I always find myself looking forward to Happy Skin’s latest releases because it seems that the homegrown beauty brand just keeps on raising the bar with every new collection. What beauty girl didn’t swoon over their magical Disney collection, or try to collect each makeup artist-approved piece in the Glam Squad collection? This time around, they are going back to their roots and celebrating their cheery and fun aesthetic with their first collection for 2017: the Festival of Colors Collection!

Happy Skin founders Jacqe Yuengtian-Gutierrez and Rissa Mananquil-Trillo demonstrating the transforming powers of the Bye Bye, Blues Brightening Concealer Wand

Luckily, our EIC Liz was able to get a sneak peek on some of the products before the official media launch. Knowing that she loved them made me even more excited to try them for myself at the event, as well as test the new lip kits and beauty sponge. Here’s a quick look at everything in the collection!

Left concealer swatch in Light, right concealer swatch in Medium

The Bye Bye, Blues Brightening Concealer Wand (P899) comes in two shades, Light and Medium. It was formulated specifically to lift up and transform the face with its light-diffusing technology and brightening tangerine peel extract. I use the Light shade to cover up my stubborn dark circles, and I’m happy to report that the coverage lasts all day and incurs minimal creasing, mostly due to my fine lines. You do have to set it with powder though to make it last longer.

The Tickled Pink Skin Perfecting Super Absorbent Charcoal Blotting Sheets (P149) are perfect for on-the-go, busy women who hate reapplying powder. The cute packaging makes it a pretty purse staple, and the charcoal plus special mattifying powder combo is highly effective against oil! I only use one sheet as they are massive compared to others and the black sheets are really cool to look at, too.

They also relaunched their Eye Am Here To Stay 24H Gel Pencil Eyeliners (P599 each) in Perfect Black and Chic Brown. These MUA-favorite eyeliners now come in blue and orange packaging, which makes them a breeze to spot in the sea of mostly black eye pencils you probably have in your stash. And yes, they still glide on as smoothly as ever with the help of argan oil.

Another relaunch is the crowd-favorite Glisten Up! Precision Cheek Stick Set (P1,199). These are the same shades from the Happy Skin x Plains & Prints collection, repackaged in a sleeker pencil form to allow for more precise application. As with all Happy Skin products that have ingredients that care for your skin, the two sticks come with grapefruit extract to help refine the appearance of pores on the cheeks. I love how portable these new sticks are – they will definitely take up less space inside the makeup bag.

Left to right: Dance All Day, The Morning After, and Honeymoon Glow

And then there are the lip kits! Happy Skin launched three Festival of Colors Lip Kits in Honeymoon Glow, The Morning After, and Dance All Day (P1,149 each). Honeymoon Glow and The Morning After are two of their most iconic shades, while Dance All Day is an all-new earthy mauve shade. Each Lip Kit comes with a liquid matte lipstick and a matching creamy lip liner. The liquid matte lipsticks come in the same formula as their previous releases, which we’ve awarded Best in Longevity in our recent liquid lipstick throwdown.

Another repromoted Happy Skin fave is the Air Touch Sponge (P499), which now comes in yellow and pink. I’ve been road-testing this sponge as my introduction into the world of sponges and I find the unique shape quite useful!

I use the round portion for most of my face but I love the coves for my under eye area. I use the sponge to apply foundation, concealer, and corrector, though I find the latter two a bit harder to remove during clean-up. You also have to be very gentle when cleaning the sponge; I’ve never used a sponge before so I may have squeezed it too hard and ended up causing some tears.

Finally, Happy Skin launched its first-ever sun care line called Catch the Sun! There are two products in this line, the first being the Catch the Sun Brightening UV Gel Cream SPF 40 PA+++ (P999). This is a gel cream that comes with SPF 40 and a mattifying finish, so you can use it as primer or to quickly put on over your skincare without the extra grease. It is a water-based gel formula that feels lightweight and comfortable to wear. Bonus skincare ingredient: it contains moringa seed oil to help shield the skin from pollution and free radicals!

My personal favorite is the Catch the Sun On the Go Hydrating UV Mist SPF 35 PA++ (P699). It’s like a spray-on sunscreen and moisturizer in one! This helps me to remember to reapply my sun protection every few hours, without worrying about disturbing my makeup. It also works under makeup so I’ve added this as the last step to my skin care. As Jacqe said, “It’s designed to act like a setting spray and a sunscreen in one.” Rissa explained, “What makes the formula different from the rest is its unique makeup fit polymer, which adheres to the skin and prevents makeup from coming off. It’s perfect to use before makeup as a first layer of sun defense, or over makeup to create an instant protective shield without ruining your look.”

The Happy Skin Festival of Colors collection is now available nationwide at Happy Skin counters, and online via their website and on Zalora.

Have you tried any of these new releases? What is your all-time favorite Happy Skin product?

Over the years, there are two things that have become crystal clear to me about skincare: the first is that cleansing gently and thoroughly prevents so, so many problems like acne, flakes, and dullness. The second is that maintaining the skin's moisture barrier is non-negotiable no matter how oily or lazy we are. This means that we have to cleanse and moisturize every day, twice a day, if we are to keep our skin balanced and healthy! You can forget everything else but these - and well, sunscreen - are the absolute basics when it comes to caring for your face.

That's why for In Her Element Skincare's next product, we worked on a brightening, moisturizing, and boosting cleansing oil. The First Wash Cleansing Oil (P450 for 100ml) is designed to remove makeup quickly and thoroughly with its emulsifying formula. This is non-drying compared to micellar waters and will not require a separate lip and eye remover to wash off waterproof formulas. Yup, it can take off the toughest mascaras and eyeliners, as well as cut through heavy layers of foundation.

Even if you don't wear much makeup though, I would still recommend using this as a first (or even only) cleanser to take out water-resistant sunscreen. You know how some people break out after using sunscreen for the first time (or just a new formula)? It's because most sunscreens are designed to be sweat-resistant and thus do not wash off easily with just a soapy cleanser.

The First Wash Cleansing oil is a gentle cleanser that won't strip your skin of its moisture barrier. To use, just shake the bottle thoroughly, apply one pump to dry skin, and massage to break down makeup. This rinses off with just water! You can follow up with your fave foaming facial wash, or go straight to your skincare routine if you feel that your face is already clean. 

Here it is in action! I used some of my toughest eye makeup here and possibly the most pigmented, thick lipstick in my stash.

Cool right? This cleansing oil has literally five ingredients: Grape Seed Oil (to brighten), Sweet Almond Oil and Coconut Oil (to moisturize), Polysorbate 80 (non-comedogenic emulsifier), Vitamin E (anti-oxidant). I made sure to have only premium oils in the formula to maximize the oils' skin benefits. I mean, mineral oil is totally fine, but it doesn't do much for the skin! It's one of the cheapest oils around too, but we wanted to do better than that and offer something more for our customers.

Did I mention it's fragrance-free? It has a very mild coconut-y scent but we chose not to add fragrance, as it may be too overwhelming while cleansing. Everything is made right here in the Philippines, and features botanically-derived main ingredients with no preservatives.

I hope you guys enjoy the new In Her Element First Wash Cleansing Oil as much as I do. We worked so hard on it, and it'd be awesome if it became part of your skincare routine. <3 You may purchase it at inherelement.ph for only P450!

Product photography by Samantha Gonzales

Collecting makeup can be quite a challenging feat. Aside from the obvious monetary expenses, makeup hobbyists can face the very real problem of not being able to keep track of every single product in our collection. It may not seem like such a big deal until you realize that:

• You keep accidentally buying multiples of the same product because you forgot that you already have it
• You can’t remember what your foundation shade is so you end up buying the wrong one
• Or you unearth barely-used or even unopened makeup that you have to throw away because it has already expired.

Sounds like such a waste, right? And even if your collection isn’t massive enough to experience those hoarding boo-boos, chances are you only end up using a small portion of your collection because, well, they’re in the most accessible part of your vanity or have never left your kikay kit. If you love your makeup collection and want to make the most out of it, then makeup cataloging is your new BFF!

The Analog Album Catalog

Yup, it’s pretty similar idea to the sales catalogs you see from Avon and Mary Kay. The goal is to provide you with an overview of what you have, including important details like when you bought it and first used it. It’s a lot of work at first but once you get a hang of logging in all your purchases, it can be pretty fun to do! Your catalog should also be able to help you with how you store your makeup as you’ll know when products are about to expire and should be used first, or if you want to change the lineup every month. Here are some great ideas to get you started on tracking your collection!

Ever been gifted a photo album that you don’t use because all your photos are stored online? Turn them into a pretty display of all your lippies! Include actual shade swatches so you can just leaf through it when looking for the perfect lip to complete your look. It’s best to dab some tissue on the product swatch to absorb any excess oil but since the pages are usually covered in plastic, you won’t have to worry about them smearing.

