Is there such thing as a "wrong" facial wash? Granted, it's just something that you put on your face for two minutes, but the wrong cleanser can cause drier/oilier skin or worse - breakouts. Your facial wash doesn't need to do much other than wash off the oil and dirt accumulated on your face but it does have to do one thing, without compromises: it has to be non-irritating.

That's where the recent obsession of beauty nerds with pH levels come in. We wrote a pretty detailed article about it already, but to summarize, this is why pH levels in your cleansers matter:

pH which stands for “potential hydrogen” is a measure of how acidic or basic a water-based solution is. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 referring to a highly acidic substance, 7 a neutral substance, and 14 a highly basic or alkaline substance. 

The acid mantle is our skin’s outermost protective layering. It’s a film of skin oils and acids that serves as a natural barrier between the deeper layers of our skin and the bacteria that we come across in our day to day lives. For the longest time, I used to associate the term acidic with a negative connotation. The truth, I’ve discovered, is that the low pH of the acid mantle creates an environment that is inhospitable to infection-causing pathogens and acne-causing bacteria. In short, pH-balanced skin is clear, clean, healthy skin!   

You want your skin to be able to fight off bacteria, maintain its moisture level, and control its natural oil production on its own. This is why it's important to use a cleanser with low pH, ideally in the acidic range (pH 6 or under). I wouldn't call this an absolute rule though. My favorite facial wash of all time is still the Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser which apparently has a pH of 8 (!!!)* but it works perfectly for me. I have other low pH cleansers but while they're pleasant, they don't work as well as I perceive the Ibuki does.

Anyway, before I get even more sidetracked, I just want to quickly review the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser (P540 at theskincarecurator.com). I love this stuff (well, not as much as the Ibuki but it's pretty up there) because it is SLS-free, has a pH of 3.5, and features a non-drying, gentle formulation that's ideal for sensitive skin. Best thing is that it's less than P600!

Many low pH cleansers have trouble foaming but this one does not. It produces a robust foam and when it's washed off, the skin doesn't feel dry at all. It has a mild tea tree scent which I don't mind personally. I've also observed that this leaves a bit of a minty feel which manifests itself after I've dried my face; it's unexpected but not unpleasant.

The cleanser is a clear, viscous gel off the tube

This cleanser doesn't remove makeup very well, but it's great as a morning cleanser by itself and as a second cleanser at night after I take off my face. I turn to this when I feel my skin is freaking out or just whenever I feel like rotating my facial washes. 

Sorry if the foam looks weaksauce here, it's just that it was not easy having this on my hand and a DSLR on another! The COSRX cleanser can produce a more satisfying foam given the proper attention.

Overall, I highly recommend the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser to anyone who wants to start their new low pH life. It's great for sensitive and troubled skin, plus you get 150ml for P540. This is one of those products where you have nothing to lose and everything to gain! Unless of course you're allergic to some component of it but we can't predict that, of course.

COSRX is making me (and my SO's skin) happy! So glad it's easily available here now. Watsons carries select products (no cleanser yet unfortunately), but you can order online at theskincarecurator.com and beautymnl.com. Let me know what you think, as always! Are you looking to switch cleansers now?

*The Reddit Asian Beauty group has created this crowdsourced document about the different pH levels of popular cleansers. You might want to check yours out there too!

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always refused to wear anything that didn’t have sleeves on them and use a cover-up for my arms if forced. It’s not that I hate them - I actually do want to be able to wear sleeveless dresses and tops. I’m not comfortable enough to do so, mainly because my arms lack tone and I feel embarrassed about displaying them. More so, I don’t exactly have Instagram-worthy smooth and white underarms.

Tight clothing that rub against the underarm area, deodorants with chemicals that cause irritation, and shaving are often causes of dark armpits but fortunately, they’re not completely hopeless. As I didn’t want to cower away and give up on my #kilikiligoals, I started looking for solutions to make my underarms lighter and smoother. If you’re stuck in a similar situation, consider these budget-friendly picks that actually work!

Ever Bilena Naturals Sunflower Oil (P135 at Watsons, SM Beauty and Landmark)

Human Nature’s original version became a quick favorite when it came into the market, as it did a great job of providing moisture while lightening skin. It can be a bit difficult to find though and I chanced up this new release from Ever Bilena! It’s made from 100% natural sunflower oil and contains Vitamin E. As it’s an oil and can cause your antiperspirant or deodorant to slide off, it’s best to use this at night after bathing. Simply rub a good amount of oil all over your underarms and let it work its wonders.

Kojie-San Skin Lightening Soap (P50 for two at supermarkets)

Liz has shared her skin-lightening success story with this soap, and the rest of us in the PV team can attest that it’s worth the rave. The kojic acid has powerful exfoliating properties that help to lighten dark spots and uneven skin tone. Use it to soap your underarms during bath time - you’ll start to see results in just a few weeks!

