We’re a bag of mixed emotions atm, thanks to this week’s roundup. We’re saying goodbye to a well-loved brand with farewell sale, and welcoming some cheeky additions to our vanities. There’s also that itch to go shopping because a brand has just released their new loyalty card, and a skin serum that promises to give a royal glow has us daydreaming. Get ready to cry, rejoice, and get the strong urge to shop with what we discovered this week!

Image via facebook.com/shuuemura.philippines

Shu long, farewell, we’ll miss Shu!

PV girls, this is it: they’re really leaving the Philippines! Shu Uemura posted about their final sale on their official Facebook page and the reality of their departure has fully sunk in. The “Everything Must Go” sale will slash 50% off of their remaining products, giving you the chance to stock up on your favorites or finally try something from the cult Japanese brand, while you still can. From their coveted cleansing oils to their super vibrant shadows, the remaining two branches will be hosting the epic (and super sad) sale. Visit their Rockwell and SM North EDSA branches before the sale ends on March 31 and close their doors forever. I guess this is my last chance to try their Lightbulb Foundation!

Image via Harper’s Bazaar

Kylie’s Getting Cheeky

Okay, I honestly can’t understand how Kylie Jenner can keep up with her own life. From starring in a 24/7 reality TV show to managing three mansions and a huge makeup empire, this 19-year-old gives me major #underachievervibes considering our age difference! From her Kylighters to her new Velvet Lip Kits, she couldn’t possibly have anything else up her designer-clad sleeve, right? Wrong. Set to launch this March 24, Kylie Cosmetics is bringing in Matte Blushes, and our cheeks are sooo ready.

Image via Bustle

Available in five shades, you can choose from X Rated (peachy nude), Barely Legal (light warm pink), Virginity (hot fuchsia), Hopeless Romantic (deep red), and Hot and Bothered (coral). The names, particularly Barely Legal, have been getting a lot of controversy and that can put off many of us from supporting this line. All the same, it will still probably do well in terms of sales.

Full story on Bustle

Image via facebook.com/maybellinephilippines

These Girls Are Loyal

If shopping is your favorite sport, you probably have at least one loyalty card in your wallet. Be it for your favorite coffee shop, department store, or bookstore, the perks and points become quite fun to collect. Fortunately for beauty lovers (especially those looking to justify their purchases!), Maybelline Philippines has come out with their very own Maybelline Loyalty Card! A minimum of P600 entitles you to a sticker, and you’ll receive an exclusive gift for every 5th, 10th and 15th sticker you’ve collected! Gifts will be given out starting April 1, 2017 and the card is valid until March 31, 2018. That’s one whole year of fun and collecting! Check out where to get a loyalty card here.

Image via Teen Vogue

A Beauty That Isn’t Just Found Within

It looks like Beauty and the Beast fever is going to be with us for a while! After the amazing live-action reboot of the Disney classic, loads of brands jumped on the Belle and Beast bandwagon and came out with some of the most amazing products. From an entire makeup collection to gel nails and nail wraps, roses and princesses are going to be a staple in our makeup kits for a while. Well, how about we throw in a bottle of skincare into the mix?

Skin Inc. has just launched their limited edition Beauty and the Beast skin kit ($90)! The price tag is pretty steep for skincare but you’re also getting three classic Skin Inc. serums bottled up into one magical treat. Infused with Vitamin A Serum (to reduce dark circles), Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid (ultimate hydration), and Chlorella (for refining skin texture), this gorgeous elixir promises to give your skin that Disney Princess glow. Besides, how can you resist the gold-flecked bottle and rose-gold pendant packaging? Grab it over at the Skin Inc. website.

Full story on PopSugar

Images via PatMcGrath.com

Pat McGrath is Out of this World

Remember when people freaked out over the highly anticipated Pat McGrath glitter lip kits? The high fashion makeup artist has just added an amazing new set of eye shadows that will take your eye look into something otherworldly. Following her work at New York Fashion Week, the statement blue galactic shadows will now be stepping off the runway and into your makeup kits! Dark Star #006 kits ($130) will come in two shades: a blue and a brown kit based on Ultraviolet Blue and Ultrasuede Brown Pigments. Each kit will contain pigments in Astral White, Mercury (beige), and Dark Matter (black) plus a black kohl liner and an eye gloss. What’s an eye gloss, you say? It’s just the thing to transform normal glitter shadow into a galactic levels of awesomeness! Presale will be available on the Pat McGrath website, and the kits are set to launch on April 11.

Full story on Revelist

Images via Revelist and Rebel Circus

It’s a Kat Von Dupe!

Known for making affordable version of high-end makeup brands, Makeup Revolution is currently under fire after the brand was accused of blatantly plagiarizing Kat Von D’s Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette. The tattoo artist-slash-makeup maven wasn’t having any of it and took to Instagram to post a side-by-side picture of both palettes. The dupe palette is called the Makeup Revolution Ultra Eye Contour Palette and retails for just $15 while the original Kat Von D palette goes for a hefty $48. Both palettes have three contour shades and nine matte shadows that are praised for their shade selection as much as their quality. What do you PV girls think? Is it an outright copy, or a well-made dupe? Which palette would you purchase and why?

Full story on Cosmopolitan

Hi Liz and team! I've been breaking out lately and my skin is reddish from both tiny pimples and cystic bumps that just won't quit. I've already seen my derma and gotten medication. So...I know that I shouldn't be wearing foundation but I do a lot of face time with clients. It's not an option at work. What foundation can I use? - Rhea

Hi Rhea! Sad to hear about this. I'm glad you've seen a professional already and I'm looking forward to positive results for you soon! We also have some articles about acne management that you may find useful. To answer your question, I have two recommendations that might work for you. They are both formulated for sensitive skin, offer coverage and conceal redness, and - as it happens - proudly Pinoy.

The Ellana Loose Minerals Foundation (P499) is kind to skin because of its all-natural mineral ingredients blended with Vitamins C and E. Try this if you're looking for something that's preservative-free, fragrance-free, and with zero fillers (i.e. additional ingredients that are not really required in the formula, but helps to lower cost)! Its actives are zinc oxide and titanium oxide, which help to calm down skin and function as a physical barrier against the sun. 

The Ellana foundation also offers heavy, long-wearing coverage that can last on even the oiliest of surfaces. It can cover up minor blemishes and major redness without causing irritation. Of course, your mileage might vary (YMMV) but I'd like to think that this foundation isn't famous for nothing! I first found this, wow, sometime 2008 or 2009? I have a bunch of other foundations but I still use it to this day - especially when I'm breaking out. Here are my complete swatches for your reference.

Shop Ellana online at ellana.com.ph and in their physical counters

The Happy Skin Zit Zapper Second Skin Cream (P1,299) is a silicone-free, sheer coverage liquid foundation that has 2% salicylic acid in the formula. Salicylic acid helps to dry out pimples. You can apply it separately for more concentration, but it's rare to have this active into the makeup itself!

