As a dry-skinned gal, I don't really have much problems with turning greasy until much later in the day, when I'm probably home and ready to take off my makeup. Since I started taking better care of my skin though, it seems like my current skin condition is more normal than dry and I've started getting quite a bit shinier and sooner than usual.

A dab of tissue and pat of powder is enough for the moment but for the more oil-prone girls of Project Vanity, finding the right products to manage shininess has taken quite a bit of trial and error. Luckily, they've found what works best for them and considering the collective rave over a certain K-beauty powder, I'm now inclined to get one myself!

Liz: I am in La Union right now, in a bed and breakfast by the sea, and I am honestly too lazy to put any makeup on. I still don't like the greasy look though, so I always keep the Happy Skin Charcoal Blotting Sheets in my pocket. It mattifies skin instantly by absorbing oil and leaving a sliiiight dusting of powder. I like that one sheet is enough for my whole face!

Stacie: Innisfree's No-Sebum Powder and Primer are unbeatable, I swear. The primer is a cheaper (and IMHO better!) alternative to Benefit's Porefessional as it blurs my pores and prevents my face from oiling up by midday. Meanwhile, the powder is great as a finishing powder or for quick touch-ups as it mattifies my skin well without making it look too flat.

Gett: Another point for Innisfree No-Sebum Powder from me! What a godsend this has been - so much so that I already have a backup, haha! I use this to set my T-zone and my oily eyelids then I’m good to go! I've also been really digging W.Lab's Sebum Out Finish Powder. Performs pretty much the same as the Innisfree one!

Crystal: For keeping oil at bay, Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray Oil Control and Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder is a hard combo to beat. I set my foundation and concealer with Innisfree and then do the rest of my makeup. I then spray my face with Skindinavia. With this combination, I'm confident that I will stay oil-free for hours!

Jenn: My daily go-to for my oilies right now is the Master Oil Control Max with Zeroil Facial Moisturizer! I tried it on a whim since I've been seeing it raved about a lot in a Facebook makeup group and am pleasantly surprised with how well it performs. I only apply it on my T-zone area and I’m happy to say that it has not caused me breakouts. My killer combo with it is the RCMA Makeup No Color Powder. I barely have to blot throughout the day!

Marielle: Although I don't use it everyday, the Kate Tokyo Makeup Lock Primer manages to keep shine at bay for longer and my makeup more adherent without causing dry patches. It's lightweight compared to the usual velvety silicone primer, so it doesn't feel gunky in this weather. Another must-have for me is the grapefruit-scented Clean & Clear Oil Control Film.

Kim: After a long, arduous search for the ultimate oil control routine, I've finally found the answer in three products. The Murad Oil Mattifier, Innisfree No Sebum Powder, and Clean and Clear Oil Control Film make up my holy trinity for battling oil. These three combined will keep my foundation intact for up to 16 hours - a rare feat for us with oily skin types!

Have you found your HGs for keeping your face fresh and matte? Do we have the same picks?Tell us about how stay shine-free!

How is it almost the end of April already? The summer heat feels as intense as ever, and we hope everyone’s been applying (reapplying!) sunscreen to stay protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Meanwhile, things are continuing to sizzle, beauty-wise!

In this week’s roundup, we serve up a bit of mystery from Kylie Cosmetics and their most exciting collaboration yet, and a budding romance with the newest palette from BECCA Cosmetics (we love the muse that inspired it, too). If you’re still going gaga for Disney inspired makeup, you’ll want to grab the exclusive designs on our favorite brow pens. And if you want to rock a summer glow without the sun damage, Too Faced’s new collection is just the thing to warm up your skin. So grab an ice cold drink and soak up some beauty!

COMING SOON @kyliecosmetics #KKW

A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on Apr 18, 2017 at 10:20am PDT

Keeping Up with Kylie and Kim

Makeup maven Kylie Jenner has dropped a bomb on our Instagram feeds and we honestly couldn’t be more excited for it! After a successful Kylie Cosmetics collaboration with big sister Khloe, Kylie is taking it one step further and involving another member of the uber popular reality TV family - superstar sister Kim Kardashian West! Kylie took to Instagram to post a video featuring her and Kim side by side, with sleek hair, gorgeously golden skin, and that signature Kardashian nude lip. 

Image via Bustle

The KKW x KYLIE collaboration will include four crème liquid lipsticks adorably named Kimberly, Kim, KiKi, and Kimmie. You can get your hands on this girl power collab when it drops on April 25!

Full story on E! Online

Image via Hypebae

#Blessed By BECCA

When it comes to amazingly luxe packing and collaborations, BECCA Cosmetics is on a roll. After the release of their purple primer, the brand is coming out with another product that’s sure to steal our hearts (and the cash in our wallets!) BECCA has announced that they’re teaming up with comedienne, TV host, author and supermodel Chrissy Teigen to create the face palette of our dreams!

The limited edition BECCA x Chrissy Teigen Glow Face Palette will feature the model’s favorite Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Rose Gold as well as three stunning new shades: the Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Beach Nectar, Sunlit Bronzer in Malibu Soleil, and Luminous Blush in Hibiscus Bloom. The palette will retail for $46 and will be available on the BECCA website some time in May.

Full story on Grazia

Image 

Destined for Disney

Wouldn’t you think I’m a girl who has everything? Not until you have these! Cult favorite K-Palette has come out with a limited edition version of their Lasting 2Way Eyebrow Liner in a Disney Princess design! The long lasting eyebrow pen features a different Disney Princess on each tube: Belle for 01 Light Brown, Rapunzel for 02 Natural Brown, Ariel for 03 Mocha Brown, and Cinderella for 04 Grayish Brown.

This is only available in select SM Beauty counters in North EDSA, Megamall, Makati, Aura, and MOA plus Watsons branches in Market Market and Robinson’s Place Ermita, so you better hurry before these collectible pens run out! 

Images via Instagram user @jerrodblandino

Just Peachy!

Despite the gigantic release of the Too Faced Sweet Peach Collection, the brand is taking things up a notch by adding to the already well-loved collection with even more products! Brand founder Jerrod Blandino announced on his Instagram that he has created an expansion of the Sweet Peach line exclusively for Sephora. The line will have everything from shadows to blushes, lippies to foundations, and more, all infused with the signature peach essence and Italian sweet fig crème. These new products won’t be out til August but knowing Jerrod, he’ll be posting a lot more teasers on his Instagram leading up to the release. Start saving up, girls!

Full story on Allure

Images via milkmakeup.com

Glow Out of This World!

There’s nothing like a well-placed highlight to give your face that healthy glow. There’s also nothing like a highlighter that goes above and beyond shimmer - we’re talking an out of this world glow! MILK Makeup revolutionized the stick highlighter when they launched their Holographic Highlighter Stick in Supernova back in 2016, and everyone couldn’t wait to get their hands on the creamy and super blendable stick.

Now the brand is back with a brand new shade: the Holographic Highlighter Stick in Mars ($28). A beautiful golden pink highlighter shade, the Mars stick is a warmer version of the cult classic Supernova, which is more of a cool toned opal. Mars also has traces of pink shimmer and gold flecks but without the overly glittery or chunky shine. The Mars Holographic Highlighter Stick will be available on May 2 from MILK, Sephora, and Urban Outfitters websites.

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Bustle

Kiehl(‘s) Em With Kindness

Talk about gifting for a good cause! Kiehl’s has come up with a very special Mother’s Day treat that will not only be the perfect gift for your mom but for those in need as well. 100% of the sales of the Kiehl’s X Jeff Koons Midnight Recovery Collection will benefit the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC).

A beautifully designed tin houses products from the cult favorite line including the Midnight Recovery Concentrate ($46), Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil ($32), and the Midnight Recovery Eye ($37). You can shop the limited edition collection from May 2 to 31. The products are already available online and the special tin is expected to hit Kiehl’s stores very soon.

Full story Bustle

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.

As if navigating love and sex - technique, birth control (natural, artificial, and emergency), and cultural beliefs about virginity - wasn't difficult enough, there is the very serious matter of sexually transmitted diseases or STDs that you should know about. Talking about venereal diseases isn’t sexy, can be embarrassing, and often involve gross descriptions of things you never imagined could happen to your vaginal area. But let’s face it: knowing more about what they are, how they’re transferred, and the options for treating them help knock the-fear-of-the-unknown down a peg. So in the spirit of adulting, we’ll forego the awkwardness and get straight to the facts with help from OB-GYN Dr. Sandee Go of St. Luke’s Medical Center. Sometimes, love harms, so it’s important to be prepared and take extra precaution!

The Bad Five

When asked to name some of the most common STDs that plague Filipinos, Dr. Go mentioned chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, and human papillomavirus (HPV). The first three are bacterial infections, while the latter two are carried by viruses. Gonorrhea is often referred to in the vernacular as tulo because of the unusual penile or vaginal discharge that occurs but the same symptoms apply to those with chlamydia. Syphilis can be harder to diagnosed as its moniker, “the great imitator,” is a result of it having symptoms that are also commonly found in other diseases. However, it is most often associated with rashes and sores.

Chlamydia

Gonorrhea

STD or UTI?

Could it be that the discomfort is actually from a urinary tract infection, which you can get even if you’re not sexually active? Dr. Go says that there are overlapping symptoms, so it can be hard to tell from those alone. “For example, abnormal penile or vaginal discharge, burning sensation upon urination, and lesions are symptoms that both STDs and UTIs share,” she explains. The best and surest way to find out is to visit a gynecologist who can screen for both and determine the actual cause.

Syphilis

Getting Tested

There is no one way to test for all STDs at once; if you suspect that you may have something, the doctor may have to run several tests to check in what is causing your discomfort. There are also individual DIY home test kits available for HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis, and for chlamydia and gonorrhea here. For HPV screening, a cervical Pap Smear can be done to find out if there are pre-malignant cells even before it turns into cervical cancer. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are tested via urine or a sample of genital discharge, which is then cultivated in a lab for a few days until the bacteria’s DNA can be identified. As for herpes and syphilis, a blood test can be conducted to check for antibodies, similar to how antibodies are checked to detect HIV.

In all cases, your doctor still needs to conduct a physical exam and their own sets of tests, even if you already used a DIY kit. This gives them access to more accurate results and helps ensure that the diagnosis is correct. The more they know, the better the treatment plan they can prescribe.

Herpes

Preventive Measures

According to Dr. Go, the best preventive measure is still the most commonly available barrier method. “Condoms lessen the risk [of contracting certain sexually transmitted diseases], but not always,” she warns. “Correct usage is necessary to get the most protection.” Meaning, if the penis isn’t fully sheathed, if the condom breaks, or if it slips off, then infection is possible. HPV vaccines will prevent infection only of certain virus strains so its not quite enough on its own. And in the case of scabies and crabs (aka, pubic lice!), condoms won’t do any good and neither will Brazilian waxes. “A topical treatment is required, and full recovery is needed before engaging in sexual contact,” she says. 