The Digital Catalog

A good friend of mine has drawers after drawers of lippies, and she recently told me that she keeps an Excel file to keep track of them. They’re sorted by shade families (Plums & Berries, Pinks, Reds, Browns) and she makes sure to update it whenever she buys a new one. Of course, you can use this for every other beauty item in your collection - just create separate tabs. A digital makeup catalog like this can also be easily stored on your phone, so you can access it wherever you are. Add as much information as you like: where you bought from, what was the price, even mini reviews to help you decide on whether or not to repurchase. And if you want to rotate your items, you can create your schedule here and make sure that none of your products are neglected.

Image via beautykeeper.com

There's An App For That (of course)

There are actually a lot of useful beauty apps that you can get for your smartphone, and it’s probably the easiest option to go for! Beauty Keeper (iOS) tracks the expiration dates of the products that you own and sends reminders when it’s time to chuck something out. As their names suggest, My Makeup Collection (iOS/Android) and MyBeautyCache (iOS) make tracking your collection very convenient. You can even sort them by product type or brand, so you can easily pull it up when you spot a sale and stock up on your favorites.

“Out of sight, out of mind” is the most common problem we encounter when it comes to high piles of makeup. Aside from decluttering your collection, it helps to create visual reminders to give some TLC to products that you neither hate nor love. Use acrylic containers or small pretty boxes that you can display on your vanity, and put the products currently in use (or encouraged for use) in there. You may want to keep newer items inside your drawers or somewhere that’s not within easy reach, so you won’t be tempted to use them and grab the more easily accessible ones in the box instead.

There’s no one best solution for cataloging your makeup; it really depends on what your goals are and what system you find to be most useful for your needs. Just keep trying until you find what works best for you, and above all, have fun!

How do you keep track of your makeup collection? Share your tips in the comments section below!

Forget about putting toothpaste on a pimple. It literally won't help your acne heal any faster and may even worsen the problem! That doesn’t mean you have to stay stuck with a nasty pimple or have to worry about scarring. Aside from the usual pimple creams and spot treatments, advanced (and cheap) skincare technology has given us some very special stickers to put over those painful blemishes.

Acne patches are small, usually translucent adhesives that are designed to hasten a pimple’s healing process. The covering protects the pimple from being exposed to more bacteria and from bad acne-picking habits. Meanwhile, the moisture and active ingredients mixed into the adhesive are supposed to help pimples heal faster and lessen the chances of scarring. You’ll definitely want to keep a few of these in your vanity so you’re always ready for any nastiness; besides, they’re all under P450!

COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (P170 for 24 patches from theskincarecurator.com)

When Liz first raved about how well the patches worked on her pimples, we were puzzled by how it supposedly “soaked up” the zit’s contents. A bit of research revealed that these are made in the same way as the hydrocolloid wound dressings used in medical procedures. It doesn’t contain any actual medication but the soft gel-like material absorbs the fluids in the inflammation, so they can literally reduce the swelling overnight!

Miacare Acne Patches (P149 for 12 patches + 6 free at Watsons)

Similar to the CosRx patches, the MiaCare Acne Patches are also hydrocolloid stickers but with more options. Day patches are made of the thinnest material so that they’re less visible on the skin if you want to wear them out of the house. On the other hand, Night patches are thicker, stick better, and able to absorb more fluid. There’s also a Day and Night box that contains both types of patches, so you have both options. Unlike the other brands, MiaCare patches are individually packed like bandages so they’re much more hygienic.

So how does it compare to COSRX? Well, aside from being more accessible, it does exactly the same thing - sop up pus from your pimples without coming off easily. However, the Day patches can absorb less of the yucky fluid so they kinda get overloaded if there's a lot of the pus. The Night patches should be better! The adhesive of Miacare also has a more sticky/loose texture to it compared to the clean texture of COSRX. There's barely any difference though

One Miacare patch is P8.22 (18 to a pack) while COSRX is P7.08 (24 to a pack but there are 14 tinier ones) but that doesn't count shipping.

Purederm Spot Reducer Gel Patches (P99.75 for 30 patches in Watsons)

For flat pus-free pimples, it’s better to use a treatment patch to deliver a concentrated amount of salicylic acid and tea tree oil. With the medication stuck in place, the embedded, "un-poppable" pimples ripen and then dry up faster! You can wear it going out or under makeup but its best to just stick it on your face before applying skincare and going to bed. This way, you’re sure that your spot treatment isn’t getting rubbed off on your pillows and sheets.

This medicated acne patch from Purederm contains .5% salicylic acid as its active ingredient. It has a skin tone shade that's quite obvious so this is not a patch you can wear out! Prepare for a bit of sting when you put this on due to the fairly high salicylic acid content; it goes away quickly though so it's nothing to worry about.

Do remember not to put this on open, popped pimples - you don't want to irritate them!

Leaders AC Dressing Spot-On Patch (P448 for 50 patches at Leaders stores)

The Leaders patches work the same as the Purederm ones, except it features tea tree along with salicylic acid as its active ingredients. This is also translucent; more natural-looking than the Purederm patch. It also sticks on better as Purederm's adhesive seems to remain emollient upon sticking to skin.

What do you think of this new skincare product? Have you tried using acne patches? Which brand works best for you?

Throwdown articles are some of the most fun to write and execute here at Project Vanity. We love having our favorites go head to head and finding out which one gives the best performance. So far, we’ve done micellar waters, cushion compacts, liquid lipsticks, and eyebrow pencils. Today, we’re letting you in on which makeup wipe gives the best value for your money!

For testing purposes, I used makeup products that approximate what I wear on a daily basis. I also made sure to include different formulations and finishes (cream, powder, liquid, waterproof) to see how the wipes deal with various types of makeup.

Happy Skin Don’t Get Mad Get Even Hydrating Liquid Foundation, MAC Studio Fix Concealer, Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette, Etude House Bling Bling Eye Stick in Sunset Star, Pink Sugar SugarTint in Purrfect Pout, Eye of Horus Teal Malachite Goddess Pencil, MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set in Brown Ebony, MUFE Aqua Smoky Lash Waterproof Extra Black Mascara

Watsons Cleansing Facial Wipes in Floral Herbal (P25 for 10 sheets or P2.5 per sheet, at Watsons)

The Watsons Cleansing Facial Wipes promises to remove waterproof makeup. Being the most affordable of the bunch, I didn’t quite believe it until the swipe test results. The first swipe practically removed all non-waterproof makeup and only the brow mascara, eyeliner, and liquid lipstick remained until the eight swipe. Texture-wise, I have no complaints. It was non-drying and felt ok on the face.

Purederm Skin Solutions Argan Oil Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes (P99 for 30 sheets or P3.3 per sheet, at Watsons)

The Purederm Cleansing Towelettes is available in different variants. I tried the one with Argan Oil because I have dry skin and wanted as much moisture infusion in my skin care. It performed well, with the ninth swipe finishing off traces of stubborn waterproof makeup. While it was non-drying on the face, I felt that the sheet was a bit on the thin-side.

Silk Secrets Organics Apricot Refreshing Facial Cleanser (P39 for 10 sheets or P3.9 per sheet, at Watsons)

The Silk Secrets Facial Cleanser is the most compact of all the wipes in terms of packaging, which makes it an ideal travel companion. It finished off the waterproof makeup only after 28 swipes since it doesn’t really claim to remove waterproof makeup. The wipes did drag a little on the face because of the texture.

Nivea Daily Essentials 3-in-1 Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes for Dry & Sensitive Skin (P185 for 25 sheets or P7.4 per sheet, at the beauty section)

The Nivea Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes claims to have three benefits: gently cleanses and moisturizes; removes makeup and waterproof mascara; and is suitable for sensitive eyes. It clocked in at nine swipes, with the waterproof brow mascara and eyeliner taking the longest to remove. The two left stubborn faint traces while the rest of the makeup had already disappeared in earlier swipes. The Nivea felt a bit dragging on the face at first but once the skin has been moistened, it went on smoothly.

Celeteque DermoScience+ Hydration Make-Up Remover Cleansing Facial Wipes (P160 for 20 sheets or P8 per sheet, at the beauty section)

The Celeteque Cleansing Facial Wipes clocked in at 25 swipes mainly because of the eyeliner. The liquid lipstick disappeared after 14 swipes but the eyeliner was just stubborn. It also did not promise to remove waterproof makeup so the result was understandable. In terms of texture, the Celeteque wipe gave the feeling of mild exfoliation, which left my face feeling a bit raw.  

Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets (P99 for 10 sheets or P9.9 per sheet, at the beauty section)

The Biore Facial Sheets have the smallest wipes yet it removed all the makeup in just four swipes! Their unique Cleansing Oil formula made it easier to breakdown the makeup, even the stubborn waterproof ones. Texture-wise, you can feel the fibers on the sheet but you won’t have to swipe on as much to remove makeup.

