With the hot summer season is in full swing, we’ve been looking for ways to relieve ourselves from the heat. Skin cooling and soothing products are extremely handy but, given the opportunity, we’d definitely want to dive into a pool or soak at the beach! If you’ve got outings planned and want to look your best even in the water, waterproof makeup is the way to go. 

A lot of products are labeled as “waterproof” but how well do they actually perform? To test their claims, I put on my swimsuit and literally went swimming with a full face of these products! Will they survive? Read on to find out!

For my base, I used the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen (P2,100), which is labeled “Very Water Resistant” and features their Wet Force Technology. I regularly use this on my face whenever I go swimming and haven’t been sunburned, though my shoulders were (they were covered using a different sunblock). Another option if you’d like a bit more coverage is Shiseido’s famous Sun Protection Liquid Foundation with SPF 43 PA+++. Of course, it is still best to wear a separate sunscreen underneath. I concealed blemishes with the Pink Sugar Our Lil’ Secret Concealer (P349), which has been said to “set like cement”.

On days when I don’t have enough time to do my brows but I need a semblance of polish, I just sweep on the MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow (P1,000). It stays on all day but I haven’t really tested out its waterproof claims ’til now! I use Brown Ebony while our editor Liz has Quiet Brunette. 

The Make Up For Ever Aqua Line features several waterproof products and for this test, we have the MUFE Aqua XL Extra Long Lasting Waterproof Eye Pencil in No. M-60 (P1,250), which they reformulated last year. The MUFE Aqua Smoky Lash Waterproof Mascara (P1,200~) is a sample I’ve been loving for budge-proof lashes, and it was also one of the hardest to remove during our micellar water throwdown. 

Cult-fave Cargo Cosmetics burst into the local beauty scene last year courtesy of Beauty Bar and brought in their Swimmables line. These Cargo Swimmables Eye Pencils  in Pebble Beach, Loch Ness, Karon Beach, and Black Sea (P1,750 for a limited edition set or P850 each) are waterproof, smudge-proof, and long-wearing. The formula seriously won’t budge until you decide to take it off!

For the cheeks, the Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Ibiza (P1,250) is an instant perk-me-up, while the Cargo Water Resistant Bronzer (P1,350) comes in one shade that prettily warms up the complexion and gives it a hint of highlight. I love using the bronzer on my cheeks before popping on the pink Ibiza blush for a summery version of draping!

For the lips, I’ve been road-testing the new Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Lip in Luxe Liquid Lipsticks (P499 each), which perform impressively under normal circumstances. These have great longevity and come in four shades of which Love is True (red) and Love is Devotion (nude) are the darkest. 

Swatches, from left: MUFE Mascara, MUFE Eye Pencil in M-60, Cargo Eye Pencils in Karon Beach, Loch Ness, Pebble Beach, Black Sea, MAC Brow Set, Pink Sugar Concealer, Cargo Bronzer, Cargo Blush in Ibiza, Ellana Liquid Lipstick in Love is Devotion, Love is True

I didn’t want to emerge from the water looking like a raccoon, especially since there were other people around! So before diving into the pool, I put the products through two tests: the Faucet Test and Tissue Test. 

After the Faucet Test

Faucet Test: I swatched the products on my arm and let the swatches set undisturbed for around 30 minutes. Afterwards, I put the whole thing under running water and very lightly tried to rub them of. I was so amazed at the result – they still didn’t move! There is some noticeable fading in the color vibrancy but the swatches didn’t budge.

After the Tissue Test

Tissue Test: Exposure to water can affect the resilience of a product so I performed a tissue test to see if there would be transfer. I lightly patted a clean tissue over the wet swatches so I could see even the faintest change in color. Good news – no makeup transferred!

Before the Swimming Test

Swimming Test: After seeing how the products performed in the first two tests, I felt ready to pile on the makeup and finally take that dip in the pool. The products used for my swimming #FOTD were: Shiseido Sunscreen, Pink Sugar Concealer, MAC Brow Set, MUFE Eye Pencil for the upper lash line, Cargo Eye Pencil for the lower lash line, MUFE mascara, Cargo Bronzer and Blush in Ibiza, and Ellana Liquid Lipstick in Love is Devotion.

I waded into the pool and did a couple of laps before taking the after photos. There was some fading with the blush and bronzer but you can still clearly see the colors. My eyebrows remained intact while my eye liners and mascara did not move at all. I did experience some caking with the concealer but it was only noticeable up close. The liquid lipstick also lightened but my lips were still covered in pigment.

After the Swimming Test

The MUFE mascara smudged on my lower lids although some still remained clinging on my lashes. Unless you really, really can't live without mascara, I suggest skipping this step. Just curl your lashes to make your lashes pop.

Overall, these products passed the swimming test with flying colors! I went on swimming for an hour more after taking these photos and my makeup continued to stay on! Fading is to be expected though, so at best this will stay on for about two hours of swimming (sans rubbing). It should last for less though if you're swimming in the sea as the saltwater may dissolve the makeup faster.

Do you have plans to swim this summer? What are your go-to waterproof makeup products?

Maybelline has been releasing a new lipstick collection every other month lately, and while these are on point, I've been wondering when they'll run out of new colors for us to play with. I mean seriously, how many browns, pinks, reds, and plums can there conceivably exist for our lips? At some point they'll start to look alike. And then the Maybelline The Loaded Bolds Lipsticks (P299) came along.

This line has bright shades of pink, red, and purple, but with the interesting addition of a deep blue (Audacious Blue), black (Pitch Black), and white (Wickedly White). The latter three shades may be worn alone if you're going for an editorial look but they are intended to be mixed with other lip colors to create entirely new ones. Think of those lip palettes from Anastasia and Pony Effect! The weird shades open up the potential of your other lipsticks for greatness.

The formula of the Loaded Bolds are smooth and *generally* opaque in one swipe (I hear the black is patchy). They have some slip upon first contact so it's a wee bit hard to get a straight lip line if you're not careful; the slippy texture dries quickly though and becomes a good, long-lasting matte. These stay on for three to four hours on me.

I have Wickedly White here plus what seems to be four minor variations of red. Here are my swatches and shade notes!

• Wickedly White is an opaque white shade that's made for mixing with other lipsticks. It should also work as a matte highlighter and face paint too.
• Chocoholic is an intense red with a mocha base.
• Berry Bossy is a red with a light fuchsia undertone.
• Smoking Red is a retro bright red that's absolutely gorgeous on my skin tone! This is my favorite shade. I wore this to an event and got compliments all around.
• Midnight Date is a deeper, winier red.

As I mentioned, the reds look rather too much alike to the naked eye. Their differences are a bit more obvious once I added Wickedly White on top of the colors.

