Articles - Project Vanity

Whether it’s from having an active lifestyle, surgery, or simply being clumsy, chances are you have a scar somewhere on your body. It’s romantic to think of them as a gateway for telling an interesting story but we’d much rather not have to remember the time when a giant pimple threatened to ruin a special event! If you have scars that you’d rather live without, read on to find out what your options are for managing their appearance.

Different types of scars

The skin can work wonders when healing itself but some injuries are so damaging to tissue that it can sometimes result in pigmentation and/or a different skin texture. It’s important to find out what type of scar you have before attempting to restore your skin to its former glory as some scar treatments are only intended for specific types of scarring.

Flat scars result from minor breaks in the skin, typically from common injuries or burns. The telltale sign is the discoloration - it might start off as pink, reddish, tan, brown or black. In time, it will naturally fade away to something closer to your skin tone. If your flat scar was caused by acne, it’s technically not a scar but post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Severe burn injuries may cause contracture scars, which makes it look like the skin of the affected area has “shrunk”. The unnatural tightening can sometimes impair proper movement.

If you picked at your chicken pox, or had deep cystic pimples, you likely have indented or atrophic scars. These little hollows form if the wound destroys your skin’s underlying support structure. Sadly, topical treatments cannot restore atrophic scars to their original appearance. Collagen fillers might work but only temporarily.

Sometimes, the skin can be a little overzealous and produce way too much collagen to repair a wound, causing raised scars. Hypertrophic scars are typically red but stay confined within the wound’s boundaries. Keloids are also raised scars that form even beyond the area of a wound, so you end up with a mark larger than the wound that caused it. Unfortunately, some people are more predisposed to form raised scars whether from shallow or deep wounds because of genetics.

Stretch marks are also technically a form of scarring but these form from the inside, when the skin is stretched beyond its capacity. They can be caused by weight changes (gain or loss), pregnancy, or even puberty when you hit your growth spurt!

Over-the-counter (OTC) scar solutions

It’s always best to consult a doctor, preferably a dermatologist, for proper treatment of scars. There are many options available, including clinical treatments like laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and even surgical procedures. For less severe scarring that can be treated by topical gels and creams though, these (prescription-free) drugstore finds can significantly reduce their appearance if not fading them off completely.

Contractubex Topical Gel (P600 for 10g and P990 for 20g)

This lightweight gel contains three active ingredients that help skin repair properly: extractumcepae - nion extract, an anti-inflammatory that helps prevent excessive scar tissue formation; heparin, which promotes cell and tissue regeneration; and allantoin, which soothes the skin.

There have been several clinical trials that prove this product’s effectivity but please note that there is no proof that these active ingredients would perform similarly when used individually. Personally, this gel has flattened and lightened my keloid scars relatively quickly. It also lightened my post-acne marks, and wears well under makeup! Best to rub the gel onto affected area twice daily after cleansing until it is completely absorbed. You can also apply this on older scars and then cover with gauze.

Dermatix Ultra Topical Gel (P731.25 for 7g and P990 for 15g)

Scar tissue can benefit from silicone-based formulas with skin-healing antioxidants and ingredients. It helps to plump up depressed areas and thus create a smoother skin texture. It has less active ingredients than Contractubex, but it looks and feels exactly like a smooth silicone-based primer! As such, you can wear this under makeup and you can get a smoother application on the area. Dermatix is also available in sheet form, which works best on raised scars, but I couldn’t find it at the drugstore in my area.

Image via shiberty.com

Glyderm Stretch Mark Cream (P462 for 60mL and P808 for 125mL)

Nothing can completely eradicate stretch marks, since these form underneath the skin. Still, I can attest to the transformative power of Glyderm on my post-pregnancy belly marks! I applied this twice daily and it has significantly lightened and reduced my stretch marks, making them less obvious. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should check with their doctors before using this.

Bio-Oil (P495 for 60mL and P795 for 125mL)

Many people swear by this dry oil, though it seems that just as many say it doesn’t work. It claims to work wonders for scars, uneven skin tone, and stretch marks with its PurCellin oil. Its main agent is mineral oil, which is mixed with other skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamin A and several plant oils.

Apollo Sebo de Macho (12g for P40)

This is a staple in many Pinoy households but did you ever wonder what it’s made from? Its one and only ingredient is mutton’s tallow, aka sheep fat! Before you freak out and dismiss it as a gross option, know that mutton’s tallow has been used for centuries as an all-around remedy for skin troubles. Apparently, it’s very similar to the skin-restoring sebum that our skin naturally produces to protect itself plus fatty acids that nourish the skin.

How to minimize scarring

Prevention is always better than treatment, so if you get an injury or have a nasty pimple, here are some suggestions:

Treat wounds properly. Appropriate first aid is crucial to any break in the skin so don’t delay cleansing and applying antiseptic treatment. Never apply creams or other treatments to open wounds.
Use a gentle cleanser. Harsher formulas might irritate the skin and worsen its chance of healing well. Don’t scrub the area, as well.
Keep the wounded area away from sunlight to prevent further pigmentation.
Don’t fiddle with it! It’s so tempting to pick at a scab, especially the itchy ones, but doing so could cause permanent scarring.Manage your expectations once scars form. All we can do is try to improve its appearance and hope for the best. It’s awesome if your scars completely disappear with proper treatment, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t.
Track your progress. It’s easy to be disappointed with scar treatments since all of them need time and a lot of patience to work. Whenever possible, take progress photos of the scar when trying out treatments.

What kinds of scars are you dealing with right now? Have you tried any of the products in our list? We want to know what worked for you!

Sources: WebMD, Cosmetics Cop, The Weston A. Price Foundation, Paula’s Choice

Bright and bold makeup gives me life. Nudes are pretty and always appropriate, but when I’m getting bored with my looks, I like to have fun with crazy pops of color on my face! That’s really the best thing about makeup. You can use it to create an entirely different person whenever you feel like and when you’re done, you can simply do a new one.

So, when Sephora PH challenged me to do a bold FOTD I said yes immediately. I chose the theme “red” because it’s the most flattering color on pretty much anybody. Red brightens any skin tone and catches the eye like no other color can. That makes it intimidating to wear, so I’m going to show you two easy ways you can work with it!

The Look: Classic Daytime Red

A matte red lip gives you that retro flair. When matches with gold lids and thick lashes, you can wear it everyday as it’s just the right balance of pop and elegance. Here’s how I did the look!

Step 1: I massaged the Herbivore Lapis Oil Balancing Facial Oil (P1,316) to hydrate my skin and give it a natural glow. This one smells so good!

Step 2: The Burberry Cashmere Foundation in 32 Honey (P2,848) provided medium coverage to even out my skin tone. I like using my hands when applying liquid foundation as it ensures max coverage and a skin-like finish.

Step 3: To conceal dark spots, I patted on a small amount of the Becca Ultimate Coverage Concealing Creme in Honeycomb ( P1,608) again with my fingers.

Step 4: I set the look with the Cover FX Matte Setting Powder in Medium (P1,742) to make sure that the liquid base doesn’t move throughout the day.

Step 5: Using the Sephora Long Lasting Brow Pencil (P503), I filled in my brows - using just enough to cover sparse areas - and brushed them up.

Step 6: I layered the “Pure Ganache” (a white gold) shade from the Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette (P1,106) on my lids, then swiped “Substitute For Love” (a light bronze) on the crease to blend it out. “Freshly Toasted”, a matte terracotta, went into my outer-v for that slight smoky, reddish tint

Step 7: I then used the Eyeko Fat Brush Mascara (P1,040) to create volume and length on my lashes. The trick to maximizing your mascara is to deposit most of it on the root of your lashes, then brush up with whatever remains on the wand.

Step 8: I contoured and highlighted my cheeks with the Cover FX Contour Kit (P2,613). Cream contour gives a more natural effect compared to powder, and looks more believable in daylight.

Step 9: The Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Always Red (P804) was the perfect lip color to cap off this look. It is completely matte and quite long-wearing!

The Look: Bold, Fierce Red

This one is inspired by K-pop! It’s an overload of red that I think would be perfect for a party or concert. It uses the gradient technique to emphasize the eyes and lips!

Step 1: I patted on “Warm Notes” (a reddish pink) from the Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette (P1,106) on my lids first, then layered “Infusion” (a sparkly deep plum) over it to create a gradient effect on the upper lid. I combined both Warm Notes and Infusion on my lower lids for a smoky look.

Step 2: I then drew on a sharp cat eye with the Guerlain L'Art Du Trait Precision Felt Eyeliner (P2,360). The trick to a precise and even cat eye is creating the layout first before filling it in!

Step 3: Sometimes, too much is just perfect! I used the Sephora Nano Lip Liner in Classic Red (P335) to line on top of the black liner. It gives a pretty Korean vibe!

Step 4: I added more volume to my lashes with the Eyeko Fat Brush Mascara (P1,040). You may also choose to attach some falsies for a more pumped-up eye look.

Step 5: This is optional, but I recommend adding a reddish pink flush on the cheeks with the Zoeva Luxe Color Blush in Rush Rush (P486). I just love the effect!

Step 6: The red gradient lip involves the Herbivore Coco Rose Lip Tint in Coral (P1,220) as a base. It also moisturizes the lips nicely and smells like roses.

Step 7: I then lined my lips with the Sephora Nano Lip Liner in Classic Red (P335) starting from the inner part. I then blended it by pressing my lips together. It’s easy, I promise. ;) That completes this K-pop look!

I hope you had fun watching and reading these tutorials! Would love to know what you think, as always. If you’re curious about the products used, you may get them all at Sephora PH. ^_^ Do check out their other bold looks with different pops of color here!

This story is brought to you by Sephora PH. There are custom links in this post, but we make no money when you click or purchase through them. It just lets Sephora know you got to their website via Project Vanity!

