If you hang out at Althea long enough, you'll feel compelled to buy random Korean things that you probably don't need but looks crazy enough that you just have to try them. One of the things I spotted is this funky-looking tool called the It's My Carve Foundation Brush (P180). It's an incredibly dense yet soft brush that is designed to fit into the contours of your face so you can "carve" your cheekbones to perfection.

It looked sketch on the site, truly, but it was cheap enough that I didn't mind taking a chance on it. Surprisingly it performed better than I thought it would! It's super soft with the hairs packed tight so that it can easily blend out cream makeup. That curve in the middle? It hugs round surfaces on the face well so one sweep covers a big area evenly.

This is perfect for cream contour and blush. If you like drawing lines all over your face then blending them out, the It's My Carve is a novel yet thoroughly useful tool. I've washed this a few times and I didn't notice any major hair fall out or running dye. For P180, this definitely exceeded all my expectations! 

I do recommend checking out the other brushes from the It's My brand. There's a lot to see, and almost all of them are under 200 bucks. Crazy. I wonder how they make money! Rhetorical question, of course I know how - super low production cost, maybe only 10% of the retail price? - but it's hard to imagine with the quality they offer.

Let me know what you think, as always!

Photography by Samantha Gonzales

Despite how up to date we are on tech, memes and beauty innovations, our culture is still one that is mostly conservative. Tattoos are still often frowned upon. For instance, my family members would tell my inked relatives how unprofessional and how unbecoming tattoos look, especially when you’re a woman. Even with these societal pressures, some women still opt to get their bodies inked as more employers adopt non-discriminatory hiring practices.

We talked to ten women about their different views on getting tattoos, and not just the semi-permanent kind for brows or lips. Permanent tattoos are a lifelong commitment, so we hope that their voices can help you decide on whether or not getting inked is right for you.

Debbi Baybay, digital strategist manager

I always thought of my body a canvas, another venue to express who I am as person. I have a tattoo for each passion point in my life: milestones, travel, and even Harry Potter. I’d wanted to get a tattoo as early as college, maybe because I loved to draw and paint. Unfortunately, my university was very strict with the no tattoo policy so as soon as I got to my first job in advertising and I saved enough money, I got my first tattoo on my 22nd birthday. I currently have seven tattoos, and I definitely want to get more!

Betsy Nacionales, tutorial center teacher

Tattoos are very aesthetically pleasing and that's one thing I love - you are able to put what you want in a tattoo. I love it because it's very artistic and it displays not only the skill of your tattoo artist but it shows a bit of the person who has the artwork on their skin.

I put a high value in self-expression and I like to think that getting a tattoo somewhat shows a feat of endurance, not only physically but also in dealing with the stigma against tattoos. Being from a conservative country and all, it has so many implications. Frankly, people who proudly wear their ink is something admirable for me.

I've considered getting one since I was in high school. Honestly, I just want one because it looks so nice. It might sound a bit impulsive but wouldn't you buy things just because you like them or how they look? That's how I view getting a tattoo. I used to only want one but two or three sounds great. Where to put them would probably be the hardest decision for me. I personally haven't gotten any yet due to time and budget constraints, and my parents wouldn't want one on me.

A. B.

I can't stand needles. They always say that the prick is "parang kagat lang ng langgam" but the idea of it inside my veins is just too much for me. I'll only agree to it if it were for medical purposes or when I decide to donate blood.

[Donating blood] is another reason why I wouldn't have myself tattooed; there aren't really any state-regulated tattoo facilities and you'll have to wait a year before donating blood. What happens when someone in your family is in need of blood and there isn't enough in the blood bank/hospital? The chances of that may be somewhat small but I wouldn't want a tattoo to hinder me from helping out in the time of need. I'd rather have them prick me for something worthy of a cause than to "permanently" remind myself of something that I may regret 30 years from now. (That’s another thing, why go through that pain and process when you know you might just have it removed when you’re older?) When it comes to dealing with needles and nostalgia, I think I’d stick to arts and crafts or a cross-stitch canvas. I have no judgments against people who do have tattoos. I think everyone is entitled to do what they want with their bodies so long as it's good for both their physical and mental health.

Selina

Isabel

Selina Garcia, art management consultant

I love tattoos because of many things. It is a form of self-expression and a form of art in itself. I enjoy seeing the various interpretations and renderings of say, the moon. The colors, the style, the placement of the tattoo and its size - they can mean so much. And when you ask the person about the tattoo, it opens a story. You get to learn something about their lives.

I only have one so far but I do intend to get another one. It took me a while to gather up my guts to get a tattoo. I was afraid of the pain so I would get a henna instead. Then, the last year of college arrived and it was an important marker in my life. I was also going through some personal things. That's when I decided to get a tattoo: to remind myself that I can rise above the hardships and pain in life.

Isabel Hernandez, graphic designer

I personally have a great deal of respect for people who commit to inking their bodies, mainly because their pain tolerance is probably high. As a designer, I also really like tattoo work that is cohesive with each other despite being done years apart. Sadly, the main reason I don't ever plan to commit to a tattoo is because my pain tolerance is incredibly low. The idea of having it retouched every so often sounds like more pain that I'm unwilling to go through. That said, if we eventually find a way to make it painless, I'd totally get a tattoo. I do feel like that detracts from the full experience and commitment, though.

Phoebe

Hilary

Phoebe Casin, associate managing editor

I got my first tattoo a year or two after I had graduated from college. It has always been my dream to get tattooed because having permanent art on my skin meant that I could express myself in a much more visual way. Being a writer and part of the liberal arts community also solidified my decision to get one, thinking that an ink wouldn’t be frowned upon, but rather celebrated, if you will, in the industry that I was a part of. They allow me to express myself and my individuality. I love that each tattoo signifies a moment in my life, and helps me remember it. And since I moonlight as an art writer and have always been exposed to the visual arts, the fact that I can turn my skin into a canvas is something that I also love.

I currently have three tattoos. My first one is the word “catharsis” on my right wrist, done by Skinworkz’s Ricky Sta. Ana, one of the most prominent tattoo artists in the country. I wanted him to do my first one because I wanted it to be special and memorable. Catharsis is one of my favorite words; it was a no-brainer for me to have it as my first tattoo design.

The second one is a black quill with a single-stemmed red rose rapped around it on my left calf. I got this on a whim. One weekend and because we had the money, my friend and I just decided to head on to the nearest tattoo shop to get inked. No regrets.

My third ink is a light pink bunny profile in watercolor on the inside of my left forearm done by Wiji Lacsamana, who specializes in watercolor tattoos. This represents my love for rabbits (I have two, Chuck and Norris) and my Chinese zodiac sign.

Each of my tattoos have a two- to three-year gap, and except for the second one, the ink and placement was carefully thought out and planned. All three can also be seen in plain sight; I didn’t want them to be intentionally hidden and covered up because what’s the point of getting one if you can’t freely showcase it, right?

[I plan to get] one or two more this year, hopefully, if my budget allows. I’m thinking of getting a Valfre illustration or a customized Kita (Keeshia Felipe) illustration on my arm. Somehow, I’ve convinced my friend, photographer Shaira Luna, to sponsor my next tattoo, hehe.

Hilary Hao, brand marketer

Getting a tattoo has been something that has been frowned upon in my family for as long as I remember (even until present time). And probably has something to do with the stereotype that the only people who got tattoos were those that were looking for trouble – that is, the Chinese mafia, or the Yakuza. Not exactly the kinds of profession a parent would aspire for his/her kid to have.

While I now know that these stereotypes say nothing about a person, growing up with this sort of thinking has affected the way I perceive things, and kept me uninterested in anything that had to do with body art outside of the standard single ear piercing. So while it’s pretty cool to see someone with an intricate skull and dragon tattoo (and admire the craftsmanship that went into the design), I’ll pass.

Kate

Kems

Kate Sim, consumer marketing assistant

The idea of getting a tattoo has always fascinated me. It tells stories - the meaning behind the design, the motivation for committing to it, and the experience of getting inked. I think it’s a brave and beautiful way of expressing one’s self. In a way, I also look at it as a way to conserve a certain part of yourself or to commemorate a particular moment in your life. Maybe it’s the thought of surviving the needle repeatedly jabbing through the skin or of having the willingness to commit to such a permanent mark (unless, of course, you have the money for an expensive tattoo removal), but I feel like a person with tattoo exudes a different kind confidence and courage.

