"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 working in beauty for a few years now, with my first post being a social media manager for several beauty brands. With each brand that I handled, I would always receive this one same question: What lipstick shade should I wear with my skin tone? 

The answer for me has always been: any color you want! Lipstick is probably the most fun makeup to wear because you're not limited by wearing only one shade (as with foundation) or how well you know to blend (as with eyeshadows). Picking out a lipstick to wear for the day can be dictated by your mood or matched to your outfit - the only real limitation is what's available in your collection.

With Pink Sugar's Super Creamy Matte Lipsticks line, it's easy to build a lipstick wardrobe without having to break the bank. The moisturizing formula and vivid pigmentation of these mattes make it difficult to believe that they're only P349 a pop! No surprise that they are the brand's best-sellers. Need proof? The Project Vanity team took on this massive swatch challenge to show how Pink Sugar's top 10 shades appear on different skin tones.

Enjoy!

From left: Girl Next Door, Breakfast in Bed, Hot Mess, Heartbreaker, Desire, Rumor, Catfight, French Kiss, Diva, Sangria

Marielle, fair with yellow undertones

I initially thought that these matte lippies would be drying. There is some drag in the application and it takes a few passes to get the creaminess going but I am amazed by how comfortable the formula actually feels! I was impressed by how pigmented and luxe-looking the shades are, and though I feel a slight waxiness in the texture, it is satisfyingly lightweight. It doesn't dry my lips out, and the color stays vibrant up until I eat. My top picks are Heartbreaker, a gorgeous, vintage-looking warm brown, and Diva, a sophisticated shade of brick red.

From left: Girl Next Door, Breakfast in Bed, Hot Mess, Heartbreaker, Desire, Rumor, Catfight, French Kiss, Diva, Sangria

Katsy, medium with yellow undertones

I once read somewhere that your best everyday lipstick should be able to brighten up your face and make you look ready to face the world, even with little to no makeup. Breakfast in Bed is that lipstick for me. I feel that it matches my medium skin tone really well and adds the right amount of color to my normally pale lips. This tube will definitely be living inside my bag from now on! It also lasts a good length of time on me, around 3 to 4 hours, mostly because I usually have to eat by then. I have a feeling it can last even longer without eating, as I always have to retouch after a burger break.

As for the formula, I find the Pink Sugar Creamy Mattes moisturizing, which is kinda amazing for a matte though this doesn't appear full-on matte to me. I like how it manages to have this sort of seal that makes the lipstick drag upon first swipe but after, it just glides on. It feels like it only melted upon contact with my skin, which is a good thing considering how crazy hot our weather is right now. I'll definitely repurchase and might even hoard! If ever they come out with a slightly more luxurious limited edition packaging, I'll be first in line for it!

From left: Girl Next Door, Breakfast in Bed, Hot Mess, Heartbreaker, Desire, Rumor, Catfight, French Kiss, Diva, Sangria

Angela, medium with neutral undertones

I like how the formula doesn't glide too easily as I am prone to making mistakes in application. The bit of tack actually makes my lipstick application more precise! Longevity is pretty good until I eat, at which point it completely comes off. I don't mind as I can easily reapply afterwards and have my lips looking great again.

I just love Breakfast in Bed - it's my perfect peachy nude. I also adore Desire on my lips and Heartbreaker won my heart. I really enjoyed these lippies and find them to be such a steal considering the price! There are so many shades to choose from and they all look beautiful.

While Breakfast in Bed was unanimously voted as the favorite shade, the girls prove that you can wear any color you want and pull it off. it's all about your attitude! 

Ready to rock your lip color? Did you fall in love with a single shade, or are you already planning on getting several shades?

Pink Sugar Cosmetics is available in SM Beauty Stores, Watsons, and other retail locations (full list here). Online, you may purchase products from BeautyMNL.com.

Header image by Samantha Gonzales

There's nothing more singularly disappointing than buying the wrong foundation shade. Sometimes, we get too excited and/or pressured at the counter that we don't hear the alarm bells ring; we just want our shiny new product sitting pretty at home! This is why it pays to have your wits about you when you're shopping for foundation, especially when you're about to drop the big bucks on a good brand. Here are five ways to get your perfect match!

1. Don't be shy or a know-it-all - ask the sales assistant for help! Yes, I know it sucks to be at the mercy of someone who may not be as nerdy about makeup as you are, but SAs will always trump your general makeup knowledge with specific product information. I always ask them for the three shades closest to my skin tone. If I don't have a product in mind, I ask what their best-selling formula is and what suits my concerns best.

It's important to have this discussion before moving forward to swatching shades. Take this time to establish rapport with the SA, study your options, and compare prices. I'll discuss why later on!

2. The best place to swatch foundation is along your jawline. Not your arm, wrist, or back of the hand! The jawline area is the mid-point between your face and neck color. If those two parts are too dissimilar, choose one side that you prefer and match that area. Just make sure to always blend the foundation on both your face and neck each time. No need to do this though if the color gap is not too wide; you can just apply the foundation on your face.

3. The foundation's undertone can make or break it. Ever notice how, even though the shade is correct, the color still looks off? That's where the undertone comes into play. Generally, foundations have two undertones: red and yellow. Forget about warm or cool; different brands have such different interpretations of the term!

Some brands like Make Up For Ever take the trouble to label their foundation shades Y for yellow and R for red so that you know what you're getting. Some brands like Bobbi Brown and NARS only offer yellow-toned foundation since it's their belief that yellowish colors work best to brighten any skin tone. MAC, in my experience, is a bit trickier. We made a guide on how to choose you MAC shade if you're interested.

These are Revlon Colorstay swatches. The shades look convincingly yellow in the swatch, but all of them sans Sand Beige (ironically) have a red undertone when blended. Still a great formula though. Full review here.

Here are a few *general* things to consider before choosing a red or yellow-toned foundation:

• Do you flush easily? Then a reddish foundation might work for you.
• Do you tan without burning as much or as quickly? If so, go for a yellowish foundation.
• This is an age-old trick but I find it's still relevant: if silver jewelry looks best against your skin, you might want to consider a reddish foundation. If gold jewelry is more flattering, choose a yellow-toned foundation.

Of course, none of this will beat the next tip, which is...

4. Go foundation shopping with a bare face, and actually wear the foundation ALL day before deciding on a purchase. Walk around the mall, check the color in natural lighting (as opposed to makeup counter lighting, which may be falsely flattering or bafflingly ugly-fying!), and check how it's changing throughout the day. You can read the online reviews, quiz the SA all you want, but there is no better test than seeing how a foundation performs than wearing it on your own skin. 

This is worth the hassle if you want to avoid an expensive mistake.

5. If you're still not 100% sure, bring a small plastic jar and ask for a sample. This is what I mean about the importance of building rapport with the sales assistant. If you are genuinely interested in buying their product, then it will show through and you can get the help you need. I used to be hiya about asking for things from the SA, especially when I go to high-end makeup counters, but I learned that it's their job to help me make a decision I won't regret!

