The Guerlain Shalimar was my first true grown-up perfume. It’s what started my love for deep, oriental fragrances in chic perfume bottles that I’d rather look at than drain. I reviewed it 10 years ago, in 2011, and while I never finished it I kept it close to me despite all the massive changes that encompassed my life in the last ten years.

In 2011, I’ve just been working on Project Vanity for three years. It’s not big yet and far from being a sustainable business back then, but it was growing steadily and getting some notice from people. I remember the Guerlain Philippines brand manager then, Sigrid, who sat with me for coffee to discuss some of Guerlain’s iconic products. What a fabulous woman! I recall thinking to myself. She gave me a few gifts, and the Shalimar perfume was one of them.

Shalimar I learned soon enough was not for everybody. It smelled like a fragrant rum or gin, with a lot of smoke and warmth infused into it. Those who’ve noticed it on me though it was a man’s fragrance - that’s how strong and distinctive it is! But I rather enjoyed wearing it. I liked thinking I was the kind of person who would dare to wear this kind of perfume.

But as with enjoying funky blue cheese or fine wine, my taste had yet to catch up with my confidence. I was a deeply insecure person, you know, because I wasn’t born rich or beautiful. I have a chip on my shoulder because of that, which drives me to achieve as much as I can. I kept Shalimar in my closet for a decade. I was waiting for the day when I could put it on and feel like I’m wearing it - and not that it was wearing me.

Well, by the fifth year, Shalimar started to smell a bit off. So I never really wore it again.

Yesterday though I was staging a shoot for my jewelry line Nobela. I spotted Shalimar in my scent shelf and fell in love with the bottle again. I was curious if it still smelled funky, so I sprayed it into the space in front of me.

Strangely, it smelled fresh, like it was new. Just a couple of spritzes filled my entire condo with a heady warm glow - so much that my dog started sneezing. The scent brought on memories from how my life was 10 years ago. I remember being so hungry, and angry, and wanting to prove myself so bad that it hurt. I remember being unsure about my place in the world yet fighting for every inch of space like I had nothing to lose. Things are so different now. Better. I’m grateful for everything I’ve learned and I like who I’ve become in the process.

That, my friends, is what a 10-year old perfume smells like.

Product photography by Perkin Gotohio

This story is brought to you by Hello Glow.

Rejuvenating sets are by no means a new invention. Even before I began paying more attention to skincare, I remember seeing them in bazaars and tiangges during the early aughts. They’ve gained quite a reputation for making quick work of skin brightening, but they’ve also gotten a bad name for being too harsh to the point of burning the skin. However, not all rejuv sets are created equal. Some place emphasis on giving users a safer, more pleasant experience. And guess what? I’ve gotten to try this new gen version first hand!

Hello Glow is Ever Bilena’s answer to the rejuvenating set trend. They’ve previously released the All Natural Whitening Set, but their latest offering aims to repair skin as much as to renew it. The Advanced Rejuvenating Set (P360) is a simplified 4-piece kit that contains a liquid cleanser, a toner, an SPF day cream, and a night cream.

The Low pH Hydrating Cleanser (P120 / 60g) is a clear, runny gel with tiny blue multivitamin jojoba spheres in it. (I wouldn’t call them microbeads as they instantly dissolve when the facial wash is activated.) About one to two pea-sized amounts is enough to produce a low foam lather that sufficiently removes excess oil without leaving my naturally dry skin feeling tight. The formula contains hyaluronic acid, but I notice that some HA cleansers can still be drying. Luckily, that wasn’t the case here.

I suspect that the Get Bright Pore Toner (P150 / 60ml) probably has the most potent formulation in the set. Second on the ingredients list is gluconolactone (a.k.a. PHA), while kojic acid is on the fifth spot. The former is a gentle chemical exfoliant, while the latter is most famously known for its brightening benefits. I had my fair share of apprehension beforehand, but my fears were allayed. This green tea-scented toner doesn’t cause any stinging, redness, or peeling, even with twice a day use. It acts just like a regular lotion or softener would and dries matte with just a hint of tackiness.

For mornings, this basic routine is capped off with the water-based Ultralight ++ Matte Sunscreen SPF 30 (P150 / 10g). This oil-free moisturizer comes in a gel form that is easily absorbed by the skin. It dries matte without any white cast or greasiness, perfectly comfortable to use under makeup. Centella Asiatica and Ceramides in the formula help repair and protect the skin barrier against the elements.

Switch the day cream with the Nourishing Night Cream (P150 / 10g) in the evenings. Also in an oil-free gel format, this night care product is just as non-greasy and non-sticky as its daytime counterpart. Oil-controlling niacinamide helps even skin tone, while soothing bakuchiol also boosts collagen production. This product also contains retinol that places eighth on the ingredients list. I can use just the toner plus night cream and wake up with skin that isn’t dry and flaky. That being said, I still prefer using a hydrating serum in between just to add some extra oomph to the routine.

For a rejuv set, I am relieved that this was a positive first experience for me. I did not suffer any purging or sensitivity during the testing period. However, as our resident dermatologist columnist explained, what sets work for some may not necessarily work for all. When it comes to rejuvenating sets as well as other skincare products, take the gentle approach by gradually introducing each one to your routine to be able to spot incompatibilities easier.

Have you tried Hello Glow yet? What are your thoughts on rejuv sets?

My life has been a constant quest of streamlining everything. I’m the first person to sign up for anything that can help get things done in a more efficient manner. Even my daily makeup routine is not exempted from this. I love putting on makeup and experimenting with it but on some days, those 24 hours just seem to be going way too fast. So when I got the opportunity to eliminate one step from my routine by getting my eye brows tattooed, I was all for it.

“It’s not like you’re lacking eyebrows,” a friend told me when I mentioned my plan. She’s right, though. I have enough eyebrow hair to frame my face and lack of hair in general has never been a problem for me. But as someone who loves perfectly arched, powdery brows with not enough time in the mornings, this would be a life saver.  

What are Ombré Brows?

I went to Bianca Festejo who has garnered quite an impressive reputation when it comes to permanent makeup. She has studied abroad and took years to improve her craft. After perfecting eyebrows, she has since moved on to camouflage makeup, tattooing stretch marks and scars away. She recommended that we do Ombré Brows instead of Microblading.

“With microblading, it’s about tattooing each strand of hair on your brows. This is perfect for people who want to make their brows look fuller in a more natural way,” she explained to me before our session. “Ombré Brows, on the other hand, can give you that fuller and powdery look.”

Is it painful?

I went for ombré brows since it sounded ideal for my needs. I braced myself, preparing for pain similar to what I experienced when I got tattoos elsewhere in my body. However, you do get topical anesthesia so my worries immediately went away. Another thing to make you less afraid: permanent makeup only goes up to the upper dermis – a lot less deeper than your normal tattoos.

I won’t call the sensation painful. Rather, it just feels like someone is doing some heavy shading work on your brows. 

The application and healing process

The whole process takes less than an hour – from Bianca tracing my brows to doing the tattoo, it felt rather quick. What’s tricky about it is the healing process. As with any other tattoo, it would look darker and thicker the first few days in. I personally didn’t find this to be too much of a bother and was able to go to my appointments and show myself in public. I had to gently clean my brows every few hours with mild baby soap and apply a vitamin A derivative that Bianca provided.

As it heals, it will scab and get a tad itchy. This is the point where you must call on your ancestors and ask them to grace you with patience and discipline. The after care takes about a week and once the scabs have fallen off in their own pace, your brows are ready. After twenty days, you’ll even see a better color pay off once your skin has gone through a full turn over.