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths (P249.75 for 25 sheets or P9.99 per sheet, at the beauty section)

The Cetaphil Cleansing Cloths do not mention removing waterproof makeup, which may be why it took 18 swipes to completely remove the eyeliner. If you’re not using waterproof makeup at all, these wipes are good to consider because of soft, almost padded texture that made wiping it feel very pleasant. 

Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Wipes (P299 for 25 sheets or P11.96 per sheet, at the beauty section)

The Simple Micellar Cleansing Wipes are different from the rest because of the infusion of Micellar Technology and is a good go-to for sensitive skin. The 25 swipes completely removed the waterproof eyeliner while the mascara and liquid lipstick were gone by 7 swipes. The non-waterproof makeup was gone at 1-2 swipes. The Simple wipes are the largest of the lot in terms of size nd they feel gentle on the face.

Based on the swipe test alone, the Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets win! Even though they have the smallest sheets out of all the wipes, the inclusion of cleansing oil in the formula makes for a highly-effective makeup wipe.

In terms of value for money though, the Watsons Cleansing Facial Wipes are the most sulit at only P2.5 per sheet. It took just 8 swipes to completely remove waterproof makeup, and the P25 peso price tag is practically a steal.

Which of these makeup wipes have you tried? What beauty battle would you want to see next?

There are many roads that lead to the best, most polished brows, but one sure-fire technique is using at least two layers of product. The base would usually act as a light outline of the brows, while the second layer would create more depth and texture. You can mix and match different formulas but a pencil (or pen) + mascara combo is usually a winner!

Recently, I've been liking the Clio Tinted Tattoo Kill Brow (P750 at Althea) since it's so convenient to use. There are two products in one pen so I don't have to rummage through my table - sounds like a minor thing but if you've seen my makeup desk, it is chaos personified. Anyway! This Clio product is also pretty fast to work with as the liquid pen is like a jumbo marker while the mascara coats brow hairs sufficiently in one or two passes without making a mess. I like how it looks on me as it delivers soft, Korean drama star brows.

The shade I have is Earth Brown - a bit blonde for my current hair color but honestly, that's just me nitpicking. The pen is a grayish shadow which I wish was more pigmented. I also find that it doesn't adhere as well as I'd like on foundation-ed brows but again, I find the issues to be minor as it does what it's supposed to do in two layers and pretty much stays on all day.

Clio Tinted Tattoo Kill Brow in Earth Brown

I didn't like the mascara at first as the wand was gunky out of the tube. When I apply it on my brows though, it does such a good job giving me the coverage + pigmentation I need! Actually, when I'm in a rush, I don't even have to bother with the pen; I apply the brow mascara directly and I get great shading as well as texture. This is my 1-minute kilay go-to (literally) when I need to go and don't have time to put anything else on my face.

The mascara and pen both have great staying power on me. Not at tattoo-like levels, obvs, but I've worn these to tennis and I would still have kilay left after sweating like crazy!

Soft and stylishly thick brows

Overall, I recommend the Clio Tinted Tattoo Kill Brow to anybody who wants natural-looking yet polished brows that stay on. ^_^ You know, I've been trying out some Clio products lately from Althea and I wish they never left the PH. Remember when Clio used to be in Watsons? Sayang! I hope the brand comes back again someday.

What's your current brow routine like?

If you read about my P995 full-face haul from HBC and have been curious about how the products perform and look like, I’m doing an FOTD and mini product review as promised! All of the products are from San San, which is currently their only in-store makeup line. There is no shortage of variety to mix and match for the budget-conscious shopper, though. Now that I’ve had time to give them a thorough testing, find out if my Valentine’s stash makes the cut, or gets left in the dust!

Let’s start with what is arguably their most buzzed-about product of the moment: the Age Defense Serum Foundation (P238). With only one shade available, it first seemed like a risky purchase but a quick swatch revealed that the runny formula has sheer coverage and can be built into several layers for full coverage. Once applied, the foundation settled into my skin without leaving any trace of oiliness or stickiness. There is a mild brightening effect on me, and I imagine it will give off a just-powdered look on more morena skintones. Do keep in mind that here is a strong honeysuckle cologne scent, so those who are sensitive to strong fragrances might want to sniff the tester first before committing.

My cover-up of choice was the San San Concealer SPF15 in Natural (P120). It has a dry balm-like texture that applies with some drag. The shade I got is the closest to my skintone, though it is still a shade or two lighter than I actually am. For use on dark circles, the concealer stays put for most of the day but tends to eventually cake on the oilier parts of my face, like the sides of my nose.

I was able to make the foundation and concealer work with my skin tone by applying the San San Pressed Powder in 02 Satin (P118) to set. Longevity is at two hours before my nose starts to get shiny.

Spoiler alert: HBC does a good job with eye makeup! The quality of each product in this category was consistently good, starting with the Eyebrow Powder Duo in Light-Medium Brown (P152) that I used on both my brows and lids. It took some time to build up the pigmentation but I think it also had to do with the inclusive angled brush that was too long but nicely firm. The brush had the tendency to bend, making accuracy in brushstrokes tricky. As an eyeshadow, the two shades of brown are flattering and easy to work with. My brow makeup stayed on all day long and only creases slightly on the lids after 7 hours of wear.

The Shader Brush (P39), while not as fluffy as I’m used to, performs very decently. With a light hand, I was able to apply and blend the brow powder without much trouble!

Even though the San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black (P106) is more water-resistant than it is waterproof, I do like that the precision felt-tip has just the right thickness and firmness to it for better control. The formula has a slightly shiny finish and doesn’t deliver an opaque pigmentation in a single stroke. Applying 2 to 3 passes is ideal to build up a bold black line.

After curling my lashes and applying the Long Lash Waterproof Mascara in Black (P147), I later noticed that the mascara doesn’t hold a curl that well. The formula is also on the sticky side, and I can feel the thickness to it even after it has dried. It does offer subtle length and volume that looks very natural-looking, plus it stayed smudge-free for 6 hours!

Finally, the Creamy Matte Lipstick in Tempting Ruby (P151) is a bright red with a hint of a salmon undertone to it. The formula is neither drying nor hydrating, and it applies with some drag. The finish reflects some light, so it is not an entirely flat matte.

Going into the challenge, I honestly didn’t have high expectations. So it was a truly pleasant surprise to find that the products performed very well! My top three must-haves are the versatile Eyebrow Powder Duo, the long-wearing Waterproof Eyeliner Pen, and the San San Pressed Powder that made my other face bases come together.

So what did you think of this FOTD? And when was the last time a drugstore product exceeded your expectations?

Oh hello there, March! And just like that, summer is officially upon us. The weather’s gotten warmer, the sun is shining brighter, and the sales and launches are even hotter! From an epic summer sale of your fave drugstore products to a well-loved brand branching out into skincare (YASSSS), this week’s roundup will get your heart pumping!

Image via L’Oreal Paris Philippines

The Great (Summer) Escape

While we got to enjoy a bit of sweater weather last month, it’s back to lots of sunshine and higher temps this March. No need to worry about your makeup melting off, though. The Great L’Oreal Summer Sale is offering up to 50% off their products, including selected items from their #NeverFail Infallible makeup line! Get the perfect summer buddies like the 16HR Pro-Matte Powder for only P300 and the Infallible Pro-Setting Spray for just P250. The sale lasts until April 2 but why risk missing out on stocks? Head to your nearest L’Oreal counter and shop, shop, shop! Find the full list of sale products here.

Images via Just Jared, Getty and AJC

We’re still on Cloud 9!

The 2017 Oscars proved to be a most memorable award season (see Miss Universe 2015 final results for reference). We still can’t get over Emma Stone winning and Viola Davis’s epic speech! Also important: the red carpet was filled with some winning makeup looks from our favorite stars. It may not be immediately apparent what Taraji P Henson, Chrissy Teigen, and Reese Witherspoon have in common so here’s a clue: they all had the same blush!

Image via @intothegloss on Instagram

Glossier decided to tease their newest product in the most epic way – at the Academy Awards! Tons of celebrities rocked their new Cloud Paint Blush ($25), a gel-cream blush that’s easy applied with the fingers and gives the most natural flush. It’s available in four shades (a coral shade called Beam, a bronze brown called Dusk, a pink called Puff and a berry called Haze) which were inspired by the New York sunset. The Cloud Paint blushes are already available on the Glossier site!

Full story on Glamour

Images via Benefit Cosmetics

Dandelion Dreams

If you’ve been saving up for Benefit’s Hoola Lite bronzer, you may want to extend your budget for these new arrivals! The adorably packaged cosmetics brand has brought out yet another set of amazing products that we can’t wait to get our hands on: highlighters! Dandelion Twinkle ($29) is the sparkly sister of the cult classic Dandelion blush. This warm peach highlighter has a pearl finish for getting a warm luminous glow. Non-powder fans can also opt for Dandelion Dew ($28), a soft pink liquid blush that suits all skin tones, and is both buildable and easy to blend. Lastly, the Dandelion Shy Beam ($26), which is a concentrated matte highlighter, provides solution for those who prefer a shimmer-less glow. The Dandelion products are currently available on Sephora.com and should be landing in Benefit stores very soon!