I would love to have a tattoo in the future, but only after doing further research. Having an artist I could trust and a design I can commit to are factors to consider. If I decide to get inked, I want to make sure it’s a symbol, a word, or a phrase which I live by. I want it to be a reminder to celebrate who I am and who I can become.

Kems Laput, speech therapist

I didn’t see tattoos to be attractive until I saw some of my favorite artists get themselves inked. It wasn’t just "cool" (as I see this as a reason why people get them), but beautiful. My thoughts about tattoos have changed and I now see it as an art form, and something that carries a special meaning to them. When I went through a low moment in my life, I wanted to have something that would remind me about my faith – to carry it with me, to have it on my skin. My mom didn't allow me because she thinks it's unprofessional, with me working in the medical field. I respect her, and I do think I can live without one. I still think [tattoos are] beautiful, though.

S.Y.A., undergraduate assistant in nursing

I decided to get a tattoo as a remembrance of my grandparents. I was raised by my grandparents and I chose a design which reminds me of them, and is also significant to my childhood. What I love most about tattoos is the uniqueness of each design - no one has the same exact tattoo. I currently have one tattoo and intend to get at least three more to complete my design. I decided to gradually increase my tattoos, as although it is on the same area (full back), I wanted to make sure that I was certain about each additional piece. Tattoos in my religion is viewed as taboo, and I am the first from my family from both my parents’ sides to have a tattoo.

 Have you ever considered getting a tattoo? Or maybe you're absolutely set on never even considering it? Share your thoughts at the comments below!

Since my company started up its own skincare brand, In Her Element, I have been hyper-aware of skincare trends and formulation - well, much more than usual! It's amazing how much one learns when talking to cosmetic formulators and manufacturers. One also learns about ingredients, costing, and the headache that comes with pricing. It's all very fascinating though. It's especially rewarding whenever people say we've got it right!

Anyway, one of the things that's been on my radar are cleansing sticks. I want to make one, but it's proving to be challenging although the concept is simple. Basically, cleansing sticks are foaming facial washes that are in balm form, packaged in a twist-up stick. They look like soap but don't be fooled - they are technically solidified cleansing oils with surfactants. They're not cleansing balms at all, as these depend on oil and an emulsifier that allow them to be washed off. Cleansing sticks foam. Certainly the foam is not a necessary function but many feel that foaming washes clean better (not always true).

Cleansing sticks have been rocking the Asian beauty world for a couple of years now. They are usually low pH to keep the skin's moisture barrier intact. Unlike other facial foams, the oil content, acids, and mild surfactants used in the formulation of cleansing sticks are kinder to skin as they make for low pH while foaming nicely while cleansing skin thoroughly. Oh, and you gotta love how travel-friendly it is! You can also just chuck it in your gym bag so you can remove makeup + wash your face with just one product.

Yes, these cleansing sticks remove light makeup, even water-resistant types. They stop at waterproof eyeliner, lipstick, and mascara though. Still for a quick cleanse every day, these sticks are pretty effective. I have three here that I've been testing out for a while now, and here's what I think!

Su:m 37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick (~P1,500). This is perhaps the most famous of them all. Boasting of a pH of 5.5, this is a mild cleanser that foams nicely. Perhaps not as much as a liquid cleanser but it's satisfying enough! It removes light makeup with ease and never leaves my face feeling dry. It has a slight rose scent which is pleasant enough but still soapy; I wouldn't say it's as nice-smelling as others say it is. It has rose bits which don't do much and are sparsely distributed around the balm.

This was tough to find. I had my friend get this from South Korea and she had to look for it quite a bit! There are resellers online selling it for about P1,800 to P2,000. Is it worth it? At that price, no, I don't think so. It's a facial wash. It's a luxury brand but most luxury brands would sell nicer facial wash at that price, IMHO.

Ingredients: Glycerol, Water, Orange Peel Oil, Lime Peel Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Green Tea Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, Basil Oil, Ylang Ylang Flower Oil, Majoram Oil, Fermented Damask Rose Extract, Apricot Seed Oil, Olive OIl, Sunflower Oil, Betaine, Stearic Acid, Lauric Acid, Camellia Oil, Tocopheral, Rose Flower Water, Potassium Hydroxide, Lauryl Betaine

Neogen Real Fresh Green Tea Cleansing Stick (~P800-). This is the other famous cleansing stick, also at pH 5.5. I actually like this more than the Su:m 37 because it is more balmy and a bit more foamy. It also removes more makeup in one go! The price is also right for what it is. It has green tea bits that can feel a tiny bit rough on skin but it doesn't bother me so much.

Smell is mostly soapy with a bit of green. Not a huge fan either but it works well enough. This is what I put in my tennis bag so I can wash my makeup off after practice! Also had this purchased at SoKor but online resellers would usually sell it for P1,000-1,200. It's still quite expensive but def less expensive than Su:m 37 and worth it if you can get this at a reasonable price.

Ingredients: Glycerin, purified water, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, palmitic acid, stearic acid, lauryl betaine, betaine, camellia sinensis leaf(0.3%), camellia sinensis seed oil(0.1%), camellia japonica seed oil, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, helianthus annuus (sunflower)seed oil, limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) seed oil, oenothera biennis (eveningprimrose) oil, tocopheryl acetate, citrus aurantifolia (lime) oil, ocimum basillicum (basil) oil, cananga odorata flower oil, citrus limon (lemon) peel oil, origanum heracleoticum floweroil, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange)peel oil, fragrance.

Nakeup Face Stress 0 Cleansing Stick (P830 at Althea). This is the most accessible out of the three but my least favorite. It has a very bitter taste and stings my eyes a little. It removes makeup nicely and washes off cleanly though! It's less foamy than the first two sticks but it works well enough.

Ingredients: N/A. Can't find it online and it's not on the packaging.

How to use cleansing sticks:

1. On a dry face, rub the dry cleansing stick. They're balmy so a small amount would transfer on your skin.

2. Wet your face with water to make the balm foam. Massage it all over your face to melt makeup and oil.

3. Rinse completely!

Overall, I think cleansing sticks are worth trying out if you like to travel or wash your face out of your home a lot. They're novel, effective, and compact, but I wouldn't say they're an absolute must-have considering how difficult they are to access and their pricing. I do love their low pH-ness though! Even in high-end brands, it's hard to find a good cleanser that's sufficiently acidic. 

So what do you think: does it look like you need cleansing sticks in your life? Or would you still prefer a liquid cleanser? 

I think it’s safe to say that most Pinays started their beauty journey with Pond’s. In my case, I’ve probably tried every single variant of their facial cleansers throughout my pubescent years! From starting out and building their brand on being the go-to drugstore favorite for skin whitening, Pond’s has managed to stay on top of the beauty game since 1846. It’s not hard to understand why: their ability to keep up with the changing demands of women and dedication to developing new lines and products that address different skin issues make them one of the most trusted beauty brands in the country.

As the top face brand in the Philippines, the brand knows that women now require a lot more from our skincare products than we did a decade ago. Pond’s girl Apples Aberin shares, “Pond’s wants to evolve with the modern-day Filipina. We want to show her that there is no need to be afraid of the ever-changing environment, because Pond’s is rising up to the challenge and changing with the times. At Pond’s, #ChangeisBeautiful.”

The newest additions to the Pond’s line have been reformulated to battle the effects of pollution, stress, and the harsher sun – three things that they believe affect our skin the most today. To introduce their new products, they brought out four new faces that have joined the illustrious Pond’s Beauty Council.

Rising actress Sofia Andres shares that she uses the Acne Clear Facial Foam (P140) and Leave On Clearing Gel (P180) combo to battle the effects of stress, hormones, and pollution on her acne-prone skin. Made with Activated Thymol Essence, the Acne Clear line locks out bacteria and clears skin from the within for a smooth, blemish-free appearance.

For go-getters and multihyphenates Toni Gonzaga and Joey Mead King, nothing can keep up with their busy lifestyles like the Age Miracle line does. The new Age Miracle Day Cream and Night Cream (P725 each) harness the power of Retinol-C complex for round the clock anti-aging. With added vitamin B3, vitamin E-acetate, and glycerin, both products help to strengthen the skin’s barrier to reduce wrinkles, sagging, and age spots. This is the product line that works harder than busy girl bosses do!

From teen queen to on-screen superstar, the public has borne witness to Kathryn Bernardo’s beautiful transformation. Hard work has gotten her to where she is now but not without taking a toll on her skin. With the Pond’s White Beauty Beauty line, she is able to maintain her rosy, white glow while fighting 10 of the toughest skin problems. The new White Beauty Cream (P120) contains vitamin B3 and 12HSA to effectively whiten the skin. Formulated with titanium dioxide, it has UV filters that protect the skin from sun damage, enabling you to achieve a bright complexion.