While the after care seems like a lot of work as you’re reading this, it actually didn’t feel like it was. Before I knew it, a week has passed and I was just walking around at home with no makeup on but with perfect, Instagram-ready brows.

What you need to know before getting it done

Bianca says that there are a few things you should take note of when getting your eyebrows tattooed. First, the cleanliness of the salon or beauty clinic. You want to go to a place that will not give you infections and ruin the whole experience for you. You should also check the artist’s previous work to make sure that the style is something you want for yourself. Eyebrow tattoos are semi-permanent and will fade in a year. However, you don’t want to live with brows you don’t love for 365 days of your life.

Will I do it again after a year? Yes, definitely. I think the investment is worth it, especially on days when I plan to go makeup free. In the new normal where we’re all wearing masks, maintaining the upper half of the face is imperative. Even if you’re just going out to walk your dog.

It definitely shaved off time from my morning makeup routine on days when I want to do a full routine, making me hurry a little less. And hey, I now have more time to blend my eyeshadows.

Okay I’m going to sound smarmy, so I hope you can be patient when I say that age doesn’t matter that much to me. At least not right now. I suspect that my feelings will change the older I get and the more my face sags or hair falls. But right now, as I sink into the comfortable cushion that is my early 30s, I feel alright about it. Turning 30 is a whole to do but the few years after are just not that dramatic.

I turned 33 the other day so I thought I’d share three things I learned in the past year. Hopefully, you will find these helpful in some way.

If you are the most accomplished person in the room, you are in the wrong room.

When I was younger my mentors gave me opportunities to socialize with their circle. I couldn’t do it. I felt like I didn’t have the right clothes, the right experience, the right everything, so I didn’t take them up on their invitations. I didn’t belong there because I was nobody - I had nothing to bring to the table. I didn’t like being the “stupid” person in the group.

I’ve learned over time that this was the wrong attitude to take. The best and fastest way to learn something is to spend time with people who already know it deep in their bones, as casually as they breathe air. The people we surround ourselves with have a huge impact on the trajectory of our lives. Think about the five people you spend the most time with socially. Are they more advanced than you in their career, relationships, experiences, and so on? If you’re ahead, then it’s likely that you’re not going to grow very much.

The past year has placed me in situations where I was the least accomplished in the room. Yes, it is intimidating, but I learn so much in the process. I feel inspired and challenged every time.

Self-care is self-fulfillment.

It doesn’t matter how well we treat ourselves if our life is at a dead end. Self-care isn’t about fancy candles, long baths, or checking out that cart - for me, it’s about working towards a worthy goal. I’m not talking about burning ourselves out for a job or side hustle ha; I’m talking about doing something that makes us feel fulfilled. Something that makes us truly happy and complete inside, not just on the surface.

This involves making a lot of hard choices and answering difficult questions. We can start with: “I’m not happy because xxx” and “I need to fix xxx to move forward.” And of course actually doing the back-breaking work on that. It’s always better to move forward than to keep on stopping.

You only need 1 HP to keep playing the game.

In role playing games, there is always an item or a piece of magic that can leave the player with 1 health point (HP) no matter how huge the damage received from a battle. I used to think this was kinda dumb - what can I do with 1 HP? One more hit and I’m finished. But I’ve since learned that in life and in business, we only need 1 HP to keep going. The situation might be the furthest from ideal and we might have lost almost everything. But we’re only really done when we’re dead. Or when we quit.

Product Photography by Perkin Gohio

I always watched my mom do her makeup as I was growing up. I love how she would always take her time in applying lipstick. When she was ready for blush, she would smile in front of the mirror, exposing her dimple, which I find so beautiful. This is why the new NARS Claudette Collection is so personal to me. It is inspired by Claudette, who is the mother and muse of François Nars.

The NARS Claudette Collection is a representation of a mother and son relationship that is strengthened by beauty. “I am very lucky to have an extremely beautiful, glamorous and elegant mother on whom I was always able to practice makeup,” François Nars said.

It felt like it was created for me. Okay, that might have been quite dramatic, but haven’t you felt that way over makeup before? Anyway, I had to have it and now that I thankfully do, I knew I had to review it for all of you!

Before going in detail with the collection, let’s talk about the packaging first. Since we’re dealing with NARS here, it’s no surprise that the packaging is stunning. Its red, black, and gold color story, and heart, butterfly, four-leaf clover, and star prints just exude elegance, style, and love!

Now that’s packaging out of the way, let’s dive into the collection, shall we?

St Germain Des Prés Eyeshadow Palette (P3,000/2g x 6)

Featuring six warm and neutral shades in matte, satin, and shimmer finishes, this eyeshadow palette is a good complementary palette to your existing ones. Although the palette lacks a transition shade, the top row is perfect for a quick sweep on the eyelids while the mattes on the bottom row are good alternatives to black when lining your eyes.

 I didn’t have any issues with blending the eyeshadows. Personally, I prefer applying the satin and shimmer with my fingers to reduce fallout, and the matte shades with a brush. I also appreciate how the matte shades are not too creamy and overly pigmented, which make them easier to work with. I have oily lids so I’m proud to report that the shadows stayed on for 4-6 hours. I used an eyeshadow primer, of course.

Claudette Blush Duo (P2,700/22g)

Can you believe how huge this blush duo is? You get 11g per blush! In addition to the size, what I love about it is how sophisticated and natural the shades are! They’re very wearable! NARS is known for the top-notch quality of their blushes, and this palette is no exception. This blush lasted for 8 hours on me.

Audacious and Audacious Sheer Matte Lipsticks (P1,850/4.2g and 3.5g, respectively)

One of my all-time favorite lipstick formulas is the NARS Audacious, so I was really happy when I found out that the collection has four new Audacious lipsticks. The Audacious formula is so comfortable and hydrating, and its pigmentation is intense! It’s the epitome of full coverage in one swipe! Because of its pigmentation, the Audacious lipstick lasts for more than 8 hours. It can even survive a meal and multiple glasses of water. Personally, I love how it looks more matte over time. If it feels too intense for you upon application, all you have to do is blot it with tissue.

 New to the NARS lipstick lineup is the new Audacious Sheer Matte Lipstick, which made its debut in this collection with six shades! Like the Audacious formula, the Audacious Sheer Matte is so comfortable and hydrating despite its powder finish. Its medium-sheer coverage allows it to be buildable. I prefer full coverage lipsticks, which is why it was such a pleasant surprise that I love the Audacious Sheer Matte formula so much! By the way, it lasted for 4 hours on me.

For my look above, I applied Envie all over my eyelid and lined my lower lash line with L’éphémère. I mixed Croisette and Ninotchka for my blush, and wore both the Claudette and Mathilde lipsticks.

If you have the budget, then I highly recommend getting a piece or two from the Claudette Collection. If I had to choose which two, it’s either the Claudette Blush Duo or the Audacious Sheer Matte Lipstick!

Now, if you need more motivation to splurge, think of it as a Valentine’s Day gift to yourself. You better hurry, though. The NARS Claudette Collection is available for a limited time only.

Shop the NARS Claudette Collection on NARS Beauty Butler and rustans.com, and in NARS stores.

P.S. Please watch this NARS Claudette Collection ad, which I instantly fell in love with. It features a mother who lets her son put makeup on her. Plus, it showcases how beautiful the Claudette Collection is!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! What are you getting your significant other? If you haven’t bought them anything yet, or are considering buying them makeup, fret not. We already gave some tips on how to buy makeup for your beloved. This time around, we took out the guess work and listed actual makeup products that will make great gifts. We even included links to all actual products so you can buy them immediately (You’re welcome!). Here are our top picks for makeup items to give to your significant other according to your budget:

Price Range: P500 and below

Colourette Cosmetics Colourtint in Zola (P299 at SM Beauty, Shopee and Lazada)

These colourtints are well-loved and with good reason: they are affordable, have great color payoff and are easy to apply. Zola is one of the most popular shades of the brand. It’s a terracotta brown that’s very flattering on different shades of Filipino skin.

