concoction of lavender, musk, jasmine, water lily, and bergamot. Though it contains floral notes, the overall appeal is one that simply smells clean and crisp. You’ll love this if you like shower-fresh scents, and though it’s supposed to be a perfume for women, the fragrance is pretty unisex.

We’re big fans of citrus fragrances because a single spritz can instantly uplift the mood, so our next pick is Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne. Zesty with a lime top note, it settles to a beautiful mix of sweet mandarin and leafy basil. It’s a lovely scent to wear through summer, on an active day out, or whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

If you were a 90s kid, you probably grew up smelling this on your mom and titas. Estée Lauder Pleasures is an elegant floral bouquet of lily of the valley, peony, lilac, and green notes. If the original feels too dainty and mature for you, Pleasures has been released in other variations such as Eau Fraiche and Flower. Compared to the classic version, Eau Fraiche has a spicy zing while Flower has stronger citrus notes that give it a youthful vibe.

Another memorable fragrance from Estée Lauder is Modern Muse. The 2013 release of this perfume also marked a huge comeback for the company, which had previously launched its last fragrance a decade earlier. Compared to Pleasures, the white floral scent of Modern Muse has a more contemporary vibe. The blend of jasmine sambac, lily, and honeysuckle is balanced with musk, which gives the wearer that powerful girl boss aura. Recently, Estée Lauder released a flirty, more romantic version called Le Rouge for their latest muse, Kendall Jenner.

One of the oldest bottles in my mom’s stash is Anais Anais by Cacharel. Released in 1978, this perfume is no longer very visible in the market but select stores and Amazon.com still carry it. It was such a popular scent that you’ve probably smelled this at least once before, and if you don’t remember, a whiff of the white lily, hyacinth, lily of the valley, and Moroccan jasmine notes will be sure to refresh your memory. It can last up to 12 hours, depending on your body chemistry.

Marc Jacobs Daisy earns its rightful spot in this hall of fame. It was released in 2007 and like Pleasures, has inspired a number of newer variations. The original perfume boasts of violet leaf, blood grapefruit, strawberry, gardenia, jasmine, musk, white woods, and vanilla. The combination of fruity and floral makes this a youthful and vibrant fragrance. The pretty bottle makes it so display-worthy, too!

From the bottle design alone, Be Delicious by DKNY is obviously a fruity scent, with strong notes of green apple mixed with cucumber, grapefruit, lily of the valley, magnolia, rose, tuberose, and wood. It’s every bit as delicious as the name suggests, and puts you in a fun and energetic mood. No wonder it continues to be a favorite among young women even though it was launched 12 years ago!

This scent is single-handedly responsible for the green tea obsession of women all over the world! The refreshing blend of green tea, lemon, mint, bergamot, and orange peel in Green Tea by Elizabeth Arden made it a best-selling hit that’s been going strong since 1999. Light and clean, you can wear this without overpowering sensitive noses. It doesn’t last very long but spraying it on again is a delight all the same.

For a scent that’s warm and sensual, the radiant appeal of Bulgari Omnia makes it a great date night pick! It features a blend of bamboo, nashi fruit, lotus flower, balsa wood. It also has a nice powdery quality that makes you just want to snuggle up, and it lightly envelops your body without overwhelming the senses.

When shopping for fragrances, it's best to limit the number of scents you try in a day. Unless you're given a small tester vial to take home, chances are you'll end up having to spritz the scent on your wrists. Applying it directly on your skin is important for determining how well the fragrance mixes with your body chemistry, as well as checking if you might get any allergic reactions to the product. Spray a scent each on either wrist and don't let them mix with other scents. You can also take a whiff of coffee to clear your nose if you find something too overpowering!

Have you found your signature scent? What are your favorites so far?

Source: fragrantica.com

compiled by Sam Gonzales, contributor

It’s almost like a plague. Behind the beautiful Instagram posts and self-deprecating tweets grows a creature devouring the light within. I’m sure we’re all familiar with self-doubt as it looms over us. When I talk to people about this, one thing seems to ring true: everyone feels self-conscious and doubt themselves. It is present at night, when we’re alone, when we reflect on the state of other seemingly more successful people. But hey, self-improvement is difficult but that isn’t a good enough reason not to try. We asked nine incredible women how they try to overcome their self-consciousness and self-doubt.

Bea Dela Torre

Trisha O’Bannon

Bea Dela Torre, Junior Product Manager at L'Oreal Makeup Designer/Paris

To be honest, it takes time and a lot of growing up to get over self-consciousness and self-doubt. It just came to a point that I started not caring about what people think and just started focusing my energy on achieving my end goal in life. It was hard but that's reality. All good things take time and patience.

Trisha O’Bannon, poet and performer

It's not really overcome, it's a daily battle! A lot of it is constantly reminding yourself that whether you see yourself in a good way or bad way, the power's completely with you. Only you have the power to change how you feel about yourself, or do something about it. And it's important to get to the root of it. If I'm feeling really shitty about myself, I make a list of reasons why and then later, when I'm not so emotionally charged, I weed out the ones I can change from the ones that I can't or don't want to. For the ones I can change (e.g. I feel too fat), I make a plan to do something about it (e.g. diet, exercise, self-love). The ones that I don't want to or can't, I have to learn to accept that it's part of me and it makes me who I am.

Some days are easier than others. The important thing is to know that it's always going to be a struggle, so you never feel like you've failed yourself. And so you never stop making an effort!

Writing it down helps, para concrete siya, hindi lang some weird abstract "I suck.” And you have to do it when you're feeling less shitty, or when circumstances are better. Alternatively, if you constantly feel a certain way about yourself, maybe you have to change that thing. ‘Di lang siya fleeting feeling. And having a concrete plan of action is also super empowering. Like I've gained a lot of weight which totally sucks for me and it's going to take a lot of work but when I laid down what I had to do lose weight, I already felt much better. A lot of self-doubt and self-consciousness comes from the feeling of losing control. So, do what you gotta do to take back that control in your life.

Andrea Beldua

Donna Virata

Andrea Beldua, photographer

I don't think we can ever completely overcome our self-doubt; it is a work in progress always after all. I used to be so much more self-conscious before though, and I think that stemmed from my youth and my inability to recognize who I really am. As I grew older, I learned so much more about myself through my passion for my craft. Although I know I have so much to learn, I know now that my talent and hard work will always be the defining factor of Andrea Beldua — not my physical looks. I am so much more than that. A quote that will always be relevant to this is one by Savannah Brown (from her poem "Hi, I'm a Slut"): "My body is a temple, I am the god it was built for."

Donna Virata, Marketing Associate at GlaxoSmithKline and blogger

I wouldn't consider myself 100% confident about who I am and what I do, but I do think I've improved tremendously from how I used to see myself. I think what helped a lot is:

1. Understanding who I am, the things I value, my interests, strengths and weaknesses; and
2. Understanding the people around me and beyond my circle, the things they value, their interests, strengths, weaknesses and how they actualize their goals.

It’s cliché but I realized everyone's different, and that although some people are born with advantages, it's still up to me how I can make the most of what I have. I accepted myself, considered myself as a work in progress and went on to develop my strengths and weaknesses. as in with concrete action plan. So now, even if there are times that I would unconsciously doubt myself, bigla ko iisipin na unproductive ‘yun and come up of a way to kill that doubt.

Bianca Umali

Lara Rapanan

Bianca Umali, makeup artist

It was a process. It took a lot of convincing from my friends and family for me to actually consider makeup artistry as a full time job. However, what really made me take the plunge was the realization that I was more afraid of my inner demons than other people's reaction towards my chosen career. One day I just decided to make a Facebook page outing myself as a makeup artist and I didn't receive any negative feedback from anyone. I guess it's really true when they say your mind could be your best friend or worst enemy. Once you make peace with the idea that your doubts will never able you to move forward, you're already in the right path.

Lara Rapanan, co-founder of Habin PH

When I realized that I have full control of what my mind feeds my ego, I took charge of that process. I'm now mastering the art of weeding out the unnecessary from my life.

Mandy Cruz

Christine Liwag

Mandy Cruz, performer

I honestly think I never got over my self-consciousness nor my self-doubt; I think that's something nobody truly "gets over.” I just got used to thinking more positively about myself than otherwise. Despite that, I still really feel that often I catch myself comparing myself to other girls: how much prettier they are then me, or smarter, etc. Internal misogyny never goes away. It creeps up on you and shuts you down on your lowest of low days. The best way I try and get myself back to being positive and happy with myself is to remember that other girls are not my enemy.

Other girls are not my enemy. Other girls are not my enemy. Lather, rinse, repeat.

I don't want to say "repeat until true" because I don't think I have to repeat it over and over again until it's true. It'll be true even if I don't repeat the phrase, it'll be true even if I don't think it is. I think overcoming self-consciousness and self-doubt — or at least suppressing it until you have the capacity to ignore it — comes hand-in-hand with accepting others. We are all different and unique; we are not each other's enemy. Once I understood this, I became a lot more confident with myself and it became easier to even stand up for myself and just as easy to stand up for others as well.

Christine Liwag, Social Media Specialist at Smart and blogger

Honestly, I'm not very sure if I've entirely overcome my self-consciousness already. Growing up in an all-girls school got me up on the insecurity game quite early. It was only in high school when I realized how "good" I am with the things I think I'm "good" at. I guess you just need to find your strength — use it, maximize your potential, and you'll eventually be able to let go of your self-doubt. It's a work in progress, definitely not something you'll be able to achieve overnight. Oh, and friends help too! Be with the ones who'll cheer for you all throughout. I'm sure you'll never look back to what once pulled you down. Like what Harry Winston said, "People will stare, make it worth their while."

