I hadn't intended to buy new makeup any time soon - I have too much! - but it all started when I wandered into the Urban Decay store in Suria KLCC Mall. I was in Kuala Lumpur recently and was stunned to see their international beauty choices; certainly, in some ways, better than what we have here in the Philippines. Now if only Urban Decay would skedaddle over here soon then the scales would be a little more even! We don't even have it at Sephora.ph, pff. Something about how L'Oreal the company has to be the one to bring it in. It's almost too easy to forget that Urban Decay was here in the PH maybe 10, 15 years ago.

Anyway, I grabbed the Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation (RM 155 or ~P1,800) while I was visiting. The sales lady also offered 30 ringgit off (tourist discount) if my purchase reached up to RM 200 so I got two other things to avail of the discount. I'm glad I did, because I'm really loving everything so far!

I haven't read up on the All Nighter Liquid Foundation and so don't have any prejudices against it. The reviews, I found out later, were lukewarm. But I'd beg to disagree. I think this foundation is amazing for my combination skin and I don't regret the cash I blew on it! Here's why:

• The coverage is H-E-A-V-Y. It's so heavy, I don't even need to wear concealer any more! It can cover up serious hyperpigmentation as well as my (albeit light) dark circles. It has a matte finish that registers well on camera; there is no white flash.
• The staying power is a winner! I've worn this for up to 10 hours with minimal fading, even though I've been outside. It is not entirely waterproof as claimed on the label; it fades around the nose when I play tennis, but I give it credit for not disappearing after two hours of sweating it out in a boiler slash indoor tennis court. On a normal, active day, I can stake my life on it. And no I don't need primer!
• I oil up much less with this compared to other liquid foundations. I observe that I shine around 4-4.5 hours after application, which is a huge deal (I normally oil up in 2 hours). I have combination oily skin.
• I got a great shade match with 4.0 - I am NC35 for your reference. It starts off quite yellow and a bit light at first, but darkens to match my skin tone once it dries. People have reported that it oxidizes so best to get a shade match in person, if possible.
• A little goes a long way. A pump and a half is more than enough to cover my whole face plus blemishes.
• Love the packaging! The bottle is edgy and unique; it looks expensive.

This isn't even a fresh application of the foundation! I was out for FOUR hours BEFORE this photo was taken and only retouched my t-zone lightly. I LOVE how the All Nighter stays on!

There are, however, a few caveats you might like to know:

• This is not a foundation for every day wear. The coverage is not a joke, and it's very hard to sheer it down! I do like using it on select areas though, more like concealer, so there's a good trick. I won't recommend it for casual days as it really announces its foundation-ness to the world.
• It sets quickly, so I won't recommend using brushes or your fingers with this. You have to use a wet sponge (I go for my Beauty Blender) to ensure that it's evened out all over the skin. Work fast and get it right while it's still damp.
• Since it's super long-wearing and water-resistant, you have to remove it with an oil cleanser or at least two passes of micellar water. Make sure everything is off before you proceed to your facial wash.

Overall, while I can't say that the Urban Decay All Nighter Liquid Foundation is for everyone, it will serve those who are extra oily and sweaty well. The coverage is also a marvel of technology so get this if hyperpigmentation is your mortal enemy! It's perfect for me since I go to events which require a good amount of makeup plus I play tennis too, so there are lots of situations when I need something like this. But if you're more of a casual makeup-wearer, well, this might not be your cup of tea! There's also the fact that it's not available in the PH but then again there are always resellers and shipping boxes.

What do you think? Is it a must-have or a pass?

Summer in the Philippines require a particular set of makeup skills. On a normal day out I'd recommend you wear the lightest amount of makeup you can get away with. However, sometimes, you might need to have a full face on for work or for an event. If that's the case, heres an anti-hulas makeup look you can try! I've used reliable products as well as a few handy techniques to keep my face looking fresh and my makeup down to only minimal fading.

I made a video below, but since I know you guys don't like watching videos here, I also added some GIFs. ^_^ Enjoy!

Primer

Long-wear liquid foundation

Step 1: Apply a mattifying primer. Primers absorb oil and sweat while holding the rest of your base makeup down. I blended the Happy Skin Matte About You Pore & Shine Control Primer In Nude (P1,299) all over my face to get a great canvas going.

Step 2: With your favorite tool, even out a long-wearing liquid foundation on your skin. This stays on better than any other formulation! I used the Revlon Colorstay Makeup for Oily/Combination skin (P825) to get flawless-looking skin that doesn't crease or crack all day (with proper retouching of course). The shade I used in this tutorial is light on me (310 Warm Golden FYI) but it oxidizes a bit and doesn't look *as* off later on.

Under eye concealer

Setting powder

Step 3: Apply a brightening concealer to zap eye bags. I went with the Missha Under Eye Brightener (P190 from Althea) since this doesn't crease on me! I just dabbed it on my under eyes then blended it with the same foundation brush I used earlier.

Step 4: Cover up blemishes if needed. I'm just being OC, but I added the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (~P1,500) on top of my blemishes and blended it out with my fingers.

Step 5: Set everything with a mattifying powder. Loose powder is more commonly used, but pressed powder works just as well! The Happy Skin Matte Of Your Dreams Oil Control Mattifying Powder In Translucent (P1,200) is a thin, colorless powder that doesn't look flat. It makes skin look super smooth, too!

Water-resistant brows

Layered brown eyes

Step 6: Draw on soft yet water-resistant brows. If you're particularly oily or sweaty around your arches, you might want to use a brow gel since it's the most long-wearing formula of all. Currently I'm loving the Sleek Makeup Brow Intensity (P695) since it's budge-proof and smear-proof! I just use a separate angled brow brush to get a good shape, following the natural form and hair growth of my brows.

Step 7:  Use an eye crayon as an eyeshadow base. A colored shadow stick like the Nudestix Sheer Eye Color in Bronze (P1,139 at Sephora) works better than primer because it reinforces your eyeshadow color and wears just as well as eyeliner. I just applied it haphazardly near my lashes then blended it upwards with a clean brush.

Step 8: Set the eye crayon with eyeshadow powder. I applied Substiture For Love from the Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette (P1,106) on my lids up to the crease. Now that's a super easy way to get gradient + long-wearing eyes! This technique works for all eye shapes.

Waterproof eyeliner

Contour, blush, and highlight

Step 9: Line the eyes with a film-type liquid eyeliner. Film-type liners set solid and do not budge. In this FOTD, I used the Tony Moly Coating Liner in Pearl Brown. Black looks great too, but go for brown if you want a soft, Korean-inspired look!

Step 10: Comb waterproof mascara onto your lashes, starting at the base then teasing to the top to achieve length. The Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara (P795) is forever my fave, since it's waterproof and never smudges on me.

Step 12: Use a multi-purpose palette to contour, blush, and highlight in one go. I like the formula of the Catrice Sculpting Powder in Almond Architect (~P400) since it's easy to work with and stay for about 4-5 hours on my combination skin. I like how natural it looks, but the shading does the job of narrowing and defining my face.

Steps 13 and 14: For the most long-wearing lips, apply a lip liner first then top it with matte lipstick. You may also use liquid lipstick with the liner, but traditional bullets are more comfortable to wear, IMHO. I used the Happy Skin Beauty and the Beast Lip Liner in Rose (P499) to fill in my lips then added Pink Sugar's Creamy Matte lippie in Breakfast in Bed (P299 and a new shade!) to get the BEST MLBB for me. Do you agree?