The silicone-free nature of this foundation is a boon to those who are particularly sensitive to it. Silicone is not a "bad" ingredient per se, it's just that in certain concentrations it has a tendency to clog pores and irritate some people's skin! It's also rare to find silicone-free face products here in the PH so this is a godsend if silicone breaks you out.

The coverage of the ZZ Cream is sheer, and so it comes in only one shade. It's enough to get an even glow and to take down redness, though you might need to use a concealer afterwards. Actually, you may want to set it with the Ellana Loose Foundation powder for max coverage and acne control!

Shop Happy Skin online at happyskincosmetics.com or at their physical counters.

Hope you found my recos useful, Rhea! How about you guys, which foundations do you gravitate towards when your skin is acting up?

We know this heat has been making you daydream of hitting the beach, but not everyone is lucky enough to make the trip. The next best thing is to jump into the cool blue waters… of a swimming pool! 

However, this summer-perfect activity may turn out to be detrimental to your hair health. Chlorine damage is something to take seriously as it zaps out the moisture and the natural oils that prevent your mane from drying out and splitting. Moreover, the coloring and the chemicals found in pool water can cause light hair to discolor. So much for that platinum blonde you painstakingly bleached and toned! But we’ve got some tips up our sleeves to help prevent fugly pool hair.

Image via hairinmanila.wordpress.com

Put off major salon services until after pool season is over

Dye jobs, rebonding, and other chemical treatments make your hair more vulnerable to damage. The hair strands already become more brittle, dry, and porous, so we’re not going to sugar-coat it: Chlorine WILL make it worse. 

Image via livestrong.com

Image via sciencefocus.com

The swimming cap is your best friend

Aside from keeping hair out of your eyes while doing your laps, the swimming cap serves as the much-needed barrier between hair and chlorinated pool water. Find one with a snug fit, but not something so tight that you start to feel lightheaded.

Start and end with washed hair

Those shower rooms/stalls are there for a reason! Aside from making sure you descend into the pool a little cleaner, the tap water will introduce moisture and get absorbed by the hair over the chlorine-treated water. It’s a sponge effect, so let hair soak up on the tap first to avoid soaking up on chlorine instead.

After the swim, rinse off the excess chlorine on the tap. Do not idle when your locks are on the line! The sooner you wash off those chemicals, the less damage they’ll make on your hair.

Shampoo, condition, and treat your hair

You’re going to need a lot of conditioners and damage-repair treatments if you’re planning on being a regular at the pool. Hair experts actually recommend applying conditioner before you dive in, as the product packs in moisture and helps prevent chlorine from penetrating your hair strands. After you swim, condition your hair again after shampooing or switch to a deep-conditioning hair mask for a stronger dose of moisture.

Have you already gone to the pool this summer? How did you deal with chlorine damage?

Sources: Go Ask Alice!, Today.com

Cover image via lifewithme.com

I'm a little - okay, a lot - behind some product reviews for you guys. It's just that many things fall in the cracks when my schedule gets crazy, but I resolve to be more diligent about timing in the future. That, or clone another Liz whose sole mission will be to write and shoot things! (If only.)

Anyway, I've had the Laneige Milkyway Fantasy Collection since December 2016 as this was their holiday offering. There's some skincare but I'd like to focus on swatching the new shades of their best-selling Two-Tone Bars (P1,200): two for the Lip Bars, and two for the Shadow Bars. I've reviewed the Two-Tone Bars previously, so you can read that if you're looking for a more detailed discussion on the formula.

I love the blue box and pink bullets of this collection. It doesn't show in the photos, but the silver caps has a pink gradient in the bottom!

Here are the four new, limited edition shades:

• No. 1 Milkyway Burgundy is a deep pink cream shadow mixed with pale pink shimmer. It's cute on the eyes and can be worn alone, but should register best on fairer skin. I find it doesn't look that pigmented on my lids as it does on the swatch.
• No. 2 Smoky Dust is a deep brown with champagne shimmer. This is fairly pigmented on top of primer.
• No. 1 Bloody Dress has a rather macabre name, but the bright splash of scarlet mixed with a beigey pink does remind one of a bloody dress, no? I love this shade. I've been wearing this a lot lately as it's so bright and eye catching!
• No. 2 Mystic Rose is a bright rosy pink mixed with a cool baby pink. I find it too pale for my medium skin tone but it should look great on fairer coloring.

The Shadow Bars seem to stick better than Laneige's first stab at it, but they still crease miserably on my non-oily lids without a primer. The Lip Bars' formulation are still top notch - they're creamy, stain well, and get the gradient look right with minimal effort!

In this look, I'm wearing a mix of Milkyway Pink and Smoky Dust on my eyes. I'm wearing Mystic Rose on my lips in the left photo, and Bloody Dress in the right photo. So kawaii, right?

Overall, I love the concept of this Laneige collection. If you must only get one item, go for the Two Tone Lip Bar in Bloody Dress! It looks fantastic. I think the Shadow Bars still need to be reworked into a wearable formula for humid weather. That being said, I'm definitely looking forward to more shades of the Lip Bars!

Thoughts? How's your gradient makeup game coming along?

Photography by Samantha Gonzales

While other girls dream of building an extensive makeup collection with custom-built dressers, my ultimate beauty goal is to never need to wear foundation or concealer ever again. Between those two options, I used to think that it would be easier to do the makeup collection than it is to get perfect skin! In the skin care forums that I follow though, there was a product that was often mentioned and frequently on the “favorites” list of people. That’s where I first heard about Estée Lauder’s best-selling Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II.  

At more than P5,000 for the full-size 30mL bottle, I put it on my list of Things To Buy When I’m Rich and made do with products within my small budget. After all, how life-changing can a tiny bottle possibly be, right? That’s where I was quickly proven wrong.

As our first ever team challenge, Estée Lauder invited me and my fellow PV girls to try using their Advanced Night Repair and Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion for 30 days. We all had different skin types, concerns and routines, so it was very exciting for us to find out exactly how one product could be something that all of us would want to add our routines. Here’s what we discovered, and we share our makeup-free selfies to reveal the results!

The first photo was taken at the beginning of the challenge, the second (middle photo) after 15 days, and the last photo after 30 days.

Den Bengzon

Skin type and concerns: dryness, occasional dry patches, fine lines, uneven skin tone

I deliberately avoided reading about the Micro Essence and ANR until I’d completed the challenge to be sure thatt whatever changes I might experience, it would be something that I actually observed rather than been conditioned to expect. It was love first use because of the lightweight texture and delicate, somewhat spicy scent. By Week Two, I noticed that my face was glowing and looked brighter than ever! More importantly, my skin felt (and still feels) amazing, and my laugh lines have diminished. Saving up for my repurchase already!