Treatment Options

Even if you just engaged in a drunken one night stand, #MayForever when it comes to certain diseases. Viral diseases like HIV, HPV or herpes will permanently remain in your body once contracted and can progress to create complications. Medication for these disease mostly focus on symptom management and preventing their spread. Herpes, for example, deals more with treating active lesions or reducing their emergence.

Bacterial infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are usually treatable by a round of antibiotics. It’s necessary for an asymptomatic partner to be treated as well as the patient because not having the symptoms isn’t the same as being disease-free. They can still be carriers of the disease and infect others just as much as a symptomatic person can. That’s why both partners need to get tested and treated.

Image via Khokar Dispensary

Other Things You Need to Know About STDs:

• Having multiple sex partners may increase your risk of getting an STD but being in a monogamous relationship doesn’t make you safe either. Your partner may have a pre-existing condition, or in case they cheat, pass on the infection from another sexual partner. If you’re sexually active, see your doctor yearly and get a Pap smear.
• Disclosure is a must. If you have an infection, it is absolutely necessary to inform all your sexual partners in the last 2 to 3 months that they may have the disease as well. This allows them to seek out treatment and also avoid passing on the infection to others.
• Testing once isn’t always enough. There are varying incubation periods from weeks to months so regular testing is recommended, especially when multiple partners are involved.
• STDs can be spread through anal and oral sex as well. Other surprising ways to get it? Scabies and crabs can also be transferred through towels and beddings, though the likelihood is small. Some diseases need living hosts to keep them going otherwise exposure to the elements (air, heat, etc.) will just kill them.
• Some STDs can be passed on from the mother to her unborn child. Left untreated, syphilis can be transmitted to a baby while a mother with active lesions during delivery can also pass on herpes. If you are pregnant or trying to conceive, make sure to check with your doctor that your system is clear of diseases that can be transmitted in utero or during childbirth. 

If you have had unprotected sex or suspect that you or your partner may have an STD, seek medical assistance immediately. It may seem embarrassing at first but consider that doctors have seen all sorts of cases, some probably worse than you’re experiencing. You owe it to yourself and your partner to get treatment immediately because sex should be safe for it to be enjoyable. 

Sources: American Cancer Society, WebMD, CDC, WebMD, British Journal of Cardiology

Photo Sources: Advuro, Nutrition Review, About STDs, Reference.com, Infectious Diseases Hub, Herpes Land, CDC, Health Life Media, TES, Cleaveland Health

Admittedly, I’m a naturally clumsy person and pretty much everyone who knows me can share a story or two about how klutzy I can be. As a result, I’ve had more than my fair share of beauty boo-boos: from dropping a glass bottle of tester foundation at the malls, to accidentally pulling out all my eyelashes with a cheap curler! I had to fake my lashes by drawing them on with a pen liner for weeks until they grew back, and that’s definitely the worst mess I’ve been in so far.

I still make a lot of other smaller mistakes every day though, so if you have butterfingers like I do, here’s a quick guide to avoiding total beauty mayhem and how to deal when they do happen.

Your complete lack of drawing skills are painfully obvious in your mismatched eyeliner wings

Instead of trying to remedy the situation by drawing a little more on each side until you end up looking like a raccoon, remove the lines you’ve drawn and start afresh. Grab some adhesive tape and stick it to the back of your hand a few times to make it less sticky before carefully placing a piece at the corner of each eye. You can move it around until you feel satisfied with the placement; this will serve as your outline! 

Now you can just run your liquid or gel eyeliner along the edge of the tape, doing your best to make the length and thickness of each wing as uniform as possible. Continue lining the rest of your eye then gently peel off the tape when you’re done. If you still make a few mistakes or want to sharpen the definition, just apply a bit of concealer!

After perfectly blending your eyeshadow, your unsteady hands land some eyeliner or mascara on your masterpiece

Before you cry and ruin the rest, calm down and remember that this is salvageable without having to redo your whole look. Grab your trusty concealer and use a clean cotton bud to pick up a bit of product. Warm it up a bit at the back of your hand before gently patting concealer just right over the stray eyeliner or smudged mascara. Do not blend! This basically erases the error and allows you to rebuild your base eye makeup only on a specific portion of your eyelid so you don’t have to touch anything else. When set, you can just apply a bit more eyeshadow on that area. 

If your hands are shaky, try resting your elbow on a level surface whenever you apply eyeliner your aim steady. For mascara, you can place a business card or even a spoon right behind your lashes to keep the wand from landing on your skin.

You’re not trying to eat it but lipstick keeps getting on your teeth

When we apply lipstick, we usually cover all bases, even the innermost part of our lips. If you have a tendency to over-apply or happen to be wearing a particularly slippery lipstick formula though, you can get some of that on your teeth without even knowing. To prevent any unsightly vampire-like moments, apply your lipstick as normal then place a (clean!) finger in your mouth. When you pull it out, the excess lipstick should stick to your finger instead of getting on your teeth but it’s a good idea to still check your teeth from time totime. Repeat this process as needed if your teeth continue to get lipstick stains.

You applied foundation before putting your clothes on and now it’s on your shirt

If you pulled on a shirt after application or apply foundation down to your neck, getting makeup on your clothes is bound to happen. While you can just change into something else, you may risk transferring makeup onto more clothing and it’s a good idea to remove the stains as soon as possible.

Don’t rub it with water as it may cause the stain to spread and set! Instead use something that’s actually designed to breakdown these kinds of formula: makeup remover wipes! Simply dab or even rub it over the stain until the discoloration is removed. You can cut the sheet in two and save the other half for cleaning your face later on. You may also use micellar water on a cotton pad to get the same effect.

You reach for something in your vanity and accidentally topple your open liquid foundation over, spilling the product

It’s a normal instinct for us to want to save the spilled product, just as we would fix our broken palettes, especially if the product was expensive. Unfortunately, the spilled liquid has already been contaminated, no matter how clean the surface it spilled on may seem.

If you really really want to save the product regardless, don’t add the salvaged product back into the original bottle with its remaining contents. Place it instead into a separate clean container so you don’t end up contaminating the entire batch.

Warning: if the spill occurred as a result of breakage, don’t try to save the liquid anymore! Especially in the case of broken glass packaging, small shards may have mixed with the spilled product so this is no longer safe to use. Let it go (into the trash bin) and take care to be more conscientious next time!

Do you have any other hacks for clumsy girls like me? Share your best tips in the comments below!

The last time I did a "what's in my bag" story was, wow, three years ago. The contents may have changed slightly in 2017 but I can't help but notice that I'm featuring another blue bag! This time, it's a pretty Saint Laurent Y-Ligne Cabas that I've had for a while now. It's light and roomy enough, but I can't really overload it with items since the strap is slim. I love it though as the powder blue color surprisingly works with many of my outfits.

Aside from my wallet and phone, here's what I usually bring with me out to work meetings and events!

Let's start with the practical stuff first. I always bring this Midori notebook and Pilot Cavalier fountain pen (both from Tokyo) so I can jot down notes while I'm at a meeting. Pretty stationery make me happy but more than that, I care about the quality of paper, writing instrument, and ink I use. I also have this cute fabric business card holder I got from Naraya in Bangkok, while of the powerbanks I use is the Imation Link. It can also store photos and videos directly from my phone plus it has a built-in cord of its own. Handy right?

Finally, I like to keep everything clean with the two Watsons products I can't live without: the Mini Wet Wipes and Mini Hankies! The wipes are only P19 a pack, with a buy two take one promo pa. They're my favorite because they don't feel drying on my hands AND the liquid isn't sticky once it has dried! The tissues on the other hand are just P39 for 10 packs with 10 sheets each. That's pretty sulit, and if you've ever tried these, you'll know how thick they are.

Pro tip: if you need an emergency makeup remover for your face, you can use these Watsons wipes! Yes, I've had to use these to wipe my makeup a few times I've forgotten to bring a makeup remover for my after tennis shower. I didn't break out, and it did a good job. Not bad at all!

You guys might already know that I don't really bring that much cosmetics when I'm out of the house. I mean, what's the point of using great products on your face if you expect them to fall apart in three hours? Retouching key areas is a must though! I bring the Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Lie Matte Lip Crayon (this one's I Can't Even), the Happy Skin Tickled Pink Oil Blotting Sheets, and the Tony Moly Panda's Dream powder pact. I do care about how cute the products look so that retouch time is fun. ;P

That glass rollerball with the gold cap contains the Jo Malone Basil & Neroli Cologne. I bought about a dozen of these tubes a few months ago and have been filling them with my fave scents! It's a convenient way to bring perfumes in style, don't you think? Application is more discreet too versus spraying the scent all over.

And that is that. ^_^ I hope you enjoyed this peek! I'd love to know what you keep in your work bag too! 

We’re all beauty enthusiasts in various stages of our love affair with makeup here at Project Vanity. Some are just starting to dabble, some are already skincare and makeup junkies, and others have turned their passion to a vocation as professional makeup artists. Studying beauty in a formal setting, investing in a kit, and leveling up your techniques are no easy tasks but imagine doing all of that in a foreign country where the language is also totally different from your own!

If you’re curious to know what that would be like, we’ve got a story to share. Meet Kristel Yap, a.k.a. Tellie of the blog Beauty By Tellie, who has just graduated from a pro makeup artistry course in South Korea. SoKor as you know is the beauty capital of the world so we were dying to know how and what she learned there! We chatted with Tellie about making the big move, a first-hand look at K-beauty culture, and of course, the best beauty tips she’s learned from her stay.

The anatomy of the shift

Tellie likens her decision to study makeup abroad to a tidal wave. From believing that life was just about studying, finishing school, and settling into a boring job, she realized that her musings were those of a school-sheltered youth. Kristel explains, “What hit me like a tsunami in the open sea was how uncertain real life actually is. A job was totally not at all like [being in high school or college].”

In an attempt to inject some much-needed clarity to the situation, she opted to give herself a gap year after college to explore her options. While she admits that there were no ocean-deep personal revelations, it was still a precious period of time. “I deeply cherish that I had this luxury of pulling myself away from that slowly suffocating mindset of limiting my own options to what everyone else was doing. Everyone in my batch was getting jobs left and right—and in multinationals, to boot. It was so easy to feel inferior and compelled to prove myself in the same field, regardless of my actual interest in those jobs.”

After her self-imposed deadline arrived, she decided to eschew an extension in favor of landing a job. She reasons, “If my choice wasn’t clear to me by this time, then I would see the world and make it clear to myself.” Thus she found herself working a brief stint in PR and then trying her hand at the family business. And while it was a comfy job with great hours and benefits, she found herself wanting more, four years down the line.

