by Marianne Raterta, contributor

Lipstick is the easiest gateway to a love affair with makeup. We love how we can change our look and brighten our face almost immediately with the right shade! For others though, lipstick may be the thing they dread the most, the lone product that they can’t get into. As a result, they either avoid wearing lipstick altogether, or treat it like a fancy pair of shoes, only to be used on special occasions.

We get it though – some lipstick formulas just feel off. They can feel heavy and sticky, dry out lips or need to be constantly reapplied so to the point of it being a hassle. If you can relate to the lipstick hate, we hope you reconsider! There ARE lippies that deliver a great punch of color without the added stress. We have 11 picks in different types, shades, and finishes that'll hopefully turn you into a lipstick convert!

If you have dry lips and obvious lip lines, go for moisturizing balm-type formulas. These tubes are often formulated with ingredients that care for your lips while packing on intense color. 

Pixi by Petra’s Shea Butter Lip Balm (P420 at BeautyMNL, Glamourbox, and select SM Department Stores) boasts of a super-nourishing formula that includes vitamin E. A single swipe gives a sheer wash of color and can be layered on to create a rosy pink lip.

Here's a new one - the Bobbi Brown Nourishing Lip Color (P1400 at Bobbi Brown counters) is an oil-rich lipstick with Avocado, Babassu and Jojoba Oils, plus Olive Oil Complex, Cocoa Seed Butter and Vitamins C and E. Sounds impressive? It is! It's one of the most moisturizing lipsticks we've ever tried. It's so hydrating yet staying power is great and the colors are so pigmented.

Burt's Bees Lipstick in Suede Splash, Pixi by Petra Shea Lip Balm, L'Oreal Glossy Balm in Innocent Coral, NYX Butter Lipstick in Moonlit Night, Bobbi Brown Nourishing Lip Color in Berry, Peripera Peri's Ink in shade 1, Chateau Labiotte Wine Lip Tint in OR01, Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain in Parisian Passion

For a more budget-friendly pick, try NYX’s Butter Lipstick (P390 at NYX stores). Coming in a satin finish, these are such a treat to apply because they glide on so smoothly onto the lips. They’re as moisturizing as they feel, and offer buildable pigmentation so you can go from sheer to opaque in a few swipes.

We recently raved about the Burt’s Bees Lipstick (P795 at Burt’s Bees stores and Beauty Bar), the brand’s first foray into full-color cosmetics. For a brand more well-known for their awesome lip balms and skincare, it wasn’t a surprise that their lipsticks would have the same nourishing and moisturizing feel – but the praises don’t stop there. The pleasant surprise comes in how pigmented these are, with even the light shades showing their color in one swipe!

Do you prefer chubby, stick-type products? L’Oreal Glossy Balms (P400 at department stores) offer both moisture and shine in a handy crayon form. The sheer color and convenient shape makes it easy to apply without having to be too precise; you can even get away with a mirror-free application.

If you’re forgetful, too busy or simply hate having to reapply, stains are the best way to go. They also feel quite invisible on the lips since its base liquid evaporates after a few minutes. However, the stains of 2016 aren’t the usual sheer ones you've known before – these are full-color products that look like legit lipsticks, but without the waxy feel!

Peripera Peri’s Ink (P200 at Althea PH) looks a calligraphy ink bottle but the dropper cap is purely cosmetic. It actually opens to reveal a flat, doe-foot applicator with a tapered tip. The pigmentation is solid in one to two swipes, and leaves a deep stain even after the initial color has worn off.

Get that wine-stained lips look sans alcohol with Chateau Labiotte’s Wine Lip Tint (P500 at Mei Satsuki). The cute packaging contains a brilliantly pigmented formula that also leaves your lips moisturized; a pleasant surprise since lip tints are normally drying! It stays put even if you drink but fades a little when you eat oily food. The stain stays on even when the opaque top layer finally comes off.

The Revlon Colorstay Moisture Stain (P625 at department stores) delivers glossy color enriched with vitamin E and aloe. It initially applies creamy, but sets quickly to a finish similar to that of a glossy lipstick. One swipe is pigmented enough, and after a few hours of wear, becomes a solid stain on the lips.

If you don’t like the feeling of having anything on your lips, as in ZERO, nothing beats the featherweight formula of lip pencils. They feel like you have nothing on, and provide long-lasting color. Just let your fave lip balm sink in first then blot it before applying your pencil to prevent dryness!

Coming from their collaboration with Heart Evangelista, Happy Skin’s Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Matte Lip Liner (P499 at Happy Skin) contains their signature shea butter and collagen combo to hydrate and nourish lips, leaving a creamy and pigmented application that doesn’t bleed throughout the day. This already-stellar formula also contains cupuaçu butter, which adds even more hydration, plus improved elasticity.

Want your lip color to stay on from coffee to cocktails? The Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip liner pencil is both water- and saliva-resistant, making this pencil ultra long-lasting and with zero transfer. It glides on the lips, too, and also prolongs the longevity (and reduces bleeding) of any lipstick used with it.

If you want longevity AND an invisible feel, try out a lip manicure!

The RiRe Lip Manicure (P360 at Mei Satsuki, P350 at Althea) looks like a bottle of nail polish to match its odd name, but that’s where the comparison ends. The long-wearing formula has a surprisingly light texture! It feels creamy upon application but soon settles to feeling like you don’t have any product on. It has a small, doe-foot applicator that can be used to create an ombré lip or swipe on full color. This is available in 11 shades.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip, Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Matte Lip Liner in First Date, Rire Lip Manicure in Pink Brown

Discuss:

• What are your complaints about wearing lipstick?
• Have you tried any of the products above?
• Send us your own recos, please!

Photography by Sam Gonzales

While my oily-skinned friends say that they envy how I don’t need to blot every few hours, having dry skin has its own challenges. I can’t skip applying lotion even if I’m in a rush to leave home because I get unsightly scales on my legs and white marks on my arms. Keeping a hand cream in my purse and applying it after every wash is a must, otherwise they dry out and feel too sensitive. I actually considered wearing gloves at one point just to prevent that uncomfortable feeling! So imagine how happy I was to learn that Aveeno Active Naturals, one of the most trusted skincare brands in the US, is finally in town. No more waiting for that balikbayan box or asking relatives and friends to bring Aveeno as pasalubong. The brand endorsed by Jennifer Aniston is here, and I’m excited to enjoy #naturallybeautiful skin with their help.

That being said, did you know that many Filipinos suffer from Atopic Dermatitis (AD)? It’s actually one of the top 10 skin diseases in our country. At the Aveeno launch, Dr. Maria Victoria Dizon explained that FIlipino AD sufferers are often faced with a dilemma when it comes to managing their condition with natural treatments. Neem is deemed too toxic, papaya can cause allergic reaction, calamansi and lemon can damage skin, and malunggay and guyabano lack clinical studies. AD can be a painful condition so experimenting with home remedies is not recommended. 

Thankfully, Aveeno, a cult skincare brand that's been around for more than seventy years, is now easily available to us Filipinios. Their products feature Colloidal Oats, an age-old solution to dry, malnourished skin. They are "nature's moisturizer" as they help improve and maintain the skin's barrier function, contain antioxidants, and cleanse gently.

After the product introduction, Aveeno unveiled their three brand ambassadors: Jaymie Pizzaro, Nikki Gil-Albert, and Christine Jacob-Sandejas. These strong women all shared how their skin tells their tale and how proud they are of their journey as a mother, artist, and athlete.

Jaymie is all about leading a healthy and active lifestyle. Her holistic approach has enabled her to feel confident in her skin, even when she got injured while training for her second Ironman. She looks at her battle scars with pride as they remind her of her strength. Christine shared that if it’s good for you in the inside then it’s good for you on the outside. Being a mother of five and an athlete, her skin has been through a lot. But she has been an Aveeno user for many years, hoarding a stash whenever she went abroad, and so she looks fresh and glowing at 49.

Nikki recounted how difficult it was to be in showbiz and dealing with dry skin. But what got her through is going back to basics and being picky with what she put on her skin. With Aveeno, she feels secure in knowing that their products are good for her skin and won’t expose her to harmful chemicals.

Aveeno launched two variants that address all our skin needs. The duo of Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion (P649.75 for 354 ml) and Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Body Wash (P459.75 for for 354 ml) will help your dry skin through daily nourishing. Both contain a Colloidal Oatmeal blend that builds a “moisture reserve” to protect the skin. This line makes me look forward to the day when I confidently stroll out the door and not worry about my skin drying out!

They also have the Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Moisturizing Lotion (P812.25 for for 354 ml) and Aveeno Active Naturals Skin Relief Body Wash (P574.75 for for 354 ml) for those with extra dry skin that are already itchy and irritated. They have a Triple Oat Complex that is shown to relieve and soothe skin while moisturizing for 24 hours. This is perfect with as the cooler weather of the –ber months can cause skin to feel drier and more irritated.

Aveeno is now available at all leading supermarkets and drugstores nationwide. For more info, visit the Aveeno website or Facebook page.

How do you combat dry skin? Have you tried using Aveeno before? What are your favorite Aveeno products?

by Charlie Esmerna, contributor

If there’s anything about makeup that terrifies the heck out of me, it would be liquid liners. As my squad's resident kikay, I can no longer count the number of times I’ve squirmed from being asked to do someone’s cat eye. It’s hard enough to do on my own eyes!

Liquid liners are intimidating because they have to be applied with precision. Unlike pencil liners that I can artfully smudge into a smoky eye look if I make a mistake, there’s no saving a poorly-applied liquid liner without help from some makeup remover or a dab of concealer. So why bother with it at all? Well, it has the sleekest finish among the different liner formulas because the ink is thin but intensely pigmented. It also doesn't tug on the lids unlike most pencils. Plus, if you master using either the pen-type or dip-brush liquid liner, you can line your eyes faster and without needing to tote along a brush applicator.

You’ll need plenty of practice before being able to wing its application (pun totally intended) but it’s totally worth it! So if you’re planning to swap your gel or pencil liners for this inky version, here are five things you should consider before making that first stroke.

#1 Need-to-know: The tip matters

There are two types of liquid liner tips: the felt tip that resembles a Sharpie, and the fiber brush tip, similar to a calligraphy brush. Felt tips are recommended for beginners, since they’re stiffer and thus easier to control - it's the most similar to the pens we use for writing. Most felt-tip liners feature a pointy end but some brands offer a thicker tip or a novel shape that supposedly makes lining your eyes easier.

On the other hand, brush tips are more flexible and make it easier to follow the shape of your lids as you draw your line. You have a lot more control with regards to the line thickness and shape you want! You’ll need very steady hands and lots of practice to master this application but it’s the best option for making an invisible line.

Which is better? It comes down to preference and how good your eyeliner is. Generally, felt tips are great if you're just starting out while brush tips would be recommended for more advanced liner mavens.