So yes, bring a jar, and ask for a few pumps of the liquid or loose powder foundation you want to test. Don't fill the whole jar naman, just get enough for maybe one or two uses. This is especially useful if you have sensitive skin and want to know if you'll react to the foundation after an extended use. 

And that is that. ^_^ Have you got any more tips to add when it comes to foundation matching? Would love to hear them!

We do a lot of things for our love of beauty. A true-blue makeup addict signs up for workshops, spends hours watching tutorials on YouTube, and religiously visits beauty sites (like Project Vanity!) not just for reviews but to learn more about their passion. We may be able to perfect our arches as well as our wings but it's a whole different ball game to be a professional makeup artist. Whether here or abroad, the hours of training and practice under qualified instructors translate into product and technique know-how that you can only attain in a formal setting.

Apart from short courses, the tuition fees required to enroll in one of the top makeup schools can cost a good bit of money. Going into full-on career mode and stocking up on tools of the trade is especially expensive, as makeup artists usually use high quality products that they have to get in multiple shades to suit different client needs. If you’re a fledgling makeup artist, the costs of starting up can be heavy so every bit of savings can go a long way!

With that in mind, The SM Store Beauty Section recognizes the talents who make the local beauty scene a more vibrant place to be. To make pro kit-building more fun and affordable, beauty professionals can now get special perks with the new SM Beauty PRO-Card. The black privilege pass entitles pro makeup artists to a year-round 10% discount at The SM Beauty Section, as well as exclusive event invites and previews of the latest beauty releases.

The program was hosted by Bianca Valerio and Shamcey Supsup

Applying for membership is simple: the artist must simply send their portfolios via email to smbeautyph@gmail.com. Once approved, they will be issued their own PRO-Card and can already start shopping!

Over 200 makeup artists were present for the Pro Card's big reveal, wherein three pro makeup artists participated in a showdown. The trio worked their magic to create a personal spin on the ever-popular mermaid makeup theme. Guests then got to vote on their favorite look, and voters of the winning entry were automatically entered in a raffle draw to win some fab prizes from the event’s brand partners. The showdown winner, Muriel Jada Nubla, fashioned metallic fish scales on her model and used a statement-making shimmery blue on the lips for a mystical, monochromatic look. 

Contestants Nap Candelaria, Muriel Jade Nubla, and Zidjian Floro with their models

Have you ever considered getting formal makeup training? If you’re a professional makeup artist, what tipid tips can your recommend?

In this edition of the splurge vs save makeup showdown, I went through my stash to check for dupes and had them battle it out in a half-face FOTD. I haven’t done this before as I didn’t want to admit that I have products that are too similar but you know what, it has helped me realized which ones are actually worth repurchasing! Here are the dupes I discovered in my stash!

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in Natural (~P2,900) vs Pink Sugar BB Cream in Beige (P499)

I don’t wear foundation on a daily basis so I have a somewhat limited collection. My sister lent me her Pink Sugar BB Cream in Beige for this dupe because she loves it and recommended it to me as a lightweight but with coverage kind of base. That sounded exactly like my Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation in Natural, which makes my skin look like skin but better. With a subtle dewy effect and some form of SPF, the Bobbi Brown is on top of my foundation favorites.

The Pink Sugar BB has a slightly thicker texture than the Bobbi Brown. It didn’t feel heavy on though, and gave me enough coverage to make my skin look smoother and more flawless. I would still go for Bobbi Brown because I personally prefer a sheerer finish overall and it blends like a dream on my skin. If you prefer more coverage though, Pink Sugar is your bet and a lot more affordable option.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (P1,850) vs Nichido Final Powder in Ivory Glow (P150)

I have professed my love for the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder time and again. This is actually my second pot! It just sets my base so well and blends seamlessly with my skin. It is also finely-milled and does not make my under  eye concealer crease. I can last 8 to 10 hours of not needing to blot my face (assuming I do proper skincare prep) if I use the LM. 

The Nichido Final Powder is a nice surprise. It isn’t as fine in texture as the Laura Mercier but it is incredibly good, quality powder for a fraction of LM’s price. I can’t get over how affordable it is especially since it also sets my base quite well; it gives me a glowing matte finish! I do have to blot after 6 hours with the Nichido, which is pretty decent. I would still repurchase the Laura Mercier because I’m loyal to my love like that but I would definitely keep a pot of the Nichido on hand for everyday wear. I’ll reserve the Laura Mercier for special occasions considering its price. 

MAC Pro Longwear Brow Set in Brown Ebony (P1,000) vs Jordana Fabubrow in Dark Brown (P399)

The MAC Pro Longwear Brow Set in Brown Ebony successfully passed the makeup you can literally swim in test, and I use it practically every day. It has a thicker texture and a slightly darker shade than Jordana’s. It gives me an instantly polished look because it also fills my brows well enough to wear on its own. 

The Jordana Fabubrow in Dark Brown provides a thinner, more natural finish than the MAC, and I like how it keeps my brow hairs in place. For this round, I’m actually inclined to go with the Jordana Fabubrow because I’m having a major no-makeup, makeup look phase. If I want a quick work meeting face, I’ll probably reach for the MAC Pro Longwear Brow Set.

Chanel Illusion D’Ombre in Epatant (~P1,950) vs Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Hammered (~P250)

The Chanel Illusion D’Ombre and the Colourpop Super Shock Shadow both share a soft and cushiony texture that feels creamy to the touch. The Chanel Illusion D’Ombre has finer, more consistent shimmer though compared to the visible flecks in the Colourpop. Both are adequately pigmented and I find that I can build both up to intensify. 

Using a 6-hour marker test, both still looked good on with no substantial creasing. I will give this round to the Colourpop Super Shock Shadow because of the vast selection of shades and the price. I can already purchase several shades of the Colourpop and create an entire eye look for the price of one Chanel!

NARS Blush in Goulue (P1,650) vs Avon Skin Goodness Minerals Blush in Blushing Mauve (P250)

NARS has one of the best blush formulas in the beauty industry, which is why I tend to hoard their palettes. NARS Goulue (lower, rightmost pan in the palette) is described as a “warm berry with gold shimmer” and I like using it for my “serious moments” look. It blends really well on the skin, looks like a healthy flush of color, and a little goes a long way. 

The Avon Skin Goodness Minerals Blush in Blushing Mauve looks lighter in the swatches (right swatch) but applies very similar to the NARS Goulue. It is also well-pigmented and looks like a warmer version of Goulue once applied on my cheeks. I’d go for the Avon if I’m being practical but for a more natural and seamless blend, NARS still wins.

Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Highlight-01 (P1,750) vs Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette in Equinox (P875)

I love highlighters because of the glowy effect they give on my normally pale-looking skin. The Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in Highlight-01 gives the most subtle highlight and just sinks into the skin. 

The Sleek Solstice Highlighting Palette in the shade Equinox provides a slightly chunkier, more in your face kind of highlight. If you want showstopper highlighting drama, go for the Sleek Equinox. It also comes in a palette with three other highlighters so it’s a pretty sweet deal.  