Indeed, the road to progress is a constant state of learning. How about you? How do you battle consciousness and doubt? What are you biggest hurdles when you try to improve yourself? Let’s talk in the comments!

Fight the good fight, ladies.

You don’t even need to be a makeup lover to have heard of MAC. The brand is a gold standard in quality and variety for pro artist makeup, and the prestige attached to owning their products have even caused some to resort to less-than-legit means of acquiring their own. But part of what makes shopping at MAC so special is that there’s always a trained makeup artist around to assist you in the process of finding the right cosmetics. There’s certainly prestige in knowing that you have created a customized look that perfectly suits your features with the guidance of a beauty professional! 

Recently, I joined MAC Techniques Light and Bright workshop, conducted by Raf Mañosca. The workshop focused on creating a dewy, glowing look like the kind Koreans are known for. It’s a great way to look more fresh, perfect for gals who are constantly stressed and lack sleep (#hugot). Here’s what you need to know!

Start with good skincare

Regardless of the makeup look you want to achieve, you should always begin the routine by applying skin care products. The MAC way of doing it involves applying lotion, hydrating mist, serum, moisturizing gel, eye cream, and lip treatment. (If it seems like a lot to you, then you probably haven’t heard of the full Korean skincare regimen)

Raf explains that those with oily skin should pay even more attention to creating a proper skincare routine as lack of hydration can cause overproduction of sebum, making matters worse. MAC skincare products have a lightweight quality, so they layer well under makeup.

Specific Products Used: Lightful C Marine-Bright Formula Softening Lotion, Mineralize Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist, Lightful C 2-in-1 Serum, Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel, Lightful C Vibrancy Eye Cream, and Lip Conditioner.

Create your own custom highlighter

This DIY tip will give you the pro artist feels: you can create your own liquid highlighter by combining a face oil with your favorite powder highlighter! Raf scraped a little bit of Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade onto a stainless palette and added a few drops of Prep + Prime Essential Oils. He mixed them together with a spatula to produce a runny liquid with suspended shimmer pigments, and we were wowed by its effect on the skin. The oil served to sheer the pigmentation out, giving the cheekbones a natural-looking glow.

Fill in eyebrows fast

As much as we want to spend time perfecting our arches, that is not always an option. For brows done in a jiffy, Raf used the Veluxe Brow Liner to create a curved solid line following the bottom shape of the brows and filled in the mid-portion of the brows. Then he brushed the color upwards, so that the hard lines are faded away and the pigmentation looks more dispersed and hair-like.

Work your creases the right way

Since I have monolids, it’s always been a challenge to define my crease without the fold “eating” everything up. I’ve always aimed the eyeshadow brush directly on my socket line but there is a tendency for it to create an obvious line. To avoid this, use a good blending brush like MAC 217 and aim it at the lash line, blending and working the eyeshadow up to the socket line. It produces a smoother gradation and prevents harsh lines!

Coordinate your blush and highlighter

You may know about matching blush to your lipstick, but did you know that you should also pick a complementary highlighter? For the same reason that you want an overall cohesive look with your blush and lippie, a highlighter in the wrong shade may end up looking garish rather than glowing. For example, bright pink blush and copper highlighter aren't exactly a match made in heaven as the contrasting colors look so unnatural. A pink blush would go great with a neutral, light beige highlighter, while a bronzer and copper highlighter can play up a tanned look. It's best to stick to using colors from the same palette so your overall makeup look is harmonious rather than confused.

Want to attend a MAC workshop? Workshops start at P5,000 and it’s a great deal because the amount is fully consumable through a voucher for MAC products given after the class. MAC has also released the nifty MAC Technique app (free to download on Android and iOS) so you can check out upcoming classes near your location and get info on what each of the classes are about. Once booked, attendees will be given a code to input into the app for exclusive access to other features like class notes, product photos, and a guide to the finished look.

Which tips will you be adapting for your makeup techniques? What MAC workshops would you be interested to attend?

by Crystal Rodis-Concepcion, contributor

We get a lot of questions about the best colors to wear for different skin tones, and though we have guides for picking out the perfect red or pink lipsticks, those only cover one aspect of your makeup look. There is one shade that seems to look great on everyone, a hue you can't go wrong with!

Peach is such a flattering color on Pinay skin tones. Its warmth has a way of making skin look glowing and healthy. What’s also awesome about it is that you can actually wear peach all over your face, which makes it one of our go-to shades for rocking a monochromatic makeup look. Here are a few of our fave peachy picks!

Eyes

Make Up For Ever in I-804. Although it’s actually the lone blush inclusion in the Artist Eyeshadow Palette, we see no reason why this can’t be used on our peepers as well! It has a beautiful gold shimmer that instantly brightens the eyes.

Laneige Two Tone Shadow Bar in No. 1 Humming Coral (P1,200). Love the gradient looks that Koreans come up with? This is two-toned eyeshadow stick makes it so much easier! Just swipe the stick over your lid, and the cream-to-powder formula blends the shades well enough so you don’t have to. The lighter color is a shimmery beige while the darker color is a matte coral peach.

Left to right: Make Up For Ever in I-804, Laneige Two Tone Shadow Bar in No. 1 Humming Coral

Cheeks

Benefit Majorette Blush (P1,600). This is one of the most sought-after peach blushes in the market! It has a matte finish (perfect for oily-skinned gals who worry about looking too shiny) and a fluffy texture that blends easily.

Happy Skin Get Cheeky with Me Blush in Summer Fling (P699). Experiencing some dryness on your cheeks? This slightly pink-toned blush contains cherry blossom extracts to help keep them hydrated, plus some very fine shimmer for that lit-from-within look.

Covergirl Cheekers in Pretty Peach (P395). Dewy cheeks can make you look more youthful and vibrant. We also loved how compact the palette is so we made sure to include this cutie in our Wanderlust Kit. Perfect for getting your glow while on the go!

Left to right: Benefit Majorette, Happy Skin Get Cheeky with Me Blush in Summer Fling, Covergirl Cheekers in Pretty Peach, Pink Sugar Sweet Cheeks HD Blush in Miss Independent, Ellana Mineral Blush Peach Passion

Pink Sugar Sweet Cheeks HD Blush in Miss Independent (P499). Looking for something subtle? This matte nude peach is a dupe of another popular peach blush, MAC Melba. You can also apply this just right under your cheekbones to mimic a contour effect.

Ellana Mineral Blush Duo in Kitten/Peach Passion (P450). Mineral makeup is great for gals with sensitive skin, plus they tend to pack a lot of pigmentation. You only need a tiny bit of Peach Passion to create a radiant glow on your cheeks as the pink peach powder contains fine shimmer. If you want a slightly more rosy effect, you can add a bit of the pink Kitten shade.

Lips

Lunasol Double Coloring Lips in 01 Clear Apricot (P1,630). This double-sided lippie contains a bright, apricot peach mousse and a sheer peach lip gloss. Layered together, it makes your pout look sweet and innocent.

Laneige Two Tone Lip Bar in No. 13 Orange Blurring (P1,200). Recreating the K-beauty inspired gradient lip usually requires mixing two lip products together but this dual-toned lippie allows you to do it in one swipe! We recommend applying the tangerine peach portion on inner part of the lip, while the clear portion provides moisture and gloss to the outer areas.

Happy Skin Lip and Cheek Mousse in Warm and Toasty (P699).This nude peach with a hint of brown dries to a matte finish. We love that we can use it on our cheeks, too! It goes on smoothly and blends easily.

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lipstick in 523 Sunset Cruise (P795). This sheer coral peach lipstick is formulated with beneficial ingredients such as moringa oil and Vitamin E. That means you can skip the balm and apply this directly! It provides long-lasting moisture to your lips.

Left to right: Lunasol Liquid Lips (clear), Lunasol Coloring Lips (apricot), Laneige Two Tone Lip Bar in No. 13 Orange Blurring, Happy Skin Lip and Cheek Mousse in Warm and Toasty, Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lipstick in 523 Sunset Cruise,  L’Oreal Tint Caresse in Tulip Blossom, Pink Sugar HD Lipstick in Naked, Inglot HD Lip Tint Matte in #17, Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream in Birthday Suit, NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu

L’Oreal Tint Caresse in Tulip Blossom (P350). Not a fan of liquid or creamy lip formulas? This powder lipstick gives a soft and petal-like finish that feels like nothing when applied. It has a reddish undertone that makes it a great my-lips-but-better pick for those with pigmented lips.

Pink Sugar HD Lipstick in Naked (P299). This lipstick is a warm, peach nude with a creamy finish. It has just the faintest hint of brown that keeps it from looking too bright and punchy.

Inglot HD Lip Tint Matte in #17 (P1,150). Of course, we had to include a matte lippie in this list! And this liquid lipstick has one of our favorite formulas because it settles into a true matte finish without making the lips feel dry or uncomfortable.

Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream in Birthday Suit (P450). Disclaimer: you may need to track down this rosy peach as it is often sold out! And it’s no surprise, really, as the pretty shade is one of the most coveted MLBB shades in the market.

NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu. It’s a semi-sheer lip gloss that’s as moisturizing as your favorite lip balm! We give it plus points for having a pleasant vanilla scent.

What are your favorite peachy finds? Have you ever tried doing an all-peach look?

Whether you're a panda fan or not, we're sure you'll find the Tony Moly Panda’s Dream Collection as cute as the real thing. This extensive new line has everything from eye masks to contour sticks, and they're all in kawaii panda packaging. Take a look of some of the products from this new Tony Moly release!

Panda’s Dream Eye Patch (P58)

Our eyes are often the first indicator of how tired or stressed we feel, so this delicate patch of skin needs some extra attention. The Panda’s Dream Eye Patch contains bamboo sap and bamboo shoot to moisten and brighten the eye area, making it look more lifted and refreshed. 