And that's how my anti-hulas look usually goes! I can rely on this makeup to look fresh for 7-8 hours with only one blot around my t-zone, a retouch of the contour/blush/highlight (optional, sometimes I just blush), and a lip retouch. It can stay up to 10 hours. ^_^ Let me know how your own anti-hulas routine goes!

CK One is a household name among fragrances, and perhaps the most popular unisex fragrance in existence. As a 90’s kid, I remember this scent fondly as one of the cool perfumes that everyone coveted. In fact, it proved to be so successful that in 1996, two years after its release, Calvin Klein released its follow-up fragrance: CK Be. Two decades and dozens of flankers later (not to mention a summer release every year since 2004), Calvin Klein has released the third pillar to its permanent collection of unisex fragrances: CK All.

CK All is a new interpretation of the classic CK One. The packaging echoes the original, iconic bottle but is made over in bright white. Its top notes are a bright and stimulating blend of bergamot, mandarin, and grapefruit flower. The middle notes of paradisone, coronal, lilyflore, and rhubarb take it in a refreshing and clean direction while the base notes of amber, musk, and vetiver offer an expressive warmth.

On paper, both CK One and CK All definitely give off a similar fresh vibe with their citrus top notes of mandarin and bergamot. On my skin though, the sparkling citrus opening soon settles into a warm, ambery scent with just a hint of floral.

If you’re looking for a not-so-girly scent for everyday use, CK All is for you. And if you don’t mind sharing, this is a fragrance that your man can wear, too!

CK All Eau de Toilette is available in all leading department stores nationwide for P2,498/30 ml, P3,398/100 ml, and P4,598/200 ml.

Did you ever use the original CK One? What is your favorite unisex fragrance?

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.

Aside from makeup, playing with your hairstyle and changing up your hair color are easy ways to spice up your look. There’s no need to go to expensive salons though; if you’re on a budget, Watsons offers great options to help you achieve your #HairGoals.

At the recent #HairGoals launch, we learned that just as we now enjoy access to more and more makeup brands, the same has been true for our hair care choices. In addition to the usual L’Oreal and Revlon, we also have Kolours, Bigen, Beautylabo, Lolane, Liese, and Revia to address our mane concerns. 

L'Oreal even has a Gold Collection to match their 24k gold lipsticks: the Excellence Fashion and Excellence Crème line now offers 6.30 Golden Dark Blonde, 5.43 Golden Copper Brown, and 5.43 Golden Brown. 

Also present at the event were hair styling tools and products from JML, W.Elite, Babybliss, VS Sassoon, Tresemme, Aquanet, Finesse, and Suave in addition to hair care products from Dove, Pantene, and Creamsilk. 

We also got to learn about the recent Runway Ready Trends Fashion Show stage by experts from Tresemme where they featured TRESetters Martine Cajucom, Sarah Lahbati, and Joey Mead. Tresemme’s Style Studio offered a venue for attendees to learn how to DIY the latest trending hairstyles. 

If you’re looking for a more major change though, there’s nothing quite like dyeing your hair a different color. And yes, you can totally do it at home without fear of messing up! Whether you’re in need of retouching your roots or looking for a new shade to try, make sure to mark your calendar for the Watsons Color Your Hair Day Sale on May 27, 2017! 

It’s a one-day nationwide sale wherein you can get hair color brands like Revlon, Kolours, L’oreal, Beautylabo, Lolane, Revia, Liese and Bigen at 50% off. Take note: this will be available at all Watsons stores and SM Beauty locations. And if you’re an SM Advantage Card member, there are even more perks as you can win a trip to Bali, Guam, or Sydney or get a new iPhone 7 or iPad Pro. SMAC members will receive one e-raffle entry for every P500 single-receipt purchase of participating products.

The half-off discount is a super sulit deal, especially if you color your hair regularly or are keen on experimenting with your look. You can hoard all the hair color you’ll need for the rest of the year, or finally try the shade you’ve been curious about but didn’t want to shell out too much money for. Also, one box of dye is usually good for shoulder-length hair, so if your tresses are much longer, you can essentially get two boxes for the regular price of one. Are you counting all those savings yet?

I got my hair colored at the event and used up two boxes of L’Oreal Excellence Fashion in Ashy Nude Brown. While you can definitely apply the dye on your own, it’s nice to feel pampered and have it done by someone else while you relax. Just purchase a box of Excellence Crème or Fashion at Watsons SM MOA this May, and you can have them apply it for you, totally free! 

The free L'Oreal hair color application service will also be available at other locations but if there aren’t any near you, why not call your BFF over for an at-home pampering sesh and take turns doing each other’s hair? The instructions that come with each box are super easy to follow that even your not-vain boyfriend or husband can do it. Just smile and say pretty-please! 

An important reminder before you go on a coloring spree: always read the label and do a skin allergy test first. Trust me - you don’t want to find out that you’re allergic to the hair dye after you’ve already applied it all over your head! This almost happened to me at a salon before but because they did a patch test, my hair and I went home unscathed. 

So are you ready to get your best hair ever this 2017? Which products are you getting at the Watsons Color Your Hair Day Sale? 

Who watches those viral pimple popping videos? I do! I know, gross, but it's not like I actively search for them. It's just that when one pops up on my feed, I can't. Look. Away. It's fascinating how dirty and/or clogged people's faces can get. It's also stunning to see how patient aestheticians and dermatologists can be when it comes to relieving their clients of all that build-up!

When popping a pimple - especially one that's causing a lot of pain and discomfort - it's still best to consult a professional. DIY-ing it may damage your skin permanently and even cause complications like infection and cross-contamination. If you're the least bit unsure about the process, don't DIY. Seriously. But what if you don't have money or time to see a derma? What should you do? 

After years of popping my own pimples and seeing professionals about it, I have a few tips for you guys on how to do it with the least damage! Do note that I am not a dermatologist or aesthetician so take all this with a grain of salt.

Step #1: Wait for the pimple to develop a head. By pimple I don't just mean the red angry ones; I'm also talking about blackheads and whiteheads inside your pores. There's really nothing you can do until the pimple is ripe. You can hasten the process by applying antiseptic, antibacterial, and exfoliating products. Look for ones with salicylic acid and tea tree oil/extract; you can also simply disinfect the area with alcohol-based acne gels. Whatever you do: don't touch it with bare and dirty hands as well as makeup tools! That just extends the life span of the pimple.

Step #2: Once the pimple is ready to come out into the world, make popping easy by doing some gentle exfoliation. I like to use a gommage exfoliator like the Cure Natural Aqua Gel. I also love mud masks for this purpose. The ones from Origins, Glamglow, and Innisfree are amazing! More info here.

Exfoliators cleans the pores and draws out oils so that once you pop, you don't get dead skin in the way. The pus or hardened oil comes out in one smooth process.

Step #3: Use the right tools and make sure to sanitize them with alcohol beforehand. I don't like popping pimples with fingers because there might dirt under the nails, plus there's a higher chance of rupturing the skin too much. Fingers are pretty clumsy tools for the job! I'd rather use cotton buds, particularly ones with pointed tips. I know you can find some in Watsons and Landmark.