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in Rose Matter (~P1,800 depending on local resellers) vs Pink Sugar Sugar Tint in Slay (P349)

Jeffree Star’s Velour Liquid Lipstick in Rose Matter is one of my top liquid lipstick formulas plus shade of choice. Upon swatching it side by side with the Pink Sugar Sugar Tint in Slay, I found the colors very similar although with different undertones. Rose Matter is a vibrant color that I reach for when I want to instantly brighten up my face. Slay is more subdued but looks equally lovely. Both liquid lipsticks are scented but I’m okay with scent on my lipsticks.

I’d go with the Pink Sugar Sugar Tint in Slay for this round because it is more accessible, it is a local brand, and it is a lip and cheek tint so you can also easily blend it as a blush. You’ll definitely get more bang for your buck because of this dual-purpose feature!

This is my FOTD wearing all the products mentioned above. Can you guess which is the Splurge side vs which is the Save side? The eyeshadow is a major hint. 

If you guessed it correctly, the splurge products are on the left side of my face (your right when facing the screen). I am amazed at how close they all look like once I put them on, save for the eyebrows and the eyeshadows! It definitely made me realize which products I’d really want to keep in my collection and repurchase once I run out.

Do you have dupes of your favorite high-end products? Are they worth the splurge or do the save options work just as well for you?

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?

I picked this up while I was shopping for tissue and wipes at Watsons. I actually put it back because it was a bit expensive for a Nichido product, but I thought I'd live a little. At P348, the Nichido Contour Palette is probably one of the pricier items from the brand. It contains a matte higlighter, a shading color, and a contour color.

What's the difference between shading and contouring, you ask? Shading is adding a natural color around your face to enhance features. It's much less precise than contouring, which requires a darker shade applied in specific areas to bring out the bone structure. It's a tomayto, tomahto thing because you can definitely use a contour powder to both shade and contour; just adjust the pigmentation!

Anyway, here is my quick feedback on the Nichido Contour Palette:

• The Contour shade is very pigmented - I actually wipe my loaded brush on tissue before putting it to my face. I like the shade as it's a neutral brown that looks natural when blended. It's a bit difficult to blend as it's patchy at first, but it works out in the end. I just move my brush briskly across the hollows of my cheeks. Staying power is good at 4-5 hours on my combination skin.
• The Shape shade in the middle is a bit lighter and closer to my skin tone. It's a nice color to use if you just want a more natural definition. It's a more forgiving color than the Contour! It doesn't seem to last as long though, at around 3-4 hours of wear. Maybe because it's not as easy to spot as the contour?
• The Highlight shade is a matte warm off white. It's patchy and looks chalky against my skin tone if I place too much. If I place too little, it looks completely invisible. Like I'm using translucent powder! You know what, it might actually serve better as a retouch powder than a highlighter.
• All shades are quite powdery. Always tap your brush to get rid of excess.

Overall, I'd recommend this palette to makeup newbies who are on a budget. It has three shades after all, for P348! Each has four grams so it will take a while to finish. I wouldn't say it's the best out there, but it will do if you just want to experiment with contouring. What do you think?

Anyone else freaking out just from reading the title? This week’s beauty roundup will have you PV girls giddy with excitement. From a fabulous summer sale with up to 70% off to a luxury makeup brand finally available on Sephora Philippines, your weekend is about to get a lot more spendy. Revlon’s latest lippies promise both hydration and pigmentation while L’Oreal has tapped their youngest ambassador ever (spoiler alert: she’s gorgeous). Whatever it is you fancy, we’re sure you’ll find it in this roundup. Happy reading! 

Image via Inglot Cosmetics

Build your own palette for a steal

If you’ve ever dreamt of creating your own custom palette for blushes, eyeshadows or even your whole face, now is the perfect opportunity to make it happen! Inglot Cosmetics is treating us to one heck of a sale this weekend. Get up to 70% off on your fave Inglot products and take advantage of the Buy 1, Take 1 promo! We’re definitely going to hoard some pans from their Freedom System and maybe curate another 40-piece palette. Head on over to the Ingot for this awesome sale!

Image via Revlon

Getting gel-y with it

Revlon Philippines recently posted an awesome video of their latest baby - the Ultra HD Gel Lip Color! We’re totally digging it, as the formula is Infused with hyaluronic acid for an intensely hydrating pout. It glides beautifully on the lips, and the 15 available shades promise a super pigmented and vibrant color thanks to its clear gel base. They’re also scented with mango and vanilla. We’re loving HD Lava (bright red), HD Sand (brown nude), HD Twilight (purple), and HD Tropical (Barbie pink). Keep your eyes peeled for a review here on PV soon!

L’Oreal’s newest fan(ning) girl 

Celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Angelia Jolie, J.Lo, and Blake Lively are just some of the gorgeous faces we regularly see at our fave beauty boutiques and now we can add another blonde beauty to the mix. Actress Elle Fanning is the newest ambassador for L’Oreal Paris! The fresh-faced star will be making her L’Oreal debut at the Cannes Film Festival where the beauty company has been a longtime partner. She will also be the face of their latest campaign for the Paradise Mascara and we can’t wait to see more of her! 

Full story on Elle

Image via PopSugar

Liquid #goals

Not one to shy away from amazing releases, Anastasia Beverly Hills is bringing their A-game this summer with yet another highlighter (as if they didn’t have gorgeously glowy ones already). Claudia Soare, President of ABH, announced that their latest addition will be the Liquid Glow. Described as an intensely luminous liquid that provides shimmer and sheen, this product would be perfect for flaunting your summer tan. No word yet on the release date, price, and number of shades, but based on the pictures and videos posted on social media (check out @norvina and @jaydenrobison), this liquid highlighter is the looking to be the bomb.

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Ouai

Rockin’ the rose

When it comes to fabulous products for your hair, Jen Atkin knows what’s up. With the success of her celebrity fave (and always out of stock) brand Ouai, the hair guru has just released another must-have for all those who love their hair care. Ouai Rose Hair and Body Oil ($32) aims to nourish, tame, and care for your locks as well as your skin. The dry oil is silicone-free, making it easily absorbed by the hair and skin, with a light feel and ultra nourishing formula. It is infused with rose hip oil (aids in minimizing scars and redness), absinthium oil (perfect for hydration), and shea oil (revives dry and dull hair). With a deliciously light floral smell, the Rose Hair and Body Oil is the perfect summer buddy. Keep checking back on Sephora Philippines for when it goes on sale!

Full story on In Style

Image via Instagram user @katvondbeauty

Crazy for the contour

Who doesn’t love a chiseled cheek and a gorgeous glow, right? Well, Kat Von D Beauty’s latest teaser has beauty junkies all over the world freaking out. The Shade + Light Crème Contour Palette ($49) will have the same gorgeous shades as that of the original powder counterpart, offering offers with highly pigmented colors and a smooth, non-greasy texture. The crèmes are long lasting and easily blendable with any skin tone. So if you’re on the look out for an awesome cream palette (or if you have dry skin and cream products are your jam) then this is the product for you!

