Unless you stay in an air-conditioned room 24/7, you’ve probably had to deal with the intense summer heat. I often feel like every single thing I do results in me breaking into a sweat, and it makes me feel extra conscious about being around other people.

Apart from making sure I apply a reliable deodorant, I turn to scents to keep me smelling good and also to lift my mood when the heat threatens to make me grumpy. While I’ve put together quite a perfume collection, I select my summer fragrances very carefully to focus on fresher and lighter ones that are less likely to change when I start sweating buckets. Here are five of the go-to summer scents fragrances I’m relying on this summer:

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Nectarine Blossom Eau de Toilette (P2,250 for 100mL at Rustan’s)

If you loved the original Green Tea, you’ll enjoy its latest flanker. Nectarine Blossom is a floral fruity fragrance as fresh and light as the 1999 crowd favorite. It opens with green tea before settling into a sweet nectarine and peach breeze. This has some similarities to Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom, at a much friendlier price tag.

• Top notes: peach, bergamot, exotic fruits, green tea
• Middle notes: green tea, nectarine, nectarine blossom
• Base notes: musk

Estée Lauder Pleasures Aqua Eau de Parfum

Aqua was released last year as the latest flanker to Estée Lauder’s Pleasures line. This floral aquatic fragrance features lilac, jasmine, and peony - the signature Pleasures notes but with some added touches of watery and green notes to transport us to the beach, no car trips or plane tickets required. If you find that the original Estée Lauder Pleasures is too much of a heavy floral, then you may enjoy this watery, fresher take on it.

• Top notes: honeysuckle, freesia, green leaves, watery notes
• Middle notes: jasmine, peony, lilac
• Base notes: musk, woodsy notes, ambroxan 

Clean Air Eau de Parfum (P3,960 for 60mL at Rustan’s)

If you just want to smell like fresh air, then look no further. Clean Air, a woody aromatic unisex scent, is the scent for you. The mountain air note is what makes it unusual. Combined with aldehydes, powdery notes, and green notes, it is a concoction that leaves you smelling fresh, clean, and light, with a sheer floral bouquet. This can be worn alone or can be layered with other scents, too.

• Top notes: bergamot blossom, mountain air
• Middle notes: green accord, freesia, peony
• Base notes: musk, cashmere wood, white amber, powdery notes, aldehydes 

Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin Cologne (P3,940 for 30mL or P6,980 for 100mL at Jo Malone)

Like other Jo Malone colognes, this scent is both for men and women. Lime Basil & Mandarin is one of the stronger-smelling ones on our list but still smells very fresh because of the blend of green and citrus. As the name suggests, the lime, basil, and mandarin orange notes are very prominent in this scent, giving it a zesty, energetic vibe.

• Top notes: lime, mandarin orange, bergamot
• Middle notes: basil, lilac, iris, thyme
• Base notes: patchouli, vetiver

Michael Kors Glam Jasmine Eau de Parfum (P4,150 for 50mL or P5,350 for 100mL at Rustan’s)

If you are a fan of jasmine, then you must try this one. This white floral fragrance only has a few notes consisting of jasmine, cassis, and sandalwood. The cassis gives it a citrus-y kick before getting to the jasmine heart, while the sandalwood gives it a creamy dry down. If you want to smell fresh but still feel glamorous and feminine, then is one to keep in your purse.

Have you been wearing a summer fragrance? What are your current faves?

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?

Hey hey! We finally have a new Commenter of the Month! Congratulations to Tricia Del Castillo, who never fail to share her intelligent insights in our stories. We'll be sending you the Benefit Beauty School Knockouts kit! Kindly send your full name, address, and mobile number to den [at] projectvanity.com so we can ship it out.

For our next Commenter Gift, I handpicked a few things: the Snail Treatment for Damaged Hair, Browhaus Heavy Duty Biliner, Browhaus Precision Eyeliner, the new Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Lie Matte Lip Crayon in Sorry Not Sorry, and a few lippies from Maybelline, Covergirl, L'Oreal, and Revlon.

So! It's the same mechanics as before. Every month, we'll pick a commenter on Project Vanity. She must be able to leave useful comments, such as sharing feedback about a product we reviewed. It can be a "thank you" comment, or maybe a really good question (we love good questions). A big factor would be the frequency of the reader's comments. Does she always visit? Does she read through the site? At the end of the day though, we always value quality more than quantity. Consistency is key. 

Comment away! Am hoping to hear from you. We'll pick the winner by the beginning of June.

Something has been bothering me lately and I am hoping that you guys can help me out. As you may have heard, my company has recently come out with a skincare brand called In Her Element. It's proudly Filipino - everything is made in small batches and ingredients are sourced here! The response we've been getting is amazing so far. There is one common reaction that we get a lot though: it's along the lines of "why add coconut oil? I might break out!"

A quick defense of coconut oil

I personally have not broken out from any of our products so far so I don't have an issue with coconut oil. My personal experience aside though, here's why we like to include it in our skincare:

• Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids which help to moisturize skin and help with inflammation. As a skin emollient, it shows higher performance compared with mineral oil.
• It is also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants keep your skin from receiving and retaining as much damage from environmental factors.
• Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties, which benefits us when used in a dermatological formulation
• Coconut oil is thinner in texture compared to some oils and is therefore more pleasant to apply on the skin and hair. 
• It remains stable for a year or so without no need for preservatives; it doesn't easily go rancid when stored properly in a cool dark place.
• Using coconut oil in our products supports local farmers who supply it to our manufacturers. It helps the economy by providing jobs and income. Coconut oil from the Philippines is world-class; it is heavily imported and valued all over the world. Why not support the industry in our small way, as it were?

What scares most people off coconut oil though is the fact that it has a high rating of 4 in the comedogenic scale of 0-5. This is however an outdated rating system, as we discussed at length in this article.

But I don't mind being corrected

That's not to invalidate the the chance that you may have broken out - or will break out - from coconut oil in your skincare products. Each one of us react differently to different ingredients; no one can predict what will happen. As with all new skincare, I highly encourage you to do a patch test on your inner arm or jaw first (leave it for 24 hours) to see if you will get any reaction!

I'd love to know what you think. Do you love or hate coconut oil? Why or why not?

"Ma'am, may SM Advantage Card po ba kayo?" It didn't use to bother me to answer "no" to this question until a Watsons store opened up just five minutes away from my condo. I keep finding myself in there for all sorts of reasons: stocking up on tissues, buying medicine, doing "research" for Project Vanity. It's just super convenient to shop for my personal care needs in one store and there are always great deals available. There was just that one thing I didn't even realize I was missing.

The Watsons team

While doing my most recent Watsons haul, I finally signed up for an SM Advantage Card (SMAC). They had just launched the Members Get More program and I was curious to see what benefits a slim piece of plastic would get me. I had to pay close attention to the displays because I noticed that they didn't just have prices displayed on them!

Isana shampoos are regularly priced at P199 but it's only P179 for members!

The Green Member Tags indicated two different prices: the regular one with the standard SRP, and a lower one that's specially for SMAC members! Considering that these were drugstore picks, many of the items are already quite affordable but I'm glad to be able to save a few extra pesos. It's not an amount to sneeze at - there were discounts as much as P64 on some products. A smart spender won't say no to that!

Buy sunscreen and win a trip to wear it on!

One of my simple joys in life is getting a raffle stub along with my purchases. I've never won anything but I like having the opportunity to do so. Thing is, filling out all those stubs and putting them into a tambiolo can be a hassle, and the little bits of paper can inconveniently bulk up my wallet. With SMAC though, I'm automatically enrolled into the current e-Raffle as soon as I pay for my purchases! The ongoing Make Your Summer promo affords me the chance to win a trip to Bali, Guam, or Sydney. Even if I don't get anything (or anywhere), it's nice to be rewarded just for doing some beauty shopping.

If you like being the first to know about sales and promos for early birds perks (ie, before stocks run out!), being a SMAC member can afford you that. And not only will you be the first to know, you can get exclusive access and additional discounts to important events like 3-Day Sales, which all beauty girls look forward to with their wishlists in hand. The extra 10% off offered to SMAC holders can spell the difference between getting the palette you really wanted instead of something you simply chose because it fit into your budget.

Of course, the main come-on to getting a SMAC is earning rewards points. Aside from Watsons, there are a number of other retailers that issue points for purchases to your SMAC, so you can really think of it as a card you can shop with most everywhere!

My Watsons haul is a little boring because I'm on a makeup buying ban (I have too many backups!) and I decided to pick up some essentials instead. And yes, I really do like buying their in-house branded items because they're cheap and perform just as well as the more popular ones!