Full story on Temptalia

Images via Temptalia

Like Second Skin

As if we didn’t have enough eye shadow palettes to pine for, MAC Cosmetics has just teased every neutral eye shadow lover’s dream. The 15-shadow In The Flesh palette includes every neutral shade you could ever want: from peaches to soft browns and taupes, with a stunning collection of mattes and shimmers. 13 of the 15 shadows are limited edition, including a 2004 favorite called Beaded, which us a frosty warm gold. Valued at $240, the palette will only set you back $65! You can shop the palette on the MAC website and keep checking MAC stores for its PH release!

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Allure

No Other Liner MATTErs

When it comes to long lasting, ultra black liner, Kat Von D’s Tattoo Liner is a consistent top contender among makeup lovers. Not one to rest on her laurels, Kat has been working on giving this crowd fave an awesome upgrade with an ultra matte formula! Despite the original already being quite matte, this new formulation makes the liner look like an actual tattoo when applied. We’re already excited to test out the Kat Von D Super Matte Tattoo Liner but there’s no word yet on the release date. We’ll be eyeing this new liner for a longer lasting finish!

Full story on Allure

Image via @urbandecaycosmetics on Instagram

Off To Rehab

It’s very exciting and scary when a popular makeup brand decides to branch out into skincare - it would be a treat to continue supporting a brand you already love but it’s tempting to set extremely high and unrealistic expectations. This is exactly how we felt when Urban Decay announced that they are coming out with their own skincare line! Aptly called Rehab Makeup Prep (how very UD), the collection consists of several products that promise to scrub, cleanse, revitalize, and hydrate your skin. So far, they’ve teased six products to add to your skincare regimen. The Rehab Makeup Prep Hot Springs Hydrating Gel moisturizes and balances the skin’s pH using water from an actual hot spring (!!!) and the Rehab Makeup Prep Pretty Gritty Skin Polish uses vitamin C and rosehip seed for exfoliation.

Image via @urbandecaycosmetics on Instagram

The Rehab Makeup Prep Oxygenated Bubble Mask foams up and leaves your face clean and hydrated after it washes off, while the Rehab Makeup Prep Pore Refining Peel Off Mask helps clear breakouts and control oiliness. The Rehab Makeup Prep Lip Love moisturizes your lips with coconut oil and shea butter, and the Rehab Makeup Prep Moisture Layer Eye Roller dispenses moisture while gently massaging the eye area.

As if that wasn’t enough to excite us, Urban Decay is also bringing out the Meltdown Makeup Remover, a revolutionary way to remove your makeup. It’s available in both balm stick and spray form, which should make cleaning up a lot easier!

Full story on Refinery29

Do you remember your first perfume? Mine came in an aerosol spray bottle and smelled like floral detergent, but my teenage self honestly believed that all perfumes were supposed to be like that. Thankfully, I was disabused of that notion as I grew older. My nose got used to more refined scents - some so good that they are an experience in itself, from the packaging down to the notes!

But here's a fact: a good scent doesn't necessarily have to be expensive. Those on a budget can find good perfumes in the drugstore they know where to look! A new brand called Enchanteur Paris (available inside Watsons) is aiming for that spot in your dresser, and I've got more info on how these smell and stay on.

Enchanteur Paris has four Eau de Toilette (P469) scents with different profiles. Mon Amie is an effervescent scent featuring citrus, apple, and peonies. Adore is graceful with wild jasmine, pink mimosa, and golden pear - do I smell a hint of berry? Belle Amour has apple, melon, blackcurrant, and rose that forms a sweet cloud around one's skin. Finally, Magique, a limited edition scent, features apple, magnolia, and praline for a bold, carefree profile.

As these are eau de toilettes and not eau de parfums (the latter has a higher concentration of perfume oils), they stay on for an average of 2-3 hours depending on the heat and humidity of your environment. You may want to decant some scents into a travel spray bottle so you can retouch anytime! 

While I am not a huge fan of the illustration on the boxes, I love the glass packaging for these scents. They're classy and hefty, something that I'd want to see on my dresser! The cap with the ribbon is a lovely touch and makes the scents look more expensive than they actually are.

Overall, I would recommend the Enchanteur Paris Eau de Toilette to teens and younger women who are looking for their first signature scent. The variants available are all sweet, preppy, and energetic, perfect for the younger set who wants to smell great without spending too much. They also make great gifts to nieces and daughters, in case you were looking for one. 

They're available in Watsons for P469 a pop. Let me know what you think!

Since Glossier’s new Cloud Paint came out the other day, the PV team has been somewhat agonizing about whether we want a tube or two of those adorable cheek colors. So far, no one has succumbed (yet) and to help resist temptation, we got to talking about the blushes that we currently enjoy using and find ourselves reaching for often!

Liz: I've been feeling peachy lately because of the Too Faced Papa Don't Peach Blush! I love this shimmery, slightly sheer layer of color on me since I look like I just woke up with naturally glowing skin. It stays on pretty well at around four hours on my combination skin, plus it smells literally like sweet peach too.

Gett: While it's not HG material for me since it still has things it could improve on, all I ever use on my cheeks on a daily basis is the Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint in Strawberry Ade. I really like water-based tints for my cheeks in general because they look natural and are easy to use. This one lasts a good time on my cheeks and is easy to blend. The only caveat is it stains my fingers when I blend it out.

Jenn: I like the Tony Moly Panda Lip and Cheek Tint for daily use. While the staying power can be improved, I'm really happy with how it shows up nicely on my light medium skin without making me look like I was slapped. It's also very easy to apply! When I need more color, I go for the Courage blush of the Tarte Double Duty Beauty Eye & Cheek Palette. It's pigmented and long wearing, with a gorgeous shade of nude pink that can be toned up or down depending on the look I'm going for.

Kim: If I could use but one blush for the rest of my life, it would be Amaretto - the second blush shade included in the Becca x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Collection Face Palette. This rosy brown hue with a slight hint of sheen goes with ALL kinds of looks. It's blendable, buildable, and lasts a good five hours before it starts to fade. If this were available as a single, I'd buy it in a heartbeat so I can stash it in my everyday kit.

Charlie: Ever since I discovered the KJM lip and cheek tints here on PV, they've become a staple in my beauty routine! I find them easy to blend and the longevity is really good. I have a couple of shades that I love but I reach for the shade Pink Puff most of the time. The light pink shade looks natural on the cheeks (and on the lips), and I never have to worry about my cheeks losing color throughout the day.

Claire: I enjoy my powder and cream blushes but find that they sometimes emphasize texture on my cheeks. Lately, I've been favoring gel or water tints for believable color and natural glow. My faves are from The Body Shop. Blended with a stippling brush, these never look streaky! I find it works well even on top of powder, too.

Marielle: I find the Zoeva Pink Spectrum Blush so sulit because of the stellar curation of pink shades that go with all my looks. There are different finishes, so I like to mix or layer 2-3 colors for more depth. The level of pigmentation is intense, so I imagine that this thing will last forever.

Katsy: My current go-to blush is this Bourjois combo. First, I apply the Bourjois Cream Blush Sun 06 in Tropical Coral to get a summer glow going, then I layer the Bourjois Rose Frisson Powder Blush on top for the extra pop of color. Both are extremely handy as the size makes them portable, and the powder blush even comes with a brush I can actually use on the go.

Are you feeling the itch to buy a new blush also? Distract yourself and tell us about the ones you're currently loving!

While we have an entire series of budget-friendly beauty picks that fit into my student budget, I’ve been curious about which products I already have at home can also be used for beauty purposes. I remembered how my mom used to apply oatmeal to her face to make it soft to touch so I decided to try three kitchen staples to cleanse my skin. I had heard that olive oil, honey, and rice water supposedly works and offer great skin benefits as well, so read on to see how they worked for my combination skin!

Olive Oil

At first, I was really unsure about using oil on my face because I was worried it would clog my pores. A lot of people swear by this as a makeup remover though so I decided to give it a go. I poured out a small amount onto my palm and applied it all over my face a little at a time. Eek, my first thought was about how gross it felt! It was sticky and heavy, and I did not like how it smelled!

Even so, I continued massaging my face and found that it easily melted my makeup. When I felt that it was okay to stop, I tried rinsing my face with water but it was so hard to remove the olive oil! I had to eventually use warm water to get the oil get off of my face but even after flushing my face with warm water, my face still felt like it had oily residue on it. I decided to let it be since olive oil is also supposed to be a good moisturizer. My face really did feel soft and look dewy! But a pimple on my face felt itchy and irritated.

Later on, I found online that using a face towel soaked in warm water would help remove all residue, which is best for people with dry skin. In my case, double-cleansing would have been a better option since my skin has been problematic lately and olive oil is still considered moderately comedogenic. I think I’ll stick to using commercial oil cleansers, which are usually formulated with emulsifiers to make removing the oil easier.