How far would you go in the name of beauty? This is probably a question you’ve had to confront a few times, from having your eyebrows threaded and getting a Brazilian to forking over several thousand-peso bills to buy a product that promises to bring you closer to perfection. Those activities are all pretty normal though and we no longer bat an eyelash when we hear of a makeup haul that goes up to five figures, but sometimes we do things that are just a bit of the beaten path.

The Internet is full of crazy ideas that can supposedly help you look better, and it can be tempting to give them a try even though the chances of them actually working are 50-50. So we asked six women about the weirdest beauty product, service or tip they’ve tried so far and whether it actually worked for them. Ready to get a little weirded out?

Rica Garcia, 23, freelance makeup artist and Youtuber

Not one to shy away from testing out products and home remedies, Rica is no stranger to beauty kitchen experiments. One of the strangest things she’s done for beauty is using baking soda and milk to whiten her knees and elbows. Rica shares that she was so desperate to see the effects that she did the remedy for two straight weeks! Unsurprisingly, it didn’t work and we now know that baking soda is bad for your skin.

Katrina Aguas, 33, manager

When it comes to her beauty regimen, Katrina keeps it simple but is pretty fearless about trying anything and everything. From Ventosa treatments to acupuncture, she’s been there and done that. But she says that the strangest thing she’s ever done in the name of beauty is to slap some snail serum skincare on her face! Before her trip to Korea, she had heard so many people rave about this “snail mucus” skincare, and all of its benefits and amazing results. So she decided to purchase the Snail Solution line from Nature Republic in Seoul, and shares that she’s in love with its effects on her skin!

Angela Ronquillo, 27, advocate and account manager

Being a woman isn’t as easy. There’s a lot of pressure to always look our best, and that honestly takes a lot of work. From brow threading, to body waxing and even laser hair removal, most women opt to be as smooth and hair-free as possible. Taking her cue from her favorite YouTube beauty gurus (Chloe Morello, Huda Beauty, and Teni Panosian) Angela decided, after much contemplation and consideration, to shave her whole face! Skipping her brow area (thank goodness), she took a razor and lightly shaved her entire face - revealing smoother and softer skin with no peach fuzz! She now swears by this trick and shaves her face regularly, saying that her makeup application is so much better and result in a more flawless finish. BRB, we’re off to buy a razor!

Lexy Angeles, 24, radio DJ

Face masks are all the rage nowadays. From cute animal-design masks to ultra-hydrating sheets of pure heaven, we’ve all done a mask at some point in our lives. But remember those classic “home remedies” we were fooled into believing would actually work? Lexy decided to try the classic egg white face mask, which is supposedly popular for its pore-tightening properties. Although she’s still unsure if it actually works, she has also tried applying toothpaste as a spot treatment and in Lexy’s own words: “It does not work. Don't do it."

Amanda Alegre, 25, content creator

Beach babe Amanda loves heading out to the surf and working on her tan. One time though, she decided to try this suggestion of washing hair with a soda or beer to make hair lighter. Amanda reveals, “It worked to a certain extent!” Just be ready to feel sticky and smell a little funny after!

Sarah Carlos, 22, artist

Even some of our favorite celebrities have done some pretty strange things for beauty. Take budding actress and future accountant Sarah Carlos. When she was younger, she was super frustrated about how slow her hair was growing so she went online and found a DIY home treatment that suited her student budget. She mixed up a hair mask made from egg yolks mixed with olive oil and promptly got into a mess because of the tricky application. It didn’t work though so best save these kitchen ingredients to make a fancy meal.

We’re no stranger to weird beauty practices either but there are trends and products that are just way out of our leagues! Have you ever tried an unusual beauty product, service or tip before? What was your experience? Would you do it again?

This is probably the most massive press kit I've ever received in my beauty writing career, and it's only fitting that it's from such an in-demand name! Too Faced Cosmetics as you guys may have heard has just been recently acquired by Estee Lauder for $1.45 billion last November. It seems like this iconic brand is on its way up in the world; it can only get better from here. It may not have physical stores yet in the Philippines but you can find their best sellers over at Sephora.ph.

Just the other day, Sephora sent me the full Too Faced Sweet Peach Collection which recently dropped on their site. Now I was so excited to try out everything that I shot and swatched the products immediately! If you've been curious about the collection or dithering on a purchase, then I hope you find these photos useful. I'll be posting a look + capsule reviews of the products next week. Let's begin the swatch party!

Click on the gallery images to see a bigger size.

The Too Faced Papa Don't Peach Blush (P1,808) is the one that started it all. Released years ago and considered to be one of TF's most iconic products, it's a universal peach that offers a rosy, almost bronzy hue to the cheeks! Looking forward to see if this wears as well as people say. I almost never retouch blush during the day so this would be a staple in my kit if it would stay for 8.5 hours (as Temptalia claimed).

The Too Faced Sweet Peach Eye Shadow Collection (P2,953) has eighteen highly-pigmented shades with different finishes. I like that everything veers on the warm side, and there are interesting colors to play with. There are neutrals, peaches (of course), and smoky shades to delight the eyes.

The swatches below were done with fingers on bare, primer-free skin. Most of the colors were solid in two swipes; the bronzey shades as well as Tempting took just one swipe. They're so creamy! Are these shades gorgeous or what? Just Peachy, Candied Peach, and Caramelized stood out the most to me.

The Too Faced Sweet Peach Glow Kit (P2,531) is a palette that contains a champagne highlighter, a golden peach blush, and a peach-toned light bronzer. The pigmentation level and smoothness of the formula are just right; it should layer beautifully on top of your base makeup. This palette will lend itself well to the draping and sun stripping cheek looks that are quite pretty, when done correctly.

Matte lipsticks are amazing, but glosses are a welcome change! I am digging the Too Faced Sweet Peach Creamy Oil Lip Gloss (P1,145) which has a balmy, non-drying, non-sticky feel and surprisingly even coverage. It's not 100% opaque, but the color is even throughout my lips.

There are eight shades available, ranging from nudes, pinks, and peaches. The swatches look just okay, but on the lips, they show up quite well!

Wearing Tickle Me Peach below on bare lips. I was expecting a streaky mess based on the swatches, but it looks even.

All of these products have a sweet peach scent which has divided the makeup population. Some people love it, some people hate it. Me? I've got a cold right now! But from what I can sniff of it, I like. I would still prefer my cosmetics to be unscented but this is a novelty I can get behind as long the formula performs well.

We'll see how these Too Faced products wear soon! Stay tuned, and let me know if you're looking to try anything!

Too Faced is officially available at Sephora.ph

I’ve struggled with oily skin all my life. I thought that it was just part of puberty and would lessen later on but here I am in my late twenties, just as oily as ever. Aside from having to deal with a constantly greasy face, the bigger problem is that my oily skin makes me very acne-prone. Every little thing clogs my pores! I’ve tried so many different products in the hopes of controlling my oily skin and in the process, I learned that there is no magic product that will solve my skin woes. Rather, it is a combination of habits and products working together that help me keep the shine in check and the pimples away. I swear by these tips, and they should work for my fellow oily-skinned gals as well!

Never, ever sleep with makeup on

We’ve repeatedly stressed the importance of facial cleansing before hitting the sack but it’s an especially important non-negotiable for oily skin. While other skin types may not get any reactions from one night of neglect, my uber oily skin ensures that I wake up to pimples and bumpy skin! I’m so done with making this mistake so I always keep a bottle of Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion handy for removing all traces of my makeup and toning my face all in just step! I like how it doesn't leave a sticky residue on my skin so it sucks that I’ll need to replace this soon as Bifesta has pulled out of the market. On nights when I don't feel like using micellar water, I reach for my Nivea Exfoliating Wipes (P140 at leading department stores). One side is smooth just like a regular makeup remover wipe, while the other side is textured so I can exfoliate my face without washing.

A sonic cleansing brush can do wonders

A sonic cleansing brush can cleanse our face more thoroughly than our fingers, plus it helps remove dead skin cells. I invested in a Clarisonic (P8,890 at BeautyMNL) three years ago, and I am happy to say that it still works fine until now. Although it costs a pretty penny, I do not regret my purchase at all. My skin definitely feels smoother with regular use, and I feel confident that I don’t have an ounce of makeup left on my face. For those who are not ready to bite the bullet though, there are more budget-friendly alternatives worth trying out.

Exfoliate twice a week

Did you know that oily skin can tolerate more exfoliation than other skin types? And let’s face it, when even the smallest amount of oil and dirt can turn into a blemish, we could surely use it! I love my Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser because it uses a combination of chemical (glycolic, lactic and salicylic acid) and physical (jojoba beads) exfoliants to polish my skin.

Moisturizers are your friends

It is a common misconception that oily-skinned people don’t need to use moisturizer, and it’s one that myth that should be immediately busted! When our skin lacks moisture, our oil glands go into overdrive in an attempt to compensate. If you’re afraid to add a greasy texture to an already greasy face, it may be that you simply haven’t found the right type of moisturizer for your skin. Gel moisturizers are usually best because they aren’t sticky or heavy. I’m currently loving The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet (P999 at The Body Shop) because my skin absorbs it so quickly that it feels like I have nothing on!

Not all sunscreens are sticky

When I first started wearing sunscreen around eight years ago, there weren’t a lot of options that didn’t make me feel like a white ball of grease. Luckily there are now so many lightweight options that don’t give that ugly white cast! The Face Shop Natural Sun Eco Ice Air Puff Sun SPF50 (P995 at The Face Shop) is the lightest facial sunblock I’ve tried to date. It is like a sunblock spray with a sponge tip at the end, so it goes on very sheer and dries quickly. It has a nice cooling effect on the skin, too!