Blk Cosmetics Intense Color Liquid Eyeshadow in Hello (P299 at blkcosmetics.com.ph, Shopee, Lazada and SM Beauty)

This local brand is relatively new to the beauty scene but has already become a favorite among makeup lovers. Blk Intense Color Liquid Eyeshadows, especially, have been praised because they have great lasting power and they are easy to blend even using the fingers only. Hello, one of the line’s bestsellers, is a shimmery brown that can stand alone as a single color eyeshadow look that blends with different skintones.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (P460 at Shopee and SM Beauty)

More than having good makeup, it’s also important to have the right tools to apply makeup. A good makeup sponge is one of the best tools to achieve a flawless, skin-like finish. The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge is one of the most popular makeup sponges in the market. It’s so soft that it feels nice on the face when used, and it can easily reach those hard-to-reach areas on the face without feeling uncomfortable.  

Price Range: P501- P1,000 

Happy Skin Gloss Vibe Cooling Lip Gloss in Glazed Donut (P599 at happyskincosmetics.com, Shopee, Lazada, SM Beauty)

This lip shade was originally released as part of the brand’s holiday collection in 2019 but has become so popular, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a gorgeous honey nude shade that looks good from mestizas to morenas. It applies evenly and is non-sticky. It has a mild minty feeling that feels nice on the lips and also won’t dry your beloved’s lips out!  

Too Cool for School Art Class by Rodin Shader (P660 at althea.ph)

Unofficially known as the ‘National Contour Powder of Korea,’ this 3-in-1 contour (meaning to shade the face in an effort to make it look more defined or slimmer) palette has soft pigmentation that looks natural on the face and never overdone.

K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Real lasting Eyebrow Liner in Natural Brown 24H (P845 at beautyboxcorp.com, Shopee, Lazada, beautybar.com.ph)

This is THE product to use to achieve the most natural-looking eyebrows. You won’t even notice it on your SO’s face, except for the fact that they have magically fluffy brows each time.

Price Range: P1,001- P2,000

MAC Matte Lipstick in Velvet Teddy (P1100 at Lazada and Rustan’s)

MAC lipsticks are a household name for makeup addicts, and Velvet Teddy is one of the line’s most popular shades because it looks like a slightly pinker version of our lips’ natural color. Thus, this is one of the much desired My-Lips-But-Better (MLBB) lipsticks. Your beloved will like this for a “no-makeup” makeup look.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler (P1,300 at sephora.ph)

Having curled eyelashes is an important part of a makeup routine because it really opens up the eyes. It’s not easy to find an eyelash curler that fits the eye shape well, doesn’t pinch our skin around the eyes, and gives a natural-looking curl. This Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, though, is one of the most iconic eyelash curlers in the world, because it checks off on everything we’re looking for. 

Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette (P1900 at sephora.ph)

Filipino skin goes well with warm, earthy colors like browns and creams, and this palette has lots of it! The eyeshadows in this palette are smooth and have good color payoff, and is versatile enough to be used from day to night.

Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder in Translucent (P1950 at Rustan’s The Beauty Source)

This powder is one of the most beloved setting powders (powders that help ‘set’ your make your makeup to make it last longer) ever. While many setting powders leave a bit of a ‘powdery’ look, this one completely disappears into the skin, making your beloved’s makeup as natural-looking as possible. 

Price Range: Above P2,000

Dior Addict Lip Glow in 001 (P2100 at Rustan’s The Beauty Source)

Your beloved probably has tried a lot of lip balms already, but this one is the most coveted of all lip balms. It’s a sheer pink that will enhance the natural lip color, moisturize the lips while feeling whisper light on the lips, ensuring that your beloved’s lips are always kissable.

Anastasia Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette (P2655 at Rustan’s The Beauty Source)

If you want to gift an eyeshadow palette with a lot of oomph, this Soft Glam Eyeshadow Palette fits the bill. The eyeshadows are soft and smooth so your SO will love applying them on her lids. It has 14 shades that cover a variety of shades including pinks, soft orange, rose and browns so your beloved can create many different looks.

Guerlain Meteorites - Light Revealing Pearls of Powder in Medium (P3500 at sephora.ph and Rustan’s)

Guerlain Meteorites would probably make most lists of ‘most iconic makeup products of all time.’ From the signature balls of pearl powder, the luxe casing and the distinctive ‘Meteorites scent’, a lot of other brands have dupes of this powder that gives an ethereal glow, but there’s nothing quite like owning the original. Plus, it would look so pretty in your SO’s dresser.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette (P4300 at sephora.ph)

Hourglass hasn’t been around for very long, but their Ambient Lighting Powders have already achieved cult status. This palette contains three of these famed finishing powders (meaning they finish the entire makeup look) to give the skin a soft glow and blur skin imperfections. It’s like a filter for real life! 

We love these makeup products and we’re sure that your SO will love them, too. Happy Valentine’s Day!

When I was a kid, I remember that my mom would lend me her gold jewelry every time there was a school event. If there’s a recognition day, graduation, communion, prom, foundation day, whatever it is, I would be wearing something extra special even though I just had a school uniform on. She would always caution me before leaving, “Wag mo iwawala yan!” (“Don’t lose it!”) as if I needed a reminder. But then I really didn’t understand what gold was worth before anyway. If I knew, I suppose I would have been more nervous about wearing my mom’s things!

My dad though - I think he loves jewelry even more than my mom. If you ever meet him, you would know exactly what I’m talking about. When he was still working abroad, he would gift me with something gold when he came back to the Philippines every year. He was your quintessential OFW from Saudi, so he always got great deals when it came to gold! These gifts were the first real pieces of jewelry in my 20s that were actually mine and not borrowed from my mom. Again, I didn’t appreciate these objects for anything else other than their sentimental value.

What really got me into jewelry though was when James and I were planning our proposal to each other a couple of years ago. I got him a tasteful watch from Tokyo, which was straightforward enough, but we wanted a bespoke ring for myself. His mom gifted us with a diamond (she had one for each of her three sons, kept for decades, which to me is an incredible amount of foresight!) while we acquired a sapphire from Bangkok through our friend. Putting it together in a ring design was a whole adventure. Myself being an obsessive person, I researched it and found the perfect jeweler to work with.

That’s when I began to appreciate jewelry. Not just its peso value, but the beauty that results from good craftsmanship. I loved how just a couple of pieces can elevate any outfit. Jewelry, I found, is a language upon itself. It signals status and wealth yes, but what I’m most interested in is how each piece - especially a handmade, bespoke one - is imbued with so much meaning to the wearer. I love that. Jewelry is one of the few things we wear our body that capture the essence of a moment, a feeling, or a thought. It essentially tells a story about who we are and what we care about.

After my engagement ring, I started having a few things made for me. I love pearls more than any other gem because of their versatility and unique beauty. And myself being myself, my hobby became a business. I thought, why not design a few things and see what people thought of them? That’s how Nobela Manila was born. Right now it’s just an Instagram store, but I’m so happy about the response so far, and excited about all my plans for it.

The best thing about it? I design jewelry for work, and I get to wear them too! Though as my husband likes to remind me, “Don’t get high on your own supply.” Yes, that’s true. But at least I know my product is good, haha.

What is your favorite jewelry piece?