These aren't the Watsons facial wipes that won Best Value for Money at our Makeup Wipe Battle but I mostly prefer unscented products for my face and liked the inclusion of aloe vera extract. It's a huge pack of 50 wipes for just P69. I regularly hoard the Velvety Tissues (P99 for 3 boxes) because these are what I use to dry my face after washing. Reusing towels to wipe your face are a no-no since you end up reintroducing dirt to your skin, and these cottony fibers feel much gentler on my face.

I'm a germophobe and a compulsive handwasher, so I like that the Cream Hand Soaps (P149 buy 1-take 1) don't dry out my skin. The Shea Butter and Peach is my favorite but they have several other scents to choose from. You can also buy these pump bottles first then just refill with the aluminum pouch versions to reuse instead of throwing out!

If you share my fear of being seen with food stuck in between your teeth, pop a couple of these Dental Floss Picks (P99 for a pack of 3) into your purse. It's an easy solution to keeping your teeth clean in between brushing. I also save the plastic boxes and reuse them as containers for small items like hair clips and ties.

My fave find is this Sunplay SPF75 PA+++ Watery Cool Body Mist Sunscreen (P599). It's slightly mentholated, which makes reapplying sunscreen on a hot day actually feel pleasant, plus the formula is water-resistant and includes hyaluronic acid to help keep skin moisturized. The truth is, I actually bought this because it has penguins on the packaging and just lucked out on how well it actually performs.

So that's what I got for my first SMAC experience! I'm looking forward to more new finds at my neighborhood Watsons and getting more savings with my SMAC membership. Do you often shop at Watsons? Would you consider applying for a SMAC as well?

I've been writing about skincare and makeup for nine years. Almost everyday, at that! I've tried hundreds - could it be at least a thousand at this point? - of different products through the years personally. That's why I'm particular about the things I use, especially the ones that go into my face. It's literally my job to know how to look good so I can share practical information you would be able to use in your own "project vanity".

Honestly (and I say this a lot), when I started out in 2008 I had no idea I would be here today developing proudly Pinoy beauty products. I guess it was a natural transition; I've tried and recommended so many things that it was only a matter of time before I tried a hand at giving birth to my own. Now I've never given birth but this must be how it feels like - the anticipation, the expense, the doubt, the joy. 

Today, I'd like to introduce a new collection under my company's skincare brand, In Her Element. We've been working on this for some time and it's finally ready! The Rose Gel Collection features two core products that every skincare routine MUST have: the Low pH Rose Gel Cleanser (P675 for 100ml) and the Rose Gel Serum Moisturizer (P895 for 30g). 

The Low pH Rose Gel Cleanser is more than just your average facial wash. It is a mild and purifying cleanser that features a friendly pH level of 5.5-6 to keep your moisture barrier intact! There is a host of benefits to using a cleanser with low pH, as it helps your skin fight off bacteria, maintain its moisture level, and control its natural oil production on its own. IHE's cleanser is ideal for all skin types, even dry and sensitive skin as it is designed to be a non-irritating formulation. It has no SLS and SLES, and is also fragrance-free (as with all In Her Element products). It contains organic Rose Distillate which has a natural rose scent, as well as antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

The Rose Gel Cleanser also has a few active ingredients thrown in treat your skin as you wash it: it hydrates skin with Aloe Leaf Juice, soothes with Licorice Extract, softens with Vitamin B5, and brightens with Daisy Flower Extract and Milk Protein. Now how's that for the ultimate facial wash?

The Rose Gel Serum Moisturizer is something I am especially proud of. It's an ultra-lightweight gel moisturizer full of active ingredients, which makes it a serum, as well. I mean, we know serums are great but do we really want to buy a separate bottle when you can moisturize and treat skin at the same time? This moisturizer hydrates skin with Aloe Leaf Juice, smoothes pores and lines with Phyto Collagen from Seaweed, brightens with Daisy Flower Extract and Milk Protein, and fades spots with Vitamin C. Like the facial wash, it also contains Rose Distillate which has a mild rose scent as well as antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

I LOVE THIS STUFF. I've been using it ever since I got the first sample a few months ago and my skin has never been more behaved. I use it with the Low pH Rose Gel Cleanser, plus I sometimes add the Spot Control Facial Oil whenever I have hormonal acne or break out from other products. 

The Rose Gel Serum Moisturizer is ideal for oily to combination skin. If you have extra dry skin, you may want to add a few drops of our Pure Squalane Facial Oil for a moisture and antioxidant boost.

Bare face! I have some freckles and old blemishes but it's generally clear now

So there you go guys, our newest creations! I hope you can try them out soon! We have a promo only until May 30: use the code ROSEGEL upon checkout to get 20% off if you get both the Rose Gel Serum Moisturizer and Low pH Rose Gel Cleanser. It's free shipping, too! ^__^ Let me know what you think, as always.

Photography by Samantha Gonzales

The not-so-big-surprise is that just about everything comes in cushion form nowadays. In addition to the standard cushion foundation, there’s now a tone-up cushion, cushion highlighter, corrector, blush, eyeliner, concealer, and even cushion fragrance. I’m just waiting for the invention of a cushion brow stamp to take the place of the powder one!

I had a lot of fun coming up with my own DIY cushion compact foundation, which was easy and allowed me to customize a shade to match my skin tone to a tee. This time, I decided to try my hand at making a cushion blush to help me resist buying one. It turned out to be ridiculously easy to make!

Materials:

• Empty and clean cushion compact case* with cushion and applicator sponge 
• Small bowl
• Mixing spoons
• Cream or mousse blush (or several, if you want try mixing your own shade)
• Facial oil
• CC cream
• Liquid highlighter/illuminator (optional)

* If you are using a cushion compact case meant specifically for cushion foundation, you may need to whip up a bigger batch of the blush mixture to saturate the cushion better. The quality and pigmentation of the blush cushion will all depend on the products you used to blend into it, and it’s best to use this up in a month to ensure freshness. Cushion compacts may be purchased for P235 at Althea.

You may also re-use an old cushion compact simply by washing the empty cushion with dishwashing fluid or baby shampoo, and then rinsing the compact as well.

Now here's how to make the liquid blush!

Step 1: Scoop some cream or mousse blush into a small bowl. Sky’s the limit as you can use a blend of two or more colors, if you’d prefer to create a custom shade. Make sure to use a new or completely cleaned spoon to scoop out product from their original containers to avoid cross-contamination and unintended color mixing.

You can actually also use lipsticks. The ingredients of lipsticks are technically the same as a cream or liquid blush, just with perhaps more or a stiffer kind of wax. If you can put it on your lips, you should be able to put it on your cheeks.

Step 2: Add a drop or two of facial oil to dissolve the pigment and mix well. It is imperative that you use the tiniest amount of oil possible, because this merely serves to help blend the pigment together. I’ve discovered that water-based serums tend to turn cream and mousse blushes lumpy, while using too much oil can cause the cushion blush formula to separate. Adjust the shade and intensity of pigmentation by adding more cream blush until you get the hue you want. Make sure that it’s correct because it will be difficult adjust the shade later on. It’s also best to make the blush color blend super pigmented at first as it will thin out and look a bit more sheer as you add more ingredients.

Step 3: Add CC cream and blend until you get the standard cushion makeup consistency. This is also the point where you can incorporate some liquid highlighter/illuminator for that extra dewy glow.

Step 4: Pour half of the formula at the bottom of your cushion compact case, replace the cushion, and then pour the other half over the cushion. Saturate the cushion by pressing the product in with your mixing spoon. Aaaand, you’re done!

So why use CC cream? I noticed that most of the K-beauty cushion blushes I’ve encountered have a milky, almost-pastel coloring to them. Since CC cream has a brightening/insta-white effect, it could help mimic that milkiness.

I’ve been using my DIY cushion blush everyday since making it! I love the level of buildable pigmentation that I’m getting, and it blends at the edges with just a few pats. The liquid highlighter also gives my cheeks a hydrated, dewy look.

Have you ever tried cushion blushes before? Will you be trying this DIY? What shade would you like your custom cushion blush to have?

It’s always difficult to force ourselves back into the daily grind after enjoying a long, relaxing weekend. Whether you were team Laboracay, La Union, or LaBahay, this weekend all roads lead to White Space in Pasong, Tamo, Makati for this year’s Row101 Summer Pop Up! Happening on May 6 to 7 (Saturday and Sunday) from 11am to 9pm, it’s a shopping bonanza that you will not want to miss. Here’s a sneak preview of what’s coming your way!

Earrings from Simone's Closet

Local celebrities and fashion influencers will be opening their envy-worthy closets

This year’s summer pop up will see a nice mix of fashion, food, and beauty brands offering the best deals. Models, style influencers, and celebrities will also be hosting their own booths to sell brand new and pre-loved clothes and cosmetics. Chie Filomeno, Janina Manipol, Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia, and Vern and Verniece Enciso will have booths set up so do drop by and check out their stuff!

