You are not a makeup junkie from 2016 if you don't have at least one contour kit. Every brand and their aunts have a version and in multiple formulas at that, so it's not surprising that there's a lot of confusion about which ones to get! Allow us to demystify at least two major formulations: the cream and powder contour.

Both do the same thing, which is to chisel your face to perfection, but go about it in different ways. The base, tools, and application technique required for each formula differ completely.

The ideal surface

For cream contour, you want to apply it on a cream or liquid base. In other words you should set your base with powder after applying the cream, and not before. For powder contour, blend it on top of a powdered face to get a smooth finish free of streaks and patches.

Remember: wet is to wet and dry is to dry!

The tools to tote

Cream contour can be applied and blended just with fingers, which makes it a convenient product to have on the go. You may use a Beauty Blender (or equivalent) if you want smoother and faster results! Powder contour on the other hand must be applied with a fluffy brush, preferably an angled one with natural hair.

Products used: Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Kit / Make Up For Ever #230 Brush / Nippon Sponge (Beauty Blender dupe) / Pop Beauty Contour 101 Kit / Bobbi Brown Angled Face Brush

Tips and techniques to note

With a cream contour, it's almost impossible to layer from sheer to heavy; the strategy is to apply more than you'd need, then diffuse it with your preferred blending tool. With a powder, you need to start with a sheer layer first and add more if necessary. You can blend it even more with a clean brush, i.e., not loaded with product.

Watch the video above to see how to apply both products!

Pros and cons

Creams have a more natural, skin-like finish that steps away from that dated makeup-y look. It's great for everyday wear and is much quicker to work with compared to powders. However, if you're oily or blemished, they will complicate your routine. I recommend using it if you have good, normal to combi skin.

Powder contours can give you a more chiseled, defined look and a completely matte finish. It's great for shoots and events since they have the staying power + photogenic effect you're looking for. You just have to be careful about not putting too much as it can look overdone and unrealistic.

Hope this post and the video helped! <3 Please don't forget to subscribe to Project Vanity's YouTube Channel to get updated as we post! (We have new vids every Wednesday and Saturday).

Would love to hear about what you prefer: cream or powder contour?

If you were a teen in the 90s, you may have heard this in a song over the radio by Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale. You've probably also seen it in the ingredients list of moisturizers, hydrating skincare products, and lately even hair care products. Glycerin is one of the most commonly used ingredients in skin care and cosmetics. But why is it used so often, what does it do, and most importantly, is it actually safe to use on your skin?

What is glycerin? Also known as glycerine or glycerol, it is a thick, colorless and odorless liquid that is present in all human and animal lipids. It can be naturally derived from these fats, or synthesized in a lab. Since glycerin is water-soluble, it is often in bath products like body lotions, moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, and soaps. If you check your gel moisturizer or body lotion, it probably has glycerin in it.

Aside from skin care, glycerin is also used products such as antifreeze, inks, lubricants, and even in sweeteners. Of course, the glycerin we use for our skin is cosmetics grade and nowhere near the amount of concentration it would take to harm you.

Glycerin looks just like water and feels just like a slightly thicker version of it.

What does it do? Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it has the ability to pull in water from the environment and the dermis (or the lower layers of the skin) into the outer surface of the skin. This helps keep the skin’s natural barrier intact, so skin feels moisturized, soft and less prone to dryness. When applied to hair, it increases the moisture content of the hair shaft so it's protected from the damaging effects of heating tools and premature breakage. Sounds like it has some really good benefits, right?

Kracie Natulu Skin Conditioner is a water and glycerin-based moisturizer that feels light and refreshing. Perfect for summer!

Moisturizing. Glycerin absorbs water from air so if you apply it to your skin, the air around your is actually hydrating your skin. Want proof? If you leave a bottle of pure glycerin open, it would eventually absorb enough water from the environment to change its composition to become 80% glycerin and 20% water.

The silky, watery texture and dewy finish of L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Makeup is most likely due to its glycerin content.

Smoothing. As your skin ages, it cannot retain moisture as much as it used to. This causes skin to be prone to irritation, redness, and a rough texture. Glycerin fills and repairs microscopic cracks caused by aging and irritation, which is why you'll often find it near the top of the ingredients list in lotions.

Protecting. Since it has the dual ability to hydrate skin and fill gaps in dryer skin, glycerin can protect your skin by keeping the outer layer of the skin intact. This layer is important as it is the natural barrier that protects you from pollutants and disease-causing organisms.

Our current favorite serum, Burt's Bees Radiance Serum, is formulated with glycerin. We recommend it even for extremely oily-skinned gals who have trouble with gel moisturizers.

So is it safe to use for cosmetic use? Glycerin is generally safe to use if already found in established cosmetics and skin care brands, but apply with caution and only where instructed. Also, avoid sensitive areas such as your eyes and the inside of your mouth and nose.

Serious allergic reaction to glycerin is very rare. However, immediately consult your doctor if you experience any reaction to products with glycerin. You may not be allergic to glycerin per se, but active ingredients in glycerin may cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms may include rashes, itching or swelling, dizziness, and trouble breathing.

Just as glycerin attracts moisture to your skin, it can also do the reverse and suck your skin dry. Especially for those living in extremely dry weather, pure and undiluted glycerin can take out moisture from your skin if does not find any moisture or humidity in the external environment, so be cautious if you plan to use glycerin in its pure form, or mixed with natural ingredients for organic skin care treatments. Also, take note that commercial skin care products only use 10% glycerin mixed with other emollients and oils for glycerin to work without problems.

Do you use products with glycerin? What do you think of them?

Sources: beautifulwithbrains.com, newhealthguide.org, webmd.com

Apart from beauty and bath products, which are constant favorites, Hindi films are what I've been obsessing over lately. After seeing 3 Idiots, I became a Bollywood convert. I've been so into the Indian film culture that I've also taken a liking to many of its female superstars. Aside from their acting prowess, their ability to look polished and ravishing even with such busy lifestyles is what keeps me in awe. So, of course, I wanted to learn about their beauty secrets and why they look good all the time. Lucky for me (and you), five of them have shared tips on how to try to look as amazing as they are.

Images via Instagram/Prinyaka Chopra and myelomacrowd.org

Priyanka Chopra

The former Ms. World and now Hollywood rising star is known for kicking butt in the ABC series Quantico, but she also turns heads because of her effortlessly sexy style and glorious skin. It turns out, the star's secrets are double cleansing and turmeric. Priyanka swears by the power of turmeric in healing the skin. She uses a face mask composed of yogurt and a dash of turmeric every once in a while for a healthy, glowing complexion.