The Pond's Beauty Council: Kryz Uy, Laureen Uy, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Nadine Lustre, Joey Mead-King, Toni Gonzaga, Kathryn Bernardo, Sofia Andres, Heart Evangelista, Apples Aberin, Iza Calzado, Tricia Gosingtian, Agoo Bengzon, and Cheska Kramer

With these new offerings from the brand we’ve grown up with, it’s easy to see how Pond’s has managed to stay relevant in the competitive world of beauty. Do you have a Pond’s story? What has been your favorite product so far, and what would you want to try from their latest releases?

A brow powder, I’d admit, is often not the most exciting makeup item in our collections. The fact that it’s always a staple in any makeup artist’s kit, however, should make you think twice about keeping one in your stash. It’s a versatile item that you can use dry for soft, natural-looking brows, or wet for stronger, more well-defined arches. When it comes to application, it’s easier to fill in gaps with a brow powder than a pencil because you can cover a larger area in just one stroke. Finally, it’s a nifty multitasker that you can use to contour your eyes, nose, cheeks, and even hairline without bulking up your travel makeup bag.

If you’ve never tried one before, I suggest picking up an affordable one to test and play with! Lucky for you, there are a lot of budget options to choose from, and we’re giving the lowdown on some of the best ones we’ve tried so far.

From left:: Celeteque Eye Brow Defining Kit in Deep Brown, Ever Bilena Eye Brow Kit, Essence Little Brow Monsters in 02 Little Miss Bold, Pink Sugar Honey I’m Good Eyebrow Kit in Sassy Brown, L’Oreal Colour Riche Eyeshadow in 839 Cupa Joe

Celeteque

Celeteque Eye Brow Defining Kit (P600 at the beauty section)

Available shades: Medium Brown and Dark Brown

This sleek Brow Kit contains brow powder, brow wax, and a dual-ended brush applicator. Used on their own, I find both pans lacking in pigment but layering them over each other helped me achieve softly-defined brows that last around four to five hours before they start to fade. The medium brown shade leans a bit too much on the warmer spectrum, and should be perfect for brunettes. While it’s a little up there in price, keep in mind that the whole line of Celeteque Dermo features skincare and makeup in one! Thus, this brow kit is infused with shea butter, argan oil, and vitamin E to nourish both the hair and skin in your eyebrow area.

Ever Bilena

Ever Bilena Brow Kit (P200 at the beauty section)

Only one shade available

This brow kit from a homegrown brand comes with three powder shades, one pan of clear wax, a mini tweezer, and an angled brush. For both quantity and quality, it’s definitely a brow kit that gives an extra bang on the buck! The inclusion of three different shades of brown also make it easy to customize your brow according to your hair and eye color, while the wax helps to set the brow hairs in place. No need to buy new products whenever you change hair color; you can just mix them up as needed! On a normal day, this would last six hours on me before it would start to fade.

L'oreal

L’Oreal Colour Riche in Cuppa Joe (P400 at the beauty section)

Strictly speaking, this is an eyeshadow quad but the three brown shades included could easily work for your brows! The pigmentation honestly doesn’t perform well as eyeshadow but I find that it lends the right amount of fool-proof pigmentation for shaping and defining my brows. The inclusion of a highlighter shade allows for a nice subtle lift under your arch if you want to amp up your brow game. Sadly though, this one fades the fastest at around just 3 to 4 hours.  

Pink Sugar

Pink Sugar Honey I’m Good Eyebrow Kit (P399 at SM Beauty)

Available shades: Perfect Taupe and Sassy Brown

This brow kit is the runaway winner when it comes to pigmentation and longevity! It lasts throughout the whole day with insignificant fading, thanks to the pigmented wax that it comes with. One caveat though: I find that all three powders from both shade options are leaning more towards the reddish browns so it might not work as well if you have ashy hair.

Essence

Essence Little Brow Monsters (P250~ at SM Beauty)

Available shades: 01 Little Miss Natural and 02 Little Miss Bold

The Essence Little Brow Monsters comes with two baked brow powders in brown and black, and one baked highlight shade. I would normally use the brown shade to fill in all the gaps, the black to emphasize my arch and draw on fake brow hair, and the white shimmer to highlight my brow bone and the inner corner of my eyes. On a normal day, this would last about 4 to 5 hours before beginning to fade.

Do you already own a powder brow kit? Which one do you recommend, and what would you like to try from this list?

It's easy to draw a comparison between the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Powder (~P2,500) and the Catrice Nude Illusion Loose Powder (P599). Their acrylic packaging is so similar and the white, fine powders inside appear to be exactly the same, visually. But do they work the same way? Let's find out!

The Make Up For Ever HD Powder is the OG when it comes to HD powders that are designed to make skin look flawless in the age of high definition cameras. It's ultra-fine; because of its 100% micro silica content, it can fill in pores and fine lines effortlessly. You can't use too much of it. Seriously, using too much will look like you have an Instagram filter at 100% but in real life! That's not as appealing as in photos. A tiny amount goes a long way so you have to be careful about how much you pick up.

Many, many look-alike powders followed in its wake. They are much cheaper but are they the same? Not at all, at least in the case of the Catrice Nude Illusion Loose Powder. Its main ingredient is aluminum starch and talc*. It does mattify skin and make it appear smoother, but not at the level that the MUFE can achieve. Its texture is more coarse and definitely not as fine as MUFE. Here's a side by side comparison:

The Ultra HD is practically invisible; I can't build up the texture here. The Nude Illusion has a coarser texture.

The Nude Illusion mattifies wonderfully,  and improves skin texture instantly. It does look flat though.

The Ultra HD enhances my makeup look rather than flatten it. It's like an invisible filter for the skin!

How about oil control? Both powders help control oil, but I'd say Catrice does it better since you can use quite a bit of powder, therefore there's more of it that can absorb oil during the day. Since you need to use only a tiny amount with MUFE, it delays oil by only an hour or so versus Catrice, which can help delay oil for about two hours. The MUFE HD Powder is really for that poreless, matte, camera-ready look. The Nude Illusion is more for daily mattifying.

In terms of packaging, the MUFE has a fine net sifter to prevent your brush from picking up too much powder. The Catrice has your typical plastic sifter with holes; I do recommend removing only half of the sticker cover. I just use the normal amount of powder though. I can be pretty liberal with the application, unlike with MUFE.

Verdict

There's nothing quite like the high of finding an immensely cheaper dupe of a cult beauty product. Unfortunately, I may disappoint you this time because for me, the expensive (yet totally ~amazing~) original gangster powder is the winner here! I love how flawless my skin looks when I set my makeup with the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Powder. It doesn't add any coverage to my makeup, thus keeping it dimensional instead of giving it a flat matte finish. I can see why this is a makeup artist staple!

The Catrice Nude Illusion Loose Powder for me isn't quite a dupe. I have many similar powders like it - just check out the list we made previously. That's not to say that it's bad. It's great for everyday wear and oil control, and the price is friendly. You won't be disappointed with it.

Let me know what you think, as always!

*There is a debated correlation between the use of talc and ovarian cancer but the studies only cover talc used in the genital area. Here's a good read about the Johnson & Johnson baby powder lawsuit.

Ingredients of Catrice Nude Illusion Loose Powder:

ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE, TALC, DISODIUM EDTA, SODIUM DEHYDROACETATE, METHYLPARABEN, ETHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN, BUTYLPARABEN.

Ingredients of Make Up For Ever UltraHD Powder: Silica  

Catrice may be purchased in Watsons and SM Beauty Stores. Make Up For Ever is available in Mega Fashion Hall, Greenbelt 3, TriNoma, and SM Mall of Asia. 

A well-known brand selling generic products? Wait, what? Generics are often associated with the more obscure brands so this new concept was tackled at the recent Watsons Switch and Save event. During the Switcher’s Feud game in the program, celebrity contestants were asked to guess the reasons a hundred survey participants made the switch to generics. In addition to affordability and accessibility thanks to a growing number of store locations, brand recall actually came up as one of the main reasons to make the big move. Consumers look for quality even as they choose more economical options, and Watsons’ impressive in-house selection of personal care items and pharmaceuticals offer value without breaking the bank.

For busy people who don’t have time to visit multiple stores, Watsons is a one-stop for bath and hygiene essentials, beauty treats, and even medicines and supplements. Here are just some of the things that you can grab for less on your next store visit!