Need proudly Filipino-made skincare for your busy life? In Her Element has you covered!

Our very own skincare brand In Her Element will be having our bazaar debut. You can test and shop the Nourish and Cleanse Balm, First Wash Cleansing Oil, Pure Squalane Facial Oil, and Spot Control Facial Oil. Come say hi and hang out with the PV team. Our founder and editor Liz Lanuzo will be there as well to share her recos! Need more convincing? Event goers will be getting first dibs on our two new surprise products! *wink*

It's going to be a K-beauty stop, too!

Our favorite Korean brands Etude House, Tony Moly, and Leaders will also be there to sell their wares. If you’ve always wanted to get your hands on Etude House’s Berry Delicious Collection, Tony Moly’s Panda’s Dream Collection, or the rave-worthy sheet masks from Leaders, Row101 is a convenient way to collect them all under one roof. 

Shoes from El Marikeno

Hard-to-find but amazing local fashion brands will be there for us to explore

The Row 101 Summer Pop Up Bazaar is also a great place to shop awesome local fashion finds. There’s no shortage of clothes, shoes, swimwear, and accessories from brands like El Marikeno, Shoegar, and Simone’s Closet. 

Joyce, Marj and Nikki

Say hi to your favorite beauty vloggers and bloggers

While you’re there, don’t miss out on the perfect chance to meet and greet your favorite beauty influencers! Joyce Sola, Marj Sia, Nikki Tiu, Say Tioco, Jessica Godinez, Kim Mendoza, and Genzel Habab will be shopping and selling at the event themselves, so check out their booths for makeup and skincare finds. 

Other brands participating in this year’s Row 101 include:

Browhaus, Happy Socks, Boulangerie 22, Bahn Mi, Serbesa MNL, Baba's Kitchen, Squeeze Me, Below 35 MNL, Lazeez Shawarma, Swinging Chairs, Sunflower Kitchen, Lemoon Philippines, Sefra Babe Wear, Marie Villamor, Sun Fish PH, Alijo Chua, Basi, Shop Katre, Shop Eunice Sason, B Manila, Vida Lim, Guppy Shorts, Simone's Closet, The Poppy PH, Leather and Feet, Shut Up Tees by Rekles, Heir Clothing, Owl PH, Kaine Cordova Primegroup, Teddy Sage, I Love Koi, Grigio Inc. El Marikeno, La Latina Swimwear, Ibiza Love Your Sole, Sola Jewelry, Estela Philippines, Coral Swimwear, Food Truck Cheese Steak and Food Truck Fire Station.

There will also be some surprise booths so be sure not to miss this summer event!

Here’s my loot from the media preview of Row 101. I can’t wait to go this weekend to catch the best deals! You can come in for free simply by sharing the official event poster below on your Facebook timeline with the caption "I am going to #row101summerpopup on May 6 and 7 at White Space, Pasong Tamo, Makati!”. Just show your post at the door to gain free entrance. Hope to see you there!

More than all the skin care in the world, sunscreen is the most important thing you can and should apply on your skin. Not only can it delay wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and other signs of aging, it also protects you from skin cancer! That’s a real health issue well outside the confines of everyday vanity.

There’s no debate that everyone needs to wear sunscreen everyday. The question now is, how do you choose the best sunscreen for your needs? Here are three basic factors you should check for!

UVB Protection

All sunscreens should have an SPF or sun protection factor declared on their labels. This is what protects us from UVB rays that cause redness and sunburn. What you should know is that you don’t actually need a lot of it to get yourself protected.

With just SPPF15, a sunscreen can already block 93% of UVB rays. SPF30 increases that protection to 97%, and SPF 45 to 50 blocks up to 98%. There’s very little difference in protection as you go for a higher rating. Up to this day, no sunscreen can promise 100% protection.

UVA Protection

UVA rays cause photoaging and suppression of the immune system. In the US, sunscreens are labeled “broad spectrum” when they offer UVA protection. Here and in other Asian countries though, we use a system called Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD). The higher the PPD rating, the longer it takes for the skin to tan, as compared to when the skin is unprotected.

Thus, products that have UVA protection are labeled as “PA+, ++, +++,” and so on, indicating the protection grade. PA+ means a PPD rating of 2 to 4, PA++ means a PPD rating of 4 to 8, PA+++ means a PPD rating of 8 to 16, and PA++++ means a PPD rating of 16 or higher. 

Water Resistance

The US FDA doesn’t allow sunscreens to be labeled as “waterproof” or “sweatproof.” Instead, sunscreens that can last for up to 40 minutes in water may be labelled as “water resistant” while those that can last effectively for up to 80 minutes in the water are labeled “very water resistant.” 

We’ve already covered a lot of facial sunscreens in the past but lest we forget, the rest of our body needs protection, too! So for this showdown, we decided to put four body sunscreens that we regularly use to the test. Meet our contenders!

Nivea Sun Protect and Moisture, P459 for 125ml at Watsons 

With broad spectrum SPF50 PA++, the Nivea Sun Protect and Moisture has you completely covered. It’s labeled as water-resistant, and I made it to 40 minutes in the water before feeling like I needed to reapply it already. It can be really sticky though even if the label says otherwise. It creates a white cast. There’s a strong sunscreen scent upon application but it seems to fade afterwards. This would be good to use for when you’re outdoors and expecting to sweat a lot, or for swimming. 

Belo SunExpert Body, P459.75 for 100ml at Watsons

At SPF60, Belo offers the highest SPF coverage among the products I tested plus a pretty high broad spectrum protection at PA+++. It’s also the only product here that’s labeled as hypoallergenic and paraben-free, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or conscious about product ingredients. It’s also water-resistant but I find that it does not last as long as Nivea does. It’s not really sticky and doesn’t have a white cast but it leaves a sheen on my skin. It still smells like sunscreen but the scent is less noticeable compared to Nivea.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel, P460 for 90ml at Watsons

Unlike all the other products I tested, this features a gel formulation that you can apply on both your body and face. It’s not water-resistant but I love that it absolutely feels like nothing once applied.

The downside, however, is that it doesn’t have any moisturizing properties that a cream lotion formulation usually provides. For my face, it’s okay because I have combination skin and I only need a bit of moisturizer on my cheeks. But I have dry skin on the rest of my body, so I’d need to apply lotion first before putting this on. If you have normal skin on your body though, this is a good pick for you as you can use it all over. No need to bring a separate sunscreen just for your face!

Silka Premium Whitening Lotion in Papaya with Milk and Honey, P174 for 200ml at Watsons

This moisturizes really well and has a skin brightening effect because of the addition of niacinamide, sweet almond milk protein, and papaya enzyme in the formulation. It does not claim to be water-resistant but I wouldn’t mind reapplying this every two hours because I love the scent. The price is very budget-friendly! It’s an economical option for everyday use, however, we recommend a different sunscreen if you’ll be outdoors long or when swimming.

Reminders about using sunscreen

It’s best to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes BEFORE sun exposure to give the product time to dry on your skin. Be generous with your application because a thin layer won’t build up enough product to shield you from the sun's rays - you’ll usually need about a shot glass worth of sunscreen to cover EACH limb in your body. Finally, regardless of whether you’re swimming or just outdoors, you need to reapply about every 2 to 3 hours to ensure that you get continuous protection. 

Care to share what your fave body sunscreen is? Why do you love it?

Sources: Time, Skincancer.org, Byrdie, Foxnews.com, TheKlog.co, Cancer.org.au

How hot is it going to be today? That's my #1 consideration when I wear makeup lately. The hotter it is, the lighter I need my base to be since it can get uncomfortable later on! I ascribe to the "less is more" philosophy during the summer, unless I really, really have to pile on the product for work. At the same time I need my makeup to keep it together for the day. Sounds impossible, right? Not really. If you find the correct products for your needs, you'll have more control with the way your makeup looks later on.

Happy Skin recently released a duo that should help with keeping our faces shine-free for longer. The brand introduced the Matte About You Pore & Shine Control Primer In Nude (P1,299 for 25 ml), a silicone-based primer that fills in pores and mattifies skin in one later. They also have the new Matte Of Your Dreams Oil Control Mattifying Powder In Translucent (P1,200 for 8 grams), a white, zero-coverage powder that creates a matte filter-like effect on the skin. 

Here's what I think of each!

A pea-sized amount is enough for the whole face. I like spout dispensers like this since I can control the amount of product that comes out.

The Matte About You Pore & Shine Control Primer In Nude looks and feels like your typical silicone primer. It's dimethicone-based, with added kaolin powder and mica to enhance the ultra smoothing finish. It has no coverage at all even though it has a slight tint off the tube, but as you can see in my before and after photo, one layer of it seems to have made my skin tone and texture more even. 