Belo Essentials Whitening Antiperspirant Deodorant (P59.75 at supermarkets)

This is the first deodorant I’ve seen that also contains kojic acid and if using a wash-off soap is enough to make a difference, leaving it on may have an even more powerful effect! It also aids in soothing your underarms if you shave often and suffer from bumpy skin. And since it’s already a deodorant and whitening agent in one, you don’t have to worry about layering products on your underarms to smell fresh.

Gluta-C Underarm and Bikini Skin Whitening Gel (P199 at department stores)

Though glutathione is a popular ingredient in skin whitening products, there’s some debate about whether applying it directly to the skin actually works. What probably makes this gel effective is the vitamin C it contains, which has been proven to brighten skin and even improve its texture. I find this very gentle on the skin and it promises a deodorizing factor so I sometimes use it on its own. The gel formula is also easily be absorbed by the skin, making it easy to use in the morning or at night.

Belfour Whitening Anti-perspirant and Deodorant Spray (P74.75 at Watsons)

Spray-on deodorants are so convenient to apply and lessen your armpits’ exposure to friction. This is a good alternative for canned spray deodorants and you can even keep it in your purse if you feel the need to reapply. It uses all natural ingredients like tea tree oil to keep underarms clean and fresh. It also has a special blend of plant extracts that help lighten the underarms with regular use.

Are you confident about showing off your underarms? What do use to improve the appearance of your pits? Do share your underarm whitening secrets in the comments below!

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?

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! 

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!

Though the pleasantly cool weather right now still has us thinking about winter, spring-summer beauty trends have set the stage for a season of vibrant colors and edgy design. It’s all about being fresh and high-energy - just the thing to help us keep our optimistic outlook for the year ahead. Clinique, looking younger than ever, is ready to shake up your FOTD with beautifully bold new color selections that will make your daily look pop!

Headlining the Pop Collection is the Clinique Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer (P1,100). These matte lipsticks have a luxuriously creamy formula that won’t dry your lips out, and pack a rich, full pigment in a single swipe! I was amazed by how comfortable they felt on the lips, staying vibrant and moist through the commute home, and up until I ate a few hours later. Here are some of the colors I swatched:

From left: Rose Pop, Ruby Pop, Bold Pop, Graffiti Pop, Pow Pop, and Mod Pop

Not a fan of mattes? There’s also the regular variety of Clinique Pop Lip Color + Primer (P1,100). These have a satin/velvet finish.

From left: Nude Pop, Berry Pop, Bare Pop, Melon Pop, Poppy Pop, Passion Pop, and Wow Pop

From left: Love Pop, Grape Pop, Plum Pop, Fab Pop, Beige Pop, and Sweet Pop

If you’re more of a liquid lipstick kind of gal, you’ll be pleased to know that Clinique also came up with the Pop Liquid Matte Lip Colour + Primer (P1,100). The finish is a bit satiny rather than a completely flat matte but it wears comfortably well for a liquid lipstick. It’s got generous pigment in a single swipe, too, so it’s best to apply in thin layers if you want to really build up color.

From left: Black Licorice Pop, Boom Pop, Candied Apple Pop, Sweetheart Pop, Petal Pop, Cake Pop, Ripe Pop, Flame Pop

The Clinique Lacquer Lip Colour + Primer (P1,100) is the choice for those who want both high-shine and high-pigmentation. Surprisingly, the formula is on the light side compared to the usual tacky-feeling lip gloss.

From left: Peace Pop, Love Pop, Cocoa Pop, Wink Pop, Happy Pop, and Lava Pop

Clinique Regional Makeup Education Manager Rene Benkenstein even gave tips on how to pull-off that bright pop of color without a hitch. Lips that draw a lot of attention call for an extra bit of precision. She showed us how to create fuller-looking lips with a lip liner, starting by giving definition to the cupid’s bow then switching to line the center of the bottom lip. From there, it’s just a matter of connecting the two together as the upper and bottom lines act as guides and help your application look more symmetrical.

There are also blushes and eyeshadows under the Clinique Pop line, making it quite a massive selection for those who want to go for a look that’s bold and beautiful. For contouring, she also recommended using the corners of the eyes as the guide for where to end application. Applying contour too close to the the center of the face makes it look obvious, she explained. And for blush, the pop of color is most visible on the apples of the cheeks, so even a subtle choice of shade can instantly light up the face when placed there.