#2 Need-To-Know: Always test for performance before actually starting to line

Before putting eyeliner on your lids, ALWAYS swatch it on the back of your hand or wrist to check the formula. How wet is it? How solid is the pigmentation? Did the fluid and pigment separate (i.e. do you need to shake it first)? This information will guide you in how to proceed with lining. 

Swatching the liner before every use will also remove the excess product from the brush, so that you don’t end up with a too-thick application that can spread all over your eye. If it feels too watery, try lining your eyes first with a dark eyeshadow before putting on your liquid liner. This gives the liner something more to adhere to, and improves the longevity and pigmentation of the liquid product.

#3 Need-To-Know: Mind that pressure

Different liquid liner tips and formulas require a different amount of pressure. Yes, I know - it's so confusing! But you'll get a feel for it eventually. Some products require a heavy hand to actually get a solid line; others, just a gentle touch. If you have a lot of eyeliner muscle control (yes we just invented the phrase!) then go for a brush. If you can't help but press in, use a felt tip.

Here's some pro advice: whilst lining, rest your elbow on a stable surface to keep your hand steady. Having your elbow supported eases your application pressure since the weight of your arm and hand is propped elsewhere, plus your hand is less likely to shake and create crooked lines.

#4 Need-To-Know: Layer up to get intense

Intensity of color and precision are what make liquid liners swoon-worthy but sometimes, you end up with a product that doesn’t have the stark black pigmentation that you want. The secret? Layer.

You can opt to line your eyes with a pencil liner, eye shadow, or gel liner first so the payoff would be darker and neater because of your base outline. Then you can add your liquid liner to darken and create a finer line. This is how Adele's makeup artist does her iconic cat eyes! But if your liquid liner is buildable, you can choose to line your eyes multiple times, letting it dry for a few seconds between layers to avoid flaking. Continue to apply until you get the depth of color that you’re after.

#5 Need-To-Know: Sorry, the short cut doesn't exist

When I first started using liquid liners, I was convinced there was some trick that every liquid liner expert has been hiding from the rest of the world. But, alas, there isn’t. And I realized soon enough that no old business card or Scotch tape will trump practice. These hacks may help but it feels like a great achievement to be able to line your eyes on your own.

Stock up on your favorite makeup remover and practice lining your eyes even if you’re just staying home. Start with liners that are affordable but offer great quality so you don’t get frustrated by poor brushes and flaky formulas. It requires patience (a lot of it), a trusty product, and an unswayable determination to get perfectly-lined peepers.

Discussion time!

• Have you switched to liquid liners?
• What products do you rely on to make your wings even?
• Any tips for beginners?

Back then, contouring with makeup was somehow a special skill, used only for important occasions and shoots. But since Kim K’s iconic tutorial on how she gets her chiseled cheeks and the rise of the #selfie generation, face contouring has become a survival skill and an art form even the most inexperienced of makeup junkies can pull off. Filters on our fave apps (hi Face Tune) help too!

Still the magic, as we all know bitterly, is temporary. The best way to get a contoured, slim face is by following a proper diet and a consistent exercise routine. But what if you have a naturally wide and moon-shaped face that defies all your efforts? You can accept and love yourself for all you are - it’s certainly possible and more cost-efficient - but if you're convinced that your chubby cheeks simply must go, there is something you can do. It’s quick, painless, and worth the splurge.

I tried Facial Care Centre’s UltraFace treatment a couple of weeks ago at their BGC branch and found it effective. UltraFace uses ultrasound and radio frequency technology to reduce face fat and reshape it, in consecutive stages. The machine has two applicator wands: one for breaking down the fat (UltraFace mode, with ultrasound) and the other for heating the skin tissue, causing it to tighten and contract (UniFace mode, with radio frequency). The whole treatment takes only 45 minutes and requires zero downtime.

So how was it? The first stage feels like a brisk massage. My skin didn’t feel raw or red afterwards; it’s quite relaxing! The second stage is quite warm but it’s nothing I can’t handle. If you’ve tried laser before, it’s about the same level of warmth, which increases gradually but not unbearably.

Afterwards the FCC aesthetician cleansed my face and applied sunscreen afterwards. As they promised earlier, there was no soreness or irritation. My face felt worked on but it felt pretty normal as there was zero pain. I was a bit hesitant to try UltraFace (I was there for a different treatment, actually) but I’m glad I did! I felt my face was less bloated-looking and my skin was tight, like it finally got its thing together after staying in a basement for years and not getting a real job.

Before UltraFace and right after UltraFace

After two weeks and a particularly good angle! I've been dieting lately to get my jawline to say hello. 

It takes about three sessions to get lasting results, and FCC recommends ten sessions for a dramatic change. My face in the before and after photos don’t show this dramatic change, obviously, but I feel it looks less fleshy and saggy after just one session of UltraFace.

If your budget allows, then I think the UltraFace package at Facial Care Centre may be right up your alley. Give them a call at 892-SKIN or visit their website to set up a consultation. ^_^

This story is brought to you by Facial Care Centre.

Are you feeling festive yet? Well, if the holiday collaborations that we’ve been gushing over haven’t set your hearts ablaze, this week’s round up of what’s new and what’s hot in the beauty world just might! We’ve got a wild bag of surprise announcements that include more yuletide treats from Kat Von D, makeup inspired by a holiday drink, and a new way to go crazy over everyone’s favorite pocket monsters. Are you ready? Let’s do this!

Image via memorable-days.net

Catch Em’ While You Can!

Thanks to Pokémon Go, most of us are now glued to our phones, walking more often and being a lot more chill during traffic jams. Well, the fever is clearly catching on because Korean cosmetics brand TonyMoly has just released a Pokémon inspired skin care collection! You can now catch your favorite Pokémons on hand creams, sheet masks, and facial washes! Seoul-y available in Korea (see what we did there?) these babies cost a mere SGD $7 (around P240) for the hand cream and SGD $9.60 (around P330) for the facial wash, and are just so adorably packaged! They even each have their own unique scent like Pikachu’s Vanilla, Charmander’s Grapefruit, Jigglypuff’s Peach, and Snorlax’s Lavender (how appropriate). Wish we could add them all to our beauty Pokédex!

We have no word yet on when (and if) this collection will arrive in the Philippines, but we're keeping our fingers crossed! We'll definitely update you.

Full story on Airfrov

Image via Allure

Happy Holidays from Kat Von D!

Just when you thought the excitement surrounding Kat Von D and her recent Too Faced collab was enough to make your heart skip a beat, the tattooed beauty just revealed that she’s coming out with a holiday liquid lipstick set that will get you buzzing, crying and most importantly, saving. Aptly named the Everlasting Obsession Liquid Lipstick Collector’s Edition set (well that was a mouthful), makeup junkies are treated to 15 liquid lipsticks ranging from her cult classic like A-Go-Go to Beloved, as well as two brand new shades! Retailing at a whopping 240 dollars, this kit doesn’t come cheap but if you’re a big liquid lipstick fan, you probably won’t want to sit this one out.

If that’s making your wallet cry, Kat will also be releasing an Everlasting Mini Liquid Lipstick set, retailing for just $49. It will feature eight mini versions of her best-selling shades, so if you’re just starting on your Kat Von D collection, this would make a great starter pack!

Full story on Allure

Image via Snapchat/kimkardashian

The Kim K Approved Palette

Move over Kylie - it looks like older sister Kim Kardashian is going crazy over a new eyeshadow palette: the Anastasia Beverly Hills x Mario Palette! That’s right, guys. Kim’s personal makeup artist and Master Class Guru Mario Dedivanovic has just come out with his very own eyeshadow palette in collaboration with cosmetics brand ABH! Though it has only been teased via Kim’s Snapchat, it seems that it will features 12 shades of warm-hued goodness, ranging from shimmers to lush matte hues. Mario even named two shades after the Keeping Up With The Kardashian’s star, called “Kim” (a golden bronze) and “Muse” (a metallic rose). It’s set to launch in October but if you’re based in Dubai, better find out how to get into that Master Class session!

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Glamour

Pumpkin Spice on fleek!

It’s hard to appreciate fall when we live in a tropical country, but it’s the season when the Western world goes crazy for a favorite seasonal drink. The obsession has reached new heights though as you can now enjoy pumpkin spice latte in highlighter form! It doesn’t smell anything like its namesake so that should keep anyone from being tempted to eat the product (remember that kid who ate a Too Faced Chocolate Bar?) but it gives a gorgeous peachy-golden glow that even has us lemming. It’s made by an Etsy brand called FeatherRiverBody, known for their homemade mineral makeup. The best part? It’s only $5!

Full story on Glamour

Image via Bustle

Tarte’s sets the gold standard with new brush collab

Another week, another new collaboration. Tarte is wowing us (yet again) as they team up with YouTube and Instagram makeup guru NicolConcilio to create an utterly decadent brush set! The Tarte x NicolConcilio brush set consists of six gorgeously gold brushes for creating a full makeup look, all for just $39 a set. Though they sold out in a hot minute during their presale back in August, the brushes are now available online at the Tarte website! Better head on over there fast because these brushes are highly coveted and, did we mention, limited edition.

Full story on Bustle

Image via buro247.sg

Sensitive skin? Crabtree & Evelyn’s GOAT you covered!

Known for their dainty packaging and dreamily rich products, old school fave Crabtree & Evelyn has something new cooking. They’ve repackaged and reformulated one of their famous lines, and we are loving its contemporary appeal! For all our sensitive skin girls out there, the Goatmilk Bodycare Collection is your key to smooth, hydrated and supple skin. Made with free-range goatmilk (from an actual farm, wow!) and loaded with vitamin E, bisabolol, oat kernel and allantoin, this is the creamy solution your skin has been waiting for. The new lavender-scented collection comes out later this month, and we hope this is just the beginning of exciting new changes for the brand!

Full story on Be

Have a great long weekend y'all! Any plans?

Althea is my favorite place to shop for cool and hard-to-find Korean cosmetics and skincare, but if one digs deep, there are strange products which can't be spotted anywhere else. We didn't think we'd need them, but knowing they exist suddenly makes us want them! Here are six weird finds that are surprisingly popular in the store.

Honey Snail Ultra Moisturiser (P440). Snail mucus as a beauty ingredient is a novel concept still, no matter how long we've known about it. This moisturizer is different because the snail secretion is combined with honey to promise the best anti-aging and moisturizing results! It's quite, well, slimy in texture but once it's spread out it doesn't feel sticky at all. The cream has a mild powdery scent that gives no clue as to its icky star ingredient.

Lala Rose Day Inner Gel Cleanser (P300). This product seems to be out of stock currently at Althea PH, but it's still available in their Malaysia store. This cleanser is designed to make your v smell like roses - literally - while gently cleansing that delicate area. 