I like the mild, clean scent of this primer and how easy it is to blend all over the face. Do note that you have to wait for your moisturizer and/or sunscreen to dry completely before applying it. Otherwise, the primer won't sit on your skin well! You'll notice it will crease or roll off in a few hours. Also make sure to apply the rest of your base makeup after Matte About You has dried and set.

As promised on the label, this Happy Skin primer lessens the appearance of pores, flakes, and rough skin. It also helps to keep shine at bay for about three to four hours on my combination skin - I usually shine in two. Not bad at all! It really helps to hold my makeup down (you'll see later). I did notice though that it has a lifespan; it creases slightly on me after six to seven hours so I have to correct the fine creases as they appear.  

Nevertheless, I like the Matte About You Pore & Shine Control Primer In Nude and will continue to use it when it's extra hot outside. I have combination skin so I'm actually ok with just patting my nose with powder on a regular day. Sometimes though, a girl needs a hand! This is just the thing I need to keep my look fresh in this crazy summer. 

I find myself reaching for the Matte Of Your Dreams Oil Control Mattifying Powder In Translucent regularly because it just makes my skin look so gorgeous. It doesn't look like a blah white on skin; it sorta melts into my color, creating this amazing filter-like finish! This can be used as a setting powder after liquid/cream bases, but it also excels at absorbing oil midday. I love that it's not a flat matte. It has some light-reflecting juju going on so that it looks skin-like and not just totally matte.

It takes a bit of layering to set makeup with this as the powder is quite tightly pressed, but it only takes a layer to remove shine. It comes in a mirrored compact with a puff so you can retouch anytime. Plus points for the cute, mermaid-inspired packaging too! I do hope Happy Skin would sell refills in the future.

Applied the Matte About You primer here, added liquid foundation on top, then set everything with the Matte Of Your Dreams powder. How's that for smooooooth AF?

Seven hours later, here's what my makeup looks like! I did not retouch AT ALL. My base has faded a bit, though I'm way less shiny than I normally would be considering I use a liquid foundation. It still looks serviceable because of the primer + powder combo.

Overall, I highly recommend the Matte Of Your Dreams Oil Control Mattifying Powder In Translucent to just about anyone who wants a smoothing powder for retouching. It's well-milled and not gritty at all, so the results on skin are impressive. It's a bit pricey for 8 grams at that, but well worth it if you want a good retouch powder that won't look cakey or disturb what you already have on.

Let me know what y'all think, as always! Are you digging these new Happy Skin products?

If Project Vanity had a motto, it would definitely be “Never ever skip sunscreen”. There are just so many benefits for doing so and with many affordable choices for both the face and body,  there is simply no excuse for neglecting your skin. Full-body sun protection doesn’t even just stop there - if you truly want to be covered from head to toe, you’ll need help from something like the two new Belo SunExpert products: the Hair and Scalp Shield (P349.75) and the After Sun Gel (P259.75)!

After the release of the non-aerosol Belo SunExpert Transparent Mist (P449.75), the Hair and Scalp Shield was a curious addition to the collection primarily because the packaging looks almost identical. It has a pop of green on the label though, and even without looking you’d be able to identify which is which because of the scent. The Transparent Mist has a strong sunscreen-alcohol smell while the Hair and Scalp Shield has a sweet, fruity scent similar to the After Sun Gel.

The Hair and Scalp Shield can be applied on both damp or dry hair but take care to apply it correctly. You need to hold it at least 9 inches away from your hair when spraying because the oily formula might just collect on a single concentrated oily spot when applied too close. A spritz or two is enough to give hair a natural-looking luster and mild frizz control. Just lightly comb through the hair to evenly distribute the product all over. If you’re prone to getting greasy roots though, you may want to limit application to just the hair tips and away from the scalp.    

Sun damage is a year-long reality, not just something that becomes a problem in summer or at the beach. Being outdoors for a prolonged period of time without sun protection or its reapplication can cause dry, tingly skin even if you don’t turn red or look tan. It’s handy to have the After Sun Gel to soothe the irritation effectively and help it begin to repair the damage. It’s formulated with niacinamide, a popular ingredient in serums and moisturizers because it has anti-inflammatory effects, restores hydration, and evens out skintone. Once applied, the gel behaves as a fast-absorbing lightweight lotion that leaves a little bit of sheen. There is menthol in there but the cooling effects is subtle and lasts less than 5 minutes. 

Before

After

The two Belo SunExpert products perfectly complement the previous roster of face and body sunscreens. With these new additions, the brand ensures that every inch of you gets the sun protection it needs, as well as aftercare for repairing the sun damage. Strictly speaking, they aren’t absolute must-haves like sunblock or sunscreen are but they are useful and convenient to have.

If you're not yet sure, you can sample these Belo products (and more!) over at Sample Room. Find the Belo SunExpert Hair and Scalp Shield here and the Belo SunExpert After Sun Gel here. Both can be yours at only 75 and 50 points respectively.

Have you tried Belo SunExpert before? What are your fave products? Would you add these two to your routine?

Belo SunExpert products are available in leading drugstores and supermarkets.  

Here at Project Vanity, we’re always on the lookout for products that tickle the Internet’s fancy. Whether it’s a buzzed about cult favorite, a hot trendy product, or a crazy novelty item that might just work – we’re always curious to find out which ones are actually worth the hype. Liquid lipsticks have been around a while and practically every single brand has their own take on the formula. We’ve tested out five local liquid lipstick brands before but now it’s time to see which of these seven international cult favorites is the best of the best!  

For reference, I normally apply makeup before 7 in the morning, and take it off at around 9pm when I get home. In those 14 hours, I’d have breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lots of snacking and drinking in between. I avoided eating anything oilier than usual during the test days, and applied balm and exfoliated my lips the night before to keep them as soft, smooth and supple as possible. These photos are the result of zero retouching and minimal wiping after meals. Here’s my verdict for each!

Jouer Liquid Lip Crème in Melon (about P800 to P1200 for the full size from online resellers)

The Jouer formula is touted by many as a thin, lightweight, comfortable liquid lipstick. I find that to be all true, which is impressive for a liquid lipstick that actually dries down matte. These lip crèmes smell like butter cake frosting, and are quick to set upon application. Compared to most liquid lipsticks, Jouer has minimal transfer, is the least bit drying, and easy to retouch. If there’s anything negative to say, it’s that the lip creme emphasizes lines and crumbles a bit throughout the day. I would say all eight shades that I have (purchased as a mini set) have medium pigmentation and would need to be layered twice to get full opacity.

Colourpop Ultra Matte in Beeper and Ultra Satin in Alyssa (about P300 to P500 each from online resellers)

Believe your makeup-loving friends when they tell you that Colourpop lippies are drying to the point of peeling. While they look Instagram-worthy upon application, any further smiling will show that they settle into and emphasize lines, no thanks to the thick and heavy formula. I’m usually able to easily remove my liquid lipsticks but the Ultra Mattes and Ultra Satins are best removed with a cleansing oil or balm to protect your lips from further peeling. 

Ultra Satin

The Ultra Satin would stay wet and tacky while the Ultra Mattes dry down to a flat matte. The satins are just a tinge more comfortable than the mattes but the slight comfort upgrade doesn’t save my lips from feeling ultra dry after. Also, I’ve used these lipsticks no more than ten times but the peeled-off sticker on the cheap packaging seems to tell another story. For all my nitpicking though, they are still pretty hard to beat in terms of color payoff and longevity at their price range.

Lonely Planet Liquid Lipstick in Concrete Jungle (about P700 to P900 from Etsy)

I’m glad I took a chance on this indie Etsy brand after getting curious about the hype. This Lonely Planet liquid lipstick is a thin, lightweight, non-drying, and comfortable formula that hugs the lips like second skin. The formula feels a lot like a less-flat Jouer actually but it would never last through a meal. That said, the smooth formulation makes for an easy retouch and it takes a while to set so if you’re still learning the ropes of liquid lipstick application, the forgiving formula will do great for practice.

However, it doesn't stay very well on the lips. At four hours, it's close to falling apart. You may need to wear a lip liner as a base!

Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Havana Nights (P850 from Glamourbox)

The Ofra Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick works the most like actual liquefied lipsticks. They feel and wear similarly to your average bullet and are just a tad longer lasting. While I like how creamy, opaque, and comfortable the mousse formula is, the transfer is absolutely the worst I’ve come across and it’s not the type of lipstick you’d want to wear on a date or a windy day. The formula bunches and flakes off throughout the day but just patting it with your finger is enough to save your lip look as the flexible formula never completely dries down. 