For the true nerd, it pays to acquire a few torture-like devices for popping pimples. I purchase them for less than 150 bucks. Here's a quick review of each:

My favorite tool is the one with a wide loop that has a flat surface (labeled #1 in the photo). Since the metal is flat, it doesn't dig into my skin as much. I got this one from Hong Kong; I haven't seen it in the Philippines yet, sorry. Let me know if you have! I like that it also comes with a sharp pricker and that both ends can be screwed back in the plastic tube for more sanitary storage.

I recently acquired these forceps from Kuala Lumpur (labeled #2). It's ideal for tiny, hard-to-reach pimple blackheads/whiteheads and sebaceous filaments. I don't use this as often though as I prefer not to extract minor comedones unless I really have to. Let me know please if you know where this can be purchased in the Philippines!

My least favorite tool is the one with the thin loop (#3); it hurts my skin. I do like the small cup thing with the hole (#4); it's very useful when there's a lot of junk inside the pimple as it can press down the surrounding area. It's often too small though.

Step #4: It's time to pop! Place the head of the pimple right in the middle of your extraction tool then press the surrounding skin DOWNWARDS. Never squeeze it! Squeezing the pimple will damage a bigger surface area of the skin. Your goal is to minimize the trauma. Squeezing and scraping motions irritate the skin further and will extend the healing process, while causing darker blemishes. So always press down when popping. It also ensures a cleaner exit.

If the pimple is ripe but there's still some skin on top preventing the pus from exiting, you may prick the top gently before popping.

Sorry we don't have fresh pimples for this demo!  

Step #5: Drain all the liquid that comes out after the extraction. This liquid is called serous fluid, which our body makes when there's an infection. You'll want this all out so there is a lesser chance of infection and cross-contamination to other parts of your face. Just use a cotton bud or pad to absorb the fluid. You may then disinfect the area with a quick wipe of alcohol.

Step #6: Apply a colloidal pimple patch. These type of bandages are actually used to drain fluid from gunshot and surgery wounds! They're made of special polymers that absorb fluids so that the affected area remains generally dry and protected. Using a pimple patch will keep away further infection (useful if you can't help touching your face) and hasten the healing process. I've personally noticed that my blemishes are less dark when I use a patch on popped pimples. I still get 'em, they're just not as appalling. 

We reviewed a few patches here! My personal faves are the ones from CosRX. Just keep on applying the patch every 12 hours until the area is dried up.

After that, you can move on with your life. In the meantime, read up on some of our acne prevention and management posts to keep pimple sessions to a minimum - if any! Let me know if you have questions!

Can you believe that Happy Skin Cosmetics is less than four years old? It certainly feels like we’ve known them a lot longer, considering how their products have become kit staples and cult favorites for many of us! If we had to choose just one product from their line to recommend, it would definitely have to be their best selling lipsticks available in matte, satin, and liquid formulas. Get ready to fall in love with their newest drops as much as we did, and rejoice that you can now easily shop for them at BeautyMNL!  

There’s no doubt that the stellar formula of the Shut Up & Kiss Me Lippies are what put Happy Skin on the map. These creamy, moisturizing, and opaque crayons are a joy to use and they last for about four to five hours on my lips before I have to reapply. 

The two new shades under the Matte lippie line (P649 each) are called Indulge Me and Under The Sheets. Indulge Me is a rosy brick red that’s both day and night time appropriate. Under The Sheets is a muted coral nude that will bring a healthy bronzed flush look to your complexion. 

The Project Vanity team collectively loves the Liquid Matte Lippie formula (P699 each). Enriched with cupuaçu butter, they sit comfortably on the lips despite the true matte finish, and are smooth and pigmented in just one swipe. While they won’t last through a meal like most mattes, I find that they’re easy enough to reapply without causing the product to unpleasantly bunch off. 

On my NC25-NC30 skin, the shade Warm Embrace initially registers as a warm peach pink, but oxidizes to a brick nude after a few hours of wear. Either way, it’s a universal color that will go well with most eye looks, which I find is the kind of shade that Happy Skin would almost always gravitate to.

Hot Stuff, which was previously introduced in the I’m A Preview Girl x Happy Skin collaboration as a Moisturizing Matte Lippie, gets its rebirth as a liquid matte formula. It’s a marsala red that will instantly transform your look to date night glam.      

From top: Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Moisturizing Matte Lippie in Under the Sheets and Indulge Me, Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Liquid Matte Lippie in Warm Embrace and Hot Stuff

These new lipsticks are now available at BeautyMNL and at Happy Skin’s online and physical stores. So tell us: which shade are you adding to your shopping list? 

A few months ago, I got my hands on some data about the Philippine beauty industry, for work. It contains a lot of useful information about what sells here, what consumers look for, and the ranking of different companies in terms of sales. I made a startling discovery: Avon is, in fact, the number one beauty brand in the country (at least in 2016). Really though I shouldn't have been so surprised! They have great products at affordable prices, plus their direct-selling model is successful here in the PH. Even my mom and grandmother were Avon Ladies!

Recently, I attended a special event by the brand. I've gone to so many over the years and honestly, many of them are pretty standard in their format. Avon City, however, is something else. It is Avon's first product expo held in Mall of Asia SMX in conjunction with their Sales Leaders Congress (SL Congress). The event also marked the first time that the company has held its SL Congress simultaneously with its National Sales Convention (NASCON).

Avon City featured different "zones" that showcased their new and upcoming releases. There was a Home and Kids Market, Fragrance Be Arcade, Avon Fashions Loungerie, Avon Skin Care Juice Bar, Jewelry Chocolaterie, Simply Pretty Picnic Park, Avon Accessories Cake Shop, and Personal Care and Color Theater. It literally looked like a mini-city inside SMX! I had a great time touring the place and checking out the latest from Avon.

I almost didn't make it to this event, but I'm really glad I went. I was inspired by the concept, and what the Avon PH Team has accomplished so far in our home court. Glad to have caught up with Faith Fernandez-Mondejar, director for communications of Avon APAC and Philippines, and Patricia De Leon-Rodriguez, Avon Philippines Head of Beauty, as well! I've known Faith since forever, when I was just a new beauty blogger. I think it's been seven years now? She has always been so supportive of Project Vanity from the very start.

Congratulations again to the Avon PH Team! 

Honestly, makeup has taken a backseat for me because of the pandemic. I’ve been working in beauty for almost 13 years so it was quite strange to not be as involved with makeup as I always have. There aren’t as many new products and there aren’t huge waves anymore when it comes to trends. Definitely not normal. But this has given me an opportunity to re-examine my beauty look and go back to the basics. I still do want to look good, after all! This blog is called Project Vanity, haha.

And so. Clinique has always been famous as A Really Good Skincare Brand but not as many know that they have great makeup as well. Their foundations have always been a winner for me, both the liquids and powders. Of course their Cheek Pop blushes are some of the finest out there when it comes to texture and natural swoon-worthy colors! I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised that the Clinique Powder Pop Bronzer (P2,100/ 9g) and Highlighter (P1,950/ 9g) are something special as well.

I actually didn’t take product photos before using them because I didn’t expect to do a review. I regret that, because I’ve used them so much that the beautiful flower design is already buffed down! But at least you can see how much I’ve enjoyed these in the last two months. The only reason the highlighter is not as worn as the bronzer is because I lost it for a bit. Never again!