Have you had a chance to swatch any of the lippies yet? Which popping shade is your fave?

by Jes Roque-Medina, contributor

When my boyfriend of 12 years and I finally decided to push through with our wedding, we agreed on one thing: to be practical and not to spend too much. We agreed upon a budget and set our limits - what we were actually willing to spend on and what was nice but unnecessary. At first, it was difficult because seeing other dreamy weddings made us want to have the same thing but we reminded each other, “We can have it if it falls within our budget. If not, we’ll drop it and look for alternatives.” Weddings can get really expensive but only if you allow it to! My dream wedding didn’t entail princess-y themes or extravagant parties; I just wanted our wedding to be about me and my husband. No drama, no fuss.

With that in mind, we had to be hands on with every detail. We DIY’d almost everything to save money, from the invitations to the table toppers. We sought the talents of our relatives and friends for my wedding dress, souvenirs, corsages, and boutonnieres. Our wedding was set in Subic so we searched for local suppliers for the photos and the catering to save on transportation fees. Whatever we could do on our own, we did, so it was a no-brainer decision for me to do my own makeup.

Makeup is something that I love doing and can do decently so why not, right? Though it was, and still is, my dream to be in the makeup chairs of famous makeup artists, I didn’t find it to be a practical expense for our wedding. As much as I admire their works, I just did not have the budget for it.

I only had one thing in mind for my bridal makeup: I wanted to look like myself but way more polished. I went for my usual - defined brows, neutral smokey eyes, and deep rose lips. Since I didn’t have time to practice and play with new makeup, I went with my ever-trusted and for sure no-fail makeup products in my stash. It just happened that everything I used was from the drugstore and inexpensive!

I invested so much on skincare months before the wedding so having a clear, smooth, and glowing base wasn’t a problem. To hide my pores and keep oil at bay, I used the L’Oreal True Match Blur Cream (P400, department stores) mixed with Quick FX No Shine Mattifier (P99, Watsons). I evened out my skin tone with my favorite L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Foundation (P899, department stores). This foundation gives me a flawless finish in one layer without caking, creating a white cast, or drying my skin!

I used several concealers to achieve completely flawless coverage. I mixed the Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer in Neutralizer (P399, online shop) and LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer in Yellow (P200, KeringKeri Store) to cancel out the darkness of my dark circles, then brightened up the undereye area with K-Palette Zero Kuma Concealer in Type 2 (P895, Beauty Bar).

To hide the blemishes and broken capillaries I have on my face, I used the K-Palette Zero Kuma Concealer in Type 1 (P895, Beauty Bar). I wanted to make sure that nothing would come off so I baked the eye area with Nichido Final Powder in Ivory Glow (P150, department stores) and set the rest of my face with L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Powder (P499, department stores).

My contouring game was on that day so I used the LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer in Toast (P200, KeringKeri Store) as a base and created more dimension with Maybelline V-Face Blush Contour (P499, department stores). I also used at bit of NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder in Sunny (P185, makeupinboxph.com) to add warmth to my face. I dusted Ellana Minerals Blush Duo in Kitten/Peach Passion (P450, ellana.com.ph) all over my cheeks. For a luminous glow, I used Ultraflesh Shinebox (about P1,000, phen.strawberrynet.com) on my nose bridge and cheekbones.

I’m obsessed about my brows so I had to make sure that they were perfectly on fleek on my special day! I started by drawing the outline with The Face Shop Style My Eyebrow in 3 (P150, The Face Shop) and filled it in with Maybelline Fashion Brow 3D Brow and Nose Contouring Palette in Dark (P349, department stores).

To further define the shape and to make sure everything will stay intact, I went over my brows with K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow in 01 (P699, Beauty Bar). To lighten and keep my brow hairs in place, I used the K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow Mascara (P595, Beauty Bar). Highlighting my brow bone with Nichido Spot Concealer (no longer available in stores) was an extra step but it made a huge difference!

Since I went for heavy, neutral smokey eyes, I primed my lids with Essence I♥ Stage Eyeshadow Base (P229, Watsons) to make the colors stay all day. For eyeshadow, I used the Beauty UK Posh Palette in Eden and Masquerade (P550, Makeupholics on IG). I did nothing unusual with my eye makeup: just played with brown eyeshadows and smoked it up!

For added drama, I tightlined using Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner (P449, department stores) and lined my lids with K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner (P695, Beauty Bar). I curled my lashes, coated both upper and lower ones with the foolproof Etude House Lash Perm Curl Fix Mascara (P848, Etude House), then put on a pair of Wicked Beauty False Lashes in G01 (P120/box of 10, Wickedbeautyph on IG).

When I first used the Maybelline Creamy Matte in Touch of Spice (P199, department stores), I immediately knew that it would be my lipstick of choice on my wedding day! In fact, the entire look I did was based on it! But to make it last even longer on the lips, I first applied Essence Lipliner in Soft Berry (P99, Watsons). Finally, I generously sprayed L’Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray (P499, department stores) all over my face to seal the deal.