Don’t be afraid of oils

Contrary to popular belief, not all oils are comedogenic. When I first read about the oil cleansing method, I was skeptical. After all, why would I want to put more oil on my face? I still tried it though, with the cult favorite Shu Uemura Cleansing Oils, and I’m a convert! I loved them so much that I seriously tried out every variant that the company has ever produced. They’re expensive but worth every penny and last quite a while. The Porefinist variant, in particular, has noticeably made my skin less oily so this is something that I keep coming back to.

Add a clay mask to your routine

Sheet masks are in the limelight right now but I still use clay masks as ,well, for a different purpose. Compared to sheet masks that are mostly designed to infuse the skin with moisture, clay masks work to draw out impurities and help reduce oiliness. They are cheaper than sheet masks in the long run, too, because one tube can last for 30 or more uses. I currently have four in rotation that I either alternate or do a mask combo: Laneige Pore Minimizing Pack (P1,150 at Laneige), B&Soap Mamie Blue Pack (P550 at AltheaPH), Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask, and Origins Out of Trouble 10-Minute Mask (both P1700 at Origins).

Primers need not clog pores

While admittedly, silicone-based primers can help a lot in controlling oily skin and making makeup last longer, I don’t use it on a daily basis for fear of clogging my pores. Thankfully, there are primers that are not as silicone-heavy, and have added ingredients that are beneficial to oily skin. My favorites are Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner (P1,748 at SM Beauty) with salicylic acid, and The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimizer (P895 at The Body Shop) with tea tree oil. These mattify my face without breaking me out.

Setting sprays are a great add-on

Even the most long-wearing foundations slide off my greasy face so I’ve found that using an oil-controlling makeup spray really makes a huge difference in the longevity of my makeup. My favorite is Skindinavia The Makeup Finishing Spray Oil Control (starts at P550 for 20ml, for pre-order at Digital Traincase). I spray on three layers as directed, and it keeps my face matte for up to an additional two hours on top of all the other mattifying products I apply. It may not seem like a lot but those couple of hours are a lifetime for me!

Oil control powders are your best friend

For us oily-skinned gals, oil control powders and blotting sheets are our constant companions. Oil control powders are key products because I use them to both set my makeup and retouch throughout the day. If you’re worried about your makeup caking from too many layers of powder, make sure to use a powder with very sheer or translucent coverage. I find that silica-based products are the most effective in keeping my face matte. My favorites are Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder (P260 from AltheaPH) and Ellana Sheer Velvet Primer Powder (P399 for a refill at ellana.com.ph).

Do you struggle with oily skin as well? What are your beauty mantras for keeping your skin healthy, shine-free and pimple-free?

How is the first month of 2017 almost over? It’s crazy how time is just passing us by, especially with a new launch or teaser coming out every single day. From the official release of Urban Decay’s new liquid lippies to MAC’s brilliant Internet-Meets-Makeup idea, there’s no lack of excitement in the beauty world. Here’s what you should watch out for!

Images via Instagram

MAC-ing the world a better place

Forget the celebrities and Disney cartoons for just a bit - MAC has announced that they are bringing in their most relatable collection yet: a collaboration BY the people, FOR the people. Teaming up with 10 global beauty influencers, the collection will feature lipsticks by American beauty blogger Gabriel Zamora, American vlogger LarLar Lee, British YouTuber and author Fleur De Force, Glamour UK Beauty Director Alessandra Steinhgrr, Canadian makeup artist Samantha Ravndahl, Brazilian blogger Vic Ceridono, blogger Fouz Al Fahad from the Middle East, French vlogger Enjoy Phoenix, German blogger Caroline Daur, and Australian blogger and makeup artist Nikkia Joy. The lipsticks are set to launch some time in April but if you can’t wait to see the shades, MAC has been sharing BTS clips over on their Snapchat and Instagram @maccosmetics!

Full story on Allure

Images via Temptalia

It’s going to be LEGEN… wait for it… DARY!

mashing into the new year (see what we did there?) Smashbox Cosmetics is gifting us with the most amazing lipstick palettes we could dream of: the Be Legendary Lipstick Palettes! Infused with Vitamins C and E and shea butter, these pigmented beauties promise to keep your lips hydrated at all times while still giving you a bold, satin finish color. Choose between the Cream Audition Palette (which has loads of pinks, reds, nudes and a few fun shades like blue and purple), or the Matte Bing Palette (which offers a wide range of tones in matte finish). Both palettes even comes with a Pro lip brush! Priced at $75, these are now available on the Ulta website.

Full story on Temptalia

Images via Target and Essie

Essie something I said?

We’ve got two new things from one of our favorite nail brands! Following the successful launch of their Gel Couture Collection last year, Essie is bringing out six new shades to add to the at-home gel manicure collection. Inspired by the elegance of ballet, the collection will feature six new pastel shades that promise long-lasting staying power and amazing color pay-off for just $12 a bottle.

Accompanying the launch of the new shades, Essie is also bringing out the Treat & Love Color collection ($10) that promises to improve your overall nail health in just one week! Infused with collagen, camellia leaf extracts and brightening pigments, the three shades work to strengthen your nails while still providing you a cute splash of color. With shades like Laven-Dearly (lavender shade), Sheers to You (baby pink shade), and Treat Me Bright (pearlescent white), it’s easy to forget that these are actually good for your nails. Added bonus: they don’t need a base or top coat!

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Glory News

Naughty or Vice?

Remember when we first gushed about the “possibly some time soon” release of Urban Decay’s liquid lipsticks? THEY’RE FINALLY HERE!!! The Vice Liquid Lipstick Collection consists of a whopping 30 shades of matte and metallic goodness, with each one priced at $18 a pop. They officially launch on the Urban Decay website on January 19. We’re eyeing the metallic gunmetal of Time, the 90s-inspired brown of 1993, and the juicy watermelon in Tryst!

Full story on Bustle

Image via People

Livin’ La Vida LAW-ca

Obviously, great genes run in this family! Iris Law, the 16-year-old daughter of actor Jude Law, was just launched as the newest face of Burberry Beauty. Talk about following in the footsteps of godmother, Kate Moss! She will be part of the campaign for the new Burberry Beauty Liquid Lip Velvet lipsticks. Going with a very minimalist makeup look in the shots, the campaign will highlight the amazing 14 shades of Burberry’s first take on the liquid lipstick front, which promise 8-hour wear and high pigmentation in a creamy matte finish. You can shop the luxury lippies over at Sephora for $34 a tube.

Full story on The Telegraph

Image via Bustle

500,000 reasons to smile

Just in case you need a valid reason to go online and buy another one of her signature lip kits, People Magazine has just revealed that makeup mogul Kylie Jenner has raised over $500,000 for Smile Train, a charity that gives free cleft palate surgery for millions of children around the world. Her baby pink lip kit aptly called “Smile” raised $159,500 on its first launch, and earned over $300,000 after its January relaunch. That’s a grand total almost half a million dollars! Jenner has said that absolutely 100% of the earnings will go straight to the charity and 1,800 surgeries for children. Alright, who else is stocking up on this beautiful pink shade?

Full story on People

I don't always get to try some products immediately, and when I do, it may be that I feel it's too late to write about them. There are just so, so many things to fit into a single face so I have to budget the time it takes for me to be able to come up with a review! But hey, it's never too late. Here are three things that I've been using A LOT lately but haven't gotten to talk about yet!

Lunasol Sheer Light Loose Foundation 02. This was released as part of the brand's autumn collection here in the Philippines sometime last September. I didn't use it right away because I thought it was just a normal sheer powder; it's not. Oh, it's so much more than that. It's a light-reflecting, mid-coverage foundation that just melts into my face and makes my skin look wow-worthy.

I mean, just look at this picture:

I used the Laneige Pore Control Cushion as base here, concealed some spots, and then set it with a light layer of the Lunasol powder. I like using the Lunasol by itself as well since it offers good coverage and shade match, but it really looks more amazing with a good base to adhere to! It stays longer that way.

I'll definitely restock this powder! It makes my skin look like skin while covering up little hijinks here and there. Lunasol is still available in the PH for awhile so no need to go abroad to pick some up.

Glam21 One Shot Skinny Eyebrow Pencil. I received this early last 2015 but never got around to using it until the end of the year. IT'S SO GOOD! The wispy, natural eyebrows I'm wearing above is courtesy of this pencil alone. Didn't use any other product! It draws natural strands that never look solid; the result as you can see are structured, creamy-looking brows that look effortless.

And it is effortless. I don't have to layer so much to achieve the look I want and the product sticks to my skin flat. It stays on all day too! Unfortunately, the only distributor of this brand, Aboutface.ph, seems to now be defunct. Do you guys know where I can buy more of these pencils locally?

Tony Moly Perfect Eyes Long Kinny Gel Pen Eyeliner, Glam21 One Shot Skinny Eyebrow Pencil, and Lunasol Sheer Light Loose Foundation 02

Tony Moly Perfect Eyes Long Kinny Gel Pen Eyeliner. Tony Moly is most famous for their skincare, but did you know that they make really, REALLY good eyeliners? Some are truly waterproof, while others, like this one, are highly water-resistant when dry. I love this pen eyeliner because it glides on easily and can get really dark when layered a couple of times. It never smudges on me too, if I'm wearing it on top of eyeshadow!

Caveats: this stains my lids if not removed properly (i.e. double cleansing). Also, it performs best when worn over some eyeshadow, otherwise it will stamp itself onto my upper lids. This liner is by no means perfect but it does work well enough for me! And, y'know, it's P498. The other liquid liners in my arsenal are around P800 - P1,000+. #eyelinerapologist

And that is that. ^_^ How's your weekend like, ladies?

Photography by Sam Gonzales

We’re only a few days away from the year’s first big event, and we’ve got the scoop on all things Miss Universe! With the pageant scheduled for January 30 at the Mall of Asia Arena, tons of preparations are being made for the official tours, live telecasts, security protocols, and traffic schemes. As beauty girls, what we’ve most been excited about is finding out that the official makeup partner is MAC Cosmetics!