The patch closely resembles panda eyes in that the packet contains two big black circles that’ll cover nearly half your face. Each one has a flap you can peel back in order to see through but we recommend just lying back and letting the formula work its magic on your eye area. There is a temporary brightening effect, and your eyes will feel much well-moisturized and supple afterwards. 

Panda’s Dream Clear Pact (P678)

There’s a certain vanity factor in choosing compacts as we tend to whip them out in front of others. They should look nice, since they are a representation of our beauty stash. The oil-control Panda’s Dream Clear Pact takes it a step further by going from presentable to adorable. It’s a touch-up product and conversation-starter all rolled into one neat packaging!

The powder is available in two shades (Clear Vanilla and Clear Beige) and both have a translucent quality. It is finely milled, as one light pat of my fluffy brush was enough to produce a matte finish. Coverage is light to medium, reducing the appearance of redness on my skin but not hiding hyper pigmentation or blemishes. My T-zone started to look shiny again after about 2.5 hours of wear but I did love pulling this cute pact out again to touch up!

Panda’s Dual Lip and Cheek (P598) 

The lip-and-cheek compact looks like slightly smaller version of the Clear Pact but the rosy pair of hearts on the pandas’ cheeks make it easy to tell the compacts apart. Available in red and pink variants, each lip/cheek compact comes with two pans of creamy color. One offers a matte, powdery finish while the other has a dewy, glossy effect.

The milky-pink cream on the left is a dream to apply on the cheeks and feels more like a balm. It wasn’t too pigmented that I had to make much of an effort to diffuse, and a few light pats of my fingertips were enough to fully spread the blush. Plus, it didn’t feel sticky at all to blend, making it an ideal formula for those who hate cream blush. 

Panda’s Dream Contour Stick (P578)

Not to be left behind on the contour and highlight trend, Panda’s Dream also has Contour Stick in three variants: 01 Highlighter, 02 Concealer, and 03 Shading. The highlighter was a surprise for me as it was a pale, matte-beige instead of the shimmery highlighter formulas that I've been used to. I appreciate the subtlety of this one, though, and it seems like a great highlighter pick especially for oily skinned gals who worry that shimmer will add to unwanted shine. It was also very easy to blend, even over a face set with powder. 

Panda’s Dream Lip Crayon (P548)

For a multitasking lip color, these Lip Crayons bring on the moisture, pigmentation, and cuteness overload! It's slim enough to fit into small purses, and the narrow shape makes it easy to apply without going past the lip line even with its curved, blunt end.

There are five shades of pinks and reds to choose from. I have 02 Heart Pink, which is a bright, somewhat milky salmon pink. It glides smoothly on my lips and gives it a healthy amount of coverage in a single swipe. I recommend applying a moisturizing balm beforehand though as it can emphasize lip lines and dry skin.

From left: lip and cheek creams, lip crayons, contour crayon, highlight crayon, powder

Products Used: Panda’s Dream Clear Pact in 02 Beige, Panda’s Dual Lip and Cheek in 02 Pink Baby, Panda’s Dream Contour Stick in 01 Highlighter, and Panda’s Dream Lip Crayon in 02 Heart Pink

The collection gets aces for the irresistibly cute packaging so it adds a fun element to making these part of our routine and touch-up kit. Have you ever been tempted to buy a beauty product based solely on its attractive packaging? Which item from the Panda's Dream collection will you be dreaming about?

Product photography by Sam Gonzales

As a beauty girl with a limited budget, hunting for bargain beauty deals is one of my favorite things to do. Isn’t it rewarding when you take a chance on an affordable product and it turns out to be of top-notch quality, at par with more expensive cosmetics? We know how hard it is to discover under P500 products that will make totally impress you, so here’s the second list of makeup finds we’d actually be willing to pay more for! They’re so cheap yet so good that they really do deserve a spot in your beauty shopping list!

Quick FX No Shine Mattifier, P89 at department stores

If you’re looking for an oil-control mattifying primer that won’t break the bank, this is it. Smoothing just the tiniest amount on my T-zone and trouble areas considerably lessens my oil production! Without makeup, it won’t blur your pores like the Benefit Porefessional can but it does fill in fine lines and uneven textures for smoother foundation application. It’s almost always out of stock though, but that’s just another testament to its effectiveness!

Catrice Camouflage Cream Concealer, P329 at department stores

From making dark circles disappear to covering up pesky pimples, this little pot is packed with magic! It delivers intense pigmentation, longevity, and blendability with just the teensiest amount of product. This even cancels out all sorts of discoloration without the need to color correct, as evidenced by my untouched before and after photos. The result pretty much speaks for itself!

Daiso Eyebrow Pencil, P88 at Daiso

I’ve since bought multiples of this unassuming eyebrow pencil after discovering it from Liz’s Daiso haul. Don’t let the cheap price tag fool you! It's easy to create soft, thin strokes that can pass off as real hair. You can also choose from two colors: dark brown which is a more taupe-y shade, and brown which has reddish undertones.

Ever Bilena Pink Palette, P150 at department stores

Had the packaging not given it away, I would have never guessed that this palette is as budget-friendly as it is. The intense pigmentation and ease of blendability can rival pricier palettes, I swear! Also giving as A+ to the color selection because you can mix any of these shades and still get a coherent eye look that’s reminiscent of what Korean stars usually sport. The texture isn't buttery but it won’t kick off a lot of powder either. 

Maybelline Hypersharp Power Black Liner, P399 at department stores

The Maybelline Hypersharp Liners come in four variants: Original (yellow), Wing (violet), Laser Precision (orange), and Power Black (red). All four have a pretty kickass formula that won’t smudge or smear even with all-day wear, but I particularly love the red-capped liner because it makes drawing on thin wings such a breeze! Unlike the Original or Wing version, Power Black is a truly intense black that delivers full coverage in just one go. It’s cheap enough as it is but it often goes on sale to just P300 to make the deal even sweeter!

Applied the Catrice Camouflage Cream to prep and prime my lids. I used the three shades on the right of the Ever Bilena Pink Palette, and the Maybelline Hypersharp Power Black Liner for this subtle, thin wing.

Essence Lip Liner, P99 at department stores

It’s not difficult to understand how this product has sustained the rave around it all these years. On top of the fact that it’s less than a hundred bucks, the quality of this creamy liner can seriously compete with others 5x its price. You can use this on its own, or as a base color to make any lipstick last longer. There’s a pretty good color selection to choose from, too.

Pink Sugar Lip & Cheek Tints, P349 at department stores

We’ve raved about them before but we can't help saying it again: the Pink Sugar Lip & Cheek Tints are just plain awesome. They feel more like straight up liquid lipstick more than the tints we’re used to, TBH. They smell like grape juice (which I like), and dry faster than most of liquid lippies that I have. Once it sets it pretty much just stays there, unless you eat and then the inner center begins to fade. What sets this formula apart from most is that reapplying and layering a new coat after eating is fuss-free; no need to take everything off and start anew unlike with other liquid lippies!

Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream, P450 at department stores

If you're all about matte lip looks, your collection wouldn't be complete without a couple of these! The Sleek Matte Me Lip Creams feature a lightweight, non-sticky formula that won’t flake or emphasize the lines on your lips. They’re completely transfer-proof, and they set on the lips like a trooper. I needed an oil-based makeup remover to take them off but I am definitely not complaining! Darker colors like Vino Tinto (which is what I'm wearing) may need to be layered twice but I love how they instantly transformed my for-everyday makeup look into a sultry FOTD.

Have you tried any of these super-sulit drugstore treasures yet? Which ones will you be picking up at your next beauty run?

The search for your perfect lipstick is an exciting adventure. We've made guides to finding your perfect red and most flattering pink, and if that's not enough to whet your fancy, a quick search for "lipstick" in our archives will have you reading for hours!

Recently, an exciting new lipstick range has turned up on our radar and made us take special notice. The upcoming Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Icona Pop Lipsticks collection promise to give your lips an iconic punch of color, featuring an expansive shade range that is nothing short of stunning!

The formula itself is quite notable as the MUFE Artist Rouge Lipstick lasts a good 8 hours for the Creme and 10 hours for the Mat. This is due to MUFE's  "novel complex of waxes" that work together to keep the pigments as long-lasting as possible.

Big bonus: these lipsticks won't dry out your lips! MUFE combined macadamia and mallow oils to keep your lips moisturized day and night. Mallow oil is known for its super-emollient qualities while macadamia oil prevents skin dryness and helps retain the moisture naturally found in the lips.

Top: C600; Left to right: C502, C602, C601, C604

The launch event also introduced their latest partnership with Swedish group, Icona Pop. Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo popularized the international hit "I Love It" featuring Charli XCX, also a MUFE ambassador, opened for multiple tours including Katy Perry's and Miley Cyrus's, and are now returning with their single "Emergency". The strong collaboration of MUFE, Icona Pop, and the group's makeup artist Colby Smith also produced two limited edition shades for the Artist Rouge line: M401 and C603 showcasing "Red for confidence. Blue for exuberance."

Icona Pop's Caroline Hjelt (in M401) and Aino Jawo (in C603)

A lipstick extravaganza filled the runway as models and MUFE's featured makeup artists showcased the new Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge line to the pulsating beats of the Zombettes.

A live demo also recreated the different lipstick artistry being shown on the huge TV screens at the Brewery. We're loving MUFE's modern take on the black lipstick!

As promised by the MUFE team, the Creme formula we swiped on at the event it lasted well into the night. Application was easy as the lipstick glided onto the lips. The Mat formula is also a winner in our book! The pigment stayed strong on the lips for a solid number of hours and only had minimal fading after eating.