What makes these so good is how they drape on the skin. The Powder Pop Bronzer in Solar Pop (P2,100/ 9g) can’t be used as a contour powder because it’s too warm and a bit too sheer for that purpose, but it works perfectly as a way to warm up a face. It can almost be used as a nude bronzy blush if you prefer but it’s just lovely as a shade right above the cheekbokes, forehead, bridge of the nose, and chin.

The bronzer has a sliiiiight sheen to it but it never looks shiny - only skin-like. If you’r tired of bronzer that are too matte that they end up making skin look flat, this is the solution to that.

The Powder Pop Highlighter in Luna Pop (P1,950/ 9g) is not deer-in-headlights shiny. Instead it infuses the skin with a sheer glow, so fine that you can even use it as an all-over finishing veil once you’re done with you face base. Use a light layer only of course! If you want to catch the light on your lids, brow bone, nose bridge, and cheekbones, you can swipe this with a finger to get the full highlight. As you can see in my swatch, it looks beautifully luminous on skin without emphasizing texture too much. So nice!

Both powders stay on for about 3-4 hours if you’re not wearing a mask. With a mask, well, of course it’s a different story. Depends on how often you take it on and of and how much of the mask rubs on the makeup.

The real plot twist, however, is the Clinique Pretty Easy Liquid Eyelining Pen (P1,500). I had zero expectations when I first tried it, but lo! It is waterproof! And I mean waterproof. I can wash dishes and shower and this would still be on my hand (the swatch I mean). Once I place it on my eyes, it’s just there even if I sweat, oil up, or cry. It only comes off with an oil cleanser!

I love the calligraphy-type brush it comes with too, so it’s very easy to apply and get a precise line. Black, the shade I have, is also a matte black that is fairly opaque in one swipe.

The only complaint I have is that this can feel dry very fast, so I have to shake the barrel midway while I’m doing a line. I hope it doesn’t run out fast! I mean, it’s pretty expensive for a liner. Otherwise it’s perfect.

And that is that. Thanks for reading my review! Let me know what you think of Clinique’s makeup, and if you’ve tried any as well!

Clinique is available in standalone stores, Rustan’s, and Lazada online.

Product photography by Perkin Gotohio

The moment Kiehl’s put “Dark Circle Diminishing” + “Vitamin C” in their latest eye serum, I’m sure they wrote my name on the bottle. I felt like the brand heard my current beauty wish to lighten my dark under eyes and even added “Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing” to sweeten the deal. I guess you can imagine my excitement to try out this product which I tried to temper because I’ve used a lot of eye creams before and they haven’t done a lot for the darkness. Moisturized? Yes. Dark circles? Not so much. I did have a positive experience with the Kiehl’s Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate before so this product definitely came with high expectations.

The Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum (P2,995/15ml) comes in a pump bottle featuring colors reminiscent of the above-mentioned Concentrate. They come from the same line after all with practically the same featured ingredients: Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid. This powerful combo makes the Concentrate effective at reducing lines and wrinkles as well as lightening dark spots. The Eye Serum added Tri-Peptide Complex to “counteract the visible effects of dark circles and puffiness.”

The product itself feels like the typical eye cream – light and nourishing. It absorbs easily and I can immediately see the visual effect of a smoother under eye area. I did not feel the same warming effect that I expect from the Concentrate. This just goes on and I forget about it. Concealer also applies smoothly on top with no pilling.

After using the Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum for almost a month now, I can say that this is going to be a staple in my routine. I even watched a couple of the Kiehl’s Philippines live sessions on Instagram just to know more about this product and of course, to wait for special promos. I learned that since this is a serum, Kiehl’s recommends that you can use another eye cream of theirs on top to give a more intense hydration.

Here’s Kiehl’s recommended routine, in order: wash with the Ultra Facial Cleanser, apply Powerful Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate, add the Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum, and then finish with the Super Multi-Corrective Cream. Of course you don’t have to use the exact products, but the order is simply facial wash, serum, eye cream, and then finally a moisturizer. Add sunscreen for the day time!

Since using the Eye Serum, I have started to feel confident enough to answer client video calls even if I have not applied any concealer yet. I still want to apply some makeup for a more polished look but I can definitely see significant improvements in my under eye area.

Have you tried any of Kiehl’s skincare products? How was your experience?

Ingredients:

Propylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Ascorbic Acid, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cyclohexasiloxane, Aqua/Water, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Lauroyl Lysine, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polysilicone-11, CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Adenosine, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Steareth-20, Chlorhexidine Digluconate, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Sodium Citrate, Potassium Sorbate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Chrysin, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydro-cinnamate, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Citric Acid, Biotin.

Although it feels like it was just yesterday when I reviewed Details Cosmetics’ Powder Pout Collection, I am not complaining one bit! After all, who doesn’t like new makeup? Now, while new makeup brings excitement, it also presents the temptation of spending. In order to avoid unnecessary spending, we look to reviews, which is where I come in! 

The Detail Cosmetics Velvet Flush (P249 for 8 grams) is a multi-use color mousse that can be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips! Since online meetings are all the rage, I personally gravitate towards multi-use products. The question is - will the Velvet Flush be one of them? 

PACKAGING 

I love the Velvet Flush packaging! Aside from its sleek compact and color-matching feature, I really appreciate the print, which is both on the box and actual component. Looking at the typography instantly makes me think of superheroes, graphic novels, and comics! Oh, before I forget, the Velvet Flush comes with a mirror, which is always a plus.   

SHADE SELECTION

The shade range is good and the colors are really wearable! I was just initially concerned about the names - Lucas, Luna, Bo, Milky, Cotton, and Max. I tried connecting the names with the superhero theme but to no avail. With a little bit of research, I found out that the shade names are based on the names of the dogs (Lucas, Luna, and Bo) and cats (Milky, Cotton, and Max) of the Velvet Flush co-creators Rei Germar and Mae Layug, respectively. Cute!

Anyway, here’s a quick rundown of the colors: 

• Cotton - Pinkish nude 

• Luna - Apricot peach

• Lucas - Almond brown

• Milky - Medium rose

• Max - Chili red

• Bo - Cherry brown

APPLICATION

My favorite part about this product lies in the application process. The texture of the product is really creamy but feels more of a powder upon application. Also, blending the product was never an issue. I wore the Velvet Flush on my eye, cheeks, and lips, and loved it! If I had to choose just one, I prefer wearing the product on my eyes the most.  

LONGEVITY

Because of its cream-to-powder formula, the Velvet Flush lasts relatively longer than other mousse products on the market. On my eyes and lips, the Velvet Flush lasted for 3-4 hours, with minimum creasing on the eyes and transfer from the lips. On my cheeks, the Velvet Flush lasted for 6-8 hours!   

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

If you’re sensitive to certain scents, then you’ll be glad to know that the Velvet Flush has no scent at all. The Velvet Flush contains Vitamin E, shea butter, and avocado oil. Also, the Velvet Flush is cruelty-free, has a shelf life of 3 years, and expires in 1 year after opening. Finally, it is made in Taiwan. 

OVERALL THOUGHTS

With eight grams of product, I’ll go as far as saying that the Velvet Flush is such a steal for P249! Functioning as an eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick, the Velvet Flush also takes less space in your makeup bag. If one of your new year resolutions is to spend less on makeup, then I highly suggest adding one or two of these to your cart.

Shop the Velvet Flush collection on the Detail Cosmetics website, Lazada or Shopee!    