• Chocoholic + Wickedly White becomes a beautiful MLBB
• Berry Bossy + WW becomes a rather cool pink
• Smoking Red + WW becomes a cheery bright pink
• Midnight Date + WW becomes a mauvey pink

The swatches showed some of the white lipstick on the edge of my lip line even though I was careful. If you have a cosmetics spatula and palette, I suggest mixing up a generous batch and storing the product in a jar for later use. I do recognize that's a hassle for most of us who merely dabble in makeup, but if you're a makeup artist, it might be worth your time to mix up custom colors using the blue, black, and white in this collection.

If you're going to get anything from The Loaded Bolds, I would recommend the "weird" colors more than anything else here. They are a great extension to your existing lipstick collection! The normal colors, while pretty, are not anything particularly special. I'm interested in purchasing Audacious Blue as I don't have a blue in my stash right now.

What do you think of Maybelline's new lippie collection? Did anything interest you?

Are you enjoying yet another long weekend, PV girls? Time to play catchup with what’s been happening in the beauty world! We’ve spotted a revolutionary skincare product that we’re super curious to try, and feel absolutely hyped about RiRi’s latest venture. Locally, we have the arrival of Thailand’s beloved beauty chain to look forward to, while students should check out Happy Skin’s special summer treat. Read on for the juicy deets!

Image via Happy Skin Cosmetics

An A+ Treat!

Need a solution for staying fresh on-campus? Happy Skin Cosmetics has got the perfect summer treat just for students! From April 24 until the last day of May, students can enjoy 15% off the #SkipTheFilter collection. Stock up on the Matte About You Pore & Shine Control Primer to preserve your daily face base and the Matte of Your Dreams Oil Control Mattifying Powder for easy touch-ups between classes. All you need to do is to present your student ID before paying at the counter. Head on over to your favorite Happy Skin store to avail of this awesome deal!

Image via Instagram user @mark_dy

Feast Your Eyes On This!

Who doesn’t love a good buffet? With rows upon rows of delectable goodies, you can indulge to your heart’s content but it’s not so good for your waistline. So here’s one that’s even better: you won’t gain a single calorie, and it features our other favorite: cosmetics! HECK YEAH!

Famous Thai beauty chain Beauty Buffet has just opened their very first store here in the Philippines! This new beauty haven has shelves stocked full of Thailand’s cult fave products. From The Bakery Macaron Eye Shadows (P295) to Scentio Sheet Masks (P85), you can now shop for and try another aspect of Asian Beauty, which we’ve previously enjoyed via Japanese, Korean and even Taiwanese products. I’m actually really excited to try the Scentio Olive Facial Mask (P400) and the Gino McCray The Professional Make Up Mineral Water Spray (P395). Beauty Buffet’s first branch is over at Ayala Malls The 30th in Pasig but it looks like they already have plans to put up more stores in BGC and Quezon City! 

Full story on Spot.ph

Images via Urban Decay Cosmetics

Let’s Get NAKED (again)

Known for their suggestively brilliant names and gorgeously pigmented products, Urban Decay has been killing the makeup game since the launch of their first ever NAKED Palette. The brand has since established themselves as a game-changer in the makeup world and have us on our toes with excitement at every new launch. Well, this is no different.

Keeping it within the NAKED family, UD has decided to bring out another palette that we’re definitely going to lust over (and let’s face it, purchase): the NAKED Skin Shapeshifter. Being the first of its kind, the palette will include pans of 4 powders and 5 cream products. The multipurpose palette will enable you to color-correct, highlight, and contour, all in one sleek package. A double-ended brush will also be available for purchase with the palette for easy application. No word yet on the price or launch date but we do know that the palette will be available in two shades: Light Medium and Medium Dark. Stay tuned, PV girls: we’ll definitely keep you updated! In the meantime, you should watch UD founder Wende Zomnir’s big reveal video here. 

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Allure

The Perfect Matcha For You

Anyone else love a good matcha-flavored treat? From ice cream to lattes, Japanese green tea is really having a moment and we aren’t complaining. Aside from the delicious bitter flavor, the green tea itself has loads of health benefits including improvements to the skin, which is why it’s not surprise that MILK Makeup has decided to infuse it into their skincare!

The brand is launching their very own Matcha Toner - a stick-formula toner that aims to reduce redness and clear pores, thanks to a blend of hydrating organic cactus elixir, pore-clearing kombucha, witch hazel, and of course, matcha. It’s the first ever stick toner we’ve heard of, and we’re already thinking about how its super convenient to use and carry around! Available on Sephora and the Milk Makeup site starting May 2, the Match Toner Stick retails for $26. Is that a cool idea or what? Would you be willing to try this new product out?

Full story on In Style

Image via Allure

Sweet Like Kandee

With millions of views and subscribers, it’s no surprise that many YouTubers are now getting their own products. From skincare to makeup, lifestyle bits to huge brand collabs, the Age of the YouTuber is in full force. The latest to join this growing list is Kandee Johnson who has partnered up with Too Faced Cosmetics for her very own I Want Kandee Eye Shadow Palette! The palette contains 15 shadows in hues of pinks, purples, and nudes, making it possibly the girliest palette ever! Now these eye shadows are just the tip of the icebergs as both Jerrod Blandino and Kandee revealed that it’s not just a palette they’re releasing but an entire I Want Kandee Collection. Expect to see loads more products in the coming months as the collection finally drops on September 3rd at the Ulta and Too Faced sites!

Full story on Allure

Images via Billboard

We Can All Shine Bright Like a Diamond

ERMERGERD, THERE ARE NO WORDS! Okay, maybe there are words but they will never be enough to express how excited I am for this! After an entire year of waiting, hoping and praying, Rihanna has basically confirmed what most of us have been dying to know: is her makeup line real? It! Is! At a Fenty Puma Pop Up event last week, the songstress revealed that a Fenty Beauty Highlighter was coming - and she was actually already wearing it!

It's a secret! Fenty Beauty is coming in September! 💄 #FentyBeauty

A post shared by Rihanna (@rihstore) on Apr 21, 2017 at 12:21am PDT

Being the perfect tease and hypewoman, RiRi merely said that the highlighter was a “secret” and was coming out... in September! YASSS! The singer did sport a gorgeous glow so we can only imagine that it will be epic, flattering, and sell out in minutes. Stay tuned for more updates on Rihanna’s makeup, we gotchu!

Full story on Bustle

Header image via Instagram user @rrraych

How long does it take you to use up a product? I don't wear makeup everyday, I circulate through a lot of skincare products, and I have a tendency to apply anything sparingly (because I was taught to make tipid) so it takes me a long, long time to empty out a product. It may seem like a good thing but what actually happens is that the product hits its expiry date or goes bad before I'm able to finish it up. If and when I'm finally able to produce an empty though, that's also when I realize how much I actually liked and enjoyed it!