Image via pamper.my

Parineeti Chopra

It's not only the acting genes that are strong in the Chopra family; beauty runs in their blood, too. Parineeti isn't as big a star as her cousin Priyanka yet, but her beauty is just as noticeable! But unlike Priyanka, Parineeti follows a very simple, 15-minute wash-tone-moisturize face routine. But she does indulge in DIY beauty treatments care of her mom, and swears that applying natural aloe vera juice is the secret to her bright, moisturized skin.

Images via Marie Claire and sheabutter.com

Anushka Sharma

Anushka was not named Vogue India's Beauty of the Year in 2015 for nothing. The actress, who started as a model, has captivating eyes, a great smile, and enviable skin. The secret to her even complexion is neem. Anushka uses neem face packs made of Neem powder, milk, rose water and yogurt. Neem – which is also called Indian Lilac – is perfect for clearing out skin imperfections because it has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

You can buy neem plants from gardening stores but if you don't want to DIY, check out Himalaya Herbals in Watsons!

Images via carolskitchens.com and GQ India

Katrina Kaif

British-Indian actress Katrina Kaif believes that working on what's inside is the best way for your beauty to show. She takes Acai berry supplements to ensure that her skin is healthy. She also swears by drinking wheat grass every day as a way to give you better complexion. Katrina has also traded coffee for green tea for its antioxidant properties. As for her luscious locks, Katrina gushes over Pantene's Three-Minute Miracle line!

Images via moviesthisfriday.com and glamdollfaces.com

Madhuri Dixit

It's hard to believe that Madhuri Dixit is already 48! The actress, who has India's fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shri, under her belt, can easily pass off as a woman in her late 30s. And while many women her age deal with hair loss, Madhuri keeps her tresses healthy and long by using homemade masks and conditioners. She uses a mixture of olive and castor oil as hair mask. For her conditioner, she likes the combination of mayonnaise and bananas.

Have you ever watched a Bollywood film? Which Bollywood beauty tip will you be trying out?

Sources: New York Times, DNA India, Marie Claire, Vogue India, Film Fare

Matte lipstick is gorgeous, don't get me wrong, but I confess that it is not my favorite thing to wear. I'd go for it to achieve a certain look or just change it up for an event, but for everyday? Well. I find mattes too drying and stiff on my lips to endure regularly.

Recently however I've found a surprising exception in the FS Cosmetics Luscious Lipstick in Brick (P299). I got it from an event last month and it's been hanging out in my bag since then! The formula is one of the best I've so far come across - it's truly matte, long-wearing, non-drying, scentless, and tasteless. For reals. I can wear it for hours without my lips shriveling up into prunes.

The color I have, Brick, is a darkened earthy pink with a brown base. It definitely doesn't look like the brick shade we know but I am not complaining. The color flatters me and has the right combination of drama and wearability. It's the sort of versatile color that can be worn to the office or to a fancy cocktail event.

The packaging is similar to the Chanel Rouge Allure - you press the bottom to dislodge the bullet from the cap via a spring mechanism. It's pretty cool. I love the matte black + silver combo but I am not digging the rather humorless FS letters in front. That's just me though. It has a slim mirror in the cap to make up for it.

It's hard to believe that this lipstick is only 299 bucks. Such a steal! I would love to try out more colors soon. I think you guys will love Brick once you swipe it on.

Let me know what you think!

You can check where to get Features & Shades Cosmetics at their website, www.fscosmetics.com.

Using lipstick as blush is probably the most practical makeup tip I learned from my mom. I don’t even remember ever seeing blush on her vanity! This practice is what’s keeping my blush collection to five products max. Being a makeup junkie, I think I deserve a medal for that.

I hope this list helps you maximize your lipstick collection or find use for the lipstick tubes that you haven’t been picking up.

Maybelline Creamy Matte in Touch of Spice on the lips and cheeks

Matte Silicone-Based Lipsticks

In general, you can use most lipstick formulas on the cheeks. However, creamier wax-based formulas tend to feel heavy in our humid weather. If you have drier skin, satin finishes could be a bit more tolerable, but for normal to oily-skinned people, drier lipstick formulas are fitter for to use on the cheeks.

Most lipsticks are either oil and wax-based or silicone-based. The latter is easier to work with because they can be spread and blended onto the skin effortlessly, typical of silicone-based makeup. They also feel somewhat powdery and are less tacky. Many of the recently released “creamy matte” lipsticks are silicone-based.

L’Oreal Moist Matte Lipsticks

If it’s matte AF but doesn’t tug the lips, it’s probably silicone-based. A surefire way to know is to check the ingredients list! If any of the first three ingredients ends with –ane or –one and doesn’t have any type of oil or wax listed first, that’s the lipstick to go for.

Some of the best ones I tried as blushes are Happy Skin Moisturizing Matte Lippies, Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte, L’Oreal Moist Matte, and Revlon Matte Balms. Wax-free lipsticks that aren’t predominantly silicone-based are good for blush use as well, such as the Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Color.

Revlon Matte Balms

Laura Mercier Rouge Nouveau Weightless

Outlandish Lipsticks

If you find that most blushes end up looking the same color on your cheeks, try using “non-wearable” lipstick colors like purple, orange, neon pink, or pastel as a blush! They look intimidating when applied to full opacity, but they translate to a more wearable hue when sheered out on the cheeks.

Revlon Matte Balm in Shameless on the lips and cheeks

A good example is the Revlon Matte Balm in Shameless. I spent months looking for a purple-toned blush and most of the purple blushes I found looked more pink than purple on my cheeks. I was so close to buying Benefit’s Lollitint, a lilac lip and cheek stain, good thing I remembered that I own Shameless. I'd stopped using it on my lips but I love it on my cheeks! It’s easy to blend and stays on long enough.

Pale Lipsticks

Don’t chuck your pale lipsticks just yet, especially if they’re pigmented and have a crème to matte finish. They might make you look sickly when applied to your lips, but they make great subtle-looking blushes.

Happy Skin Moisturizing Matte Lipstick in Too Cool on the lips and cheeks

Take for example Happy Skin’s Moisturizing Matte Lipstick in Too Cool. Since I don’t normally wear eye makeup, the shade washes me out. On the cheeks though, it gives just enough color to warm up my face. This is currently my favorite blush because it doesn’t make me look clownish even when I accidentally layer too much.

A few reminders

Since this is ‘off-label’ use, make sure to do a patch-test first before trying out this makeup trick. Also, make sure to sanitize the lipstick before or after every use, especially if you’re acne-prone.

Lastly, have fun playing with your lipsticks! And if you’ve already been doing this, please share your favorite lippies-as-blush in the comments!

Summer is sweat season, and beauty products that defy melting have arrived to change our life. Here are a few new things to check out next time you go shopping!