Photo courtesy of MAC Cosmetics Philippines

Sparing no expense, the official team of makeup artists for the contestants will include big names like Al De Leon, Anacleta Paredes, Angel Manhilot, Apple Fara-on, Byron Velasquez, Don De Jesus, Emer Buenaventura, Emman Concepcion, Gela Laurel, Gery Penaso, Jaycee Matias, Kusie Ho, Leah Casio, Mikee Raymundo, Omar Ermita, Pong Niu, Raf Bardon, RB Chanco, Ria Aquino, and Ryan Wong. They will be in charge of keeping the girls gorgeous all throughout their stay, and of course, on pageant night as well.

For the judges, hosts, VIPs, and current Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, a separate special MAC team will be handling their looks as well. And that’s not all - MAC has also put together another team for the Special Events, which include makeup artists Renen Bautista, Pia Reyes, Bea Colet, Alex Lisbona, Jorence Delimos, Cielo Desamperado, Erin Cabrera, Mhike Gonzales, and Jaja Pangilinan.

Photo courtesy of MAC Cosmetics Philippines

Not only will the contestants be handled by some of the most talented artists in the country, but each is going to receive a special treat: a Miss Universe MAC Cosmetics Kit which includes a primer, skincare, foundation, powder, contour, highlight, eyebrows, eyeliner, eyeshadow, lashes, blush, and lipstick - everything she will need to slay her makeup game at all times.

MAC has also lined up something very special in honor of the 2016 Miss Universe Pageant. A #MACLipsLipsLips pop-up store will be at the Main Atrium of the SM Mall of Asia from January 18 to February 2, 2017. The famous Viva Glam lipsticks will be sold there, and each lippie purchase will go towards the MAC Viva Glam Campaign, a cause that helps in the research and battle against HIV/AIDS.

Now, a Miss Universe candidate can probably claim #wokeuplikethis and truly work it, but looking their absolute stunning best for pageant night requires both skill and the right products. Pageant makeup is a different ballgame; we just had to know how they do it, in the hopes of picking up a valuable tip or two! Lucky for us, we got a chance to get an official MAC x Miss Universe Makeover with makeup artist Jart Mercado!

MAC artists start by prepping and priming using the Prep + Prime range for both the skin and lips. As per PR & Artist Relations Assistant Gaby Azarcon, pageant makeup is all about enhancing the natural beauty of a woman and focusing on key facial features. The winning combo is a bold eye look paired with a nude lip, so MAC strives to give each contestant a classy, daytime beauty look, or as they call it, the “Natural Beauty Queen.”

Jart recommends starting off with your concealer first, and then applying your foundation after. Placing your foundation after your concealer allows your entire base makeup to blend together and look more natural while still giving full coverage.

Once the base is blended and powdered to a T, the artists will then go to the most important part of the face (in this writer’s humble opinion, at least): the eyebrows. And here’s Miss Universe Hack #1: Jart recommends that you use three different shades of brow pencil in order to achieve queenly brows!

Gaby explains, “To achieve a more dimensional brow, using three different shades of eyebrow crayons would be the best kept secret of most beauty queens. A great combination is Fling, Lingering, and Spiked. The lightest shade, Fling, would be the color to use on the inner brow area, while the mid-brow area would be filled in with Lingering, and the tail of the brow will be the darkest shade, Spiked.”

When it comes to eye makeup, contestants who have warm undertones are matched with the Amber Times Nine Palette, while the contestants with the cool undertones are matched with the Dusky Rose Times Nine Palette. The look consists of a smoky eye complete with gel winged liner and fluttery lashes.

Miss Universe Hack #2: To ensure that your eyeshadow and eyeliner stay put, blend in some shadow primer on your bottom lash line! Smoke out the bottom lash line with some brown eyeliner and shadow, then blend a cream highlight or light concealer underneath in order to achieve that glowy smize.

Don’t forget to carve out your cheekbones with some contour powder. Jart says that Miss Universe contestants pack on their blush in order not to look washed out on camera and under those strong stage lights.

Once the smoky eye and flawless base are set, all that’s left for each contestant is their choice of lip color. According to Jart, most contestants opt for a nude lip with just a hint of gloss in the center. Some will rock a bold statement lip like a red or hot pink, but very few choose to do so on nowadays. He lined my lips with cult classic (and pageant favorite) Boldly Bare liner and filled them in with Velvet Teddy lipstick.

Finally, Miss Universe Hack #3: For fuller lips, overline just the edges of your upper and lower lip. Then add gloss at the center of your lips to give a plumper and “juicier” look.

And there you have it! This is the MAC x Miss Universe makeup look that the contestants will be wearing on pageant night, and it made me feel every inch like a beauty queen! There’s a such fresh quality to how the products come together, and it looks well-balanced both on-cam and off. The transformation just took 45 minutes but it creates an incredible impact. Thank you again to MAC Cosmetics and Jart Mercado for taking time to teach us the ropes on all things Miss Universe!

Did you ever dream of becoming a beauty queen? What do you think about copping this look? Wouldn’t it be perfect for a special daytime event?

It’s easy to get excited over hauls or finally getting your hands on the expensive product you’ve been saving up so long for. Even a mid-price purchase that fits into our beauty budget is a plenty of reason to be happy, but the truth is, we’re our most giddy when we spot a cheap beauty find! It is its own special beauty addiction but we’re only the tiniest bit embarrassed to reveal what our cheap thrills are, especially since they keep our wallets happy!

Liz: I first saw these ribbed cotton buds in Hong Kong and hauled so many to take home! They're really cheap, and they make excellent outer ear cleaners due to the texture. It's just gross afterwards, haha! I use the other end to clean makeup mistakes as it's properly stiff, compared to normal cotton buds which have a too-soft tip. Similar ones are available in Daiso too!

Den: I’ve begun to amass a little collection of random makeup tools and containers! I love popping into the beauty section but I linger the most in the accessories aisle. When I feel the itch to shop, it’s just so much cheaper to pick up inexpensive plastic tubs, spatulas and spray bottles than picking up a random makeup item that I probably already own a version of. I end up using these anyway - I decant micellar water into the small tubes for easy touch-ups, excess mask essence into misters, and cleansing balm into travel-friendly tubs so I don’t contaminate the rest of the jar. Landmark’s beauty section has the best selection!

Tellie: I don't know if I'm ashamed of it but I'll buy any beauty tool if it's cheap enough and something that I actually use. In beauty stores, I actually go to the Tool aisle first and feel judged for not fangirling over makeup. Recently I bought this 10-pack of cotton puffs for KRW 3000 (around P130) when I normally find it for KRW 1500 each! I was so happy that I ended up staying at the aisle for about 10 minutes, just studying it. My boyfriend actually left and came back for me without me noticing because I was trying to find other cheap supplies like cotton squares and sponges!

Gett: I love trying out face masks and I don't discriminate on the price! I recently tried a lemon clay mask from a brand called Ovale, and it was only P25! It smelled a bit sweet for a lemon scent but it helped control my breakouts!

Kim: I'm slightly ashamed that I even own a comedone extractor (P89 at Watsons). I know I'm not supposed to pick at pimples but... at least I'm doing it the same way aestheticians do? It's my last resort for pesky clogged pores and pimples, and have the guilty pleasure of using it every once in a while!

Stacie: I'm not even ashamed of owning cheap beauty tools, especially makeup puffs from Daiso. I can't see myself spending a thousand bucks for a Beauty Blender since these can blend and distribute makeup pretty well. I think it works okay for the price! I get 10 sponges for P88, so that's roughly just P8 pesos each!

Angela: I am not ashamed of asking for samples before trying out a product. It really helps to try it first before buying! When the product does work, I feel more motivated to save up for it.

Marielle: I always have to have nose pore strips around. I put them on once a month or whenever I actually remember to. The stuff that comes out is always fascinating and gross, and I keep thinking, "That's been there this whole time?!"

Katsy: I'm currently loving the Skin Genie Lip and Cheek Tints! At P80 per bottle, it's really tempting to hoard all colors. I pair it with Smith's Rosebud Salve for a quick "natural" lip look.

Charlie: I’m slightly ashamed but mostly terrified (for my wallet) of my love for lip balms. Especially those sold in dollar stores or beauty sections! No matter where I go, I almost always end up with a lip balm, even the ones found in fashion stores. If I like the scent and how it feels on my hand, I’ll most likely buy it. I even once had a Mrs. Fields lip balm! Even when bought blindly, I end up liking and repurchasing most of them like Avon’s Dew Kiss lip balm. I’ve finished about three sticks of this and I still stock on it! It’s pretty affordable, too, at P69 when it’s on sale (regular price is P130).

Do you indulge in cheap beauty thrills as well? We want to know what you’re into!

They say men are from Mars and women are from Venus, and the perceived difference between the two sexes has been endlessly rehashed in popular culture. While we can’t generalize behavior and pin it based on someone’s biological makeup, we wanted to know what the men we know often found most confusing about women. We hope this discussion helps forward our grasp on relationships with the other sex, and gives us some insight on what men usually notice about us.

Seph Cham, in a relationship

I don't understand when women say they are fine but they're actually not. I always argue with my mom and my two sisters because of this. Luckily, my girlfriend doesn't have this trait!

Masaru and RG

Masaru Nakaegawa, single

I once went shopping for clothes with a girl. The first thing that I liked and looked good on me, I brought to the counter and paid for. It was a fast decision with no doubts. She, however, wanted to check out all the stalls and shops! The worst part was that she still came out empty handed due to indecision while I had worn out my feet in trying to keep up. I think it may have stemmed from a strong insecurity about how she looked physically. I find that girls sometimes overthink and get anxious over what others would say on how they look.