Of course, there are also those of us who will continue to use meh products just so that they don't go to waste. Did we love them or did we just tolerate them? The PV team dishes out on what we've finally used up, what we think about them, and whether you should definitely add it to your cart or avoid it like the plague.

Claire: I always stock up on MiaCare Spot Care Patches - I go through these so quickly! After this box though, I tried the ones from CosRX and those rocked my world but I would probably repurchase the MiaCare ones instead, just because all Watsons branches stock it. Next up is Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence. I like that I can use it both as an essence and as a toner but I don't feel like it made a dramatic difference on my skin. I think I could get the same or better results from other essences.

I finished up two serums: Olay White Radiance Cellucent White Essence Serum and Benefit Instant Comeback Facial Serum (mini). The Olay serum was actually a repurchase - it does lighten my dark spots but it takes two to three weeks for visible results. Not gonna repurchase this though because I will be trying out In Her Element's Spot Control Facial Oil!

The Benefit serum brightens my skin and I like using it before applying makeup. Still, I don't think it's worth the price tag (I'm definitely keeping the cute little bottle though!). I've already repurchased the CosRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad. It's the ultimate exfoliant/toner with BHA for the lazy girl! The VMV Hypoallergenics Essence Skin-Saving Superwash is technically a joint empty. My husband uses this as shampoo, face, and body wash. I use it as facial wash when I'm too lazy to reach for mine on the sink LOL. It didn't trigger his skin asthma and his skin continues to improve. It never triggered a reaction on my sensitive facial skin either so needless to say, this one has become a staple in our bathroom.

Stacie: I don't know if you can see how simot my Heroine Make Lasting Mineral BB Cream is! I love this BB so much that I cut it the tube open so I can use every last drop! It fits my skin color well and has medium coverage. Too bad they left the country! I've hit pan on two powders from Tony Moly namely their Cristal Blusher in #7 and the Cat's Wink Pact, which are both part of my everyday routine. I'm also near to emptying Etude House's Face Blur, which is my everyday primer. I probably just have 2 weeks of use left for this!

Jenn: I only have two empties for this month. One is my Migabee Witch Hazel and Seabuckthorn Toner, the bottle of which I accidentally threw away before I could take a photo. I love this toner and really used it up to the last drop because it really regulated my skin's sebum production. The other is the BRTC Jasmine Cleansing Oil, which I like using on days when I use just light makeup. Its floral scent soothes me and cleanses without stripping the skin's natural oils.

Charlie: I have a lot of skincare items open at the moment that it's really been a goal of mine to actually finish even just a few of them early this year. Recently, I ended up emptying my favorite serum, the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum, my trusty troubled-skin helper COSRX Pimple Pads, and my night moisturizer, the Etude House Collagen Moistfull Cream. I wish they were as less expensive here as they are in Korea but still, I love these products as they’ve helped calm my skin during my monthly breakout attacks. I’m actually planning to repurchase all of them!

Crystal: I'm proud of myself for using up another lipstick, even though it was a deluxe size: NYX semi-matte lip cream in Istanbul. This is my second lip empty for the year so far! I also used up a travel size spray of Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Now Eau de Parfum. I initially thought that I wouldn't like anything with coconut but I love how fresh it smells and turns into a floral scent. I also used up a Laneige Pore Minimizing Pack. I really like how it dries so quickly so I can use it even when I'm in a hurry. I emptied a Nature and Co. Green Tea Mist, which I got at Beauty Bar as a pick-me-up when my skin looked weird. I used up an Obagi Clenziderm Pore Therapy toner, which helped me a lot when I was breaking out. Lastly, I also emptied an Eva Nyc Hungry Hair Oil Treatment for my frizzy, curly hair. A little really went a long way so one bottle lasted a really long time!

Gett: I finished my In Her Element Nourish and Cleanse Balm, which I've had since December. If it run out too fast, it was because it was my skin-saving best friend when I traveled to a colder climate last January and because I use it to remove glittery eye makeup! I've also gone through two Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms, which are still some of my fave lippies because of the colors and comfy wear. Standout has been my fave matte red for the longest time, and Sultry is a great MLBB!

I also finished up a tube of the COC Eye Flower Care Serum that I got from Althea Korea, which is a hair serum for lashes and brows. I've noticed how my brows and lashes seem more stronger and how my lashes have grown longer. The Nature Republic Aloe Vera gel has been a staple and is a great multi-purpose gel that feels good especially in this heat. Finally, I've also gone through a Lush Percup bar, which I initially thought was a soap LOL but is actually some kind of bar lotion! I love how it smells of coffee and gets me buzzed for the day.

Have you collected any empties so far? Did you love them enough to repurchase, or you still questing for HG quality?

The first time I stumbled on a “secret” service offered by a beauty brand, I was at a popular department store browsing through the drugstore makeup on sale. The sales assistant was probably eager for me to finally make a purchase, so she offered to give me a free makeup session whenever I needed one - with zero prompting from me. She told me that a lot of clients usually request that, and that she and the other SAs willingly oblige if it’s not a busy day.

As I made a mental note to go back there instead of splurging at a parlor for my next event, I realized that money (or at least meeting the minimum purchase requirement) truly does open doors! Since then, I’ve learned to never hesitate to ask if beauty brands offer additional services aside from selling beauty items. That’s how I discovered that there was so much more than just free makeovers! From bacne (back acne) extractions to professional makeup workshops, here are three establishments that offer secret beauty services that you may not have been aware of!

Benefit

We all know about the legendary brow waxing service at their Brow Bar - we even featured their commitment to charity a while back through this service. But did you know that they offer brow tints, lip and chin waxing, and lash extensions, too? Select branches even offer body waxing for the underarm, bikini, arm, and leg areas. You can enjoy these treatments in the privacy of their Pretty Rooms (which totally live up to they name, btw!) located at the Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, and Trinoma branches. Prices range from P700 to P1,400 and are available strictly by appointment only. Bonus: they’ll be offering a new brow service come May!

Image via bdjbox.com

VMV Hypoallergenics

I’ll be completely honest: I really like VMV skin care products for how they are formulated and labelled. The price point might be a bit high but appreciate how knowledgeable and straightforward their marketing generally is. My fondness for the brand intensified after trying out their Skin-a-Jiffy Facial, a 30-minute facial treatment that includes a gentle massage, steaming, and a custom-mixed mask treatment made on the spot but I didn’t even know that their SM Megamall branch had a spa room!