Lala Secret Oil (P635). This makes us giggle! According to the description, a drop of this rose-scented oil in your panties can make them smell like there's a floral party down there. There are two other variants available if you're not into rose scents, namely Jasmine and Ylang Ylang! Y'all know what Coco Chanel said: put perfume where you want to be kissed. *wink*

Herb Warm Pack (P150). You know how our moms would place a hot bottle on our bellies whenever we have period cramps? These self-heating packs do the same but without the hassle. It has a herby, relaxing scent to it and a steady warmth that should help with the dysmenorrhea. Whodathunk? Just open a pack and slip it on top of your shirt (but tucked under your pants/skirt). It's not recommended to apply on bare skin due to the heat. One pack has three single use pads!

Slice Mask Sheet (P100). Face masks need not be boring white sheets - you can definitely have fun with them! Some masks have cute animal prints, which we have featured previously. Other masks come in cute fruit and vegetable slices! The Slice Mask Sheet comes in cucumber, tomato, and lemon. They smell exactly like their namesake and are perfect for selfies.

Gong Ji Hair Pack (P140). If you're so done with split ends, try this mask for your hair. It can be worn outside if you roll your hair under a cap or bun so you can do errands while you're masking. Hay Koreans - what will they think of next!

So there you go. ^_^ Did anything pique your interest? I find the panty oil hilarious but practical! I love the concept. I'm thinking of scenting my underwear drawer with it just because.

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compiled by Charlie Esmerna, contributor

My first introduction to lipstick was a revelation. I was six when a tube of creamy pink lipstick was swiped on my lids, cheeks, and lips. I found the versatility intriguing but it was very uncomfortable, to say the least, as it was so sticky that I was convinced I wouldn’t like putting it on when I grew up. I was never more wrong.

From satin to creamy, sheer to stain, and glossy to matte, the geniuses behind lipstick wizardry have seemingly concocted a perfect lipstick finish to suit each person’s liking and lifestyle. Read on to find out the PV team’s faves finishes and which lipsticks we usually reach for.

Liz: I'm all for good old satin finishes - I adore the slight shine that makes lips more full and interesting. But as it is the year of matte lipstick, I am also loving the full coverage and zero shine look! I can't stand the dryness though so when I got to formulate my own matte lipstick line, I made sure the texture was creamy and non-drying. It's not a full-on Kylie liquid lipstick matte, but it's a creamy matte that's comfortable and much less fussy.

Den: I don't like having to tote around a separate lip balm so I usually go for moisturizing formulas that have a satin to demi-matte finish. Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm (in Tease) and Burt's Bees Lipstick (in Russet River) are my current go-tos. I love that they give much-needed hydration to my lips, plus the eye-catching shades make me look made up even if I just have sunscreen on!

Kim: I don't really have a favorite lipstick finish. My choice of formula depends on the rest of my makeup look. I like using tints for simple makeup days and creamy but matte lipsticks when I have more than two shades of eye makeup on.

Marielle: I usually go for satin or glossy lipstick finishes. Comfort is a huge factor as I hate the feeling of dry, cracking lips that some matte lipsticks are known for. I don't mind having to reapply often as long as I'm getting a good level of hydration out of a lippie. One of my faves is the Revlon Lip Butters that I have four or five colors of. I don't really have a lipstick I use most. Whatever's in my makeup bag at the moment is what I reach for by default.

Angela: I like all finishes. I love using matte because it's usually transfer-proof but I also love using gloss because it gives me a posh-girl vibe. Creamy formulas do not dry out my lips, so I like them too. My current favorite is the suede formula of Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede in Finale. It's smooth at first but it dries to a matte finish without being too thick. It's not too drying if I apply lip balm beforehand and the color stays on the whole day. It's my perfect red lipstick for everyday! I also love the new Project Vanity lippies because they are demi-matte, very pigmented, and super moisturizing - definitely what my lips need.

Katsy: My favorite lipstick finish changes all the time, depending on my mood and the weather. Right now I'm loving sheer and moisturizing lipsticks. This one is Dare to Bare from By Terry, which has hyaluronic acid that supposedly gives the lips a plumping and moisturizing effect.

Gett: I'm a matte girl through and through. I like how most of them are pigmented in one swipe, and I like the somewhat flat finish they give so that it's all about the color. While they do take a bit of effort to apply, I find that it's worth it since they usually have good lasting power. My most used lipstick, however, does not have a matte finish: MAC Rebel. It's a versatile berry color that I can sheer out or pile on, depending on my mood.

Marianne: I like a matte or demi-matte finish best because it's long-wearing, and I personally don't mind the drying quality since I always put a bit of balm on my lips before applying any product on them. My current faves are the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams, but I also really love Colourpop's Lippie Stix in Brink because it's the perfect rosy brown for everyday use even if I don't really bother putting any other makeup on.

Claire: I love them all: matte, satin, gloss, metallic and everything in between! The one I (ab)use the most is Sleek MakeUp's Matte Me in Birthday Suit. I mean, look at that serious dent—it's only been with me for over a month and I'm already 1/4 through with it. It makes me look instantly polished, and it's transfer-proof so I don't worry about leaving kiss marks on my husband and kids. And best of all, it works with all looks—even an almost bare face!

Charlie: I’ve always been drawn to matte lippies because they stay on the longest on my lips and they’re not too distracting (especially when wearing an MLBB shade) because they’re not glossy or super shiny. I also find most matte formulations low maintenance in terms of reapplication. My current favorite matte lippie are the Colourpop Lippie Stix in Lumiere. It’s pigmented and not so drying on the lip. It’s just my luck that they’re now easier to get a hold of so I can get more colors!

Do you have a favorite lipstick finish? What type of formula do you usually go for?

by Gett Baladad, contributor

Tired of being told you look stressed and puyat? That might mean that your dark circles and puffy eyes are more apparent than you realized. Lack of sleep isn’t the only cause for them though; they may also be genetic or a result of an allergic reaction. Whatever the reason, you can fake fresh-looking peepers with a bit of help from liquid concealer!

We love this type of formula best as it allows for great coverage without feeling thick or cakey, assuming that you apply it correctly and use a good product, of course. The liquid formula is easier to blend, too, so you don’t tug at the delicate skin of your eye area. And if you’re on a tight budget? No problem! We’ve got five liquid concealers that will get those bags packing without breaking the bank!

Catrice Liquid Camouflage High Coverage Concealer (~P300, SM Beauty)

This little-known drugstore brand continues to wow us. Liz has raved about their Camouflage Cream Concealer, and now we have its liquid counterpart! It's not quite as heavy coverage as the pot concealer, but it has buildable medium coverage that can cover normal bags. It’s creamy enough to blend on the eye area but still has enough hold so it doesn’t slip around or need to be set with powder. It seems to have a brightening effect and is long-lasting, so pull this one out next time you’ll be watching a tear-jerker!

Holika Holika Covermazing Superfine Dual Concealer (~P300, Holika Holika counters)

Why buy two products when you can get two functions out of one? This dual-ended concealer has a liquid formula on one end and a stick formula hiding inside the cap! The liquid concealer has a lightweight, gel-like consistency that’s perfect for those with dry undereye areas. Afterwards, replace the doe-foot applicator and remove the small top cap to reveal a retractable concealer pencil to cover up spots.

NYX HD Concealer (P360, NYX counters and Zalora)

Often compared to the NARS Creamy Concealer and the Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer, this offers close to the same performance for less than half the price. It packs a punch in coverage but is still creamy enough so it doesn’t settle on any fine lines. It also comes in different concealer shades as well as corrector shades (like green, yellow, and orange), so you’re more likely to find a match that perfectly blends with your skin.

L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Concealer (P400, department stores)

L’Oreal’s True Match range has been hailed for having a wide range of colors, including shades that suit darker Asian skin tones. No reverse panda eyes here! Lightweight, blendable yet offering impressive coverage, it’s a must-have for no-makeup makeup looks as it looks exactly like your skin, only better. It kinda creases but it's easy enough to pat away when needed.

Ever Bilena EB Advanced Liquid Concealer in Medium (P140, department stores)

Though labeled as a concealer, it’s best to use this as an orangey-yellow corrector for severely dark circles. The formula is very wet and runny, so apply only a small amount at a time, but the added moisture can be helpful for dry undereye areas. Allow this to set and dry completely before topping with a concealer that matches your skin tone; you’ll probably need less product since this already corrects the dark blue and purple tones!

What are your secrets to not looking haggard? Know of any other budget liquid concealers that offer great coverage? Tell us about your best finds!

compiled by Crystal Rodis-Concepcion, contributor

We all have a dream that's too beautiful too touch. "Someday..." we tell ourselves. Someday we will give it a try, work hard, give it everything we have. But life happens and things don't quite work out the way we expect. Often we we are too afraid to fail before even attempting that ultimate goal, because surely, just longing for it deep in our heart is better than putting it out there for all the world to see and judge. It's not right though. Chasing our dreams can be a risky cliche, but it is our best chance at happiness and fulfillment.

No matter how impossible or discouraging ("hindi ka kikita diyan") your dream is, it's still worth a try. We talked to seven women about their passions and how they're able to build their lives around their greatest love. Hopefully their diverse backgrounds will help you realize that you can do it too!

Photo by Kurt Copon

Sarah Anne Alejandro, doctor and ballet dancer at Ballet Philippines

My lola wanted me to become a ballerina so I took ballet lessons at a young age at the Locsin Dance Workshop. I always thought of it as an extra-curricular activity, and it wasn't until my third year of studies at the Philippine High School for Arts that I started to really take ballet seriously. When the time came for me to go to college though, my doctor parents encouraged me to go into medicine and I decided to go for it.

While I was in med school, I did my best to continue dancing in any small way possible. I missed ballet a lot but I wanted to complete my medical degree. After I passed the Physician Licensure Exam in 2012, I felt that it was my chance to go back to dance. I started dancing seriously again, got an apprenticeship, and eventually became a company member of Ballet Philippines. Last June, I was officially made company physician, too! I am fortunate to be at a position where I am able to be both a ballerina and a doctor in the same company.

I get asked why, after going through all the hardships of med school, I still decided to go back to ballet. The answer is that it is my dream to be a ballerina. I feel like I have the talent for it and talents should be shared. I know that I can't dance forever but I really want to see where it takes me.

Roxy Modesto, baritone saxophonist

I think I came into music as a chance passenger. I didn't expect it to be this much fun, and I didn't expect it to last this long. It isn't rocket science; I just like to play and I keep working at it. Music is a lifetime study of experience and sharing through performance and listening, and that's probably why I'm still at it. It connects people and makes the world a better place, really.

I came to the Philippines playing an instrument I didn't think of as that unique, but I was eager to learn and earn, playing. I didn't expect the demand to be this high either - baritone saxophone is not something just anybody, much less a petite lady, chooses to play. I'm still doing what I do because I know now that it is a unique and wonderful thing, and the inspiration behind that is interesting. If the intention is good, why aren't you doing it? That 's a valid question I still ask myself from time to time.