The redesigned packaging reflects the professional aesthetic of Make Up For Ever. The inspiration comes from a MUA's metal palette combined with the brand's signature look. The bullet design provides high-precision application and was innovated by Dany Sanz.  This enables us to apply neatly into the corners of the mouth as well as create a crisper lip line.

M102 and M401

Mark your calendars as all 48 shades of Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks will drop in stores on September 15 and retail for P1,250 each. We’re certainly looking to add a color or three to our stash!

Are you Team Crème or Team Mat? Will you go for the passionate red or the exuberant blue?

by Diane Salazar, contributor

A couple of products we previously never thought of DIY-ing are brow pomade and brow mascara. It looked like the process was so complex but it was pretty easy once we got around to tinkering with the idea! The materials needed are easily found in any makeup junkie's home. The best part is that the color is fully customizable, plus you can even choose to make two different products from just one batch.

It's important to note that the proportions vary according to the type of powder, wax, liquid, and oil you are using. Consistencies are not the same across the board so you'll need to add or lessen as needed. So! Are you excited to try this yet? Here's what you'll need!

• Brow powder or any matte brown eyeshadow. Choose a shade or mix several to match your hair color.
• Hair wax or gel. Make sure it sets completely to get the best wear-time out of your mixture.
• Makeup fixing spray. This will create a more liquid texture for ease of application. It will also keep your wax/gel base from drying out too quickly.
• Beauty oil. This is optional, but we thought of including  it so you can condition your brows while wearing makeup at the same time! We recommend castor oil to promote the growth of lusher brows. If you have oily brows though you might want to skip this ingredient.
• Small spatula
• Mixing palette. This is optional, you can just as easily do the mixing in your jar.
• Clean cosmetics jar for mixing and storage

Step 1: Carefully scrape a small amount of powder using your spatula. Try not to dig out chunks as they will be lumpy when you try to crush them! It's easier to get a fine texture if you just slowly scrape off the powder per layer.

Step 2: Add a drop of wax, a drop of makeup fixing spray, and half a drop of oil (for conditioning, but you can skip the oil if you have oily brows) to your powder. Mix it with a spatula. This will create a brow mascara which can be applied with a brush or spoolie. If you want to make a brow pomade, add more powder to get a thicker, drier consistency. 

Again, feel free to adjust the ratio of ingredients according to the products you're using.

Step 3. Store the mixture in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. You only need a small amount at a time so if you don't plan to use this regularly, it's best to make this in small batches to prevent wastage.

This is what our DIY browcara looks like! Love the ease of application and how it made the kilay so organized. We used an angled brow brush to apply it but you can also use a mini spoolie if you have a spare. You can store this in an empty mascara tube if you have one (usually sourced from beauty supply or packaging stores)

Is our DIY brow mascara and pomade better than store bought? It looks great if we do say so ourselves, haha. However, it takes a while (say 40 mins to an hour) to set so beware if you're very oily. But it's easy enough to do and costs practically nothing, so it's worth trying out if you've always wanted to see how you'd look with a browcara or eyebrow pomade.

We recommend using a brow powder or eyeshadow with good pigmentation if you want to be able to wear this on its own. Otherwise, it's a great way to make your brows look thicker and more lush after applying your favorite pencil or powder products. It also keeps every hair in place!

Have you tried using brow pomade and mascara before? Will you be trying out this DIY? What do you use to keep your eyebrows in place? 

I’m a proud member of a local Facebook group of makeup lovers. I enjoy seeing their beauty recommendations and latest finds, since the members are so resourceful and always on the nose when it comes to what’s good! Every so often, however, questionable tips like curing psoriasis with bleach and washing acne with detergent soap come up. I appreciate that the admins are responsible about dangerous advice like this by posting disclaimers or even closing the comments section. However, since the group is so large many members still come away with a lot of unhealthy and false information about skincare.

For example, members with serious acne would often post their faces in the discussion section, asking for help. In just a couple of hours, over a hundred people would recommend various oral medication, creams, gels, and DIY solutions that worked for them. Now I think it’s fantastic that members care enough to share their advice, but here’s the thing: what’s the right advice for the person suffering from acne (or any skin issue for that matter)? How can she get the right treatment without causing her skin further harm?  

The Internet is a great place to get information about general skincare, but when it comes to serious, painful skin problems that actually affects your quality of life, it is best to go to a dermatologist to get help. I’ve said this so many times but it bears mentioning again: don’t experiment with products or treatments by yourself if you haven’t even found the cause of the problem. Yes, the cause.

A wrong self or crowd diagnosis can lead to the wrong treatment, and this can make your skin health worse than when you began. This is why it’s important to go to a dermatologist to find out what’s going on first before he or she can prescribe any medicine. Your best bet is someone registered with the Philippine Dermatological Society. A board-certified dermatologist in the Philippines is a doctor who completed three years of specialty training in one of the 11 institutions accredited by the PDS and passed the examination administered by the Philippine Board of Dermatology. This is not the same as a derma who completed his/her studies in a shady facility so you know you are getting the best help.

Should you decide to self-medicate to relieve the redness and pain before you can make time to see a derma, make sure to read the label and research what each ingredient does. Don’t blindly follow recommendations from strangers because at the end of the day, different things work for different people, and it might end up to be more costly to experiment. Make sure that the treatment you try is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (you can check here for registered over the counter drugs).

Be critical about the products we use and always consult a PDS-registered dermatologist if you’re unsure about something. I think that’s the best way to have the healthiest skin possible! Remember, beautiful skin starts with healthy skin. ^_^ I’ll be posting more about #SkinHealth soon, since this is something the team is passionate about. Stay tuned!

Discuss:

• What do you do to maintain your skin health?
• What’s the worst your skin has ever been?
• How do you normally solve your skin issues? Self-medicate or wait for them to go away?

photography by Sam Gonzales

For the most part, anyone who wants a good deal eventually winds up in the underbelly of Divisoria. Whether you are looking for fashion, school supplies, electronics, or home goods, Divisoria is the best place to look if you want to score great finds without burning a hole through your pocket. All you need is a bit of patience and the skills of a champion haggler.

However, the magical appeal of Divi doesn’t really extend to much of the beauty community, no thanks to the rampant selling of fake makeup. We went to numerous stores full of "MAC", "Anastasia", "Real Techniques", "Kylie", and other popular brands that are selling for so cheap. We can't support fake products hence they were a hard pass for us. 

Still we had to know: what legit beauty items can we actually haul from Manila's ultimate shopping destination? Here's what we found!

Acrylic Lipstick Organizer, P200 from 168 Mall

This cheap lipstick organizer is the new home of my lippies! Makeup organizers come aplenty in Divisoria ranging from the P100 to P400 mark depending on the material, design, and size. I actually like this one a lot because it’s simple, sturdy, and it can fit tubes of different shapes and sizes. I’ll be back to buy two more if I find the time so this is a YAASSS!

Taiwan Lashes, P45 from 698

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Divisoria is falsies heaven! Of course, there are the actual fake false eyelashes (with "branded" packaging) but you can also get generic ones like this for only P45 for a set of 10. I’d heard great things about these Taiwan 217 lashes from Facebook reviews, and they proved to be easy to apply, even for a lash virgin like me. Definitely giving a big YAASSS on account of the thin, bendable band, and the natural-looking lash length boost of the design!

Paddle brush, Mushroom brush, 10-piece brush set

Makeup Brushes

To my surprise, the paddle brush (P170) turned out to be a big YAASSS. I’ve been reaching for it more than my Beauty Blender these days because it gives me heavier, fuller coverage in just a few strokes! Using a moisturizing primer and buffing repeatedly ensure that I don’t get foundation streaks on my face. The bristles are soft and dense,  but if I have one gripe with this product, it would be just how hard it is to clean.

The mushroom brush (P150) is a PASS for me though. While the bristles are actually quite soft, the short and compact design of the brush head makes them very stiff, so buffing and blending in circular motions is quite difficult. It also absorbs a lot of product, and I noticed quite a bit of fraying after just one wash.

Used the paddle brush to apply my face base, and the 10-piece kit to complete the rest of my look

I have mixed feelings about the 10-piece brush set (P350) though. If you’re a makeup beginner with a limited budget, then this might be a YAASSS for you just because you get a lot of different brushes for not a lot of money. As with anything, you can make this work but it does take more effort as compared to working with luxe brushes. If you have Zoeva, Sigma, or even drugstore faves like Real Techniques, EcoTools, or even e.l.f., just PASS or you’ll be sorely disappointed.

Weird beauty gadgets: Nose Up (P18) and Fullips (P40)

I know these two look sketchy as hell and that’s cause they are, haha! As I expected, both turned out to be a hard PASS because the only thing they did was to give me a hard time breathing. If you want a narrower nose and a fuller lip, just use the power of contouring and lip-lining. Don’t even bother wasting your P58 and get a few items from Watsons instead.

Have you ever considered shopping at Divisoria for your beauty buys? Let us know what you think of this haul in the comments below!

P.S. If you choose to patronize fake cosmetics, that’s on you, but there are a number of good reasons why you shouldn’t.    

This is it. You know how some moments in your life, when they're happening, don't feel significant until much later on when you can look back and lead all good things back to it? I remember a call I received last year from someone named Laveen Rohit who emailed previously that he's launching a cosmetics brand called Pink Sugar. I was in an Uber going home after a meeting, and here was this guy gabbing enthusiastically about makeup. Not in a this-is-just-business tone - he was genuinely into cosmetics and obviously put in a lot of time and research into developing his own brand.

When we finally got to meet and Laveen showed me the products, I was amazed. There was a complete 24-color lipstick line up, a crazy pigmented concealer, eyeshadow palettes, and rich, smooth blushes in lush shades among other things in the extensive debut collection. "This guy is not kidding around," I thought. These products challenged what a local makeup brand can do within an average price range of just P400. 