They also offer Superskin Facials (1-hour facial similar to what I tried, plus light extraction), and more intense treatments like targeted Cosmeceutical Booster Facials and Skintensive Care treatments. These treatments address aging, stress, blemishes and even back acne using VMV products! I think the pricing is fairly competitive, considering that you get to use products from the respected brand, and even receive discounts after specific purchase requirements.

What really blew my mind was when I heard about their Skin Research Centre + Clinics in Makati. You can consult with their in-house dermatologists, get help for customizing your skincare routine, and possibly even participate in their skin research trials. Appointments can be booked online.

Make Up For Ever

MUFE recently launched their Make Up Service Menu that includes different makeovers and lessons. These can be booked for free, after meeting specific minimum purchase requirements. If you’ve ever purchased a beauty product that you weren’t sure how to use, the video tutorials in the app make it super easy and convenient to access. lf I had to buy skincare or makeup from a high-end brand, I’d definitely go for MUFE! The videos are useful and give added value to their actual products. As a brand that even professional makeup artists trust, I have been eyeing the Ultra HD Makeup Lesson so I can do my own makeup for special occasions — it’s pro-level makeup so it deserves pro-level tutorials!

Estée Lauder

Speaking of looking picture-perfect for events, Estée Lauder has just launched their Glam It Up makeup services at all their counters! As the brand founder liked to say, “The most beautiful face in the world? It’s yours,” and this new offering makes it so much easier to do just that. You can choose from their Face Defining service (3-5 minutes) if you want something quick but high-impact, or go for one of five Full Look options (40 minutes to an hour) which include Bare Faced Beauty, It’s A Date, Beauty At Work, Late Night Party, and Modern Classic. 

If you're looking to up your skin care game though, you should definitely take them up on their complimentary skincare consultation! A Beauty Adviser will personalize a regimen best suited for your needs, and even do a mini facial so you can try the products and see how they work with your skin.

Bobbi Brown

It's not enough to just own the products, you need to know how to use them properly to maximize their potential. With a brand focus on natural beauty, Bobbi Brown keeps things real with its How To makeup lessons. The approach is practical with modules like How To Look Less Tired, How To Make My Skin Look Better, and How To Get Ready In Five Minutes. Best of all, the makeup artist will give you a personalized Face Chart and How To Tip Card at the end of your lesson so you have references when you recreate the look on your own! You can find the full list of available lessons here. 

These are just a few of the beauty secret services available in the metro, and I’m eager to find out if there are others being offered! Do you know of any other beauty secret services in Manila? Which ones are your faves, and do you have more tips to share? Comment below!

You know the weather is bad when you start sweating as soon as you turn off the shower! Sometimes, even sitting directly in front of the aircon doesn't seem to help much, but as busy women who need to get stuff done no matter what happens, we find ways to soldier on without losing our poise. For times when jumping into a pool or even just splashing water onto your face is not an option, we beauty girls can turn to our cosmetics collections to give us some respite from this inferno.  

Liz: The cool feeling of menthol and mint may only be temporary, but I don't see that as a reason not to have it as often as I can in this heat! I love showering with the Head & Shoulders Cool Menthol Shampoo (limited edition) and the Origins Shower Off Exfoliating Body Wash with Hawaiian Mineral Water (love the minty tingle!). For moisturizing, The Saem's Hydrating Soothing Gel feels like a splash of fresh water on my skin!

Crystal: I generally don't use deodorant but during the summer, I feel so sticky that I need to incorporate one into my routine. Dove is a good choice because it's quite mild on my skin and has a thin texture. I carry a facial mist in my bag to help cool off from the heat; I'm currently using this super affordable one I found from a Korean brand called Gahui. I also use light-smelling perfumes that don't react badly with my sweat. One of my summer faves is the popular Incanto Shine. It's a fruity floral scent that I bring around so that I smell good all day.

Stacie: I took interest in the perfume brand CLEAN because my favorite KPOP idols are currently their models in Korea. CLEAN perfumes are exactly as the name describes! They instantly make you smell like you just stepped out of the shower or your clothes just came out of the dryer! Longevity depends on your skin type: my body is quite dry because I do not moisturize often so these last about 2 to 3 hours on me.

Tellie: Summer is tough on my dry skin because a layer of sweat and oil forms on top, yet my skin remains dry and cracked underneath. To combat cracking foundation, I decant a watery toner like Naturie Hatomugi Skin Lotion into a spray bottle, spray and pat it for absorption; and afterwards seal with a translucent compact like Holika Holika x Gudetama Sweet Cotton Sebum Clear Pact.

Gett: To keep cool from the sweltering heat, I have the following on hand: a portable fan (handy especially during the commute); a little bottle of Zenutrients Strengthening Leave-on conditioner to keep my hair nice and smooth and not too fried-looking from the heat; good ol' Johnsons Baby Powder to absorb the excess sweat and to ensure I don't get bungang-araw; oil control sheets to blot my oil spill of a face; and a fresh scent like the L'eau par Kenzo which is light and smells like expensive water lol.

Marielle: I didn't actually change my routine at all this summer, save for switching to a lighter set of skincare products. I can't stand rich moisturizers right now, so I busted out the entire set of The Saem Iceland line to help me out! For the body, I just take twice as many showers.

Katsy: I switched to the Bare Body Wash in Peppermint because of the cooling feeling that adds to the luxury of taking a bath before and after a long, hot summer day. As for makeup, I have taken to just wearing Benefit Porefessional after applying my usual cocktail of day moisturizer + sunscreen. The heat just makes me want to go barefaced as much as possible! Then I blot on the go with the cute and handy Happy Skin Tickled Pink Blotting Sheets to keep shine at bay.

How about you ladies? How do you keep your poise in this heat?

Maybelline has been releasing a new lipstick collection every other month lately, and while these are on point, I've been wondering when they'll run out of new colors for us to play with. I mean seriously, how many browns, pinks, reds, and plums can there conceivably exist for our lips? At some point they'll start to look alike. And then the Maybelline The Loaded Bolds Lipsticks (P299) came along.

This line has bright shades of pink, red, and purple, but with the interesting addition of a deep blue (Audacious Blue), black (Pitch Black), and white (Wickedly White). The latter three shades may be worn alone if you're going for an editorial look but they are intended to be mixed with other lip colors to create entirely new ones. Think of those lip palettes from Anastasia and Pony Effect! The weird shades open up the potential of your other lipsticks for greatness.

The formula of the Loaded Bolds are smooth and *generally* opaque in one swipe (I hear the black is patchy). They have some slip upon first contact so it's a wee bit hard to get a straight lip line if you're not careful; the slippy texture dries quickly though and becomes a good, long-lasting matte. These stay on for three to four hours on me.