Honey

I didn’t think twice about using honey on my face because I had read that it has antibacterial, healing, hydrating, nourishing, and probiotic properties. It was SUPER sticky and thick so I had a hard time applying it! When I finally managed to spread it to all over my face, I let it sit for about 10 minutes before rinsing. Fortunately, it washed right off using just water. After drying my face, my skin felt clean, soft, and smooth. The redness of my acne was also reduced!

It was honestly an amazing feeling to use honey on my face, and I’m thinking about making it a weekly masking ritual. Application was such a hassle though so products like the Manuka Health Manuka Honey line would be a more practical option.

Rice water

Considering that this is something that we just normally throw out, I wondered how the water from washing rice could possibly have any beauty benefits. It’s a Japanese beauty hack though, and considering how Japanese women are serious about their skin care, it seemed worth trying out. I made sure to wash the rice grains first, to remove dirt and other impurities. Then I replaced the water and allowed the grains to soak for 30 minutes before transferring the rice water into a different container.

To use, I just scooped a generous amount of rice water and washed my face as usual. It felt just like water but it seemed to make my skin feel softer and smoother. I noticed that my redness also subsided and my pimples did not get irritated. I think I’ll need to try this for a longer time to actually see if this will make my skin look better.

A quicker (and probably more effective) route would be to use skin care products that feature rice as the star ingredient! Japanese and Korean brands usually have products or even entire lines devoted to rice, like The Face Shop’s Rice Water Bright collection. Locally, the Oryspa brand incorporates rice bran oil in their products. Rice bran is rich in vitamin E and vitamin A, and I’m guessing this would even work better than just washing my face with rice water.

While everything I tried here is food-grade, it’s still possible to get a negative reaction when applied to the skin. Do make sure to do a patch test first to see if your skin will react to the application and discontinue use if you get any allergies or rashes.

Have you tried any of these beauty hacks? How did they work for you? What other kitchen ingredient have you tried using to cleanse your face?

Sources: Lab Muffin, Stylecaster, Bustle

This story is brought to you by Silka.

It's exciting to plan for our next trip, but sometimes we can get *too* excited when packing for it. An over-zealous packer would throw everything into the luggage last-minute and pray that the words "excess baggage" will not be mentioned at the check-in counter later on. A smart traveler, however, knows how to pack smart so she can fit in everything that she needs - and no more!

If you're already planning your next trip, conserve some space by streamlining your skincare kit. You only need six basic products after all! Plus points if you can snag some travel-sized goodies from your favorite brands instead of transferring things in leaky bottles. Remember, you can't bring more than 100ml of liquids inside your carry-on! Here are some of our recommendations.

Cleanse

You need to cleanse your hair, body, and face no matter where you're off to, so you'll need only three separate products.

Shampoo. Choose one that can remove dirt and oil effectively without drying your scalp. Most brands would sell sachets, but you might want to collect sample bottles from high-end brands so you can just refill them as needed. You can easily find small travel sets (with conditioners) in airports! I like these ones from L'Occitane since the bottle is so cute and, more importantly, secure!

Body soap. Instead of bringing liquid body wash, soaps are a lot more convenient and less messy to travel with. Silka has sachet soaps that are only 65 grams - the Moisturizing Milk Soap with Avocado Oil smells especially luscious and don't dry out the skin. It's only P21.75, too! It's smaller than a passport but should be good to use for a weeks' worth of showers.

Facial Wash. The best facial wash for traveling can remove light makeup and sunscreen. Pick a gentle one that can cut through the accumulated dirt on your face without destroying your moisture barrier. I stock up on the travel-sized Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean Multi-Action Foam Cleanser during their GWP promos!

Nourish and protect

A vacation, as you ladies might know, isn't an excuse to take a break from moisturizing and protecting your skin from the sun! You'll need an overall body lotion, a nighttime moisturizer, and a tinted sunscreen for daytime.

Body lotion with SPF. If you're bringing lotion with you, you might as well make sure it has SPF. The Silka Premium Moisturizing Milk Lotion with Avocado Oil (P45 for 50ml) not only provides deep hydration without the stickiness - it also provides SPF23! It's small enough to bring inside your purse so you can retouch every 3-4 hours for maximum protection. Yep, you need to retouch your sunscreen during the day as the protection wears off!

Tinted sunscreen. You can certainly use a colorless sunscreen if you prefer your foundation to provide full coverage, but if you have fairly good skin and just need a little help, you can get through your morning routine faster with a tinted sunscreen. It should also provide moisture and a bit of glow, like the Avene Tinted Cream with SPF50. 

Facial Oil. In the evening, you'd want your skin to recuperate from the stresses of the day by using a nourishing facial oil right before bedtime. I recommend oils at night as they don't require skincare layering - something like the Herbivore Botanicals Balancing Facial Oil is more than enough to keep skin charged with moisture as you sleep, for an authentic daytime glow.

A good skincare strategy no matter where you're traveling in the world is important if you are to maintain great skin. ^_^ Thankfully, Silka has our body care needs taken care of with travel-sized products that are easily accessible. Try 'em out soon!

How can February be ending already? If it feels like our days are a blur, count on the beauty scene to fill it with memorable products and much-awaited releases. On our radar this week: Make Up For Ever is finally getting into the liquid lipstick game, Lisa Frank makeup is actually happening, more celebrities getting into the beauty biz, and an Instagram post that has given us hope! Grab a coffee, sit back, and get ready to fall in love at least one more time before the month ends.

Image via Far & Wide

Oui oui for Ouai!

Yes and yes! Get your tresses ready, ladies, because online sensation Ouai Haircare is finally available on Sephora Philippines! Founded by celebrity hairstylist Jen Atkins, the hair care products with gorgeous minimalist packaging promise to give your locks the nourishment, hold, and styling you’ve only ever dreamed of. Raved about by celebrities (Khloe Kardashian, Jessica Alba and Sofia Vergara, to name a few) and YouTube beauty gurus alike, we’re excited to finally have the chance to try the famous Ouai Hair Oil (P1,618), the Ouai Wave Spray (P1,502), and the Ouai Treatment Masque (P1,849)! We’re also hoping that Sephora stocks up on the brand’s famous Dry Shampoo as well. What are you excited to try?

Image via Temptalia

Read my (liquid) lips

The beauty world has gotten so crazy for liquid lipsticks, they’ve basically changed the way we apply color to our pouts. It may have started out as trend but now we’ve come to expect certain standards for what a good lipstick should be: highly pigmented, easy to apply, comfortable to wear, formulated to last. It was only a matter of time before Make Up For Ever Cosmetics jumped in with their own formula, and we gotta say, we’re super excited! Pricey but incredibly pigmented, the new Artist Liquid Matte lipsticks ($20) come in six gorgeous shades that range from neutral nudes to cheeky corals. Promising an ultra lightweight feel with moisturizing properties from avocado oil and beeswax, these liquid matte lippies claim to be long-lasting and comfortable on your lips as well. Hoping these babies to drop in the PH very soon!

Full story on Temptalia

Image via The Daily Dot

Bringing back 90s beauty

No brown lips here - it’s all about the crazy. A Kickstarter campaign has been set up to fund the creation of real live Lisa Frank makeup, striking a chord with 90s girls who adored the brand’s bright colors and whimsical creatures! Indie brand Glamour Dolls Makeup and YouTube guru Kandee Johnson are working hard to make the colors as vibrant as we remember them.

Expect to see prancing unicorns, dancing dolphins, and cute golden retrievers on the product packaging. So far, it looks like the brand’s lineup includes: eyeliner, vegan leather makeup bag, lip balm, highlighter, and matte mousse! The campaign has been fully funded with but donations are still welcome until April.  Of course, you’ll want to use matching tools such as the Lisa Frank Angled Blush Brush, which is now available for preorder for just $5.

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Benefit Cosmetics

How ‘bout a hoola?

There’s no denying it - Benefit’s Hoola Bronzer is a cult-favorite and classic piece in most women’s makeup bags. With its signature box packaging and Hawaiian-inspired look, this warm brown, pigmented powder is great for giving you that sun-kissed look... most of the time. Let’s face it: for paler complexions, finding a bronzer that works is already quite a challenge! To address this, Benefit Cosmetics has taken the challenge of making the perfect bronzer for me and my fellow “kutis bondpaper” girls with Benefit Hoola Lite! This paler, cooler version of the classic allows it to blend more naturally with fairer skin tones, but since it comes in the same packaging, make sure to double-check that you have the correct product. So far, it’s exclusively available at Ulta (but we’re excitedly waiting for this to hit PH shores) and retails for $29.

Full story on Bustle

Image via Just Jared

Are you RiRi ready?!