Words by Bambi dela Cruz / Product Photography by Perkin Gohio

This story is brought to you by Herbal Essences

I’m the type of person who has to wash her hair every single day. As a yoga teacher who practices and teaches yoga practically every morning, I need to be able to cleanse my hair of all the workout gunk! Also, the new normal has me washing my hair twice a day on days when I have to do essential runs.

This is why I need shampoo that cleanses my hair really well without drying it out. It has to be nourishing enough not to strip my hair of its natural oils as well as not be too heavy to leave me with sticky, greasy, limp hair. I’m also a conditioner user, which is why I need a conditioner that brings life to my hair without weighing my hair down or causing breakouts on my back and hairline. 

I’ve tried Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner in the past (remember their pink and yellow variants in the 90s?) so I’m pretty familiar with them growing up. I’m happy to report that they have a new line crafted with bio:renew, which helps purify and protect against the abuse our hair goes through over time. In my case, that’s mechanical and chemical damage! Herbal Essences bio:renew shampoos and conditioners use botanical ingredients sourced from real plants finger-printed and identified by experts at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. I’m glad that with each use, I get ingredients I can trust from real, actual plant sources. So in every bottle of Herbal Essences bio:renew shampoo and conditioner, I am sure that there is real Argan Oil in every bottle. 

There are several variants in this line: White Strawberry and Sweet Mint (for lusciously thick and shiny hair), Golden Moringa Oil (for naturally smooth and sleek hair), Blue Ginger and Micellar (for naturally radiant hair),  Coconut Milk (to keep hair hydrated and protected), and Argan Oil of Morocco (to repair damaged hair). These are available in your local drugstores and supermarkets, but you can also shop for the Herbal Essences bio:renew line in Lazada Mall. They can be purchased individually (if you prefer just the shampoo or conditioner) for Php 399 each or as bundles (P798 for two bottles and Php 1,197 for three). 

I went ahead and tested the Argan Oil of Morocco variant because it seems perfect for my hair situation. Argan oil(Argania spinosa), is sometimes referred to as liquid gold. It is rich in vitamins and nutrients believed to have nourishing and conditioning properties for the hair. That is why it has been used by women for centuries in hair care.  This is natural care with every plant-powered wash. 

Here’s a rundown of my experience!

WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT

• The shampoo left my hair feeling fresh and clean without feeling dry! I used this after a super sweaty ashtanga practice where you could feel the sweat bead from the scalp and see sweat pouring on my mat. Sweat mixes with dirt when I do my laying down sequences and inversions so I definitely need a thorough wash after. This was quite effective in cleansing!

• The conditioner does its job without weighing my hair down. It left my hair feeling silky and looking less frizzy when I run my fingers through it.

• I love the mild scent. There is a slight fragrance that reminds me of Christmas with a sweet-woodsy scent. It’s an exotic blend of creamy vanilla followed by a burst of fizzy citrus and a lingering blend of exotic spices. I think the citrus notes give that lift, so the scent doesn’t seem so heavy or overpowering.  The scent lingers quite a bit on the hair but it doesn’t overpower the senses. If you wear fragrance, the scent of your shampoo won’t interfere with your fragrance.

• It is safe for color-treated hair.  I can use this when I color my hair again!

• I appreciate that I didn’t get adverse reactions or breakouts on my skin after.

• This line is free of parabens and colorants.  

NEUTRAL FEELINGS ON…

It’s gluten-free.  I usually associate gluten-free with food or anything ingested.  Gluten is used as a protein in shampoo for its elastic property. Since we don’t ingest shampoo and shampoo is a rinse-off product, it really has no effect on those who are sensitive to gluten. 

WHAT SOME MAY NOT LIKE ABOUT IT

• The bottles are quite bulky. A 400-mL bottle can be quite bulky for gym/travel in the future but this can be resolved by transferring some product in travel-sized containers. 

• The shampoo and conditioner may be too rich for those with very fine hair. I have thick hair so I get a great smoothing effect, but my editor Liz finds it to be a bit heavy for her hair. For finer, thinner, hair, White Strawberry and Sweet Mint is recommended.

• It can be a bit pricey at Php 399 each. A bottle does go a long way, though and I can finish one bottle in maybe three months since my hair isn’t really that long. 

VERDICT

This is something I’d put in my hair cleansing routine! I usually rotate different products depending on my mood and what my hair needs at the moment, but this is a keeper for me. I love how it leaves my hair feeling silky yet gently clean my hair thoroughly. It’s really ideal for my day-to-day requirements, since I wash my hair so often. Try it out too, and let me know what you think!

Herbal Essences is available in leading supermarkets, drugstores, and department stores. It is also available in Shopee and Lazada. 

Now that we’re on masks all the time, eye makeup has never been more relevant. These days I don’t step out of the house without at least some eyebrows and mascara on. Forget the base - these two products are all I need to look presentable! Anyway my favorite mascara find last year is the Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara (P379 on Lazada). THIS IS SO GOOD. It’s the best AND most affordable drugstore mascara I’ve found to date. I’m already on my second tube!

It’s highly effective when it comes to volumizing, lengthening, and holding the curl of my lashes all at the same time. Some mascaras only offer one or two of these features, but the Lash Lift can do all. It’s so, so black, too! I often skip eyeliner with this since it frames my lids to well already.

It really can look like I’m wearing falsies with this on, and with minimal effort to boot. Two layers are usually enough to get a great lash.

As for staying power, I have sweated and cried in this and it is quite waterproof and smudge resistant. I’ve worn this for over 10 hours with zero problems, but it might be different for those with more active lifestyles and/or oilier lids.

The caveat is that Las Lift can look spidery if you’re not careful. This is a thick mascara that sets fast, so you need to coat your lashes as fast as you can manage to prevent clumping. The brush is also quite large. What is up with Maybelline and their uber fat brushes? If I’m not careful I get the mascara on my lids as I brush it through.

Another thing is that, as with any mascara on the market, you need to curl your lashes properly or else you won’t get the full effect of Lash Lift. Use a good curler to make sure your lashes are standing up curled, and splayed out like a fan. If you use this mascara on sub-optimally curled lashes then what you get are droopy, uneven lashes.

Overall, I really love the Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara. It cheaper pa than L’Oreal’s Lash Paradise (P400+) or Canmake mascaras (around P600+). Is it better than those two options? Hmm, not really. The brush definitely needs improvement. But for the price + quality it’s the best in its range so I just love this as a daily workhorse.

Let me know what you think!

Gosh, this really takes me back. I actually first reviewed the NARS Laguna Bronzer nine years ago. I remember using it for a few years and moving on to something else, but a few months ago NARS sent me one and well, now you’ll have to pry it from my fists. This is such a fantastic product that even the P2,250 price tag shouldn’t deter you if you have the budget for it. Let me tell you why!

First of all, NARS Laguna (P2,250 for 8 grams) is an OG product already. It’s one of the most highly recommended bronzers / contouring powders out there, even before contouring became a regular thing in our makeup lexicon. I remember wanting this so bad but not being able to afford it, so I had to get it second hand! It was worth it though. I remember using it for like three years and not even finishing it - you only need so, so little to get a beautiful color. I only stopped using it because it was likely expired by that point and I had other makeup to test.