RG Gabunada, married

I don't understand how complex and admirable women are as individuals. They are able to juggle a lot of things all at the same time while keeping their cool and their tasks organized.

Elijah and Ron

Elijah Legaspi, single

I grew up in an environment surrounded by women, and most of my friends are female so I actually had to do a lot of thinking about this. Most of the women I know don't seem to realize that they don't have to look like the prettiest and sexiest girl just to be able to catch the attention of a potential partner. Many girls are following the same trend: on fleek eyebrows, lip kits, skimpy outfits, skinny bodies. I have nothing against those trends if you believe it boosts your confidence but if you’re doing it to fit in, it can make you look generic and lose your uniqueness. You don't have to undergo all of these troubles just to catch a guy’s attention if that’s what you’re after - we're not worth it! And ladies, please, stop chasing after jerks. There are a lot of good guys out there.

Ron Alegre, single

Why do they have to keep so many kikay stuff? What is it with their monthly period? Why is it easy for some of them to get easily attached to men? Why do they take so many selfies? I don’t get the long hours they spend in malls just to pick a single dress and a pair of shoes. They spend so much time in salons and always have to ask if they look fat. There’s a lot I don’t understand about women!

Brian and Carlo

Brian Poe Llamanzares, dating

I’ll never understand why girls expect guys to be mind readers sometimes. Like when a girl says it’s fine, it’s never really fine.

Carlo Clemente, single

Some (if not most) women I know are walking, breathing riddles. When they want something, they won't say what it is. When made to choose, they'd simply say "okay," or "any," but then expect the other person to know that they don't really mean it. When this doesn't happen, they get angry. Some would immediately throw a fit, while some would suffer silently, and then bring it up - bring it ALL up - when a major confrontation erupts later. ¿Que pasa? Women would say they are over it and then blame you months or even years later.

Javie Bengzon, married

I will preface this by saying I don't feel comfortable making generalizations about people based simply on their gender. I don't think there are such things as gendered behaviors; gender may inform behavior, certainly, and it usually does, but to make a blanket statement regarding half of society and ascribing some universal behavior to that half seems reductive and incomplete. What, then, would my answer be to the question “What don't you understand about women”?

It would definitely have to be something that applies, as universally as possible, to all women, for the reasons mentioned above, and this is what I've come up with. It is completely inexplicable to me how, in the face of crippling injustice and mistreatment from society, religion, family, work, and other cultural factors, women seem to still be able to function, survive, and build lives for themselves that are nothing short of miraculous. Women continue to go to work despite getting paid 20% less than men for the same volume of work. Women are never permitted to explore or articulate their own sexuality, but when men do it, it's written off as “locker room talk”. Men can be priests, but women can't. Many other religions exhibit this same exclusion of women from their clergy, not just Catholicism. Being thrust into similar social imbalances would have many men reaching for their assault rifles.

As a woman, how does this apply to you? How do you address your differences with the men in your life? Let’s keep the discussion friendly!

Header image via RG Gabunada's Instagram account

We’re all beauty bargain junkies here in Project Vanity. While we undoubtedly swoon over beautiful luxury cosmetics, nothing quite beats the high of scoring cheap makeup that turns out to be a steal. Where better to hunt for these hidden gems than the Dollar Store? I checked out the branch in Ali Mall, Cubao and came out with nine (!!!) products in my bag for just P1,000. Check out what I got from this budget haul!

Face Products: P367

I challenged myself to buy a full face worth of makeup with just P1,000 pesos but sadly all of the remaining liquid foundations on display were far too dark for my complexion. So I settled for the She All In One Concealer in Vanilla (P89) and the L.A. Colors Mineral Pressed Powder in Sand (P149) for my face base. To blush, sculpt, and highlight my features, I scored a four-pan She Bronzer Palette (P129) with two blush shades, a highlighter, and a bronzer! It swatched beautifully on the back of my hand though the bronzer shade was more red and glittery than I would prefer.

Clockwise swatch of the She Bronzer Palette; the L.A. Colors Mineral Pressed Powder comes with a puff for application

Eye Products: P257

I picked up Beauty Treats 12-pan eyeshadow (P99), L.A. Colors Grafix Eyeliner in Purple (P59), and She Eyebrow Gel in Black (P99). I couldn’t find a black liquid liner so I’m thinking this eyebrow gel might work as a two-in-one product. Your girl has to hope cause this violet eyeliner ain’t gonna cut it. It just wanted to move every time I went in for a second layer.

My eye makeup haul; swatches of the eyebrow gel and purple liner

Swatched by column. There were more dud shades than good ones, TBQH.

I wasn’t allowed to swatch the eyeshadows as well, so it wasn’t until I got home that I was able to try the formula. I got excited about the cool-warm shade selection and the price, but not gonna lie, the formulation felt downright terrible at first try. The poor pigmentation, chalkiness, and patchiness is apparent in the swatches. For the same price, I recommend getting a Daiso quad instead.

Tools, Lashes, and Lipstick: P327

I wanted to go the extra mile by purchasing cheap beauty tools for application. That turned out to be a bad decision because this Princessa Six Piece Tool Kit set me back by P99, and I definitely got what I paid for. These are cheap, fraying, scratchy brushes! Run the other way and get one sulit elf brush instead.

These are supposed to be brand new brushes but they look more beat up than Manny Pacquiao

The L.A. Colors Lipstick (P99) and Revlon Double Wink Eyelashes (P129) didn’t look half bad though. If all else fails, I’m counting on a nude lipstick and falsies to save the day.

Nude lipsticks and lashes don’t ever fail, right?

Final bill: P951! Given my usual makeup budget, I was kinda shocked to not have gone over and still have change to spare. A thousand pesos can’t even get me an eyeshadow palette at Sephora but I was able to stretch to cover all my needs by shopping at the Dollar Store. Is it worth it though? Watch out for our face test soon!

Have you ever tried makeup from the Dollar Store? If you have amazing finds from there, do let us know about them in the comments!

The two most memorable meals in my life so far were served in Japan. The first one was at the Shiseido Parlour Restaurant in Ginza, sometime summer 2013, where I experienced a three-course dinner with foie gras and roast beef. The second would be during autumn, also 2013, when I finally understood what sushi really is - a taste of the sea on land - in Tsukiji Market. I've been a fan of Japanese food since then, and I go there so often just to eat!

This is why when Shiseido Philippines invited me to experience the flavors of Kyoto at Sofitel, I just had to go. Master artisan, Chef Hiromi Yonekawa, took food lovers to an epicurean voyage that capture the culinary specials of his mother’s hometown and Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto. Kyoto dishes are known to be healthy and comforting culinary creations that have been passed down from generation to generation. Obanzai food is famous for its long culinary tradition with the use of fresh ingredients in season bursting with natural flavors.

Last Thursday, for the first time ever, Sofitel together with Shiseido held a Chef's Table dinner where guests experienced an eight-course dinner prepared by their chef. I had the honor of trying out the best Chef Hiromi can offer. For a few hours there, it was just like I was back in Tokyo and Kyoto eating my way through!

We started with an appetizer with onsen tamago and fresh tuna with a miso sauce. This was served with Ume Syu Cider, which perfectly complemented the sweet and salty flavors of the dishes. This was then followed by a plate of sashimi with freshly grated wasabi - the fish was so, so fresh.

Grilled sous vide salmon was then served. It was sweet, juicy, and perfectly medium rare. I've always been a bit iffy about sous vide-ing my meat, but I am reconsidering it after this delicious piece of fish!

A plate of deep-fried shrimp, crab, and eggplant followed. For the main dish, Chef Hiromi served sous vide beef tenderloin which just melted in my mouth.

Right after, the Chef and his team made the guests fresh sushi. The star of the show has to be the tuna smoked with Jack Daniels wood chips. The aroma and slightly alcoholic smoked flavor of the fish was a revelation.

Rice and miso soup followed to warm our bellies as we digest the feast. Finally, a matcha cake and azuki ice cream ended this dreamy experience. The balance of bitter, sweet, and sour was the perfect cap to an amazing dinner.

It was a meal to remember, indeed. Come visit Sofitel soon as they have a special Chinese New Year selection this week, with Chinese Chef Michael Tai whipping up a menu showcasing recipes from the Canton and Sichuan province and select dishes from Taiwan. There will also be an elegant and nostalgic fashion show by international and multi-awarded fashion designer Albert Andrada sponsored by Guerlain on November 25.

For more information, please call +63 2 832 6988 or email H6308-FB12@sofitel.com

Bad news first: you can't make pores disappear with just skincare or makeup. You'll need something more drastic like laser to get them to go away permanently! The good news, however, is that so many brands know that you need something that'll work to conceal pores ASAP. One such brand to watch out for is Benefit Cosmetics, since one of their major claims to fame is the Porefessional line. The first Porefessional product - the Face Primer - is actually their best-selling product ever!

The latest addition though is something that I think you'll like as well. It's called the Porefessional Pore Minimizing Makeup (P1,700 at Benefit stores) and unlike the past Porefessional products, this provides coverage! Yup, it's basically a liquid concealer specifically meant for pores. I thought it was foundation at first - and it can be used as such - but it shines best when used with the attached sponge.

Press the button in the back to dispense! The product is meant to be squirted out on the sponge and then stamped into the area that needs coverage.

The Pore Minimizing Makeup has a runny texture and light to medium coverage. To get full coverage, it must be "stamped" on the pore-y area of your skin with the sponge attached at the bottom. It has five shades ranging from light to deep so you're sure to find something that will adjust to your natural coloring.

It's a nice foundation for evening out the skin tone and creating a smooth, ultra matte finish. But it's too expensive for that as there's only 15ml in the tube! It really works best as a pore concealer around your cheek area as it effectively mattifies and covers up the indentations.