Full story on Bustle

Image via Get The Gloss

On your Marc, get set, SHOP!

It’s finally here, PV girls! Marc Jacobs Beauty is officially available on Sephora Philippines and we’re struggling with the urge to put everything into our digital shopping cart. The prices may be steeper than other brands but with all the amazing reviews on MJ’s products, we’re sure we’re going to find some faves and makeup staples. We’ve already got our eye on the Effortlessly Irresistible Most Coveted Bestsellers Set (P7,400) – it may be a huge price tag but the set already includes the following: the Hydrating Under(cover) Perfecting Face Primer, Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Blacquer, Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara, Le Marc Lip Crème in Slow Burn, and the Enamored Hi-Shine Gloss Lip Lacquer in Allow Me. Bundled together, these five great products are practically a steal. Of course, there’s the Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate (P2,848), and the Undercover Perfecting Coconut Primer (P2,312) that we’re tempted to drop into our carts. Shop the brand here.

Happy weekend to all!

Header image via The Beauty Look Book

Like any beauty noob, I didn't realize the importance of using a separate makeup remover until much later. I grew up watching my mom slather on Cold Cream, and because I didn't like how it felt on my face and stung my eyes, I relied on whatever facial wash I had available to clear everything off my face. Of course, this led to quite a few breakouts that I initially thought were caused by a product I was using.

I've since learned that there are so many other makeup removal options available and I'm certainly glad (and grateful) that I no longer have to rely exclusively on cold cream to get clean. Here's what we PV girls prefer to use instead!

Liz: What I use to remove makeup depends on how much I have on and how tamad I am at the end of the day, haha. Here are the different scenarios:

• Heavy event makeup + already falling asleep in an awkward angle on the couch = In Her Element First Wash Cleansing Oil. This can take off my waterproof products! I massage my eye area to break down the thick formulas. I use it right before I shower.
• Light everyday makeup + I've got no time for this shit = Cetaphil Cleansing Cloths. These wipes are generously wet and kind to my skin! It works fast but never feels drying or abrasive.
• Light everyday makeup + home early + dull skin = Son & Park Beauty Water. I like that it has skincare ingredients for boosting my tired skin. It's too expensive just for removing makeup, so it's what I pick up when I need that extra TLC.
• Medium everyday makeup + have some time to dawdle = Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. I like this, it's super affordable and it does the job. It can cut through a good amount of long-wearing products as long as there's nothing waterproof.

I'm sure it's no surprise to anyone that my current HG facial wash is the In Her Element Low pH Rose Gel Cleanser. I like how soft the foam is, its relaxing luxe rose scent, and how it never feels drying. Basically my dream facial wash! I mean, that's why we made it.

Den: I only discovered double cleansing last year and it has seriously changed my life! I wish I'd tried it sooner! Biases aside, I truly enjoy using In Her Element's First Wash Cleansing Oil because it easily and quickly removes all traces off my makeup, rinses easily, and leaves my skin looking bright. I follow up with a pump or two of the Low pH Rose Gel Cleanser to prepare my skin for BHA and AHA application. Even a single pump actually foams up quite well! I use it with a konjac sponge every few days for some mild exfoliation as my dry skin has a tendency to look grey and ashen,

Angela: I use In Her Element Cleansing Oil. It cleanses really well and I love how it smells, though sometimes waterproof mascara and eyeliner still remain. (May I recommend trying a downward massaging motion? - Liz) When this happens, I use the In Her Element Balm or petroleum jelly. After that, I use a regular facial wash. I'm still on a quest to find my HG facial wash. Right now, I just switch between Perfect Whip and Lactacyd (LOL) and I recently ordered CosRx Good Morning Cleanser but it hasn't arrived yet. On lazy days, I use Garnier Micellar Water then wash with a facial wash.

Stacie: When I started with my makeup journey, micellar water was my best friend. I've repurchased Bifesta over and over again for about three years because it's an easy, fuss-free, non-oily way of removing makeup. When they pulled out, I opened my heart to cleansing balms. In Her Element's Nourish and Cleanse Balm was Liz's gift to all the staff last Christmas, and it's so good! It's marketed as an eye makeup remover, but gurl, you can slather this on your whole face, smell like doughnuts, and emerge makeup-free. I've actually already hit pan on this even if I literally just use about a peso coin size for my whole face.

For my second cleanser, I use the Low pH Good Morning Cleanser from CosRX. This can remove light makeup, too. I got the worst breakout of my life (it was a  complete disaster!) from using a high pH cleanser so I have completely sworn off all of them. 

Tellie: I'm a big fan of double cleansing - I've always thought that facial washes never really got off all of my foundation. I like to start with a biphase remover like Pond's for my waterproof eye makeup and dark lipstick, if I'm wearing any for the day. Otherwise, I just go straight for a micelle water like Labiotte Code-Derm Capsule Cleansing Water. I rinse this with a little water and, with moisture still on my face, get a little bit of foaming cleanser such as Scinic Honey Banana Cleansing Foam. I use sooo little, like half a pea, and work it into a foam on my hands before swishing the foam on my face. Anything more and my face ends up dry and itchy!

Charlie: I've become addicted to double cleansing ever since I've noticed a major change on how my skin looks right after. I have acne-prone, combination skin so I also make sure to pick out products that can help treat it. No matter what I have on, I use cleansing water on cotton pads as my initial cleanser. I've recently tried Garnier's blue micellar water and I'm liking it so far. I follow up with a cleansing oil like BRTC's Pore Tightening Cleansing Oil to melt the rest of my makeup residue. Afterward, I cleanse with a foaming cleanser; I've been loving COSRX's Salicylic Exfoliating Cleanser recently because it helps treat my troubled skin.

Crystal: Philosophy Purity Made Simple is so good that I'm already on my third bottle of this. It touts itself to be a one-step cleanser, and for the most part, it's true. It removes my makeup and cleanses my face that I can get away without using a separate cleanser, yet it feels so gentle on my skin. I still prefer to double cleanse, though, so I still wash my face with another cleanser that I feel like using at the moment.

Katsy: I prefer to "triple cleanse" whenever I wear full makeup. I remove my eye makeup and lipstick with micellar water then use cleansing oil then facial wash. I do this because I don't want the color to spread all over my face (especially stubborn liquid lipsticks) if I go straight to cleansing oil. I also used to just use cleansing oil but after I tried double cleansing, I got hooked! I have to follow up with a facial wash after. Right now, I'm finishing up the Bioderma Micellar Water, Lebaton Ban Ban Dual Cleansing Oil + Cleanser, and the su:m 37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick. The first two products I can alternate with others but I feel the su:m 37 is a must-have.