Music is just something so much bigger than myself, and of course I want to participate in the creation of something beautiful. Being part of that creative spark that's going to align an audience in a room, that's going to make people smile, dance, groove... that's the best sort of motivation. I'm elated music loves me as much as I love it. And it's always been music first, and all I had to do was do it for real to keep at it.

Twinkle Hipolito Ochanine and Kristine Lucas

Twinkle Hipolito Ochanine, education manager at La Prairie Philippines

I have this weird obsession about skin care. Growing up, I would always put lotion on my skin and bathe in oil and salt. I enjoyed looking for natural methods to keep my skin healthy because I have an auto immune disorder that limits my options. I also dabbled a bit in makeup and took classes in makeup artistry. With my job, I conduct product and sales training, host events, and conduct workshops to create awareness about luxury beauty. I am also passionate about teaching so my career is a perfect marriage of the two things I really love - teaching and beauty!

Kristine Lucas, marketing manager and makeup artist

I’ve had an interest in makeup ever since I was in college. I was in a band and had to my own makeup, so I would always research and practice. It would be years after before I decided to pursue it professionally. I had a family and a full-time job but I enrolled in a pro makeup course because I wanted to do something that was just for me. I still maintain a day job on weekdays and do makeup artistry on weekends.

I’ve also started offering eyebrow embroidery. Doing makeup for older women who face challenges with their brows inspired me to provide a more permanent solution. It saves them so much time when getting ready in the morning! I see eyebrow embroidery and permanent makeup as a natural transition when you want to move up as a makeup artist because I believe in continuous learning and upgrading my skills.

Sheenly Vee Gener and Bernie Ngwe

Sheenly Vee Gener, actress, acting coach and assistant director

I graduated as Theater Arts scholar from the Philippine High School for the Arts in 2002. During my first year as an Arts Management scholar at the College of Saint Benilde, I got my first lead role for a professional production with Tanghalang Pilipino at CCP. I was casted as Insiang, besting 80 other hopefuls, and it was followed by a touring production with PETA. The next year, I got pregnant and had to stop schooling during my third trimester. When I went back to school, I was introduced to film and TV production and events/stage management by my beloved "tropa" teachers. Soon after, I was given Assistant Director projects for indie films and offered a position to teach theater to kids and teens.

My life is a balance act of acting, teaching, production work, and mommy duties. I teach acting because I was inspired by my teachers who kept on giving. I continue to be an actor because I love telling stories about different aspects of life. I want to understand people’s different experiences and perspectives. I want to discover how to use my body to transform into another character. Through acting, I feel like I have a better understanding of life.

Bernie Ngwe, fashion designer

People in their different forms and colors have always interested me. I believe that fashion is not confined to shapely women in glossy magazines. It is for everybody! Fashion is a language and it is another way of expressing ourselves. It is our second skin. I have always dreamed of relating and catering to women of all ages and making them more confident and comfortable with their bodies. Seeing people more confident in my clothing motivates me to grow as a fashion designer. I draw inspiration in just about everything I see and experience in life to experiment with my designs. My goal is to create a brand name where anyone’s imagination can meet expression.

Anna Achacoso-Graham, jazz singer at Baihana and owner of Mrs. Graham’s Macaron Café

Both my careers of being a jazz singer and an aspiring pastry chef happened unexpectedly. When I formed Baihana back in college, I never expected it to become a full-time job but we found ourselves continuously booking gigs; it's been eight wonderful and exciting years so far. I absolutely love singing with Baihana and love the kind of music we do. My macaron business happened by accident as well, but my passion for pastry just kept growing and I'm just so excited to become a certified pastry chef someday. Even though it gets tiring and stressful at times, I love doing both and can't give either one up.

I have a day job from Monday to Saturday as a backup singer for Tawag ng Tanghalan, a segment on ABS-CBN’s Showtime. I schedule my baking time two to three nights a week, and spend all the time I can get with family. Being a mom, on top of everything, makes time management crucial. I balance everything by making a clear schedule, saying no when I have to, and making sure I have enough time to rest and relax as well. I find that these small pockets of "me" time are important to gather inspiration, plan, strategize, and get the energy to keep going. It's important that my husband is a great partner who manages our businesses and takes care of our daughter when I'm at work. I think we make a great team, which is why our setup is effective.

We hope you are inspired by these women and never, even when it feels like its impossible, give up on your dream.

Header photo by Kurt Copon

Your eyes communicate how you feel. They sparkle when you’re happy, tear up when you’re despaired, narrow when you’re angry, and widen when you’re scared. But if there’s one thing I don’t want my eyes to show, it’s how exhausted I really feel. Droopy, bloodshot and dark-ringed peepers just add to the stress so even when I’m running on a just few hours of sleep, I still want my eyes to look as bright as my future. Thanks to makeup, it’s possible! You CAN pull an all-nighter yet look fresh and bright-eyed the next morning with these easy techniques.

I applied the Catrice Camouflage Cream Concealer after putting on my favorite eye cream to make it easier to blend

Banish your dark circles

Pandas may be cute but I’d reserve the panda look for my retouch powder. Dark circles can make eyes look more tired so make sure to edit out the discoloration with a light concealer. Blending it out in an inverted triangle under your eyes also highlights your face and makes it more fresh and open. Don't forget to put some on your lids, too!

I love Pink Sugar's Creamy Matte Lipstick in Royals but Maybelline's Creamy Matte in Clay Crush makes my face look fresh and bright

Opt for a more neutral, complexion brightening lip color

When a dark lip is stealing the show, the eyes fade out in the background. Wearing an MLBB shade keeps the focus centered on your eyes! Choose a color that will make your skin look more brilliant and fresh, versus one that makes it look greyish and drawn. Our advice is a warm shade with peach, sienna, and red undertones like Maybelline's Creamy Matte Lipstick in Clay Crush or the Pink Sugar x Project Vanity lip crayon in Woke Up Like This.

My brow tattoo keeps my arches on point 24/7 (it's the best thing EVAR) but I like to brush them up with Heavy Rotation Brow Mascara in 04 to fix the hairs into place and make them look fuller and higher

Frame it with your brows

We’re all kilay-obsessed here in PV, and for good reason! Properly-shaped eyebrows don’t just frame your face, they make a difference to how your eyes look as well. Adding a touch of highlighter right under your arches can also give instant lift to your face, so make sure to check out our fave picks for affordable highlighters as well as our top brow pencil finds under P200. If you want something fast and easy, use a brow mascara instead.

In this look, I'm wearing a warm champagne eyeshadow on my lids and a sienna brown shadow on my crease

Keep your lids light and bright

Blending your eyeshadow gradient to appear light on the inner corners and gradually darkening at and darker to outer corners opens up the eye and gives an impression of depth. Prep your lids by applying a warm champagne eyeshadow (I used MAC All That Glitters) all over the lid then buff in a sienna brown (MAC Texture) right at the crease. Add a bit of shadow on the outer v of the eyes to get some soft definition. Prefer to keep things simple? Coppery brown shades are great for single eyeshadow looks that also work well to brighten up the eye.  

Maybelline Hypersharp Liner in Power Black is easy to use and easy on the pocket!

Give yourself wings

Need more motivation to work on your eyeliner game? If you want your eyes to look wider and rounder, flicking your eyeliner out as in a cat eye certainly helps. The upward tail makes the rest of your face look more lifted. And if you're having trouble getting the flick just right, you can easily fix it with concealer.

Ever Bilena Eyeliner in White makes my eyes pop!

Highlight your inner corner and line your lower lash line

An inner tear duct highlight does wonders for widening and brightening the eyes since it cancels out any darkness in the area and serves to extend your eye shape. You can also line your waterline with a white or nude liner, or bring that same highlight shade down to line your lower lash line.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara gives a natural-looking curl with zero clumping

Curl and coat your lashes

It should go without saying but fanning out your lashes will open up your eyes! Make sure to follow the proper curling technique for maximum effect, using a good quality eyelash curler of course. Afterwards, coat generously with mascara!

When it comes to creating a fresh-looking FOTD, it's really best to focus more on playing up the eyes rather than simply swiping on a bright lip in the hope that it will distract people from your fatigued peepers. Also, make sure to invest in and start using a good eye cream so can keep fine lines away and your circles from getting any darker.

What are your go-to makeup techniques for faking eight hours of sleep? What products do you rely on to hide the evidence of sleepless nights?

Masking has always been associated with creating bright, glowy skin. It may seem like a good thing but it’s usually a look that oily-skinned gals try their best to avoid because “glowy” can turn into “greasy” in a matter of minutes. But hey - don't knock it until you've tried what's appropriate for your skin type! What you need are deep cleansing masks that offer benefits such as pore tightening, acne control, and oil reduction so you can enjoy clear, smooth, and matte skin. Here are eight PV-approved masks to try out at your next masking session!

 Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask (P329 from Healthy Options)

This cult favorite mask deeply cleanses skin while shortening the life span of acne as it removes blackheads and whiteheads. The minty sensation feels cool and tingly on the skin; some people find it refreshing while others may be a bit weirded out. Works pretty well though! If you have combination skin, better to use this only on oil-prone areas only as it can be quite drying.

Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask (P520 at Althea)

You can exfoliate, brighten, and reduce the oiliness of your skin with this mask! It's super easy to work with, for a mud mask. Once applied, wait for it to work its magic for around 10 minutes then rinse it off. I find that this also makes extracting blackheads and whiteheads easier after use, so you may want to gently scrub your face with a damp face towel after.

Origins Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Mask (P1,700 from Origins boutiques)

Active charcoal is a popular beauty ingredient, and you’d understand why after using this mask. It delivers on its promise of clearing pores and makes the complexion look brighter, too. Compared to the other mud-type masks, this is the easiest to use because of its gooey, spreadable consistency and tube packaging.  

Origins Retexturizing Mask with Rose Clay (P1,700 from Origins boutiques)

Here's another best-selling mask from Origins! It helps sop up oil like the Clear Improvements mask, but what's different is that it has jojoba beads that also helps remove dead skin and pore blockage. Just massage it gently all over your skin while rinsing to exfoliate!

Glamglow Tingexfoliate Treatment Mask (available in SM Beauty stores)

If you're after some serious exfoliation though, try this black Glamglow mud mask! This digs out those deep white heads and black heads like nobody's business. It feels super tight on skin while dry, but rinses off fairly quickly. Your face will feel ridiculously smooth afterwards and you'll notice it will remain matte for a bit longer. Use it only twice a week though as it is a powerful treatment!

Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay (P429 from Healthy Options)

Dubbed as “The World’s Most Powerful Facial”, gals who prefer using all-natural products will appreciate that this is made of 100% calcium bentonite clay powder. It works so well for de-clogging pores and making skin look smoother that we recommend this as part of giving yourself an at-home facial.  To use, just mix equal parts of mask and water (or apple cider vinegar), apply, and allow to set before rinsing it off with water. The giant tub is good for many uses, too, so this will last you a long, long time.