“I started beauty blogging,” she says. “I figured the way to be happy in life is to take care of both basic and high needs. I loved makeup, so I started there. It was hard work and a lot of the internet stuff is so uninteresting to me but I slowly realized what life should have been like. Through my blog journey and the various beauty bloggers I’ve met, I learned that it is possible to do just what you want and nothing else. I’ve met freelancers and creatives who are, SHOCKER, not paupers and happy with their lives. Successful people were always going to be successful, and deadbeats like my ex were always going to find something to blame. So an important question came into my head: Kristel, what can you stomach to do every day, even when your stomach has nothing in it?”

So into SoKo

It wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment fancy that convinced Kristel to study abroad. The notion of leaving the Philippines wasn’t even in her radar initially but after narrowing her local options down to two schools and finding out that their beauty education philosophies weren’t exactly her cup of tea, she decided to make the selection based on what beauty theory she liked and which school best catered to it. She recalls, “It was a very long decision, first deciding between focusing on Western or Asian beauty. Western beauty has a richer history and has been well-developed through the years but fashionable cities like Paris and LA no longer have the monopoly on the spotlight as trendsetters. I felt that they were starting to look to Asia for ideas, and myself being Asian, found myself highly attuned to this beauty theory.”

Of course, the decision wasn’t without its challenges. For one, the language barrier was going to be an obstacle. “All of my five considerations (Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Seoul) would require me to learn a new language, though I refrained from letting that limit me,” she emphasizes. “If this is what I want in life, I want to pull no stops.”

After careful consideration, K-Beauty was the one that stood out. She cites their attention to detail and their face-enhancing techniques as the deciding factor. “Any country’s daily look is easy to admire, but it is in the specialized looks that you can tell more about a country’s beauty theory. Overall, I liked K-Wedding, K-Pop, and K-Beauty (Television/Media) across the board the most. Even dated K-Beauty is pretty to me!” When asked to explain what makes K-Beauty unique, she notes with admiration, “The colors are so soft, almost nothing, but the end result is such a fresh-faced prettiness that, to me, embodies what makeup should really do.” 

Tellie enrolled in a six-month professional course at the Makeup Forever Academy in Seoul, as well as a language school to help with her makeup classes and day-to-day communication. Her course covered two major segments: beauty (bridal, K-pop, etc.) and art (body painting and special effects). Though there are still times when Tellie ponders what it would’ve been like to get a Japanese education, she doesn’t regret her choice. “After learning more about K-Beauty theory, I cannot imagine being more at home with any other beauty philosophy.”

At the heart of the action

What are the perks to experiencing a beauty and fashion capital firsthand? Tellie says that just being there was already educational in itself. “I may not watch the latest K-Dramas nor follow any idols but living there, seeing what people actually wear on their faces daily, and what my teachers proclaim as pretty versus what they promote in pop culture have given me a fuller sense of K-Beauty Theory. Many have told me I could have easily done everything in the Philippines but I don’t think anyone or anything on the internet can give me this deep of an understanding of the whole picture.”

And of course, it doesn’t hurt to be the first in the world when it comes to sighting new K-beauty releases and trends. “Witnessing the first wave of promotions for whatever new product or trend keeps me ahead of the pack,” she says. “For example, Filipinas are still struggling with the red eye look but having already seen so many variations in Korea give me several ideas on how to pull it off. It feels nice to have some kind of insider info, I’m not going to lie. Of course, I’m also prone to take more risks because of being exposed to more new things but when have I never not liked that?”

Looking to the future

Now that Tellie has finished her studies, it’s full steam ahead with her intention to work in the Philippines as a freelance artist. To maintain her edge, she takes a practice-makes-perfect approach. She shares, “I’m aiming to practice three hours a day whenever I don’t have gigs, to maintain and elevate my skill level.”

For now, she can definitely see herself going down the beauty and bridal route. “When I started studying, I thought I’d be in it only for bridal beauty,” she explains. “I still love bridal but having had practical experience in fashion shows, photo shoots, and actually studying SFX has me conflicted now more than ever. I love the overall atmosphere of weddings: getting to know clients on the happiest day of their lives, spending time with families, and listening to cute love stories are fun to do for work. It doesn’t hurt that I love the wedding aesthetic as well.”

Seeing the products of her hard work on the runway has its own special appeal as well. “My fashion show internship opened my eyes to how fashion work really goes, and I love it as well. I hardly crack under time pressure, and the work goes by super-fast with interesting perks to boot – fashion work earns you an all-access backstage pass to the whole venue, not just a single fashion show. And in terms of couture and editorial practice, I prefer fashion shows to photo shoots as photo shoots can last a whole day!”

Non-negotiables

Tellie shares that her experience of professional makeup training in the home of K-Beauty has definitely changed her makeup game for the better. She pins the most important lessons into five beauty habits: 

#1 Skincare pre-makeup is a game changer. “Bawal ang tamad sa skincare,” she warns. “This is a Pinay’s worst trait and it’s also the most non-negotiable. We have so many reasons not to use skincare pre-makeup whether it’s the humid weather, uncomfortable feeling, or thinking that your skin is already fine. Skincare helps bind the makeup to the skin layer, and it’s in these small details that you can take your face from an okay to a wow!” 

Especially with the eyes of a trained MUA, it’s easy to pinpoint what gives a good FOTD that polished look. “I used to think dry skin flakes were not visible but making them truly invisible via skincare has made my foundation look so much more refined! I personally love to use the Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizing Lotion (an moisturizing toner with a runny texture) on oily skin, while I use the Lotion and/or Hada Labo Gokujyun Hyaluronic Acid Milk for dry to combination skin types.”

#2 Massage your skincare to lock all the good stuff in. “The secret Korean facial massage is to actually use your fingertips up to your intermediate phalanges (the area above your knuckles),” she divulges. “Use four fingers, from pointer to pinky, to rub your skincare on your face until your skin has fully absorbed the product and your hands feel somewhat dry already. Simply slathering it on top of your skin creates a ‘loose’ layer of skincare that might not be absorbed as well and cause you to miss out on the special skincare ingredients you are paying for.”

#3 If contouring is too tricky, try simple shading. “Contouring can be intimidating for a lot of people, and cheekbone blending often ends up looking muddy or bruise-like,” she observes. “If you want to slim your face the easy way, try applying a simple stripe of a soft-toned brown along the sides of your face and blend it inward. It is your next best alternative to contouring!” 

Shading is quicker, requires less skill, and helps “Tasty Bread” face (flat and wide face syndrome). She advises, “Just remember: the widest section of the stripe goes on the widest area of your front profile and the darkest gradation goes on the outermost part of your face.”

#4 Don’t forget your underline. The Koreans were on to something when they popularized the technique of shading the aegyo-sal or the fatty area of the undereye. Tellie says, “Pinays are rightfully scared of drawing baggy-looking lines under our eyes but neglecting them completely also makes one’s eyes looks too fierce and squinted. Some light shadow in this area can make your eyes look bigger and rounder.”

#5 Try straight eyeliner for a change. She’s seen her fair share of cat eye makeup in the Philippines but Tellie is prefers the Korean trend of a thin, subtle, and straight liner technique that makes chinita eyes look longer and bigger.

Have you ever considered pursuing a career that celebrated your love for makeup? What steps did you take to achieve it?

Images courtesy of Kristel Yap

When I first saw videos of Korean women peeling off semi-permanent eyebrow tint from their brows, I was revolted. I thought that it's the straight highway to a hell of patchy brows with pulled out hairs! Why not just stick to ol' fashioned eyebrow makeup? Why do we have to resort to these newfangled, dangerous-looking things?

But curiosity eventually got the better of me, so I picked up the Secret Key Tattoo Eyebrow Tint Pack (P240) at Althea recently. This is a gooey, thick liquid that tints brows for a few days when left on for 2-8 hours. So does it work? Yes, it does! I am so happy with this product. The tint lasts for about three days before completely fading and looks completely natural! The shade I have, 03 Choco Frapuccino, matches my hair to a T. The three other shades appear pretty natural too.

Honestly, you won't get solid kilay that looks professionally filled in, but the results are nice for an every day look; you can always add more definition if needed. The tint fades at the tail and inner corners of the brows first (two days in) but there's still some body left by the third day. I mean, can you imagine it? I DIDN'T PUT EYEBROW MAKEUP ON FOR THREE DAYS. Don't think that's happened in a long, long time!

Edit: The result below has a reddish tint, but this goes away after the first shower or after washing my face. I'd say the brow tint lasts for about three showers - of course, for this to happen, you must avoid rubbing the area with cleansers. You can wet it, just try not to touch it.

To use, just carefully brush the gooey liquid on your brows, following your natural shape. If you're not too confident about freehanding it, you can create an outline first with a brow pencil before going in with the tint. Then, leave it for a minimum of two hours, or overnight if you can manage it. Just try not to roll around while sleeping. When it's ready, you can peel the product off carefully to reveal the tinted finish. I like to pass over my brows with a wet cotton pad just to remove the excess product.

It's pretty easy to peel and no brow hairs were harmed in the process. ^_^ I also didn't get any negative reaction on my skin after using it for about three times now.

This color chart seems to be pretty accurate, at least based on the Choco Frappuccino I have. It's a warm brown that suits brunettes.

Overall, I highly recommend the Secret Key Tattoo Eyebrow Tint Pack if you:

• Want to save time doing your eyebrow makeup in the morning
• Want a long-wearing color that will defy oily skin, sweat, and even swimming
• Want eyebrows that looks natural and soft, like they're thick and polished that way

Cons? Man, I can't think of any. This is the best P240 I spent in a while, and I will definitely get this again when I run out! Let me know what you think, as always. ^_^ Will you try this out? 

Facial oils, what? Are you sure people would buy that? That's what people asked me, with trepidation, when I said I'd like to come out with facials oils under In Her Element. It's a hot country and people are scared of putting oil on their faces, for fear of breaking out or just getting greasier (these are totally not true, by the way). I was discouraged and put the idea out of my head for a while until one of our staff writers, Kim Capeding, asked me if I have any more of the sample oil I sent to her for testing weeks before.

I did a double-take. I wasn't sure I got her request properly. But then she started raving about it, saying that the oil helped her deal with a harsh breakout and faded her blemishes so quickly! I had the same experience but decided that it might have been a fluke. It wasn't, apparently, and all I needed was just one more person to believe in the product. The other PV girls loved it as well when I sent over the final formula!

And so that's how the In Her Element Spot Control Facial Oil (P475 / 15ml at inherelement.ph) was born. This oil is a blend of sunflower oil, virgin coconut oil, tea tree oil, green tea, jojoba oil, and vitamin E. One to two drops are all you need right before you sleep to help dry out pimples and fade existing blemishes a little faster! Sunflower oil and VCO have fatty acids and antioxidants to deal with skin damage, while tea tree oil and green tea have antibacterial properties. Jojoba helps to balance and nourish skin nicely. 