I have Wickedly White here plus what seems to be four minor variations of red. Here are my swatches and shade notes!

• Wickedly White is an opaque white shade that's made for mixing with other lipsticks. It should also work as a matte highlighter and face paint too.
• Chocoholic is an intense red with a mocha base.
• Berry Bossy is a red with a light fuchsia undertone.
• Smoking Red is a retro bright red that's absolutely gorgeous on my skin tone! This is my favorite shade. I wore this to an event and got compliments all around.
• Midnight Date is a deeper, winier red.

As I mentioned, the reds look rather too much alike to the naked eye. Their differences are a bit more obvious once I added Wickedly White on top of the colors.

• Chocoholic + Wickedly White becomes a beautiful MLBB
• Berry Bossy + WW becomes a rather cool pink
• Smoking Red + WW becomes a cheery bright pink
• Midnight Date + WW becomes a mauvey pink

The swatches showed some of the white lipstick on the edge of my lip line even though I was careful. If you have a cosmetics spatula and palette, I suggest mixing up a generous batch and storing the product in a jar for later use. I do recognize that's a hassle for most of us who merely dabble in makeup, but if you're a makeup artist, it might be worth your time to mix up custom colors using the blue, black, and white in this collection.

If you're going to get anything from The Loaded Bolds, I would recommend the "weird" colors more than anything else here. They are a great extension to your existing lipstick collection! The normal colors, while pretty, are not anything particularly special. I'm interested in purchasing Audacious Blue as I don't have a blue in my stash right now.

What do you think of Maybelline's new lippie collection? Did anything interest you?

Are you enjoying yet another long weekend, PV girls? Time to play catchup with what’s been happening in the beauty world! We’ve spotted a revolutionary skincare product that we’re super curious to try, and feel absolutely hyped about RiRi’s latest venture. Locally, we have the arrival of Thailand’s beloved beauty chain to look forward to, while students should check out Happy Skin’s special summer treat. Read on for the juicy deets!

Image via Happy Skin Cosmetics

An A+ Treat!

Need a solution for staying fresh on-campus? Happy Skin Cosmetics has got the perfect summer treat just for students! From April 24 until the last day of May, students can enjoy 15% off the #SkipTheFilter collection. Stock up on the Matte About You Pore & Shine Control Primer to preserve your daily face base and the Matte of Your Dreams Oil Control Mattifying Powder for easy touch-ups between classes. All you need to do is to present your student ID before paying at the counter. Head on over to your favorite Happy Skin store to avail of this awesome deal!

Image via Instagram user @mark_dy

Feast Your Eyes On This!

Who doesn’t love a good buffet? With rows upon rows of delectable goodies, you can indulge to your heart’s content but it’s not so good for your waistline. So here’s one that’s even better: you won’t gain a single calorie, and it features our other favorite: cosmetics! HECK YEAH!

Famous Thai beauty chain Beauty Buffet has just opened their very first store here in the Philippines! This new beauty haven has shelves stocked full of Thailand’s cult fave products. From The Bakery Macaron Eye Shadows (P295) to Scentio Sheet Masks (P85), you can now shop for and try another aspect of Asian Beauty, which we’ve previously enjoyed via Japanese, Korean and even Taiwanese products. I’m actually really excited to try the Scentio Olive Facial Mask (P400) and the Gino McCray The Professional Make Up Mineral Water Spray (P395). Beauty Buffet’s first branch is over at Ayala Malls The 30th in Pasig but it looks like they already have plans to put up more stores in BGC and Quezon City! 

Full story on Spot.ph

Images via Urban Decay Cosmetics

Let’s Get NAKED (again)

Known for their suggestively brilliant names and gorgeously pigmented products, Urban Decay has been killing the makeup game since the launch of their first ever NAKED Palette. The brand has since established themselves as a game-changer in the makeup world and have us on our toes with excitement at every new launch. Well, this is no different.

Keeping it within the NAKED family, UD has decided to bring out another palette that we’re definitely going to lust over (and let’s face it, purchase): the NAKED Skin Shapeshifter. Being the first of its kind, the palette will include pans of 4 powders and 5 cream products. The multipurpose palette will enable you to color-correct, highlight, and contour, all in one sleek package. A double-ended brush will also be available for purchase with the palette for easy application. No word yet on the price or launch date but we do know that the palette will be available in two shades: Light Medium and Medium Dark. Stay tuned, PV girls: we’ll definitely keep you updated! In the meantime, you should watch UD founder Wende Zomnir’s big reveal video here. 

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Allure

The Perfect Matcha For You

Anyone else love a good matcha-flavored treat? From ice cream to lattes, Japanese green tea is really having a moment and we aren’t complaining. Aside from the delicious bitter flavor, the green tea itself has loads of health benefits including improvements to the skin, which is why it’s not surprise that MILK Makeup has decided to infuse it into their skincare!

The brand is launching their very own Matcha Toner - a stick-formula toner that aims to reduce redness and clear pores, thanks to a blend of hydrating organic cactus elixir, pore-clearing kombucha, witch hazel, and of course, matcha. It’s the first ever stick toner we’ve heard of, and we’re already thinking about how its super convenient to use and carry around! Available on Sephora and the Milk Makeup site starting May 2, the Match Toner Stick retails for $26. Is that a cool idea or what? Would you be willing to try this new product out?

Full story on In Style

Image via Allure

Sweet Like Kandee

With millions of views and subscribers, it’s no surprise that many YouTubers are now getting their own products. From skincare to makeup, lifestyle bits to huge brand collabs, the Age of the YouTuber is in full force. The latest to join this growing list is Kandee Johnson who has partnered up with Too Faced Cosmetics for her very own I Want Kandee Eye Shadow Palette! The palette contains 15 shadows in hues of pinks, purples, and nudes, making it possibly the girliest palette ever! Now these eye shadows are just the tip of the icebergs as both Jerrod Blandino and Kandee revealed that it’s not just a palette they’re releasing but an entire I Want Kandee Collection. Expect to see loads more products in the coming months as the collection finally drops on September 3rd at the Ulta and Too Faced sites!

Full story on Allure

Images via Billboard

We Can All Shine Bright Like a Diamond

ERMERGERD, THERE ARE NO WORDS! Okay, maybe there are words but they will never be enough to express how excited I am for this! After an entire year of waiting, hoping and praying, Rihanna has basically confirmed what most of us have been dying to know: is her makeup line real? It! Is! At a Fenty Puma Pop Up event last week, the songstress revealed that a Fenty Beauty Highlighter was coming - and she was actually already wearing it!