• Facial tissues are something we reach for on the daily, and you can get 20% savings just by taking home three boxes of Watsons Velvety Soft Box Tissues for P129 versus the three boxes of Brand A tissues at P56 a pop.
• A set of two half-liter bottles of Watsons Cream Handsoap retails for P149, while another brand offers a similar buy-1-take-1 promotion but for P199 a set.
• Even lathering up after a long day can save you money, with the 70% savings that two liters of Watsons Cream Bath afford you for only P269 instead of paying P190 per 400 ml bottle of another brand.
• To keep your body supple, you can bag a 500 ml bottle of Watsons Body Lotion for P149 versus another brand that offers 473 ml of product for P1,010.
• For dental health, the Watsons Charcoal Toothbrush goes for just P59, while another brand sells it for P115.
• At P249 for two bottles of 500 ml each, Watsons Mouth Wash trumps the P158 for one 250 ml bottle of another brand. That’s 60% savings! 

Shoppers can save as much as 80% by switching to the Watsons brand, all without sacrificing quality. Six brand ambassadors took a blind test to differentiate between the product quality of the leading brand versus Watsons, and if I were in their shoes, I’d have a hard time telling the difference, too! Edu Manzano, Lorna Tolentino, Christian Bautista, Iya Villania, and Tessa Prieto-Valdes have all appeared in past Watsons ads so at the event, we were introduced to the newest member of the Watsons family, Kylie Padilla! She was particularly wowed by the 65% savings she could get from the Watsons Treatment Wax that felt just as soft on her locks as another brand’s hair treatment. You can watch the celebrity blind test on Watsons’ Facebook page.

Actress and new Watsons endorser Kylie Padilla gets a warm welcome from members of the media

Iya Villania and Kylie Padilla face off during the Switchers Feud game.

In addition to counting the potential savings, the celebrity endorsers shared their personal Watsons experiences. Soon-to-be mom Kylie Padilla recalled how she and her Australia-based sisters make a bonding activity out of hauling inexpensive essentials whenever they come to visit. Christian Bautista shared how he went undercover as a Watsons employee for a day and was proud of garnering particularly high sales for the branch that day. New mom Iya Villania-Arellano admitted that she likes to save with generic options in order to allot more of her budget to her baby’s diapers. Tessa Prieto-Valdes also humorously recounted how her house guests often rush to grab the promotional Watsons products she receives. 

Do you use Watsons brand products at home? I’m actually on my nth box of their facial tissues, and I’ve also tried their hand washes and body washes in the past. And if you missed it, we found that their makeup wipes are the best sulit option!

by Jenn Tan, contributor

Just as your skin care needs can change over time, you’ll also need to update your makeup to suit your skin’s current condition. Aging naturally causes skin to sag, dull, and feel drier than it used to be. You don’t even actually need to be old to experience these problems, as skin ages at a different rate for everyone. 

While an updated skin care routine can help you deal with these signs of aging, you may also need replace your favorite foundations. They may have worked well on you before but if you notice that they catch on your lines, emphasize dry patches, or contribute to making your skin look ashy and gray, it may be time to let them go and trade them for a foundation that works well with mature skin. No need to dip into your retirement fund to buy them either - we’ve rounded up six great options to suit different budgets!

Revlon Colorstay 2-in-1 Compact Makeup and Concealer (P975 at the beauty section) 

With its demi-matte and smooth, line-filling finish, this is an ideal pick for mature skin. The liquid foundation has a comfortably lightweight and buildable formula that is hydrating enough to water dry patches.

Great for on-the-go ladies, the 2-in-1 product is compact enough to pop into your bag. The concealer and foundation are packaged separately, and a Beauty Blender-like flat applicator sponge is included in the set. Seems like Revlon has also taken the guesswork out of matching foundation and concealer as they made the concealer a slightly lighter shade than its partner foundation, so you can even out color in areas with dark pigmentation such as the under eyes.

Fun fact: This was also the foundation used for Olivia Wilde's ethereal red carpet look at the 2016 Oscar Awards. 

Happy Skin Don't Get Mad Get Even Liquid Foundation (P999 at Happy Skin counters)

You know what they say: the best revenge is to to get up and look fantastic! This face base doesn't just minimize the appearance of pores, lines, and wrinkles but also nourishes the skin with Japanese tea extract and hyaluronic acid. It plumps up and smoothens skin texture while helping it to retain water for better hydration. 

Even with its demi-matte finish, this liquid foundation has great staying power and wears comfortably in our humid climate. There are only three shades available but we are happy to note that this was formulated with Asian skin in mind, so the shades are definitely warmer and Pinay-friendly.

Max Factor Facefinity All Day Flawless 3-in-1 Foundation (P925 at the beauty section)

Busy women will love this multi-tasking foundation, which promises to “combine the hold of primer, correction of concealer, and finish of foundation”. Flexi-hold technology and micro-correctors enables a flawless finish that fills in lines and marks, yet still wears naturally and comfortably. It's very easy to use as the formula is neither too runny nor too hard, and a single layer can provide intense coverage without the heavy feeling. Professional makeup artist Bobby Carlos recommends this foundation especially for those with acidic skin!

Considering that it’s less than a thousand bucks, the glass bottle makes the product feel a lot more luxurious. It also comes with a plastic cap as an additional layer of protection to the pump, which has a lock mechanism to keep it from accidentally dispensing product.

Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft Matte Liquid Foundation (P490, department stores)

This mousse foundation offers great coverage and staying power. It also creates a sort of flawless filter on the skin when blended properly! It fills in lines beautifully and has a soft matte finish. 

Estée Lauder Crescent White Hydra-Bright Essence Makeup (price upon request, Estée Lauder) 

For women who prefer a lightweight foundation that can instantly brighten and smoothen the skin, this prestige product is worth every penny. It uses the Crescent White line, advanced optics, and lavender pigments to correct dull, sallow tones. The result is a luminous finish that hides fine lines and pores. 

Of course, the packaging is signature Estée Lauder: classy, polished, opulent. However, a pump might be more convenient packaging design compared to a dropper. 

Mary Kay CC Cream (P825 at Mary Kay ladies) 

This product has stood out from the pack of BBs and CCs because it “acts like makeup but is formulated like skincare”. My immediate observation is that its texture is a bit thicker than usual CC creams, which probably accounts for the skin-correcting coverage. It doesn't fully cover my spots but manages to minimize red areas. 

Its promises to last for up to 10 hours but as an oily kinda gal, I do have to blot after a few hours. I'm also a fan of using a separate sunblock on top of my makeup but the SPF 15 is a nice bonus. My favorite part? The pump dispensers convenient and hygienic pump dispenser.

Honestly, I got a little scared when I first realized my skin was changing. I’m more at peace with my age now, especially since I now have a valid reason to go shopping! 

Do you have mature skin? What foundation do you use to restore it to its youthful glow?

Doing my eye makeup used to be a struggle for me. Pairing colors, blending them out, matching the look on both eyes, WINGED FREAKING EYELINER – the whole shebang honestly disheartened me as a makeup beginner. With lots of practice and watching several (hundred) YouTube videos later though, I’ve now completely fallen in love with eyeshadow play. I take my precious time destressing with makeup on the weekends but for days when sleep is precious and I have to prep quickly to avoid the morning rush, this is my go-to look. I swear this takes but 10 minutes to make and will fit all eye shapes and colors!

Step 1: Using a fluffy blending brush, apply a sheer wash of matte brown shadow on your crease. It’s best to use a shade that’s one or two shades darker than your skin tone. Starting from the outer corner of your eye, go back and forth with your brush, using gradually widening windshield wiper motions. You want to concentrate the color on the outer edge of your eyes and create a nice gradient effect towards your tear ducts. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look like much just yet - it’s not supposed to! Eyeshadow looks often appear random until you’re done.

Step 2: Using the same brush, pick up a color that’s darker than what you initially chose. Apply it on the outer corner of your eyes using small circular motions to build definition. When there’s only a little product left on the brush, do the same windshield swiping motion to blend it in.

You can actually stop at this point, add some tightline and mascara, and call it a day! That would have taken about just three minutes for a barely-there eye look that still adds oomph to your FOTD. But if you want more from your eye look, go on to Step 3!

Step 3: Either with your fingers or a flat brush, deposit a light colored shimmer from the inner corner of your lids until where you laid out your second color. This will help open up your eyes and make you look more well rested!

Step 4: Using a tiny pencil brush, line the undereye area with a combination of your crease and definition color until around the midpoint. Once you get closer to the inner ducts, switch to your lid color for lining.