Our Spot Control Facial Oil is great for oily, troubled skin as it helps to regulate the oiliness while maintaining glow and combatting breakouts. It might sting a little bit due to the tea tree oil, so do patch test beforehand to make sure you're not extra sensitive to it. I love using this all over my face (a couple of drops will do) before I sleep when I have pimples; a few days of this and I get calmer, less red skin.

If you're breaking out, I recommend dropping everything else from your routine at night and let the Spot Control Facial Oil do the work. Think of it as skin detox. The simple yet effective combination of oils contains no fillers or other sensitizing chemicals so that your skin can rest! This anti-inflammatory facial oil can hydrate your skin while dealing with your spots as you sleep. You may actually also use this during the day as long as you don't mind waiting for a few minutes for it to be absorbed by your skin before your sunscreen.

We also have the new In Her Element Pure Squalane Facial Oil (P445 / 15ml at inherelement.ph). If you're OC about ingredients, well, this is the cleanest moisturizer you'll ever come across as it literally has only one ingredient. This squalane oil is derived from olive trees (I'm never going to put shark on my face knowingly, ok) and is absolutely scentless and tasteless. This is ideal for all skin types (more so for dry and sensitive skin) as it moisturizes effectively while being super lightweight. This absorbs lightning fast and feels like nothing! It may be applied during the day and at night.

It may be used several ways:

• As an overall face moisturizer. Just apply 2-3 drops and massage it all over your face.
• As an eye hydrator. Apply one drop each on your eye bags to return elasticity to saggy skin.
• As a lip oil. If you have seriously chapped lips, put squalane oil on them, let it sit there for a few minutes, and then rub gently with a towel!
• As a moisture booster. If you already have gel moisturizers that you like but find that they don't provide enough moisture, add some squalane oil into the formula!
• As a foundation enhancer. You can mix it with liquid foundation to achieve a thinner texture that has a glowy finish. This is perfect with matte, cakey, heavy coverage foundations that you can't use regularly.

Personally, I love it on my eye bags as I don't wake up with crusty eyes in the morning (y'all know what I'm talking about). That's why my bags have no lines these days! The Pure Squalane Facial Oil has no actives which makes it a great companion for pretty much any beauty product or routine you like.

And that is that. ^_^ I hope you can try out our new products! As always, let me know what you think!

You may purchase In Her Element at inherelement.ph. Shipping is free when you order two full-sized products!

Product photography by Samantha Gonzales

Even the most careful and budget-conscious of beauty lovers has given into an impulse buy at least once in our life. Whether because of a super sale price or irresistibly cute packaging, the instant gratification from making an unplanned purchase quickly fades away when we realize that we got the wrong foundation shade, an eyeshadow palette full of chalky formulas, or a much-hyped about skin care product that works great for everyone else but breaks us out. 

Aside from the disappointment of not having a new product to play with, we feel hinayang over having forked the money for a dud purchase, especially if the item was expensive! Before chucking it into the trash or giving it to someone who can use it (after sanitizing the item, of course), consider trying these hacks to turn your #fail beauty buys into winning ones!

Eyeshadow that doesn’t work

If an eyeshadow shade doesn’t flatter your skin tone or has too much fallout that makes it difficult to work with, use it to create eye-catching nails instead! Crush some of the pigment or scrape the top. Try to make the powder as refined as possible to ensure the pigment distributes evenly and doesn’t create a lumpy texture. Mix the eyeshadow powder with either a clear polish or a top coat and ta-dah: a new polish color! You can add more shadow to make the color more opaque, or mix in other-colored shadows to customize a different shade. This can actually work using any powder product so the next time you want a new nail color, bring out your sucky palettes and design your own color instead! 

Foundation in the wrong shade

No matter how many times we read about how to properly buy foundation, whether in-store or online, mishaps still occur and leave us stuck with a product that’s too light or too dark for our skin tone. This can actually work to your advantage! Use too-dark shades to subtly contour your face; if it has the same undertone as your skin, it will look a lot more natural and almost undetectable! On the flip side, light foundation can be applied to your forehead, nose bridge, and cheekbones for a matte, barely-there highlighting effect that makes your skin look brighter. Even though the shades are already designed to be skin-like, make sure to always blend well. 

Thick eyeliner brushes

As a monolid, I actually favor thick eyeliner brush tips because it covers a large area with in a single stroke but it’s an entirely different story for double or hooded lids, or anyone who prefers a more discreet line. The shape makes it difficult to draw thin and precise lines, which are non-negotiable for mastering looks like the cat eye. It works well as a lip brush though! The hairs may be packed a little more densely than your usual lip brush but it allows you to pack more pigment in while keeping your lip lines clean and crisp. You can also use this to carefully blend out a gradient lip!

Unflattering lipstick shade

Lip trends come and go, making our vanity pile high with bullet and tubes we’ve only used once. If they’re already expired, chuck them without hesitation. If they’re still okay though, it’s a good idea to make the most of your purchase by doubling it as blush! Lipsticks have the similar consistency to cream blushes, and brown lipsticks with neutral undertones can also be used for contouring. Doubt that it’ll work? Colors can register differently on lips and cheeks, so it’s at least worth trying out before making the final decision to get rid of it.

Too drying lip tint

Water tints are notorious for being drying on the lips but the watery consistency and staining formula would also be perfect for faking a natural flush. Apply in small amounts and carefully build up to your desired effect so you don’t turn too red. Pro tip: It’s the best cheek option for withstanding oil, sweat, and face touching!

Cheap and heavy moisturizers

We opt to change our skin care routines when hot summers make certain products uncomfortable to use. Even if you have dry skin, rich moisturizers can create too much of a barrier that keeps your skin from cooling off efficiently. The moisturizing factor works just as well for the rest of your body though! Slather it wherever you want, after all, it’s cheap. For heavy but very potent moisturizers that are much too expensive to slather on your legs, use them as an eye cream instead.

Lip balms that fail to deliver

It sucks when a product you buy fails to do the one job it’s supposedly designed to do. Unfortunately, product duds do happen and you may be stuck with several tubes of worthless balm. Or are they? Lip balms that fail to meet our standards are great as travel-friendly cuticle creams! The heavy texture keeps them intact after application but do keep them off your palms so you don’t grease up everything you touch.

White cast in your oil control powder

Oil control powders are heaven-sent for oily skinned gals but just as we carefully choose sunscreen formulas, it’s best to immediately check if the product leaves a white cast. If it does, then you’ve found yourself a new dry shampoo! Use a small amount at a time and work it in your hair to instantly refresh your no ligo locks. 

Chunky glittery highlights

Highlighters are tricky products that can either beautify the skin, or emphasize any and all skin imperfections if used incorrectly. Chunky glitters are particularly challenging (and messy) to use so apply it as body highlight instead! Put it on your collarbone, arms, and legs - they can make you slimmer and move those points higher! Plus since our bodies don’t have dilated pores as our faces do, you can definitely dare to make do with chunky highlights.

The facial wash that broke you out

After trying out a popular high pH cleanser a few times, I experienced the worst breakout of my life! Even though it worked well for many others, my skin just found it too harsh and got irritated. It did a thorough job of cleaning makeup off though so I’ve relegated it for cleaning my makeup brushes. This may depend on the kind of facial wash you want to ditch but most are usually able to clean brushes well. My tools have stayed in good condition this way!

What beauty products have failed to meet your standards so far? Do you have another tips and tricks for using them instead of just throwing them out? Share your stories with us! 

My jaw dropped when, at a recent local event, Sephora PH introduced their 25-piece skincare collection that focuses almost exclusively on just cleansing. They've got micellar waters, cleansing gels, milks, and creams, wipes, and exfoliators under six different lines that have themed ingredients. Even more interesting? Everything is under P400!

They launched the Sephora Collection Mix & Play Skincare Range in their first ever event in the Philippines. Don't get your hopes up though, because Sephora physical stores are not arriving here anytime soon (according to their team). In the meantime, you can avail of their fast shipping from Singapore - it takes only three business days for my order to get to me - which is free for orders above P1,300.

Now back to this intriguing new collection. There are six lines: Coconut Water, Rose, Pomegranate, Charcoal, Yuzu, and Green Tea. Each one has a designated function, but looking at the ingredients list informs me that the actives (e.x. punica granatum or pomegranate fruit extract, charcoal powder, camellia sinensis or green tea extract) are quite low in concentration; oftentimes, "fragrance" is even higher than the featured ingredients. This is common practice.

Nevertheless, these are affordable enough that they may be treated exclusively as a pleasant way to cleanse off makeup. I do appreciate that as I am a makeup remover fiend! Sephora claims that you can go to sleep right after, but I would not recommend it as using cleansing products only dissolves and re-distributes the makeup; they don't take all of it away from the surface of your face.

Here's a quick review of each product I have!

Charcoal Micellar Cleansing Water (P347 /100ml). This is a nice change from clear micellar waters as it's actually black due to the charcoal particles in it. It smells fresh and clean. I like that it removes my heavy makeup effectively with a couple of cotton pads, but it stops short of removing waterproof makeup (as all micellar waters do).

Pomegranate Micellar Cleansing Gel (P347 /100ml). I first spotted cleansing gels in Tokyo a few years ago and enjoyed using them for a while. It's great to see a more accessible contender! This gel is supposed to be squeezed onto cotton first, after which it will become more fluid, like micellar water. It's a waste of a cotton pad though as it can be massaged directly on the face with just fingers. 

It claims to remove waterproof makeup, but don't count on it. I recommend to keep it away from your eye area as it stings quite a bit.

Coconut Water Cleansing Cream (P385 /50ml). This is my favorite so far! It feels very gentle and moisturizing on skin, like I'm wearing a soothing mask. It removes heavy (but non-waterproof) makeup effectively and washes off without residue. I massage this on my face using just my fingers. Do note that it doesn't sud up; it melts the makeup then washes off cleanly.

I love the mild coconut smell of this one as it's not cloying or heavy at all. This is just 50ml though; it's much more expensive than the micellar removers.

Charcoal Exfoliating Cleansing Cream (P385 /50ml). This is much like the plain cleansing cream save for the hydrated silica beads in it, which are mineral-based and not plastic. It gently exfoliates the skin as I massage off my makeup. I'm all for 2-in-1 routines! This doesn't sud up and washes off without residue.

Actually, for the cleansing creams, you can treat them as facial wash if you're not wearing that much makeup and don't mind that fact that they don't form bubbles. This feature makes them more gentle than normal facial wash as they don't contain harsh surfactants.