It's a secret! Fenty Beauty is coming in September! 💄 #FentyBeauty

A post shared by Rihanna (@rihstore) on Apr 21, 2017 at 12:21am PDT

Being the perfect tease and hypewoman, RiRi merely said that the highlighter was a “secret” and was coming out... in September! YASSS! The singer did sport a gorgeous glow so we can only imagine that it will be epic, flattering, and sell out in minutes. Stay tuned for more updates on Rihanna’s makeup, we gotchu!

Full story on Bustle

Header image via Instagram user @rrraych

How long does it take you to use up a product? I don't wear makeup everyday, I circulate through a lot of skincare products, and I have a tendency to apply anything sparingly (because I was taught to make tipid) so it takes me a long, long time to empty out a product. It may seem like a good thing but what actually happens is that the product hits its expiry date or goes bad before I'm able to finish it up. If and when I'm finally able to produce an empty though, that's also when I realize how much I actually liked and enjoyed it!

Of course, there are also those of us who will continue to use meh products just so that they don't go to waste. Did we love them or did we just tolerate them? The PV team dishes out on what we've finally used up, what we think about them, and whether you should definitely add it to your cart or avoid it like the plague.

Claire: I always stock up on MiaCare Spot Care Patches - I go through these so quickly! After this box though, I tried the ones from CosRX and those rocked my world but I would probably repurchase the MiaCare ones instead, just because all Watsons branches stock it. Next up is Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence. I like that I can use it both as an essence and as a toner but I don't feel like it made a dramatic difference on my skin. I think I could get the same or better results from other essences.

I finished up two serums: Olay White Radiance Cellucent White Essence Serum and Benefit Instant Comeback Facial Serum (mini). The Olay serum was actually a repurchase - it does lighten my dark spots but it takes two to three weeks for visible results. Not gonna repurchase this though because I will be trying out In Her Element's Spot Control Facial Oil!

The Benefit serum brightens my skin and I like using it before applying makeup. Still, I don't think it's worth the price tag (I'm definitely keeping the cute little bottle though!). I've already repurchased the CosRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad. It's the ultimate exfoliant/toner with BHA for the lazy girl! The VMV Hypoallergenics Essence Skin-Saving Superwash is technically a joint empty. My husband uses this as shampoo, face, and body wash. I use it as facial wash when I'm too lazy to reach for mine on the sink LOL. It didn't trigger his skin asthma and his skin continues to improve. It never triggered a reaction on my sensitive facial skin either so needless to say, this one has become a staple in our bathroom.

Stacie: I don't know if you can see how simot my Heroine Make Lasting Mineral BB Cream is! I love this BB so much that I cut it the tube open so I can use every last drop! It fits my skin color well and has medium coverage. Too bad they left the country! I've hit pan on two powders from Tony Moly namely their Cristal Blusher in #7 and the Cat's Wink Pact, which are both part of my everyday routine. I'm also near to emptying Etude House's Face Blur, which is my everyday primer. I probably just have 2 weeks of use left for this!

Jenn: I only have two empties for this month. One is my Migabee Witch Hazel and Seabuckthorn Toner, the bottle of which I accidentally threw away before I could take a photo. I love this toner and really used it up to the last drop because it really regulated my skin's sebum production. The other is the BRTC Jasmine Cleansing Oil, which I like using on days when I use just light makeup. Its floral scent soothes me and cleanses without stripping the skin's natural oils.

Charlie: I have a lot of skincare items open at the moment that it's really been a goal of mine to actually finish even just a few of them early this year. Recently, I ended up emptying my favorite serum, the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum, my trusty troubled-skin helper COSRX Pimple Pads, and my night moisturizer, the Etude House Collagen Moistfull Cream. I wish they were as less expensive here as they are in Korea but still, I love these products as they’ve helped calm my skin during my monthly breakout attacks. I’m actually planning to repurchase all of them!

Crystal: I'm proud of myself for using up another lipstick, even though it was a deluxe size: NYX semi-matte lip cream in Istanbul. This is my second lip empty for the year so far! I also used up a travel size spray of Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Now Eau de Parfum. I initially thought that I wouldn't like anything with coconut but I love how fresh it smells and turns into a floral scent. I also used up a Laneige Pore Minimizing Pack. I really like how it dries so quickly so I can use it even when I'm in a hurry. I emptied a Nature and Co. Green Tea Mist, which I got at Beauty Bar as a pick-me-up when my skin looked weird. I used up an Obagi Clenziderm Pore Therapy toner, which helped me a lot when I was breaking out. Lastly, I also emptied an Eva Nyc Hungry Hair Oil Treatment for my frizzy, curly hair. A little really went a long way so one bottle lasted a really long time!

Gett: I finished my In Her Element Nourish and Cleanse Balm, which I've had since December. If it run out too fast, it was because it was my skin-saving best friend when I traveled to a colder climate last January and because I use it to remove glittery eye makeup! I've also gone through two Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms, which are still some of my fave lippies because of the colors and comfy wear. Standout has been my fave matte red for the longest time, and Sultry is a great MLBB!

I also finished up a tube of the COC Eye Flower Care Serum that I got from Althea Korea, which is a hair serum for lashes and brows. I've noticed how my brows and lashes seem more stronger and how my lashes have grown longer. The Nature Republic Aloe Vera gel has been a staple and is a great multi-purpose gel that feels good especially in this heat. Finally, I've also gone through a Lush Percup bar, which I initially thought was a soap LOL but is actually some kind of bar lotion! I love how it smells of coffee and gets me buzzed for the day.

Have you collected any empties so far? Did you love them enough to repurchase, or you still questing for HG quality?

The first time I stumbled on a “secret” service offered by a beauty brand, I was at a popular department store browsing through the drugstore makeup on sale. The sales assistant was probably eager for me to finally make a purchase, so she offered to give me a free makeup session whenever I needed one - with zero prompting from me. She told me that a lot of clients usually request that, and that she and the other SAs willingly oblige if it’s not a busy day.

As I made a mental note to go back there instead of splurging at a parlor for my next event, I realized that money (or at least meeting the minimum purchase requirement) truly does open doors! Since then, I’ve learned to never hesitate to ask if beauty brands offer additional services aside from selling beauty items. That’s how I discovered that there was so much more than just free makeovers! From bacne (back acne) extractions to professional makeup workshops, here are three establishments that offer secret beauty services that you may not have been aware of!

Benefit

We all know about the legendary brow waxing service at their Brow Bar - we even featured their commitment to charity a while back through this service. But did you know that they offer brow tints, lip and chin waxing, and lash extensions, too? Select branches even offer body waxing for the underarm, bikini, arm, and leg areas. You can enjoy these treatments in the privacy of their Pretty Rooms (which totally live up to they name, btw!) located at the Alabang Town Center, SM Megamall, and Trinoma branches. Prices range from P700 to P1,400 and are available strictly by appointment only. Bonus: they’ll be offering a new brow service come May!