Avon has a new line called Feelin' Fresh, which features Roll Ons and Deodorant Creams. What makes these different from your common drugstore armpit care is that they come in LOTS of variants. There are so many options not only for women, but for men too! Aside from fighting odor and sweat streaks, these promise whitening, soothing, and extra protection. 

Ask about these the next time you see your Avon lady!

Benefit Cosmetics also has a coupla new trick up their sleeves for the forever oily. They have two new additions to the famous POREfessional line: the Matte Rescue Mattifying Gel and the Instant Wipeout Masks. If you've never been on board the slightly heavier original POREfessional, you just might love the Mattifying Gel. It feels less primer-y, and offers hydration at the same time.

The Instant Wipeout Mask is a new concept for Benefit. It is designed to purify and minimize the appearance of pores. Interesting no? After all we can't depend on just makeup to keep our skin lookin' fine.

Just the other day I got my grubby fingers on the Max Factor Lipfinity Lipstick. It's my first time to try anything from the popular Lipfinity line so this got me excited! The purply fuchsia color is so fun too. I swatched it on the back of my hand this morning and there's still a solid stain left about four hours into it. Can't wait to wear it on my lips! 

Have you got a new haul too? Show us please! ^_^ 

Hair brushes are the unsung heroes of hair care universe. When we read about hair care, it’s always about shampoo, hair oil, conditioner, and hot tools. We thought it’s time to change that.

Using the right brush can be the best thing you could ever do for your hair. I’m not exaggerating! I bought my first good-quality hair brush late last year, and I’m never going back to combs and cheap brushes ever again.

If you’re looking to up your hair care game, there are two main considerations for getting a hair brush that suits your hair type and style: the brush shape and the type of bristles used.

Image via natomybeauty.com

The Paddle Brush

As the name suggests, the brush looks like a paddle. It is big and rectangular, with bristles that sit on a cushion. The cushion helps protect the hair by collapsing when there are too many tangles. But with regular pressure used normally during brushing, the cushion helps position the bristles to grab hair strands.

The brush is recommended for long and straight hair. The relatively wide and flat surface smoothens and flattens the mane. If you prefer the sleek straight look, try this brush first before grabbing a straightening iron.

Image via divaproductshop.com

The Vent Brush

If you’re a 90’s kid, I’m sure you’re familiar with this brush. Like the paddle brush, this brush is also flat and rectangular but it’s significantly smaller and the bristles are farther apart. As the name suggest, the brush design includes vents that allow air to pass through. It's the ideal brush to use when blowdrying and detangling hair, and is suitable for all hair types.

Image via athingofbeautyblog.com

The Round Brush

If you’re aiming for volume or want to change the shape of your hair, the round brush is your best bet. The brush comes in different sizes to fit various hair lengths. You can also choose the size based on the hair shape you’re going for. Longer hair can benefit the most from round brushes with a bigger barrel that can grab more hair. Move down sizes depending on how short your hair is or if you prefer smaller waves.

Many round brushes are made of metal or ceramic. These two materials are best for styling because they can retain heat, making it easier to shape hair.

Image via emgrace.co.uk

The Semi-Round Brush

If you have jaw-length hair and prefer wearing it sleek and straight, the semi-round brush is for you. It flattens the hair but allows for a little bit of volume.

Many semi-round brushes have harder bristles, so this brush would also be great for people with coarse and curly hair where softer bristles are almost useless. Tip: If you want to brush your hair and keep your curls at the same time, brush or detangle hair before showering. I’m not sure if this works on all types of curls, but it’s worth trying.

Image via thepragmaticcostumer.wordpress.com

Boar Bristle Brush

Yes, the bristles on this brush is literally from a boar! The density of the bristles helps grab hair strands, making it great for fine hair that usually escapes the grip of regular brush bristles.

This brush is also great for frizzy hair because it smoothens the hair’s cuticle layer. People with dry hair can also benefit from this brush because it helps distribute oil and give a healthy sheen to your mane.

The downside to this brush is the cost. Some boar bristle brushes, like the Mason Pearson Hair Brush, are priced as much as P11,000! A cheaper option is the Denman Ceramic Radial Brush available at Zalora for P795.

Synthetic Bristle Brush

These look the same as boar bristle brushes but are made from nylon, plastic, or rubber. The synthetic materials are better suited for dense or coarse hair as the bristles offer more resistance.

Image via blushingbasics.com

Porcupine Bristle Brush

You can breathe a sigh of relief with this one because the bristles didn’t come from porcupines. The name came from how the brush looks, which is a combination of both nylon and boar bristles. The nylon does the combing as the boar bristles smooth the hair out. This is recommended for those with thick and coarse hair who want to get the benefits of using boar bristle brushes but need the resistance of nylon bristles.

We’re pleasantly surprised by the variety of brands available in the country. You can find a wide array of affordable and high-end options at most department stores or check online for authentic products with more competitive prices. Some fave brands include Denman, Conair, Groovy, Acca Kappa and Paganini. While you don't necessarily have to purchase a brand-name brush, make sure to choose one based on what's recommended for your hair type as well as the quality of the brush's make. A badly-made brush can scratch your scalp, damage hair cuticles, or withstand only a month's worth of brushing!

What type of brush do you use to tame your tresses? Got a quality yet affordable brand to recommend? Do share in the comments!

Sources: Shear Kellen, Dummies

We always chuck the simple beauty routines to lazy girls, but did you know that skipping some steps in your daily beauty prep can also do you good? Aside from saving time, beauty junkies like us can put the money somewhere else. Also, with the sun beating down hard this summer, less is best when it comes to product application. So what do we think you should skip? Read on to find out!

Applying toner

There are conflicting views on toning, but one popular theory is that toners were invented to restore the ideal pH level to the skin after using a facial cleanser. These days though, most cleansers have balanced pH, so using a toner isn't always necessary. 

If you have dry to normal skin with few issues, give this step a miss. However, if you have acne-prone skin and rely on active ingredients such as salicylic acid to stay blemish free, it's best to stick to using toner as part of your tried and tested routine.

Over moisturizing

This came as a surprise even for us because we love our moisturizers! We've already talked about the importance of moisturizing even if you have oily skin, but apparently you can have too much of a good thing. Over moisturizing, especially if you have oily skin, can actually lead to breakouts and premature aging. The applied emollients basically cause your skin to secrete less of its own essential oils because your body thinks it’s already getting enough hydration from your moisturizer.

Strike a balance between natural and artificial moisturizers by tweaking your skin care when the weather changes and your skin's need change as well. Try a lighter gel formula or opt for a moisturizing sunscreen instead.