Gett: I wear makeup majority of the week. I'm quite fussy about makeup removal, but it's super important that I thoroughly remove it all to prevent any breakouts and irritation. Recently, I've been using a sample of the Clio Microfessional Lip and Eye Remover (got it from a Clio Kill Brown eyeliner set!) to remove eye makeup. It's oil-based so it easily removes glitter and eye liner! When I do wear mascara (Heroine Volume and Curl by default), I take it off with the Heroine Mascara Remover. It's got a bristle-less wand so it just coats the lashes with the remover and melts it all off; it's awesome! On a day-to-day basis, I love to double cleanse. I starting off with DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. I love how it removes everything so easily, and hate that I can only get this in Japan. Then I follow it with the face soap from my derma.

Marielle: For light base makeup, which is becoming increasingly rare for me, DHC Cleansing Oil does a great job of taking everything off without stinging eyes and drying skin. But for the heavy-duty layers (cushion compact, foundation, full-coverage concealer, powder), Chica Y Chico Killing Star Foam Cleanser is the one to beat. It's supposed to be a 3-in-1 makeup remover/cleanser/exfoliator that eliminates the need for a round 2 of cleansing, but I still prefer to double cleanse. It doesn't make a lot of sense to me why it has to have a sparse smattering of microbeads, because who wants to exfoliate while there's still all that makeup gunk suspended in the cleanser.? As a makeup remover though, it takes away the thickest, stickiest base products in a pinch.

How do you take off your makeup? Are you an oil, cleansing balm, micellar water or makeup remover wipe kinda girl? What are your fave products?

"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 to 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 until May 21 only: 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

Do you consider yourself artistic? You may not know how to draw or sing or dance but every time you do a smoky eye and put on your carefully curated #OOTD, you are actually doing your own kind of wearable art! Beauty and fashion is a great way to incorporate artistic expression in our everyday lives but it doesn't have to be limited there. Wouldn't it be fun to celebrate all that in one spectacular evening?

On May 27, the Manila X Festival 2017 will be bringing beauty, style and music together onstage at the Globe Circuit Event Grounds. Organized by BYS, it's a fashion show and concert rolled in one! The performances will be headlined by online sensation William Singe and local rock god Bamboo. Expect even more memorable music acts from KZ Tandingan, Kiana Valenciano, Curtismith, Sam Concepcion, Jessica Connelly, Franco, Saydie, The Juans, Tukar Sinati, A Team, Carlo Atendido, Patty Tiu, Ron Poe, and Tom Taus.

Here's where the news gets even better: PV girls are in for a special treat! Purchasing 2 Manila X tickets entitles you to 1 more ticket, completely free! To avail of this promo, simply email Jackie Gan (jacquelinegan [@] manilax.net) of Manila X with the proof of purchase for the purchased tickets. It's a great way to treat a friend, or simply split the cost three ways! See you there, ladies!

The Manila X Festival 2017 is set for May 27 at 7pm. Gates open at 4pm. Tickets are available from TicketWorld. General admission is P1,200 while VIP tickets are P2,000.

This story is brought to you by Manila X.

I think it's safe to say that everybody has been feeling the heat. We’re all looking for some respite, whether by hitting the beach, going up to Baguio, lounging by the pool, or even just collapsing on our beds with the fan at full blast. You may even have updated your wardrobe to consist of light, airy, and perhaps skin-baring pieces to keep from getting hot and bundled up. Just as we adjust our clothes to be more weather-appropriate, it’s a good idea to do the same for our skincare regimen. Like it or not, our environment has an effect on our skin and this causes our skin’s condition and needs to change. If you haven’t done it yet, here’s some quick guidelines on how to transition your routine and make it more summer-ready. 

Do some spring cleaning

Many beauty brands release special collections for the summer season, so if you’re looking to add some new pieces, it’s a good idea to clear out your vanity and beauty storage. You may already know when to toss your makeup but are you familiar with skincare expiration dates as well? With the heat at full blast, products that aren’t properly stored can degrade at a faster rate. It may be tempting to still use it, especially when there's no funky smell or it change in appearance but considering that you apply it directly on your skin and expect to reap benefits, stop to consider if you should take the risk.

Make sure to store your products in a cool part of the room, away from direct sunlight, and possibly in a sealed container to avoid gathering of dust and ensure product freshness. Transparent organizers are a good investment as storage for your skincare and makeup, particularly if you’re a hoarder like me!

Switch to lighter moisturizers

Cleaning out your stash may have led you to unearth products that you’ve quite forgotten about. Hydration is still key no matter what weather is like, so this is the best time to trade in your rich creams for a lighter formula. Water-based and gel type moisturizers offer your skin good hydration without weighing it down or causing a sticky sensation. It can take time for skin to adjust to a new product, so if you have sensitive skin, it’s best to start with alternating between the established product and the new one every other day. You may increase it to daily application by the following week.

We recommend the Celeteque Dermoscience Hydration Facial Moisturizer (P139 for 50ml at the beauty department), The Face Shop Moisture Blending Formula Cream (P2,195 at The Face Shop stores), and Nature Republic Soothing and Moisture Aloe Vera 92% Soothing Gel (P245 at Nature Republic stores) 

Go easy on exfoliation

Should you exfoliate more or less during the summer season? It’s certainly tempting to scrub away with all that sweat, oil and grime forming a layer on your skin, the dirt and grime more often but you might want to hold off on using products that contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) as these can increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

Once a week or less is ideal, particularly if you will be exposed to the sun for a prolonged period, or if you are not so diligent with your sun protection. I was once advised by my dermatologist to stop using my chemical exfoliant at least five days prior to a beach trip and only start using it again three days after.

Keep your cool

While it feels nice to splash some ice-cold water on hot skin, why not use products give that refreshing effect while giving you some skin care benefits as well? Himalaya Naturals Refreshing and Clarifying Toner (P129 at Watsons) contains natural ingredients that cleanse and provide a cooling effect to the skin. The Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream_EX (P2,150 at Laneige stores) is a light gel moisturizer that lowers the skin’s temperature with Hydro Ion Mineral Water. Some clay masks are difficult to use on summery days because they do tend to heat up but Banila Co’s The Blacks Cooling Clay Mask (Ice) (P695 at BeautyMNL) cools the skin with peppermint extract while giving some serious pore-cleaning action. If your retouch at midday leaves you feeling too matte, a refreshing facial mist would be a good addition to your routine.

The ubiquitous Evian Facial Spray (P199 for 50ml at Watsons) is a favorite even among makeup artists. I also spray on MAC’s Prep + Prime Fix+ (P1,200 in MAC stores) when it gets especially hot; amazingly, it always feels cool and soothing.

Never go without sun protection

With less cloud cover and higher temps, it’s even more important to be mindful of your sun protection during summer. The daily application of sunscreen is non-negotiable so choose one with adequate sun protection and is not too greasy so as to lead to makeup meltdown. Always use sunscreen with broad spectrum protection and SPF of at least 30 to protect not just against sunburn but also from skin cancer and premature aging. 

We recommend: Obagi Sun Shield Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 50 (P3,850 at House of Obagi), Belo Sun Expert Ultra Gentle Sheer Spray, Armada Face Cover 30 (P875 at department stores), Celeteque Sun Care SPF 50 Face and Body Cream (P449 at department stores)

Have you transitioned to more summer-friendly products? What are your go-tos and how did it earn its HG status? Let us know if you have more tips by commenting below!