Gett Balalad

Skin condition and concerns: oiliness and acne

I noticed that my breakouts heal faster than usual! I also like that there seems to be a glow about me. even if I lack sleep or feel bleh. I think my skin may be purging though, as I've been breaking out more at both the usual areas and not-usual ones like my forehead.

Angela Fernandez

Skin condition and concerns: combination with hormonal acne on forehead

Both the microessence and ANR felt light on my skin. They were easy to apply and fit right into my skincare routine, and seemed to improve the absorption of the other products that I used. My skin feels softer and smoother, with a radiance that made me look more healthy at just 15 days into the challenge. The changes are even more noticeable now, as I’ve received compliments on how my breakout is clearing up and my redness has lessened. The day after I finished the challenge, I stopped for a second after cleansing my face and decided, "Yes, I wanna keep doing this!"

Charlie Ermerna

Skin condition and concerns: oiliness, acne, scarring, dark spots, uneven texture and tone

To my surprise, the serum and essence combination, despite being light on the skin, was actually enough to keep my skin moisturized that I was able to skip my usual moisturizers! As the challenge hit the midpoint, my mom actually commented that my skin looked a bit brighter. The pores on my cheeks are no longer as embarrassingly visible so I’ve been skipping silicon-based primers without cringing at the sight of my pores.

My skin also now looks considerably lighter (and actually now matches my the color of my neck), even radiant despite my period acne. While I wish that the serum also did its magic to my acne and scar problems, I’m happy to have tried it and see my face look bright. I wish the pictures were able to do enough justice on the serum’s effect on my skin. I now understand what the rave over this serum is about. This bottle is not just a product of sweet talk - it actually, totally, works!

Katsy Faustino

Skin condition and concerns: dryness, blackheads, fine lines

Before I started using the essence and ANR, I didn't like how my face looked so yellowish. The tone was just off and made me look sickly without a sheer wash of base. I also had to exfoliate every 2-3 days around the nose area, or else I will have a build-up of blackheads. Two weeks into using the duo, I noticed that I didn't have to exfoliate as much. My skin tone started losing the yellow tint and actually looked healthy.

I also noticed an improvement in skin texture even though I refrained from exfoliating the entire month, which I couldn’t have skipped without the help of the Micro Essence. My skin felt nourished, and not once did I experience the extra tightness that comes from having dry skin. I would definitely keep using the products and plant to repurchase once I've used them up. A little goes a long way and I can clearly see the results so I look forward to trying out the rest of the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair line, particularly the eye creams as that is another one of my main skin issues. In fairness, my under eye area somehow lightened up even by just using the ANR serum.

Crystal Rodis-Concepcion

Skin condition and concerns: oiliness and acne

I had just come from a nasty breakout that left me with a lot of acne marks when I started this challenge. The first time I tried the products, I knew that I would enjoy using them because both felt so light and easily absorbed by the skin. Waking up in the morning of Day 2, I immediately noticed that my skin was not oily at all and felt like I had just applied my skincare products minutes ago.

After a few days, I noticed that my skin was looking brighter. By Day 15, I noticed that my acne marks had faded a little, and that there was a big change in my oil production. I can now go longer without blotting my face, and when I do, my oil blotters aren't as soaked in oil as before. It feels so good to not be so dependent on oil-blotting sheets, and I have this duo to thank for helping normalize my skin!

Jenn Tan

Skin condition and concerns: oiliness, acne, large pores, scars from a recent bout of chickenpox

I took this challenge shortly after my bout with adult chickenpox, which left deep, indented scars on my skin. I was also unable to follow my usual skincare routine for the two weeks I was sick so my skin was really messed up! I have actually tried the ANR serum before its current reformulation; it didn't agree with my skin back then but I'm glad my skin positively responded to it this time around.

The most immediate change I noticed is how my skin felt smoother to the touch the day after my first application. I remained a skeptic until about a week into the challenge; though my skin is far from perfect, it looked better in photos even without makeup on and I began to believe in the "I woke up like this!" glow. It doesn't directly treat acne as I still did get pimples from time to time, though I did observe that they were fewer and smaller. My theory is that ANR strengthened my skin's natural mantle, effectively making it more resistant against external factors and less prone to pimples. I still have pore problems although my skin's texture has definitely improved.

The best thing about using ANR for me is that it protects and nourishes the skin even during days when I had little sleep. Of course, it's still much healthier to get a good night's sleep but on days when you're running on only so much of it, you can depend on ANR to catch your skin and not let it fall.

Marielle Ong

Skin condition and concerns: dryness, dullness and hyperpigmentation

The Micro Essence feels hydrating but not slick and slightly sticky like some of the moisturizing liquids/toners I've used. It actually feels very presko and clean on the skin without drying it out. The same goes for ANR: The gel consistency is rapidly absorbed, giving it a coated feeling sans any discomfort or fear that it would stick to my pillowcase. What amazed me about this duo was how they maintained a healthy skin texture when I got sick halfway through challenge.

Being ill usually gives me rough, bumpy, tired skin that just feels gross and neglected but using ANR made my face felt noticeably smoother even when I wasn't at 100%. While it doesn't really register on cam, my fingers can definitely detect the difference!

Claire Reyes

Skin type and concerns: sensitive, combination, hormonal acne, large pores, dark spots

I was really excited to do this challenge - this is my first time to try Estée Lauder skin care for a whole month! At the same time, I felt apprehensive and doubtful as I have sensitive skin and get hormonal acne so I usually stay away from too many active ingredients. What really made we decide to try was the need to address the dark spots left behind by pimple marks. Finding  something that addresses these issues, while not making my oily areas greasy and my dry patches obvious, is a real challenge!

And so I found it hard to believe when I noticed my skin wasn't as greasy when I woke up after the first ANR challenge night. I noticed micropeeling on my nose but it was never felt painful, just that my skin was regenerating at a much faster pace. By day 15, my dark spots were less noticeable. Even though I had a fresh breakout (I had been on day 2 of my period) my skin wasn't as red as usual. The texture in my cheeks was also less noticeable.

By day 30, I was a true believer in the power of ANR! I had clearer skin overall, and my skin is the closest it's ever been to a normal skin type. Even the lines around my mouth and eyes weren't as obvious! This is something I will definitely consider adding to my permanent skin care. It may seem expensive but considering how well it performed with the very small amount I've been using, it's definitely worth it!

Sam Gonzales

Skin type and concerns: normal, occasional dry patches, prone to dehydration

I get the intermittent hormonal blemishes due to PCOS and what I love about the ANR regimen is that it definitely tones down the redness of all the marks, such that I’m confident enough to just go out with sunscreen and a lip balm. It also eliminates the “tight” feeling I usually have around my nostrils, which was always a problem due to the dryness of my skin. The best part of the challenge was to form a nighttime routine - to never neglect cleansing and treatment.