Pomegranate Cleansing Wipes (P385 for 25 wipes). If you prefer using wipes to remove your makeup, these Pomegranate ones are nice! They are thick, smooth, and wet, features which allow them to remove even heavy (non-waterproof) makeup with just one wipe. I love the pomegranate scent the most in this collection, so you can bet I'll finish these no-fuss wipes up!

Left: Pomegranate Cleansing Wipes / Right: Green Tea Exfoliating Wipes

Green Tea Exfoliating Wipes (P385 for 25 wipes). These are textured wipes with raised dots. Frankly, I will not recommend this as the dots feel sharp on my face. :-/ I've tried exfoliating wipes before but they've never felt this abrasive.

Coconut Water Lip Balm (P347 for 3.5g) and Honey Lip Scrub (P347 for 3.5g). These are thin, comfortable lip balms that moisturize the lips and can be worn under drying lipsticks. The Lip Scrub effectively exfoliates lips and has a sweet taste and mild honey scent.

Overall, I highly recommend the Coconut Water Cleansing Cream and Pomegranate Cleansing Wipes out of all the products I've tried. They are gentle makeup removers that keep skin hydrated and soft, while cleaning off non-waterproof makeup without the drama. Love how they smell, too. Everything else is good except for the textured wipes and micellar gel. Get them now at Sephora.ph! Let me know what you think, as always!

First things first: what on earth is a "beauty water?" Any water-based liquid skincare could be called a beauty water, but in the case of the best-selling Son & Park Beauty Water (P1,269 at Althea), you get a makeup remover, toner, and on-the-go skin refresher in a sleek bottle. It received raves in the beautysphere when it was released last year by two of South Korea's hottest celebrity makeup artists Son Dae Sik and Park Tae Yoon. Its lust-inducing minimalist packaging and multi-purpose promise got it on many a beauty fiend's good side. But of course, as we love to ask here at Project Vanity - does it work?

A look at the US FDA-compliant ingredients (please see in the bottom) list shows that it's predominantly made of water, roseflower water, orange peel extract, and witch hazel water mixed with many, many other plant-based extracts and oils. Of course we've got alcohol, emulsifiers, and preservatives in the formula but nothing that I personally find alarming for my skin. This combination allows it to be more than just micellar water; it has skincare ingredients that are known to help fight dullness and uneven areas of skin quickly.

Because of the clever mix of ingredients, the Son & Park Beauty Water may be used in the following ways:

• As a makeup remover. It is passable as a makeup remover for non-waterproof makeup, but it is less potent compared to drugstore micellar waters in the market. I'd still go for Garnier or Bifesta for this purpose, BUT I do appreciate that I can use the Beauty Water this way if I'm not wearing a lot of makeup.
• As an after-cleanse toner. You can use it as a prep product before the rest of your skincare routine. It dries quickly with no sticky or filmy residue, and it helps balance the skin's pH (useful if you're slathering on a high pH facial wash). Fanserviced-B reports that its pH level is a good 5.
• As a prep product before makeup. The Beauty Water may also be used before applying your makeup. It's a great way to clear off whatever oil or sweat you (or your client) may have accumulated before the routine while brightening skin at the same time.
• As a mid-day skin refresher. Transfer some of the Beauty Water in an atomizer bottle and spray it on whenever you want to cool down your skin at work. If you don't wear makeup, you can also wipe it on your face to clean up grime if you feel like your skin needs it.

Here's the Son & Park Beauty Water as a makeup remover in action:

As you can see, it took about five swipes to remove makeup that's just water-resistant. It's ideal for light makeup only; if you're wearing heavy foundation or eye makeup, you'll take at least three soaked cotton pads before they come off. It's a waste of money, IMHO, when other makeup removers can perform much better.

However, I do highly recommend the Beauty Water as a toner, makeup prep, and face mist. It excels at these functions as it's almost like a skincare essence, but it in a more versatile form! I like to think of it as skincare instead of a makeup remover as it's pretty impressive at brightening skin. It's more sulit that way as you get a whopping 340 ml of product in a bottle. Most similarly-priced essences would be at 100-150 ml at most.

You can get the Son & Park Beauty Water at Althea. ^_^ Yes, I've been reviewing a lot of Korean products from Althea lately because I ordered a few - okay a lot - of things from the store a couple of months ago. God I love that place.

Do you need a Beauty Water in your life? Why or why not?

Re-shuffled ingredients list from Soko Glam that complies with US regulations (South Korea has different regulations when it comes to listing ingredients):

US FDA-compliant ingredient list: Water, Rose Damascena Flower Water, Orange Peel Extract, Hamamelis Virginiana Water, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, PEG-7 Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Alcohol Denat., Xylitol, Phenoxyethanol, Decyl Glucoside, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, PPG-26-Buteth-26, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel, Grapefruit Peel oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Cedrus Atlantica Bark Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Water, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Water, Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine), Illicium Verum (Anise) Fruit/Seed Oil, Sodium Lactate, Sodium PCA, Artemisia Absinthium Extract, Rose Flower Oil, Propylene Glycol, Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract, Ferula Galbaniflua (Galbanum) Resin Oil, Malic Acid, Sucrose, Urea, Tartaric Acid, Origanum Majorana Leaf Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract, Pelargonium Graveolens Extract, Mentha Rotundifolia Leaf Extract, Origanum Vulgare Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Leaf Extract, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Leaf Extract, Mentha Spicata Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Benzyl Alcohol, Chlorphenesin, Methylparaben, Dehydroacetic Acid, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben. (from Soko Glam)

When the brown lipstick trend came about, I fell hard. Forget about the glam of red and the allure of pink – brown, to me, was the shade that felt most natural. As of the moment, half of my lipstick collection is composed of earth-toned hues of pinks, reds, and nudes that can take me from day to night. If you also happen to like brown lippies, you might enjoy these eight picks that won’t cost you a pretty penny! 

Etude House Play 101 Blending Pencil in Shade 05 (P349 at Etude House)

The Etude House Play 101 pencil in Shade 05 is a light brown nude that leans on the peachy side. It’s a creamy pencil that dries down matte, and a multitasker that can be used as a subtle blush, eye shading pencil, or as a lip liner (this one’s a trooper).

Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte in Nude Nuance (P299 at the beauty section)

Last year, Maybelline released a line of brown nudes perfect for every Filipina skin tone under their line of Creamy Matte lipsticks. Included in the six-piece launch is Nude Nuance, a medium burgundy brown that’s both fierce and wearable.   

FS Cosmetics Luscious Lipstick in Brick (P299 at Watsons)

This classic matte lippie by Features and Shade impressed the PV team for being a true matte that’s long wearing and non-drying. Brick is a rosy brown that adds a nice pop of color to any look. It makes my skin look brighter!

Pink Sugar HD Lipstick in Butter (P299 at Watsons)

The Pink Sugar HD Lipsticks are probably my favorite from the drugstore for its creamy, opaque, non-drying formula with a satin finish. The shade Butter is a peach medium brown MLBB shade that could work with all kinds of looks.

Palladio Dreamy Matte Lip Color in Lady Rose (P450 at Beauty Bar)

The Palladio Dreamy Mattes are creamy, moisturizing lipsticks that settle down to a soft matte finish after a few hours of wear. Lady Rose is a light brown based pink that would soften your FOTD for a fresh-faced look. This is the kind of color your can meet the parents with!

L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Rouge Magique in Beige Reveur (P400 at Watsons)

The rich color payoff and creaminess of the L’Oreal Paris Color Riche lipsticks make them a fan favorite from the drugstore. Beige Reveur is a mauve-y brown nude that can take you from day to night, no matter the occasion.

Left: Love At First Swipe, Right: I Can't Even

Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don’t Lie Crayons in Love at First Swipe and I Can’t Even (P399 each at SM Beauty) 

So we might be a little biased here but the Pink Sugar x Project Vanity crayons definitely deserve a spot (or two) on your list of brown picks! The shade Love at First Swipe is a sophisticated rose cocoa brown that would elevate your daily look. I Can’t Even is a nice mix of rose and ginger that’s somehow brightening and subdued at the same time.

And that’s it for our list of browns we love from the drugstore! Care to share your top picks for this lovely shade?

Is it just me or does each summer seem stickier than the last? Even though the temptation to hide in a cool, dark room all day may be overwhelmingly strong at times, we still have to soldier on and face the world because #Adulting. Next best thing? Stocking up on cooling products to get you through the most infernal of days! From minty washes to chilly salves, we’ve got 12 sanity-saving solutions to help your survive the heat.

Oryspa Rice Bran Shampoo AM Blend (P520 for 500ml from Oryspa)

The kulob feeling is real, especially if you have thick hair in this humidity. When a refreshing shower is what it takes to bring about some sweet relief, a cooling shampoo can make a huge difference on an icky scalp. Oryspa has a low-foam, paraben-free formula that will appeal to those who want to preserve their strands’ health while being able to cleanse their scalp regularly. The scent reminds me of sweet citrus and tea, and the pleasant effect lasts the duration of the shower. Certainly enough time for a cooler head to prevail.

Priva by pH Care Skin Firming and Cooling Intimate Wash (P139 for 150ml at the beauty section)

pH Care was one of the first to introduce Pinays to the sensationally presko feminine wash known as Cool Wind. Following that, they came up with Priva, a premium line of intimate washes that have skincare benefits in addition to the minty-cool qualities. The skin-firming claim is attributed to collagen and elasticity-enhancing Kwao Krua in the formula. Personally, I think the cooling sensation is not all that different from Cool Wind in terms of intensity and lasting power but it's comforting to know that the special ingredients could give the privates a little pampering.

Cathy Doll Milky Splash Essence with Heot Gae Na Mu (P649 at the beauty section)

While this doesn’t have that minty cool sensation, the Milky Splash Essence offers its own way of freshening up the face. The gel-cream texture looks fairly average at first but the formula turns waxy and then wet as you massage it onto the skin. The essence seems to separate into a smooth balm/wax layer that locks in moisture, forming milky white water droplets that are then smoothed on and absorbed by the skin. It’s both novel and fascinating, plus the Heot Gae Na Mu plant extract supposedly helps brighten skin.

Cathy Doll Milky Splash Essence with Heot Gae Na Mu

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (P1,400 at Laneige)

It’s rave-worthy for a reason! With its light, pudding-like texture, you get a deeply moisturizing treatment without the discomfort of a thick face cream. Skin feels plump and bouncy when you wake up the next morning, and it’ll be difficult to stop touching your face marveling at the difference (I know I did!) This is also a great alternative to sheet masks as you get to control the size of each portion, so while it may seem like a huge splurge, a jar does end up lasting a long time.

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm in Sweet Mint (about P200-250 each from online sellers or find bundles in S&R)

There was a time when it looked like all the Hollywood celebs were swiping their pouts with these little egg-shaped lip balms, and beauty addicts couldn’t get enough. The minty variant offers up a fairly intense cooling effect on the lips minus any stinging. Sweet Mint is my second EOS balm, and my main observation is how these flavorless balms are delectably scented without going the way of artificial candy fragrance. Just keep them out of direct sunlight and heat as they are known to melt easily.