What really sets it apart though is the color. Laguna is a warm, nutty shade with a matte finish. It is so perfectly balanced that you can use it as a bronzer (super light layer) or as a contour powder if you wish. It’s not orange nor taupey so the color is just right for most skin tones. I even use this on my jawline! It is super pigmented so you have to tap out the excess each time or you’ll end up with quite a lot of color.

I love how this diffuses easily on the edges so I never get the dreaded snickers bar contour. I find that it’s best with a fluffy, bouncy brush for the best finish!

Good news for oily girls: Laguna is high water and oil-resistant. It will fade of course, like other makeup, but it will darn well take its time. This is why it’s great under a mask - it won’t rub off that easily as it really stays on for hours. I find that without a mask it’s on my skin for up to 8 hours, and with a mask it’s 5. Not bad!

The compact contains 8 grams of product which is A LOT. A regular blush pan would have 3 to 3.5 grams, so yes this will take forever to finish even if you use the powder regularly. Buy this and you probably won’t need another bronzer/contour powder for the next three years, which is approximately how long you can use it for before it truly expires.

And that’s it. If you’re looking for a new bronzer or contour powder, consider the NARS Laguna. I for one am glad it’s in my kit again! I’ve been so pale this past year that I need a lot of warmth on my face.

What’s your best bronzer/contour find ever?

This story is brought to you by Olay

Vitamin C is known to boost our immune systems, so we usually take it orally as a food supplement. But did you know that when applied topically, Vitamin C serum benefits the skin as well? Vitamin C is such a potent ingredient that it is one of our favorite actives here in PV. Here’s the scoop on Vitamin C and how to use it effectively for your skin and face!

How does Vitamin C serum benefit the skin?

There are so many ways that Vitamin C serum benefits the skin. Because it inhibits melanin production, it helps reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation to result in a more even skintone and brighter skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties, helps accelerate wound healing and prevent scarring, making it good for blemished skin. It has a lot of anti-aging benefits like helping smoothen fine lines and wrinkles and it also stimulates collagen production. A powerful antioxidant, it prevents damage caused by free radicals such as UV damage and air pollution.

What should you look for in a Vitamin C face serum?

The problem with topical Vitamin C is it is very unstable and degrades easily. To reap the Vitamin C serum benefits, it’s important to choose a formula with a stable form of Vitamin C, which include L-ascorbic acid, ascorbyl palmitate, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate and ascorbyl glucoside. To really maximize Vitamin C serum benefits, look for a Vitamin C serum that also contains Vitamin E, which helps keep the formula stable.

Here are our recommended Vitamin C facial serums:

Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum (P1,499 at Shopee or Watsons)

This Vitamin C facial serum packs a lot of punch by combining niacinamide, another potent active ingredient with so many skincare benefits, Vitamin C in the form of ascorbyl glucoside and Vitamin E to make sure that the formula remains stable as well as nourish the skin. It also has added Vitamin B5 to moisturize the skin and help speed up skin healing.

Kiehl’s Powerful Line-Reducing Concentrate (P3,675 at Kiehl’s)

This Vitamin C face serum is one of the most beloved products from the brand. It uses not one, but two forms of Vitamin C—L-ascorbic acid and ascorbyl glucoside - to keep the formula very stable. It also has hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump the skin and reduce wrinkles.

Purito Pure Vitamin C Serum (P850 at theskincarecurator.com)

Another popular Vitamin C serum, it contains ascorbic acid and niacinamide to even the skin tone and hyaluronic acid to moisturize the skin and help prevent irritation.

When do you use a Vitamin C facial serum?

A Vitamin C face serum can be applied both in the morning and the evening. When used during the day, it can help protect the skin against sun damage (but be sure to still use sunscreen!). It can also be used during the evening as a night serum. To fully take advantage of Vitamin C skin benefits, cleanse the skin first, then prep your face by applying an essence like Olay Regenerist Essence Water and tapping it onto your skin. You can then apply a Vitamin C face serum like Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum.

I found the Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum tp be lightweight and absorbs very easily into the skin and has a light but pleasant floral scent. I used it during a time when my skin was irritated, but I found that it helped moisturize my skin lightly and left my skin glowing. After a few uses, I found my skin to be smoother, too.

There are other variants of the Super Serum for face which are the Olay Niacinamide + Cica Super Serum to calm sensitive skin and the Olay Niacinamide + Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum for intense hydration, all while leaving skin glowing. After that, apply a moisturizer like Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream to seal everything in. Achieve bright, glowing skin and a more even skintone this new year with Olay Niacinamide + Vitamin C Super Serum!

Olay is available in leading supermarkets, drugstores and department stores. It is also available online in Shopee and Lazada.

Skincare has been at the forefront of my beauty life last year and I alternate between a full blown routine to days where I just want it quick and easy. But the thing with products for quick and easy, they kind of have to really do it all. Now Happy Skin recently released their new #GoodForYouSkincare line and it feels like this can be that minimalist skincare routine I’ve been looking for.

The set has four key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramides, Cica, and Niacinamide. We’ve already discussed here on PV their individual benefits and Happy Skin has brought them together to produce their newest Hydrate & Glow Duo - Cleansing Gel 100ml + Water Cream 30g (P1,399). The two are formulated to help strengthen the skin barrier against pollution and irritants. Let’s do a quick rundown!

The Happy Skin Hyaluronic Soothing Cleansing Gel (P599) is described as "a calming and hydrating formula that's suitable for all skin types" due to the Hyaluronic Acid and Cica, while the Ceramides and low pH level of the product strengthens the skin barrier. The lightweight gel does smell like "fresh spring water” and is non-drying on the skin. I don’t get the tight feeling that you can get with some cleansers. It can remove some light makeup though for color cosmetics, I would still prefer to double cleanse.

We measured the pH level of this cleanser, and it read at pH of 6.5, so it is suitably low pH to maintain our acid mantle.

The other half of the duo is the Happy Skin Hyaluronic + B3 Boost Water Cream (P899). The moisturizer is said to "deliver intense hydration to quench parched skin, and brighten dark spots and uneven tone for a healthy, glowing complexion". They added five kinds of hyaluronic acid for intense hydration and niacinamide to even out dark spots. The water cream has a creamy yogurt texture as advertised and does not feel sticky or greasy.

I like how light this cream is. However, for my dry and dehydrated skin, I find that I still have to layer it with a toner and serum especially at night with the airconditioning. Happy Skin did indicate that it’s best for normal to combination skin so I guess it would be a better one step moisturizer fit for those skin types!

I found a workaround though, I just apply extra of the cream and my skin looks glowing and healthy already. I even went on a video meeting with just this moisturizer on because of how glowy it looks on, without making me look shiny.

For a complete skincare routine that deals with maskne, you can opt for the Happy Skin Hyaluronic Spot Free Glow Set (P1,499). This contains the facial wash, moisturizer, and the previously released Happy Skin Beauty Invisible Pimple Patch (P175). This colloidal patch deals with inflamed pimples without scarring since each sticker contains Cica and draws out fluid from popped pimples. This patch is effective but better on its own than worn under makeup, as the results showed when its wearability under foundation was tested compared to other brands.

Another combo set you can check out is the Hyaluronic Deep Clean Set - Cleansing Gel + Water Cream + Mini Cleansing Device (P1,699). The Happy Skin Ultrasonic Silicone Rechargeable Cleansing Device (P499) delivers gentle exfoliation and massage in 3 levels that is compatible with the Cleansing Gel and Water Cream. This is one of the more affordable cleansing devices in the market right now.