I remember Laveen telling me during that first meeting that they would love to do a collab with Project Vanity in the future, and I remember feeling touched but not taking it that seriously. I mean, forget about modesty, I'm not famous. I don't have caravans of followers! But a year later and here we are. This collaboration is perhaps the biggest trust a brand has given me in my entire eight-year career in beauty and truly, I am still in a state of disbelief as I write this at 5 am today.

This is a huge milestone for me, and I will be forever grateful to Laveen and his brother Rohit for giving me the opportunity to finally have a hand in making makeup.

The development. The Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Lie Matte Lip Crayon (P399) didn't quite start out as a crayon. I thought of a dual-ended product but there were some limitations about the available components and costing, so crayon it is! Crayons are the easiest to apply since you can outline the lips with a lot of control. Of course it had to be moisturizing, as well! Laveen asked me to design four colors and I thought of doing an everyday shade, a trendy shade, the Project Vanity shade of pink (of course!), and a daring shade for evening events.

From Laveen's end, he came up with the concept of "These Lips Don't Lie". It's about the little white lies us girls like to tell, whether in sarcasm, exasperation, or humor. I loved it! The names of the colors reflect those LWLs - Woke Up Like This, Ready In Five, Love At First Swipe, and Nothing To Wear.

The box and tube. The lips on the box were illustrated by yours truly! I went for a matte pink tube in the Project Vanity shade, something you can easily spot in your dresser or from the bottom of your bag. I think it's fun and cheerful, a bright spot of color against the busy blur of everyday life.

The formula. Laveen and I decided on a matte finish, but we wanted it to be non-drying. There is Vitamin E and Shea Butter included in the formula for extra hydration! If your lips tend to dry and flake though I would recommend using a clear lip balm beforehand to give 'em an extra boost.

We were particular about pigmentation. These had to be opaque and hold their color integrity for about four hours of normal wear. The Pink Sugar x Project Vanity crayons are also completely scentless, since I know PV girls love their lipstick with little or no fragrance! 

The colors. Woke Up Like This is a muted pink “my lips but better” (MLBB) shade that is designed to look flattering on all skin tones. It’s a versatile color that can be worn to an important work presentation or to a first date! Love At First Swipe is a peachy cocoa, a fresh take on the brown lip trend. It’s dramatic yet wearable for everyday. Ready In Five is a brightening perky pink that’s bound to cheer you up even in the gloomiest of days; it's based on the Project Vanity pink logo!  Nothing To Wear, a sexy deep plum, is set to be a new staple at parties formal or high-octane. 

I've swatched them on myself (has a slight sheen since I was using bright lights but they are quite matte in person) as well on Marielle, who is very fair; Kim, a medium; and Angela who is morena. 

So there you go guys, the Pink Sugar x Project Vanity crayons! I hope you love them as much as I do! It would mean the world  if you can try them out, let me know what you think, and share your #FOTD on Instagram with the hashtags #PinkSugarxProjectVanity #TheseLipsDontLie and #ProjectVanityCom so I can check them out. <3 If you don't have the lip colors yet, you can also share a photo of  your favorite shade on Instagram and why you like it the most (please use hashtags for tracking). The three best posts will win a COMPLETE set of these lipsticks from me! This quick contest will run from September 1 to 7.

Thank you, thank you as always for supporting us! We've come quite a long way, and this will not be possible without your constant visits and constructive feedback. <3

Where to buy. The Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Lie Matte Lip Crayon are now available at Pink Sugar's 23 counters nationwide. Online, you can purchase them at Pinksugar.com.ph and BeautyMNL.com. 

Pink Sugar store locations:

Greater Metro Manila:
SM Makati Department Store, SM Manila Department Store, SM MOA Department Store, SM Aura Department Store, Landmark Trinoma Department Store, Landmark Makati Department Store, Watsons Festival Mall, Watsons SM Southmall 

Luzon:
SM Fairview Department Store, SM Bacoor Department Store, SM Marilao Department Store, SM Clark Department Store 

Visayas:
Watsons Ayala Center Cebu Watsons Seaside Cebu, SM Bacolod Department Store, SM Seaside Cebu Department Store 

Mindanao:
SM Lanang Premiere Department Store (Davao), KCC Department Store General Santos, KCC Department Store Zamboanga, KCC Department Store Marbel, G Mall Department Store Davao, G Mall Department Store Tagum, G Mall Department Store Toril 

Now that September has kicked in, Christmas season has officially started in the PH. Expect holiday carols to start piping in through PA systems, parols for sale on street curbs, and an ever-growing wish list for Santa. Oh yes, you’ll definitely want to be on the Nice List with even more beauty releases coming our way!

Image via Bustle

Bend it like BECCA

Known for their finely milled and incredibly glowy powders, luxury brand BECCA is taking the world (and our cheeks) by storm. With the successful launch of their collection with YouTube star Jaclyn Hill, the brand has been upping their glow and highlight game ever since. Cut to their newest release, a powder that’s aimed to give you that summer bronze glow all year long: the Bronze Amber Shimmering Skin Perfector. The name’s a mouthful but it promises to deliver more of the brand’s signature luminosity. The powder is actually a combination of the brand’s Wild Honey Mineral blush and cult favorite Opal Shimmering Skin Perfector, helping you achieve that perfect darker blush glow. Retailing at $38, this lust-worthy highlighter drops at the BECCA website this week!

Full story on Bustle

Image via Huda Beauty

Baby, Huda best!

Seriously, who hasn’t fallen in love with Huda Kattan? The makeup artist-blogger-turned-businesswoman shocked the beauty world when she first came out with her Huda Beauty range of falsies and liquid lipsticks, which not only had amazing staying power but contoured lips to pouty perfection. Well, this Girl Boss has just released yet another exciting product following her matte liquid lipstick collection- the Huda Beauty Rose Gold Edition Textured Eyeshadows Palette! The 18-piece eyeshadow palette will feature a mix of matte, shimmer and metallic shadows that would make rose gold-lovers swoon. No word on the price yet but the palettes are expected to be available at Sephora stores and online by mid-September.

Full story on Popsugar

Image via Bustle

Color the holidays with Tarte

Christmas lights and lanterns won’t be the only ones sporting a dazzling display of colors this season. Tarte has just released their Color Vibes Amazonian Clay Palette, ahead of the anticipated release date. Our wallets are not ready, so who else is freaking out right now?!

Image via Temptalia

The limited edition palette features four different sets with 20 different colors to fit every colorful mood this Holiday 2016. Consisting of mostly neutrals, the matte and shimmer shadows are perfect for mixing and matching, plus the formula features their signature Amazonian Clay blendability and pigmentation. Retailing at just $46, you can now get them on the Tarte website. BRB, placing in our orders!

Full story on Bustle

Image via Allure

Sponge-tastic!

Sam and Nic Chapman, the geniuses behind the affordable British brand Real Techniques, are definitely pioneers in their own right. From starting out as makeup artists to becoming one of the most successful YouTubers in the UK, these women are changing the drugstore makeup tool game and we couldn’t be happier!

Following the success of their $7 Miracle Complexion Sponge, which rivaled the famous $20 Beauty Blender, comes something that’s going to make sponge-obsessed converts of all us. According to Sam, the three new beauty sponges will aid in the three Cs of makeup: cover, correct, and color. The Miracle Diamond Sponge ($10) has a marble effect that makes blending face bases so much easier and faster. Though oddly-shaped, the Miracle Sculpting Sponge ($6) is the perfect companion for highlighting and contouring with its six different sides, allowing for precision and easy blending. The adorably-sized Mini Eraser Sponges ($6) may look puny but these little egg -shaped purple sponges actually work great for final touchups and blending.

Full story on Allure

Image via bestthingsinbeauty.blogspot.com

So Guerlain, it hurts

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a bit of luxury, consider picking up one of the Guerlain Palette 5 Couleurs! With five shade options in each palette, there’s no shortage to the different looks you can do. Whether deep, rich purples to blush-toned nudes, the shadows offer well-pigmented mattes and shimmery powders. Priced at $69 a palette (ouch!), these babies are on every high-end makeup collectors’ dream team.

Full story on Temptalia

Miracle Workers from Korea

The craze for Korean-made cosmetics and skincare isn’t stopping any time soon! Even Western brands have (finally) taken notice and started developing their own versions of K-beauty cult favorites.  

Images via nguonmyphamhanquoc.vn and sehoonyolomall.com

Quirky cosmetics brand Clio just came out with their Peripera Vivid Tint Water ($8), the intensely pigmented concentrate of their cult-classic Tint Water. It packs a punch in the color department, and promises minimal transfer.

Image via Popsugar

Give your skin a nice tall drink of Enature’s Birch Juice Hydro Essence Skin, the latest goodie to add to your skin care regimen. With its natural and innovative ingredients, the birch sap used in place of water gives your skin a brighter, smoother, and plumper, look and feel. Priced at $25, watch out for its availability this September.

Image via beautespring.com

Stick to It!

You can literally erase your face with one of the coolest products that Korea recently came up with. The Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick ($25) uses actual green tea leaves to exfoliate, cleanse, and polish skin. You’ll be able to remove makeup, dead skin, and other impurities just by swiping this on. Sounds nifty, right?

Full story on Popsugar

Have a great weekend y'all!

Okay, I'm kidding, it's not a miracle for me to finish products - just difficult! Many, many new products arrive weekly at the Project Vanity HQ for the team to try, which means that it's easy to switch loyalties from one brand to another. A current fave may be just that, current. Something else might take its place in a month or two so it might never get finished.

Some products, however, are so good that they are constantly within reach. For powder, these are the four I've proudly hit pan on! I didn't include the Shiseido White Lucent Foundation anymore since I've already mentioned finishing it a few times. It's a totally awesome foundation though and my HG since I tried it two years ago. 