From left: V&M Body Sorbet, Cathy Doll Essence, and Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Human Nature Cooling Leg & Body Cream (P395 at Human Nature)

This isn’t your lola’s liniment! If you want to feel a full-blast of cold that lasts a long time, Human Nature’s eucalyptus-peppermint blend is all about intensity, in scent and in feeling. After applying it on my sore areas, it felt like the shockingly cold sensation could go on and on and on! The cream base itself has the texture of a light lotion and absorbs into skin immediately.

V&M Bare It All Cream Minty Body Sorbet (P285 for 100g at BeautyMNL)

The name seems fitting, especially after you’ve seen the “melted ube ice cream” appearance of the product inside. It features a minty berry scent, and the purple coloring disappears as it is massaged on the body. Do make sure that the product is fully absorbed by the skin before putting on light-colored clothes though, as it does tend to stain.

Belo SunExpert After Sun Gel (P259.75 at the beauty section)

You don’t have to get to a level of intense sunburn to start feeling the discomfort of sun damage. Even just a short stint outdoors at noon can already make skin feel tingly and irritable. This runny, hypoallergenic gel-lotion is soaked up by the skin instantaneously and has a mild cooling sensation for relief.

V&M Underarmour Aloe Tea + Licorice Mint Deodorant (P555 in BeautyMNL)

It’s not exactly a spray-and-go formula as you have to shake the bottle well before usage to disperse the ingredients that settle at the bottom. The sweet green tea scent has the lightest hint of woodsy notes - it’s both refreshing and sophisticated that you may consider using this as a fragrance spray instead. Take note that it doesn’t have antiperspirant properties so you may still feel some wetness but the potassium alum helps fend off odor-causing bacteria for longer. 

Flawless Skin Protect Mist (P450 at Flawless Face & Body Clinics)

The portable aerosol easily fits even into your everyday tote, so there’s no excuse to skip sunscreen! Just make sure to apply at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. The formula has a strong sunblock lotion scent but that’s not a bad trade off for the convenience it affords.

Belo SunExpert Hair and Scalp Shield (P349.75 at the beauty section)

Groom those locks while protecting them from the sun. Belo’s Hair and Scalp Shield acts like a spray-on hair oil to address frizziness and dryness while protecting your head and hair from UV damage. This is a must if you stay outdoors without the protection of a hat but remember to use sparingly as hair might look greasy from excessive amounts.

Snake Brand Prickly Heat Cooling Powder (P70 at the beauty section)

The threat of bungang araw is real, and the best way to prevent and combat it is through frequent baths and a dusting of medicated powder. I have dealt with bouts of prickly heat rash in the past couple of summers, and Snake Brand has been instrumental in healing the area faster and preventing any more rashes from developing. Chalk it up to the camphor, menthol, and tea tree oil that this powder contains.

Have you experienced the minty coolness of any of these products? What do you use to stay chill in this insane heat? Let us know in the comments below!

I've mentioned this a few times in the past, but if you're new here at Project Vanity, you should know that I grew up with Avon makeup. Even before Nichido, Careline, Ever Bilena, F21, and other drugstore brands came into my life, I had Avon. Both my mom and grandmother were Avon ladies so I always had Simply Pretty products along with Avon bras and panties as a teenager! This is why the brand will always have a soft spot in my heart.

Anyway, I received the Avon Belle In Bloom Collection a few months ago but only got to try it recently. Just as well because these products are on sale right now, with lipsticks for as low as P129, the powder at just P149, and the nail polish at P49. You can get all these at the official Avon Online Store - yup, they have one of those now! - which I found while looking for the print catalog. Shipping is free above P750 and they have COD. You're welcome!

Here are my quick swatches and color notes on this gorgeously packaged collection.

The Avon Ultra Color Lipstick (P129 on sale and P229 at regular price) is an old formulation, several iterations of which I've reviewed in the past years. I'd say it's a classic that will never go out of style - as long as women love pigmented, juicy lipsticks that don't dry out their lips, it will always have a place in any makeup kit! 

Belle In Bloom offers up five colors: 

• Hibiscus, a bright hot pink. I was not able to swatch this one unfortunately.
• Ripe Papaya, a pale warm pink.
• Hot Pink, a mid-toned berry. Not hot pink at all, which is weird. It's a lovely color that's perfect for everyday though!
• Berry Bright, a pinky berry.
• Lava Bright, a cheery carnation with warm undertones.

I love how Hot Pink and Lava Bright looks on me, so you might want to consider them! These shades are just in time for summer even though the collection is meant for spring.

The Belle In Bloom Eyeshadow Quad in Rose Awakening (P279 on sale and P399 at regular price) comes in a pretty compact, with pans just as pretty inside. I can't say I care much for the shade selection though, as the three pale shimmery colors are almost identical; they are not that pigmented, too. I like the bright pink matte and can think of a couple of ways to use it, but I won't get a palette just for one shade.

The Avon Ideal Oil Control Pressed Powder (P149 on sale and P229 at regular price) is another staple for a reason. It offers up a nice matte translucency which makes it ideal for retouching mid-day. It comes with an applicator and mirror, so you can keep shine at bay wherever you are. Plus points for the colorful watercolor flowers on the compact! I'd say my shade is more Neutral, but I imagine Natural could work for my NC35 skin too.

The Nailwear Pro+ Nail Enamel (P49 on sale and P149 at regular price) was quite a surprise. It's my first time to try nail polish from Avon so I didn't know they make great ones! I used Wandering Rose on my nails today and I love how easy it was to work with; it didn't streak or clump at all and dried within 25 minutes. At P49 I'd say these are a steal.

Avon nail polish in Wandering Rose

Did anything from the Avon Belle In Bloom Collection catch your eye? ^_^

Product photography by Samantha Gonzales

Good skin trumps makeup any day. Now while good skincare can get pricey, there are actually many drugstore options that even skin professionals use. We were curious what dermatologists would buy from the drugstore, so we talked to three of them to divulge what they have on their shelves!

Dr. Jeanne Jao of JaoMD Skincare Clinic 

Dr. Jao admits that she doesn’t really shop for beauty items, as a lot of it is given to her by different brands and partners. “I have a lot of these products, and it’s a shame not to use them,” she says. She does like to try on different products to get to know what her clients use  and why they use it. She has even tried some Korean skincare as well as international brands but a lot of them have not merited long-term usage from her. 

Instead, Dr. Jao sticks to tried and tested favorites. She really likes the classic Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, which is a cleanser of choice of those with sensitive skin and as well as those with dry skin. The formula doesn’t feel harsh, and she says that she actually likes that it doesn’t sud up too much. She also likes the lightweight feeling of the Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion, which she finds particularly well-suited for those with really oily skin. For sun protection, she uses Daylong sunblock because of its lightweight, non-greasy feel and high SPF. 

Still, she cautions against using skincare without prescription. “There are certain products in the market that need to be used under the supervision of a licensed dermatologist. You can’t just buy it over the counter,” she clarifies. “Some products are mahapdi, and some products, like exfoliators, leave your skin looking burned so you need professional guidance.”

Dr. Luisa Borromeo (based in Imus, Cavite)

For Dr. Borromeo, it is essential to moisturize to keep your skin healthy and prevent future problems. She favors using emollient creams or lotions that help keep skin supple and healthy. She also recommends using products that contain less chemicals and can be used for different skin types. Her usual picks are Cetaphil, Physiogel, Aveeno, and Ceraklin. 

As any dermatologist will tell you, sunblocks are a MUST. Whatever brand you decide to use, make sure it’s broad spectrum sunblock that offers both UVA and UVB protection. She reminds, “It’s important to apply sunblock prior to sun exposure to delay aging process, and prevent UV-induced dermatosis or skin problems.” Some of the sunblocks she likes are from Cetaphil, Celeteque, and Avene.

Courtesy of Nikki Paderna

Dr. Nikki Paderna, dermatology resident and blogger at Girl Behind the Glasses

Nikki is a medical doctor who chose to focus on Dermatology because she wanted to help people with various skin concerns. “It’s cliché but the truth is the state of our skin plays a huge factor in our self-esteem,” she says. “I’ve seen how people lose their confidence or get depressed by their skin condition. I’d love nothing more than to see them get themselves back and boost their confidence when I have helped them with their problem.”

Depending on her current skin condition, Nikki uses different products to address her skin’s needs. Most days, she washes her face with Celeteque Hydration Facial or Cetaphil Oily Skin Cleanser. For toners, her top picks are Dickinson’s Original Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner and Sana Namerakahonpo Skin Lotion. She also loves Sana Namerakahonpo’s Emulsion and Face Cream (which you can both find in the SM Store Beauty section), using the former for day time and the latter at night for deeper moisturization.

Nikki also advocates for daily sunscreen usage. She goes back and forth between Biore UV Perfect Face Milk and UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel. “Both are perfect for oily-skinned people like me who live in a humid country like the Philippines,” she shares. Daylong SPF50+ Light Gel is also a good option. 

Courtesy of Nikki Paderna

For body care, she uses either Jergens Ultra Healing Lotion or Physiogel Calming Relief A.I. Body Lotion after showering to lock the moisture in. For makeup removal, she turns to Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths, Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Solution or Biore Micellar Cleansing Water. She also relies on good ol’ petroleum jelly to keep her lips hydrated and leaves it on as an overnight treatment.

Since Nikki tries on a lot of different makeup and skincare, she also has go-to products to rely on when she has a bad reaction. She shares, “If I have a bad reaction to a new product I’m testing out and I get a lot of bumps, I immediately switch to the Celeteque Acne Solutions Acne Cleansing Gel followed by the Oil Control Toner.“

We’re definitely glad to see that dermas love drugstore products, too! Did any of your favorite drugstore skincare picks make it to the derma-approved list? Which of these products would you want to try out?

Header image courtesy of Nikki Paderna

Ever since I first started buying skincare products as a teen, I’ve always been drawn to merchandise with claims like “non-comedogenic” and “won’t clog pores” stamped on the label. I constantly had comedones (legit blackheads and whiteheads, not just sebaceous filaments) and pimples on my t-zone and chin so i was determined to make sure I didn’t use anything that could potentially and make matters worse! I put blind faith in these products, assuming that they would work wonders on my skin just because of those magic words.

Now that I’ve become more aware about what actually goes into my skincare products and the effects they have on me, I decided to finally look into what makes a product comedogenic or not, and how to check if product label claims are actually true.

Compilation of comedogenic ratings via BellaNina101

The first thing you should know is that common beauty ingredients are tested for their comedogenic ratings. It was almost like uncovering a well-kept industry secret when I discovered this; I imagined keeping a copy of the list in my wallet or on my phone so I could consult it the next time I go beauty shopping. The ratings are derived from lab tests on each of the ingredients, filing each one on a scale from 0 (completely non-comedogenic) to 5 (severely comedogenic). 