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Patina (P1,250 for the full size at Rustan’s)

Naming the lipstick “stay all day” was a tough claim – but one that they’ve almost managed to pull off. The moussey, opaque formula is a little thicker than I’d like yet they it hugs the lips nicely without looking gloppy. The Stila liquid lipstick can take a while to set; it stays tacky and constantly transfers throughout the day.

On the plus side, it doesn’t crumble off as it wears and simply fades from the center out, which is preferable IMO. It can also be retouched without starting over. I only have the mini (purchased as part of a trio kit) and while I adore the sleek gold packaging, the doe foot applicator picks up way too much product.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita II (about P1000 to P1300 from online resellers)

Everlasting what? Kat Von D’s liquid lipstick used to be my go-to events lipstick because of how budge-proof it was but I’ve had worse luck with it these days for some reason. Whether the formula changed, or I simply don’t eat as much during events, I can’t seem to stretch the mileage of KVD to more than six hours of wear for everyday. That said, I still love the thin, fluid, opaque-in-one-layer formula of the Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks. Even with the shorter wear time, I find that they fade nicely and don’t sink into any lines.

And the winner is...

It was a tough call, as all of these lipsticks have their pros and cons. In the end I'm going to name the Jouer Liquid Lip Crème as the one to beat! It's comfortable, not as drying compared to the others, and its wear time is pretty great. It had issues that could easily be addressed - I can layer it to achieve full opacity and it will still be thin and lightweight. The fading and slight crumbling could be easily saved by blotting with a tissue and reapplying when needed.

After shooting all these lippies, I’m off to mask my lips for a week! Whew! Did you have similar experiences with any of these lipsticks? What’s your current favorite liquid lip formula?

Happy month of May, PV girls! This week’s beauty news is all about the fancy new arrivals from high-end makeup brands and the exciting promos available in local stores. We’re so excited for the Fashion Meets Beauty collabs, a super-waterproof eyeshadow we can probably swim with, and the ongoing contest that allows you to win a set of limited edition brushes weekly! Pretty cool, right? Read on!

Kipling, the brand famous for colorful and playful fabric bags, is celebrating their 30th anniversary with an all new store and collection! Visit them at their recently opened boutique in 2F, Uptown Mall in BGC. They've also just come out with the Dream Garden Collection, a lovely set of bags in dreamy pastel pinks and lavenders. If you buy any bag from the collection, you get a free Pink Party Monkey Keychain (limited edition, only for Kipling's 30th birthday) to match with with your new bag baby! Get it only until May 30.

Image via Banila Co Philippines

Thrilla in Banila (Co.)

K-beauty brands are known for giving out samples and gifts with purchase but Banila Co.‘s special treat is beyond generous. They’ve just released the new The Banila Co. x Taeyeon Happy Collection (P2,850), and with each purchase, shoppers will also receive The Best Collection Kit for FREE! We are not making this up!

In addition to the Happy Cushion in BP15, Happy Lip in Relent Pink, and Happy Color Eyeshadow Palette (3 shadow pigments and a blush) that comes in Taeyeon’s Happy Collection, you’ll also be taking home four premium sample sizes of Banila Co's best-selling products: Clean It Zero, White Wedding Sleeping Essence, Prime Primer Classic, and It Radiant CC Cream! Such a good deal, right? And if you’re still looking for a gift for your mom on Mother’s Day, the Banila Co. online store is offering FREE SHIPPING until May 13. Happy shopping, girls!

Image via beautydea.it

An XL-ent Makeover

It takes a lot of guts for a brand to reformulate, repackage, and basically revamp a cult classic. Toying with a crowd favorite can get a brand a lot of backlash or possibly lose them loyal customers, but some risks are worth taking. Make Up For Ever has decided to do just that with their 2007 Aqua Cream and revamp it into the new AQUA XL COLOR PAINT Extra Long Lasting Waterproof Shadow ($25).

The new formula is now easier to mix and apply, thanks to a silicone blend that adds to the comfort as well. The brand new tube packaging not only makes the shadow more hygienic but also keeps the product from drying out (which was the old problem of the cream pot). There are 20 shades all-in-all, and each one boasts of the waterproof formula that MUFE has become known for. We personally love the Matte Turquoise (the perfect festival look), Lustrous Khaki (every neutral lovers dream shade), and the Iridescent Pink Beige (perfect all over lid shade). You can already shop the new Aqua XL Color Paints on the MUFE site.

Full story on Refinery29

Image via Almanac

Christian LoubouNUDE

Despite the summer season being all about the bright, vibrant colors, one luxury brand is is more interested in showing some skin, or at least, looking like it. Christian Louboutin has released their Metalinudes Collection, which consists of the most amazing metallic nude nail varnishes and liquid lipsticks!

The Metalnudes Polish ($50) comes in three shades: Golddissima (orange bronze with gold hues), Preciosa (rose gold), and Bronzissima (deep bronze). With the exception of Bronzissima which will be replaced by Irisa, the same shades will also be used for the Metalnudes Liquid Lipsticks ($85), allowing you to rock the matching nail-and-lippie trend. You can shop the luxurious collection over on the Louboutin site. 

Full story on In Style

Images via Instagram user @olivier_rousteing

L’Oreal’s Balmain Baby

Pinch us cause we must be dreaming! Haute couture fashion house Balmain, a brand that works with some of the top celebrities in Hollywood, has officially teamed up with L’Oreal Paris to bring its first ever lipstick collaboration! The capsule collection is still in the works but what we do know is that there will be 12 shades in 3 different finishes.  The images above were shared by Balmain’s creative director Olivier Rousteing and are the only ones available so far. The collection is expected for release in the US this September, so it’s a timely pasalubong from balikbayans when they come home in December!

Full story on PopSugar

Image via ColourPop Cosmetics

I Got It For My Momma!

Have you picked a Mother’s Day present yet? While these kits may not quite make it in time for next week’s celebration, it’s a gift that any makeup-loving mom would definitely want to receive. ColourPop Cosmetics has got the perfect (and personalized) treat for gorgeous moms everywhere. 

The brand has created four Mother’s Day Kits ($25), containing products perfect for every mom out there. There’s One in a Melon (Crème Gel Liner in Brew-Haha, Pressed Powder Face Duo in Double Play, and two Blotted Lips in Sucker and Drip); The Coolest Person Ever (3 Super Shock Shadows in Birthday Girl, Coconut and Desert, Lippie Stix in Bootie and Super Shock Highlighter in Flexitarian); I Got It From My Mama (Foursome shadows in Love Line, Super Shock Highlighter in Lunch Money and Ultra Matte Lip in Sunday); and lastly there’s Hot Mama (Pressed Powder Shadow Palette in Heavy Hitter, Ultra Glossy Lip in My Jam and the Super Shock Highlighter in Wisp). Aside from the amazing value for these sets, you also get to personalize your gift by selecting a card for your mom. Shop the Mother’s Day Kits here.

Full story on Bustle

Flatlay To Play

Still using your fingers to apply makeup? You can level up your technique with a set of limited edition brushes from Flormar Cosmetics! All you need to do is to post a flatlay of your favorite Flormar products and caption it with why you should be chosen to win. The best part is that they are picking a winner every week, so you have 5 chances to take a set of these plush babies home. Don’t forget to hashtag #FlormarPlushBrush #FlormarCosmetics #FlormarPh!

Winners will be announced on May 8, 15, 22, and 29

Image via BeautyMNL

Fun and Fabulous at 50!

Why should Manila girls have all the fun? If you’re in a provincial area, you may experience a hard time sourcing products. Online stores are the best way to go and as it turns out, one of our faves has a special promo! BeautyMNL is giving all of their customers are seriously awesome deal with their limited time only P50 shipping fee! No matter where you are in the Philippines, the promo is nationwide and there’s no minimum purchase required. Time to shop and finally check out those items in your car! Visit the BeautyMNL site or download the app.

Header image via Sidewalk Hustle

Can you feel the heat? We sure can! And we’re not just talking about the crazy 41 degree weather we’ve been experiencing. This week’s beauty roundup features everything you would want to take with you on that dream vacay, plus some intriguing stories to fuel an intense discussion with your amigas! Word of warning: we had an extra tough time stopping ourselves from placing orders for all the product spots this week.

Image via Instagram user @katvondbeauty

Livin’ La Vida Lolita

One of the hottest trends right now is sporting your lipstick, eye shadow, and nail polish all in the same shade. Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez are just some of the celebs who have gone all matchy-matchy, so it’s no surprise that beauty brands are jumping on this bandwagon. Enter Kat Von D Beauty. The vegan and cruelty-free brand has decided to release one of their most iconic shades Lolita in two new forms - an eye shadow and a blush powder! The gorgeous chestnut-rosey-mauve shade will be available starting next month on Sephora, and will, unfortunately, be a limited edition release. No other details have been released but the blush/shadow was teased over at Kat Von D’s official Instagram account. Anyone else dying to add this to their makeup collection?