We all have go-to lip colors for certain occasions. I don’t know if it’s just me but I always have a shade in mind for a particular purpose and I’m glad to report that these shades have worked well for me every single time. Whether for work or when I’m attending events as a diplomat’s wife, my lip color was and will always be picked for a particular reason. They say fashion is a great way to send a message and I agree but that philosophy extends to my makeup, too. So not only am I intentional with the clothing I wear, I also choose shades that support my message - whatever it is for that day.

When I want to be heard

There are days when I feel like I have to speak up more. Speaking engagements are often when I want people’s focus on what I’m saying. Back when I was working full time as a TV reporter, I found myself always gravitating to red lipstick because I want people to draw people to the words coming out of my mouth. And it always worked.

My go to shade? MAC’s Russian Red. It’s the red that I always go back to – a rich, medium dark shade with blue undertones. It says matte on the tube but the formula isn’t as drying when compared to its famous sister; Ruby Woo. This was the first lipstick I ever bought with my own money. I’ve gone through so many tubes of this and I don’t see myself taking it out of my lip color rotation any time soon.

A subtly sexy pout

Charlotte Tilbury’s Bond girl (now, M.I. Kiss) has got to be my MLBB ride or die. It’s such a light, creamy formula that makes people second guess whether I have lipstick on or if my lips just naturally come in a warm shade of plum. On days when I want to cheat my lips into looking fuller, I use my lip pencil of the same shade to slightly overline my lips. It’s my go-to look for date nights and for when I need to take photos and videos of myself. Just because juicier lips look so much better on camera. 

Pretty in pink

 Part of the makeup journey (an addiction at some point for me) is knowing what looks best on you. Working with your skin’s undertones and just having a lot of fun. From getting excited at every shade on makeup counters, I’ve come to a point wherein I now gravitate to what works for me immediately. That’s how I got NARS’ Save the Queen in store and how it became my go-to pink. A liquid lipstick from their Powermatte Lip Pigment line, I go for this color on days when I feel extra feminine, polished, and proper.

This has worked so well for diplomatic events that this was actually the lip color I was wearing to most of the gatherings that happened right before the pandemic.

From work to an evening event

 In my experience, nothing says boss lady other than a brick lip. Sure, a strong red is great for some power dressing but there’s a calm and cool type of confidence that comes with a brick lipstick. My go-to is another NARS product from their velvet matte lip pencil line in the shade Walkyrie.

 Such a great lip color for daytime meetings that might extend to after work dinner and drinks.

Letting the eyes shine 

And of course, this list won’t be complete without a go-to nude. When I want to go heavy on the eyes, I always opt for a toned-down lip. What has always worked for me is Tom Ford’s Blush Nude.

It’s a pinkish nude that doesn’t wash me out and makes my eye makeup pop every single time. My go-to lip for black tie events to give more focus to my eyes and outfit.

Of course, so many other elements go into a whole makeup look but for me, it’s always the lips that bring the whole look together. What are your go-to shades?

Words by Bambi Dela Cruz-Dimapilis / Photography by Perkin Gotohio

As a makeup artist, I’ve been exposed to several makeup application methodologies from the simple 10-minute glow look up to the complex prosthetics and artistic makeup I do during dance competitions. I’ve also done character makeup for theater and TV. When it comes to my personal style though, I like things done simply nowadays since going out feels like suiting up for battle. I still want to look presentable and put together, but I want less of a production number when half of my face is covered most of the time.

When I heard about local brand blk Cosmetics’ latest collection featuring Solenn Heussaff, I immediately wanted to give it a try. It combines all of the things I appreciate – art and beauty in products that are very easy to use.

Let’s talk about the packaging. It features #SolennArt of dahlias and orchids – artwork inspired by Solenn’s daughter. Random trivia: the origin of the name of Solenn’s daughter, Thylane, is actually a Vietnamese word that translates to “little wild orchid” in English. I’m a fan of the earthy, grounded style of Solenn’s artwork is and the shapes of the flowers give it a balance of grace and femininity. 

The collection features two multi palettes and four lipsticks. Like all BLK products, these are cruelty-free.  All are very wearable and easy-to-use. The best part is, brushes and tools are totally optional!

Multi Palettes (Php 449 for 6 g)

Multi palettes  are pretty popular nowadays and they are perfect for those on-the-go or would want to streamline their makeup routine. It’s a cream-to-powder makeup palette featuring two shades which can both be used on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. They are easily blendable and can be used with a brush, but your own fingers would even be better in applying it as the warmth of your hands should help distribute and blend the product better.  It is best to apply this product after foundation and before powder.

Mystic Dreamer is a warm palette that’s more on the coral or orange side. Even though the colors in the palette look very deep, they glide on sheer, just enough for a natural glow.  I used my fingers to apply the product on my cheeks and eyes and blended it very well. I actually put powder before using this product yet it still blended very well.  

Free Spirit is more on the cool pink and mauve, and the color on the cheeks gave me the nice after-workout flush. I just had to put very little amount on the eyes as pinks are tricky shades for me to use as an eyeshadow.  On lips, it appeared like a popsicle stain, just enough to enhance my natural lip color.

The makeup sets well and doesn’t have the tacky, heavy feel on cheeks as most cream blushes do. I was also afraid of eyelid creasing but this didn’t crease on my eyelids. It’s as if I applied a sweep of powder eyeshadow on my eyelids.  On my lips, the color appeared more like a stain, even if I used the darker color on the palette.  The products also had no odor or fragrance, which is a plus for me.

All-Day Matte Lipsticks (Php 329 for 3 g)

The all-day matte lipsticks are highly pigmented and non-drying. There was no dragging when I swatched the lipsticks on my arm and there was no sign of cracking on my lips too when I applied it. Just like the multi-face palette, they are fragrance-free as well. 

Moonfire and Little Missy are great for everyday or to compliment your recent weekend at the beach glow, since they are on the warmer side. Moonfire appeared to me as a warm MLBB nude and Little Missy gave my look a more “grown-up” vibe. It’s a shade I would wear to meetings or if I need to run errands.

Cattleya would have to be my favorite shade as it’s a pretty neutral pink that’s great for bridal looks. It reminds me actually of bridal lip color makeup artist must-haves from very expensive makeup brands. It’s a great for any age group as it freshens the face quite nicely.  For intimate small weddings where the bride would choose to DIY her own makeup, this lipstick plus the Free Spirit makeup palette are perfect products which I would recommend for a quick simple makeover.

Sunset Lace is for those who want brighter colors without being all-out yet. It’s an entry level lipstick shade for those who would want to explore brighter lip colors but are too shy to don a bright red. It’s not intimidating but it’s bold enough for it to be a statement on its own and make your lips stand out in a Zoom call. I’m thinking of actually wearing this when I teach my next Zoom yoga class when a bright red is too much for a gentle flow class.

I like the fact that all colors are very wearable and are very easy to use with no complicated tools. The downside I noticed is that they aren’t fully mask transfer-proof. I noticed a very slight lipstick transfer on my mask filters and my friend who used the multi palette as blush noticed some transfer on the sides of the mask as well. What I did to remedy this is to use a mask bracket so the lips do not touch the face mask. I also tried layering powder blush and eyeshadow on the multi-face palette to make it last longer and intensify the pigmentation.

The colors are also very similar to one another. There are slight changes in undertone and vibrance, but I hope to see more fun colors from blk in the future!

This is something I would recommend to those who would want to start putting on makeup but wouldn’t want to be bothered by a lot of tools. It’s perfect for those who would want to travel light and not bring a huge makeup kit when traveling. Makeup artists would also appreciate the lipsticks to include in their makeup kit.