Exfoliating daily

It's not just a bad idea - it can be downright painful, too. Limit exfoliation (for your face and for your body) to a couple of times a week, or even less if you're often out in the sun.

Any method of exfoliating, whether with sponges or with a gommage exfoliator, can leave your skin irritated and inflamed if you do it too often. Plus, you become more susceptible to sun damage because the new skin layer is still soft and delicate.

Using body lotion

When you go out in the sun with lotion on, your sweat transforms the consistency of your lotion. Instead of keeping your skin moisturized, your lotion becomes a gooey, sticky film that feels warm and thick on your skin. Gross, right?

Skip the lotion, slap on some sunscreen, and call it a day. However if your skin is really feeling way too dry to go without, choose a gel or oil type moisturizer instead of the usual heavy cream formula. You can also use an in-shower body lotion that works as a skin conditioner.

Applying hair serum

If the lure to get shiny, shimmering hair this summer is just too strong, here’s a reason why skipping hair serum might be a good idea: silicone. Although silicone found in hair serums can make hair shiny, once it mixes with the sweat and sebum in your scalp, hair serums can actually make your hair look flat and greasy. 

We get that the combination of heat and humidity makes hair styling a nightmare, but you can avoid bad hair days by following our tips for frizz-free tresses. Alternatively, embrace the unruly look and play up the texture with a DIY sea salt spray!

What other beauty steps are you skipping this summer? Do let us know in the comments!

Sources: Refinery29.com, Realsimple.com

I got introduced to sugar waxing or sugaring early in 2015. A body sugaring salon had just opened up near school and it advertised its services as the all-natural, safe, and less painful alternative to regular waxing. You can imagine how down I was for that considering how normal waxing can hurt like a bitch! I figured that for the same price as the regular procedure, I had nothing to lose (except hair, hehe) from trying.

I enjoyed it well enough to stay for eight sessions over the course of four months. True to its claim, it was less painful and the sugar added a nice exfoliating touch that gave me smooth, completely hair-free pits. I followed the recommended two-week intervals and my underarm hair grew back thinner and sparser every time. Though the inconvenient post-care procedures were the same – no sun exposure, excessive sweating, bathing, or use of any underarm product - sugaring still had the advantage of lesser downtime (eight hours versus 24 hours for regular waxing).

Compared to regular chemical wax, the all-natural sugar paste does not adhere to the skin so the hair can be pulled at the root without damaging or hurting the surface. The strong anti-bacterial properties of sugar does not allow for bacteria to breed in the wax blend so contamination presents no issue. While I didn’t notice a drastic difference between ingrown hairs as promised, sugar waxing was still better than regular waxing in most fronts. 

So why didn’t I stay a lot longer than eight sessions? Simple - I learned how to do it at home!

Most people may feel uncomfortable waxing at home and that’s fine. If you’re fairly new to waxing and/or have the budget to get them done, stick to the professional service or keep on doing whatever floats your boat! What made me jump ship to sugaring at home was knowing that I could get the same results for ingredients that I already have in the kitchen anyway. If you’re into DIY hair removal as well, read on!

Image via sheknows.com

The ingredients are pretty similar to what you’d use to make lemonade. You will be needing: 

1 cup of sugar

1 teaspoon of salt

1 ½ tablespoon of fresh lemon juice

 2 tablespoons of water.

Mix everything together and simmer in a non-stick pan on low heat.

Stir the mixture slowly and constantly until you achieve a light amber color.

Either on a cool marble countertop or a ceramic plate resting above a pan of cold water, lightly wet the surface with water and pour out the sugar mixture.

Starting from the edges, fold in the sugar wax to the center using small strokes with a spoon. Play with the mixture until is it cool enough to touch.

Pick up your sugar ball and knead with wet hands. Once you achieve a light golden color, it’s ready for use and the rest could be wrapped with plastic for storage in the refrigerator.

Easy peasy! Just be careful not to burn your fingers by kneading too hot wax. If I’m just using this for the underarms, I find that this batch would last me around eight to 10 uses. That easily saves me about P2,000!

Image via barebodyphilippines.wix.com

To use, just apply the cold wax opposite to the direction of hair growth, smooth over the area a few times so it would really adhere to the hair, then pull off in the direction of growth as fast as you can. Unlike regular waxing, you can go over the same area a few more times if you miss any stubborn follicle. Once done, just go over your skin with a warm damp towel to remove any stickiness. This wax is water-soluble, so you shouldn’t have any struggles washing it off your skin or fabric in case you get them in your clothes. You can also apply aloe vera gel afterwards to soothe your skin!

What’s your current method of hair removal? Would you be willing to try sugaring at home? 

 Source: YouTube

I used to be so self-conscious whenever I wear bright eyeshadow, but that soon faded away when I realized that what other people think about it doesn't count. I enjoy it and it doesn't affect anybody, really, so I decided to wear it whenever I feel like. It's that simple!

And oh so liberating. I still believe that our makeup should match the occasion and venue, but we can always push the envelope if it feels like the right thing to do. It's just makeup. You can always take it off.

Anyway, for this look, I did a mauve-y eye with a pop of purple on the lids. ^_^ It's slightly smoked out with heavy eyeliner and ultra-black mascara. I paired it with a rosy pink lip- my favorite L'Oreal Color Riche Extraordinaire gloss, Rose Symphony. Hope you guys like it!

Products used: Inglot Eyeshadows in #460, #562, #397, #22 / L'Oreal Color Riche Extraordinaire in Rose Symphony / Precision Eyeliner by Browhaus in Black / Heavy Duty Bi-Liner by Browhaus (the mauvey glitter shade) / Bobbi Brown Smoky Mascara

I’m not even gonna deny that a huge chunk of my money goes to beauty. I like to say that it’s part of my research for Project Vanity, but really, that’s just the way it is – I love makeup! Which is why I’m ever so grateful that we now get to enjoy kickass cosmetics from the drugstore that could stand its ground against premium products. Seriously! You could even build a decent five-piece beginner makeup kit for less than the price of one Chanel lipstick. What a time to be alive, am I right?!

Last month, we clued you in on the most expensive beauty item that we have in our arsenal. You knew this was coming! Explore the other end of the spectrum as we share the cheapest makeup we’ve ever bought and our thoughts on just how they performed.

Liz: I have lots of affordable products in my kit, contrary to popular belief, but the question is what are ones that really make it to my routine? The Essence All About Matt! is a fantastic powder at only P269. It serves so well since I get so sweaty and oily these days. I also just repurchased the Etude House Drawing Eyebrow (P178) yesterday and IMHO, it's the best cheapest brow pencil out there.