As if we couldn’t love our girl Rihanna more, the singer and fashion icon has been working on something very exciting for all of us beauty lovers- -her own makeup line! Expected to drop this coming fall, Fenty Beauty Cosmetics has been the hit maker’s baby since early last year. RiRi’s penchant for avant garde lip colors shows up in this collection, with the holographic lipstick!

Image via US Magazine

Although the brand’s Instagram page appears to have been taken down, they did debut a picture of a model sporting what seems to be a pearlescent baby pink lipstick. Everything else is still under wraps but knowing Rihanna, she will not disappoint.

Full story on US Magazine

Another Kardashian joins the beauty world

Are they all trying to keep up with each other? Kylie, Kourtney, Khloe, and even Kim will have create some space for Kanye West as he gets into the beauty industry. Though technically not a Kardashian, Kim's husband has already put in the paperwork for Donda Cosmetics, a new beauty line named after his deceased mother. The company intends to offer skin care, hair styling products, and even makeup, putting them in direct competition with several members of the family. Caitlyn Jenner has done collaborations with MAC while Kendall is the face for Estée Edit.

Full story on Sidewalk Hustle

Prepare to be Enchanted ✨watch out for the #HappySkinXBeautyandtheBeast limited edition, coming soon 💋 @happyskin_ph

A post shared by SM Megamall (@smmegamall) on Feb 23, 2017 at 8:07pm PST

Could it be? Is it she?

We’ve been dreaming about L’Oreal Italy’s exclusive Beauty and the Beast-inspired collection since it first hit our feeds but dealing with international online purchasing and shipping fees isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. There’s a chance for all of us to get into the magic though – the eagle-eyed PV girls spotted a vv important sneak peek on SM Megamall’s Instagram feed. Happy Skin has been secretly working on an extra special, limited edition Beauty and the Beast lip kit, and it will be hitting their stores pretty soon!

The brand has been mum about its surprise release as of press time but it looks like we’ll want to get our hands on this pretty peachy-pink duo. Happy Skin had just recently released their very first liquid lip/pencil liner sets, and we’re honestly impressed by their performance so far. Can’t wait to try this rosy new addition!

Header image via @makeupforeverofficial on Instagram

Now is a great time to be alive and a woman! More than ever, women can now pursue more career options and be successful in their chosen fields. However, the cultural expectation and pressure to stay home and put their families first and above all else still exist. Is it actually possible to have the best of both worlds? Can you have both a family and a career? We asked nine women to share their thoughts, experiences, and tips for achieving that delicate balance act.

Rosa

Rosa Lapeña Concepcion, foreign exchange trader/violinist (married, with one child)

I believe having a family and career is possible but constant communication, humility, and teamwork are required. When you are a man with a wife and children, society does not question whether having both a family and career is possible. You're expected to provide for your family through your career, and at the same time be a good husband and father. However, when you are a wife and a mother, people question whether you can raise children and build a career at the same time! This interview is proof of that. Many people still believe that the woman's place is at home, and so when a mother decides to work, they think that home life will suffer. But this does not have to be the case, because the family is a TEAM. The woman does not have to be the sole child-rearer, just as the man does not have to be the sole breadwinner. Thus, both the husband and wife can have careers if both are also active participants in running the household.

In my case, I am so fortunate to be married to a man who is even better than I am at domestic matters, especially cooking! He has always been supportive of my decision to work. We delayed having children for more than a year because we wanted to ensure that we were first both settled in our jobs. While expecting our first child, we decided that I will keep on working after giving birth. It’s difficult but I know that I can fully depend on the support of my husband. We will take care of ourselves, each other, and our son together, and of course we will have help from our relatives and friends. I do believe that it takes a village to raise a child, and also that no man (or woman) is an island.

Crickette

Crickette Inserto, dentist

Of course it is possible. I’ve seen my parents do it. I grew up seeing my mom working full time, managing the house, and even having time to volunteer as parent representative when we were in school. Now, I also see it with my mom friends. Of course it's all about the makeup of the person as well because I see some struggling to cope. But that I see people breaking boundaries is proof that it can be done.

As for having kids, I’ve always believed that I was meant to be a mother but sadly I am reproductively challenged. I don't know if I will have the chance but I do want to be a mother because, as I always say, sayang naman all the work that I've been doing if it's just for me. I don't think that the sum total of a woman's life should include motherhood but I'd love the chance. If not, my nieces and nephews will have an overeager tita!

Bianca Camille Lopez, soprano (single)

Someone once told me, nowadays it’s not about work life-balance. It’s about work-life integration, and I agree. It’s not about getting things done in the least possible amount of time but choosing which tasks are the most meaningful ones and the most worthy of your time. You can have both but there are sacrifices to be made. You must decide which activities are important, be it about family or career.

Tana and Cara (photo credit: Happy Fingers Photography)

Tana Tan, stay-at-home mom (married, with two children)

For me it was a difficult realization that it isn't possible to have both at the same time while my kids are small. I tried juggling working and home/child management but I did not have anyone who can cover for me while I am away and watch the kids (yaya problems, no nearby relatives, etc). So I had to make that choice to stay with them for now. It's very isolating and I needed an outlet, so I started an IG shop. At least it's from home, I control my time and I don't need to be away from the kids.

Cara Manglapus, jazz singer (engaged, with one child)

It's a tricky question to answer but I'd say it's possible to have both depending on a number of factors, such as field of work and how much help you have. As a freelancer, it is possible to have both in my particular case because I can choose when to work. This is a privilege I thank my fiancé for everyday because he has stepped up to the plate by being our family provider, so my career is more of a personal ambition and to have personal fulfillment. At the moment I am mostly a stay-at-home mom because our daughter is less than a year old and is 100% breastfed and I believe that no one can nurture a child's development like a parent, but I do get to take certain work opportunities now and then. I have every intention of fully going back to work eventually so that I can be a strong, independent role model for my kids.

Andrea and Fleur

Andrea Monica Gonzales, lawyer (single)

It's possible. I see many lady lawyers doing it and even slaying at it. However, I've learned from observing them that having "work-life balance” does NOT mean doing everything all at the same time. It means being wise enough to know what to prioritize at a particular instance. There are things that you need to say no to in order to make way for more important things. Also, it means being prepared to make up for the things that you set aside in the meantime. In short, it takes a lot of work and decision-making so you have to know your values so you can set your priorities.

Fleur Rubio-Sombrero, engineer and blogger (married, with one child)

Gone are the days when women need to choose between having a career and raising a family. She can definitely do both! I have been in the corporate world ever since my daughter was born six years ago but no one can ever say that I am not doing a good job being her mother. I get to bathe her, teach her homework, help her in her school projects, prepare her daily baon for school, and spend quality time together everyday. We go out on mother daughter dates. I am always with her whenever she's sick. I am there in almost every celebration and milestone so far. I do that all in between meetings, client calls, ManCom reports, site visits and managing a 40-man staff. Prioritizing and time management are the key.

Author Annabel Crabb once said, "The obligation for working mothers is a very precise one: the feeling that one ought to work as if one did not have children while raising one's children as if one did not a job." I am not saying that it is easy - it's not but it's very doable. The rewarding feeling for each role is very different. Working moms just need to prioritize, do time management, get help from her spouse or family members, and have a bottle of wine in the fridge. Haha!

Martha Sta. Barbara, entrepreneur and blogger (engaged)

Old adage says you can only focus on one but it's possible to have both. After all, both are important aspects of an individual's life so why choose only one? Balance is key. Set aside a day and time for work and for family. But career can easily eat up family time so one has to learn to say no to work. At the end of the day, there will always be more work to be done but your children will only be young once and your husband, family, and friends won't be there forever.

Vivian Tan-dela Cruz, lawyer and blogger (married, with two children)

Of course you can have both but your love for one will never be equal to the other. No matter how you look at it, while you can have it all, priorities will be set. In my case, I put more value in my family life than in my career. My family will always come first, and they know this. On the other hand, my family also knows how important my career is to me. It means the world to me that my family understands and respects what an important aspect of my life my career is.

So I say yes – yes, you can “have it all” as a woman with a family and a career. Balance and compromise is key. And I mean balance and compromise within yourself. You have to learn to maintain that delicate balance of attention that you need to allocate for your family on one side and your career on the other. You also have to learn to compromise with yourself, and not feel guilty about it. There will be times when one will need to take a back seat to the other simply because the circumstances call for it. It doesn’t speak of what you value more. It is just a matter of owning your identity as a working mother/wife/daughter/sister. I am truly blessed that my family has my back when they know I need to concentrate more on work, and I am doubly blessed that I belong in a work organization that also recognizes and celebrates the importance of family.

Do you think it's possible to balance both? And if you have both career and family, what are your tips for making it work? Share with us in the comments below!

Header image by Cristina Mandara

There’s just something enigmatic and alluring about French concept of beauty – it’s chic yet effortless, and elegant but never over the top. I’ve read books like “How to Be Parisian wherever you are”, have the City of Lights on my travel bucket list, and probably watched one too many YouTube videos on the ubiquitous French wardrobe. One thing I always notice is their uncanny sense for the perfect finishing touch, such as wearing a scent that lingers and captures their story.