Leaders Anti-Trouble Mask with Green Tea (P78 from Leaders)

There’s a Leaders mask for every skin need, even oily skin! This one is particularly formulated for sensitive acne-prone skin to help battle dullness and skin troubles. If your oily skin causes you pimples too, this is the mask for you! It helps heal pimples faster because of the green tea and salicylic acid in the essence. Nonetheless, it won't  dry your skin, so your face feels nice and bouncy even with such concentrated ingredients.

Kracie Hadabisei All in 1 Mask (P895 for 42 sheets at Beauty Bar)

Just because you're oily doesn't mean you shouldn't sheet up. We understand that some masks can feel too rich or thick, and may provide more moisture than what the average oily skin needs. This Kracie mask is juuuuust perfect. Its essence is thin and watery but moisturizes well! It will keep your skin balanced, especially if you go for exfoliating mud masks which can dry you up as a caveat. This can actually be used every day since it's not matapang and is intended to be a maintenance mask. 

Do you have oily skin? Which masks do you use to keep it in check?

Over the years, scent has become a huge part of my life. It's no longer just about me smelling good - it has expanded into a lifestyle where the spaces I frequent have to smell fantastic as well. I burn oils in my home frequently to scent the air. I put a few drops of perfume in my humidifier - it does wonders for a good night's sleep. My clothes, even my partner's car need to be pleasant to the nose. My dog is fresh-smelling and sometimes spritzed with cologne, as well! Am I being high-maintenance? Yes, definitely, and I'm not ashamed of the fact.

A great scent makes for a great mood, and a great mood makes for a productive day. It literally pays to pay attention to the scents you are surrounded by, more than just the personal ones you apply on yourself. I observe that I do better work when I am relaxed and positive. Scents are the easiest way to get to that state of mind, so the minimal effort is well worth what I get in return.

Recently I have been enjoying a popular debutante in the fragrance world: the Jo Malone Basil & Neroli Cologne. I am in love with the joyous burst of fresh green (two kinds of basil: Basil Grand Vert and Basil Verbena), followed by a bitter orange scent that reminds me of a sparkling spring. The dry down notes are white musk and vetiver, for that encompassing warmth that soothes the soul. This new release pays homage to the cult classic Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne, released 20 years ago, but with a more modern distinctly British vibe.

As with all Jo Malone scents, Basil & Neroli is designed to be mixed with all the other scents in their lineup. It's meant to be a "base scent" layered more liberally, topped with a spritz or two of your fave. Debbie Wild, Jo Malone London studio and lifestyle director, recommends matching it with English Pear & Freesia for a bubbly floral fragrance or Black Cedarwood & Juniper for an uplifting woody scent. Personally, I love it with Peony & Blush Suede to create a complex musky floral. It also pairs well with Red Rose whenever I feel like going for a sexier scent.

I also have the Basil & Neroli Body Creme, which is perfect for extending the wear time of the scent when worn after a bath, before spraying the cologne. It's a heavy moisturizer that makes skin smooth; a little goes a long way. The new scent is also available as a Body & Hand Wash as well as a Home Candle.

Love what you're hearing? Then head on over to Jo Malone boutiques in SM Aura and Greenbelt 5 to experience Basil & Neroli. I believe it's already available in stores since last Friday! Let me know how you like it!

Prices: Cologne 30ml – Php 3,600 / Cologne 100ml – Php 7,200 / Body & Hand Wash 250ml – Php 2,250 / Body Creme 175ml – Php 5,000 /Home Candle 200g – Php 3,680

The best makeup artists are famous for a reason. In a world where celebrities need to look perfect in front of the camera or at an important event, they can't trust just anybody with a brush set and a train case. They need someone who can bring out the best of their features by choosing the right colors and applying them with a careful, practiced hand. The formula of the makeup they use matters, too - it has to be photogenic, long-wearing, and appropriate for their skin type. 

This is why it's not a surprise that some celebrity makeup artists can charge a sizable fee for their talent and years of experience. Until we can afford them, we can totally get on with a special collection designed by the top MUAs in the country - Juan Sarte, Denise Go-Ochoa, Mickey See, and Jigs Mayuga - in collaboration with Happy Skin Cosmetics! The Glam Squad aims to bring us mere mortals pro-level products that will surely be staples in our kit.

The Glam Squad is an expansive line. It features the new Happy Skin Arch Definer & Brow Mascara (P949 each), the Happy Skin Glam Squad Contour & Color (P1,399), and the Happy Skin Glam Squad Custom Brush Set (P2,999). Each makeup artist also created their own Happy Skin Glam Squad Liquid Matte Lipstick (P699 each) and Happy Skin Glam Squad Eyeshadow Duo (P899 each) to bring to life their own signature looks.

I chose Jigs Mayuga's Liquid Matte Lipstick and Eyeshadow Duo because I am a huge fan of his work. Rose Brown, his lipstick shade, immediately stood out to me as it's a beautiful color! The Eyeshadow Duo though is such a winner. It has a matte brown and black (similar to MAC Espresso and Carbon actually) which can be used for all sorts of things - use them on your brows to get a sculpted look, contour your nose with the brown, line your eyes with the black, and oh of course, use both to give your lids dramatic depth. IMHO, if you can only have two eyeshadow colors, these two would have to be it.

Aside from the shade, formula of the products are excellent as well. The liquid lipstick is soooooo smooth and adheres to the lips in one layer. Most liquid lipsticks require a lip liner to get them to look neat and solid; Happy Skin's new matte liquids are fantastic as is. Pigmentation is intense! It's possibly the least fussy liquid lipstick I've ever had the pleasure of wearing. It doesn't feel thick and flaky too, PLUS it makes lips look so smooth for matte. It's non-drying on me but I'd still recommend letting a lip balm sink in before application.

However, it doesn't stay on as well as the other fussier liquid lippies I've tried. It sets, but it's thin, so the product gets dissolved by food easily compared to its counterparts. No worries though - just apply a lip liner (Happy Skin has new ones too) underneath to extend the wear time if you're particular about that. 

The Eyeshadow Duo are also ridic pigmented and smooth. In my FOTD here, I didn't even have to line my eyes to get it that black at the roots! The brown shade can be diffused with a blending brush if you need it to look softer, but you can also create an intense smoky eye with it if you need to.

I don't need another contour kit in my life, but I purchased the Happy Skin Glam Squad Contour & Color because I love their first contour kit. I've been using that stuff for two years now! It's my HG contour palette and the only one I trust in shoots and events. I know some people felt it was too sheer, but I prefer my contour to be layered versus sheered out. It's the most natural way to get chiseled features.

Eyes: Jigs Mayuga Eyeshadow Duo / Lips: Jigs Mayuga Rose Brown Liquid Matte Lipstick / Cheeks: Contour & Color Palette

So is the new Contour & Color kit my new HG? Hmm, it's smooth and pigmented, but I still prefer the first one. The contour shade in the Glam Squad palette is grayer on me than I'd like, and the shade itself is too light for my medium skin tone. It's not sheer - it's really just this nutty greyish brown that don't register as well on my skin. I can layer it definitely but parang the color isn't as perfect for me compared to the first.

The coral blush is pretty but I don't wear much coral-hued lipsticks lately so I don't use it very often. It's a bright coral that would look great in the summer.

Don't get me wrong - this isn't a bad palette, it's just not quite right for my current skin shade and preferences. Perhaps my expectations were too high as well. I think a lot of people would love how natural and flattering this looks! I might change my mind about it when the season changes. In the meantime, the Happy Skin Sculptacular is still kween for me!

Well, whew, that was long. I hope you enjoyed my review and please, let me know what you think about the Glam Squad! Whose selection are you liking the most?

Exclusively available at zalora.com.ph: Starting August 22, shop for your favorite makeup master’s eyeshadow duo and liquid matte lipstick, and get the Glam Squad Double-Zip Pouch for free. 

Happy Skin stores are located at 2/F Glorietta 3, 2/F Greenbelt 5, 2/F Power Plant Mall, 2/F Mega Fashion Hall, and 1/L Trinoma.

Happy Skin is also available at Rustan’s Makati and Shangri-La; Beauty Bar; Plains & Prints; The SM Store Makati, Mall of Asia, Megamall, North Edsa, and Cubao; Watsons Mall of Asia; Landmark Makati and Trinoma; and Metro Gaisano Department Store, Alabang Town Center and UP Town Center.

by Renee Ultado, contributor

There was once a French president who said, “If you do not own a Rolex by the time you are 50, you have failed in life.” However borderline trashy his statement might have been, we can’t help but ask ourselves if there are beauty equivalents of his Rolex, products that we have to own at least once in our lives.

There are so many beauty products in the market today, and for the most part it feels almost repetitive. Same shade, same consistency, even the same manufacturers (ahem, Kylie Lip Kits). However, there ARE products that stand out from the rest, that are so incredibly hyped with rave review after rave review that we can’t help but be curious and want to try it for ourselves. If you haven't put together your own list yet, here are 10 products we think every girl deserves to own at least once in her lifetime.

Image via Instagram/guerlain

Guerlain Meteorites

Even before strobing was a thing, Guerlain Meteorites has been one of the fetish products on everybody’s wishlist. Famed to deliver a believable and yet ethereal glow to the face, this bronzer/highlighter has a cult following in all corners of the world. Coming from one of the oldest French beauty houses, the famed Meteorite Glow has a way of transforming skin into something magical. Not to mention the impeccable packaging, which is worthy of becoming the star attraction anyone’s vanity table.

Image via keepingupwithejoneses.com

Klorane Dry Shampoo

From someone who has lived all his life in the tropics, the idea of dry shampoo is so foreign to me but my curiosity got piqued when I heard about this award-winning botanical formula. It’s supposed to currently be the best in the market (French skin care fanatics are all over this!) but it was sold out on BeautyMNL before I had the chance to nab it. 

Image via Instagram/clarisonic

Clarisonic Mia

Using a facial cleansing brush is on my list of beauty must-try's, and what better to experience it with than the brush that started the whole sonic cleansing trend. There are too many gushing reviews of how it can transform one’s skin to ignore, and I can't understand how it's able to be gentle on the skin yet better than manual cleansing. I'm all for eliminating dead skin cells and making my skin more capable of absorbing creams and serums, so this is one beauty gadget that I'd invest in.

GlamGlow Mud Mask

Though I may never strut the red carpet, I want to know what's so special about this celebrity-favorite mud mask - and why it's so pricey! It's a must-try mask for oily-skinned folks and though I don't expect to look like a Hollywood star afterwards, I can at least look forward to less whiteheads and longer lasting matte skin.

Image via beautyprofessor.net

La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer + Foundation

You know how foundation is the most important makeup product in your kit and is something you should definitely spend on? Well, this foundation is taking that a bit overboard. Retailing for 250 euros, it’s truly something that forces you to double-take. It’s so ridiculously expensive! La Prairie is luxury Swiss skincare, and one of the European heritage brands who really take skincare as a science. It features skin-caring benefits from their Caviar line and includes a matching concealer on top, promising give full coverage with a glowing and translucent finish. I don’t know about you guys but it’s on my list for when I win the lottery!