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Allure

It’s A Unicorn Universe (and we just live in it)

Drugstore game strong! Wet ‘n Wild has made magic real with the launch of their Limited Edition Unicorn Glow Summer Collection, and we want everything! Following the success of their Color Icon Rainbow Highlighter, the affordable vegan beauty brand has added two more whimsical powders for us to play with: Everlasting Glow (a champagne highlighter) and Bronze Over the Rainbow (a golden brown) both priced at just $5.99 each. The collection will also feature three new Color Icon Loose Pigments ($2.99) in Mythical Dreams (purple), Pegasus Flutter (pink), and Unicorn Wishes (teal). 

If you’ve been dying to get your hands on one of those Too Faced Unicorn lippies, Wet ‘n Wild has the perfect dupe! The Mega Last Iridescent Lip Color ($3.99) in Immortal Tears (shimmering white) and Unicorn Soul (sparkly blue) both have pearl pigments that will give your lips that “unicorn sparkle” effect. And to top it all off, the brand is also releasing a special highlighting brush to help you create a diffused, ethereal glow. The dome-shaped synthetic brush has a unicorn horn-inspired handle and will retail for just $4.99! Shop the entire limited edition collection for just $29.99 on Ulta starting May 21 and on the Wet 'n Wild site on May 22. Hopefully these babies will also be available at Wet ‘n Wild counters soon!

Full story on Allure

Image via brandingmag.com

Are You Down with Dove?

And we thought the Kendall Jenner Soda ad was controversial! Brands are always trying new and different ways to connect to their market, and while sometimes it works, there are also occasions when it’s just... confusing. Dove, known for their relatable and “real” campaigns, has once again divided the Internet with their latest launch: the limited edition “Real Body” bottles of their cult-classic Deeply Nourishing Body Wash. The bottles became a hot topic because they come in six new shapes inspired by common female body types. The silhouettes are supposed to celebrate women of all shapes and sizes but it came off as an ill-conceived gimmick to some. Twitter is awash with posts dishing the brand and calling the campaign out for being inappropriate and unnecessary. Watch Dove’s Body Wash ad here and let us know what you think. Did Dove’s latest campaign hit or miss the mark for you?

Full story on Elle UK

Images via Instagram user @nicolettemason and Notey

That’s GNAR(S)LY

Hold the phone and ready your wallets, ladies - NARS is about to drop something we didn’t think we needed... til now. Their famously pigmented cult classic blushes (which are available in powder and cream stick form) will now be available in a dreamy, liquid formula! The liquid blush actually first debuted at the 2017 Oscars Red Carpet on Emma Stone, causing quite a stir as everyone sought to discover the secret to her gorgeous flush. As it turns out, the actress was sporting the shade Orgasm in its liquid form, and we never imagined that the iconic shade could ever be improved on! The liquid blush line will have four shades: Torrid, Luster, Dolce Vita, and of course, Orgasm. Priced at $30 each, the blushes will launch on May 12 on the NARS site and will soon be out in NARS counters.

Full story via Refinery29

Image via PopSugar

Glisten and Glow, with Glossier

And it’s finally out! After a couple of weeks of teasing on Instagram, Glossier has finally released a product that a ton of us have been waiting to see - their very own sunscreen! Unlike basic sunscreens that are thick, greasy, and even pore-clogging, Glossier promises that their Invisible Shield SPF 35 ($34) is a lightweight, serum sunscreen that protects your skin while keeping it free from that dreaded white cast in pictures. Containing both UVA and UVB filters, this sunscreen effectively protects your skin from a full spectrum of harmful rays without feeling heavy or sticky. Infused with Vitamin E, Vitamin P, and broccoli and aloe leaf extracts, the Invisible Shield looks like it blends smoothly on the skin and gets absorbed quickly (no more waiting for your face to dry!) while delivering antioxidant properties and fighting free radicals to keep your skin healthy. The super sunscreen also contains fermented yeast and vegetal extracts, keeping pollutants away from your face! Shop the new Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35 here.

Full story on Teen Vogue

Image via SephoraPH Newsletter

Marc Your Calendars!

Never thought that an email could make us swoon but that we did when we opened the newsletter from Sephora Philippines. Marc Jacobs Beauty is officially coming to the Philippine site, and signing up qualifies you to receive an exclusive gift once they’ve launched. We don’t have any other details but we’re already populating our wish lists with the Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer ($44) and the O!Mega Bronzer Perfect Tan ($49). Suffice to say, our wallets and bank accounts are not safe. Better sign up at the Sephora PH site to get first dibs when the brand finally goes live!

SpectruMed president and CEO Cheryl Grazer with Cristalle Belo-Pitt (Image via SpectruMed)

Perfectly Prime

Let’s face it: when it comes to staying slim and fit, diet and exercise are things we sort of dread doing. The results show, but at what feels like the slowest possible speed, making it both frustrating and disheartening to continue on. To quicken the process and ensure that your skin stays toned even with the weight loss, SpectruMed offers the perfect solution in its latest technological upgrade. President and CEO Cheryl Glazer is committed to keeping their company up to date with the latest advancements in beauty science so that both doctors and patients get the best quality of service. 

Their newest machine, the Accent Prime, offers patients customized treatments for facial and body contouring, as well as skin tightening, skin rejuvenation, and cellulite reduction. With the extra-large applicator, treatment time has been drastically cut short to just 20 minutes for the entire session! Industry bigwigs like Cristalle Belo-Pitt of the Belo Medical Group and Dr. Aivee and Dr. Z Teo of the Aivee Institute have expressed their support for Accent Prime, so if you’ve been considering getting a treatment, this is the machine to ask for.

Can’t get enough of beauty news? Got any of your own to share, or want to discuss in detail? Leave a comment below and make sure to join the Project Vanity Community page on Facebook!

Header image via Bustle

I'm going to be frank with you, this is one of those "I love this, but..." product reviews. The product does what I need it to do perfectly, however, everything else is not working quite as well. So. The Sleek Makeup Brow Intensity (P695 in department stores) is a dual-ended tube with a brow highlighter and a "sculptor" on each end. The brow highlighter is a flat and angled twist-up pencil, while the sculptor is a gel mascara with a sort of paddle tip. There are three shades available: Light, Medium, and Dark, with slightly varied but practically the same highlighter shades across the board.

I'm going to do this review a bit differently -  I'm going to start with the things I don't like about this so I can get them out of the way. 

• I am not a fan of the highlighters. They are too soft. I've broken off their tips a few times already even though I was careful only to twist a small part up! They are also quite sheer and sparkly, plus the three shades all too similar to one another.  
• The "sculptor" end of the tube is problematic. I can't go in with the paddle tip because it drops patchy color on my brows; the actual mascara spoolie is at an awkward angle when I try to work the product into the brow hairs.

That being said, the formula of the gel color is fantastic. Amazing. Through the roof. Here's why!

• It is water-resistant, almost water-proof. I've played tennis wearing the Sleek brow gel and it barely moved even with wiping. It sets fast though, so you have to get it right the first few strokes or else you'd have to use a makeup remover to correct wacky lines.
• The shade Light is perfect for me as is! It's a soft, warm brown that surprisingly works with my hair and skin tone well. I find Medium already too dark to use by itself, but it's great for creating a dark contrast on the tail and bottom of my brows. This technique makes brows look 3D instead of flat. PS - I have Dark too which I wasn't able to swatch here, but it's really way too dark for me to use ns.
• The brush is not too usable, but I just apply the gel with a separate angled eyebrow brush. It's easy to even out and blend as long as it's damp.

Wearing Light to map out the brows, then stamped on Medium in a few strategic places to create dimension

The overall finish of the Sleek Makeup Brow Intensity is indeed sleek, neat, and professional-looking without appearing too heavy (when done correctly of course). I highly, highly recommend this to those with oily and/or sweaty brows, or those who just need something particularly long-wearing. If you have about the same hair as mine, get the shade in Light! 

I do wish that Sleek will come up with just the brow gel in a simple tube, a la Make Up For Ever. Honestly I don't want to pay for a mascara applicator and highlighter I won't use. Still, I'm likely to finish the tubes I have and will purchase when the time comes. The brow gel is that good.

Thoughts?

More than all the skin care in the world, sunscreen is the most important thing you can and should apply on your skin. Not only can it delay wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and other signs of aging, it also protects you from skin cancer! That’s a real health issue well outside the confines of everyday vanity.

There’s no debate that everyone needs to wear sunscreen everyday. The question now is, how do you choose the best sunscreen for your needs? Here are three basic factors you should check for!