Step 5: For an extra touch of brightness, apply a sparkly inner corner highlight!

Step 6: Last but not the least, you can lift up your brows by applying a light shimmer or matte shade right underneath your brow arch. This makes them look better defined and neat!

With a tightline and some mascara, you’re good to go. And you’ll definitely want your lashes to frame your 10-minute masterpiece!

A few tips:

• DO conceal your under eye area if you have dark circles.
• DON’T miss out on priming! You want your precious eye makeup to stay on all day long.
• DO coat your brush evenly with pigment and DO tap the excess off.
• DON’T start your look with a dark shade; build it up gradually!
• DO one eye after the other for every step rather than finishing just one side on one go. This will help you keep the uniformity of your look.
• DON’T bother with the winged liner if you’re running late. You know what they say!
• DO tightline your eyes for the extra definition instead.

This office-friendly makeup look is easy to fit into a quick routine and doesn’t require a lot of precision. It's meant to look soft and brightening - definitely not in-your-face! You can even do this while in transit so consider bringing travel-sized palettes with two or three of these basic shades in your kikay kit. The Lizly Palette, Happy Skin Glam Squad, and the Pink Sugar Eye Candy palettes are fab picks!

Is applying eyeshadow part of your daily makeup routine? How do you apply yours? And if you have any other helpful tips, feel free to share and list them down in the comments below!

Here's a PSA for all the lazy girls out there: Revlon has a new cream-to-powder color that's so easy to apply, it's called Insta-Blush (P575). These sticks are designed to deliver the perfect amount of color in one swipe for a mistake-proof cheek look. You know how some cream blushes are so bright or pigmented that they are a nightmare to diffuse on skin? Well, there's none of that with Insta-Blush. With most of the shades, you can literally swipe - no need to blend - and go.

These blushes start out as a cream but sets in a powder finish that stays on for about three hours on combination skin, average for blush. On very oily skin, I find that this is great as a base before powder blush/contour/highlight, as it helps boost + preserve the color for a good five hours. If you do prefer to wear it alone, it's ridic easy enough to re-apply and doesn't take up much space in your bag.

There are four shades in the collection: Rose Gold Kiss, a nude pinky beige with fine gold shimmer for highlighting; Nude Kiss, a rosy brown for contouring/blushing; Candy Kiss, a bright pink and Berry Kiss, a muted mauve for blushing. All shades are matte except for the highlighter. Rose Gold Kiss doesn't register well on my medium skin, so I would recommend it only for fairer skin tones. Candy Kiss and Berry Kiss are sheer but that's a good thing since one swipe is enough to get the correct level of pigmentation; I don't need to blend them anymore.  

My favorite is Nude Kiss. I have my fair share of matte brown contour sticks, but it's the only one I have that has this pretty rose undertone. It can contour, but it can also serve as a blush because of the tint! I love it. I can use it alone to get a contoured + blushed look, only needing my fingers to blend it quickly from my cheeks up to my hairline.

So how can you use these sticks together if you want to give your face some natural definition? It's easy. Just apply Nude Kiss in the hollows of your cheeks, Berry Kiss right on the apples, and Rose Gold Kiss on the cheekbones. There's actually no need to blend the blush and highlights sticks anymore as you can see in the picture; only Nude Kiss needs to be sheered a bit. The final look is soft yet very much put together even though it took like, three minutes to do. Perfect for that daily FOTD!

Try the Revlon Insta-Blush if you want a kiss of color on your cheeks with barely any work. The existing shades are ideal for fair to medium skin but I do look forward to seeing deeper shades for deeper skin in the future. Let me know what you think!

Caffeine is a fairly common ingredient in skincare, particularly in eye creams. But why? Apparently, caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it causes blood vessels to constrict and restrict blood flow. It can be absorbed by the skin which allows it to work its magic on pigmentation and puffiness in the under eye area.

Since I love staying up at night but hate waking up to puffy eyes, I decided to put the above knowledge to good use with this easy DIY. It’s quick and cheap to make, so I suggest keeping a batch stored in your freezer for the next time your eyes get puffy. Here's my recipe for the DIY coffee eye mask!

What you’ll need:

• Distilled water
• Coffee (brewed grounds are best but instant coffee should also be fine)
• Spoon
• Ice tray
• Coffee filters or cloth towels

Step 1: Brew the coffee and let it cool. The more concentrated the coffee is, the better, so don't use too much water.

Step 2:  Spoon small amounts into a clean ice tray, then pop it into the freezer for an hour or two.

Make sure that the cubes are completely frozen before using them, otherwise they will end up melting too fast.

Step 3: Wrap a coffee cube in a a coffee filter (or thin cloth towel if you don't have one) and apply it directly on your eye bags. You can press it gently around each eye for five to ten minutes - something you could do while binging on Netflix. ;) The pressing motion will help drain the fluids under your eyes as well as distribute the coffee evenly .

I don’t really have wrinkles yet so I can’t tell if the caffeine really reduces their appearance but has definitely help to deflate my puffy bags! Do you suffer from eye puffiness as well? Have you ever used skincare that contained caffeine? Let us know how this DIY worked for you!

Resources: NCBI, Karger, Babcock Dermatology, NCBI 2, NCBI 3

How can you tell that a lipstick line sold well and is actually worth purchasing? Easy. If it has new shades added onto it without a formula change, then you know it's something special! Nothing speaks louder than consumers' wallets. For a brand to keep re-investing in a product line, it has to be something that we want more of. That's why I'm happy that Revlon recently came out with eight more shades of their best-selling Ultra Matte HD Lipcolor (P575)!

I reviewed this line previously and liked how it doesn't set into a hard flaky layer after a few minutes. The Ultra Matte HD keeps its creme texture for hours, keeping my lips from drying out. Now it has a demi-matte finish and might not be as long-wearing as the liquid lipsticks we're used to, but I prefer something like this for everyday wear. I like matte liquid lippies, don't get me wrong - I just don't wear them all the time as they can be drying.

Expect these to wear for three to four hours, longer if you apply a lip liner first. Here are my swatches of the new shades available in the PH + my color notes!

Embrace, Forever, and Kisses might look similar in the photos, but they're way different in person. Embrace is a petal pink that would look great as a nude color for fairer skin tones. Forever contains a bit more brown, while Kisses has a more reddish pink tone to it. Forever would be a good node for medium skin like mine while Kisses is the perfect MLBB.

Happy to report that these shades are not streaky, and are opaque in two layers.

Spark, Intensity, and Crush are three more shades in the same color family. Spark is a cool, bluish pink while Intensity is a warmer, redder pink. Crush is a cute cool lavender. It doesn't work for my medium yellow skin but it should look nice for cooler, fairer faces.

Romance is a classic bright red while Infatuation is a deep browny red. I love Romance as it reminds me of the lip color of this character in a K-drama I've been watching recently haha. Infatuation is pretty as well, but quite streaky. It's best worn on top of a lip liner.

Overall, I'm happy with the pigmentation and wear of most of these new colors and would recommend them to anyone who's looking for a cushy demi-matte lipstick. I love how comfy and non-drying they are. Try Kisses, Intensity, and Romance! These are lovely shades that would integrate into your lipstick wardrobe well.

Revlon is available in department stores and drugstores.

Our daily lives can get tiring and stressful at times so it’s important for us to find ways to relax and treat ourselves to some leisurely activities. My favorite ways to destress include getting a massage, shopping, reading, and watching a TV series at the end of a long day. But a massage doesn’t always fit in my schedule and I’m nearing makeup hoarder levels to even consider shopping! As much as I love reading, I haven’t gone the full ebook route yet so I was thrilled to learn about the latest mobile streaming app to hit town, FOX+.

FOX+ launched to much fanfare as FOX Networks Group Asia unveiled the app here in the Philippines. If you’re an avid follower of a FOX TV Series, you’d be happy to know that this internet-streaming service allows you to watch the latest episode on the same day it airs in the US! You also get access to Hollywood movies faster after their release on the big screen so you don’t have to join long lines on opening day or miss out on blockbusters if you’re too busy. And if you’re the ultimate sports fan, FOX+ will now be your new mobile go-to as it will stream sports events live, allowing you to watch the play by play instead of relying on Twitter updates.

The FOX+ service is currently available only in the Philippines but it will be available all over the region soon. You can access FOX+ on multiple devices – tablets, smartphones, laptops, so you can make sure that you have your entertainment anywhere and whenever you want it!