Image via bdjbox.com

VMV Hypoallergenics

I’ll be completely honest: I really like VMV skin care products for how they are formulated and labelled. The price point might be a bit high but appreciate how knowledgeable and straightforward their marketing generally is. My fondness for the brand intensified after trying out their Skin-a-Jiffy Facial, a 30-minute facial treatment that includes a gentle massage, steaming, and a custom-mixed mask treatment made on the spot but I didn’t even know that their SM Megamall branch had a spa room!

They also offer Superskin Facials (1-hour facial similar to what I tried, plus light extraction), and more intense treatments like targeted Cosmeceutical Booster Facials and Skintensive Care treatments. These treatments address aging, stress, blemishes and even back acne using VMV products! I think the pricing is fairly competitive, considering that you get to use products from the respected brand, and even receive discounts after specific purchase requirements.

What really blew my mind was when I heard about their Skin Research Centre + Clinics in Makati. You can consult with their in-house dermatologists, get help for customizing your skincare routine, and possibly even participate in their skin research trials. Appointments can be booked online.

Make Up For Ever

MUFE recently launched their Make Up Service Menu that includes different makeovers and lessons. These can be booked for free, after meeting specific minimum purchase requirements. If you’ve ever purchased a beauty product that you weren’t sure how to use, the video tutorials in the app make it super easy and convenient to access. lf I had to buy skincare or makeup from a high-end brand, I’d definitely go for MUFE! The videos are useful and give added value to their actual products. As a brand that even professional makeup artists trust, I have been eyeing the Ultra HD Makeup Lesson so I can do my own makeup for special occasions — it’s pro-level makeup so it deserves pro-level tutorials!

Estée Lauder

Speaking of looking picture-perfect for events, Estée Lauder has just launched their Glam It Up makeup services at all their counters! As the brand founder liked to say, “The most beautiful face in the world? It’s yours,” and this new offering makes it so much easier to do just that. You can choose from their Face Defining service (3-5 minutes) if you want something quick but high-impact, or go for one of five Full Look options (40 minutes to an hour) which include Bare Faced Beauty, It’s A Date, Beauty At Work, Late Night Party, and Modern Classic. 

If you're looking to up your skin care game though, you should definitely take them up on their complimentary skincare consultation! A Beauty Adviser will personalize a regimen best suited for your needs, and even do a mini facial so you can try the products and see how they work with your skin.

Bobbi Brown

It's not enough to just own the products, you need to know how to use them properly to maximize their potential. With a brand focus on natural beauty, Bobbi Brown keeps things real with its How To makeup lessons. The approach is practical with modules like How To Look Less Tired, How To Make My Skin Look Better, and How To Get Ready In Five Minutes. Best of all, the makeup artist will give you a personalized Face Chart and How To Tip Card at the end of your lesson so you have references when you recreate the look on your own! You can find the full list of available lessons here. 

These are just a few of the beauty secret services available in the metro, and I’m eager to find out if there are others being offered! Do you know of any other beauty secret services in Manila? Which ones are your faves, and do you have more tips to share? Comment below!

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

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

Materials:

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

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

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

Now here's how to make the liquid blush!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With the hot summer season is in full swing, we’ve been looking for ways to relieve ourselves from the heat. Skin cooling and soothing products are extremely handy but, given the opportunity, we’d definitely want to dive into a pool or soak at the beach! If you’ve got outings planned and want to look your best even in the water, waterproof makeup is the way to go. 

A lot of products are labeled as “waterproof” but how well do they actually perform? To test their claims, I put on my swimsuit and literally went swimming with a full face of these products! Will they survive? Read on to find out!

For my base, I used the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen (P2,100), which is labeled “Very Water Resistant” and features their Wet Force Technology. I regularly use this on my face whenever I go swimming and haven’t been sunburned, though my shoulders were (they were covered using a different sunblock). Another option if you’d like a bit more coverage is Shiseido’s famous Sun Protection Liquid Foundation with SPF 43 PA+++. Of course, it is still best to wear a separate sunscreen underneath. I concealed blemishes with the Pink Sugar Our Lil’ Secret Concealer (P349), which has been said to “set like cement”.

On days when I don’t have enough time to do my brows but I need a semblance of polish, I just sweep on the MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow (P1,000). It stays on all day but I haven’t really tested out its waterproof claims ’til now! I use Brown Ebony while our editor Liz has Quiet Brunette. 

The Make Up For Ever Aqua Line features several waterproof products and for this test, we have the MUFE Aqua XL Extra Long Lasting Waterproof Eye Pencil in No. M-60 (P1,250), which they reformulated last year. The MUFE Aqua Smoky Lash Waterproof Mascara (P1,200~) is a sample I’ve been loving for budge-proof lashes, and it was also one of the hardest to remove during our micellar water throwdown. 

Cult-fave Cargo Cosmetics burst into the local beauty scene last year courtesy of Beauty Bar and brought in their Swimmables line. These Cargo Swimmables Eye Pencils  in Pebble Beach, Loch Ness, Karon Beach, and Black Sea (P1,750 for a limited edition set or P850 each) are waterproof, smudge-proof, and long-wearing. The formula seriously won’t budge until you decide to take it off!

For the cheeks, the Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Ibiza (P1,250) is an instant perk-me-up, while the Cargo Water Resistant Bronzer (P1,350) comes in one shade that prettily warms up the complexion and gives it a hint of highlight. I love using the bronzer on my cheeks before popping on the pink Ibiza blush for a summery version of draping!

For the lips, I’ve been road-testing the new Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Lip in Luxe Liquid Lipsticks (P499 each), which perform impressively under normal circumstances. These have great longevity and come in four shades of which Love is True (red) and Love is Devotion (nude) are the darkest. 

Swatches, from left: MUFE Mascara, MUFE Eye Pencil in M-60, Cargo Eye Pencils in Karon Beach, Loch Ness, Pebble Beach, Black Sea, MAC Brow Set, Pink Sugar Concealer, Cargo Bronzer, Cargo Blush in Ibiza, Ellana Liquid Lipstick in Love is Devotion, Love is True

I didn’t want to emerge from the water looking like a raccoon, especially since there were other people around! So before diving into the pool, I put the products through two tests: the Faucet Test and Tissue Test. 

After the Faucet Test

Faucet Test: I swatched the products on my arm and let the swatches set undisturbed for around 30 minutes. Afterwards, I put the whole thing under running water and very lightly tried to rub them of. I was so amazed at the result – they still didn’t move! There is some noticeable fading in the color vibrancy but the swatches didn’t budge.