For those who would want to give some items in the collection as gifts for their loved ones or for themselves, sets are also available at the BLK website starting at Php 999 each. The collection is also available at BLK counters, Shopee, and Lazada.

Trends come and go and when we remember the trends we used to follow in the past, we would cringe and recall how ridiculous they were. As much as we dermatologists would like to just cringe at skincare trends and laugh them off, we would rather you know why they need to be stopped because of the real danger they pose to the skin.  

·DIY skincare

Not all of DIY skincare are harmful but when you add ingredients that can irritate your skin, or follow recipes that claim to be the equivalent of certain products - I’m looking at homemade sunscreen recipes - then that’s when they become hazardous.

I have seen a lot of patients come in for consult because they’ve used calamansi juice as brightening agents, apple cider vinegar in face masks, or ground coffee beans as face scrubs. Calamansi and lemon juice are by nature acidic and can cause allergic or sunlight-induced reactions. Apple cider vinegar is also acidic and may cause severe irritating reactions or burns on the skin. Used coffee grounds can be too abrasive no matter what your skin type is and may cause micro-tears on the skin.

Likewise, homemade sunscreens don’t offer high SPF’s, or at least are not regulated and tested to determine how much photoprotection it offers. Wearing an untested sunscreen when going out is risky because there’s always the danger of UV rays on unprotected skin.

At-home procedures that should be done by a professional and in a clinical setting

When it comes to aesthetic procedures, more people these days would rather look into at-home options rather than have a proper consultation with a dermatologist to save on money. Two procedures I’ve commonly seen peddled on online commerce platforms are microneedling tools and chemical peels.

I have seen medical-grade concentrations of chemical peels like trichloroacetic acid and glycolic acid in 20% and above being sold in ecommerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada. These acids are not suitable for everyone and these high concentrations should be under the supervision of professionals when used. They can reap the greatest benefits on the skin but they can also cause complications when not done properly like hypo- and hyperpigmentation, scarring, blistering, and infections to name a few.

Dermarollers or microneedles are used for dermatologic concerns like acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. The main difference with at-home microneedles versus those from a professional is the shorter needles. Therefore, one would need to have it done more frequently to produce the results comparable to a clinical setting. In doing so, the needles get blunter with each use which lessens its effectivity and can damage the skin instead.

It’s also worrying how these will be cleaned and stored. Since the idea of microneedling is to puncture the skin, induce trauma and promote collagen production, unsterile needles may cause infections. Those who cannot undergo this procedure are those with inflammatory acne, skin infections and skin conditions like eczemas, rosacea, psoriasis, etc. For scarring and wrinkles, I still recommend having this procedure done in clinics by a trained professional because of the need for longer needles.

Pore vacuums/extractors

If you have oily and acne-prone skin, you might have thought of ways to extract those pesky blackheads. Pore vacuums are tools I’ve seen in the market that promise to suck and remove dead skin cells and blackheads thru its suction tip. But the truth is, these devices only offer mild suction for your pores, not enough to extract blackheads, and can cause microtears or aggravate skin conditions like acne and eczema. If your main skin concern is congested pores and blackhead removal, it’s better to consult with a board-certified dermatologist to be able to analyze your skin and guide you on how to do it the right way.

Clean beauty

I don’t hate clean beauty brands and their products. I have tried a few of them and liked some. What I hate and what I have never approved of from them is the fear-mongering campaign and spread of misinformation that they do against certain “toxic” ingredients (e.g., petrolatum, sulfates, parabens, mineral oil, etc.) to make consumers believe that their own products are safer.

The truth is that there aren’t enough scientific research and evidence to back up their claims that those ingredients are toxic and are associated to cancer or other medical problems. Also, the words “natural” and “organic” does not necessarily equate to being safe; I actually get more cases of allergic reactions with products that have natural ingredients in them.

If your goal is to make your skin healthier this year, I highly encourage everyone of you to consult with a board-certified dermatologist first before you try any trends you might have read or seen in social media. Remember, no skincare trend is worth damaging your skin over.

Until my next article then, 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 (for face-to-face consultations, kindly message the FB page for details).

This story is brought to you by Pantene.

It’s 2021! Let’s make this a better year and give ourselves a glow up. You can start by giving yourself a salontastic hair transformation right at your own home and leave the “woke-up-like-this” look in the past. To get the salon hair look, here are some great but easy hair tutorials by Paul Nebres @paulnebreshair on IG, renowned celebrity stylist and Pantene ambassador who has worked on the locks of Anne Curtis, Sarah Lahbati and Georgina Wilson.

Vintage Hairstyle ala Anne Curtis

Things you’ll need:

• Curling Iron

• Teasing Comb

• Hairspray

• Paddlebrush or Wide tooth comb

• Setting Clips

Part your hair on the side then section the hair into four. With your curling iron, start curling your hair at the bottom going inwards or towards your face. Tease the crown area to add volume. Clean the teased part and brush down the curls to create waves. Tuck the other side of the hair behind the ears with a hairpin. Lastly, clean it with hairspray for smooth hair. We love this look that can go from casual to formal!

Wavy ponytail with silk scrunchie

Things you’ll need:

• Curling iron/wand

• Hair brush

• Hairspray

• 2 hair ties

• 2 hairpins

• Hair wax

• Silk scrunchie

Divide your hair into four sections. Take your curling iron or wand and start curling your hair. Start from the bottom first and work your way up. Brush your hair to loosen the curls out so you are left with waves. Brush your hair into a ponytail. While still holding the ponytail with one hand, use your free hand to generously spray your hairspray to clean and smoothen the ponytail. Then take two hair ties, loop one around the other and attach a hairpin on each end to make a hair bungee. Use this hair bungee to make your ponytail secure. Use your hairspray or wax on the rest of your hair to polish your tresses. Finish your look with a silk scrunchie. Paul got his scrunchie from @eighthoursofsilkph on Instagram. Lovin’ this casual yet romantic look!

Kendall Jenner Bun

Things you’ll need:

• Hair comb or brush

• Hairspray

• 2 hair ties

• Hairpins

Part your hair in the middle. Start combing your hair into a ponytail. Use hairspray to clean your look before tying your hair with a hair bungee (instructions above). Make sure you tie your hair at the top and not at the back of your head. Start twisting your hair to create a bun. Secure it well with hairspray and bobby pins. Make sure you can see the bun from the front. This look is easy but chic!

When copping these hair trends of 2021, it’s much easier to have long hair so you can have a lot to work with. You can grow your hair long by using Pantene Long Hair Solutions Total Damage Shampoo, a gentle shampoo that not only cleanses but also prevents hair damage before it even begins. This way you don’t need to keep chopping your hair off. After shampoo, always use a nourishing hair conditioner that will keep your hair healthy and smooth as well as fight and repair hair damage. Pantene conditioners are known to be the best conditioners at affordable prices. Pantene Keratin Straight Miracle Conditioner is the best conditioner for straight hair because contains a blend of Pro Vitamins and keratin to protect hair and fight frizz. Pantene Collagen Miracle Intensive Serum Conditioner uses collagen together with Pro Vitamins to nourish the hair and provide and extra layer of strength. 

To really get that smooth hair that really looks like salon hair, be sure to use a hair treatment after rinsing your hair conditioner. Pantene Collagen Miracle Hair Treatment Shots contain a concentrated dose of collagen to really achieve smooth hair that looks like you got a salon treatment. So leave the old you behind and welcome the new you starting with a hair transformation at home with the Pantene Salontastic Collection!

We're looking for inspiring stories to share on Project Vanity's 13th anniversary month. The chosen stories will win P13,000 worth of gifts from our brand partners.