Overall, the Happy Skin #GoodForYouSkincareCollection is a good skincare starter set. You can opt to use it for that minimalist skincare routine or build on it with a toner, serum, and sun protection. The Happy Skin Hyaluronic Soothing Cleansing Gel is a no-fuss cleanser that does its job while the Happy Skin Hyaluronic + B3 Boost Water Cream is a great moisturizer to reach for especially when you’re in a hurry. That matte yet glowy finish is A+! 

The Happy Skin #GoodForYouSkincare Collection is available at Happy Skin stores and website. You can also get thenm on BeautyMNL and their official store in Lazada and Shopee.

Happy Skin Hyaluronic Soothing Cleansing Gel (P599)

Ingredients

Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Glycerin, Disodium Laureth Sulfosuccinate, Lauryl Betaine, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Coconut Acid, Sodium Chloride, Centella Asiatica Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, Ceramide NP, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Sodium Isethionate, Dipropylene Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Butylene Glycol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin  

Happy Skin Hyaluronic + B3 Boost Water Cream (P899)

Ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Diglycerin, Diisostearyl Malate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Niacinamide, Trehalose, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Polysorbate 20, Arginine, Carbomer, Dimethiconol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Batyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Laminaria Japonica Extract, Ecklonia Cava Extract, Hizikia Fusiforme Extract, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Hypnea Musciformis Extract, Sargassum Fulvellum Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract, 1,2-Hexanediol, Adenosine, Sea Water, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Pentylene Glycol, Fragrance, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride   Disodium EDTA, Lecithin, Brilliant Blue (CI 42090), Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool, t-Butyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin

I was cleaning my brushes the other day and while doing so, I thought about how much I hate the process. One, I’m 6’2” so my back always hurts whenever I bend over the sink to rinse my makeup brushes. Two, cleaning brushes takes so much time. Three, you have to leave them overnight in order for them to dry. I can go on and on, really. Waking up the next morning, however, I am instantly in a good mood when I see that all my brushes are clean.  

I love makeup so much, which leaves me no choice. I have to clean my brushes. It’s part of the process. Then, when I get past the hate, it suddenly turns into love. In fact, I even gave myself a pat on the back for exerting such effort. 

After that experience, I took some time to think about other things I hate about makeup, then suddenly love the results afterwards. 

Applying red lipstick and matte liquid lipsticks

You know I love lip products the most, but whenever I decide to wear a red lip or a matte liquid lipstick, I get a bit anxious about the application. Since I prefer full-on coverage color, precision is key. I take extra time in applying red lipstick and matte liquid lipsticks, which I hate but love when I see the end result. 

Applying liquid eyeliner 

I know I’m not alone when I say that I hate applying liquid eyeliner. I usually end up with a thicker line than I intended. When I mess up, it’s frustrating because it ruins the look; also, liquid eyeliner can be really tough to take off. However, in the rare occasion that I get it right, the validation I feel is beyond words. 

Applying mascara on my bottom lashes 

Personally, I find applying mascara to be a very chic process, until it’s time to coat my bottom lashes. Don’t you just hate it when you accidentally smudge mascara? I considered skipping my bottom lashes but it looks incomplete and feels wrong. Nevertheless, just like red lipstick and liquid eyeliner, getting the job right feels so good. 

Using a beauty blender

I love my beauty blender because it’s so multifunctional. Plus, I find that liquid foundation looks best on me when applied with a beauty blender. My dilemma is this, though. It’s just a hassle to wet my beauty blender, especially when I would do my makeup in the office or anywhere outside the house. Also, I don’t like the feeling of putting back the wet beauty blender in my makeup bag after using it. Once again, when I see how good my makeup looks, I suddenly don’t mind dealing with the beauty blender. 

Taking off my makeup

I hate taking off my makeup when it’s a good makeup day. On top of that, I hate taking off my makeup when I’m already sleepy. I especially hate taking off my makeup because it involves a lot of steps, depending on the amount of makeup I have on. Still, I do it anyway! After taking off my makeup, my skin gets to breathe and my sheets are clean the next day. I’m grateful for every single time I decided to take off my makeup. 

It’s funny how we sometimes pass judgement at something (or someone) at surface value, or begin to hate in the presence of discomfort. However, when we take the time to familiarize ourself with what’s in front of us, we learn that there’s more than meets the eye. After all, it’s hard to hate up close, right? Give it a little more time. Familiarize yourself with it and trust the process. 

If someone you love is passionate about makeup then it’s only natural that you want to support it. A beauty item or two is sure to make them happy since it’s something they would enjoy using! But where do you start if you know ZILCH about makeup? Here’s a guide to help you get the perfect gift!

Ask help from their friends

Their friends can clue you in on what makeup they would like to receive. They can chime in on what kind of products they prefer, what shades they usually wear, or perhaps they’ve even been eyeing a specific product. If you can get their friends to spill, then it will make the process a breeze.

Stay away from foundation and concealers

Foundations and concealers are very tricky to buy because the shade has to be an exact match to the person who will use it. This means that they need to be tested personally before you can commit to the purchase. If you buy a shade that isn’t a good match for your giftee, then it will most likely just collect dust. Unless you can get them to spill their exact shade for a particular brand, explore other types of makeup instead.

Go for warm, earthy shades

If you’re considering buying color cosmetics such as lipsticks, blushes, and eyeshadows, stick to warm, earthy shades such as peach, brown, coral, sunset or cream, which generally work well for Filipino skintones. Stay away from berry hues such as pinks, purples and pastel colors in general, as they can be tricky to work with. Local brands such as Happy Skin and Colourette have great color selections for Filipino skin.

Stay clear from fake makeup

The main problem with fake makeup is they are not regulated so we can’t really be sure that there are no shady ingredients in there or if the products were made in sanitary conditions. Surely you don’t want to give your beloved an allergic reaction as a present! It’s better to buy from legitimate brands. Good places to buy would be from department stores, Watson’s or directly from the brand’s stores.

For online shopping, Sephora, Zalora and The SM Store have wide selections. There are also a lot of brands that are available in Shopee or Lazada. Just be sure to look for the keywords ‘official store’ or ‘flagship store’ to make sure you’re getting the real deal online.

When in doubt, go for makeup tools

If you’re still getting dizzy thinking about what makeup to buy, consider getting makeup tools instead. Makeup tools are products that are used to apply makeup. These can be eyelash curlers, makeup sponges or makeup brushes. A makeup brush set can be an exciting gift. Some of our favorite brush brands, Zoeva and Sigma Beauty (both available at Sephora.ph), have brush sets available for different budgets.

Buying makeup for your beloved doesn’t have to be daunting. All you need is the right information. Happy hunting!

If you’re an avid deal-browser on Shopee, odds are you’ve seen Sace Lady around. This Chinese makeup brand is often on sale, and the prices are sure to pique the beauty bargain hunter’s interest. So to kick things up a notch, I created a complete one-brand FOTD that cost less than P800 after sale discounts and vouchers were applied. And now I’m here to answer the age-old question: Sulit ba?

Because I have dry skin, I decided to skip the primer and go straight to foundation and concealer. My haul came with a surprise GWP Full Cover Concealer Compact in Natural (6g) that is apparently not being sold on their official store (yet?). It has a thin yet spreadable consistency with medium coverage and functions like a color corrector to offset dark circles and redness. Next comes a pump bottle of the creamy Full Cover Concealer in Light Natural (P140 / 12ml, bundled with free applicator sponge), which gives solid medium coverage and a satin finish. However, it requires some buffing to get evenly onto the pores.