Enter Enchanteur Paris, the latest treat for us fragrance lovers! This new perfume line makes it possible to smell amazing all day long, without a steep four-digit price tag.

There are four fragrance lines to choose from, which were skillfully blended to evoke particular moods:

• Magique (apple, magnolia, praline) – carefree, confident, and adventurous
• Belle Amour (apple, melon, blackcurrant, pink rose) – romantic and sweet
• Mon Amie (fresh citrus, red apple, pink peonies) – fun, cheerful, and charming
• Adore (wild jasmine, pink mimosa, golden pear) – elegant and graceful

Each fragrance line comes with a suite of similarly scented products, making it easy to layer them on and create a long-lasting perfume that clings to the skin.

Start by prepping your skin with Enchanteur Paris Parfum Lotion and Parfum Serum (P210 and P275). The added moisture not only makes your skin feel soft and supple, it also gives the fragrance a good base to stay on. Next, stay fresh and keep body odor at bay by spraying on the Enchanteur Paris Deospray (P129). Hands are usually prone to dryness because they’re constantly moving and washed to stay clean, so make sure to care for them with the Enchanteur Paris Hand Cream (P100). Finally, spritz the Enchanteur Paris Eau de Toilette (P400) on your pulse points and on your hair brush before running through your strands.

The Parfum Lotions also have additional benefits that you can choose (and benefit) from according to what your skin needs:

• Mon Amie (blue) – Double Moisture with Ultra Hyaluronic Hydration & Olive Oil
• Belle Amour – Triple Whitening with Vitamin B3, Sakura & Liquorice
• Mon Amie (yellow) – Light & Fresh with Aloe Vera, Portulaca & Sunscreen Active
• Adore – Antibacterial Care with GermClear Formulation & Swiss Edelweiss

My personal favorite is the Mon Amie line for its fresh scent notes, and will be a great pick-me-up for summer. The hand cream is my new purse staple as it helps keep my hands moisturized without feeling sticky, plus I get that lingering scent, too. I love how the packaging uses bright colors, and the exquisite EDT bottle design looks stunning in my shelfies!

Enchanteur Paris is exclusively available from Watsons and at the SM Store Beauty Section. You can also check them out online here.

What’s your summer scent story? Which Enchanteur Paris line are you looking forward to try?

If you read about my P995 full-face haul from HBC and have been curious about how the products perform and look like, I’m doing an FOTD and mini product review as promised! All of the products are from San San, which is currently their only in-store makeup line. There is no shortage of variety to mix and match for the budget-conscious shopper, though. Now that I’ve had time to give them a thorough testing, find out if my Valentine’s stash makes the cut, or gets left in the dust!

Let’s start with what is arguably their most buzzed-about product of the moment: the Age Defense Serum Foundation (P238). With only one shade available, it first seemed like a risky purchase but a quick swatch revealed that the runny formula has sheer coverage and can be built into several layers for full coverage. Once applied, the foundation settled into my skin without leaving any trace of oiliness or stickiness. There is a mild brightening effect on me, and I imagine it will give off a just-powdered look on more morena skintones. Do keep in mind that here is a strong honeysuckle cologne scent, so those who are sensitive to strong fragrances might want to sniff the tester first before committing.

My cover-up of choice was the San San Concealer SPF15 in Natural (P120). It has a dry balm-like texture that applies with some drag. The shade I got is the closest to my skintone, though it is still a shade or two lighter than I actually am. For use on dark circles, the concealer stays put for most of the day but tends to eventually cake on the oilier parts of my face, like the sides of my nose.

I was able to make the foundation and concealer work with my skin tone by applying the San San Pressed Powder in 02 Satin (P118) to set. Longevity is at two hours before my nose starts to get shiny.

Spoiler alert: HBC does a good job with eye makeup! The quality of each product in this category was consistently good, starting with the Eyebrow Powder Duo in Light-Medium Brown (P152) that I used on both my brows and lids. It took some time to build up the pigmentation but I think it also had to do with the inclusive angled brush that was too long but nicely firm. The brush had the tendency to bend, making accuracy in brushstrokes tricky. As an eyeshadow, the two shades of brown are flattering and easy to work with. My brow makeup stayed on all day long and only creases slightly on the lids after 7 hours of wear.

The Shader Brush (P39), while not as fluffy as I’m used to, performs very decently. With a light hand, I was able to apply and blend the brow powder without much trouble!

Even though the San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black (P106) is more water-resistant than it is waterproof, I do like that the precision felt-tip has just the right thickness and firmness to it for better control. The formula has a slightly shiny finish and doesn’t deliver an opaque pigmentation in a single stroke. Applying 2 to 3 passes is ideal to build up a bold black line.

After curling my lashes and applying the Long Lash Waterproof Mascara in Black (P147), I later noticed that the mascara doesn’t hold a curl that well. The formula is also on the sticky side, and I can feel the thickness to it even after it has dried. It does offer subtle length and volume that looks very natural-looking, plus it stayed smudge-free for 6 hours!

Finally, the Creamy Matte Lipstick in Tempting Ruby (P151) is a bright red with a hint of a salmon undertone to it. The formula is neither drying nor hydrating, and it applies with some drag. The finish reflects some light, so it is not an entirely flat matte.

Going into the challenge, I honestly didn’t have high expectations. So it was a truly pleasant surprise to find that the products performed very well! My top three must-haves are the versatile Eyebrow Powder Duo, the long-wearing Waterproof Eyeliner Pen, and the San San Pressed Powder that made my other face bases come together.

So what did you think of this FOTD? And when was the last time a drugstore product exceeded your expectations?

A month or so after the release of the first set of the Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Like Crayons (P399), Laveen and Rohit met with me and asked if I want to make more shades under the line. Well, they didn't have to ask me twice! I am ridiculously happy with the success of the first collection (thanks to you guys!) that having more colors for the PS x PV collab is the ultimate icing on the cake. With three new ultra versatile and flattering shades, my goal is to help you complete your lipstick wardrobe!

Each new shade features Pink Sugar's usual superb formulation. These glides on the lips easily and sets with a demi-matte finish. Staying power is fantastic - at 4-5 hours without eating or drinking, it also doesn't dry out lips because of the shea butter and Vitamin E in it! Here are the three new colors to choose from (or collect *wink*):

I Can't Even is a peachy rosebrown that's bright yet dainty. It should suit both cool and warm skintones, and should even serve as the perfect nude lipstick for those with deeper coloring! Sorry Not Sorry is an unapologetic peachy cinnamon. It's sassy and leans a tad brick-y, another update on the brown lipstick trend. Finally, we've got Just A Fling, a sexy roseplum that should instantly brighten your skin! It's not quite red, not quite plum - it's a fresh rose that has just barely bloomed.

As you may have noticed, each shade name is in keeping with the little white lies us girls love to tell. ;) That's why the line is called "These Lips Don't Lie"!

I made a video to show you guys what each shade looks like in motion. <3 I'm not sure if you can tell, but I am beside myself with excitement here. I say this a lot, so I'm not sure if people still take my word for it, but I still can't believe that Project Vanity has its own lipstick line inside Watsons and SM Beauty stores. This is all thanks to Pink Sugar's Laveen and Rohit, who believed in me - in what Project Vanity stands for - and took a chance on making this dream happen.

And that is that. ^_^ I hope you enjoy these new shades as much as I do, and I can't wait for you to try them! The new Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Like Crayons collection is out now in Pink Sugar counters inside SM Beauty and Watsons for P399. Are you digging any of the shades? What do you think?

Pink Sugar on Facebook | Pink Sugar on Instagram

When I'm looking for a signature scent, I gravitate towards strong, distinct, yet unabashedly feminine notes. It has to smell like power but not the aggressive kind without regard for subtlety; it has to be intelligent and focused. You can smell its presence in a room but it doesn't attempt to assault your nose with cheap tricks.

That's why I'm loving the new Shiseido Ever Bloom Eau de Parfum. I'd say this is a modern classic with radiant top notes of cyclamen, lotus, and rose essence and an enveloping base of orange blossom absolute, gardenia, and sylkoide musk. It smells clear and uplifting upon first spritz and then comes down to this serene pool of floral, woodsy musks. On me, it trails for a good five hours and melds with my skin well.

The story of Ever Bloom is quite interesting. It's inspired by an old photograph from 1940 taken by none other than Rosō Fukuhara, the son of Shiseido's founder. It was then brought to life by famed perfumer  Aurelien Guichard. He says of the scent, "When creating Shiseido Ever Bloom, I wanted to bring a new fresh sensuality, a new petal blooming sensation that will leave un unforgettable impression. I imagined a transparent floral heart, clean and natural. An abstract flower that you can’t quite identify, a flower with a “blurred” outline… I think this fragrance is about serenity, happiness, sensuality."