Stacie Chan

Skin type and concerns: combination-oily, fine lines around the eyes, uneven texture, whiteheads

I noticed that my skin felt softer within the first few days of using ANR but after taking the second photo on Day 15, I was shocked at how much brighter my skin actually looked even though there was redness on my forehead and cheeks. I met up with the PV Team sometime around Day 20 and received a lot of compliments on how well my skin looked! It was then that I realized that I could finally walk out without base makeup, except for concealer for my dark circles!

Admittedly, I didn’t even notice how dull my complexion was until I started using this duo. My Day 30 photo says it all; the ANR challenge has made it look healthier and more glowy! Even the usual small bumps I get on my forehead have completely disappeared. The combination costs about P8k, which is a whopping amount for a student like me. I would definitely pay for the price IF I had the cash but unfortunately, I will most likely re-purchase only when I have a steady job and no longer living off an allowance.

Have you tried taking the month-long #AdvancedNightRepair challenge? Hope we've convinced you to do so!

Product photography by Samantha Gonzales

Thought bubble: I wonder if high-end brands still make money given how drugstore lipsticks are viciously competitive when it comes to formulation. Of course there's still the matter of luxe packaging, but is that still relevant to consumers? Or is a great formula + color + affordable price all they care about? The market for dupes seem to be growing in recent years with some "dupes" even going so far as to plagiarize the concept of expensive brands!

But that's a conversation for another day. ^_^ For now, I want to show you some of L'Oreal's new Color Riche 24 Karat Gold Lipsticks (P400). I have four shades here, including the sparkly gold that's absolutely gorgeous when worn on top of a base color.

The 24 Karat Gold Lipsticks feature intense pigmentation with a high-gloss, lustrous finish. They glide on the lips like butter thanks to the jojoba oil in the formula - they're quite moisturizing even without lip balm! They stay on for about three hours, just average for a lipstick. You may want to blot the first layer before adding another one to extend wear time or wear a lip liner.

Rose Gold, Mocha Gold, Le Gold, Rouge Gold

Here are the shades I have!

• Sonam's Rose Gold P601 is a bright, medium pink with sheer gold flecks. It's an incredibly creamy, pigmented shade that's solid in one layer. I say, L'Oreal's on fire with the formulation of these lipsticks!
• Aishwarya's Rouge Gold R601 is a fire-engine red again with sheer gold flecks. The gold is not obvious from afar, but it adds dimension and body to the color.
• Eva's Mocha Gold M601 is a deep, chocolate red. The gold flecks here complement the color best, as you can see them at work providing depth to the lips.
• Le Gold G101 is a sheer sparkly yellow gold that's touted to have a touch of real 24K gold. Marketing speak aside, it's beautiful. It certainly can't be worn alone, but it looks fabulous on top of any lipstick shade.

Here's what I mean about Le Gold. The Rose Gold is already pretty by itself, but with a dab of Le Gold in the middle of the upper and lower lips, it looks more full-bodied and complex! Same with Mocha Gold. If you fell in love with the metallic liquid lip look, the Le Gold can help your existing lipsticks get there with just a swipe or two.

What do you think of L'Oreal's gold lippies? Which shade are you crushing on the most?

Product photography by Samantha Gonzales

Did you know that we started planning the #ProjectVanity9th event as early as Christmas? Every year, we always look forward to sharing a day (or in this case, two!) with our readers to celebrate our online bond. This year’s anniversary at the Podium Mall was our biggest one yet, and we were floored to have met more than 200 of you beautiful girls! We’re still on cloud nine over the ninth anniversary so allow us to recap the highlights!

Steal Deals

We dedicated two full days to hosting a beauty shopping bazaar with our favorite brands. Our brand partners offered exclusive deals for our readers: Baby Foot slashed P200 off their best selling foot mask; Inglot offered 10% off on cash and 5% off card purchases; Kate Tokyo had a 20% discount at their booth; and My Amazing Hair Care slashed prices on all products by 30%! 

All Pink Sugar purchases above P500 came with a free Sugar Tint. Those who have been meaning to snag the new Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don’t Lie Crayons were in for a treat as well as they were at a special 3 for P1,000 bundle. One of Liz’s HG powders – the Ellana Minerals Loose Powder Foundation - was at a P100 off promo for the mirrored acrylic refill jar if you snapped an Instagram photo. Talk about a steal!

Cosmopolitan editors Gab Ignacio and Chandra Pepino

Awesome Talks

Never short of inspiring girl power, we invited some extra special guests to headline at the Guts, Glam, and Glory forum. Cosmopolitan editors Gab Ignacio and Chandra Pepino dished makeup #realtalk to further inspire the fun, fearless Pinay about owning your beauty in a (sadly) makeup-shaming society. Our key takeaway: don’t let anyone make you feel bad about loving makeup, yourself included!  

Our founder and EIC Liz Lanuzo with Ros Juan of Commune, Angela Dinglasan of Zenutrients, and Darlyn of Belle de Jour

The second leg of our beauty forum was graced by what can only be described as super women. Rosario Juan (CEO of Commune and organizer of Social Media Day in the PH), Angela Dinglasan (President of Greenhouse Inc. behind Proudly Pinoy organic brand Zenutrients), and Darlyn Sandra Ty (President of Viviamo! Inc of BDJ fame) shared about how their girl bosses stories started with giving up their 9 to 5 job to pursue their passions and entrepreneurial dreams. Our treasured lesson: it’s always a scary prospect starting over, but never knowing your full potential is even scarier.

Swag Bags

Let it be known: a Project Vanity Anniversary is never complete without an awesome swag bag. Tickets were priced at P995 each but everyone got not twice, not thrice, but more than eight times that amount! The support of our generous sponsors made the Guts, Glam, and Glory Kit our biggest one yet, with attendees taking home a hefty loot of products and services from BDJ, Browhaus, Catrice, Beauty Bar, Ellana, Essence, Flormar, Happy Skin, Inglot,  Jordana, K-Palette, Pink Sugar, My Amazing Hair Care, and Zenutrients!

Unveiling of In Her Element’s Newest Additions

One of the most exciting highlights of all was the first peek at two new products to be included to the In Her Element lineup. After months of formulating and testing, our latest babies are now ready for the world! Make space in your skincare stash and say hi to the Pure Squalane Oil and Spot Control Facial Oil, which are arriving soon at inherelement.ph.

From left: Karla Aguas, Denise Bengzon, Gett Baladad, Charlie Esmerna, Katsy Faustino, Liz Lanuzo, Angela Fernando, me, Sam Gonzales, Crystal Rodis-Concepcion, Jenn Tan, Claire Reyes

Meet Team PV

Oh, to be surrounded by these like-minded beauty geeks! The PV group chat is always fun and lively but having (almost) all of us gathered under a single roof makes for one crazy party. I’m so honored to be working alongside these smart, kind, and badass beauty addicts. We hope you had fun meeting us as much as we did meeting you!