The floral-scented Longwear Foundation in Light (P120 / 15ml) is a liquid foundation with light coverage that dries matte. I seal everything with the translucent, satin-finish Pressed Powder in Natural Buff (P99 / 6g). Once set, the bases stay put and don’t crease on the eye area. My T-zone starts to get shiny at the 2.5-hour mark, while the coverage disappears from my nose and chin after 4 hours of wear. 

Since everything was a blind buy online, selecting the right colors for the base makeup presented a challenge. I decided to make my shade selection based on what seemed closest to my yellow undertone. They have provided passable matches to my NC-15 skin, but the foundation is particularly pale. Actually, I have seen several reviews saying that their shades run light, so do take that into consideration when selecting.

For P179, you can score the Eye Makeup Set that includes the Liquid Eyeliner (4ml), the Volume Curl Mascara (10g), a lash curler, and some brow stencils. The eyeliner has a stiff applicator that draws thick lines, while its formula dries fast but has a tendency to stick to the lash curler. It reminds me of a similar one I tried from Ilahui before. Volume Curl is actually a tubing mascara that provides decent volume and length, and I appreciate how it holds a curl and is smudge-resistant. Both eyeliner and mascara easily come off by lightly rubbing the area with water. 

I did my brows up with the Pro Eyebrow Pencil in Dark Grey (P69 / 0.33g), an ashy medium brown that matches my un-dyed hair. There is some waxiness to the pencil, so it takes a little longer to fill in sparse areas as the color tends to cluster after several passes. But the spoolie brush on the other end helps smooth things out.

 Onto the colors! The 3-in-1 Makeup Palette (P149 / 1.4g x 9) features four shadow shades, two blushes, and three highlighters. The designated eyeshadows contain a peachy flesh, a contour-friendly ashy light brown, a reddish medium brown, and a base color type of light beige. They’re all matte and blend well, but they also have sparse pigmentation even on my pale skin. I’d recommend using the blush and highlight shades on the eyes to create a more lively look!

The blushes fare a bit better in terms of pigmentation. While the peach one applies more evenly, the berry reddish shade comes across a little patchy. Despite boasting of three highlighters, I have only found the champagne gold one to be usable as such. The middle shade is a red orange duochrome with a yellow gold shift, while the darkest is a coppery bronze. The small pan size also makes it challenging to pick up the right amount of blush and highlighter. But in all fairness, there was very minimal creasing of the shadows at the 5-6 hour mark.

The Mini Liquid Lipstick in Natural (P59 / 1.8ml) gives no illusions of luxury. The doe foot applicator lacks fuzziness, so it feels rough on the lips. While highly pigmented, the formula doesn’t have any creaminess to it. And once it dries, it emphasizes lines on the lips. Natural is a medium warm pink. The color stays put until I eat, and then full reapplication is a must.

For less than P800, this haul has good value for money. Most of the products I tried performed well enough for everyday use and even stayed on longer than expected. I give it a solid “Pwede na.”

Note: The prices listed in this article are discounted prices, since Sace Lady makeup seems constantly on sale anyway.

Do you know what your skin type is? It’s a key piece of information that will have you choose the right products for you. It will help you avoid common mistakes I’ve seen in my practice, when some of my patients admit to buying/using popularized and hyped-up products that messed up their skin. These can cause or trigger breakouts, infections, contact dermatitis or flares of skin diseases. Remember: what can work for someone may not work for you! Even we have the same skin type, our skin reacts to certain ingredients differently.

The easiest way to determine your skin type is by washing your face and observing your skin within the day. Here then are the five different skin types!

OILY SKIN

Oily skin has noticeably larger pores. It looks and feels oilier during the middle of the day. Within minutes after washing the face, it quickly gets oily. There is increased production of sebum by the oil glands, making them prone to comedones (blackheads and whiteheads) and breakouts.

Overexfoliating or overwashing will cause the glands to produce more oil than usual as a way of putting the moisture back that was stripped off the skin. A prevalent skincare myth with regards to this skin type is that they don’t need a moisturizer but honestly, even oily skin types need to moisturize. The right kind of moisturizer may lessen the oiliness of the skin and is usually in the form of lightweight gels.

When it comes to skincare ingredients, oily skin types will benefit the most from AHAs and BHAs like glycolic acid and salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, kaolin clay and retinol.

DRY SKIN

Someone with dry skin will have dry and flaky patches on the face, a dull-looking complexion and areas that have a rough texture. Dry skin will feel tight after washing because it has less oil glands.

Due to this structural difference, dry skin types would need a creamy and thick moisturizer to give the skin the moisture it needs. But just like oily skin, over-washing or over-exfoliating can cause problems and make skin drier and cause irritation. Some suitable skincare ingredients for this skin type are ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, jojoba oil and lanolin. 

COMBINATION SKIN

Combination skin types can be confusing at first if you’re not aware you have it because it involves the needs of two different skin types. They would have large pores and an oily T-zone but have flaky, rough areas elsewhere like the forehead, cheeks and jawline. The best way to deal with this skin type is to view it as two separate skins, one having an oily skin and the other dry. In terms of skincare, dry areas need to be moisturized with a heavier cream while the oily areas need thin and non-greasy products.

SENSITIVE SKIN

If you have a sensitive skin type, your skin is prone to irritation and inflammation when you encounter certain ingredients. A variety of reactions can occur in response to them; there can be burning, itching, stinging, redness, a tight feeling, or sudden increase in breakouts after using the product.

When the skin becomes irritated, the skin barrier is disrupted and the oil glands become more active, causing acne. There are also conditions that make the skin prone to sensitivity like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, etc.

The usual suspects of irritating ingredients are alcohol, fragrance, essential oils and exfoliants. The list doesn’t end there though, because irritants can differ from one person to another. The skin can have different reactions to the same irritant and the severity may differ for two people with the same skin type.

As a precautionary measure, skincare routines should be kept to a few steps only to avoid overwhelming the skin. I advise doing a patch test with any new skincare or product if possible and carefully observing for any reactions while using them. Look for ingredients in products that support a healthy skin barrier like ceramides, fatty acids, sunflower oil, humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, and niacinamide.

NORMAL SKIN

Normal skin types are the easiest to deal with as a dermatologist but to tell you the truth, I have only met a handful of people with this skin type. Their skin are more resilient compared to the others and they can wash their faces with any cleanser or just water. They don’t become oily within the day except when it’s too hot or humid, and when they do, it’s only minimal and not the same as oily skin. They don’t need a creamy moisturizer for hydration too, not unless it’s winter or the weather gets too cold and dry. Their skin isn’t prone to any sensitivity and generally have a healthy oil and water balance. 

Now that I’ve briefly discussed the different skin types, which one do you have? Do remember too that skin types can change over time and may be affected by the climate, weather, environment, or by stress, hormones and diet. Make sure you always listen to your skin for any changes so you’ll be able to apply the right products for your skin type at the moment. 

Until my next article guys, stay safe!

Dr. Nikki Paderna is currently available for online consultations thru the HealthNow and Medifi app on Google Play for Android devices and on the Apple store for iOS devices, or thru the FB page, Vivestrata Dermatology Clinic