Image via rubyrubyshopk.com

Den: My Tony Moly Lovely Eyebrow Pencil (P178) and Marionnaud No. 38 double-ended eyebrow brush (P90) put together are still less than P300! They're my trusty brow tandem, as I prefer to use a separate spoolie even if the pencil already comes with one. I also have Maybelline Velvet Matte 12 as my current MLBB - I think the regular price is about P350 but I bought it when it was on sale for P299!

Image via lawrencegarbo.files.wordpress.com

Jordianne: The cheapest beauty item in my kit is the Ever Bilena eyebrow pencil (P60). A Filipina YouTuber recommended it - even put it on her list of holy grails - and I thought, "Well, it's only P60. I won't feel duped if it doesn't work out." But I tried it and it's okay. It's not the best product out there, but it's great for people whose budgets are very tight.

Front left: Essence eyeshadow in Metropolitan (Image via pbunniep.com)

Stacie: My Essence eyeshadow in Metropolitan is the cheapest makeup in my kit. I use it every day on the outer corner of my eyes. It's the perfect shimmery red-brown and the pigmentation is crazy good! Just touch the surface and the color transfers to your finger as if you've rubbed the heck out of the shadow. Best part is it's only P99!

Image via moscatoandmascara.wordpress.com

Marielle: I got the Ever Bilena dual sharpener at the advice of Rae because I didn't want to spring for the special Nars sharpener for my Velvet Matte Lip Pencil. This one cost only P50, and I can also use it for my lip liners. I was able to get Essence I Heart Stage Eyeshadow Base on sale for P150 (regular price is P229), and I usually carry around a variant of the Maybelline Baby Lips line P89-P179.

Image via makeupandbeauty.com

Kim: The very first lip product that I bought for myself is the Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Kiss (P89). I rarely ever use it nowadays because I’ve fallen in love with Aquaphor, but I remember it performing well enough considering the cheap price tag. It moisturizes nicely but I rather dislike the gritty feeling when the balm has been sitting on my lips for a few hours.

Image via blarglefargle.com

Rae: The Ever Bilena dual sharpener is probably the cheapest beauty product I own. I think it's only around P50. Mine is more than a year old and it's still sharp! I'm happy I decided to look for a cheaper alternative before buying a NARS sharpener for their lip crayons.

The second cheapest in my beauty stash is Daiso's spot brush cleaner. It only costs P88 for a 150ml bottle. They're always out-of-stock though, so I buy 2 to 3 bottles whenever I see them on the shelf.

Katsy: Mine would have to be the Daiso Eye Brow Pencil at P88. It reminded me of the Shu Uemura brow sword because of its shape. Performs quite well too!

It’s an absolute thrill to pick up an affordable beauty product with no expectations, only to be wowed when you finally put it to the test. What's the cheapest thing in your kit? Tell us about your best affordable makeup finds!

Do you believe in connections made through scents that last in our memories? Calvin Klein’s ck one is one such iconic fragrance that if you grew up in the 90s like we did, you can probably still remember walking down the school hallways and catching a waft or two of the scent that all the cool kids wore.

Fast forward to 2016 and Calvin Klein gives us ck2. An icon in the making, ck2 is a scent meant to be shared - a scent for #the2ofus.

Launched just last week here in the Philippines, ck2 arrives with #the2ofus campaign. We were introduced to their chosen ambassadors: celebrities and online personalities, influencers that came in pairs.

The hosts for the night were Junior Jocks Jaz Reyes and Jelo Andres. The ambassadors that represent the millennial generation are: Jake Galvez and Martin de Leon, Janeena Chan and Chin Chin Obcena, Ida Anduyan and Michael Macalos, Yuki Tansengco and Rhea Bue, Fourth and Fifth Solomon, Kat Valdez and Cha Ocampo, David Guison and Vina Guerrero, Arisse de Santos and Alyssa Arellano, and Janina Manipol and Christiana Collings. The other ck2 ambassadors are Brent Javier and Janna Tee, Kara Gozali and Dr. Mark Agas, Joyce Pring and Victor Pring, Bela Padilla and Dani Baretto, and Jessica Yang and John James Uy.

The fragrance is a celebration of sharing, as it was designed to be gender-free and “dual-faceted”. It is described as urban woody fresh, with top notes of wasabi, mandarin, violet leaf absolute. This scent softens into the smell of wet cobblestones, orris concrete, and rose absolute. Finally, it glows with the warmth of sandalwood, vetiver, and incense as base notes.

Needless to say, ck2 got us at the wasabi. It feels like the notes were developed to capture that instant shock of a connection between two people, followed by an intimate experience.

In this heat the fragrance lasts a good while, though being an eau de toilette spray, you would probably want to reapply after a few hours. The transparent styling of the bottle’s design is modern and lightweight so it is handy to carry around.

ck2 comes in 3 sizes – 3.4oz/100ml at P4298, 1.7oz/50ml at P3198, and 1.0oz/30ml at P2498. They also have an ongoing promo 'til May 31 for every purchase of a ck2 bottle.

It was indeed a fun launch for the newest fragrance from Calvin Klein! You can watch the ck2 official video directed by acclaimed photographer Ryan McGinley here.

Were you one of those ck one lovers? Have you ever shared a scent with your nearest and dearest?

Oil cleansing is not a new beauty concept, but a lot of people still don't know about this cleansing method. Admittedly, the idea of using oil to cleanse your skin does sound pretty weird! 

Oil cleansing is the method of using oil in place of soap or facial wash to cleanse your face. Most soaps and cleansers are great at taking the dirt off your skin, but they also remove your skin's natural oils. And dryness can worsen some skin conditions a person already has, like eczema.

We all want non-problematic, healthy skin, and that's what oil cleansing promises to give. The method is based on the idea that oil dissolves oil. So, the method suggests that when you use an oil, it will dissolve the impurities on your face and bind with it. When you wipe it off, the impurities that bound with the oil will be gone, too. Your skin's natural moisture will be retained.

Here's how to do it: Start by choosing an oil to cleanse with. Base oils are ideal, but you can also create your own mix depending on your skin type and what effect you want on your skin. To find the best one to suit your needs, check out our guide on what the different types of oils are and what they're good for. People who have normal to dry skin can go for deeply moisturizing oils like argan or shea. Those who have oily skin and are prone to acne can use a mixture of their favorite base oil and tea tree oil.

Prep your skin by placing a warm, damp washcloth on your face for 20 seconds. Remove the washcloth and slather the oil on your face. Gently massage it in then leave the oil for 30 seconds before using the washcloth to wipe it away. You may also rinse it off using warm water.

Since the oil works as a cleanser, you'd still need to tone and moisturize after.