Send your story to liz@projectvanity.com by March 6, Saturday to be reviewed or fill out the form below. We can't wait to read about your nominees!

As a beauty lover, there’s a lot of emphasis on carefully curating your beauty collection by investing in high-quality makeup and finding the best formulas. And while you might already have products that work like a charm, using them with just the right tools can take the experience to greater heights. Trust me. These five brushes are total game-changers!

Zoeva 104 Buffer (P1,500 at Sephora.ph)

A smooth, even base is the specialty of this mother of a buffer. I have enlarged pores near my nose area, and some foundations just don’t readily sink in. The hairs on this brush are soft and dense but not too tightly packed, so the circular buffing motions don’t feel abrasive on the skin. Thicker formulas are easily diffused without losing a lot of the coverage. This brush also works well with concealers, and I was particularly amazed at how this was able to prevent the famed Tarte Shape Tape from looking too thick and cakey.

Zoeva 142 Concealer Buffer (P800 at Sephora.ph)

Basically the mini version of the 104 Buffer, the 142 brush helps get liquid and cream concealer formulas onto those hard-to-reach places, like the corners of the nose and mouth and the under eye area. It helps gently spread out drier, balm-type formulas without much drag. (Think the likes of The Saem Cover Perfection Pot Concealer.) The small size also helps concentrate coverage on blemishes.

Nichido Pro Makeup Powder Brush 191 (P288 at Watson’s)

There are certainly gems in the drugstore category, and this fluffy powder brush is living proof! Granted, the hairs aren’t particularly dense, but the extra soft and light touch more than make up for it. This is my all-over pick that applies setting powder, blush, highlighter, and bronzer evenly, without digging into the base underneath. Synthetic hairs allow for the brush to retain its shape and softness post-wash, so this is also an excellent low-maintenance option.

The only caveat: The handle is extra long as this is supposed to be for makeup artist use. This may present a challenge when you want to stuff this in your on-the-go kikay kit.

MAC 217 Blending Brush (P2,000 from MAC counters)

I was blown away when I attended a MAC techniques workshop several years ago and discovered the use of this eyeshadow brush. Up until then, I was using this ancient generic shader brush that seemed to be doing a decent job for all-over shadow work. But the 217 blender definitely elevated the experience. While it works as a regular shader brush, the considerable fluffiness can pack the pigment on a certain area and then sheer out the rest. If you’re just beginning to build your brush collection, this is a worthy investment for your makeup tool starter kit.

Emax Design Tapered Brush ($9.99 + SF on Amazon, part of a 12-piece set)

Even with hooded eyes, I make it a point to emphasize my socket line with a tapered brush. With my limited eyelid “real estate”, it serves as a guide that helps prevent my shadows from going up and over to the brow bone area. The domed shape at the top easily finds the contours of the socket line. The brush set that includes this was gifted to me by my cousin several years ago, and I still use them to this day. The entire set is sturdy and affordable.

What brushes leveled your makeup game up?

The most dedicated curlies know this by heart: Washing your hair every single day is like sentencing your mane to a sad, dry, and frizzy life. When the pandemic hit, one of the major considerations I had whenever I would step out of our flat is if I’m ready to give my hair another wash the moment I get home. Will it survive this constant abuse and come out bouncy once this is all over?

Yes, there are much bigger things to worry about during these times and safety was of outmost importance so my hair had to go through more washing than it required. The result was a lot of frizz which I battled with hair masks. On top of that, I was spending too much time in the bathroom, blowdrying my hair with a diffuser. Thankfully, a new product has arrived to give me back some of my hours and keep my locks from rebelling. Local hair extensions brand Tokyo Posh has come up with their own hair sanitizer and my curls have been nothing but thankful for it.

Such a bonus that the Hair Shield Hair Sanitizer (P295 for 125ml) was actually formulated by a Filipina. Tokyo Posh Founder Denise Aquino-Posadas shares she worked on creating the Hair Shield after finding nothing like it in the market. “When the pandemic started, I’ve been looking online for a product that I can use to sanitize my hair quickly, while on the go and I couldn’t find any!”

“So, I decided to research and find a formulation that can kill germs and bacteria whilst not drying my hair,” Denise shared. “I knew it was a great idea when during the lockdown, I had to get an ultrasound in St. Luke’s and I saw someone literally spraying on alcohol all over her hair/ head. I wanted to hand her my Hair Shield sample then!”

Totally with her on this as my hair feels like a catch-all whenever I’m outside.

Ingredients that work for your hair

The product is paraben and alcohol-free, making sure you get to maintain your hair’s natural oils. Looking through the ingredients list, it seems tea tree oil was used to replace alcohol. This natural oil has anti-bacterial properties. It’s commonly used as a natural hand sanitizer, a popular ingredient for skincare products, an antiseptic for minor cuts and wounds, and even as an insect repellant. Paired with the other actives in their ingredient list, the Hair Shield promises to kill 99.9% of germs. According to Denise, they had this clinically tested to prove their claim.

Denise also assures that the product is safe for hair extensions and color-treated hair.

There are also ingredients like aloe vera and hydrolyzed keratin which can keep your hair hydrated and moisturized. Something curly hair needs throughout the day. The product is also mildly scented and refreshes my hair well when I’ve spent a little too much time under the sun. The Tokyo Posh Hair Shield feels like a hair mist that also protects your hair from the nasties.

Curly verdict

These photos of my hair are actually on day three of no-washing and I’m still happy with how it looks. Normally, the frizz will be out of control at this point. To refresh the style, I’ll just add a bit of dry shampoo on the roots after letting the Hair Shield dry to amp up the volume then some curl milk to keep the locks together. Then, I’ll do a quick run through with my diffuser.

Will I keep using it after this pandemic is long over? Definitely. Our hair, like our skin, tends to absorb what’s in the environment. As someone who can be so paranoid about germs even before the pandemic, I’d prefer to be clean all over with a bonus of hydration for my curls.

At Php 295 for 125ml of product, it’s a pretty sweet deal. It’s lasted me for almost a month now and to think I do spray my hair with this a little too often whenever I’m out. Sometimes, even when I’m just at home and need a quick refresh.

The bottle is also big enough to stay in your purse for sanitizing and refreshing your hair on the go. Though I wouldn’t say no to a bigger bottle so I can just refill my smaller when it runs out. Or maybe some refill options in the future to bring down my plastic consumption.

The Tokyo Posh Hair Shield is available in their physical stores as well as on Lazada.

This story is brought to you by Herbal Essences

There are plenty of good things associated with plants. Some are recommended by NASA to help purify the air around us. Others are acknowledged to have medicinal properties through the years. When it comes to beauty, certain plants are used to power up our routine. Here are a few ways I’ve been incorporating them in mine!

Tea: Antioxidants for Drinking and for Under the Eyes

Green tea and black tea are derived from the plant Camellia sinensis. Both contain antioxidants that help protect the skin from within. I like drinking both since I don’t drink coffee. For convenience, I tend to use tea bags more which comes with an added bonus - the tea bags can be placed over the eyes to reduce puffiness and redness.

Plant-based Oils: Moisture Boost for the Body

Sometimes lotion is not enough for my extremely dehydrated skin. When it gets really dry, I turn to moisturizing body oils like sunflower oil and almond oil. These skincare products are recommended for dry skin like mine since both have skin soothing benefits. I just apply immediately after showering and the moisture lasts all day long.

Botanicals: Plant-Power for the Hair

I remember hearing about Herbal Essences Shampoo way back in the 90s. The brand has always been well-known for their use of plants in their products for decades now. They even partnered with the KEW Royal Botanical Gardens to "authenticate and verify that the key botanicals in Herbal Essences bio:renew line-up are REAL, legitimate, and of high quality.”