My elation quickly deflated though, when I read on that some skin care experts debunk “non-comedogenic” products as nothing more than a marketing ploy. Both sides for and against the comedogenic scale have their merits, and I don’t think that either one should be completely ignored. Here’s why!

The methods used to arrive at the ratings were flawed but testing continues with improved methodology

The comedogenic scale was first recognized in 1979, when a renowned dermatologist named Dr. Albert M. Kligman (who invented Retin-A) published the results of his experiment. He tested for the comedogenicity of substances by applying them on the inside of rabbit ears (yes, the comedogenic scale is a product of animal testing) then checked if the skin tissue developed microcomedones.

At first, the study was well-received by the medical world as it provided information that wasn’t previously available. Inspired by Dr. Kligman’s work, many others performed their own tests (using the same method) and added more substances to the list. Eventually, many raised questions that were impossible to ignore like, were they sure that rabbit ears didn’t form comedones on their own or how similar is human facial skin to the inside of rabbit ears?

So Dr. Kligman came up with an alternative way to assess comedogenicity: he tested it on humans, specifically prisoners (he was later sued for this). He tested on the upper back area though, and we all know that’s still different from facial skin. He concluded that rabbit ears were wayyy more sensitive than human skin, and that “substances that are weakly comedogenic in the rabbit are probably safe for human use with the possible exception of acne-prone persons.” So he basically acknowledged that findings based on his rabbit ear research don’t reflect real-life usage by humans. How ‘bou ‘dah?

Why YMMV is important

The effects of a beauty product can vary from person to person (let alone from rabbit to human), hence the necessary YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) caveat on product reviews. What might be HG material for someone can just as easily trigger a massive breakout on someone else. Ultimately, the only gauge for whether a product is truly non-comedogenic is your skin’s actual reaction.

While that may seem like no sort of help at all, substances with absolute positives and negatives (ratings with extreme values like 0 and 5) remain to be good guidelines on what you should choose to use or avoid. If you’re prone to getting comedones and pimples, it may be best to steer clear of substances rated 4-5 on the scale. If a product you’ve been using without any problems happens to list an ingredient rated as comedogenic though, you don’t necessarily have to give it up or expect to get a breakout from it. 

These ratings apply to pure substances only

Do keep in mind that whether substances were tested on rabbit ears or human backs, both methods patch-tested them in their pure forms. Unless you’re planning to use an ingredient in its 100% concentration, these ratings won’t be accurate since most beauty products are mixtures and solutions. The best thing to do is to check the ingredients list. If the first 20-30% names in the ingredients list are mainly heavily comedogenic substances, skip it. Ingredients that come after these are likely to be present in the product in lesser amounts, so even if “comedogenic” substances are present, they might not trigger breakouts. 

Nobody polices the use of the term “non-comedogenic”

We check for the bunny symbol on product labels when looking for cruelty-free products while those that claim to be organic usually apply to the USDA for assessment. BUT, no organization or governing body, either local or international, is tasked to check if products that claim to be non-comedogenic actually are! Even with a brand that you trust, a label that declares “won’t clog pores” can’t guarantee that a new product you want to try from their line will work as well for you as what you’ve used before. Therefore, proceed with caution.

It helps to know and keep a list of ingredients that cause a negative reaction in your skin. Take note of products that have caused pimples, rashes or allergies, then check the ingredients lists if there are common denominators. This is the list that you should refer whenever you thinking of buying any new beauty products, so you can save yourself the heartache of buying something that won’t work for you.

Non-comedogenic doesn’t mean it’s good for you, and vice versa

The scale shows that SD alcohol has a comedogenic rating of 0 but it’s actually drying and can even potentially damage our skin. Some antioxidant-rich, nutrient-laden plant oils have high comedogenic ratings at 3 to 4 points but many people use these with no reports of breakouts.

Comedogenic ratings are definitely not the end-all and be-all for beauty products. Still, it has some merit and can be used in specific situations. As always, it’s best to evaluate things in the right context, and to always pay close attention to how your skin responds to different products.  

Do you choose to buy products based on their non-comedogenic claims? Did this article make you reconsider your position? We’d love to hear what you think!

Sources: Lab Muffin, Beautiful with Brains, Colin’s Beauty Pages, Paula’s Choice Beautypedia, NCBI 1, NCBI 2, NCBI 3

By now, I feel like the PV team’s love for sheet masks warrant no introduction. We've raved about our favorites, shared our best hacks to maximize the masking habit (maskimizing?), and even let you in on the results of our five-day masking challenge. It’s an understatement to say that the PV girls are strong believers of what sheet masks can do for our faces! But did you know that there are more to sheet masks than meets the eye? Like, literally? You'd be surprised at how many types of sheet masks are available to treat your full body to that pampering experience, and help them look their best as well. Here are just a few of them! 

Hair Masks

If you've ever wanted to take the salon experience at home without committing to a giant tub of treatment, hair masks are a quick and cheap option for reviving dry and damaged hair. After towel drying freshly-washed hair, just wrap the mask over and around your tresses then leave it on for about 20 minutes. Remove the sheet and gently wash out the essence with warm water. Hello, smooth and easy to manage locks!

Try: Leaders Mediu AngelRing Hair Steam Pack (P298 at Leaders), Kocostar Home Salon Hair Pack (P401 at Sephora)

Eye Patches

Our delicate eye area often needs a little more TLC than the rest of our face, especially after late nights of finishing work deadlines (or bingeing on KDrama—we’re not judging)! To brighten dark circles and boost hydration, pop an eye patch to cool in your fridge then apply it on your undereye area for 10 to 20 minutes. I find that these help plump up my heavily-lined bags for smoother concealer application!.When I know I’m getting less than five hours of sleep, I put a pair of these patches on so I wake up looking like I got all the beauty sleep I needed!

Try: Tony Moly Panda Dream Eye Patch (P58 at Tony Moly), Leaders Hydrogel Eye Therapy Patch (P498 at Leaders), Skinlite Collagen Eye Zone Mask (P100 at BeautyMNL)

Lip Masks

Matte lips are pretty but they sometimes come with a price. If you have severely dry lips and need something more intense than lip balm to bring them back to kissable softness, a leave-on lip mask promises to nourish and moisturize after just 15 minutes of wear. Even Hollywood actress Emma Stone has been known to put these on before walking the red carpet!

Try: Sephora Collection Lip Masks (P154 at Sephora), Pure Smile Choosy Lip Pack in Peach (P40 at Althea)

Image via lauraneuzeth.com

Hand Masks

Hand masks are basically cotton gloves filled with essence to soothe and moisturize dry hands. If you use alcohol and hand sanitizer (hygienic but seriously drying), masks are a great way to restore lost moisture as the essence is more potent than regular hand creams. Wear them as you would a normal glove, and massage the remaining essence on your skin after the 20 minutes are up. And if you just want to treat your hangnail-prone cuticles, there are masks just for that, too!

Try: Sephora Collection Hand Masks (P231 at Sephora), Tony Moly Lovely Hand Peach Mask (P240 at Althea), The Face Shop Paraffin Nutrition Nail Pack

Image via shensaddiction.com

Jaw Masks

Also known as chin packs or V-line masks, jaw masks are elastic sheets that you’d hoop on both ears and wear along the chin to slim and firm up the area. It provides a temporary aid to sagging skin and tightens your jaw for that v-line definition. 

Try: Kocostar V-Line Hydrogel Chin Pack (P150 at Althea), Leaders Mediu 2-Step Double Effect V-Line Facial Shaping System (P248 at Leaders)

Underarm Patch

With the summer heat at full blast, we have to take extra precaution to avoid awkward underarm moments. Don’t sweat it and use an armpit patch instead! Simply stick it on the underside within your sleeve and it should free you from all your sweating worries. 

Try: Elizavecca Neodeo Anti-Humidity Armpit Patch (P360 at Althea)

Foot Peeling Masks

If you have dry, cracked, calloused feet that needs saving, foot peeling masks might just be what you need to regain your baby smooth skin! Pop them on like normal socks for 60 to 90 minutes and wash off all remaining essence. Be amazed (or grossed out?) by the resulting slow but satisfying peel that should happen in the next one to two weeks to reveal smoother, softer feet. We chronicled the full experience here!

Try: Baby Foot Peeling Mask (P830 at Beauty Bar)

Quite literally, different body sheet masks options have us covered from head to toe! Which ones have you tried and what products did you enjoy using the most?

With the hot summer season is in full swing, we’ve been looking for ways to relieve ourselves from the heat. Skin cooling and soothing products are extremely handy but, given the opportunity, we’d definitely want to dive into a pool or soak at the beach! If you’ve got outings planned and want to look your best even in the water, waterproof makeup is the way to go. 

A lot of products are labeled as “waterproof” but how well do they actually perform? To test their claims, I put on my swimsuit and literally went swimming with a full face of these products! Will they survive? Read on to find out!

For my base, I used the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen (P2,100), which is labeled “Very Water Resistant” and features their Wet Force Technology. I regularly use this on my face whenever I go swimming and haven’t been sunburned, though my shoulders were (they were covered using a different sunblock). Another option if you’d like a bit more coverage is Shiseido’s famous Sun Protection Liquid Foundation with SPF 43 PA+++. Of course, it is still best to wear a separate sunscreen underneath. I concealed blemishes with the Pink Sugar Our Lil’ Secret Concealer (P349), which has been said to “set like cement”.

On days when I don’t have enough time to do my brows but I need a semblance of polish, I just sweep on the MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow (P1,000). It stays on all day but I haven’t really tested out its waterproof claims ’til now! I use Brown Ebony while our editor Liz has Quiet Brunette. 

The Make Up For Ever Aqua Line features several waterproof products and for this test, we have the MUFE Aqua XL Extra Long Lasting Waterproof Eye Pencil in No. M-60 (P1,250), which they reformulated last year. The MUFE Aqua Smoky Lash Waterproof Mascara (P1,200~) is a sample I’ve been loving for budge-proof lashes, and it was also one of the hardest to remove during our micellar water throwdown. 

Cult-fave Cargo Cosmetics burst into the local beauty scene last year courtesy of Beauty Bar and brought in their Swimmables line. These Cargo Swimmables Eye Pencils  in Pebble Beach, Loch Ness, Karon Beach, and Black Sea (P1,750 for a limited edition set or P850 each) are waterproof, smudge-proof, and long-wearing. The formula seriously won’t budge until you decide to take it off!

For the cheeks, the Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Ibiza (P1,250) is an instant perk-me-up, while the Cargo Water Resistant Bronzer (P1,350) comes in one shade that prettily warms up the complexion and gives it a hint of highlight. I love using the bronzer on my cheeks before popping on the pink Ibiza blush for a summery version of draping!