I don't have many obvious pores so perhaps I am not the right model for this, so I wore it as a foundation all over my face to show off its smoothing finish.

Subtle, but effective

Looks great, right? I didn't wear any concealer or powder on top. It dries up completely so there's no filmy feel. You don't even need to set it with powder if you have dry to normal skin! I do find that it does not do much in controlling oil if you have combi to oily skin. It won't make matters worse but this definitely isn't a primer. You might want to apply the Porefessional Matte Rescue Gel first!

Staying power in the T-zone/cheek area would be around 6-7 hours for me. Not bad! It fades evenly at the tail end of my day. Do note I have combination skin though, so oilier gals might find that it would fade more quickly.

Overall, I highly recommend this to those who need something that's lightweight, has coverage, and a mattifying effect to effectively conceal pores. It's not ideal by itself on combi/oily skin types, so make sure to use a proper primer underneath! I do like Benefit's Matte Rescue Gel as it has a lighter texture compared to the original Porefessional.

What do you think? Does this look like a product you might try?

Different types of scars

Severe burn injuries may cause contracture scars, which makes it look like the skin of the affected area has “shrunk”. The unnatural tightening can sometimes impair proper movement.

Over-the-counter (OTC) scar solutions

Contractubex Topical Gel (P600 for 10g and P990 for 20g)

Dermatix Ultra Topical Gel (P731.25 for 7g and P990 for 15g)

Image via shiberty.com

Glyderm Stretch Mark Cream (P462 for 60mL and P808 for 125mL)

Bio-Oil (P495 for 60mL and P795 for 125mL)

Apollo Sebo de Macho (12g for P40)

How to minimize scarring

Prevention is always better than treatment, so if you get an injury or have a nasty pimple, here are some suggestions:

Treat wounds properly. Appropriate first aid is crucial to any break in the skin so don’t delay cleansing and applying antiseptic treatment. Never apply creams or other treatments to open wounds.
Use a gentle cleanser. Harsher formulas might irritate the skin and worsen its chance of healing well. Don’t scrub the area, as well.
Keep the wounded area away from sunlight to prevent further pigmentation.
Don’t fiddle with it! It’s so tempting to pick at a scab, especially the itchy ones, but doing so could cause permanent scarring.Manage your expectations once scars form. All we can do is try to improve its appearance and hope for the best. It’s awesome if your scars completely disappear with proper treatment, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t.
Track your progress. It’s easy to be disappointed with scar treatments since all of them need time and a lot of patience to work. Whenever possible, take progress photos of the scar when trying out treatments.

What kinds of scars are you dealing with right now? Have you tried any of the products in our list? We want to know what worked for you!

Sources: WebMD, Cosmetics Cop, The Weston A. Price Foundation, Paula’s Choice

The Look: Classic Daytime Red

A matte red lip gives you that retro flair. When matches with gold lids and thick lashes, you can wear it everyday as it’s just the right balance of pop and elegance. Here’s how I did the look!

Step 1: I massaged the Herbivore Lapis Oil Balancing Facial Oil (P1,316) to hydrate my skin and give it a natural glow. This one smells so good!

Step 3: To conceal dark spots, I patted on a small amount of the Becca Ultimate Coverage Concealing Creme in Honeycomb ( P1,608) again with my fingers.

Step 4: I set the look with the Cover FX Matte Setting Powder in Medium (P1,742) to make sure that the liquid base doesn’t move throughout the day.

Step 5: Using the Sephora Long Lasting Brow Pencil (P503), I filled in my brows - using just enough to cover sparse areas - and brushed them up.

Step 8: I contoured and highlighted my cheeks with the Cover FX Contour Kit (P2,613). Cream contour gives a more natural effect compared to powder, and looks more believable in daylight.

Step 9: The Sephora Cream Lip Stain in Always Red (P804) was the perfect lip color to cap off this look. It is completely matte and quite long-wearing!

The Look: Bold, Fierce Red

This one is inspired by K-pop! It’s an overload of red that I think would be perfect for a party or concert. It uses the gradient technique to emphasize the eyes and lips!

Step 3: Sometimes, too much is just perfect! I used the Sephora Nano Lip Liner in Classic Red (P335) to line on top of the black liner. It gives a pretty Korean vibe!

Step 4: I added more volume to my lashes with the Eyeko Fat Brush Mascara (P1,040). You may also choose to attach some falsies for a more pumped-up eye look.

Step 5: This is optional, but I recommend adding a reddish pink flush on the cheeks with the Zoeva Luxe Color Blush in Rush Rush (P486). I just love the effect!

Step 6: The red gradient lip involves the Herbivore Coco Rose Lip Tint in Coral (P1,220) as a base. It also moisturizes the lips nicely and smells like roses.

by Kristel Yap, contributor

Once upon a time when I was in Grade 4, there was a commotion in the school assembly area. Everyone was lining up in front of this girl who was assessing everyone’s noses, declaring whether people had blackheads, whiteheads, or baby blackheads. While many pubescent changes such as acne and body odor disgusted us, getting comedones were treated as a badge of maturity that we were all excited to claim. Now that I’m much older and way past puberty (thank heavens!), I have a more fuck off attitude towards the little clogs that peppered my nose. But what I’ve known my whole life is apparently a lie: those aren’t blackheads!

So, what are they?

The quick answer is “sebaceous filaments” but before we talk about what those are, let’s first take a look at our skin’s structure. If you’ve ever wondered why the hairs on your head, your arms, and your face look different, it’s because they are. There are three types of hair follicles, with the first and most immediately noticeable one being the terminal follicles. These are what we would call normal hair such as our head hair, eyebrows, and armpits. The second type is called vellus follicles and they consist of the finer hairs that don’t have much pigment. They cover most of the rest of the body, and look like peach fuzz or balahibong pusa.

Finally, we come to the sebaceous follicle. It’s basically a hair that’s connected to a sebaceous gland underneath and is most commonly seen on the nose. A sort of tube-like structure (the filament) builds around the hair from collected sebum and dead skin cells, and it has white or yellowish appearance. This occurs naturally and isn’t as bad as it sounds!

Image via WebMD

Knowing these characteristics, three things begin to make sense. When I squeeze these fake “blackheads” on my nose, I sometimes get a gross, impossibly long string that makes me wonder how it all fit under my skin! Secondly, I feel a sense of comfort in realizing that there is nothing abnormal with my skin nor is it just dirty. As there’s more hair on my nose than I originally realized, it’s natural that I have so many visible sebaceous filaments concentrated on a certain area.

Last but not least, I now know why the “blackheads” didn’t look black at all. I used to think they appeared greyish because I have dry skin and produce less oil! Sebaceous filaments can look white, grey, yellow or even tan due to their contents and structure.

Can I get rid of them?

When we prick a blackhead, that is normally the end of the story. As blackheads are merely ‘dirt plugs’, removing them fixes the problem. However, people who use pore strips or squeeze out the sebaceous filaments will never completely get rid of them. They’re part of our natural skin structure, so they will just keep coming back.

That said, it’s possible to minimize their appearance and make skin look clearer and smoother. Pore strips are a popular option but since they only remove that top part of filament, the buildup continues to stay deep in the skin. Just as with the rest of our body, the best way to remove shed cells and sebum is through exfoliation and oil purging. Don’t force them out on your own; you can wound yourself and even causes broken skin capillaries. Instead, go for these gentle yet effective options:

BHA exfoliants or solutions

Beta-hydroxy acid is an oil-soluble chemical exfoliant and therefore able to penetrate deep into the pore. It’s one of your best bets in attacking sebaceous filaments at the root as it causes all the blockage to get purged. Salicylic acid is technically not a BHA, but can also help in de-gunking pores. However, it works best as a spot treatment rather than something to apply all over your face. Instead, opt for a light liquid solution, such as CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid (P963 at theskincarecurator.com). Rest for about 20 minutes after application to allow the acid to work before proceeding with your skincare.

As acids are very potent (and thus effective) skin care products, we recommend consulting with a dermatologist about precautions and contraindications prior to usage. I know many Filipinas are scared about using acids in their skincare routine, and rightfully so, but starting at 2% twice a week for about a month should help you get a feel of what your skin can manage. If unexpected irritation occurs, use due diligence in deciding whether less frequent usage or complete abandonment of the routine is necessary. If you feel your pores are hyperactive and fill up much faster than a twice-a-week routine can manage, definitely consult with a dermatologist!

Clay masks

As a highly porous material, clay is very effective at stripping oil and dirt on the surface of the skin. It’s a particularly good addition to your weekly routine if you have very oily skin. Personally, I love the soothing texture of Innisfree’s Jeju Volcanic Pore Clay Mousse Mask (P520 at Althea PH).

Oil cleansers

It sounds strange but the best way to remove excess or hardened oil/sebum is to use an oil cleanser! The cleansing oil melts the buildup and, combined with a gentle facial massage, gently dislodges it from the pore. My favorite is Banila Co’s Clean It Zero (P890 at Banila Co), which also works great at removing even waterproof makeup.

I already use the clay mask and oil cleanser but it looks like the BHA is key to making everything work. I’m hoping to add that to my collection soon and doing a #30daysofporechallenge! From what I’ve read on the Fifty Shades of Snails blog, the secret to smaller looking pores is to apply the BHA for the recommended period of time, apply the clay mask, wash it off, apply and allow that oil cleanser to penetrate, then massage before washing it off with a cleanser.

Do your sebaceous filaments bother you? Have you tried using a BHA before? What products have you tried and would recommend as effective?

Sources: NCBI, Vuality

Kristel Yap is currently based in Seoul. Find more of her writing at beauty-by-tellie.com

ICYMI: skin is in! The current makeup trend has swung towards face bases that are lighter and more natural-looking. And if you’re looking for that #WokeUpLikeThis no-makeup makeup look, one of your best options it to get yourself a cushion compact. You get good coverage, SPF, and the compact makes it easy slip into your purse for touchups. You can DIY your own cushion, too, but sometimes it’s hard to beat formulas developed by established brands.