The Faces Behind the Screen

Finally, our most important guests were you, dear readers! When we realized how big the crowd was, we couldn’t help but feel so proud and happy over how much the PV community has grown in the last year. We thank each and every one of you, whether you’ve recently just discovered Project Vanity or have been here since 2008, for spending the afternoon with us. We’re eternally grateful that you’ve found a happy little beauty home with our humble website. You made Project Vanity the success that it is today, and we can’t wait to share the next years with you!

Project Vanity anniversary events are never to be missed, and we hope to have bigger events and even more treats in the coming years. Big thanks to everyone who made this possible, and we can’t wait for #ProjectVanity10th!

With event photography by Paul Putong

Dear Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara,

Six years ago, I knew I loved you before I met you. Your predecessor, the Lash Expander Mascara, immediately blew my lashes away to unbelievable heights, so I knew that you were magic even before you laid yourself onto my eyes. I was right. You were amazing.

You made my downturned lashes come up coquettishly, like they were created by the divine that way. They were thick and extra black in a manner that I never thought was possible thanks to the fiber pieces in your formula. My lashes stay curled all day and never smudged - truly, you were the perfect mascara for my sad excuse for eyelashes.

A couple of coats of Lash King look like falsies!

Eventually, however, I wasn't faithful. You were so clingy and hard to take off! I would lose a lash or two every time I go out with you. You were completely waterproof but that came at too high a cost.

So many mascaras came and went into my life. I've forgotten you all these years until one day, you came back to my doorstep. I was in love with another mascara (or three) those months ago, but soon enough you became my one and only once again. You're too good to be true. Everybody keeps on asking what falsies I'm wearing when it's only mascara!

Luckily, we have already formulated the In Her Element First Wash Cleansing Oil (P450 at inherelement.ph) which makes taking you off at the end of the day a breeze. It's the only one that can melt you quickly and without damage to my lashes. If I were to be honest, we wouldn't be together again if it weren't for this cleansing oil.

I am so happy that we're an item once more. I hope that this time, it's forever.

Love,

Liz xoxo

Majolica Majorca is available in select Watsons and SM Beauty stores. I know there's a counter still inside SM Aura's department store! The Lash King is around P795 per tube.

PS Yup, Lash King is better than Heroine Make's Long and Curl. It has thicker and longer fibers in it, IMHO.

There’s no question about what a gorgeous set of lashes can do to improve one’s look but thanks to our Asian heritage, most Pinays have short, thin, and stick-straight eyelashes. Luckily, we’ve been pampered with a wealth of lash improvement options: extensions, perms, lash serums, and even the popular and inexpensive castor oil that proved to be a successful DIY.  False lashes have also practically become S.O.P. for special events but they take too much time to apply and can be uncomfortable. Wouldn’t it be great to just wake up with camera-ready lashes? Yumi Lashes makes that a viable option!

Also known as a keratin lash lift, the technique is designed to boost and lift the lash without having to resort to false lashes. The procedure originated in Switzerland while the products used in the procedure are made in France. They are also infused with keratin to help nourish the lashes.

I have pretty long lashes already but my problem is that they can’t hold a curl, despite all the curly hair on my head! So I headed over to The Aesthetics Studio by Kristine Lucas, who trained at the Yumi Lashes Academy in Beverly Hills. Kristine told me that she first learned about Yumi Lashes from celebrities on Instagram and, after doing some research, she decided to take up the trade herself. Yumi Lashes is still relatively new in the Philippines, and we are glad to be some of the first to try it out!

before the procedure

Prior to my appointment, I was advised not to wear mascara a day before and to not have any contact lenses on. Before starting, Kristine applied patches under my eye to separate my lower and upper lashes. She then applied a water-based glue on my upper eyelids and then attached a guide to help fan out my lashes. She then added a lifting cream and applied a bit of heat to my lashes.

Once my lashes were lifted, she applied a fixing cream to make the lift last. Afterwards, she applied a tint to my lashes to make it look like I was wearing mascara as well as a nourishing oil to moisturize the lashes. She then removed all the excess product on my face, and applied a keratin mascara to polish off my look. 

After a little over an hour, I was finally finished! I didn’t feel any pain or discomfort except for a mild itching that only lasted for a few seconds. I loved how full and lifted my lashes are now, and expect them to last around two to three months, which is around one lash cycle.

Aftercare

Kristine advised me not to get my lashes wet for the next 48 hours to make sure that my lashes properly absorb all the product. The salon also sells keratin mascara to help care for your lashes at home. It is okay to use mascaras also as long as they are not waterproof, since they are hard to remove. You also have to refrain from using oil-based makeup removers and other oils in general. 

Before and after

Lash perming vs. Yumi Lashes

One might wonder how Yumi Lashes is different from regular lash perming. Lash perming curls the lashes using a rod, giving the lashes an unnatural “C” shape, and the lashes are also not fanned out so the lashes still stay clumped together. The products used in Yumi Lashes also claim to be hypoallergenic, formaldehyde-free, paraben-free, and non-toxic so they are gentler to the skin and lashes. I can attest to this because I’ve had a couple of lash perms in the past but they were less than perfect. 

Three days after the treatment

3 days after the treatment

After 48 hours, I was finally able to get my eyelashes wet and I’m glad to say that I am loving them even more! They actually look very natural. My mascara will be out of commission for a couple of months while I rock this look on its own; it’s really just that good!

Yumi Lashes are P3,700 at The Aesthetics Studio by Kristine Lucas at L68 Richville Corporate Tower, Alabang-Zapote Road., Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Contact 5859670 or 0917 553 4348 to book your appointment. You may also visit their Facebook page here.

With our 9th anniversary all done, we’re looking forward to a restful Holy Week and a quick vacay.  Meanwhile, the beauty world has been anything but chill - we’re watching the drama unfold over an (alleged) copycatting of brand logos, swooning over the gorgeousness of chrome manicures, and hyperventilating over the makeup that promises to keep our faces fresh through this hot hot summer!

Image via Her Campus

Serving the shady

Remember when Kat Von D spoke out about that whole Palette Dupe fiasco? Well, it looks like there’s another copycat going around the makeup world, and this might actually shock you! Black Moon Cosmetics is looking to file a lawsuit against Jeffree Star and Manny MUA for blatantly copying their brand logo and causing major confusion among their customers. Apparently the logo for the much-awaited Jeffree Star x Manny MUA collaboration set looks similar to the logo of Black Moon cosmetics: a holographic crescent moon against stark black packaging. 

Image via The Revelist

Black Moon claims that in a series of Instagram DMs, Manny MUA praised the brands logo and design before “stealing” it for his own collaboration with Makeup Geek. The cosmetics brand is looking to sue for damages, lawyer fees, and overall customer sales confusion as YouTube star “definitely knew what their logo looked like.” What do you girls think? Does this look like a straight-out copy of Black Moon’s logo? 