I adore how ephemeral yet bright Ever Bloom is. If you know me, you know how this is the kind of scent I always reach for when I'm dressed to the nines! I definitely wouldn't say it's good for casual occasions, but it does suit work and social events perfectly. Smell this soon to see what I mean!

The Shiseido Ever Bloom EDP (P2,750/30ml and P3,700/90ml) is now available in Shiseido boutiques and counters. 

If you aren’t a parent or shopping for a baby shower, chances are you wouldn’t find yourself in the baby products section. I never paid much attention either until I got my own little ones. That was when I discovered there’s more to the usual tear-free shampoos and top-to-toe washes; it’s amazing how extensive the care lines are!

I love the way baby care products feel when applied, their delicate fragrance (or lack thereof), and most importantly, how gentle they are to sensitive skin. So, I wasn’t at all surprised to find that beauty fans have been getting some of these baby products for their own use. If you haven’t tried anything much beyond baby powder and baby cologne, check out these ten products that I’ve used and loved on my babies, and why I often borrow them for myself!

Lactacyd Baby Bath (P65/60 mL, P130/150mL, P180/250mL)

I’ve given birth at two of the top-ranked private hospitals in the metro and noticed that both used the Lactacyd Baby Bath Solution for bathing newborn infants in their nurseries. This liquid antiseptic with lactoserum and lactic acid “cleanses thoroughly and gently without stripping skin of its natural protective layer.” It should be diluted for infant use but adults can treat it as a regular liquid facial cleanser. Dermatologists also recommend this for treating skin conditions like dermatitis, pruritis, mycosis, eczema, intertrigo, and seborrhea (dandruff) so yes, it can be used even for the scalp!

Belo Baby Hair and Body Wash (P219.75/200mL)

Another gentle head-to-toe wash, this is a more creamy cleanser that features skin-caring shea butter and sweet almond oil, among other plant-derived ingredients. I love that it doesn’t have “SLS, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, dyes, sodium chloride, formaldehyde, MEA, DEA, TEA & most common allergens.” Be warned though: the lack of SLS means that it won’t give a very foamy lather but it does wash off easily. It smells pretty good, too.

Human Heart Nature Natural Baby Wonder Oil (P159.75/100mL)

Mineral oil has long been a topic of contention in the beauty world. For those looking for mineral-free baby oil, Human Heart Nature has come up with an alternative featuring sunflower oil as its main ingredient! I find that it does a great job of moisturizing and soothing the skin, and even use it to tame my unwieldy locks.

Nivea Baby Smoothy Cream (P164.75/200mL)

Before the hype days of Nivea Men’s Sensitive Post Shave Balm as primer, there was the Nivea Baby Smoothy Cream. Dubbed as a drugstore dupe for the famous Embryolisse cream moisturizer by beauty bloggers, it has a very light texture and absorbs into the skin quickly. It claims to give 24-hour moisture with calendula flower extract. I personally like using this not just for the face but for the rest of my body as well, right after showering. I find the delicate scent soothing and relaxing enough to get me ready for bed!

Cetaphil Baby Daily Lotion (P374.75/400 mL)

We’ve been big fans of Cetaphil facial cleansers and sunscreens, and heir baby line is a godsend to moms like me who have kids with easily-irritated skin. The water-based Daily Lotion is made with sunflower seed oil and shea butter for moisture, and it does the job well without breaking the bank. I also find the spill-proof bottle packaging more practical than having to scoop out product from a tub; if you have hyperactive kids, this is just easier to use .

Mustela PhysiObébé No Rinse Cleansing Water (P340/100 mL, P690/300 mL)

Designed for on-the-go cleansing, this formula thoroughly cleans without rinsing. Originally meant for baby’s bums and messy spills, we’ve discovered that this also removes makeup! It works exactly like micellar water but with added skin-caring ingredients like aloe vera juice, avocado fruit extract, and allantoin. The sales attendant told me that it can also be used as a toner and based on the ingredients list, it should definitely work.

VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Baby 50+ (P2,200/50 g)

VMV Hypoallergenics has built a solid reputation worldwide for mostly allergen-free, environment-friendly, and effective products. This clinically-tested mineral sunscreen is free of all 76 known skin allergens, and contains monolaurin for antibacterial disinfection. It has a thick creamy consistency that surprisingly doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on the skin. It does have a white cast but wears well with light makeup. I like using this when I feel like my skin needs a breather.

Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50+

The light texture of this baby sunscreen is comparable to Bioré’s formulas. The main difference is that I find this more moisturizing! Even with its serum-like consistency, the brand’s signature avocado oil allows it to function even as a moisturizer. I love that the airtight pump bottle makes it easier to carry around and reapply, plus it’s also available in spray form.

Pigeon Baby Compact Powder (P399.75/20 g at Ogalala stores)

Yes, the makers of the famous baby bottles actually makes a pressed compact powder! It comes in three shades: Ivory, Pink, and Beige. It's finely milled and sets makeup beautifully when applied with a powder brush. Even with the beige tint, it doesn't give much in the way of coverage but it mattifies without overdrying and looks natural on the skin. Unexpectedly, its ingredients include squalene, avocado and soybean oil, jojoba and macadamia seed oils, calendula and chamomile flower extract, and allantoin. My only wish is that they sell refills because I’m hooked!

Baby Bench Cologne (P35/100 mL, P55/200mL)

I don’t know if it’s because the cologne is made with fragrance oils from Grasse, France but I find that the fragrance lasts long, especially when applied on clothing. I personally like lighter scents when I’m out and about because they’re less likely to into an unpleasant odor when I’ve been exposed to pollution and the sun. My daughter and I favor the Bubble Gum scent!

And that’s that for our little list! Have you used any of these products on your baby or yourself before? Did you see something that you may want to try? Who knows, your next HG just might come from the baby section!

We can’t seem to stop raving about K-beauty; there’s always a new brand to discover or much-raved about product to try out! We’ve definitely been impressed with the stuff that we’ve tried so far and some of us have even discovered HGs from these SoKor imports. Today, we’re trying out bases from W-Lab, whose 3D Face Shading Stick earned top raves from our editor Liz. The brand is apparently known for their base products so we’ve been looking forward to trying more of their stuff. We got our hands on three of their bestsellers so read on and find out if you should add these on your must-buy list!

The W-Snow CC Cushion (P1,050 via Althea Korea) is the most premium of the brand’s four cushion compacts because it has the most benefits: SPF 50+++, hydration, blemish coverage, cooling sensation, airy touch, anti-aging, and whitening. The compact is a lovely matte white and comes with a tight seal to preserve the product before first use. I actually had to make an effort to peel it as it did not come off easily! Marielle awarded this as Most Comfortable To Wear in her cushion compact showdown and I have to agree with her observations.  

The texture is light, runny, and easy to blend. You can also really feel the cooling effect upon application! It does not offer full coverage but you can build it up on the areas with extra redness or darkness, like under the eyes and sides of the nose.

Bare skin (left) and after applying the CC Cushion (right)

In the photo above, I’m wearing Shade #23 in Snow Beige with no concealer or setting powder. It is not an exact shade match as most Korean cushions come in lighter shades but I can make W-Lab’s #23 work for my NC35-40 complexion. I like that it brightens up my face and lasts an entire day on my dry-normal skin.

The Lovely Face Cream (P880 via Althea Korea) promises a fair skin tone, smooth and long wear, and sun protection. It comes in a single shade, which is a pale, light pinkish beige.

While it does brighten up my normally yellowish skin tone and covers the redness of my face, the shade is much too light for me. I have to color correct it with a darker powder if I want to be able to use it. The formula has a somewhat thick consistency and tends to emphasize dry areas.

Bare skin (left) and wearing Lovely Face Cream (right)

The formula might be better for oily skin types, and the shade is definitely more suited to fairer skin tones. It can also be used as a color corrector and instant brightener for yellowish skin tones before applying foundation.  

The White Holic Cream (P640 via Althea Korea) promises immediate whitening, a natural look, blemish coverage, and moisturizing properties. The texture is almost watery, and I admit that I was initially scared by how it came out from the tube looking so white!

Applied Whiteaholic on my left hand

Upon application though, it gave an almost translucent finish to my skin. It did not cover like the Lovely Face Cream but created a soft, almost IG filter-like finish on my face. It reminds me of sheer, whitening lotions that moisturize the skin and make it look instantly brighter with just one application.

Bare skin (left) and wearing Whiteaholic (right)

Overall, I am happy with the three W-Lab products and I understand why they are bestsellers from the brand. I also did not break out from using any of the three products. I would choose the W-Lab White Holic Cream over the Lovely Face Cream though because it fits my dry skin condition better. I also often find myself reaching for the W-Snow CC Cushion for days when I can’t be bothered with concealer and powder application!

Have you tried anything from W-Lab? What you recommend we try next?