Now, there are mixed views about oil cleansing. While some regard it as a wonder method, others think it's a sham. Among the benefits cited by people who have tried it are brighter, more moisturized skin, and fewer pimples. Those who did not like the method, however, complained about having blocked pores and a filmy residue.

Just like any other method though, oil cleansing will depend on your skin's overall condition. Some people's skin react well to a certain procedure, while others' don't. It's a case of “hiyangan.”

If you want to give it a go but don't want to go all-out just yet, using base oils that are readily available to you would be best. Olive oil is rich and hydrating. It also has antibacterial properties. Meanwhile, despite being a favorite among many, coconut oil has been found to be a comedogenic for a lot of people so use it with caution. Baby oils are great at dissolving makeup, but they block pores and lock in moisture, which may lead to breakouts.

If you want to try oil cleansing but don't have the time to create your own mix, there are a lot of products in the market to choose from. Start off with something that's a little easier on the pocket, like the Muji Mild Cleansing Oil. If you find that the method works for you and you want to up your cleansing game, budget be damned, try the Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil.

Have you tried oil cleansing before? How did it work out for you?

Sources: Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, Makeup Alley, Bustle, Wall Street Journal

If you've visited Project Vanity in the past week, you've probably already seen the new look. It's a magazine-style layout with big titles and emphasis on photos, something that we think works for the direction that Project Vanity has been taking since the start of the year.

It is no longer a blog, but it isn't a magazine either - it's a beauty portal where beauty addicts and brands come together to learn and share the latest in the industry.

Many have commented here and in person telling us that they love the new design. We love it too, because of the infinite scrolling in the main page and sideways scrolling for the next/previous articles. It's easier to see all articles in one long scroll. We particularly love how the articles can be laid out - big photos with smaller text boxes in the middle. We are now also able to feature the writers' profiles and related posts in the bottom.

Important: this loads faster on mobile, according to feedback.

However, we have also received messages from readers saying that they don't like the new layout. The titles are in white, and so can not be read properly if the photo in the background is busy or too light. They can also seem too blocky especially when viewed on mobile. I've also received complaints that the blog automatically shows the previews/next article when the backspace/delete, back/forward arrows are pressed while commenting, which is understandably annoying.

I understand that the above can be frustrating, but we are definitely changing the way we choose our thumbnail or header image so that it is easier to view the titles. Expect less busy pictures moving forward! As for the backspace/arrow issue, at least in Chrome, that won't happen if you're pressing the buttons while there's a cursor inside the comment box.

It's not possible to please everybody, however, we are always ready to improve wherever possible. ^_^ We would love to hear your feedback so that we can gauge the usability of this new design even more. Please let us know what you love or don't love about it, and please also vote in the poll! Thank you so much! 

Ever heard of a school where you’re considered absent if you don’t wear makeup? Welcome to K-Beauty School! It's a world-famous university that specializes in all things related to skincare and makeup. The students here learn about the art, science and technology, history, and even marketing of beauty! Well, at least that’s what the drama said.

The PV team recently discovered a new web drama called Beautiology 101 by OnStyle, the same channel which gave us Pony’s Beauty Diary. It is about Bongju Lee, played by Ji-eun Han, a 20-year old skincare enthusiast who works as a facialist. 

Our heroine also sells skincare formulations of her own making on the side. For Bongju, skincare is more important than makeup as wearing thick makeup may cause signs of early aging! In the hopes of getting more clients and improving her business, she enrolls at the K-Beauty School. The K-drama follows her journey into the rabbit hole that is the makeup world.

The drama is sponsored by giant cosmetics brand Innisfree and prominently features their various skin care and makeup products. It's really entertaining to watch, and as beauty addicts, we love that it includes makeup tricks and tips. Here are some of our picks from episode 1!

Beautiology Tip #1: Mix a facial oil with foundation for added moisture and glow

While doing makeup for a client, she notices that the older lady has dry skin. So she mixes some beauty oil into the foundation before applying it. This creates a moisturizing face base that gives a fresh, youthful glow!

Beautiology Tip #2: Substitute art brushes for makeup brushes

Although not all art brushes may be used to substitute for makeup brushes, you can usually go for brushes with similar shapes. A large watercolor brush looks and acts just like a liquid foundation brush, as the class heartthrob Namgung demonstrates. You can also use fan brushes for dispersing powders, or a small flat brush for applying eyeshadow. 

Animal hair bristles are great for picking up powdery pigments, while synthetic hair works best with creams and liquids. Just make sure to choose bristles that are soft and won't irritate your skin!

Beautiology Tip #3: Know your skin's undertone to get the best lip color

If you've ever wondered why a lipstick doesn't look quite right on you, chances are you're wearing a shade with the wrong undertone. We've talked about how important knowing your undertone is to finding your perfect foundation match, but this applies to color makeup as well.

While there are no rules on which lipstick shades you can and can't wear, if you want to get the best look for you, match your lip shade to your undertone. Blue-toned, cool lippies look best against skin with pink undertones, while warm-toned shades are flattering on yellow skin tones.

Beautiology Tip #4: Slather moisturizer + cover with cling wrap + exfoliate with toothbrush to treat chapped lips

Similar to how a lip mask pack would work, covering the moisturizer with a cling wrap allows it to be better absorbed by your lips. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, remove the wrap, then gently brush away the dead skin cells for soft kissable lips!

Beautiology Tip #5: Facial massages help your skin maintain that youthful glow

Skin care is key to having great skin, but apart from using the right products, you also need to apply them properly. Doing a facial massage as you put on moisturizer and other care products not only feels likes a great skin treat, it also helps the product to be better absorbed by the skin so you get its full benefits. You can even do this massage as you wash your face!

There are currently only two Beautiology episodes uploaded but we're already hooked and excited for the next one! Have you watched it yet? What are your favorite beauty tips so far?

PS You can also watch Sweet 20s, which is also sponsored by Innisfree. It's a simple story about a young girl who is about to enter the adult world. Will she find a job? Will she stay with her boyfriend? Doesn't matter. The makeup tips in there are solid.

So many BB creams, so little time. This skincare-infused face base may have originated in Korea and reached precious commodity status a few years back, but there’s certainly no shortage of it now. Even beauty companies from other countries have decided to cash in on the trend by developing their own formulas - our local brands included!

To narrow the search into budget-friendly territory, we’ve combed the aisles for a few cheap thrills we think you’ll enjoy:

The Face Shop Photo Blur BB Cream (P395)

What do you get when you cross a blur cream with a BB? The answer: Photo Blur. It’s not as moisturizing as the usual BB cream, but it does have a matte finish and an instant brightening effect. The coverage is a buildable light to medium that can mildly color correct or even out skintone. Just a little something to boost your selfie game…

Belo Intensive Whitening BB Cream (P349.75)

This newly launched BB Cream from Belo’s Kojic Acid + Tranexamic Acid line is perfect for summer. The SPF 50 PA ++++ provides ample sun protection for the daily commute, and the formula feels surprisingly lightweight, almost having an airy-light, whipped consistency. My skin did experience a mild warm, tingling sensation, so those with sensitive skin should conduct a patch test first.