Full story on The Revelist

Image via twitter.com/emcosmetics

EM(agine) that!

If you’ve spent countless hours watching tutorials, reviews and hauls on YouTube, then Michelle Phan is no stranger to your subscription box or Instagram feed. Well, the OG YouTuber and makeup guru recently announced something super exciting about her makeup brand EM Cosmetics: they’ve come out with their very own liquid cremes! YASSS! The EM Cosmetics Infinite Lip Clouds ($16) promise to be pigmented, non-drying, long lasting, and super comfortable on the lips. With a vibrant matte finish and velvety texture, these lippies claim to be the perfect shade for every undertone, and without sacrificing color payoff as it wears into a stain throughout the day. 

The shades include Crimson Red (true red), Faded Clementine (orange), Muted Mauve (dusky rose), Rose Nude (pinky nude), Spanish Earth (brown), Ultramarine Violet (deep violet), and Violent Magenta (brown maroon). The lippies launch on the EM Cosmetics site on April 17, and you can watch Michelle talk more about the Infinite Lip Clouds here.

Image via Sailor Moon Collectibles

SLAY-lor Moon

As if we needed more adorable makeup from our childhood, Creer Beauty just announced that they’re releasing the Sailor Moon Disguise Pen Makeup Moisture Rouge Senshi Transformation Pens in four new shades! The lightweight, semi-glossy lipsticks are packaged in the cutest pen-like bullets, complete with the adorable gems and Sailor Moon designs. Choose from Mercury (cool toned pinky nude), Jupiter (beigey nude), Mars (glossy red), and Venus (bright orange). The lippies are infused with hyaluronic acid, squalane, macadamia seed oil, and sunflower seed oil, making them super moisturizing on the lips. They retail for ¥3,024 (around $27) and are available for pre-order on Premium Bandai.

Full story on Sailor Moon Collectibles

Image via happyskincosmetics.com

All that MATTErs!

We all love a good filter for that perfect Instagram shot but how awesome would it be to have that perfect filter that gives us flawless looking skin, with zero pores and a glow, despite a matte finish? Well, ladies, Happy Skin Cosmetics has managed to put that perfect filter into two new products! The Matte About You range consists of the Matte Of Your Dreams Oil Control Mattifying Powder In Translucent (P1,299), a finely-milled pressed powder that’s perfect for setting base makeup, touching up throughout the day, and combating shine. Matte About You Pore & Shine Control Primer In Nude (P1,299) is a liquid primer that blurs pores, keeps skin matte but hydrated, and helps makeup to last all day. Both products are currently available for pre-order at the Happy Skin website at very limited quantities so better get clickin'!

Images via Beauty Almanac

Livin’ La Vida Latex

In a world filled with matte lipsticks and anti-shine finishes, one would think that a brand coming out with a high-gloss lippie would be crazy, right? Wrong! Too Faced Cosmetics is again changing the game and offering another product that is sure to sell out and make girls go gaga! The Too Faced Melted Latex Liquified High Shine Lipstick ($21) offers the most amazing high shine finish, making your lips look wet, luscious, and super bold. Available in 16 shades, these super shine liquid lipsticks will be pigmented, comfortable on the lips, and give you a fun new way to rock a bold lip color. We’re excited to swatch Bite Me (deep maroon), Bye Felicia (bright purple), Strange Love (brown nude), Love You Long Time (hot pink) and, of course, Unicorn Tears (yes, the famous Unicorn lippie will now be available in liquid form!) Set to launch in June, the Melted Latex Liquified High Shine Lipsticks will be available on the Too Faced website.

Full story on PopSugar

Introducing...THE WORLD'S FIRST LIQUID MIRROR CHROME NAIL POLISH! One step to beautiful TRUE CHROME reflective nails. No gel, no powder. A @ciatelondon exclusive launch, 3 years in the making and coming very soon...who's excited?

A post shared by Ciaté London (@ciatelondon) on Mar 24, 2017 at 10:04am PDT

Ciate’s chrome-ing for ya!

Nail trends aren’t anything new in the beauty world. From vibrant reds to crazy cartoons stamped on finger nails, our manis and pedis have somewhat become another accessory to our beauty looks. From the recent rise of acrylic and gel nails, the nail world is about to get another treat, care of Ciate London. The well-loved nail polish brand has just teased what seems to be the most epic and awesome nail polish in the market - Chrome Nails! No, you don’t have to spend a fortune and get fake chrome nails anymore because with just a swipe of a brush, you can now get the most strikingly metallic nails. With no need for powders, preps, or curing lights, this polish took three years to formulate and resembles their “regular” formula. We can’t wait for more details about this revolutionary product!

Full story on Elle UK

Have you been diligent about wearing sunscreen everyday? If you’re new here, that’s ok, you should read up on why SPF is important. If you’re not new, well, Tita Liz is disappointed in you! We preach sunscreen not just because it makes us sound smart - it really is the single most effective anti-aging and skin-protecting product easily available to us. Forget about pills, potions, and other creams: if you don’t shield your skin from sun damage, then every other beautifying product you use can't work as intended.

Sunscreen isn’t something you should only apply at the beach, or during the summer season. It must be a life-long commitment if you care about your skin even a little bit. Now if you’ve never worn sunscreen every day before, here’s what will happen when you get into the habit!

Your skin may turn a shade or two lighter

The sun’s rays trigger melanin production in our skin, which is a response meant to lessen the sun’s damage. The resulting tan is pretty but also functional: the darker your skin is, the more protected you are from radiation damage and thus, skin cancer.

However, you could lend your skin a helping hand by wearing a product with physical or chemical sunscreen ingredients. These deflect and scatter the sun’s rays so that they are not absorbed by the skin completely! As a result, your skin might lighten over time as it will not be triggered to produce as much melanin as it did before sunscreen.

I have personally experienced this. Since I started wearing sunscreen religiously years ago, my skin is much lighter compared to before! I am not a fair goddess (nor do I aspire to be) but I’d like to think that the true color of my skin (in the medium range) is maintained because of SPF.

Your blemishes and freckles will disappear faster, or will not darken as before

Notice how your skin scars or darkens after a pimple? Or a wound? It’s your skin’s natural response in protecting itself from further exposure from the sun. Wearing sunscreen every day will deflect the UVA and UVB rays from the damaged parts of your skin so it can heal faster and develop less hyperpigmentation.

Your wrinkles will be less developed

Ever look at your skin and wonder why some areas started to form wrinkles as early as your 20s? You guessed it - the sun is the culprit. Imagine your skin as fruit left out in the sun even for just an hour - it will shrivel and dry up very quickly. With daily use of an SPF product, you can keep that from happening prematurely! You’ll age; that’s not going to change. It just won’t be as fast.