I feel that doing my own makeup on my wedding really made me own the look. I achieved what I wanted and achieved the outcome I had envisioned. I was especially proud of the fact that, despite using only (mostly) drugstore products, the look turned out beautiful and stayed intact the whole day! I didn’t even have to retouch my lipstick.

If you plan to do your own makeup for your wedding or an important occasion, it’s important to have tried and tested products that you’re absolutely sure will work on you. It doesn’t have to expensive as even drugstore makeup can perform like pro-quality, high-end ones if you what works for you and your skin. Of course, it also pays to research and practice the wedding look first before you commit to it on the day itself. Test wear times and study if you're not super confident about a particular detail or product.

So, how much did I spend for my wedding makeup? Honestly, nothing! Everything I used was already in my existing stash. And yes, you can do it, too!

Jes Roque-Medina is a full-time middle school teacher in an international school and a financial advisor of AXA Philippines. She blogs at MakeUpLove.

Wedding photos by Raya Photography / Product photos by Muffy Tirona

Welcome to the month of love, PV girls! Whatever your relationship status, get ready to swoon over the stuff we found this week! You’ll be puckering up through February with all the new lip kits that just hit the market, and all the great sales may leave your heart racing. Ready for this?

Image via facebook.com/BeautyMNL

Last call for orders!

You’ll want to lift your shopping ban for this one: BeautyMNL’s Beauty Blowout is now as low as 70% off! Choose from over 65 brands and 750 products at prices that you just won’t be able to resist. Better hurry though: the sale ends on February 4, so get your orders in quick. Drop everything and head over to BeautyMNL now!

Image via via facebook.com/happyskincosmetics

A reason to celebrate

Happy Skin Cosmetics is at it again with another exciting launch for us to drool over (and basically hoard online, TBH). The Festival of Colors Collection is bringing summer in early and we couldn’t be happier. Included are three new lip kits in The Morning After (pinky mauve), Dance All Day (warm toned reddish brown), and Honeymoon Glow (peach) for just P1,149 each! There’s also the new Bye Bye Blues Brightening Concealer (P899) and Tickled Pink Skin Perfecting Super Absorbent Charcoal Blotting Sheets (P149) to keep you looking fresh during all your summer activities. Even their best-selling Eye Am Here to Stay 24H Eyeliners (P599) got a funky makeover. The limited edition collection is available for preorder over at the Happy Skin website only until February 8.

Image via facebook.com/inglotphilippines

This is not a drill!

Makeup hoarders (or should we say “collectors?”), listen up: Inglot Cosmetics is having their own version of an online New Year sale, and let’s just say we want everything! And it’s actually possible to achieve, too. Until February 5, you can shop selected blushes, powders, eyeshadows, lipsticks, brow products, and fragrances from the Freedom System for a steal! You can mix and match from the selected products and pay just P3,000 for 30 pieces, P1,500 for 10 pieces, and P1,000 for 5 pieces. We’ll take one of everything, please!

Image via PopSugar

MAC-ing their own kit

Before Kylie Jenner launched her own products, it must be remembered that once upon a time, she relied heavily on the Soar and Whirl lip liners by MAC Cosmetics. It feels only fitting then that the brand has decided to release their own set of iconic lip kits! Available exclusively online at Macy’s and Nordstrom’s, the kits are priced at $29 and come out cheaper than if you were to buy the lipstick and lip liner separately. MAC also made it a point to perfectly pair the liner and lipstick combos, giving you the choice of seven kits with some of their most iconic shades! Included are: Honeylove and Subculture, Velvet Teddy and Boldly Bare, Taupe and Hover, Twig and Half Red, Mehr and Soar, Stone (liner and lipstick), and Whirl (liner and lipstick)! We want this so bad!

Full story on PopSugar

Image via facebook.com/SMBeautyPH

Get red-dy to fall in love

It’s the season of love and 14 Days of Red Hot Deals at The SM Store Beauty Section! Starting February 1 until the 14th, each day will feature a special one-day only lipstick sale and special offers from different brands. Tons of brands are participating in this special treat, including (but not limited to) BYS, Jordana, Essence, Maybelline, L’Oreal, NYX, LA Girl, and The Body Shop! Remember: it’s a different set of discounts on different brands everyday so make sure to nab the lippies you’ve been eyeing by checking out the schedule here.

Image via Instagram user @katvondbeauty

Candy Kisses and best wishes

Who says cute can’t look hardcore? The highly anticipated release of the Kat Von D Rock Candy Studded Kiss lippies is finally happening! Scheduled to go on sale on April 4 on the Sephora website, these adorably punky mini lipsticks come in 6 new shades, with the signature studded bullet perfectly matching the colors inside! The shades include a soft gray, lavender, purple, hot pink, baby pink, and coral pink. Don’t they look so badass?

Full story on Bustle

Header image via jasminetalksbeauty.co

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?

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