They also have variants for every hair concern!

• Argan Oil of Morocco – repairs damaged hair from root to tip

• Coconut Milk - hydrates for soft, silky hair

• Golden Moringa Oil - cleanses for sleek, smooth hair

• White Strawberry & Sweet Mint -gently cleanses for volume & shine

• Blue Ginger & Micellar - revitalizes and gently cleanses limp hair

Since I have dry and sometimes rough hair, Coconut Milk works best for me. While the other variants are favorites of the newly minted Herbal Essences Bloom Squad - Frankie Pangilinan, Leila Alcasid, and Juliana Gomez. Kakie’s favorite is the Argan Oil of Morocco as it helps protect her hair from damage and keep it smooth. Leila’s hair is in need of volume and moisture which makes the White Strawberry & Sweet Mint pair her new best friend. And Juliana’s go to is the Golden Moringa Oil because it makes her hair less frizzy and beautifully moisturized.

Do watch out for more info on the Herbal Essences #BloomSquad as they pave the way with Herbal Essences in living a plant powered clean beauty lifestyle. You can also join the #BloomSquad Posting Challenge to win a chance to join an exclusive The Royal Botanic Gardens, KEW Virtual Tour plus a year’s supply of Herbal Essences products!

Here’s how to join:

1. Be a part of the Bloom Squad and share how you achieve clean beauty hair goals with Herbal Essences.

2. Use the hashtag #PlantPowerInEveryShower and #BloomSquad

3. Tag @herbalessencesph and the #BloomSquad - @frankiepangilinan @leilaalcasid and @gomezjuliana

4. Make sure your Instagram page is public

5. You can post until March 26, 2021 to join the posting challenge

Good luck!

Herbal Essences Products are available at the P&G Beauty Official Store in Shopee and the P&G Hair Care Official Store in Lazada.

I was recently in a video call with some of my friends. We were catching up and sharing what kept us busy aside from work. When it was my turn to speak, a friend of mine preempted me saying, “I’m sure it’s makeup again.”

Well, in his defense, he wasn’t wrong. Makeup really did keep me busy and continues to keep me busy, but what bothered me was his tone and facial expression.

Ever since I started wearing makeup many years ago, friends and family would question why I waste my time, effort, and money on makeup. Some would even go beyond that and say that people won’t take me seriously if I wear makeup.

While I’ve learned to not care about what people say about my love for makeup, I just feel like I have to revisit this issue and speak up about it. 

In order for me to understand where they are coming from, I tried to put myself in their shoes and ponder why they have this perception about people who wear makeup. 

They think makeup is only for women. Living with my conservative extended family, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been told that makeup is only for women. Oh, don’t even get me started in the gay dating world. I wonder what they’ll say when they find out that men have been wearing makeup since 4000 BC.   

They think we hide behind makeup. “You look better without makeup.” “You should look natural.” “You wear makeup because you are insecure.” The statements go on and on. Whatever reason we have for wearing makeup is valid and is not anyone’s business.

They mock it because they don’t get it. It’s easy and convenient to make fun of something you don’t understand. Some people just don’t get makeup at all and instead of letting people do what makes them happy, they feel the need to rain on their parade.

They think we take makeup seriously. Well, of course we take makeup seriously in a sense that we spend time, effort, and money on them. However, we know that makeup is temporary, something that comes off at the end of the day. Now, if someone is bothered that you wear makeup, then that someone is taking makeup way more seriously than you.   

They think wearing makeup makes us shallow and vain. What’s wrong with self-love? What’s wrong with wanting to enhance our natural features? What’s wrong with paying attention to outer beauty? You know, this harkens back to misogyny discourses, especially in the workplace, where women are expected to look a certain way to be taken seriously. How ironic, right?

Now that I’ve tried putting myself in their shoes, I can say that their shoes are definitely uncomfortable. Can you imagine having so many issues about something you don’t even participate in? Why not just let people enjoy things?  

If you don’t wear makeup, then good for you! But keep this in mind, when you do decide to start wearing makeup, know that we will be welcoming you with open arms and with a list of recommendations. That’s just how the beauty community is. We take each other seriously.

I lurk around Shopee and IG a lot, and if you’re like me, you might have heard about Perfect Diary. There is a sea of products available on Shopee but this brand always stood out for me with their eye-catching graphics and packaging. I was given a chance to try a set of the Perfect Diary Rouge Intense Velvet Slim Lipsticks (P789 per tube/ P2,139 for the set), so here’s what I thought about them!

The set comes in a cute. white faux leather “bag.” When I opened it, I was amazed with the classy look of the lipsticks. One side is made of white faux leather, while the other side has a gold casing that definitely looks luxe and feels heavy. The lipsticks are slim and remind me of Hourglass Confession lipsticks.

Now, even though the presentation was great, I didn’t have high expectations of the actual product because I was previously gifted with another lip product from the brand and found it just okay. I’m happy to report that this is not the case for these lippies at all! They glide on very smoothly and have good opacity even in one swipe. They also have a pleasant vanilla scent.

They also feel moisturizing on the lips. However, since they are velvet matte lipsticks, they will still tend to emphasize the lip lines a bit. I use lip balm before applying them to make them less noticeable.

The set I got contains the shades L02 Rosy Lambskin, L03 Maple Chelsea, and L04 Vintage Kitten Heel. The shades look pretty similar at first glance but their undertones make them different from each other. L02 is a rose shade, L03 is a brown while L04 is a brick red. Since L02 is the lightest of the bunch, it’s a little less opaque than the other two.

Longevity is good for this formula. It stains quite well and will hold up well when drinking, but like most bullets, it will not survive a meal.

Overall, these Perfect Diary lipsticks greatly exceeded my expectations. The set is priced at P2,139 but you can also purchase them individually for P789. These are the most expensive lip products of the brand and they surely didn’t scrimp. These are honestly the best bullet lipsticks I’ve tried at this price point because it’s a great combination of presentation and performance. I only hope that Perfect Diary makes more variety in their shades.

Perfect Diary is available in Shopee.

“Your hair looks amazing,” a stranger on the street comes up to me with a smile on her face. “Where did you get the curls done?” I then proceed to tell them that the curls are natural. It’s often met with an amazed face when I tell them I got them from my dad or a smirk that shows they don’t really believe me. Sometimes, I get someone who wants to touch my hair just to make sure. You see, all this has been pretty recent. Growing up in the Philippines in the 90s and early 2000s, my hair was never considered pretty. Straight, shiny hair was glorified and curls were often seen as unruly or buhaghag.

I remember watching a Tagalog movie called Dahil Mahal na Mahal Kita. The late actor Rico Yan was in it so I was naturally drawn to the movie. Claudine Barreto who played the lead role was considered the campus’ bad girl. She was pretty, popular, and kind of a rebel. She falls in love with Rico’s character who preferred “good girls”. Looking back, this plot was definitely problematic and did not age well but this was 1998. Claudine proceeds to dress in clothing that’s a lot more modest and becomes a lot nicer to her peers. She also straightens her hair. After a fight with Rico, she goes back to being a bad girl, complete with her curls.

For eight year old me and my classmates the subliminal message was pretty clear. Curls are bad and straight, shiny hair was the standard. Shampoo commercials never featured anyone with curls. If they did, it was always to show the ‘before’ situation of tresses that will finally become sleek and tamed once their product is used. I’ve been abroad for some years and only came back three months ago but I don’t think much has changed on this front. Every time I see a shampoo ad, I still don’t see my hair type represented but I’m thankful that people are actually starting to like the look.