Whether you’re looking for your very first K-beauty buy or your nth one, the sheer number of options can be completely overwhelming! Thanks to online stores, we have better access to countless K-beauty brands and their massive product lines. If you’re looking for more choices for doing the 10-step skincare routine or want to go beyond the super gwiyeoun (cute) packaging, we’ve compiled 10 finds that further prove just how awesome Koreans have gotten at raising the bar for beauty. Add these to your must-try and must-buy list!

Son & Park Beauty Water (P1,269/Althea PH)

This magic bottle of water is one of South Korea’s top-selling products, and for a great reason. This wonder multi-tasker can serve as both your makeup remover (for light and non-waterproof makeup) and toner or skin prep before putting on your makeup. You can even transfer into a spray bottle to use it as a hydrating mist that also helps brighten skin. It’s pretty friendly to all skin types and has a 4.5 pH that can help balance the skin’s pH level.

COSRX Blackhead Liquid Power (P1,070 at The Skincare Curator)

Using beta hydroxy acids, this chemical exfoliant can draw out impurities that are stuck deep in your pores without the abrasive contact of a scrub or the pore enlarging effect of a peel-off mask. Despite the name, it’s actually pretty gentle on the skin and is supremely effective for both the removal and prevention of comedones. It’s best used after a low pH cleanser and left on for 30 minutes before any other product application. 

Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick (about P1,500 at online shops) or Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick (P900/The Skincare Curator)

Have you ever heard of cleansing sticks before? They’re basically facial foaming cleansers formed in massive twistable tubes, which is another nifty idea. Not only are they very travel-friendly (goodbye, bag spills!), they also keep your skin from drying out as the cleansers are formulated with beauty oils. Su:m37’s is one of the most, if not THE most, popular of cleansing sticks but it can be hard to find and often features a hefty price tag. Neogen’s version is more readily available but also has a more balm-like texture.

W-Lab Sebum Out Peel Off Pack (P1,100/Althea PH)

Remember those widely-advertised nose packs on social media that show so many blackheads (actually sebaceous filaments) stuck to a black peel-off mask? It’s gross yet oddly satisfying at the same time. This one can be applied to the whole face, but without the painful removal process. It just kind of gently peels off! If your skin concerns include rough texture, enlarged pores, and whiteheads, you might find this a keeper. The blend of charcoal powder, bentonite, and purifying oils cleans out the pores and makes the skin a lot smoother.

Dear Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin Drop (P1,010/Althea PH)

Vitamin C is a highly sought-after skincare ingredient for those who have problems with dark spots, acne scars, and dull and dry skin. It has to be used with caution though, as high doses can cause skin sensitivity. Fortunately, this one has a 5% vitamin C concentration that can be used even by those with sensitive skin. Just apply on its own, or mixed with your favorite moisturizer if you experience a slight tingling as your skin adjusts to using vitamin C. 

Skin&Lab Vitamin Toner and Mist (P450/Althea PH)

Even without the hot summer weather, you’ll want to keep this mist with you all day! This vitamin mist is powered with hyaluronic acid for anti-aging plus vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, and collagen for supple skin. It can keep your skin refreshed and hydrated throughout the day. You can also use it as a toner and it smells fruity and fresh!

Skinfood Black Sugar Honey Mask Wash (P330/Althea PH)

Exfoliating regularly is necessary for removing the dead layers that make skin look dull and feel rough. This sugar scrub smells as sweet as the name suggests. It contains minerals that can help eliminate blackheads while restoring moisture to keep skin smooth and supple. Best of all, it works whether you leave it on as a mask or use it as an exfoliating cleanser.

The Saem Iceland Micro Hydrating Eye Stick (P320/Althea PH)

Made from Iceland Mineral Water (that is said to help treat darkness and dryness of the skin), this cute eye stick buddy has a cooling effect that keeps the skin feel refreshed, hydrated, and moisturized. Since it’s in stick form, it’s easy to lug around and reapply when your skin starts to dry up again.

Elizavecca Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask (P550/Althea PH)

It bubbles and it fizzles, just like a soda! While it may sound like a crazy idea, this wash-off mask helps clean out your pores and nourish your skin. It looks just like any normal clay mask when you first apply it, then it reacts to the air and creates a tingly-sensation that forms a foam layer over your skin.

COSRX Blackhead Silk Finger Ball (P190 for 12 pieces/Althea PH)

We love all things CosRX here on PV, and this is probably one of the more interesting skincare products they have. It’s made from 100% silk and sericin, a protein produced by silkworms as they make silk. It’s designed to slip over your finger, soaked in warm water, then be rubbed on blackhead-prone areas to remove them painlessly.

Have any of these K-beauty must-haves made their way into your skincare routine yet? What’s your best K-beauty find so far?

I have a couple of Bobbi Brown Art Sticks and I love them - they're pigmented, they give full coverage, and stay on for hours. I have only one complaint though: they have to be sharpened since the lip crayon is housed in wood. Thankfully I haven't lost the special sharpener; it would certainly be a dark day if it were to ever occur!

There are, however, merits when it comes to wooden crayon makeup. They may be hassle to sharpen but that means that the product is uncontaminated, fresh, and will not start drying out until it's sharpened.

Still, my lazy self is glad that the new Bobbi Brown Art Stick Liquid Lip (P1,400) comes in a different format. It's a liquid lipstick housed in a squeeze tube that has a small slanted applicator at the end. It promises to be a more comfortable, creamy formula compared to other LLs while offering intense pigmentation. Does it deliver? Yes!

The product was easy to squeeze out and apply once I got the hang of it. The trick is to swipe on only a small amount - a little goes a long way here - and then fix up the edges with the slanted plastic tip. These lippies have a semi-matte, creamy finish when applied correctly. I put too much while swatching hence they look more shiny than they are in real life! These are definitely not glossy or shiny when freshly applied; the satiny sheen tempers down the longer you wear it.

The Art Stick Liquid Lip don't set dry like the others. It actually feels like a normal twist-up lipstick once it settles. I prefer that, actually, since most liquid lipsticks tend to feel caky and too drying on my lips. I don't need to wear lip balm with it since it's moisturizing enough for my normal lips.

Staying power is good at 4-5 hours. It fades after eating (outer corners and middle part) and transfers but not more than usual for a moisturizing lipstick. Expect a nice stain after!

I have two shades with me. Plum Noir is a rich grape-y red while Pink Punch is a hot coral pink. Both bold shades look good on my medium warm skin tone and they're my go-to when I'm itching for a bold lip.

Overall, you must check out the Bobbi Brown Art Stick Liquid Lip if you're looking for a satin finish liquid lipstick that's comfortable and not too fussy. You can find pretty browns, nudes, and bolds in this collection. Let me know what you think!

We’re always excited when a new store branch opens. One, because it means that the business is thriving, and two, because their products and services become more accessible as they add a new location! Last week, two new stores for beauty junkies opened at Level 3 of Glorietta 3 in Ayala, Makati. Let's explore SkinStation and ChemWorld Fragrance Factory!