Luckily, so many brands are getting into the cushion makeup craze, with Western ones starting to compete with the OG Asian releases. We’re not complaining though - we’re definitely spoilt for choice, and it now poses the new problem of narrowing down which ones to consider for your selection. To help you decide, we shopped our stash and picked out a mix of old faves and new finds to battle it out!

Skin notes: I have dry skin that’s prone to redness, and I get a little shiny on my T-zone after a few hours. My shade is somewhere between NC15 and NC20.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Cushion BB in 2W0 Warm Vanilla SPF 50/PA+++ (P2,400 at Estée Lauder)

Among the cushions I tried for this challenge, this has the lightest formula and the sheerest coverage. It mildly corrects discolorations but doesn’t do much for blemishes or hyperpigmentation. I felt that the lightweight formula may have contributed to it fading at the three-hour mark. Warm Vanilla is an excellent match for my skin tone, though, and gives it a healthy, slightly sun-kissed coloring! I like that it didn’t make me look like I had a white cast, even with the impressively high SPF. This cushion is ideal for those with dry to normal skin who have lots of good skin days because it looks more like a tinted moisturizer.

Laneige BB Cushion Whitening in 21 Beige SPF 50+/PA+++ (P1,320 at Althea Korea)

Another cushion that toes on the sheer side, Laneige’s offering doesn’t do much for redness and blemishes. Compared to the Estee Lauder cushion, the formula feels drier and more foundation-like with a dewy finish. Longevity is at two to three hours before a touch-up becomes necessary. The shade made my skin look slightly paler, which might be due to the whitening/brightening effect it claims to have. Plus, I've been a little more tan these past few months and I bought the cushion when I was at my palest. It's still wearable for me though, and I can just top it with a powder foundation closer to my current skin tone.

W.Lab W-Snow CC Cushion in #21 S.L SPF 50+/PA+++ (P1,050 at Althea Korea)

This also has a dewy finish and provides light color correction and blemish cover, just like the first two. The shade, insta-bright effect, and coverage level is similar to Laneige but I liked this formula better! It’s more lightweight and runny so it instantly got absorbed by my skin. Zero tackiness and stickiness, too, so I hardly felt that I had any base makeup on. It also lasts a bit better, with touch-ups needed after a good four hours.

Iope Air Cushion Moisture Lasting in N23 SPF 50+/PA+++ (P1,520 at Althea Korea)

True to its name, the formula feels a little richer, with a certain heaviness that reminds me of sunblock. It’s this thickness that causes it to stay put, even when in a humid, sweaty environment. On the flip side, it's also what makes this base prone to caking on pores and clinging to dry patches. The finish is dewy but looks like I have a thick layer of translucent powder on, which is unable to hide redness and hyperpigmentation. The shade may just be too light for me, which is odd considering that this is already the darkest shade available. Longevity is at four hours.

April Skin Magic Snow Cushion in 23 SPF 50+/PA+++ (P650 at Althea Korea)

Medium to full coverage with a satin finish, this evens out my complexion and deals with hyperpigmentation without much effort. It mattifies without looking too flat, and lasts four hours. Though the finish is more matte, I still recommend using a setting powder afterwards as the formula tends to look cakey (as opposed to fading) when the skin starts to get oily. The shade is on the yellow side, giving my skin a lightly tanned look.

Chica Y Chico Matt Cushion in No. 23 Medium Beige SPF 35/PA++ (P610 at Althea Korea)

While most of the other cushions gave a dewy glow, this is gives a truly flat matte finish. It almost feels like actual medium to full coverage foundation, too, as a few pats is all I needed to neutralize redness and lighten hyperpigmentation. No need to set with powder! As with typical mattifying liquid foundations, it can be a little drying, so make sure to moisturize well beforehand. Medium Beige is on the yellowish side, making it a good match for my skin tone. Without setting powder, my nose starts to get shiny after three hours. It fades around three hours.

Verdict: I can’t pick just one winner because the formulas of the six cushion compacts varied quite a bit! Instead, I have my Top 3 to will address various skin type and coverage requirements.

Best lightweight formula and sheer coverage: Go for Estee Lauder Double Wear Cushion BB if you want that woke-up-like-this, dewy, healthy look and have minimal skin issues. This also feels like nothing on the face, and it fades evenly throughout the day.

Most comfortable to wear: W.Lab W-Snow CC Cushion helps me achieve that luminous K-idol look without feeling dry or sticky. When using cushions in humid weather, its lightweight formula makes a huge difference to my comfort levels.

For oily skin and matte lovers: Chica Y Chico Matt Cushion is a clear winner. And if you have normal or dry skin, you can already skip the setting powder and use this as a one-step base.

It bears mentioning that while Korean cushion compacts are worthy products, you'd be hard-pressed to find a good shade match if you're NC35 upwards. Medium-toned ladies will rarely catch a break in that regard! Laneige does offer a wide shade selection; Estee Lauder and Bobbi Brown makes good shades for darker skin too.

Do you use cushion face bases? Which one is your fave? Whatever you do end up using, don’t forget to keep the sponge clean to avoid breakouts and general grossness!

Imagine going to one of your favorite shopping destinations and seeing SALE signs everywhere. There are 30% off, 50% off, and even Buy 1, Take 1 promos. We PV girls go weak at the knees for budget-friendly beauty finds, so a major sale at one of our fave shopping haunts is good news that we simply can’t keep to ourselves!

With super convenient locations (they’re practically everywhere!) and plenty of well-loved brands, Watsons is our go-to for affordable toiletries and makeup staples. With the ongoing Watsons Big White Blowout, they’re all about bringing us the lowest prices for their best-selling whitening products. If you’re keen on taking better care of your skin or getting a more even skin tone this year, now is the perfect time to stock up!

Cosmo Skin founder and marketing director Dr. Nino Bautista and brand endorser Ruffa Gutierrez

Celebrity guests joined us for the special event. Ruffa Gutierrez talked about her endorsement with Cosmo Skin while Kelly Misa and Lauren Young shared their favorite must-buys from the store. We spotted Kelly getting back-ups of the Pond’s Flawless White Face Cream and BB Cream plus a box of Belo Collagen Powder Drink, which promotes youthful and healthy-looking skin. Lauren got her trusty Cetaphil Cleanser, as well as Watsons Collagen Face Masks which were Buy 2, Get 1 Free.

Brands like Belo and Skin White are up to 20% off or have Buy 1, Take 1 deals.

If you’re a fan of Nivea and Rexona deodorants, take advantage of the sale to keep you smelling clean all year long! You can also get Olay Face Creams at up to 40% off.

Other brands included in the sale are Vaseline, Safeguard, L’Oreal, and Celeteque, with their lotions and creams at up to 50% off.

I hoarded these Watsons Collagen Face Masks (P65 each) because we just love our sheet masks here at PV! I’ve also heard a lot about the benefits of collagen and wanted to try it for myself.

Our editor Liz still keeps raving about Kojie-san so I’m pretty excited to try out their popular Skin Lightening Soap (P120 promo pack) as well as their Body Lightening Lotion with SPF 25 (P159).

One of the causes of dull skin is having too many layers of dead skin cells (ick) so exfoliation is a must. I chose a Nylon Body Glove exfoliator (P59) for my body and a konjac sponge (P199) for my face.

I’m a loyal user of Pond's White Beauty Spotless White Cream (P32) before so I got an extra as backup. I also got the Biore UV Perfect Bright Milk sunscreen (P380), the Quick FX Tinted Moisturizer (P35), and the Nivea Extra White Repair Pore Minimiser Toner (P185) because I’ve seen good reviews about these products.

The Dazzling White Instant Whitening Pen (P188) for teeth is a cool addition I got because of Lauren Young’s tip. This should make it easier to wear lippie shades that somehow make teeth look more yellow. Whitening can take a while though, so in the meantime, you can use makeup to fake a pearly white smile.

The Big White Blowout sale at Watsons is until February 22, 2017. If you’re an SM Advantage Card or BDO Rewards card holder, you even get a chance to win an iPhone 7 when you buy P500 worth of participating products. Just look for the “Qualifier to win iPhone 7” sticker like on the packaging. For more information on this promo, check out the complete mechanics.

Are you ready to shop the Watsons Big White Blowout Sale? What will you be stocking up on?

As promised, I took my Dollar Store makeup haul and put it to the test! I was both excited and nervous about doing this as I’d never tried any of these products before. I was determined to make it work, though, no matter what it took. Can I do makeup magic with a P1,000 budget? Will I survive this challenge?

Step 1: Concealer

I couldn’t find a liquid foundation that matched me in the store so I figured I’d just use the She Concealer (P89) all over my face. I started buffing it in with the largest brush from the 6-piece Princessa Tool Kit (P99). Instant regrets because I did not sign up for a cat scratching!

This concealer smelled like a Pentel pen. And nope, the brush ain’t working out.

Aside from irritating my skin, the bristles kept falling off! I had to switch to the flat top brush I scored from my Divisoria haul to give the product a real shot at working. That said, the concealer wasn’t half bad at evening out my skin tone but I had to go in for a second layer. It was still far off the level of coverage I normally wear but I also didn’t want to cake up my face this early on.

What it looked like a single layer (left) and a second application (right)

Step 2: Powder

The L.A. Colors Mineral Pressed Powder (P149) turned out to be a patchy, blotchy, tanned nightmare!

But Sand is normally my color for everything!

Okay, so this is partly my fault because I picked up the wrong shade. In my defense, Sand is usually a light-medium shade with yellow undertones but this definitely wasn’t it. I had to blend like a mad woman to diffuse what looked like a messed-up tanning job. That took a while but I was able to save my canvas.