Image via agirlastyle.tumblr.com

Chanel No. 5

From Marilyn Monroe to Blair Waldorf, there is no denying that this perfume is a true fashion and beauty icon. The bottle design alone is instantly recognizable! It's a heady floral scent that's designed to balance the different floral notes so you can't quite describe it. Alternatively, if the original blend doesn't mesh well with your body chemistry, you can try Chanel No. 5 L'Eau which offers the same fragrance expressions with a more youthful vibe.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector

I am a highlight girl. I can go out with just concealer and a dab of highlighter. So when Liz reviewed the Opal compact, I was all over myself. As much as I love highlighters, too many formulas look powdery and overdone when the goal is to fake glowing skin. I'm in love with the perfectly wet, natural skin finish that Becca gives and I'm just dying to have one of my own.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate

As someone who doesn’t have perfect skin, I have a tendency to jump into anything that people swear offers an overnight fix. The Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate is backed with so many glowing reviews about how it creates amazing changes in a span of one week, it's practically the one HG that everyone can agree on. And I definitely want to know if I'd share the same public sentiment!

Image via charlinehasablog.blogspot.com

Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat

This concealer/highlighter duo is a fixture in the backstage during Fashion Week, and a supermodel secret for hiding all traces of late-night partying. I like the idea of it having a brightening effect in addition to coverage, and I imagine you can even use this simply as a highlighter. Love the luxe feel of the polished gold packaging, too!

LUSH Bath Bomb

The ultimate definition of pampering: dropping 5 euros on a single bath. But you know what, you deserve it. Available in a range of whimsical designs and divine scents, these bath bombs are plenty entertaining to watch as well. They fizz as they hit the water, creating colorful bubbles with some glitter thrown in for good measure. It's the best way to wash off a bad day!

Have you tried any of these products yet? What else would you include in your beauty bucket list?

If you’ve ever watched a K-drama or seen the endorsers of K-beauty brands, you’ve probably wondered about the secret to that Koreana glow. Well, the not-so-simple answer lies in the 10-step Korean skin care routine. Yes, ten steps composed of ten different products. You’re certainly not alone in thinking that that sounds a bit excessive, but another look at that dewy, clear Kpopstar skin will make you wonder if it’s truly worth it.

Wonder no more – I tried the routine for an entire week and documented the results to find out if it actually works or if it’s just hype. Spoiler alert: I’m now a former skeptic with glowing, bouncy skin! The before and after photos prove it (you'll see them in a bit).

My skin condition and care routine before I started the challenge

I have combination-dry skin with big pores and hyperpigmentation. When I started the challenge, I had just finished my period and still had traces of hormonal breakouts on my forehead and chin, as well as dry patches on my cheeks. My skin care regimen consisted of five steps previously: cleansing gel, cleanser/face wash, toner, serum/emulsion, and moisturizer/sleeping pack. I do exfoliate and use sheet masks but only about once a month, when I actually remember to do so.

Here's what we used for the 7-day challenge! (You can get these from the Tony Moly online store)

• Tony Moly Pro Clean Soft Lip & Eye Remover (P298)
• Tony Moly Clean Dew Blueberry Foam Cleanser (P178)
• Tony Moly Floria Brightening Peeling Gel (P428)
• Tony Moly Floria Nutra Energy Toner (P1,098)
• Tony Moly The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Essence (P848)
• Tony Moly Floria Nutra Energy Emulsion (P1,098)
• Tony Moly My Sunny All-in-One Sun SPF45 PA+++ (for day use; P528)
• Tony Moly Floria Nutra Energy Sleeping Pack (for night use)
• Tony Moly Pureness 100 Hyaluronic Acid Mask Sheet (every 2 days; P78)
• Tony Moly Naturalth Goat Milk Premium Eye Cream (P1,528)

Day 1: I’m glad that I spent all day at home because it took about 15 minutes to get through the day time routine and another 15 minutes before I turned in for the night. Following the rules of layering skin care properly, I let my face air dry after cleansing then patted on some toner, followed by the essence, emulsion, and sunblock with two to three minute intervals between each product. Longer intervals are said to be better for allowing the products to be fully absorbed by the skin but I’m not that patient. As long as my skin felt dry and the product seemed to have set, I applied the next layer of product.

The Clean Dew Foam Cleanser smells like blueberry milk candy or blueberry yogurt, and it leaves my skin feeling clean, if slightly tight. I liked that the Floria Nutra Energy Toner is a gel-type toner that refreshes without any stinging. For daytime, I prefer to pat it on with fingers while I use a cotton pad at night to help remove leftover makeup and to lightly exfoliate. My Sunny All-in-One Sun SPF45 is a light cream formula that’s easily absorbed by the skin, but it leaves a white cast. I’m a little nervous to use it underneath makeup but I know it will offer excellent protection.

Day 2: I had to rush off to an event, so I definitely felt how long the process took! Solution: I sat in front of a fan while applying the products to speed up the process. Luckily, it worked and everything was set and dry by the time I left the house. That left me free to do my makeup en route to the venue without having to lug around extra skincare products with me.

After spending most of the day outdoors in humid weather, my face felt really icky and I looked forward to deep-cleansing when I got home. The Pro Clean Soft Lip & Eye Remover is a micellar water that melts light makeup quickly. To my relief, it didn’t sting my skin or my eyes and actually removed my makeup quite well. To give my skin a thorough cleansing though, I used two pea-sized amounts of the Floria Brightening Peeling Gel and appreciated that the gommage exfoliator felt gentle yet super effective at stripping away dead skin layers. To compensate for the sloughed-off skin, I tried the first of the Pureness 100 Hyaluronic Acid Mask Sheet that night. After exfoliating, my skin is usually extra sensitive to creams and masks but I am happy to say that this particular sheet mask did not cause any irritation. It also got unintentionally chilled by the room’s airconditioning and it was super refreshing!

Day 4: I have gotten a bit more used to this routine. It’s still a struggle to do in the morning when I’m rushing about but I love the nightly ritual. I relax and catch up on my reading while waiting for each layer to set, sometimes allowing it to sit a little longer before applying the next one. The Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Essence and Floria Nutra Energy Emulsion both have consistencies that are a step thicker than toner, making them hydrating but light enough to still be comfortable. I’ve also developed a new appreciation for emulsions; I don’t really understand why or how but the products I apply after that layer seem to be more effective than without the emulsion. It's the real deal! Now I know why they call it a skincare booster.

Day 6: I’ve used each and every single one of the products daily but I’ve hardly made a dent in any one of them. A little bit goes a long way so I expect this stash to last me another few months with regular use. The Naturalth Goat Milk Premium Eye Cream might even last me six months, since the large-ish 30ml pot contains a LOT of product. The texture is also a cross between a cream and a balm, so a very thin coating around the eye area is enough to do the trick. As for Floria Nutra Energy Sleeping Pack, it has a thick gel consistency that has no greasiness whatsoever. I do like the texture a lot and it really feels like it seals in all those other products. After slapping it on at night, I wake up with soft, velvety skin the next morning. I can even still feel it as I wash my face!

The verdict: My skin condition after seven days on the 10-step skin care routine

The most obvious change I noticed was the level of hydration I got from the potent combination of moisturizing products. My complexion is brighter and more radiant, and I can’t keep admiring how it seems clearer altogether. I wasn’t expecting to see much of an effect in just seven days but consistently doing the routine twice a day were amazingly quick to yield results! The dry patches that I usually get after applying liquid foundation and face powder have disappeared completely.

There’s also a lot less redness and my blemishes healed fairly quickly. No more dryness and no more breakouts! And since most of the products are quite lightweight and applied in thin layers, I was comfortable using all of them under my makeup, with the exception of the sunblock because I’m really paranoid about that white cast.

I’m totally loving the results of the 7-day challenge but I admit it’s not for everyone. A 10-step regimen means having to buy all those products, and even with budget-friendly options, each one adds up to your expenses. When you finally have all the products, it takes effort, patience, and discipline to apply each one and waiting in between each layer. Every single day. But if the only thing that’s been holding you back is the question of whether it actually works, it totally does.

I honestly think that this is a worthwhile splurge. Thanks to this routine, there’s a healthy glow to my complexion that no amount of makeup can ever duplicate. Remember, I’ve only been using these products for a week so I’m excited to see what my skin will look like in a month! There’s also the overall good vibes from feeling pampered and relaxed from the ritual. Most of the products I used were also lightly and pleasantly-scented, so it also felt a bit like I was being treated to some aromatherapy.

If you’re on a tight budget, I suggest you work out the frequency of use for special items like sheet masks. At upwards of P50+ a pop, single-use sheet masks can be an expensive habit. Get a sleeping mask or sleeping pack instead for your nightly application, and reserve sheet masks for a once per week treat. Make sure to also check out Korean skin care sets for good deals.

Have you set your heart on this routine? Well, there's no need to get everything in one go. We suggest pacing your purchases, focusing first on the basics and moving up to more specialized products (the essences and emulsions for instance). You should also wait for sales, as Tony Moly regularly holds promotions and sometimes BOGO deals. Actually they just recently LOWERED the price of ALL their products by 15%, permanently. Crazy. Give them a visit soon! You may find their stores in the following locations.

Thank you to Tony Moly for providing the products for this experiment. <3 Special thanks to Gael for accommodating our request! 

Discuss:

• Are you a fan of the Korean dewy skin look?
• Would you try this routine to achieve it?
• What Kbeauty products have you already incorporated in your routine?

Header image by @raizacontawi

We’ve been keeping the Pink Sugar x Project Vanity collaboration under wraps for a while now and after months of holding back, it feels soooo good that the secret is finally out! We’re incredibly proud of how the lippies turned out, and extremely grateful for the trust that Pink Sugar has given Project Vanity. Here’s how last Thursday looked like when These Lips Don’t Lie was launched to the world!

It was really more of an intimate, casual hang out of makeup lovers more than anything. Bloggers and media partners joined us and the Pink Sugar team at the Grand Café at Chelsea for lunch and a swatch party. The merry mix of makeup talk, good food and the company of fellow beauty lovers was enough to get the party going but it was also fun to hear from the people who made this all happen.

When Pink Sugar’s Laveen and Rohit Mirpuri introduced their first collection of products to Liz, the first thing she asked them was, “You’re in the Philippines and there are no brow products. How?!” The brothers got to work and came out with the Honey, I'm Good Brow Gel earlier this year. Now they have something new for those who love the look of soft yet artfully defined brows.

The Honey I’m Good Brow Kits (P399) contain a creamy, pigmented brow wax and three powders that you can mix, match, or layer for the contoured brow look. It comes in two shades that are perfect for Filipinas – Sassy Brown and Perfect Taupe.