SkinStation is a skin clinic that prides itself on providing painless Diode Laser Hair Removal among other bestselling services, which include Anti-Acne Facial, Diamond Peel, Ultra V-Life, and Fractional Laser Resurfacing with CollaWhite Serum. They are relatively affordable compared to other skin clinics offering similar services, and they often offer promos that make for even better deals so make sure to check their FB page before deciding to get a treatment.

Had I known about them earlier, I probably wouldn’t have spent close to P30,000 to get laser treatment from a different clinic. If you do decide to permanently zap unwanted hairs away, don’t forget to observe our post-hair removal tips! 

SkinStation also has a range of beauty products available at their clinics. They carry the skincare line Dermax Professional, which has a specialized product range for each skin concern such as Anti-aging, Anti-Acne, Skin Whitening, and Skin Moisturizing. 

I was most excited about the Dermax Professional Jeju Aloe Peeling Gel so I tried that first. It’s touted to exfoliate, whiten, and moisturize skin with every application. It seems very similar to Cure but it’s specifically recommended for use on elbows, knees, and heels so it might not be a good idea to use on the face.

I tested it out on my elbow and liked the result. It sloughed off dead skin cells easily. Do take care not to rub too vigorously though, as my elbow felt a bit raw after. It looked effective enough as the skin lightened a bit. I’ll probably need to use this some more to see any drastic changes. 

Right next door to SkinStation is its sister company, the ChemWorld Fragrance Factory. If you haven’t seen any of their stores before, it’s a one-stop shop for essential oils, perfume oils, soaps, and bottle packaging (Remember this luxe perfume rollerball? Got it from Chemworld! - Liz). You can buy their pre-made blends or make one of your own using the raw materials sold here. It’s a haven for any girl who loves perfume; you can even turn your hobby into a business. 

They also have ready-made room fragrances, perfume oils, hand sanitizers, and soaps among their extensive range of products. It’s very fascinating to see the different types of scents available, and I ended up spending a lot of time there just browsing their aisles. 

Interested in customizing your own fragrances whether as a personal hobby or a potential sideline? ChemWorld conducts perfume-making seminars and sells starter kits for newbies who aren’t yet familiar with what perfume making supplies to get. Easy, right? If you had fun trying out our DIY solid perfume or want to be the next big local fragrance brand, a trip to their store is definitely a must.

For more information on SkinStation and ChemWorld Fragrance Factory, or to find a branch nearest to your location, you may check out the following links:

SkinStation website | Facebook

ChemWorld Fragrance Factory website | Facebook

Have you ever tried the services or products at SkinStation? Are you tempted to visit ChemWorld and stock up on supplies for your next DIY project? Which of these new stores will you be visiting soon?

If you already contour your face, why not spend an extra two minutes contouring your eyes? Many of us feel intimidated by eyeshadow palettes with a dizzying (though pretty) selection of colors. Sometimes, it pays to know the basics first or even just simplify an existing eyeshadow routine. I promise that it's not as hard as you think when it comes to achieving deeper, more defined eyes with just two colors!

Our fave German brand recently sent over some of their new products concerning the matter. I have here all shades of the Essence Contouring Eye Pencil (P279) and the Essence Contouring Eyeshadow Set (P249). Both items are quite affordable and perform well for the price. Let's see them in action.

The Essence Contouring Eye Pencil comes with a matte contour shade and a highlighter. The texture is creamy and easy to blend, but you do have to work fast before the formula sets. The effect of these two are subtle so I would recommend them for everyday eye contouring - something to swipe on and blend quickly if you're just stepping out.

The staying power of the Eye Pencil is about three hours with creasing if you don't use a primer. With primer, it creases only minimally and lasts for up to 4.5 hours. Between the two shades available, I would recommend the Chocolate Meets Vanilla more! It's a warm chocolate contour with a vanilla highlighter. I find Caramel Meets Frosting too cool on Filipina skin, but it might work better for you if you're fair.

I love using this pencil. It actually reminds me this old Shu Uemura crayon, my go-to years ago when I wanted an eye look with zero fuss! This Essence one is similarly easy to use. 

• Step 1: I draw on a thick line on my crease, touching to the outer corner of my eyes. The top line doesn't go beyond half of my eye length.
• Step 2: With a brush or fingers, I diffuse the lines outwards and downwards. See how soft the effect is? I can actually stop here as it already makes my hooded lids' sockets look deeper.
• Step 3: I add the highlighter on the center of my lids then
• Step 4: Make sure that no lines show. I just use my fingers to erase the lines!

Here's the finished look! Pretty no? I used a bronze Essence eyeliner on my top lash line to get some soft shimmer there. Now while I won't recommend this pencil to those who are looking to do a cut-crease or intense eye look, this is perfect for ladies who just want quick, subtly contoured eyes. I go for this look myself when I want some definition in my eye area while still keeping it fresh and light.

The Essence Contouring Eyeshadow Set comes in three neutral, sweetly-named shades. Mauve Meets Marshmallows is a matte mauve with a matte cool beige. Brownies With Frosting is a chocolate-y brown combined with a peachy shimmer, while Roses Meet Mahogany is a shimmery taupe with an icy white shimmer. Each of these are smooth and softly pigmented (think Bobbi Brown pigmentation levels), obviously intended for a natural look.

I find the Mauve and Roses duo too cool for my skin, so I stick with Brownies With Frosting as it harmonizes with my coloring best.

I would recommend using a primer with these shadows, as with any eyeshadow. Here's a look I did with Brownies With Frosting. Love how blendable the colors are - it's something both beginners and pros would appreciate, I think.

And that is that. ^_^ Let me know what you think, as always!

We recently did a sunscreen showdown, where we compared four different SPF lotions under P500. This time, let's discuss spray-on sunscreens! Compared to your typical lotion or cream-type formulas, spray-on sunscreens are a lot easier to work with. They dry easily and don't leave a thick, sticky feeling which some lotions may be guilty off. The spray mechanism also make it possible for you to apply protection on hard-to-reach places like your back.

The downside is that it can be tricky figuring out if you’ve applied enough product because spray-on sunscreen is generally colorless. It’s a good idea to pat on 3 to 4 layers on your face and spray for several seconds on your body until your skin looks a bit shiny. The aerosol format also makes these flammable so they should be stored with care, away from open flames and excessive heat.

Spray-on sunscreens are often a bit more expensive than their cream counterparts but we’ve found three under P600 for you to try out!

Céleteque Face and Body Sun Defense Spray, P449 for 100ml at SM Beauty

Key specs: SPF50 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, water resistant

Among the spray-on sunscreens I tried, this is the only one labeled as water-resistant. It lasted for about 40 minutes during my exercise and swim test. Not so bad for everyday but it may not be ideal for use at the beach. It’s a little sticky upon application and creates a bit of sheen on the skin even after dry-down but I like that I’m able to see if I have applied it all over.