UVB Protection

All sunscreens should have an SPF or sun protection factor declared on their labels. This is what protects us from UVB rays that cause redness and sunburn. What you should know is that you don’t actually need a lot of it to get yourself protected.

With just SPPF15, a sunscreen can already block 93% of UVB rays. SPF30 increases that protection to 97%, and SPF 45 to 50 blocks up to 98%. There’s very little difference in protection as you go for a higher rating. Up to this day, no sunscreen can promise 100% protection.

UVA Protection

UVA rays cause photoaging and suppression of the immune system. In the US, sunscreens are labeled “broad spectrum” when they offer UVA protection. Here and in other Asian countries though, we use a system called Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD). The higher the PPD rating, the longer it takes for the skin to tan, as compared to when the skin is unprotected.

Thus, products that have UVA protection are labeled as “PA+, ++, +++,” and so on, indicating the protection grade. PA+ means a PPD rating of 2 to 4, PA++ means a PPD rating of 4 to 8, PA+++ means a PPD rating of 8 to 16, and PA++++ means a PPD rating of 16 or higher. 

Water Resistance

The US FDA doesn’t allow sunscreens to be labeled as “waterproof” or “sweatproof.” Instead, sunscreens that can last for up to 40 minutes in water may be labelled as “water resistant” while those that can last effectively for up to 80 minutes in the water are labeled “very water resistant.” 

We’ve already covered a lot of facial sunscreens in the past but lest we forget, the rest of our body needs protection, too! So for this showdown, we decided to put four body sunscreens that we regularly use to the test. Meet our contenders!

Nivea Sun Protect and Moisture, P459 for 125ml at Watsons 

With broad spectrum SPF50 PA++, the Nivea Sun Protect and Moisture has you completely covered. It’s labeled as water-resistant, and I made it to 40 minutes in the water before feeling like I needed to reapply it already. It can be really sticky though even if the label says otherwise. It creates a white cast. There’s a strong sunscreen scent upon application but it seems to fade afterwards. This would be good to use for when you’re outdoors and expecting to sweat a lot, or for swimming. 

Belo SunExpert Body, P459.75 for 100ml at Watsons

At SPF60, Belo offers the highest SPF coverage among the products I tested plus a pretty high broad spectrum protection at PA+++. It’s also the only product here that’s labeled as hypoallergenic and paraben-free, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or conscious about product ingredients. It’s also water-resistant but I find that it does not last as long as Nivea does. It’s not really sticky and doesn’t have a white cast but it leaves a sheen on my skin. It still smells like sunscreen but the scent is less noticeable compared to Nivea.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel, P460 for 90ml at Watsons

Unlike all the other products I tested, this features a gel formulation that you can apply on both your body and face. It’s not water-resistant but I love that it absolutely feels like nothing once applied.

The downside, however, is that it doesn’t have any moisturizing properties that a cream lotion formulation usually provides. For my face, it’s okay because I have combination skin and I only need a bit of moisturizer on my cheeks. But I have dry skin on the rest of my body, so I’d need to apply lotion first before putting this on. If you have normal skin on your body though, this is a good pick for you as you can use it all over. No need to bring a separate sunscreen just for your face!

Silka Premium Whitening Lotion in Papaya with Milk and Honey, P174 for 200ml at Watsons

This moisturizes really well and has a skin brightening effect because of the addition of niacinamide, sweet almond milk protein, and papaya enzyme in the formulation. It does not claim to be water-resistant but I wouldn’t mind reapplying this every two hours because I love the scent. The price is very budget-friendly! It’s an economical option for everyday use, however, we recommend a different sunscreen if you’ll be outdoors long or when swimming.

Reminders about using sunscreen

It’s best to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes BEFORE sun exposure to give the product time to dry on your skin. Be generous with your application because a thin layer won’t build up enough product to shield you from the sun's rays - you’ll usually need about a shot glass worth of sunscreen to cover EACH limb in your body. Finally, regardless of whether you’re swimming or just outdoors, you need to reapply about every 2 to 3 hours to ensure that you get continuous protection. 

Care to share what your fave body sunscreen is? Why do you love it?

Sources: Time, Skincancer.org, Byrdie, Foxnews.com, TheKlog.co, Cancer.org.au

I moved out of our house two weeks after I graduated from college. It's not because I don't have a good relationship with my parents or want to live a wild, parent-free life for the first time ever (snort), it's just that our home is in Cavite. I already had a job waiting for me in Ortigas then and it was unthinkable for me to travel back and forth every day. It's more practical to stay in an apartment in Manila.

I think, that day, I broke my mother's heart a little. She was never the severe and over-protective parent, but of course she had separation anxiety. Perhaps everything was too soon, too fast. But I was young. Nothing is soon enough when you're 21.

I saw her much more often in the beginning, but I only got busier and busier every year. I'm ashamed to admit that I don't spend as much time with her as I should. I always think I'm too busy trying to make something of myself, too tired from all that effort. But that's not always true. There's always time for the people we love if we make the time; otherwise, it will always be missed opportunities to bond and connect.

Luckily, my mom is a Facebook addict (haha!) so she always sees what I'm up to. We also have a family chat so she keeps me updated with her new baking adventure! She is currently taking classes on baking. She posts soooo many pictures and I enjoy seeing all of them. Thank god for unlimited data!

This is why when I saw Smart's new video, I couldn't help but cry. 

I love you, Ma. Let's go out this weekend.

This story is brought to you by Smart.

For as long as I can remember, Spiral at Sofitel has been The Place To Be for special celebrations. Their multi-station hotel buffet was one of the first to wow the discerning diners of Manila with the sheer selection of gourmet treats, and their Cheese Room is legendary among local gourmets. Through the years, they’ve managed to keep palates excited through new and creative menu additions. For the merry months of May and June, parents take center stage as Sofitel honors the men and women we owe our lives to. So save the date and treat them to a spectacular feast!

From May 12 to 14, Spiral will be adding more health-conscious options to the buffet menu as an homage to moms. At the press event, inspiring celebrity athletes Gretchen Ho and Hidilyn Diaz shared about how their moms ensured that they always eat healthy for a fighting fit bod. 

Gretchen Ho with her mom Annie

Gretchen, who was joined at the presscon by her mom Annie, shared that the secret to maintaining her energy level and enviable physique is with a high-protein, low-carb diet. She recalls how her mom used to keep the junk food in the house under lock and key! These days, the tables have turned with Gretchen being more strict about her diet and constantly reminding her mother to make better meal choices.

Braised chicken with black mushrooms

Spring chicken tagine

With her dietary preferences and her love for spicy food in mind, the chefs of Spiral presented Gretchen and her mom with the Avocado Prawn with Wasabi Delight Mayonnaise, Thai Chicken Green Curry, Braised Chicken with Black Mushrooms and Fresh Ginseng, and the Spring Chicken Tagine.

Hidilyn Diaz

Olympian silver-medalist, Hidilyn started her love affair with weightlifting at just 11 years old. She prepared for the Rio Olympics by lifting twice her weight and cutting out sweets entirely up until the end of the event. The weightlifter’s diet is rich in protein, and fish is Hidilyn’s favorite. So for her, the Spiral chefs prepared a variety of fresh makis, a colorful salad (containing edible flowers, asparagus, quinoa, pomegranate, calamansi, and vinaigrette), Chicken Ginseng Soup for added energy, and Lapu-Lapu steamed in Brown Bean sauce.    

Makis of every type

For dessert, the athletes can treat themselves to sweet but light creations like Mix Berry Panacotta and White Chocolate Green Tea Entrements. And for sugar-free options, there is the Banana Hazelnut Torte and Chocolate-and-Coffee Pot de Creme.

Chot Reyes

As a toast to dads, Sofitel will also be celebrating The Champ of the House from June 16 to 18. Similar to the Mother’s Day menu, Spiral’s Father’s Day offerings are equal parts scrumptious and nutritious. At the press event, TV5 CEO Coach Chot Reyes of Gilas was presented the filling, high-protein pair of Beef Chops Prime Ribs (Churrasco) and Scallops Herbs Piperade.

Aside from the delectable dishes especially curated for the occasion, moms and dads get the chance to win prizes from Sofitel’s brand partners like Zara, Estee Lauder, Savile Row, High Sierra, and American Tourister, to name a few. Vietura and Le Spa will also offer special promotions and packages for some much-deserved pampering for parents.

For inquiries and reservations, please call +63 2 832 6988 or email H6308-FB12@sofitel.com

Buffet rates for May 13, Saturday: lunch at P3,450 nett for adults and at P1,720 nett per child; dinner is set at P3,550 nett for adults and P1,781nett per child.  