There are also three new additions to our PV-favorite Pink Sugar HD Lipsticks (P299). Wicked is a muted mauve, Sinful is the classic MLBB pink with brown undertones, and Butter is a warm pink nude. These are everyday wearable shades that would be perfect for ladies who shy away from loud colors.

It felt a little nerve-wracking as we waited to see how guests would react to our lip crayons, so we felt pretty kilig when the oohs and aahs over arm swatches were soon followed by guests excitedly wearing them! Everyone praised the creamy, richly-pigmented, matte formula. Woke Up Like This came out as the runaway winner, but all four shades had backers of their own.

We’d like to thank everyone who came and celebrated the launch with us! And of course, this wouldn’t have happened without you, dear Project Vanity readers, who’ve supported us every step of the way. Keep your fingers crossed that this isn’t the last of the #PinkSugarxProjectVanity partnership (which the men of Pink Sugar fondly call as "Project Sugar")!

#Flatlays are hard work, seriously. Luckily, we had plenty of natural light streaming in from the windows!

And we're spreading the love: three lucky PV readers are the proud new owners of a set of These Lips Don’t Lie lippies each! Congratulations to @riality, @lianpchong and @chloekintanar! To claim your prizes, please just reply to the DM we will send you on Instagram. ^_^

Have you tried our lippies already? Which shades are your faves? 

by Charlie Esmerna, contributor

Growing up, I’ve always been conscious about how balbon I am. Relatives would comment on it during family reunions, and though my parents constantly assured me that it’s perfectly normal, I felt the urgent need to get rid of all my leg hair when I learned about hair removal. Depilatory creams were my first choice because they seemed like the safest to use at the time. They’re not intimidating compared to waxes (I’ve watched too many movies with people screaming as they get waxed), and I was afraid to use razors because I’m clumsy. Besides, what could be easier than applying something that looks like lotion then having the hair simply come off as I rinsed?

It was good in theory but didn’t actually work as well as I wanted. A tube was only good for only about three to four uses! I also experienced a bit of irritation because I couldn’t get all the hair out in one application and would have to apply at least twice, causing my skin to develop some sensitivity to the chemicals. It also wasn’t very practical to cough up over P200 for a small tube that I would have to buy every other week.

So after doing some research and a few trial sessions, I’ve decided to shave off any unwanted hair instead. My mother actually panicked over my choice of hair removal but I assured her (and hopefully you as well) that not everything you’ve heard about shaving is true!

Shaving Myth #1: Shaving makes hair grow thicker and darker

The most widely-believed myth about shaving is that it will make hair growth worse. It’s completely untrue, but I understand why many people believe it. When you shave, you essentially cut off the hair from its “trunk”, or the thickest point of the hair shaft which connects to the root. This will also be the first thing you see when the hair starts to grow again, so it does look thicker and feel more bristly. As the hair continues to grow though, it becomes exposed to the sun, the chemicals in your skin care or gets rubbed against your clothes. All that exposure will cause it to lighten, thin out and soften in the same way the hair before did. So don’t panic if after shaving, your hair suddenly feels coarser and looks blacker than before. It’s normal and it doesn’t mean the hair growth has been altered.

Shaving Myth #2: Dry shaving is easier and cleaner

 Sure, it can be hard to see what you’re doing under all that shaving cream but the foamy product was invented for a very good reason. Shaving with just a razor and bare skin, devoid of any product, can cause irritation and nicks since the blade is more likely to catch on dry skin and cause friction burn. It also drags against the surface and may have some trouble making a clean cut on the hairs, making the process more tedious.

The best time to shave is actually after bathing, when hair is at its weakest and skin at its softest condition. Applying shaving cream or gel, or even a lotion or conditioner, will allow your razor to glide better! It serves as a barrier between your skin and the blade, and keeps the skin moisturized, which is important as shaving can lightly scrape off the topmost layer of the skin.

 Shaving Myth #3: Women can’t use men’s razors

The reasoning behind this is pretty shoddy. Just like, you can’t use hand creams for your elbows because... your elbows will develop hands? Razors are not gender-prejudiced; they’re just built differently as men and women use razors for different parts of the body.

Women’s razors focus on shaving areas like underarms,  legs, and even the pubic area. Razors often have built-in moisturizing strips since these areas are less likely to be moisturized or oily compared to the face. The handles are usually downward sloping to shave at a more parallel angle, and razor itself would usually be outfitted with a guide bar that helps prevents cuts and nicks when shaving a large area.

Comparatively, men generally use razors for removing facial hair. Thanks to testosterone, men often have larger hair follicles that produce thicker hair, so the blades needed to shave them off must be sharper and more compact. As a result, men’s razors are often built to have two to three blades at a time (sometimes going all the way up to five!) to provide a closer shave, and engineered to swivel so it can follow the face’s natural contours more easily. The handles are also usually designed to create perpendicular downward strokes, which is the action you make when shaving your face in front of a mirror. Women can definitely still use these razors if they so wish, but should take extra care.

Shaving Myth #4 The more pressure you apply on the blade, the better

Some people say that in order to achieve a really smooth shave, you have to press down hard on the blade to cut closer to the root. Unfortunately, it’s as painful as it sounds. Putting pressure on the razor as you shave simply causes it to dig into your skin and increases your risk for getting cuts. If you’re after a much closer shave, look for razors that have tightly-packed blades, which allow them to sit closer to the hair root.

Shaving Myth #5: The direction you shave doesn't matter

Okay, shaving against the hair growth DOES result to a smoother shave but it’s also quite risky as the skin around the hairs can get dragged along the blade, which may cause irritation and damage to the follicles. Shaving following the direction that your hair grows in (starting from the root) is safer and better for people who have sensitive skin. This also helps to prevent ingrown hair as the hair follicles remain intact in their direction.

Compared to other forms of hair removal, shaving is the easiest to do and also the cheapest option. It does require regular maintenance but even then, you only need to spend around P30 for a razor that can last you up to three months. Compare that to a leg waxing job that can cost around P600 and will approximately last for three to six weeks.

Of course, you don’t even need to remove any hair at all if you’re comfortable with it. (Remember, it's your body and you get to make decisions about whether your hair stays or not). But if you do shave or plan to try it out, take note of the following tips for a better experience:

1. Do take your time in choosing the razor that suits you. Electric options are quite popular since they don’t require shaving creams and are designed to lessen the likelihood of cutting yourself. They last for years but they can also be very pricey. There are fancy manual razors that promise comfort or a closer shave, but I find that disposable razors work just as well. I personally use a Schick Exacta 2 with an aloe vera strip, and it usually lasts me about three months of shaving my underarms and legs. I shave about three times a week, so I get roughly 40 uses out of a disposable razor.

2.  Do clean and dry your razor after every use to avoid rusting and blade damage. After shaving, make sure to rinse out all the hair and shaving cream from between the blades. Don’t let it dry face-down on the sink in a puddle; store it upright so the moisture drips away. You may also run it along denim jeans once it starts to dull but as soon as the razor starts to discolor or show signs of rusting, chuck it and save yourself from getting an infection.

3.  Do exfoliate beforehand as it preps your skin and makes it easier to shave closer to the root. You should also exfoliate when you feel the hair starting to grow again to prevent ingrown hairs. You can opt to use store-bought scrubs like A Bonne Spa Milk Salt, make your own, or simply use a loofah or body brush on the area you’re planning to shave.

4.  Do put on a barrier product before shaving. The idea is not only to have something between the blade and your skin, but also to have something that is very moisturizing, Shaving creams are great options but if they’re not readily available, your regular body lotions or even hair conditioner can be used as a substitute. Soap doesn’t work as well as the lather is too thin.

5.  Do shave with great care. While razors are well-designed to aid in a smooth shaving session and to lessen chances of cuts and nicks, proper usage is also a big factor. Take your time  – you’ll be less likely to cut yourself and to miss certain areas. Apply a moisturizer after shaving (unscented and alcohol-free work best since your skin will be sensitive) to soothe the shaved area and any irritation that may have occurred as a result of the process.

Do you shave? What’s your preferred hair removal method?

References: LiveScience, Today I Found Out, Fresh Vancouver

I am always hungry for news about young women entrepreneurs. It takes some balls to start your own business and a type of masochistic fortitude to deal with keeping it alive everyday. (I have a lot of #hugot, I can't help it!) Anyway, a few months ago, Rya Petines decided she's had enough of overpriced makeup brush sets. She knows that quality is important but she couldn't afford the best so she had it made herself!

That's how Riot was born. The brand aims to cater to practical girls who want good products without the crazy price tag. Its first product is the Riot Girl Complete Set (P2,500), which features 15 brushes to help you create any look with precision. It comes in a chic zippered clutch too! If you don't need the full set, you can get the Essential Face Set (P1,450) and the Deluxe Eye Set (P1,250) separately. Currently this is only available for sale over at Riot's  Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Okay, so let's get to the nitty gritty. This set immediately made me think of Zoeva's Luxe Complete Brush Set which is like P7,000 for 16 pieces now. The first impression mainly stemmed from the fact that the brushes came in clutch that looks like Zoeva's, and it has maybe five similar brushes (standard inclusions), but the comparison pretty much ends there. Riot has quite a few brushes I don't have and didn't think I needed before - unless I got to try them!

But let's discuss the quality first. The synthetic brushes are quite soft and did not bleed nor shed after the first wash. No smell too. I'd say these kinds of brushes are the easiest to get right; good synthetic hairs are cheap to make, easy to use, and are quite resilient. The white animal (goat?) hair brushes though are not quite as good. They're soft enough, and I particularly love the Angled Brush for its perfect shape and stiffness, but the eye brushes can get poke-y if you know what I mean.

The white-haired brushes shed out a few bristles after vigorous washing but was fairly intact after the rinse. Expect the brushes to get frizzy - I would recommend you use a brush guard to keep them in their proper shape while they dry! I'd say it's non-negotiable or you would be unhappy with the dried form of the animal hair brushes. I wish Riot would consider selling brush guards in the future because not everybody would have it. 

The Essential Face Set has the following brushes:

Powder Brush - For buffing your foundation in and applying loose powder. Could also be used for blushing and contouring.

Paddle Foundation Brush - Unlike most paddle brushes, this is wider and comes to a rounded pointy end. I love this! It's great for buffing smaller areas, especially under the eyes and around the nose.

Angled Flat Top Kabuki - This is pretty standard. It can be used to apply and buff powder or liquid products and can be used for any area of the face.

Just to give you an idea on the size!

Concealer Buffer - Dense, with a fat rounded end, this brush can blend concealer or other cream products (say nose contour) effortlessly.

Angled Brush - I like how long, stiff, and medium-sized this is. It's great for both powder blush and contour!

Flat Contour - I've never had a brush like this! I guess the closest one in my collection is the NARS Ita brush but that's much wider and less dense. This one is a good size for applying and blending contour, especially on the jaw line.

Fan Brush - This is just ok. It's thin and doesn't do much. 