FOX+ is currently offering a 30-day free trial to new signups. I’m really excited to try out, also free trial because I travel a lot for work and waste so much time just sitting in traffic. This way, I can keep myself entertained instead of focusing on the stressful situation. It also helps that I can download content for watching offline!

You can check out the app via the Apple Store or the Google Play Store. Service is available through SMART, Cignal, and PLDT. For more information, visit http://foxplus.com.

Do you follow any FOX TV Series? What’s your favorite way to destress?

With March almost over, summer will soon be in full scorching swing! The heat makes me want to head to the beach or at least lounge by the pool ASAP. But before we head out to another epic summer adventure, we need to make sure to pack enough sun protection in our bags. As we’ve said time and again here on Project Vanity: we should never skip or skimp on sunscreen!

With the launch of their “Make Your Summer” campaign, Watsons Philippines aims to help us enjoy our vacations while keeping our skin protected and stress-free. The event was hosted by Patty Laurel and showcased the wide range of SPF offerings available at Watsons. Karylle also came straight from the beach to introduce the new additions to the Belo Sun Expert line.

Sunscreen isn’t just something for your face; you actually need head to toe protection if you don’t want to experience the effects of sun damage or increase your risk for skin cancer. Here’s a peek at just a few of the products from Watsons that can help you get summer-ready:

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF50+ PA++++ (P460/90ml) and Bioré UV Perfect Spray SPF50+ PA++++ (P299)

Our editor Liz recently reviewed these new Bioré sunscreens and I’ve been curious to try them out. First impression: the gel feels like nothing on, and I love the convenience of the spray!

Daylong Gel Extreme SPF50+ PA++++ (P646/50ml)

This sunscreen brand is by the same makers of Cetaphil and especially formulated for sensitive, oily skin. Check out our review here and consider adding this to your shopping basket if you’re worried about looking and feeling like an oil slick.

Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Moisturising Sun & Collagen Protection SPF50 (P482/125ml) and Nivea Protect & White Whitening Sun Protection Face Cream SPF50 (P151)

I’ve regularly been using a few Nivea products for my skincare and body care but I haven’t been able to try out their sunscreens yet. I’m excited for these two because of the water-resistant claim, as well as the dedicated whitening sun protection for the face. I need the extra protection so I can still use most of my cushion compacts even after a trip to the beach.

Sunplay Ultra Shield SPF130 (P399) and Lip Ice Sheer Color Fragrance Free (P145)

Liz has reviewed Sunplay before but it now has an all-new look. At SPF130 this offers the highest level of protection among the products in my haul while maintaining a fairly reasonable price point. Meanwhile, the Lip Ice Sheer Color made it to last year’s round-up of magic lipsticks. Even if you’re into the color-changing trend, this is a good option for a daily balm.

Solstice Whitening Sunscreen Face Cream (P269) and Solstice Age Defense Sunscreen Body Lotion (P269)

This is my first encounter with the brand and I’m liking their two main variants – the Whitening and Age-Defense. At SPF50 for the face and SPF70 for body, Solstice Sunscreen is a candidate for our next go-to brand.

Belo Sun Expert Hair and Scalp Shield (P349), Belo Sun Expert After Sun Gel (P259), and Belo Sun Expert Ultra Gentle Sheer Spray SPF50 (P539.75)

I’ve used the first line-up of Belo Sun Expert products and I was pretty satisfied with them. The spray even made it to Liz’s favorite body and hair products a couple of summers ago. For this season, they added the Hair and Scalp Shield (particularly necessary if you have thin or fine hair) as well as an After Sun Gel to nourish skin after  exposure.

Kojie-san Before Sun Spray SPF50, Kojie-san After Sun Spray Aloe Vera, Kojie-san Sunscreen SPF55 with Lightening (P455 each), and Kojie-san Sunblock SPF69 Sunactyl Broadspectrum for Body (P360)

Speaking of after sun products, Kojie-san also has their own version debuting this summer – the After Sun Spray with Aloe Vera and its matching Before Sun Spray. If you’re not into sprays though, there are two lotion variants with high SPFs of 69 and 55.

Watsons Sunscreen Body Invisible Spray Heat Protection SPF50 (P279) and Watsons Sunscreen Body Lotion Heat Protection SPF50 (P299)

Did you know that Watson’s in-house brand has its own line of sunscreens? They even have options: you can choose from a spray version and a lotion version, both of which have SPF50+.

Pond's Age Miracle Day Cream Cell Regen SPF15 (P725) and Pond's White Beauty Spot-less Rosy White Day Cream Sun Protection SPF15 (P157)

Pond’s has always offered plenty of products to choose from. It’s easy to refer the Age Miracle line for anti-aging or the White Beauty line for those who want fairer skin. Both the Age Miracle Day Cream and White Beauty Day Cream feature SPF15, a numbers which actually offers about three hours of sun protection as is. Perfect for everyday!

To make shopping even more exciting, Watsons is giving away summer vacations for 4 to these amazing destinations – Batanes, Boracay, Cebu, Davao, and Palawan! You just need to present your SM Advantage Card when purchasing the participating products and you’ll get one e-raffle entry for every P500 single-receipt purchase. Promo runs from February 23 to April 26, 2017.

How are your summer preps and plans coming along? Which products have you tried and loved, or simply feel curious about? Do let us know which ones you’d like us to review!

Goodness knows how hard it is to buy makeup online without seeing it in person. Skincare is even more challenging, as just showing swatches and photos isn't enough to demonstrate how the products feel and smell on skin! That's why we thought of providing free samples of In Her Element Skincare. You guys can now try out our samples first if you're not yet sure how they would work for you.

We've got samples of the Nourish & Cleanse Balm and First Wash Cleansing Oil restocked at Inherelement.ph currently. They are free, but shipping is not, at P40 for Metro Manila and P135 for provincial.

Samples run out pretty fast so get yours before they're OOS! We'll hold your samples for three business days to give others a chance to try them out. Please do kindly note that no matter the quantity you place on your order, we are sending only one sample of each product to your address. It would be really cool if you keep the quantity to one as doing otherwise confuses our inventory tracking.

My plan is to provide samples for every skincare product we release, whenever we have stocks. I can vouch for IHE's clean formulation and meticulous testing (by the PV Team no less), so I hope you guys can support our brand! It's just a few months old and not that many people know about it yet, but I'm giving everything I've got to IHE. 

I'm currently working on more new products soon (hint: we're releasing two this month) so that's something to look forward to. If you've got time, I'd also appreciate it if you can answer this quick survey to help us with our direction. Thank you so much. <3

This week’s Beauty Roundup features the best of the best when it comes to all things beauty. From an organic Filipino company bagging top international beauty awards to a new foundation that feels as good as bare skin, we’ve got the low down on everything you need to know this week. Ready your wish lists because you’re going to want to try these amazing products!

Yes, today is the day! Day 1 of our 9th Anniversary celebrations begins with six of our fave brands opening their doors at The Podium Mall in Ortigas. Come by the Level 2 Atrium to experience Inglot, Kate Tokyo, Pink Sugar, Ellana, Baby Foot, and My Amazing Hair Care Secrets! They have special promos only during our event, so please don't miss it.

Day 2 is tomorrow, when our Guts, Glam, and Glory Forum will commence. The whole PV Team is excited to see you there!

Image via Human Nature and Philippine Primer

Proudly Pinay!

It’s no secret how the local beauty scene is expanding with more and more brands to choose from, with one-of-a-kind quality product offerings that can compete internationally. The global community has also been paying attention and looking to Filipino efforts for the next advances in beauty innovation. At the Sustainability Awards held in Paris, homegrown brand Human Nature took home the Sustainability Pioneer Award, a recognition given to a brand that continues to make waves and sustainable changes in the beauty world. With Human Nature’s constant creation of certified natural cosmetics (it’s the first local brand to be certified cruelty-free by PETA, too) made from locally sourced ingredients and employment of impoverished communities in the Philippines, it is truly a brand to be recognized. 

In addition, company co-founder and president Anna Meloto-Wilk was recognized as the Asia Pacific winner of the Beauty Industry Woman of the Year by Cosmetics Design, a London-based beauty industry publication. She’ll be joining the In-Cosmetics Global Exhibition in London where the global winner for the award will be announced, but her win for Pinay entrepreneurs is already a great source of pride and inspiration. Congratulations, Human Nature!

Update as of 31 March, 11am: Anna Meloto-Wilk won the Global Beauty Industry Woman of the Year award! See announcement here.