Buffet rates for May 14, Sunday: brunch is P4,655 nett for adults and P1,965 nett per child while dinner is set at P3,350 nett for adults and P1,781 nett per child. You can also enjoy live musical entertainment as featured performers serenade moms on their special day.  

Hi, my name is Katsy, and I'm a K-drama addict. I’m partial to the ones that star my favorites like Song Hye Kyo and IU but mostly I get drawn in by the storyline. I also can’t deny that part of what appeals to me is how the lead cast look; even the men would have gorgeous skin! I’ve just finished watching Uncontrollably Fond with Bae Suzy, Doctors with Park Shin Hye, and The Legend of the Blue Sea with Jun Ji Hyun. These actresses are some of the prettiest stars of their generation, and their product endorsements are almost sure to cause the product to sell out immediately! Heck, I actually bought Park Shin Hye’s latest lipstick endorsement when I was in Korea recently just because she posted about it on her Instagram.

While I know that I’ll never actually look anything like them, I like buying these products because of the kind of look that they’re able to create. Most K-drama leads keep their makeup very natural or barely there and at first glance, they even look the same. A closer inspection will show the subtle differences in eyeliner styles, eyeshadow shades, and lipstick application but the effect is usually the same: clear, bright skin, minimal eye makeup, and just-kissed lips. It’s pretty and wearable for everyday plus it’s quite easy to follow. If you want to cop that no-makeup K-drama beauty look, here are a few beauty rules to follow!

Facial masks from Watsons and Leaders, Banila Co Prime Primer Classic Matte (P1,090), Etude House Sun-Prise Must Daily SPF50+/PA+++ (P478 via Althea Korea), M-Chloi Hypoa Moisturizer (via BeautyLab Whitening by Suaviss)

Rule # 1: Start by applying your skincare and never skip the moisturizer! Go with a gel or cream moisturizer, or put on a sheet mask for that instant glow. Top your skincare layers with a good sunscreen then seal everything with a primer to prep your skin for makeup. Alternatively, you can use a multi-purpose primer that also works as sunscreen to speed up the process.

Pink Sugar Our Lil Secret Concealer (P349), Essence Camouflage Cream Concealer (P149), W.Lab W-Snow CC Cushion (P1,050 on sale via Althea Korea), Laneige BB Cushion Pore Control (P1,320 via Althea Korea)

Rule #2: The base is everything. Spot conceal your blemishes! If using liquid concealers, dab it on the area and leave it to set before blending out and going onto the next layer. Follow up with a cushion foundation that offers coverage and glow. More and more brands have been offering this makeup format but if you have an existing HG foundation or can’t find your shade match, you can try the DIY route!

Happy Skin Glam Squad Arch Definer & Brow Mascara (P949), K-Palette Lasting 2Way Eyebrow Pencil (P795), Measurable Difference Brow Amplifying Tint & Lift (~P520)

Rule #3: Keep your eyebrows neat and natural. You don’t need to straighten your eyebrows in the Korean style (it doesn't suit everyone!) but at least keep them well-groomed. Run through the hairs with a spoolie to remove foundation before applying your brow products. For a more youthful look, choose a shade that is slightly lighter than your hair color. If you've dyed your tresses blonde, you can opt for soft brown shade in the same tone.

The lighter the eyebrow makeup is, the closer it is to K-drama brows. Subtlety is a must!

Witch's Pouch Selfie Awesome Gel Liner in Pearl Black (P270 via Althea Korea), Avon Super Extend Extreme Eyeliner (P299), Tony Moly Backgel Eye Liner in Khaki Black (P290)

Rule #4: Eyeliner must be invisible while elongating the eyes. Using a brown eyeliner is the Korean way to go for a natural daytime look. In K-dramas, only the kontrabida ever wears black eyeliner, while the heroine sports a barely-there line. It's best to do tightlining or root stamping to achieve this look, or you can follow our Korean eyeliner tutorial if you want a more defined eye.

Happy Skin Glam Squad Eyeshadow Duo by Mickey See (P899), Lunasol Feathery Smoky Eyes in Smoky Monotone 02, Urban Decay Naked 2, Etude House Bling Bling Eyestick in Starry Sky Star and Sunset Star (P228 each)

Rule #4: Eyeshadows tend to be neutral in K-dramaland, so using a well-coordinated palette should make matching colors easier. Use the darker shades on the lids with a pat of pearly eyeshadow in the middle for more dimension. A lighter matte shadow is used to emphasize the aegyo-sal (fatty eye bags) underneath. You can also try cream or liquid eyeshadows for more natural and youthful effect versus the dry matte look of powders.

Bobbi Brown Nourishing Lip Color in Island Pink (P1,400), Kanebo Moisture Rouge in 05 Core Red (P2,100), Skin Genie Lip and Cheek Stain Alive in Tulip Red (P80 via BeautyMNL.com), In Her Element Nourish & Cleanse Balm (P595), 7Hara My 1st Tint in Maple Red (P350 via Althea Korea), Laneige Two-Tone Lip Bar in No.5 Daring Darling (~P1,200)

Rule #5: While the gradient lip is far from fading into obscurity, the prevailing K-drama beauty trend is luminous flushed lips. Shades of red and pink are favored by fair-skinned Koreans, but shades of coral might work better with darker skin tones. Make sure to start with a hydrating lip balm to plump your pout and minimize the look of lip lines. Leave the mattes behind and opt for creamy lip products. Instead of swiping it on, dab all over the lips to achieve that natural-looking flush.

The Face Shop CC Intense Cover Cushion in Natural Beige (P895), Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Color in Rosegold (P1,250), Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil in M-60 (P1,250), 7Hara My First Tint in Maple Red, Witch’s Pouch Selfie Perfect Concealer (P220 via Althea Korea), MAC Matte Eyeshadow in Charcoal Brown, W.Lab White Holic Quick Whitening Cream (P640)

You don't need to use actual K-beauty products for this look, though they're most likely to be better formulated for achieving that bright and dewy beauty look. Keep your products and your hands light, always! For a full look to try on, you can follow our Korean-style makeup tutorial, which is pretty much wearable anywhere you go!

Do you watch K-dramas? Which one are your favorites, and which actresses are your K-beauty inspirations?

If Project Vanity had a motto, it would definitely be “Never ever skip sunscreen”. There are just so many benefits for doing so and with many affordable choices for both the face and body,  there is simply no excuse for neglecting your skin. Full-body sun protection doesn’t even just stop there - if you truly want to be covered from head to toe, you’ll need help from something like the two new Belo SunExpert products: the Hair and Scalp Shield (P349.75) and the After Sun Gel (P259.75)!

After the release of the non-aerosol Belo SunExpert Transparent Mist (P449.75), the Hair and Scalp Shield was a curious addition to the collection primarily because the packaging looks almost identical. It has a pop of green on the label though, and even without looking you’d be able to identify which is which because of the scent. The Transparent Mist has a strong sunscreen-alcohol smell while the Hair and Scalp Shield has a sweet, fruity scent similar to the After Sun Gel.

The Hair and Scalp Shield can be applied on both damp or dry hair but take care to apply it correctly. You need to hold it at least 9 inches away from your hair when spraying because the oily formula might just collect on a single concentrated oily spot when applied too close. A spritz or two is enough to give hair a natural-looking luster and mild frizz control. Just lightly comb through the hair to evenly distribute the product all over. If you’re prone to getting greasy roots though, you may want to limit application to just the hair tips and away from the scalp.    

Sun damage is a year-long reality, not just something that becomes a problem in summer or at the beach. Being outdoors for a prolonged period of time without sun protection or its reapplication can cause dry, tingly skin even if you don’t turn red or look tan. It’s handy to have the After Sun Gel to soothe the irritation effectively and help it begin to repair the damage. It’s formulated with niacinamide, a popular ingredient in serums and moisturizers because it has anti-inflammatory effects, restores hydration, and evens out skintone. Once applied, the gel behaves as a fast-absorbing lightweight lotion that leaves a little bit of sheen. There is menthol in there but the cooling effects is subtle and lasts less than 5 minutes. 

Before

After

The two Belo SunExpert products perfectly complement the previous roster of face and body sunscreens. With these new additions, the brand ensures that every inch of you gets the sun protection it needs, as well as aftercare for repairing the sun damage. Strictly speaking, they aren’t absolute must-haves like sunblock or sunscreen are but they are useful and convenient to have.

If you're not yet sure, you can sample these Belo products (and more!) over at Sample Room. Find the Belo SunExpert Hair and Scalp Shield here and the Belo SunExpert After Sun Gel here. Both can be yours at only 75 and 50 points respectively.

Have you tried Belo SunExpert before? What are your fave products? Would you add these two to your routine?

Belo SunExpert products are available in leading drugstores and supermarkets.