Image via Bioré Philippines

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery BB Cream 3D Effect (P450)

It’s a mouthful, but who cares? You can be fresh-faced in more ways than one! The watery feel is sure to wake you up, and the coverage is surprisingly good on discolorations. You wouldn’t expect such a light base to cover a lot of ground, but it does the job. It also has SPF 50, an impressive level of sun protection for something that feels like you have nothing on.

Maybelline Super BB Cream (P399)

Maybelline takes it a step further by developing a BB cream that has certain “superpowers”. This one has garnered rave reviews for its longevity and oil-control prowess. The coverage is notable for effortlessly brightening the skin and concealing imperfections without looking heavy or thick. It’s also in the SPF 50 category, so you get a lot more sun confidence without having to slather on so much of the product.

Image via SILKYGIRL Cosmetics

SILKYGIRL Magic BB Cream (P299)

Now available in the Philippines, SILKYGIRL is a Malaysian brand with super affordable drugstore buys, BB cream included. Aside from having the lowest price on this list, the two available shades are actually Filipina skintone-compatible. One is fair and yellow-toned, while the other is a medium beige tone.

What’s the lowest you’ve shelled out for a BB cream? Know of any products that offer these same benefits for an even lower price? Do tell!

Contour sticks are the easiest to work with whenever I'm in a rush, so I make sure to have one around just in case. Drawing literally four lines and blending them with a sponge or dense brush takes me only a couple of minutes! This convenience is a luxury I never pass up on when I barely have enough time left to slip into my shoes.

I recently got a tube of the Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour (P1,400) and I've been pleased with it so far. It's a warm brown color that's easy to create soft shadows around my face with. The formula blends like a dream, and it lasts a good seven hours when topped with a sheer powder.

If you read reviews on it by Caucasians, you'll find that they're unhappy with how warm and bronzy the color is on their skin. For Asians though, I think it's perfect! Too cool contours can end up looking muddy on our yellow and olive skin tones. At first swatch, I had thought that this Clinique contour stick is too warm in tone, but it actually works really well for my NC35 skin as you can see in my FOTD.

I blended it on my jawline and below my cheekbones. It's practically invisible but believe me when I say that my face is not that structured without help. ;)

Overall, I highly recommend the Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour if you're looking for something that looks natural on your warm skin tone. It lasts fairly well on my oily-combi skin and blends without much fuss. Love it! If you're quite fair though, with beige undertones, you might want to go for a cooler brown than this.

Let me know what you think in the comments!

Clinique is available inside Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Shangri-La, Rustan's Alabang Town Center, Rustan's Essenses Robinson's Place, Rustan's Essenses Gateway, Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu, Trinoma Mall, and Marionnaud SM Mall of Asia

Like many of you, I met Liz through Project Vanity. It was 2012, I was an active commenter, and somehow that was enough for Liz to invite me to write for her. We worked on a few articles for a different publication together, then in early 2013 she sent me a message on Facebook about an exciting new project.

When I wrote the project proposal for Five Years of Vanity, the first ever Project Vanity anniversary celebration, I had no idea that there would be several more or that I would be involved in each one! Hands down though, the best one yet has got to be the whole-day event we held last March 19 in Commune, Makati. Here's why:

The Crowd

When Project Vanity held its fifth anniversary celebration as the first one of its kind, we could only accommodate a handful of people (40, to be exact). That number only grew by 40 more for the seventh anniversary (80 people came), and we threw a bigger party in Beauty Bar, Central Square Fort.

We wanted more readers to get the chance to join an anniversary event this year, so we offered 120 slots for the beauty and blogging workshops. All slots were fully booked by Day 2! Liz and I were absolutely floored by the overwhelming response, and it made finally meeting these girls even more special. They were no longer just another number in our website data, but a real community of Project Vanity readers.

Image via @lightsandlatte on Instagram

The Massive Loot Bag

As beauty lovers, one of the highlights in any Project Vanity anniversary is the loot bags. This year's was our biggest one yet! We had a total of SIXTEEN brand sponsors, count them: Catrice Cosmetics, Marie France, Facial Care Center, INGLOT, Olay, Pantene, Zenutrients, Etude House, Leaders, Tony Moly, Pink Sugar, Nivea, Happy Skin, Burt's Bees, K-Palette, and Kanebo Lunasol.

I saw the excitement in guests' eyes when they spotted the huge bags during registration, and the surprised smile that crept up when they first realized how heavy it was. There was a great mix of both makeup and skin care in there, which we spent an entire morning packing into branded paper bags, courtesy of Ellana Minerals! Which brings me to my next reason...

From left: Me, Jordianne, Kim, Rae, Paul, Liz, Marielle, Stacie, Katsy, Kisty and Angela (missing M.R.!)

The Team

The first two anniversary parties were fun, but also incredibly tiring for Liz and I as we had to do everything ourselves. Luckily, we had an incredible team of eight writers (I'm beginning to think this is a legit lucky number), a photographer, videographer, and an intern to help us out for this year's celebration!

Without my usual job of taking the registration, giving out the loot bags, making sure food was served, coordinating the sound system, modeling for the makeup demo, and occasionally snapping photos taken over, I had the time to chat with some special guests who played an important role in our successes.

with Cheryl Tan Chua (Beautybox Corp.)

with Laveen and Rohit Mirpuri (Pink Sugar)

The Special Guests

Though I've only been with Project Vanity for a short time, I know how crucial brand support has been to its success. We have long-time partners like Cheryl Tan Chua of Beautybox Corp., who has been to every one of our anniversary parties and ensures that K-Palette is a staple in our loot bags. She's a life/business mentor to Liz, and one of my favorite local Girl Boss pegs!

It was my first time to meet brothers Laveen and Rohit Mirpuri of Pink Sugar, and I was just blown away by their knowledge of makeup and dedication to creating a great quality brand with affordable prices. Also, I now know two straight men who have a bigger lipstick collection than Liz does.

Katrina Chu (seated)

I had so much fun chatting with NJ Torres of Marie France and Facial Care Center, who was very excited about working with Project Vanity for the first time. We're so glad that Katrina Chu of Catrice Cosmetics graciously reached out to us after hearing about our experience with a faulty product, as we've since discovered so many great performers from the brand!