Onwards -

L'Oreal Mat Magique All-In-One Powder (P499). So cheap, but so good! This has a smoothing, poreless finish and adjustable coverage. It can be used as a finishing and retouching powder or a full foundation on its own, if you add a couple more layers. It has a fine texture and controls oil very well.

Currently, I'm trying out the newly released L'Oreal Micro Perfecting Powder Foundation and I'd say it's even better than Mat Magique! It has such a poreless finish. I'm G5 in L'Oreal, for your reference.

Ellana Pressed Mineral Foundation (P699 for the refill). Heavy coverage that's photogenic without being mask-like - this is what I love about this mineral powder. I've gone through a couple of these already! It's the powder I go to when I'm breaking out since it conceals so well and doesn't irritate my skin. I'm a Hazelnut Latte here!

Happy Skin Don't Get Mad, Get Even Powder Foundation (P1,399 for the compact and P899 for the refill). I'm using the darkest shade, Deep Beige, which is a great if sliiiiiightly darker match. I love the silky fine powder and medium coverage it gives. It stays on me well during the day! This is comparable to my Shiseido and Lancome foundations in terms of texture and finish.

VMV Hypoallergenics So Clear Oil-Absorbing Pressed Powder (P1,805) I got this from BeautyMNL some time back for an article on my column but never got around to reviewing it here. T__T Anyway, now that it's almost finished, I can say it's seriously good! It actually has some coverage so it's great if you want to fix up your makeup during the day and even it out. I'm Ochre, a perfect match. This is also a good choice for days when my skin is just not cooperating with me since VMV is conscious about putting allergens in their makeup.

And that's it! Hope you enjoyed my quick list, and have a great weekend!

Discuss:

• What are the powders you loved to death?
• What are you looking for in a great powder?

When someone says “K-beauty”, brands like Etude House, Tony Moly, The Face Shop or Laneige immediately come to mind. They are already considered as household names for us avid beauty junkies! However, the K-Beauty world is so much bigger than what we've been exposed to here in the Philippines. Thanks to online stores like Althea, About Face, and Mei Satsuki, we got to dig a little deeper into the treasure trove of lesser known Korean beauty brands! Here's just a few that have gotten rave reviews online.

NoTS

In our first brush with high-end Korean cosmetics, we discovered NoTS or Noble Through Skincare. It's still a little known brand even in Korea as it's relatively new. Nonetheless, what we've tried of their all-natural formulations for sensitive skin have been rave-worthy. Their stick foundations are a must-try! You can get their products from Aboutface.ph locally.

W.Lab

We first saw W.Lab at Althea and was surprised by how extensive the line is. There's skincare targeted towards different skin concerns and whole lotta makeup! Our editor, Liz, tried the 3-D Face Shading Stick some months back and loved the subtlety of the contour it provided. We're looking forward to try out more from the brand, like their BB cushion and lip & cheek palette which we just got from Althea.

Bbia

Bbia is an online exclusive makeup brand in Korea, meaning they don’t have any physical stores at all! Currently their site also caters to countries like China and Japan, but you can also find their products on Gmarket, which ships internationally. I personally love their Last Lipsticks, which are long lasting and matte, but I get my fix from Mei Satsuki!

April Skin

It's hard to believe that this brand is only two years old because they're beginning to trend online! Famous for their Magic Stone soaps and Magic Snow Cushions, April Skin boasts of naturally-derived plant ingredients. They've recently released the Fixing Tint, which is a liquid lipstick that promises to stick on your lips no matter what! April Skin is available at About Face, Althea, and Mei Satsuki.

Peripera

I'm actually surprised that Peripera isn't really being talked about in our local beauty scene because their lip tints are a HUGE hit in Korea. We vaguely remember them being available in Watsons some years back but they've pulled out since then. Peri's Ink is what they are most famous for, as they're well-known for their longevity and vivid pigmentation. They are often referred to as Benefit dupes (Editor's Note: better than Benetints - they are SO SOLID and stays even when you eat!). Try the Water Tints if you want a more natural finish, or the Ink Tints for a rich, opaque lip stain. Some of their tints are available in Althea and Mei Satsuki.

Rire

Rire is famous for their Lip Manicures, which are liquid lipsticks that are supposed to be transfer-proof and waterproof. So cheap too, since they're only P280 at Althea! Their lippies look like little bottles of nail polish and all have a matte finish but if you prefer a bit of shine, you can also get the glossy top coat for a juicy-looking finish. Rire is considered a dupe for the more pricey Clio Lipnicure but supposedly doesn't similarly flake off with wear. Rire can be purchased from Althea.

Mamonde

Did you know that "Ma Monde" means "My World" in French? Despite its name, this skincare brand is all Korean and have the unique idea of using flowers like camellia, lotus, rose, and honeysuckle in their products. Their Rose Water Toner remains a steady bestseller because of its mild and moisturizing properties; I sometimes soak the product into cotton pads to use as a DIY face mask, and it leaves my skin feeling so soft! Mamonde is available from Althea.

Image via beautybyrah.blogspot.com

Chica Y Chico

If you're an active netizen, you've probably seen their 10-in-1 Matt Cushions being buzzed about on social media. Most BB cream-based cushions often include skin care benefits but theirs is one of the longest lists I've seen: UVA/UVB protection, whitening and wrinkle care, pore care, sebum control, dead skin cell control, perfect coverage, strong durability, cooling effect, and improving skin elasticity! If you want to get on the bandwagon, you can check them out at Althea.

Proud Mary

This is the first time I've heard of a "Derma Personal Brand". Proud Mary's claim to fame is their cutting edge technology, which aims to boost the skin’s ability to combat abnormal skin turnover cycle (aka aging) caused by stress or an unbalanced lifestyle. They're primarily a skincare brand but they also have a BB cream and a CC cream that also offer promise to care for your skin. You can find Proud Mary at About Face.

Holika Holika

Holika Holika actually opened their first store in the PH in 2013, and now has counters in select SM Beauty Sections. The packaging of their products are often cute and a bit cartoon-y: from heart-shaped lipsticks and pig design nose packs to cats on cushion compacts. I often go to their SM Manila branch to pick up their nicely scented mask sheets, but their best-sellers are the Holy Berry Tint (available in our Wanderlust Kit as it happens!) and the Aqua Petit Jelly BB Cream. The latter even has a cult following in Korea!

We hope you enjoyed our list! It took us a while to source these products (it took two months to produce this story), and yes, we will definitely review them soon! 

Discuss:

• Which ones do you want us to try and review first?
• Have you tried anything from these brands before?
• What other less-popular beauty brands do you recommend for us to try?

You've sneaked a peek into our kikay kits, now we reveal how we store our beauty products! I personally find #shelfies more intriguing because they allow us to see what a people really use on a regular basis. I love seeing what brands they love and  which products they collect the most. 

Shelfies also give me more ideas on how to store my own makeup stash, and how to style them. Some PV staffers prefer a minimalist approach while others show off splashes of color. We also try our best to keep things as organized as possible, but with a beauty addiction and friends who are enablers (we share promo updates and new releases in our PV chat group!) things can get quickly out of hand. Here goes!

Liz: My makeup area is impossible at the moment, so I'd like to show y'all what my bathroom shelf looks like instead. I've got a few essentials here that I've been using for YEARS - the Bifesta Lip & Eye Remover, Cure Natural Aqua Gel, Shiseido Ibuki facial wash, Head & Shoulders Cool Menthol Shampoo, and Re-Nu contact lense solution. More recent things I've been crazy about (more or less within the year) are the Estee Lauder Nutritious facial wash, AHA Wash Cleansing, and Zenutrients Gugo Shampoo. The tow latest additions are the Nivea Micellar Cleansing Water and Batiste Dry Shampoo.

I must say, I LOVE the Batiste! I picked it up in Bangkok a few months back and it's life. I didn't really like dry shampoo before until I tried this one. It smells great, puffs up my hair, and doesn't cause dandruff or breakouts. Do you guys know where I can buy it locally?

Sam: I'm in the process of moving my stash so I have to re-organize everything, but I do have a "top shelf" that displays (what else) Top Shelf material — a bunch of bases, brushes, reliable shadows, cheek products, lip treatments hidden in that lipstick box, and my favorite lipstick. These are stuff I will typically reach for, and I've recently added a skin care box so I don't forget my night regimen. But! Also! They need to look pretty damn good. #PackagingSnob.

Den: Sorry, am cheating on this one because the only thing collection that's organized at the moment are my lippies! I keep everything in a double-decked, wooden bento box from Japan. My current faves and newest additions are stacked on top for easy access but I like going through all the tubes every so often to rediscover old loves.

Katsy: You know the saying "out of sight, out of mind"? That's how I am with my makeup stash so I always need to see them. I find it especially important to keep my lipstick collection visible so that I remember not to keep getting new ones. This is how they are at the moment, displayed on my desk. The rest of my makeup are stored in a Muji Drawer within rolling reach.

Kim: I'm constantly trying to reorganize my beauty stash but here's how it looks like ATM. The bulk of my makeup is currently stored in stackables that I get from Daiso but I'm waiting for IKEA to arrive so I can get a proper vanity table that can fit all of my makeup.

Angela: My top shelf is pretty cluttered most of the time because I like hoarding stuff. I’m trying my best to declutter by giving away some products to my cousins and friends, though. My shelf is full of makeup because my skincare stash is usually in the bathroom. Lipsticks contribute to the majority of the makeup that I own and they are stored in one box so I can immediately see the choices that I have when going out. My shelf is divided into sections: lipsticks, eye makeup, brushes, bases, palettes, and perfumes. I want to get a lipstick organizer like Kim’s to display my favorites, too. And of course, I love everything pink!