Here's what's included in the other half, the Deluxe Eye Set:

Blending Brush - This is another MAC 217-ish brush. It does the job of blending out eyeshadow edges, but I would want it to be denser.

Crease Brush -I like the shape, it's the right size for my big crease area! It deposits the makeup evenly, which is typically a problem for brushes of this type. Either it's too dense or too fluffy; Riot's is just in the goldilocks zone.

Pencil Brush - Can't have too much of this! This short pointy brush deposit concentrated amounts of shadow on the outer v as well as on the lower lid. Really useful to get pro level precision. Just beware as this can feel a bit poke-y. I expect the poke-y bristles to soften or simply shed over time.

Shader Brush - (not in photo, I think I was mistakenly given two Smudge Brushes) Based on the pictures, this is for depositing eyeshadow on the lid.

Smudge Brush - My current fave eyeshadow brush! I use it to pat on a pigmented layer of eye makeup, as well as smudge up my liner. It's stubby, stiff, and has a fine tapered edge which allows me to manipulate both powder and cream with a lot of precision. I actually don't mind that I accidentally got two of these! I'll use one maybe just for eyeliner/cream shadow and the other for powder eyeshadow only.

Angled Brow - This makes for a quick way to do eyebrows! It's a bit thicker and wider than average, but it paints on powder and cream brow products evenly.

Definer - This is my other fave eye brush in the set; I don't have anything like it. It's tiny and stiff. It's supposed to be for gel eyeliner (it's great for tightlining in particular) but I LOVE it for my brows. It's the perfect brush for fixing up edges and stamping on hair. I also love it for applying shimmer around the tear ducts.

Angled Liner - Another one for gel liner! I find this easier to use for getting cat eyes.

Overall, I would recommend Riot brushes to anybody who's looking for a good, fairly unique brush set for a reasomable price. The brushes apply makeup impressively well, but just be careful about washing them and always use a brush guard for each of the white-haired tools! They are good for the price but don't expect Zoeva or Sigma quality at least for the natural bristle brushes.

I hope you enjoy your set as much as I do! I'd love to know what you think. I'll post a video of me using some of these for a Korean #FOTD over the weekend. ;)

Purchase Riot Brushes on Instagram and Facebook.

As the weather cools with the –ber months, we’ve swapped our outfits for light layers, busted out our berry lip picks, and updated our skin care regimens for more potent moisturizing experience. If you’ve been inspired to take on the 10-step Korean skin care challenge yourself and have a few minutes to kill before applying your next layer, catch up on the latest beauty news with us and get some #skinspiration  from these new releases.

A video posted by Airfrov (@airfrov) on Aug 22, 2016 at 2:33am PDT

Roses are red; violets are blue; my cleanser is awesome and you’ll love it, too!

Japanese skin care is one of the best in the world, and it’s amazing how they constantly innovate to stay on top. They’ve recently taken facial cleansing to new heights with what is probably the prettiest cleanser to date! You’ve probably seen the viral video of a pump producing a perfectly-shaped rose made of foam circulating on social media a few weeks back, and if you’ve been curious about trying it, it’s now available for purchase. The Evita Beauty Whip by Kanebo was officially launched this September, though it’s currently only available in Japan for now. Initial reviews say that it has a pleasant rose scent that’s not overwhelming, and the cleanser itself is gentle and nourishing to the skin. It’s supposedly designed to suit the needs of more mature women but with such a cute concept, we’d definitely want to nab a bottle or two regardless of our ages.

Full story on Popsugar

image via beautezine.com

Lipstick colors designed with the help of a tetrachromat

A tetrachromat is someone who can see up to 100 million colors normal humans can't. So MAC tapped one to help them come up with 22 bold, exciting new colors for their new technogy called Liptensity. This is MAC's most pigmented lipstick to date, resulting in uber rich glossy colors that makes our hearts swoon. Here are Temptalia's full swatches! According to Gay Lao of MAC Philippines, Liptensity will launch in the Philippines this October. We'll keep you updated.

Full story on Refinery29

Image via Allure

Runway makeup is just a click a way

New York Fashion Week is one of the most awaited events of the year, and with the new See Now/Buy Now model, fashionistas now have the option to buy the clothes even as they watch the being modeled on the runway. Beauty fans are getting into the fun, too, thanks to a new collab between drugstore favorite Maybelline and fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff.

The Fashion Week Kit includes two new products: the Falsies Push Up Angel Mascara and the ExpertWear Mono Eyeshadow in Khaki Camo. Retailing for just $13.99 for both and available exclusively on Amazon, these two can pretty much stand as the entirety of your eye makeup on their own. Maybelline’s mascaras are also some of the best budget picks we’ve ever tried, so we’d definitely want to see how this newbie will hold up compared to Great Lash and Lash Sensational.

Full story on Allure

Image via Glossier

Glossier #Goals

Game-changer Glossier has been wowing beauty gurus and topping reviews with their simple and high quality beauty products. From their concealers to their lipsticks, brow gels to highlight sticks, the “skin first, makeup second” brand is proving that with even minimal packaging and no fluff, you can still have a highly-coveted product.

Image via beautybykelsey.com

The new The Super Serums are the first skincare products they’ve released in a while, and fans have been going crazy online for the three serums. The Super Bounce serum is packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate your skin, Super Pure kills redness, pigmentation and inflammation with zinc as its main ingredient, and Super Glow brightens up a dull complexion with loads of vitamin C. They retail for $28 each, or just $65 if you opt to get all three.

Full story on Bustle

Image via Popsugar

BeautyBlender's holiday collabs are out!

Hold the phone and ready your wallets, ladies: If your quest for perfect skin is far from over, you can at least make like you do. BeautyBlender’s much awaited collab with Benefit Cosmetics and Too Faced are finally on sale! The Benefit kit (S40) includes the famous hot pink beauty sponge, a limited edition Blotterazzi compact, and a travel-sized Porefessional. If you’re looking into getting your glow on though, strobe your way to perfection with the Too Faced kit containing the beauty sponge, another limited edition Blotterazzi compact, and the Candlelight Glow Highlighting Powder Duo. Both are now  available on Sephora.com!

Full story on Popsugar

Photo from KitandHooks.com

The best brush holder - bar none!

When it comes to storing and displaying our makeup, sometimes it’s nice to have something that can hold all the brushes we own within easy reach. Sure, you can toss everything into a mug or an upcycled vase but having their bristles all stuck together can transfer product from brush to brush (you don’t want your used eyeshadow brush getting anywhere near your foundation brush, trust me). Well, the geniuses over at Kit and Hooks devised a new design to safely store and display your favorite tools with the Brush Bar!

Retailing at $25 at the brand’s website, the stand keeps brushes in an upright position with specially designed slots. That way, you can easily view your collection, grab what you need, and ensure that you don’t destroy your brushes by storing them the wrong end down (it deforms the bristles). It can hold up to 40 brushes with the unique matrix design, so you can easily fit brush handles of different sizes in.

Header image via from freemannbeauty.com

Make Up For Ever is one of the best cosmetics brands today, in my humble opinion. I love how the brand utilizes the latest technology in their makeup while balancing all that technical stuff with a trendy, luxurious flair. Their formulas and color selections never fail to wow; their Aqua line is something I swear by whenever I NEED my makeup to stay all day with barely any retouch.

One other thing that MUFE does particularly well is upgrading their formulas. Last year, the brand improved its Ultra HD Foundation. I have tried a sample of the original formula and I liked it, but I love how the new one is lighter and adheres to the skin better, resulting in a more skin-like finish even while offering great coverage. You can check out my review here to see if you'd love it too.

Now this year MUFE upgraded another one of its cult bases. The Face & Body Foundation is now called the Water Blend Face & Body Foundation (P2,700 for 50ml), and it promises to be lighter and more skin-like than ever! I don't have the original to compare, but here's my experience with the Water Blend so far.

What I love about the product:

• It has is made of 80% water which gives it a runny, weightless consistency that dries quickly. If you hate the heavy feel of the typical liquid foundation, you'll definitely love how this feels like nothing on skin once it sets. There are a few caveats to this though with regards to application but I will touch more on that later.
• The coverage is sheer and almost undetectable, but it makes my face look instantly even and bright. It has a satin finish that sort of gives the face a light filter that softens the look of pores, lines, and minor blemishes. It's amazing! You have to watch the video below (start at 1:30) to see what I mean.
• I found a good match with YR325 although it initially looks a bit light and beige on me. But once it's dry and set, it matches. The coverage is sheer anyway.
• Once it sets, it adheres well on skin. It doesn't control oil but it fades minimally and not so obviously during the day. I'd say it lasts 7-8 hours on my combi skin when set and retouched properly with powder.
• It transfers minimally. The pigment is very fine and does not move around surface to surface in a goopy web. Of course, if you rub it, it will come off. But pressing should show only minimal transfer.
• Love the frosted glass body and new cap! The bottle has a weighty, luxurious feel to it and I enjoy seeing it on my dressing table. But yup, it's def not travel friendly.

Here's a comparison swatch: the YR325 and YR345 in the two formulas are vastly different. The Water Blend, even though it's in the yellow red (YR) shade range, looks beige-ish. Make sure to swatch the foundation on your whole face to get an accurate shade match - you can't reference your Ultra HD shade here.  

Here's the Water Blend with concealer + translucent powder on top!

The caveat:

Application is a bit tricky primarily because the formula dries so fast. The pigment also needs to be "activated"; it's suspended in a water base, and if you don't apply it the right way it will look streaky. Always shake the bottle! Now using just your fingers won't do since the liquid will be dry in parts before you get to it. A beauty sponge will just absorb the runny liquid and that's a waste of product. A stippling brush is great to work with since it distributes and buffs the formula quickly (demonstrated it in the video below), but the best applicator so far is a dense synthetic flat top brush.

Remember to work in sections instead of trying to cover everything at the same time. Also try not to pump too much product out lest it dries before you get to it.

I have to mention that this foundation has a mild floral (I think) scent. It doesn't bother me at all but if you're sensitive, this will be interesting to note.

The verdict

I love the Make Up For Ever Water Blend Face & Body Foundation. This is one of my go-tos whenever I want my skin to look exactly like skin. It's great for a #wokeuplikethis mug since it's fairly undetectable! It's fantastic on my combination skin, although I think it will also be suitable for both dry skin (it has hydrating ingredients like glycerin, mango butter, tocopherol) and oily skin (it doesn't slip and slide around).

I confess that I don't use it as often as I want to simply because I am currently testing so many cushion foundations! But I just realized what to put in my empty cushion compact - it's this one. I think it would be perfect and much more convenient to use in that type of packaging.

Discussion time!

• What's your experience so far with watery foundations? Love it or hate it?
• What's your minimum requirement when it comes to coverage?
• What defines a good foundation in your book?

Make Up For Ever boutiques can be found in Mega Fashion Hall, Greenbelt 3, Trinoma, and Mall of Asia.