There’s a mild powdery fragrance along with the usual scent of sunscreen, which I personally like. What makes this unique is that it has vitamin E and sunflower oil to help keep skin moisturized!

Belo Sunexpert Ultra Gentle Sheer Spray, P539.75 for 140ml at Watsons

Key specs: SPF50 PA+++

This Belo spray-on sunscreen has been on our favorites list since 2015! I like that it's not too drying and that I get a good coverage from the mist. The paraben-free and hypoallergenic formula makes it a great pick for moms looking for sunscreen that’s safe for kids’ sensitive skin. It can get a bit sticky though; it also leaves a sheen like the Céleteque spray-on. It also feels a bit oily to me. If you don’t like the smell of sunscreen, this has a mild baby cologne fragrance.

Bioré UV Perfect Spray, P299 for 23.6ml at Watsons and BeautyMNL.com

Key specs: SPF50+ PA++++

We’ve always been big fans of the Bioré sunscreens here on PV so I was excited to try the Bioré UV Perfect Spray! I love that it’s odorless, non-sticky, and absolutely invisible when applied to the skin. I like using this for my face before applying makeup and for the days when my usual cream sunscreen feels too oily. It also has better UVA coverage than Belo’s (can’t compare with Céleteque as that one is simply labelled as broad-spectrum). However, the bottle only contains a small amount and probably won’t last as long as the others so it actually comes out the most expensive per mL among the three.

The clear winner here is the Bioré, for me, because it's the most comfortable and versatile out of the two. I can use it everyday! It's not something I would bring to the beach though. I'd go with the Céleteque spray if that were the case.

Remember: whatever type you prefer, the best sunscreen is one that you’ll use and apply religiously! Have you ever used spray-on sunscreens?

These days I can go with no makeup on since it's so hot, but eyebrows are as much a part of my face as my mole is. I'm always in a rush though so I'd prefer to use an eyebrow pencil when I need to be out in like five minutes. A good pencil is enough to give me full, neat brows with minimal work.

One of my current brow favorites is the Mizon Correct Dual Eyebrow (P380 at Mei Satsuki). It's pretty straightforward: you get a slanted automatic pencil on one end and a powdered sponge on the other. The pencil is soft yet stiff, with the perfect pigmentation level, so it's hard to overdo my brows. The finish looks like I used a powder product even though it was a pencil. It's feathery and smooth.

The sponge is just ok. It's a nice way to add dimension to my brows though honestly, I would prefer to have a spoolie to use with the pencil. The sponge is kinda powdery when I remove the cap (you can see it in the photo) but it's not too messy naman.

Deep Brown is a Goldilocks shade for me! It's not too dark, not too light. It's warm, but not reddish. It looks great against my skin and hair.

Staying power is average at around five hours. This is not water-resistant and it can smudge if you touch it, especially when you get oily/sweaty in the area. There's an easy fix though: you can just top your work with a brow mascara (clear or colored) if you want the base to stick longer!

Overall, I highly recommend the Mizon Correct Dual Eyebrow to girls who prefer to wear softer, more feathery-looking brows as opposed to well-defined arches. It's ideal for those who have normal to combi skin; if you're oily, just make sure to set it and it will be fine.

As for me, I really like it! I've been using this for weeks! What's your preferred kilay look, and how do you achieve it? 

You may purchase Mizon and other K-beauty products at Mei Satsuki. She's based locally so you can get your items faster.

Header image via Shayne Nadias/ queenofallyousee.com

Beauty bloggers are always at the forefront of the beauty scene - they witness product launches, get first dibs on the latest releases, and often get to try a lot of high-end products. Being spoiled for choice, you may think that they’ll never be found shopping at the drugstore aisle! These ladies however love a great beauty bargain just as much as the next girl. In fact, beauty blogger Jes Roque even went as far as doing her own wedding makeup using mostly drugstore products!

Curious to know what their fave save purchases are? We were, too, so we asked five beauty bloggers: If you had just P500 to spend, what would you buy from your favorite drugstore? 

Image from instagram.com/genzelaces

Gen-zel Habab of Gen-zel.com

I usually buy my basic essentials: a pack of wet wipes, makeup remover, facial masks (at Buy 2, Take 1!), cotton pads, and shampoo. I love being practical whenever I can since I live on my own. Everything should be within the budget. Also, as a beauty blogger, I already have makeup lined up for review so I skip buying those unless I really need something.

Image via instagram.com/askmewhats and askmewhats.com

Nikki Tiu of Askmewhats

If I had P500 to spend at the drugstore, I’d buy Hair Treats Hair Spa (P239). It’s inexpensive but it works. I use it not only as a hair treatment but as a daily conditioner. Cathy Doll Pet Ice Cream Sponge (P219 but on sale for P159) is an inexpensive Beauty Blender-like sponge that I use for myself and clients. May sukli pa ako!

Image via instagram.com/champagnedreams

Tara Cabullo of Chronicles of Vanity

I stock up on Collagen by Watsons Intensive Nourishing & Firming Facial Mask (P65). I'd use my money on that! I use it whenever I can, especially when I have a meeting the next day. It makes my skin is so much better - plump, soft and supple. Every now and then, I buy Cutex Nail Clippers because they're the best.

Image via queenofallyousee.com

Shayne Naidas of Queen of All You See

I have super dry, damaged, frizzy Hagrid-gate-keeper-of-Hogwarts level hair. Tresemme Keratin Smooth Shampoo (P230) and Split Repair Conditioner (P230) are some of the best products that tame it. Tresemme Keratin Smooth Flat Iron Smoothing Spray (P495) makes ironing my hair easier. The Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash (P460) as well as the Daily Moisturizing Lotion are also some of the most moisturizing body care I've used, plus they don't irritate my skin. These are my Holy Grail skincare and haircare products you can get at Watsons.

Meg Yap of Sunshine Girl

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence (P420) is the best facial sunscreen for me. It's light, barely scented and doesn't leave a white cast. It's good for my oily skin too since it's water-based and not sticky. 

Quick Fx No-shine Mattifier (P89) keeps my face from getting oily for at least 4 hours. The texture is very similar to Benefit's Porefessional but with a less silicone-like feeling. It also doesn't clog my pores unlike the Porefessional, which breaks me out. 

Quick Fx Eyelift cream (P50) keeps my undereye area hydrated. It claims to help reduce fine lines, dark circles, and puffiness. I use this at night and wake up with less puffiness and less dark circles. I don't see the effect on my fine lines yet since I haven't been using it for a long period of time. But for the price and if you're not using any eye cream, I highly recommend it. 

Essence Pure Nude Highlighter (P379) is the best 'subtle' highlight that I have used. It's a light champagne shade that suits light to medium skintones. It's so subtle that you can use it all over your face if you want that overall glow. I don't think you can ever overdo application with this. 

I love using the Marionnaud N32 blush brush (P170) for contouring and blush application. The bristles are so soft and not scratchy. The angled shape is perfect for application of bronzer or nude/brown blush on the hollows of your cheek. 

Do you share any of the picks here? What are your favorite drugstore products under P500?