So there you have it. This is where we spend hours (or minutes when rushing) primping ourselves. How do you organize your shelf? Let us know in the comments below!

When we put out a poll earlier this year, a stunning 31% of Project Vanity readers said that they never go for facials! This was closely followed by 27% who go once or twice a year, and another 27% who get them every month. There were two reasons often given by those who answered “never” and “rarely”: facials can get pretty expensive, and they found that their regular skin care regimen was enough to keep pimples at bay.

Many also asked, how often do we actually need to get facials? The short answer is: it depends on what you need. Our skin types, concerns, genetic predispositions and even our lifestyles all play a part in determining how often (and how thoroughly) our skin needs to be cleansed. If you’re too busy or on a tight budget though, a trip to spa or facial clinic may not be an option. So why not give yourself a facial treatment right at home?

Of course, there’s no pricking (it’s risky to do on yourself so leave it to the professionals) or high-tech gadgets involved here but this facial gives your skin a more thorough cleanse than usual plus some much needed pampering. Do this whenever you feel that your skin is stressed or acting out (bumps, minor pimples, redness, etc.). You'll be surprised by how a good mix of products to deep cleanse and nourish your skin can go a long, long way in getting you the same effect as going to your facialist.

So set aside an hour, put on some soothing music, and get ready to treat yo’ self!

Step 1: Remove surface dirt

On its own, a deep-cleansing wash like the Aprilskin Magic Stone Soap (P990, AboutFace.ph) can jumpstart the process of removing all kinds of dirt, blackheads and whiteheads from the surface of your skin. Liz swears it has even removed the milia from her eye area! Be careful though, as getting this in your eyes will sting like hell.

After rinsing and thoroughly patting your skin with a clean towel, reach for a gentle gommage exfoliator like Cure Natural Aqua Gel (P1500, Beauty Bar). This product works best when skin is completely dry so make sure to pat off any moisture. Pump out a small amount at a time and massage it in a circular motion, working in small areas at a time. This may take a bit longer if it’s your first time to use a gommage exfoliator but usually a minute or two is enough, else you may rub your skin raw.

Step 2: Draw out deep-seated impurities

Your skin will probably feel super smooth when you’ve rinsed the exfoliator off but to help loosen up the impurities inside your pores, it’s nice to steam your face before going to the next step. Draping a towel over your head while bent over a bowl of hot water should do the trick, and the mini sauna actually feels good on your face. Stay there for about ten minutes.

After steaming, apply a mask that can penetrate deeper into your skin and clean out every nook and cranny. The best we’ve tried is Origins Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Mask (P1700, Origins), which can be used for normal to dry skin. If you have combination to oily skin though, the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (P428, Healthy Options) is also a very good and affordable option as a pound of this will last you a really long time! Another slightly cheaper but equally good option is the Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask (P395), which has a minty tingle and works well on skin with a lot of redness and excess oil.

Whichever mask you choose, allow it sit on your face for about 15 to 20 minutes to give the product time to completely set and do its work. The product can harden quite a bit but warm water and/or a wet face towel makes it easier to wash away.

Step 3: Prep for pampering

Contrary to what many think, toners aren’t just for controlling oily skin but have other functions as well. Some modern-day toners are formulated with moisturizing and nourishing ingredients, and they allow your skin to absorb the good stuff in your skin care better. One affordable option that works well is Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Toner (P75, Healthy Options), and it also helps in minimizing the appearance of pores. You can also use apple cider vinegar if you already have some in your cupboard.

Step 4: Soak up the good stuff

We can never get enough of masking here at PV, so it's a non-negotiable in our DIY facial. Leaders (P78-P248 per mask) is our best bet for sheet masks, and if you’re not sure which one to use, check out our guide to the different variants. They even have masks for treating acne! Just let it sit for 20 minutes then either pat or massage the excess essence onto your skin.

If you prefer masks that you can wash off though, nothing beats the ones from Origins. The new rose gold-colored GinZing Peel Off mask looks pretty, smells wonderful and feels great, plus it has a brightening effect on the skin. And if you want to make sure your skin gets the full benefits, apply the Maskimizer Skin-Optimizing Mask Primer first.

If you don’t have problematic skin, you can do this facial every 20 days or once a month. The regular exfoliation can reduce your need for cleaning, since gunk doesn’t build up as much in your pores. Skin concerns like severe acne can’t be addressed by just using skincare products though, so you should still consult your dermatologist for appropriate treatments.

Are up for trying this facial at home? Or do you have your own techniques for deep cleansing and skin pampering? We'd love to know how you do your DIY facial!

As much as we love our makeup, wearing a fully made up face also means taking it off at the end of the day. But with so many makeup removers in the market right now, how do you choose which one to get? Liz answered this question a couple of years back but we’re giving you an update with this handy guide. Makeup removers like micellar water and sherbet cleansers have since become staples in our cleansing routine, and we find ourselves reaching for the much improved makeup wipes after a tiring day. Read on to figure out which makeup remover is right for you.

Makeup Wipes

Who it's for: Busy bees, lazy types (we get ya)

Makeup type: Light makeup, non-waterproof

The quick pull-and-wipe process of using makeup wipes is heaven-sent for days when you’re dead on your feet after a loooonnng day. One sheet is usually enough for a full face, depending on the amount of makeup as well as the formula and size of the sheet. While you can go to sleep immediately after, it's still advisable to go through your skincare routine as much as possible.

Most skincare brands have come out with their own version of wipes, and some of our faves include the Bioré Cleansing Oil Facial Cotton Sheets, Celeteque Hydration Make-Up Remover Cleansing Facial Wipes, and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths. Nivea even has two variants for their wipes: the Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes and the Exfoliating Wipes, which we make sure to hoard whenever Nivea goes on sale. And if ever your wipes dry out before you use them, don't throw them out yet! Liz's trick of rehydrating them with water easily brings them back to life.

Micellar Waters/Cleansing Waters

Who it's for: Normal to oily, sensitive skin, those who don't like the feeling of oily residue after removing makeup

Makeup type: Heavy makeup, water-resistant bu non-waterproof

Removing makeup is a breeze with this product type. Squirt on a cotton pad, place on top of makeup to allow it to “soak”, and then wipe it off. Micellar waters often can't take off waterproof makeup like mascara and eyeliner though, so you would need to grab a specialized makeup remover like the Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover or the Laneige Lip & Eye Remover Waterproof.

If you haven’t tried this yet and want to understand how it works, do check out our Micellar Water 101. When you’re ready to try them out, consider getting Bioderma Sensibio H2O (great for sensitive skin), Bifesta Cleansing Lotion (available in different variants to match skin concerns), and the Maybelline Micellar Water (a budget-friendly option).

Facial Cleansers

Who it's for: Busy bees, lazy girls, oily skin, those who don't like the feeling of oily residue after removing makeup

Makeup type: Light makeup, preferably not water-resistant or water-proof, 

Removing makeup and cleansing your face at the same time sounds like a good idea, but only works if you have light makeup on. The Philosophy Purity 3-in-1 Cleanser for Face and Eyes and the Bioré UruUru 2-in-1 Instant Foaming Wash both feel gentle on the skin but wash off makeup. You can also check out the Etude House Every Month Cleansing Foam and the Etude House Baking Powder BB Deep Cleansing Foam for under 500 facial wash options that can remove remove BB creams. Remember though: no matter how good your facial wash is, if you’re not doing it properly, you’ll still have dirt and makeup residue left on your skin! Massage your face thoroughly to break down the makeup before washing it off.

Cleansing Oils

Who it's for: Dry, sensitive, mature skin

Makeup type: Heavy, water-proof

The idea of deliberately putting oils on your face and using them to clean your skin may seem baffling for some but actually makes a lot of sense, especially when you need to remove very thick or waterproof makeup. The idea is to use oil to breakdown the makeup formulas and dissolve impurities without causing the skin to dry out. Make sure to read our oil cleansing 101 guide to learn how to do it properly and use the right type of oils. We love the Human Nature Gentle Cleansing Oil, The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Oil, and Muji Mild Cleansing Oil. If you have the cash to spare though, consider the VMV Hypoallergenics Gentle & Softening Makeup Removing Oil, the Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil or the Ultime8 Sublime Beauty Cleansing Oil. I personally swear by the Anti/Oxi variant of Shu Uemura, which made our list of cult favorites that are worth the hype.

Cold Creams

Who it's for: Dry, mature skin

Makeup type: Light to medium coverage, non water-proof but could be water-resistant

Who hasn't heard of using the classic Pond's Cold Cream as a makeup remover? Just massage it onto the skin and either wipe off or rinse with warm water. The creamy lotion feel is perfect for those with dry skin! You can also try the Mizon Almighty Cold Cream or the Etude House Happy Tea Time Cleansing Cream.

Sherbet Cleansers

Who it's for: All skin types

Makeup type: Heavy, water-proof (especially handy when you love to wear water-proof mascara)

Although it also comes in a tub and is massaged all over the face, this is a vastly different product from cold creams! The most famous one of course is the Banila Co Clean It Zero, which can remove even the hardiest of waterproof makeup without needing much effort or leaving the face too dry. It's like cleansing oil in solid form that melts when massaged onto dry skin. Other Korean brand releases of this type of cleanser include the Tony Moly Aquaporin Sherbet Cleanser, Aromatica Orange Cleansing Sherbet, and Holika Holika Pig-Clear Make Up Zero Sherbet Cleanser.

Bonus: Towels

You read that right. Some people actually use a wash cloth coupled with facial wash to remove their makeup, but a regular towel would have rough fibers that can cause abrasions to your face. The Makeup Eraser is a washable cloth made of super soft fibers, and is designed to remove makeup (including waterproof ones!) with just warm water. You’ll get years of use out of a single towel, so it’s both a budget- and eco-friendly alternative! If you wanna give it a try, it is currently available in four colors at Sephora PH. 