I don’t know how to feel when I get DMs from people telling me they take my photo to the salon to ask the stylist to copy my curls. On one hand, I feel flattered but on the other, I feel utter disbelief. For some reason, it takes me back to the time when I was being teased for my hair. Kulot salot, as passé and unimaginative as it is, really sticks to your head. I remember sitting in a salon asking a stylist to rebond my hair and make sure it was “straight and pretty” for prom. I was fifteen and little did I know, I was paying someone to damage my hair and spend a whole two years regrowing everything.

I was already in university when I realized that instead of trying to change myself to conform to these standards, I should work with what I already have and define myself in my own terms. The moment I started loving my hair and paying attention to what it needed to grow well, my tresses started to thrive and look their best. 

I realized that the only reason I thought my hair was not pretty enough was because of all those commercials and what I saw on TV. They influenced people around me into thinking the same thing. When I was at the beginning of embracing my curls, a friend’s mom came up to me and told me that I should get my hair rebonded. She does it herself every year to keep “the curse” from coming out. My resolve was still pretty shaky at the time and I went home feeling insecure and thinking about another salon visit. That is, until I saw my grandmother, sitting on our couch with a smile. She was so excited to show me her surprise – her new hair. She went to the salon to have it curled so we’ll be the same.

Nowadays, I see more curly girls in Manila and my heart swells with so much pride. I don’t know what the turning point was. Was it more international films? The rise of going au naturel? I’m not even sure. But somewhere along the way, more and more Filipinas started embracing their natural hair, caring for it rather than straightening it into submission. I feel prettiest in my curls nowadays – with or without anyone stopping me on the street to tell me that they think so. I just know and feel that way.

I toyed with the idea of doing the Curly Girl Method and I would have loved that. However, as someone who writes about beauty, I do need the option to change things up. Admittedly, I also enjoy playing around with different styles. I still straighten my hair every now and then using my Dyson Corrale to change things up but I always look forward to going back to my curls.

So if you’re at a point wherein your struggling with your curls because of peer and media pressure, even if we're not represented well out there, here’s a curly girl telling you that your hair is pretty too. You just need to love and care for it the way it needs you to.

Sometimes I have patients who will come in for consult for another matter but would segue into skincare because they have no idea on where to start with their routines or what to apply. After asking some questions, I would then learn what skincare mistakes they’re committing without knowing it like cleansing their faces only once a day, using products not suitable for their skin type or not putting on any sunscreen. So, to avoid any mistakes with starting your own skincare routine, here are some steps for you to follow.

Know your skin type

The first step in building any skincare routine would be to know your own skin type. I’ve written a previous article here on Project Vanity about the five different skin types (oily, dry, combination, sensitive and normal skin types) and each of their characteristics. The reason why this needs to be the first step is because you need to know what type of products your skin will be best suited to you and what kind of consistencies will your skin favor the most.

Find out what your skin concerns are

The next step would be to determine which skin concerns you want to deal with. I often get inquiries from random people asking me what skincare product recommendations I can give them but that in itself is a vague question for a dermatologist because skincare these days have ingredients in them that target specific skin concerns like sensitivity, anti-aging, hyperpigmentation, acne, dryness, etc. To know which products will benefit you and will help address your skin concerns the most, you need to identify them before moving on to the next step.

Start with the basics

The basic skincare steps of cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen are the foundations for any skincare routine. I too began with the basic skincare steps before gradually building up my routine until I was able to add additional steps like essences and serums. These are called the basics for the plain reason that they are all any skin type would need as far as skincare goes. Once you have found the right products for your skin type and concern, remember that cleansing and moisturizing is done twice a day, in the morning and evening, and sunscreen is applied as the last step in the morning.

Add supplementary skincare only if your skin agrees to it

Other steps like essences, serums, ampoules and sheet masks are merely supplemental and are not necessary in a routine. All you really need to keep your skin healthy are the basic steps but say, you want to add another anti-aging product to your routine, then it’s ok to add an essence, a serum or an ampoule – just as long as your skin is okay with it. It doesn’t mean however, that applying more products will be better for your skin because additional layers can cause irritation too. You need to be careful with what you apply, which leads me to the last step.

Listen to your skin

A very important step in following thru with any routine would be to listen to your skin. It doesn’t matter if your routine comprises of 3 or more products, what matters most is taking note of how your skin would respond to what you’re applying and if you would react negatively to them. By carefully observing your skin’s reactions, you would be able to guage if your skin is getting the best care it needs or if it would need a different product.

I sincerely hope this short guide will be useful to everyone reading this. If you have any more concerns or questions you would like to ask about skincare routines, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is the best option. Remember that our skin is different from another and that our routines should be individualized to suit our needs. 

Until my next article then, 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 (for face-to-face consultations, kindly message the FB page for details).

When it comes to teeth whitening, I’ve tried quite a good number of treatments. From the whitening strips to salon-style teeth whitening facilities in Europe with stark-white, minimalist interiors and pod-like seats that cocoon you while you get your 30-minute whitening treatment. They’ve worked in varying degrees and trust me – I always left with a brighter smile. Just not bright enough.

It’s been over a decade since I quit the nasty habit of smoking yet the stains on my teeth remain. I guess being a caffeine junkie doesn’t help my case either. While I’m resigned to the fact that my mouth will need a total makeover if I want my dream, pageant-quality set of pearly whites to come true, it won’t stop me from trying out anything on the market that promises to be effective. Enter My Smile, a home teeth whitening kit that promises to lighten and take out stains. It uses practically the same technology as that of the teeth whitening salons – LED trays and whitening gels – but in the comfort and privacy of your own home. 

In the midst of a pandemic and being stuck at home, chugging coffee to survive the work from home set up, you know it’s pretty much godsend.

The company, run by two Filipinas has been around for a while and each sale they make has been helping children in the Philippines in need of lip or cleft palate surgeries.

They recently released stronger formulations for their whitening gels to ensure that your teeth will lighten faster and in less sessions. The kits promise to whiten your teeth within 2-6 shades in 2 weeks. With the extra strength refills, I was able to lighten my teeth by three shades in two sessions. The refills also come with a Remineralizing Gel Pen to help the teeth stay strong.

Convenience

What irked me about being stuck at the dentist’s chair or in those teeth whitening salons was that I was trapped into sitting and waiting – things I’m not really good at. I couldn’t do anything else during the treatment. I couldn’t read, text, or get to my e-mails. What I love about having the kit at home and doing this on my own is that I can use the time however I want. I could meditate if I want to, read the latest issue of my favorite magazine, or even catch up on some work.

The LED whitening tray which is essential to the process also hooks up to your phone for power. I love how I can even walk around the apartment while getting the treatment done. Once it’s over, there’s also a case where you can safely store the light tray.

A lasting impression 

All in all, I’m happy with the product and how it lightened my teeth just after a few uses. The question is how long the effects will last. Caffeine is something I couldn’t give up so I’m pretty sure staining can happen once more. However, at least I have my kit at home with me.

I liked the efficacy and quick turnaround. It’s also pretty amazing that despite the gel’s more powerful formulation, it did not make my teeth feel too sensitive.

Bye, mask breath

Everybody’s talking about maskne but wearing masks seem to make people talk less, resulting to weird breath after a few hours. The mouth carries a lot of bacteria and with a pandemic raging around us, it’s best to just make sure everything is squeaky clean. My Smile has also come out with a sanitizing breath spray that you can quickly use to give your mouth a refresh. The best part? It also supports the original kit’s cause and whitens the teeth on the go.

You can get your MySmile Kit for P3,500 at Lazada, with the Extra Strength Refills for P2,300.