Luckily, it’s not too late for you even if you’re in your 30s now. Just wear at least SPF30 everyday to prevent accelerated wrinkling! I started wearing sunscreen regularly only in my mid-20s. Yeah, I know, I didn’t follow my own early advice and I did regret that. I have fine wrinkles on my face that I’ll never get rid of but at least their appearance has softened through the years.

If you’re looking for a good daily sunscreen, I’d like to recommend the Silka Papaya Premium Lotion with SPF30. Yup, Silka has sunscreen too, apparently! Looking at the ingredients, it’s both a physical and chemical sunscreen for better protection. It also surprisingly contains niacinamide (a derivative of Vitamin B3), an active ingredient normally found in face serums as it is effective in reducing lines, hyperpigmentation, and redness. 

Again, niacinamide is pretty high up in the ingredients list, even higher than the usual whitening actives like sweet almond milk protein and papaya enzyme.

I can’t say I am a huge fan of the scent of this one (it’s a different line entirely from the Silka lotions with Shea Butter and Avocado Oil) but for the price, the water-based formulation is quite nice. It’s certainly one of the cheapest sunscreens in the market right now! Try it out if you’re looking for an affordable daily sunscreen. 

Have I finally convinced you to wear sunscreen? What’s your remaining excuse? ;)

This story is brought to you by Silka

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

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

I first started regularly using lip balm in high school because the air conditioning in our classrooms left my lips chafed, and also because it was the closest thing to makeup that our strict Catholic school allowed. Our uniform blouse had pockets so I always kept a Chapstick or Lip Smacker with me and reapplied through the day.

Now that it’s actually part of my job to wear makeup, I’ve come to own way too many lipsticks, but I still stick to just a couple of balms. Both are tried and tested formulas that have saved my lips many times but if you haven’t yet found a REALLY GOOD lip balm that really works, here are a few of our favorites to check out!

Liz: Lip balm is a key part of my routine as I use it not only to moisturize my lips, but also to prime them before makeup! I always apply lip balm after foundation, wait for it to dry while I do my eye and cheek makeup, then finally follow with lipstick. I love the La Mer The Lip Balm for its sweetish taste and slight minty feel, the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Lip Protectant Sheer Tint Stick with SPF15 for the light tint and SPF, and the In Her Element Nourish & Cleanse Balm for intense moisture.

Den: When I’m out and about, tube packaging is the easiest to bring along. Burt’s Bees Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm with Kokum Butter works very well for me, and I love that the formula seemingly sinks into the lips instead of just sitting there. For more severe dryness though, I pat on Blistex Lip Medex, which doesn’t smell good or look sexy but gets the job done.

Kim: I like In Her Element's Nourish and Cleanse Balm for every night but for intensive healing (when my lips start to rebel against me after a week of liquid lipsticks!), I count on good old Aquaphor.

Claire: My all-time favorites are Burt's Bees lip balms but lately I've been using something I found at Healthy Options: Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunscreen Lip Care with SPF25. It feels a lot like Burt's Bees lip balms but with added sun protection.

Angela: I have incredibly dry lips and the only thing that has really helped me is my Burt's Bees tinted lip balm. Currently, the Tony Moly Delight Magic Lip Tint has been keeping my lips from drying out, and even gives my lips a natural rose color that I love.

Charlie: My most loved (and repurchased) lip balms would always be from Blistex. I love how they heal my chapped lips and keep them moisturized. It also isn't too greasy or glossy which I dislike about some lip balms. Plus, it has SPF so I know my puckers are protected. Their medicated balms are my usual go-to but I'm trying out a new variant given to me by a good friend, Triple Tropical, which I love just as well because it smells so fruity.

Stacie: I have this gross habit of picking at the dry skin on my lips. I feel bothered when my lips don't feel soft and smooth so I end up peeling the flakes off! As a result, my lips are constantly chapped and bleeding. The best lip balm I have tried is from The Face Shop called Lovely Me:Ex I'm Shea Butter Lip Care Cream, but sadly TFS PH doesn't carry it anymore (please bring it back!) so I've been making do with a regular Carmex tube. It doesn't have mint, so that's the best selling point for me aside from moisturizing and healing properties.

Marielle: Nivea Vanilla & Macadamia Lip Butter never leaves my nightstand. It is inexpensive, effective, and smells amazing! I mostly put lip balm on before bed, and this one stays on and keeps my lips moist 'til I wake up in the morning. I also like the buttery texture/consistency!

Gett: I've recently discovered Nature Republic's By Flower Lip Essence. It gives a good shot of moisture and has SPF! For those really dry days, I mask my lips with Aritaum's Ginger Sugar Overnight Lip Mask at night. Technically not a lip balm but this gives me moisturized, smoother lips overnight and I just can't be without it anymore!

Jenn: My go-to lip balm is Nivea's Soothe and Protect Lip Balm. It glides smoothly on my lips and manages to moisturize them without leaving a thick, heavy feeling. The SPF 15 in it is a neat bonus!

Crystal: My best lip balms are Fresh and Miller Harris, which were pasalubong from London. These two are really moisturizing and heal my cracked lips, stat! I use the former during the day because it has SPF 15, and the other before I go to bed so I wake up with moisturized lips.

Is lip balm a staple in your beauty routine? What's the best one you've tried so far?

Summer season is swimsuit season. For those of us who prefer to look smooth, removing unwanted body hair becomes non-negotiable. That used to mean shaving our underarms and legs but over the recent years, bikini and Brazilian waxing have become a grooming staple for many women.

To be clear, we don’t think it’s something that all women should do; we believe that you should feel free to go either way! If you choose to have your pubic hair removed though, have you ever wondered if it’s safe to do or if it actually is a better option to keeping your bush? Time to find out for sure! We asked Dr. Maria Rosario G. Castillo-Cheng, an obstretrician-gynecologist and perinatologist (high risk pregnancy specialist) at The Medical City in Pasig to weigh in on keeping things hair-free.

What is pubic hair?

Pubic hair is the body hair found around the mons pubis, a fatty pad that is over the pubic bone. As a general rule, genetics play a major part on how much body hair we will have and pubic hair is no different. Some people will have very little or fine hair surrounding their genital area, while others may experience a proliferate growth. Just like any other body hair, pubic hair serves to keep the area clean and to protect it against foreign bodies.

One may wonder, we are not born with pubic hair so why does it have to grow in after? Reaching puberty brings about many changes in our bodies, and the increase in hormones cause the growth of pubic hair as well as axillary or underarm hair.

Is it necessary to remove pubic hair?

Some people think that removing hair makes the area cleaner but while that is true in terms of keeping stray strands from peeking out bikini bottoms, there are no actual hygienic benefits. The only time pubic hair removal becomes necessary is to assist in childbirth (more on this later). If you feel cleaner when bare, go for it! Dr. Castillo-Cheng says that it’s all about personal preference but you should take heed of one important rule.

Scrutinize your salon before availing of their services.