Image via Bustle

Glow-bal Domination

As if we could love (and lust) over Anastasia Beverly Hills products even more, the brand is now coming out with another must-have palette for us highlighter-obsessed women: the Aurora Glow Kit! It’s been a long time (and several palettes later) since the brand launched their first ever Moonchild kit, and fans have been craving for another “out of this world” palette of pigment. The Aurora Glow Kit will consist of six shades inspired by the stars and outer space while still keeping the wearable look of each powder. There’s Eclipse (soft peach), Luna (baby pink), Spectra (deep lavender), Helia (white with green tint), Orion (turquoise), and Lyra (warm orange). The palette is set to launch soon on April 4 on the ABH website and will retail for $40. Better get your wallets ready!

Full story on PopSugar

Image via LA Times

Herbivore It’s Too Late!

Sephora Philippines is killing it these days! From restocks to new-ins, the website has got everyone buzzing with excitement. Another awesome addition? Organic skincare brand Herbivore Botanicals is now available! Known for their all-natural, cruelty-free products and minimalist packaging, the brand has created a gigantic following since early 2014. Their masks have been raved about by tons of magazines and YouTubers for having amazing results. The Blue Clay Spot Treatment Mask (P1,124) promises to help treat your stubborn spots and bumps while gently clarifying your skin; the Blue Tansy AHA + BHA Resurfacing Clarity Mask (P2,215) is a cooling gel mask that helps reduce redness while unclogging pores and exfoliates dead skin cells; and the Brighten Pineapple Enzyme + Gemstone Instant Glow Mask (P2,696) increases blood circulation, giving your skin extra plumpness and a glow from within. I’m definitely excited to try the Sea Mist Coconut + Sea Salt Beach Wave Hair Mist (P610) and the Bamboo Charcoal Deep Cleanse Detoxifying Soap (P610) once they go back in stock! Shop Herbivore Botanicals here.

Image via Beauty Almanac

Nothing is Everything

MAC Cosmetics is known for their amazingly full coverage foundations and base products. From their iconic Studio Fix foundation and powders to their Studio Sculpt tubes, the brand knows their stuff when it comes to that flawless finish. So when they release a foundation that promises an undetectable look and feel to the skin, we can't help going crazy! The MAC Next to Nothing Face Colour is formulated with nourishers and light-reflecting opalescent microspheres giving you that “no makeup, makeup look” complete with a dewy glow. The thin, BB cream-like formula feels lighter on the skin but ably covers up all redness and discolorations. Available in nine shades so far, the Next To Nothing Face Colour retails for $31 and the Next to Nothing Powder is for $27. 

Full story on Allure

Image via facebook.com/BeautyMNL

It’s That Simple!

Talk about a surprise treat! BeautyMNL is slashing P100 off on ALL of the Simple Skincare products on their site! Shop their Moisturizing Facial Wash (P239), Micellar Wipes (P239) and Eye Makeup Remover (P399) at discounted prices until March 31. Remember: they offer free shipping for orders above P2,000 so you may want to stock up on your skincare staples. Happy shopping, PV girls!

Images via Lime Crime

Mane Priority

Summer is officially here and things are about to get extra magical! Taking a turn for the better, Lime Crime has been reinventing themselves as a brand and coming out with more products to catch our fancy. The beach is definitely a hot spot for everyone this season, and what better way to rock an on-trend look than with Unicorn Hair! Oh yes. Lime Crime’s Unicorn Hair Dye ($16) will be available in 11 shades of pure magic. From shades like Strawberry Jam to Dirty Mermaid, you can rock your locks in colors that celebrate the carefree days of summer. No word yet on the exact release date but the dyes are 100% cruelty-free and vegan, with no bleach needed! Check out the Lime Crime website for more details.

Full story on Bustle

Screencap from Instagram user @cosrx

Cos(RX) Your Fingers!

We’re not big on rumors but when the official Instagram account of one of our favorite Korean brands posts a picture about meeting with one of the country’s top beauty destinations—we freak out! CosRX posted a very simple picture with the caption “Guess who we met today #watsonsphilippines #cosrx #comingsoon” which has us buzzing! We’ve already spotted (and promptly purchased) their acne pads, honey moisturizers, and cushion pacts at select SM Beauty stores like Megamall and Makati. We’re eager for the brand to reach at more locations! That, and for the full line of products to be available! We’ll definitely keeping close tabs on this one and updating when we get more deets.

Header via Shop and Box

If you didn't know by now, I spend an inordinate amount of time at Althea. I do it for, er, "research", okay? There's always something new to watch out for and the products are so well-curated that there aren't many throwaways. I've been snooping on skincare there a lot these days for starters. I also keep an eye out for interesting deals like this COC Marine Blue Makeup Brush Set (P770)!

I got it because the photos looked fantastic on the product page plus the P770 price tag for six brushes seems more than reasonable. It's not exactly dirt cheap but the quality looked good so I just went for it. Plus, I will be traveling a couple of times this month and could definitely use a compact travel brush set!

That's probably my favorite thing about the COC Marine Blue set. It comes in a small ziplock pouch that isn't fancy but can fit in a normal handbag. I initially thought that the brushes inside would be too small to use comfortably; that isn't the case as they fit in my hand properly.

So how are these synthetic brushes, individually? Here's a quick rundown:

• Powder Face Brush. This is sufficiently fluffy and dense, enough to blend powders seamlessly. I've had softer bristles, honestly, but the hairs on this one are serviceable.
• Buffing Brush. This reminds me of a Real Techniques brush I have. It's perfect for blending cream or liquid products as it's super dense and soft.
• Blending Brush. This is for applying powder in small areas like the lids and under eyes. It's not as dense as I would like; this would be my least favorite brush in the set.
• Flat Brush. This is a basic eye brush, ideal for patting on a solid layer of eyeshadow or concealer.
• Smudger Brush. Stumpy with a rounded edge, this brush can nicely smoke our or soften your eyeliner. It can also pat eyeshadow on the upper and lower lids.
• Eyebrow and Spoolie Brush. The angled brush is not as stiff and dense as it should be. I love the spoolie though - it's soft and doesn't scratch my skin!

Overall, while I wouldn't say that the COC Marine Blue Makeup Brush Set is at the top of its game, it's functional enough for the price. I appreciate it most for its compact size and packaging; otherwise, these brushes aren't what I'd use for my everyday look. I would bring it to a trip however, when I care about space.

Now this set Is currently out of stock at Althea but there are other interesting things from the COC brand. See more brush sets and makeup ~mostly~ under P400! What do you think? Do you like collecting travel-sized brushes?

Editor's Note: Virginity, birth control, and sex are still opaque topics here in the Philippines. A discussion about these things with our parents mostly involves them telling us never to have intercourse or get pregnant until we're married. However, that is hardly a deterrent for women to make unwise choices. At Project Vanity, our ultimate goal is to empower women by providing them information about their own bodies so they feel more confident about navigating the world.

In The Sex Talk, we consult with doctors and experts about common questions we feel should be answered by women, for women.

If a missed or delayed period has ever made you panic, know that you’re not alone! Thanks to urban myths and misleading information, it can get really confusing about what can and can’t get you pregnant. We decided to put a stop to this guessing game and asked for the help of Dr. Maria Rosario G. Castillo-Cheng, an obstretrician-gynecologist and perinatologist (high risk pregnancy specialist) at The Medical City in Pasig.

But first, a refresher on what we learned in science class!

For pregnancy to occur, a woman’s egg cell must be fertilized by a man’s sperm cell. The sperm has to swim up through the woman’s cervix and into the uterus, where an egg cell may be present if the woman is fertile. Ovulation, or the period in a menstrual cycle when the ovaries release an egg cell, normally happens only once a month so there is usually only a small window of time when a woman can get pregnant. 

On the other hand, the sperm quality also has to be good to increase the chances for fertilization. There should be a healthy sperm count (amount of actual sperm in the ejaculate fluid), good morphology (the sperm must have both a head and a tail), and motility (the sperm’s ability to swim up to the egg). With all these factors needed for pregnancy to occur, one might conclude that it’s really not that easy to get pregnant. Well, that’s a yes and a no!

When exactly is a woman fertile?

A woman with a regular menstrual cycle (meaning one cycle lasts around 25 to 35 days) will be fertile during the middle of the cycle, from around Day 12 to Day 16. At this time, her vaginal discharge becomes more conducive for sperm to survive and move through and the egg will be ready for a possible conception. 