Blending is my cardio

Step 3: Blush

I swear on my grave that I just lightly dipped the brush on the She Bronzer Palette (P129) and it still came out like this. I even tapped the excess product off but here I am, looking like a perfectly ripe tomato. This blush did not want to blend and practically emphasized every single pore on my cheek! I tried to tone it back down with powder but it wasn’t working so I gave up five minutes later. I disturbed my concealing job to try to get this blush to look less patchy, to no avail.

What the hell have I done

Step 4: Contour

I was so done with that stubborn bronzer palette so I switched to the Beauty Treats Eyeshadow Palette (P99) for contouring. Luckily, there was a cool taupe shade which worked out for my nose.

My nose is more high maintenance than you can imagine

Step 5: Eyebrows

The She Eyebrow Gel (P99) turned out to be more dark brown with grey tones than jet black, which I was very thankful for! Using the tiny lip brush from the Princessa kit, I was able do a pretty decent job filling in my eyebrows.

I know it looks a little strong without eye makeup on, but just wait!

Step 6: Eyeshadow

The Beauty Treats Eyeshadow Palette (P99) left me unimpressed when I swatched it so I didn’t really have the highest hopes for the palette. I used the bottom right quad to shade my lids, and the She Eyebrow Gel for a subtle wing. I packed and packed and packed color repeatedly but this was the best pigmentation that the eyeshadow could offer. No surprise there.

Where's my pigmentation at?

Step 7: Falsies

A pair of fluttery lashes makes everything better, right? LMAO, wrong. The Revlon Double Wink Eyelashes (P129) were the heaviest and stiffest pair I’ve ever tried to put on (wait, are these authentic?). And I’ve had studded falsies before, mind you, complete with long, spidery fibers and tiny gem stones! The eyelashes came with a sticky band but no lash glue. Because I had a tough time aligning the band to my lash line, all the readjustments caused the adhesive to lose its stickiness. I was all out of lash glue and not to keen on having these on so I ended up not wearing the falsies after all.

Felt heavier than the curtains falling on a bad comedy act

Step 8: Lipstick

A nude lip has never failed me...until now. The formula of the L.A. Colors Lipstick (P99) refused to stick to my lips and got all over the place. I’ve never had lipstick this bad since 2003, when eight year old me thought it would be a good idea to buy P10 magic lipstick from a sari-sari store.

Verdict

Believe you me, I tried my damnedest to make this work but not a single product turned out to be worth being thrifty over. Go to the drugstore instead, or use your P1,000 to splurge on a high ticket item that’s Holy Grail material. Even if these are cheap, your money is better spent elsewhere.

Looks like a throwback photo to when I didn’t yet know how to put on makeup

Have you had a better beauty hunting experience at the Dollar Store? What products worked out for you? I want to hear your story!

Celeteque has been a household name for skincare for over a decade now, so we initially found it curious that it's earnestly coming out with cosmetics. We are happy to report though that the brand has managed the crossover to makeup in a way that stays true to what it started with: affordable, high-performance pieces that help give the look of a good skin day.

We did a feature last year on the cosmetics launch. This time we tested a few of Celeteque's latest products, so let’s get cracking!

Celeteque 24-Hour Photoready Matte Primer (P825)

The Photoready primer acts as a mattifier and blur cream in a single tube. It instantly takes shine off and reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines, especially on the nose area. Compared to the more expensive Benefit The Porefessional Pro Balm, I find that Celeteque has a drier, more powdery texture that initially balls up as you smooth it over the skin. Surprisingly, the pilling disappears as you continue to apply and there is no significant difference in the way the skin looks afterwards. Celeteque could, in my opinion, pass as a dupe for the Porefessional.

Top: Benefit The Porefessional Pro Balm, Bottom: Celeteque Photoready Matte Primer

Under makeup, the primer gives me about four hours of matte wear before the T-zone of my combination skin starts to get shiny again. I like its skin-smoothing finish which helps improve the appearance of my base!

Celeteque 2-in-1 Eye Bag Miracle Kit in Natural (P745)

Cleverly incorporating a skincare step with makeup, this unique duo includes an eye balm and an eye concealer. Since they were created together, the two formulas are designed to be compatible when layered over each other. It’s nice that this takes some of the guesswork out of the equation.

The under eye balm stays solid at room temperature and, though it may look waxy because it stays that way in the pot, it melts upon contact with the fingers. When applied to the skin, it has a mild cooling effect that lasts a couple of minutes, which I find pleasantly soothing. My eye concern has always been dark circles and not puffiness, so I can’t really tell you if it works in that department. It feels refreshing and moisturizing at the very least, and allows the eye foundation to apply smoothly on top. Once fully absorbed, you can proceed to apply the eye foundation.

On your left: Wearing a sheer layer of the 2-in-1 Eye Bag Miracle Kit; on your right: bare skin

The fliptop lid reveals a tiny mirror, which is a useful addition that allows for applying this duo on the go. As with the eye balm, the eye foundation is on the dry, solid side instead of a creamy formula, so it is not prone to caking.

The shade Natural seamlessly blends with my NC20 skin. At best it is a little brightening, at worst it does not quite show up. If you have severe dark circles, you will still need a concealer with way better coverage.

Celeteque CC Micro-Hydrating Powder in Classic Natural (P930)

Love the light, natural look of loose powder but hate lugging the potential mess around? The CC Micro-Hydrating Powder is the answer! From the outside, the thick, plastic compact looks like it could be a cushion compact but it’s actually a pressed powder topped with a special dispenser that scrapes a little bit of powder whenever you turn the knob. If you’ve seen the Elizabeth Arden Mineral Powder Foundation compact, the mechanism is similar. The thick puff that comes with the powder helps prevent loose bits from spilling out and making a mess of your purse, but there is a bit of wiggle room for some bits of loose powder to dusty up the mirror and the sides of the compact..

At first glance, I thought the shade Classic Natural would be too dark on me but it’s more of a sheer translucent powder that applies smoothly and quickly disappears on the skin. To an extent, it also refines smaller pores though the Photoready Primer already tackles the bigger ones. Used together, my skin looks even smoother, even on the sides of the nose. Longevity on my T-zone is around two hours before it starts to get shiny. I don't mind so much though, as I can retouch with this easily!

Celeteque Eyebrow Defining Kit in Medium Brown (P600)

Offering both coloring and grooming features, the mirrored compact of the Eyebrow Defining Kit consists of a brow powder, a brow wax, and a dual-ended brush applicator (one side is angled and the other is slightly domed). The bristles on the applicator are made of synthetic hairs that are quite soft. Though they apply comfortably without snagging at my brow hairs, I wish the angled brush side could have been made of stiffer material so that mapping the edges of the brows would be easier and less jagged-looking.

The brow powder, although buildable, is not heavily pigmented. It takes quite some time to get the color to stand out against naturally black brow hairs; I counted 4 passes before it looked like I had brow products on. Similarly, the brow wax is more like a light balm that may keep brow hairs in place, but it hardly contributes to the coloring. You would have to use quite a lot, and the included applicator doesn’t offer much help in building up pigmentation.

Medium Brown is on the reddish side, making it suitable for those with chestnut or chocolate brown hair. As with most brow products I use, I did not require any touch-ups when I wore this for an entire day.

Celeteque Moisturizing Lip and Cheek Duo (P665)

Lip and cheek products come in many forms. Some brands do tints, while others do creams. In this case, Celeteque has created a cross between a mousse and a cream that offers comfortable wear on both the lips and the cheeks. Lightweight and velvety, the whipped consistency that borders almost feels powdery, and it is neither tacky nor dry. That same texture and consistency lets it patiently sit on top of the skin as you blend it on the cheeks, allowing for it to diffuse evenly without the risk of patchy application.

On the lips, it initially applies sheer like a tint but layering twice will give it a creamy lipstick look. That being said, the buildable pigmentation is at sheer to medium. Moisture-wise, I recommend applying lip balm first as I didn’t find this to be moisturizing enough.

Wearing Photoready Matte Primer, CC Micro-Hydrating Powder, Eyebrow Defining Kit, Moisturizing Lip and Cheek Duo in Rosy Blush on cheeks and lips (left), and Soft Berry on cheeks and lips (right)

Soft Berry is a warm-toned medium fuchsia that pops beautifully against fair skin. Rose Blush, on the other hand, may look like a nude peachy brown from the tube but it’s actually more of a coral-tinged pink that’s flattering on fair and morena skin alike. With no eating or drinking, the color stays vibrant for about three hours' I noticed that fading starts at the 5-hour mark. There is also a strong cherry candy scent to this, so check first if you're ok with the fragrance.

Wearing Natural Nude (left) and Soft Pink (right)

Celeteque Ultra-Nourishing Lip Lacquer (P645)

To top off the Celeteque collection with something shiny and new, there’s the moist Ultra-Nourishing Lip Lacquer. It’s basically a lip gloss but it’s only slightly tacky, and the shine it delivers is good for two hours before it starts to look more like lip balm. Pigmentation is on the sheer side and there is a pineapple candy scent that isn’t as strong as the Lip and Cheek duo’s cherry scent.

From left: Soft Berry, Rosy Blush, Soft Pink, and Natural Nude

Natural Nude is a versatile nude pink that I think will be flattering on most skin tones. Soft Pink is a sheer hot pink that swatches vibrantly on the back of the hand but it looks toned down once on the lips. This shade might be more flattering to fairer skin tones.

After experiencing all these new offerings from Celeteque, I find that I want to keep a lot of them as staples in my makeup bag. I particularly loved the CC Micro-Hydrating Powder, the Lip and Cheek Duo, and the Ultra-Nourishing Lip Lacquer. The skin-flattering shades are great for light, everyday makeup that looks effortless but pretty!

Have you tried any of Celeteque’s makeup offerings? What are your faves?

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