The Talks

In the morning, Liz talked about and demonstrated the hottest beauty trends right now. That's flawless matte skin, bright eyeshadow, smoky eyebrows, and monochromatic makeup! In the afternoon she discussed how to make it as a professional blogger.

Of course, no Project Vanity anniversary would be complete without the special participation of our beauty blogger friends! There was no Lip Sync Battle this year (sad, I know) but Donnarence Masilungan and Julia Arenas shared their own inspiring stories during the blogging workshop.

Donnarence is a busy lawyer who started blogging for fun, right about the same time as Project Vanity first started. She never thought that My Lucid Intervals would be such a hit! Meanwhile, Julia of Bless My Bag shared how Liz was her first beauty blogger friend and how she inspired her to study makeup seriously. She went to school, got her diploma, and now loves her job as a professional makeup artist!

The (Sur)prizes

While I was setting up earlier that morning, Liz arrived with a huge smile on her face and something big and boxy in her arms. INGLOT had sent a massive 40-pan Freedom System Palette (you can see the swatches here!) and 10 cherry-red mini loot bags for some very lucky attendees!

The biggest prizes though, were awarded post-event. Marie France and Facial Care Center gave away two gift cards, each one loaded with P30,000 worth of credits that could be redeemed for their beauty services! 

The Stories

Even though I've heard many of them before, I still get so inspired and humbled whenever a reader shares her story of how Project Vanity has touched her life. Many of those who came joined because they wanted to personally thank Liz for helping them gain confidence in how they look and in what they could do. Readers also took advantage of the live meet to interact with fellow readers as well as the team of writers. A lot of hugs were shared that day, and I hope that many new friendships began as well.

The Photographic Evidence

Having our Creative Director Paul and his friend Mel to cover the event ensured that we had plenty of photos to choose from for this recap post! And more importantly, the happy faces serve as a reminder for me and Liz of why we do what we do, and work all that much harder to keep those smiles on.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at #ProjectVanity8th! We hope to see you all again next year. <3

Before anything else, I’d like you to know that it’s perfectly okay to choose NOT to wear a bikini. You can wear a ratty old shirt with shorts to the beach and that’s fine; your personal fun and comfort should always take precedence over what you wear. There’s already a lot of pressure from society for both men and women to fit a certain look and meet a certain body shape to be considered sexy. It’s up to you whether to follow the standards, ignore it, or tweak it to match your personal preferences. And if you DO choose to wear a bikini, do so with confidence! Sexy and beautiful comes in all shapes and sizes.

I’ve said my piece, so let’s get down on the easiest guide to choosing the bikini cut for your body type!

If you have a small bust

Flat-chested girls who want to create the illusion of fuller busts can benefit from detailed embellishments around the area. Tops with bold prints, ruffles, bows, and similar details usually do the trick. High neck cuts also present a neat trick of drawing away the attention from the bust and onto the shoulders. Feeling confident with your A-cups? Celebrate them with a tiny bandeau!

If you have a full bust

The heavier your package, the more support you’ll need. Molded cups are your girls’ best friends to make sure they don’t go jiggling overmuch during your summer activities. One-piece corset types are also a good choice if you want to go for a subtly sizzling look. Want to emphasize your assets? A wrap bikini top should do them justice too!

If you're stick-straight

So you’re a little lacking in the curves department. That’s nothing you can’t fix with some strategic cut-outs to give you an hourglass shape. Frills on your bikini top and bottom can also create the appearance of more curves on those areas.

If you have a belly pouch

Rock the retro-inspired swimsuits if you want to hide your tummy. High-waist bikini bottoms will conceal your bulges but still keep you on-trend. An adorable peplum style works the same way.

If you're full-figured

The goal is to make sure you have ample support while highlighting your best curves. Side ruched high-waist bottoms make a smooth soda bottle flow from your boobs to your hips. If you want to hide a few bulges on the other hand, colorblocking is your friend. Want to show off your figure? A loud, colorful print is sure to catch everyone's attention!

If you're pear-shaped

Heavy-bottomed gals carry most of the weight on their hips and thighs, so those are the parts you want to conceal. A skirted bikini bottom that sits just at the widest part should help you out. A deep plunge one-piece minimizes the bottom as well since it draws the eyes upward to the exposed skin. If you want to flaunt your Beyonce hips however, a high-cut one piece is uber sexy!

If your butt is flat

You know the oldest trick in the book: vertical stripes slim down, while horizontal stripes plump up. You can add volume to your behind with a horizontal print bikini bottom. The tendency for girls with flat booties would be to cover up – don’t. Showing a little bit of cheek will give your butt a boost.

And that’s it! If you find yourself falling into more than one category like I did, simply combine the styles you like. These are in no way strict rules that you should adhere to. You should feel free to try on any design that catches your fancy, but don't be compelled to try to make it work if anything makes you uncomfortable. Keeping trying on a lot of different styles until you find the one that makes you feel fabulous about your body. Happy hunting!

All images are from asos.com and forever21.com

If you're a mom, ate, tita, or lola who will have a little girl graduating soon, I made a video just for you. I know how stressful it can be to figure out makeup for kids so I stressed about it myself haha. Makeup on kids is totally optional of course, since they're beautiful just the way they are. But if you do decide on makeup, I believe that the ideal look must be natural - not too thick - and should be photogenic. Graduation or moving up day is a special milestone for kids and parents as well so it doesn't hurt to add a bit of magic.

Alejandra is the six-year old daughter of my good friends. Her mom asked me how to do her face for graduation last week, so I thought hey, let's make a video! Alejandra just graduated yesterday with two (!) medals! I'm so proud of her.

For Alejandra's base, I blended the Happy Skin SS Creme all over her face. A liquid foundation is absolutely optional as kids typically have perfect skin but I thought that it would be nice to have SPF20 and a more even, glowy finish for A's skin. This registers super well on camera as you could see after blending.

I then set her face with the Shiseido Medicated Baby Powder. This is actually designed for diaper rashes and is hypoallergenic. It's also a great finishing powder for skin of all ages.

Then, I added soft strokes of the Pop Beauty Peak Performance Brow Pencil and toned down the lines with the spoolie. The eyeshadow is straightforward: I applied a shimmery beige as a lid wash and then added depth with a light mauve color. I just used my Bobbie Into The Nudes Palette, which is P215 in Watsons.

I kept the cheeks also natural yet slightly contoured with a melon blush called Miss Independent from Pink Sugar's Sweet Cheeks line. For the lips, I used The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Tint as I know kids would be gigil with normal lipstick or lip gloss. Tint is the most long-wearing option!

So there you go guys, hope you like the look and the video. <3 Please don't forget to subscribe to Project Vanity on YouTube to see more, and lemme know what other looks you want us to do!