If you haven’t been keeping track and aren’t sure what your menstrual cycle is, take note of the first day of your next period. That will be Day 1 of your cycle. Take note again of the day when you get your next monthly period - that will be Day 1 of your next cycle, so you can just count back on how many days passed between those two periods to determine the length of your cycle. You can also use natural birth control methods to help determine when you are most fertile. 

Can sperm wait for an egg to become ready for fertilization?

Assuming that it’s perfectly health and meets all the requirements, sperm can live inside a woman’s body for up to 48 hours! This means that if sexual intercourse occurs even the day before the a woman is fertile, it’s possible for her to still get pregnant.

Can I get pregnant even if I only have sex once?

If all the conditions are favorable and no contraceptives were used, it is definitely possible to become pregnant. This is why you should never ever skip using protection, whether it's your first or nth time.

Can I get pregnant if I have sex while on my period?

It is unlikely. A woman would not be fertile while on her period because ovulation happens around the middle part of a regular menstrual cycle. If you do not have regular periods though, then you might have have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). In this case, it may be difficult to determine your exact fertility date. It’s best to see a doctor who can help you figure out your menstrual cycle and possibly prescribe medication to make your periods more regular.

Can I get pregnant from anal or oral sex?

No, the only way to get pregnant is through vaginal intercourse.

But what if my partner ejaculates near my vaginal opening?

The chances are extremely slim as the sperm will have to survive the external environment in addition to traveling all the way up to the uterus.

Can I get pregnant from pre-ejaculation fluid?

That is a complicated question. Pre-ejaculation fluid (or pre-cum) refers to the liquid substance that is secreted by a man’s penis during intercourse but before ejaculation. The thing is, there is no way to know whether there are any sperm left in the shaft of the penis from a previous ejaculation. If sperm is present in the shaft, then yes, there is a chance that some sperm would be mixed into pre-ejaculation fluid. 

This is why men who undergo vasectomies are advised to use protection for the first two times they engage in sexual intercourse - to make sure that there will not be any sperm left in the penile shaft. 

Can I get pregnant if my partner ejaculates in a pool?

No, swimming pools have chlorine that will kill the sperm. Salt water will do the same, as well. However, if your partner ejaculates inside you while you’re both in the water, you can get pregnant.

Can I increase the chances of choosing my baby’s gender?

There are claims that having intercourse at certain times of the day or during a woman’s cycle can help influence a baby’s sex. However, there are no founded studies on that as of now, so there’s no way of ensuring that the baby will be a girl or a boy outside of in vitro fertilization. With that method, several of the mother’s egg cells may be fertilized by the father’s sperm cells, and the couple can then choose which of these embryos will be implanted to continue the pregnancy.

Did we cover your question or correct what you used to know? We feel that it’s important to know about these things even if you aren’t yet sexually active because understanding how your body works enables you to make good choices for your reproductive health. Dr. Castillo-Cheng advises that if you decide to have sex, make sure to choose your partner/s well and know your options not just for family planning but protection from sexually-transmitted diseases as well.

Header image via Pinterest

When I was a kid, one of my most treasured toys is a beautiful Belle doll that moonlights as a handy coin bank. There's a slot in the back of her iconic yellow ball gown for dropping my coins. When it's time, I'd ask my mom to open the bottom so I can have money to buy candy. Now that I'm a big girl, I play with a different kind of toy, one that is equally as fun and pretty: makeup!

I was thrilled to see part two of Happy Skin's collaboration with Disney in time for the release of the live action version of Beauty and the Beast. Sadly I haven't seen the film yet (have been so busy!) and this lip kit is not helping at all with my impatience, haha. Let's see what it looks like in action!

The The Happy Skin x Disney Beauty and the Beast Lip Kit in Rose (P1,199) is a limited edition set that contains the Moisturizing Matte Lip Liner and Liquid Matte Lipstick in a cute reusable box. These two lip products aren't new formulas, so if you're interested to see my full review, I've featured the Lip Liner and Liquid Lipstick previously. I love them both as the liner is creamy and long-wearing while the liquid lippie is not fussy and comfy to wear.

Separately, the liner is P499 (1.2 grams) and the lipstick is P699 (4.5 grams). It's cheaper by one peso to buy these two separately, but that hardly matters as you do get the box, the Disney stamp of approval, and the limited edition shade. You can buy the Liquid Lipstick separately but the lip liner is only sold as part of the kit.

Top: Lip Liner in Rose / Bottom: Matte Liquid Lipstick in Rose

The shade of the lip kit is Rose. My hand swatch registers it as a peachy rose with a brown base, but on my lips it's more pink and a bit deeper. It's beautiful and flattering for Filipinas, as can be expected from Happy Skin. I do have to mention that if you already have some of Happy Skin's famous pink browns this is not too far off from existing shades. if you don't, then this kit is definitely a good starting point as the formulas are great and wear well for hours.

Overall, I think the The Happy Skin x Disney Beauty and the Beast Lip Kit in Rose is a fab collector's item that is as pretty to look at as it is functional to wear. It's limited edition so grab it when you can!

You can purchase Happy Skin products at happyskincosmetics.com. You can also visit their retail locations.

If you love keeping your brows neat and arched to perfection, turn that habit into a force for good by having them done at Benefit Brow Bars this May. Every single peso from your brow wax service (all P700 of it) will go to helping children dream big and go bold through the brand's Bold Is Beautiful Project. This year in the Philippines, Benefit has partnered with Mano Amiga, a private, non-profit organization that provides affordable, innovative and quality international education to children from low-income families.

The Benefit PH team with Mano Amiga students

Each brow wax service can provide one of the following: 2-hour leadership training session for girls, 3 months’ worth of school supplies, or 4-month livelihood and empowerment program for a student’s mom. Availing of 2 brow wax services can provide school books and project materials for one month, or 2 weeks’ worth of schooling for one girl! 

Annie Ford Danielson, the brand’s Global Beauty Authority, as well as daughter and niece to the company’s co-founders, Jean and Jane Ford, visited the Philippines recently to share her passion project. Here's what she has to say about this initiative.

1. Why did you decide to start a philanthropy program? Did a certain event trigger that or was it just a given for the firm since it’s become so large and successful?

Since 1976, Benefit has been in the business of making women LOOK and FEEL their best. After decades of helping women look and feel their best, it’s time for us to take this philosophy beyond makeup and make a meaningful difference across the world. That’s why we’re creating a global charity that empowers women to be bold, believe in themselves and achieve their full potential.

Right now is the right time to launch a global Philanthropy program that aligns with our heritage & values: the Bold is Beautiful Project. Because we believe that beauty is more than skin deep. Through Benefit’s Bold is Beautiful Project’s we will focus on empowering big dreams and bold moves.

2. Why is it important to you and to the brand to give back to the community in this way?

At Benefit, our vision is to affect change in the world by creating a long-lasting, positive change in the lives of women and girls around the world.

Every big dream starts with a bold move. We believe that every woman can unlock her superpowers with the right tools and resources. That’s why we’re on a mission to partner with local charities around the world to help empower women and girls to be bold, believe in themselves, and reach their full potential.

3. The Bold is Beautiful Project is held in May. Is there a specific reason for that?

May is the time of year that our customers begin primping and pampering themselves with Benefit’s brow wax services, so we thought this would be a perfect opportunity for them to get their brows waxed while doing good!

In the past each market initiated their own social outreach initiative in their local markets, but they all aligned with women’s empowerment which is at the core of our values so we saw a great opportunity for the Bold is Beautiful Project to grow and resonate with the customers we serve all around the world. Our vision is to affect change in the world by empowering the unique potential in every girl and woman.

4. Benefit believes that “a woman is at her most beautiful when she’s confident, empowered and strong”. Share with us your three tips for self-empowerment.

• Have a clean conscious. Is you don’t you have good reason to doubt yourself

• Always take care of yourself first! Even when if comes to your family and your job if you don’t take care of yourself and do what truly makes you happy only then can you care for others.

• Do what scare you...that’s when you grow.

How inspiring! Since Benefit launched this program in 2015, they have raised over $6.3 million USD and helped empower women and girls around the world. This year in 2017, they are bringing the Bold is Beautiful Project to 17 countries: US, UK, France, Australia, Spain, Singapore, Canada, Ireland and United Arab Emirates, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey, Portugal, Italy, Korea, Philippines.

I hope this has convinced you to get a Brow Wax at Benefit this May. ^_^ Benefit BrowBars are available in Greenbelt 5, TriNoma, Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, Alabang Town Center, SM Seaside City Cebu, BGC Central Square, Rustan’s Makati and Rustan’s Shangri-la. The Bold Is Beautiful project will run from May 1 – 31, 2017.