Since they’ll be handling a very delicate area, it’s absolutely crucial that the salon you’re considering is uncompromisingly meticulous about good hygiene. Do your research and ask for feedback from past clients who can provide honest and unbiased feedback. A hygienic salon will never reuse their tools to help ensure each customer’s safety. 

For example, Dr. Castillo-Cheng says that a reputable salon should include a clipper in their package so that the tool will be dedicated solely for your use. It may cost a bit more but you can take it home and then just bring it with you for use at your next appointment. Waxes and disposable applicators should be new and opened only in front of you. Even applicators that were used to apply the wax need to be replaced with each application; no double-dipping even when it’s also for you!

What are the risks involved?

As with most cosmetics, whatever product that will be applied to your skin should be tested before spreading to a larger area. Dr. Castillo-Cheng recommends doing a patch test on the skin first to see if any allergic reaction develops. For hot waxes, it is of course important to check that the temperature is correct and won’t cause any burns to the skin.

Dr. Castillo-Cheng says that the most common infection associated with hair removal is folliculitis, which is basically ingrown hair.  The hair follicle becomes infected and forms a painful, pimple-like lesion. Left untreated and combined with poor hygiene, the infection can progress into a boil. (Ouch!)

Hair removal can also cause an abrasion on the skin, resulting in redness, irritation, and sensitivity. It’s important to have this checked in case the reaction is an allergy or a symptom of contact dermatitis.

Can you get STDs?

No, you can’t. Sexually-transmitted diseases can only be contracted through actual sexual penetration, with the exception of the human papillomavirus (HPV). There’s no risk of contracting HPV from a salon unless there’s an open wound or sore in the treated area, which most salons will not allow to be waxed. It is not possible to contract a urinary tract infection (UTI) through pubic hair removal, either. Nevertheless, Dr. Castillo-Cheng advises not to have any hair removal services if you have an open wound, and any salon that would agree to do so is best avoided.

What about DIY pubic hair removal?

This is a big no-no from Dr. Castillo-Cheng, who reports that she’s had patients who developed folliculitis as result of shaving their nether region themselves. After all, it is quite difficult to actually see what you’re doing even with the help of a mirror and you may end up nicking yourself in the process. Leave that work to the professionals instead! If you really must do it yourself, limit it to easily visible areas and make sure to use items (razors, clippers, etc.) exclusively for that area only and not to share it with anyone else.

What if I’m pregnant?

A woman’s pubic hair is usually shaved just before childbirth in case an episiotomy (incision between the vagina and anus) or a Caesarean section becomes necessary. The area will need to be sterile and wiped down, plus the hair can obstruct the doctors’ view. Dr. Castillo-Cheng stresses that for medical purposes, hair is only removed where it is necessary. 

If you prefer to use wax or a particular service, Dr. Castillo-Cheng has no objections as long as you’ve already had it done before and at a salon that you trust so that you’re already familiar with the process and the pain involved. Some salons will not agree to perform a bikini or Brazilian wax on pregnant clients for fear that the pain may induce labor. Check that the salon attendants are properly trained to perform the service on pregnant women, and be prepared to present a note from your doctor giving you clearance to have the service done.

Can I get rid of the hair permanently?

Committing to permanent pubic hair removal such as with the use of laser is safe as long as it’s done properly. Make sure that the procedure is performed by a licensed dermatologist with formal training, not just by any cosmetologist. It may take several sessions for the hair to stop growing for the most part.

Practicing Good Feminine Hygiene

So why has pubic hair grooming become so popular now? A lot of people say that it makes them feel cleaner but it doesn’t actually guarantee proper hygiene. Instead, follow Dr. Castillo-Cheng’s tips for good feminine hygiene:

1. Wash the vaginal area thoroughly with a mild soap. Always wash or wipe (after urinating or a bowel movement) from front to back to avoid contamination of the vagina with bacteria from the anus.
2. Wipe the vaginal area thoroughly after showering, washing, or swimming. It should be completely dry before putting on your underwear because a moist environment encourages the growth of yeast.
3. If you are using panty liners and sanitary napkins, change it every four hours. 
4. Always urinate and wash after sexual intercourse.
5. Avoid wearing tight clothing and synthetic materials like polyester, nylon, or spandex that can trap moisture.
6. Wear cotton underwear and pantyhose with a cotton crotch.

At the end of the day, the decision to have no hair down there should be your own personal preference and you should not be pressured into removing it by anyone else. As Dr. Castillo-Cheng likes to say, “Hair or no hair, nobody dies!”

Header image via Instagram user @triangl

by Jenn Tan, contributor

We love taking a peek into other people’s kikay kits. It’s fascinating to discover what products they can’t live without or what brands a celebrity like Heart Evangelista is a fan of. The purpose is mostly to “discover” new products via a collection of HGs, so the kit of a professional makeup artist particularly appeals to us! Some MUAs have already shared about the drugstore items that they consider to be staples, so we decided to dig a little deeper and find out what others have to say. This time around, we talked to professional makeup artists Angie Cruz, Randy Sta. Ana, and Paul Unating for their own great yet affordable finds.

Evian Facial Spray (P199 for 50ml at major department stores)

A clean canvas is a must prior to any makeup application. The pro choice to do the job? Randy uses Evian Spray for prepping his clients' faces because it cleanses and hydrates the face while maintaining its natural pH.

L'Oreal True Match foundations

Curious how MUAs achieve that flawless base each and every time, even with acidic skin? Randy shares that instead of regular colorless primer, he uses either L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup (P600) or L'Oreal True Match Liquid Foundation (P600) before either traditional or airbrush foundation. These bestselling foundations prime the skin while providing a color-matched base. Because it’s layered under another foundation, a perfect shade match is achieved even if the client might have acidic skin.

K-Palette eyebrow products

Even a veteran like Angie recommends K-Palette eyebrow products for everyone's kilay goals! Choose from their 3 Way Eyebrow Pencil (P795), Real Lasting Eyebrow Liner (P795), and 2 Way Eyebrow Liquid (P895). She explains that it's a favorite since the effect is very natural-looking and long-wearing aside from being easy to use.

IN2IT Waterproof Eyebrow Powder (P300 at major department stores)

If you're more into eyebrow powders, Randy uses this classic trio from IN2IT to easily achieve a 3D brow effect. It also comes in handy should you decide to change your hair color!

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (P299 at major department stores)

Paul loves using the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in its darkest shade, Cafe, for contouring in place of powder or cream contours! The trick is to blend it with his favorite foundations for a more flattering and long-wearing contour.

Flormar Invisible Loose Powder (P699 at major department stores)

To set the look, Paul loves this finely-milled powder because it does not leave a white cast on the skin. The formula also does not emphasize lines or rough patches, so it can work well even for women with uneven skin textures.

Spotted any favorites in our list or do you have your own great yet affordable finds? We'd love to hear from you, too!