For the lips, I’ve been road-testing the new Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Lip in Luxe Liquid Lipsticks (P499 each), which perform impressively under normal circumstances. These have great longevity and come in four shades of which Love is True (red) and Love is Devotion (nude) are the darkest. 

Swatches, from left: MUFE Mascara, MUFE Eye Pencil in M-60, Cargo Eye Pencils in Karon Beach, Loch Ness, Pebble Beach, Black Sea, MAC Brow Set, Pink Sugar Concealer, Cargo Bronzer, Cargo Blush in Ibiza, Ellana Liquid Lipstick in Love is Devotion, Love is True

I didn’t want to emerge from the water looking like a raccoon, especially since there were other people around! So before diving into the pool, I put the products through two tests: the Faucet Test and Tissue Test. 

After the Faucet Test

Faucet Test: I swatched the products on my arm and let the swatches set undisturbed for around 30 minutes. Afterwards, I put the whole thing under running water and very lightly tried to rub them of. I was so amazed at the result – they still didn’t move! There is some noticeable fading in the color vibrancy but the swatches didn’t budge.

After the Tissue Test

Tissue Test: Exposure to water can affect the resilience of a product so I performed a tissue test to see if there would be transfer. I lightly patted a clean tissue over the wet swatches so I could see even the faintest change in color. Good news – no makeup transferred!

Before the Swimming Test

Swimming Test: After seeing how the products performed in the first two tests, I felt ready to pile on the makeup and finally take that dip in the pool. The products used for my swimming #FOTD were: Shiseido Sunscreen, Pink Sugar Concealer, MAC Brow Set, MUFE Eye Pencil for the upper lash line, Cargo Eye Pencil for the lower lash line, MUFE mascara, Cargo Bronzer and Blush in Ibiza, and Ellana Liquid Lipstick in Love is Devotion.

I waded into the pool and did a couple of laps before taking the after photos. There was some fading with the blush and bronzer but you can still clearly see the colors. My eyebrows remained intact while my eye liners and mascara did not move at all. I did experience some caking with the concealer but it was only noticeable up close. The liquid lipstick also lightened but my lips were still covered in pigment.

After the Swimming Test

The MUFE mascara smudged on my lower lids although some still remained clinging on my lashes. Unless you really, really can't live without mascara, I suggest skipping this step. Just curl your lashes to make your lashes pop.

Overall, these products passed the swimming test with flying colors! I went on swimming for an hour more after taking these photos and my makeup continued to stay on! Fading is to be expected though, so at best this will stay on for about two hours of swimming (sans rubbing). It should last for less though if you're swimming in the sea as the saltwater may dissolve the makeup faster.

Do you have plans to swim this summer? What are your go-to waterproof makeup products?

Maybelline has been releasing a new lipstick collection every other month lately, and while these are on point, I've been wondering when they'll run out of new colors for us to play with. I mean seriously, how many browns, pinks, reds, and plums can there conceivably exist for our lips? At some point they'll start to look alike. And then the Maybelline The Loaded Bolds Lipsticks (P299) came along.

This line has bright shades of pink, red, and purple, but with the interesting addition of a deep blue (Audacious Blue), black (Pitch Black), and white (Wickedly White). The latter three shades may be worn alone if you're going for an editorial look but they are intended to be mixed with other lip colors to create entirely new ones. Think of those lip palettes from Anastasia and Pony Effect! The weird shades open up the potential of your other lipsticks for greatness.

The formula of the Loaded Bolds are smooth and *generally* opaque in one swipe (I hear the black is patchy). They have some slip upon first contact so it's a wee bit hard to get a straight lip line if you're not careful; the slippy texture dries quickly though and becomes a good, long-lasting matte. These stay on for three to four hours on me.

I have Wickedly White here plus what seems to be four minor variations of red. Here are my swatches and shade notes!

• Wickedly White is an opaque white shade that's made for mixing with other lipsticks. It should also work as a matte highlighter and face paint too.
• Chocoholic is an intense red with a mocha base.
• Berry Bossy is a red with a light fuchsia undertone.
• Smoking Red is a retro bright red that's absolutely gorgeous on my skin tone! This is my favorite shade. I wore this to an event and got compliments all around.
• Midnight Date is a deeper, winier red.

As I mentioned, the reds look rather too much alike to the naked eye. Their differences are a bit more obvious once I added Wickedly White on top of the colors.

• Chocoholic + Wickedly White becomes a beautiful MLBB
• Berry Bossy + WW becomes a rather cool pink
• Smoking Red + WW becomes a cheery bright pink
• Midnight Date + WW becomes a mauvey pink

The swatches showed some of the white lipstick on the edge of my lip line even though I was careful. If you have a cosmetics spatula and palette, I suggest mixing up a generous batch and storing the product in a jar for later use. I do recognize that's a hassle for most of us who merely dabble in makeup, but if you're a makeup artist, it might be worth your time to mix up custom colors using the blue, black, and white in this collection.

If you're going to get anything from The Loaded Bolds, I would recommend the "weird" colors more than anything else here. They are a great extension to your existing lipstick collection! The normal colors, while pretty, are not anything particularly special. I'm interested in purchasing Audacious Blue as I don't have a blue in my stash right now.

What do you think of Maybelline's new lippie collection? Did anything interest you?

Are you enjoying yet another long weekend, PV girls? Time to play catchup with what’s been happening in the beauty world! We’ve spotted a revolutionary skincare product that we’re super curious to try, and feel absolutely hyped about RiRi’s latest venture. Locally, we have the arrival of Thailand’s beloved beauty chain to look forward to, while students should check out Happy Skin’s special summer treat. Read on for the juicy deets!

Image via Happy Skin Cosmetics

An A+ Treat!

Need a solution for staying fresh on-campus? Happy Skin Cosmetics has got the perfect summer treat just for students! From April 24 until the last day of May, students can enjoy 15% off the #SkipTheFilter collection. Stock up on the Matte About You Pore & Shine Control Primer to preserve your daily face base and the Matte of Your Dreams Oil Control Mattifying Powder for easy touch-ups between classes. All you need to do is to present your student ID before paying at the counter. Head on over to your favorite Happy Skin store to avail of this awesome deal!

Image via Instagram user @mark_dy

Feast Your Eyes On This!

Who doesn’t love a good buffet? With rows upon rows of delectable goodies, you can indulge to your heart’s content but it’s not so good for your waistline. So here’s one that’s even better: you won’t gain a single calorie, and it features our other favorite: cosmetics! HECK YEAH!

Famous Thai beauty chain Beauty Buffet has just opened their very first store here in the Philippines! This new beauty haven has shelves stocked full of Thailand’s cult fave products. From The Bakery Macaron Eye Shadows (P295) to Scentio Sheet Masks (P85), you can now shop for and try another aspect of Asian Beauty, which we’ve previously enjoyed via Japanese, Korean and even Taiwanese products. I’m actually really excited to try the Scentio Olive Facial Mask (P400) and the Gino McCray The Professional Make Up Mineral Water Spray (P395). Beauty Buffet’s first branch is over at Ayala Malls The 30th in Pasig but it looks like they already have plans to put up more stores in BGC and Quezon City! 

Full story on Spot.ph

Images via Urban Decay Cosmetics

Let’s Get NAKED (again)

Known for their suggestively brilliant names and gorgeously pigmented products, Urban Decay has been killing the makeup game since the launch of their first ever NAKED Palette. The brand has since established themselves as a game-changer in the makeup world and have us on our toes with excitement at every new launch. Well, this is no different.

Keeping it within the NAKED family, UD has decided to bring out another palette that we’re definitely going to lust over (and let’s face it, purchase): the NAKED Skin Shapeshifter. Being the first of its kind, the palette will include pans of 4 powders and 5 cream products. The multipurpose palette will enable you to color-correct, highlight, and contour, all in one sleek package. A double-ended brush will also be available for purchase with the palette for easy application. No word yet on the price or launch date but we do know that the palette will be available in two shades: Light Medium and Medium Dark. Stay tuned, PV girls: we’ll definitely keep you updated! In the meantime, you should watch UD founder Wende Zomnir’s big reveal video here. 

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Allure

The Perfect Matcha For You

Anyone else love a good matcha-flavored treat? From ice cream to lattes, Japanese green tea is really having a moment and we aren’t complaining. Aside from the delicious bitter flavor, the green tea itself has loads of health benefits including improvements to the skin, which is why it’s not surprise that MILK Makeup has decided to infuse it into their skincare!

The brand is launching their very own Matcha Toner - a stick-formula toner that aims to reduce redness and clear pores, thanks to a blend of hydrating organic cactus elixir, pore-clearing kombucha, witch hazel, and of course, matcha. It’s the first ever stick toner we’ve heard of, and we’re already thinking about how its super convenient to use and carry around! Available on Sephora and the Milk Makeup site starting May 2, the Match Toner Stick retails for $26. Is that a cool idea or what? Would you be willing to try this new product out?

Full story on In Style

Image via Allure

Sweet Like Kandee

With millions of views and subscribers, it’s no surprise that many YouTubers are now getting their own products. From skincare to makeup, lifestyle bits to huge brand collabs, the Age of the YouTuber is in full force. The latest to join this growing list is Kandee Johnson who has partnered up with Too Faced Cosmetics for her very own I Want Kandee Eye Shadow Palette! The palette contains 15 shadows in hues of pinks, purples, and nudes, making it possibly the girliest palette ever! Now these eye shadows are just the tip of the icebergs as both Jerrod Blandino and Kandee revealed that it’s not just a palette they’re releasing but an entire I Want Kandee Collection. Expect to see loads more products in the coming months as the collection finally drops on September 3rd at the Ulta and Too Faced sites!

Full story on Allure

Images via Billboard

We Can All Shine Bright Like a Diamond

ERMERGERD, THERE ARE NO WORDS! Okay, maybe there are words but they will never be enough to express how excited I am for this! After an entire year of waiting, hoping and praying, Rihanna has basically confirmed what most of us have been dying to know: is her makeup line real? It! Is! At a Fenty Puma Pop Up event last week, the songstress revealed that a Fenty Beauty Highlighter was coming - and she was actually already wearing it!

It's a secret! Fenty Beauty is coming in September! 💄 #FentyBeauty

A post shared by Rihanna (@rihstore) on Apr 21, 2017 at 12:21am PDT

Being the perfect tease and hypewoman, RiRi merely said that the highlighter was a “secret” and was coming out... in September! YASSS! The singer did sport a gorgeous glow so we can only imagine that it will be epic, flattering, and sell out in minutes. Stay tuned for more updates on Rihanna’s makeup, we gotchu!

Full story on Bustle

Header image via Instagram user @rrraych