(Editor's note: Personally though, a plain microfiber towel would work just as well!)

Discuss:

• Which of these makeup remover types are your go-tos?
• What would you like to try?
• Do you mix up your makeup removing techniques or just stick to one type?

I think that by now, we've ascertained that the matte lip is more than a passing trend. Brands like Inglot have come up with different formulas in beautiful shades just to sate our thirst for everything matte, from liquid, to pencil, to the traditional bullet lipstick. I've got three picks here that are constant bestsellers - let me know what you're loving the most!

The Inglot Lipstick Matte in 425 (P895) is a rosy pink with a brown base. It's a flattering shade any skin tone can't go wrong with; it has a brighter hue to it compared to the usual MLBB. It's a bit thick as it is a matte lipstick but it stays well on the lips, lasting about 4-5 hours with some drinking. I recommending using a lip balm beforehand to allow it to glide on better!

The Inglot AMC Lip Pencil Matte in 34 (P995) can be used as a full lip color or a lip liner, according to what you need. It's a daring berry red that works so well on my coloring! I like that the pointed tip can be sharpened with its own sharpener (detachable from the bottom) so you can get a precise line. Its texture is hard, very much like the usual lip pencil, which allows it to stick on the lips better. It stays on my lips for 4-5 hours as well!

Finally, an older fave - the Inglot HD Lip Tint Matte in 17 (P1,150). I reviewed this last April when it was first released, and I've been using it regularly since then! It's my perfect nude as it's not too pale or too cool. The liquid formula is super easy to work with and dries into a powdery finish that doesn't feel like my lips are encased in cement. This is definitely one of the best matte liquid lipsticks I've tried, the one that convinced me to reconsider the formula.

So there you go guys! As it happens, Inglot is currently running a month-long contest where three winners can take home the lippies above! The mechanics are fairly easy:

INGLOT EVERYTHING MATTE

Be one of the 3 lucky winners to win 3 kinds of INGLOT’s Best Matte Lipsticks (HD Lip Tint Matte, AMC Lip Crayon and Bullet Matte Lipstick)

1. Make a lip swatch of any INGLOT Matte Lipstick (HD Lip Tint Matte, AMC Lip Crayon, Bullet Matte Lipstick or Freedom System Lipstick Matte)

2. Post it on your instagram with a caption of INGLOT’s lipstick shade used and tell us why you love INGLOT Matte Lipsticks! Simply hashtag #INGLOTBestMatteLipsticks and #INGLOTPH and tag us at @inglotph

3. To claim the prize, the winner must present a receipt of purchase of the lipstick used.

The more entries, the more chances of winning! Promo runs from Sept. 1 to Sept 30, 2016. 

4. The winners shall be announced on October 1, 2016 - 11:59 PM.

Good luck to everybody who joins! ^_^

by Marianne Raterta, contributor

If you spend any time prepping and primping your face, wouldn’t you want for your makeup to last all day long? After all, it would be better to go out product-free rather than have your eyeliner smearing all over your lid or your foundation wearing off in oily patches! Primers are the solution for keeping your face on, plus they may even have other benefits such as minimizing the appearance of pores, controlling oil, or making eyeshadow pigments look more vibrant.

Now that weather has turned from sunny to rainy, we’re making sure that our hard work won’t get washed off if we get caught in a sudden shower. These primers don’t promise to withstand a full-on bagyo but they’re great for keeping our faces matte and bright through the gloomiest weather. We’re not about to let some precipitation ruin our makeup game!

Catrice Prime and Fine Smoothing Refiner (P499 at SM Beauty). This silicone-based primer not only fills in fine lines and refines pores for an even foundation application, but it also lends a brightening effect to the skin. It looks a lot like the L’Oreal Base Magique Primer and performs somewhat similarly but at practically half the price.

MAC Prep+Prime 24-Hour Extend Eye Base (P1,250 at MAC counters). This fairly new product from the brand’s Prep+Prime range is great at keeping your eye makeup on point. Though quite balmy in texture, it’s easy to spread on lids, giving a soft and smooth canvas for eyeshadow to cling to.

Make Up For Ever Step 1 Skin Equalizer (P2,450 at MUFE stores).  While MUFE’s Step 1 Skin Equalizers come in a variety of finishes and effects, we especially love their Radiant Primers because of how they make skin look lit from within while maintaining a matte finish. The Blue variant also helps to tone sallow complexions. It feels super light but helps makeup to stay put.

Benefit The Porefessional Matte Rescue (P1,600 at Benefit stores). This lightweight, water-based primer comes in a gel formulation that leaves skin looking naturally matte. It also minimizes the appearance of pores, thanks to the pore-blurring effect of diamond powder! This is great for oily skin as well, due to the light texture.

Lancôme La Base Pro Hydra Glow Makeup Primer (P1,900 at Lancôme counters). Giving skin a bright, dewy glow is this primer’s ticket to fame. And thanks to the inclusion of skincare actives such as hyaluronic acid in the formula, skin actually feels plumper and looks more luminous.

Shiseido Glow Enhancing Primer (P1,750 at Shiseido counters). This light, hydrating primer gives subtle radiance to any foundation, which Liz raved about here! It also contains ingredients that promote a more even skin tone, such as peony root and lempuyang ginger. It even offers SPF15 for a bit of sun protection if you aren’t going out for too long.

Inglot Duraline (P895 at Inglot stores). Though more of a mixing medium than a primer, this clear liquid intensifies the color of any powder and transforms them into a water-resistant formula. This also works great when mixed with a bit of eyeshadow to create your own waterproof eyeliner!

Do take note that apart from the Inglot Duraline, wearing these primers won’t make the makeup you wear on top of them water-resistant. They will help them to stay on longer and add a nice glow to your complexion but if you want to be completely weather-proof, you’ll need to amp your look with products that could survive a deluge.

Did we miss out any of your favorite rain- and sweat-resistant primers? What are your tried and tested makeup picks that can survive getting rained on?

In my eight years of writing about beauty, I've had truly horrible skin and unbelievably good skin in turns. I have the privilege of trying out so many skincare products and treatments that I've learned how to detect if something is working for me or not. I've also learned how to tell if it's just stress, a new environment, or hormones that are making my skin suffer. In other words, I am uncommonly attuned to my face because of the nature of my job.

Frankly, I always cringe whenever people tell me that they don't use sunscreen or moisturizer, or only use body soap to wash their face. But I can't blame them - their skin looks okay, why bother doing anything more? They don't have pimples, blemishes, redness, or many deep lines one would associate with bad skin. When I look closer though I see a few signs that their skin could be healthier and nicer, for longer! Never mind being vain. They are simply not aware that their skin, while having a normal appearance, isn't exactly in its best shape. 

Now I'm not a dermatologist and different people obviously have different skin conditions. Take this list with a grain of salt, as with anything you read on the Internet! If you're curious about how your skin should and shouldn't feel like though, in general, this may prove helpful. Let's begin!

#1. It shouldn't feel papery on the tips of your fingers. If your skin has a dull look to it and feels like you're touching paper (never mind if it's expensive, smooth card stock), it's probably way too dry. Your skin should feel bouncy when you pat on it and should have a slight wet feel to it even if you're not oily or sweaty at the moment.

Solution: Moisturize twice a day, or use a heavier texture in the evening (like a facial oil) if your current moisturizer is not enough

#2. It shouldn't feel tight. Those who are not so aware actually like the tight feeling after washing, thinking their facial wash or soap is doing a thorough job of cleansing. Some even think their pores are "shrinking". I can tell you now it's impossible to shrink your pores (outside of laser), and if your face feels tight, you're probably using an extra harsh cleanser that scrapes the surface of your skin unnecessarily.

Solution: Use a gentle, non-foaming cleanser for sensitive skin or use a creamy, moisturizing cleanser

#3. It shouldn't feel like someone brushed oil onto it an hour or two after cleansing. This might be normal if you have especially oily skin since the beginning. However, if you've always had dry to combination skin and it suddenly became overly oily, that may not be normal anymore! If your sebum production has gone into overdrive and seems to be just sitting on your face - as in you could FEEL a whole layer just covering everything - that is not quite right.

Solution: You would need to see a derma to pinpoint the cause of the oiliness. One possible cause is that your moisturizer is too heavy - choose a lighter, gel-based one. Another is that your pores are clogged by product - use a good mud mask every other day until it clears. Another possible reason is that the dead skin cells on your skin are not being removed properly, in which case you should use a gentle gommage or AHA exfoliator.

#4. It shouldn't feel like it has small bumps underneath or above it. This is the most insidious and annoying in the list! You don't have pimples, but there are things lurking under the surface of your skin. They're not quite blackheads but there are flesh-toned bumps on your chin and eye area. What are these? They could be oil and dead skin trapped in your pores, or in other words, milia. They can also be warts or worse! 

Solution: If you're suspicious that it can something else other than milia, you must come see a dermatologist for a check up. If it's likely milia, you'll need to switch your moisturizer to a lighter one (gel), exfoliate, and use mud masks regularly.

#5. It shouldn't feel lined, at your age. Aging is a beautiful process we all go through. But if you're only in your 20s and you're developing premature lines around your eyes and mouth, that's not normal. It means your skin is degrading faster than usual! You may even notice some spots or freckles you didn't use to have.

Solution: Use sunscreen. So simple, but so effective. Sunscreen is the #1 anti-aging product! Use at least SPF30 everyday, and retouch with powders with SPF during the day. Moisturize twice a day as well, and use a good serum if budget allows.

I hope this helps! Share this story to someone you know who doesn't pay much attention to their skin. Hopefully it convinces them to change their ways, before it's too late and the damage is irreversible.