After the Tissue Test

Tissue Test: Exposure to water can affect the resilience of a product so I performed a tissue test to see if there would be transfer. I lightly patted a clean tissue over the wet swatches so I could see even the faintest change in color. Good news – no makeup transferred!

Before the Swimming Test

Swimming Test: After seeing how the products performed in the first two tests, I felt ready to pile on the makeup and finally take that dip in the pool. The products used for my swimming #FOTD were: Shiseido Sunscreen, Pink Sugar Concealer, MAC Brow Set, MUFE Eye Pencil for the upper lash line, Cargo Eye Pencil for the lower lash line, MUFE mascara, Cargo Bronzer and Blush in Ibiza, and Ellana Liquid Lipstick in Love is Devotion.

I waded into the pool and did a couple of laps before taking the after photos. There was some fading with the blush and bronzer but you can still clearly see the colors. My eyebrows remained intact while my eye liners and mascara did not move at all. I did experience some caking with the concealer but it was only noticeable up close. The liquid lipstick also lightened but my lips were still covered in pigment.

After the Swimming Test

The MUFE mascara smudged on my lower lids although some still remained clinging on my lashes. Unless you really, really can't live without mascara, I suggest skipping this step. Just curl your lashes to make your lashes pop.

Overall, these products passed the swimming test with flying colors! I went on swimming for an hour more after taking these photos and my makeup continued to stay on! Fading is to be expected though, so at best this will stay on for about two hours of swimming (sans rubbing). It should last for less though if you're swimming in the sea as the saltwater may dissolve the makeup faster.

Do you have plans to swim this summer? What are your go-to waterproof makeup products?

by Kristel Yap, contributor

Who doesn’t love a little K-beauty looting? Whether skincare or cosmetics, there’s always something new and cute to try from the beauty behemoth that is South Korea. The availability of K-beauty brands overseas are still somewhat limited though, so for those of us who can’t wait for shipments to find their way to our local stores, we turn to “pasabuys” (informal group purchases through an online reseller) or ask friends vacationing in Korea to buy for us.

In this case, we get the goods made for Koreans. Here’s the catch: everything of consequence will be written in Hangeul, or Korean letters. Korea is still very protective of its own culture, and unlike other countries, prioritizes Hangeul and Korean literacy over learning the Roman alphabet and English. Therefore, to better communicate with their intended audience, the Korean Cosmetics Product Act (also known as the KPCA – not a typo) requires Korean labeling on all domestically-produced cosmetics. Even imported cosmetics will have a Korean translation stuck on at least the secondary packaging, i.e. boxes. 

This MUFE UV Bright Cushion has a Korean label stuck on the box.

Some K-beauty brands, for export or branding reasons, will also place English information on their products but most others will not. If your K-beauty haul has been sitting unused because you aren’t quite sure what to make of those cryptic labels, here’s a quick guide to help you out!

Proof of Authenticity

The first thing to check on with your new loot is its authenticity. Unfortunately, with great fame comes the higher risk of getting copied, and everyone here knows we PV girls are averse to fake cosmetics. There is rarely any counterfeiting of Korean products within Korea but just in case your loot wasn’t sourced from an authorized boutique and you want to make sure, you can use mobile apps like Brandsafer and Hiddentag to help authenticate them. The apps use the camera on your phone to scan the holographic stickers on the packaging to verify its authenticity. There are some limitations as not all K-beauty brands offer this safeguard or are affiliated with an app but a little precaution is better than none!

Image via Brandsafer

Important Dates

When you’re sure that what you have is the real deal, it’s time to check if you can use it. Fortunately, cosmetics in Korea turnover pretty fast. In my one and a half years there, I’ve never purchased a product more than four months away from production!

Most products will have MFG / M, EXP / E or other variations stamped on at least the primary packaging such as bottles, compacts, and tubes. There’s no official standard but most commonly:

• Manufacturing dates are listed as 제조
• Expiry dates are 까지 or 사용 기한.

Koreans use the metric system and the preferred way to list dates are YYYY/MM/DD or YY/MM/DD. There will be very few instances of listing dates as DD/MM/YY (but never MM/DD/YY) so to be absolutely clear, some brands will indicate the Hangeul time markers 년 for year, 월 for month, and 일 for day.

This product shows that the expiry date 사용기한 is listed as YYYY 년 MM월

Ingredients Listing

If you know a little bit of Korean and have been unimpressed with the tips thus far, let me present you with a major stumbling block: ingredients. While one may guess some Konglish chemical names, there are plenty of original Korean chemical names which even locals may struggle with. Thankfully for us beauty geeks, there are apps such as Hwahae and All of Cosmetics that translate the whole list for you. Take note that the order in which the ingredients are listed may be different from the US FDA standard of arranging the everything from the highest to the lowest content. Korean ingredients generally still follow the descending order but when less than the component is 1% or less, it can be listed in any order (same as US FDA guidelines as it happens).

English translations of Hwahae by lostinpretty.com

Cruelty-Free Practices

In 2015, South Korea passed a bill to end animal testing by 2017. However, as pointed out by certain activist groups, there are many loopholes to this version of the bill and it is not to be considered a complete ban on animal testing. Still, such progress is much appreciated by both animal and cosmetic-lovers.

To check if a product is Leaping Bunny approved, head on over to CrueltyFreeInternational.org. Blogger Une Peach has also compiled her personal research (and a longer list) of cruelty-free beauty in Korea.

I hope this mini guide will help you feel less intimidated about trying K-beauty because there are so many great products coming from Asia’s busiest beauty capital! Got any more questions about K-beauty? Just share them in the comments below and we’ll try our best to address them!

Kristel Yap is a freelance makeup artist who trained at Make Up For Ever Academy in Seoul. She also studied the Korean language in South Korea for a year. She blogs at Beauty By Tellie.

I am more demanding of my concealers than any other makeup product. I may be more chill with lipstick or eyeliner but if you're a concealer, you better work or ELSE! Blemishes have bothered me for most of my life so they're something I am especially conscious of. This is why I have no time for sub-standard ones that can't cover them up or stay on all day.

Thought I'd share with y'all what my current concealers on rotation are. I have three for blemishes and three for my under eyes. Here's why they deserve their spot in my kit!

My fave blemish concealers

Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil (~P850). I just got this from Kuala Lumpur last week, in the Urban Decay store in Suria KLCC Mall! I was immediately impressed by how pigmented it is and how easy it is to blend. It also sticks to my skin for about 10 hours so no need to retouch. I didn't buy the sharpener anymore though since I have a few makeup sharpeners already that might fit.

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (~P1,100). This is my HG concealer for years now. I had an affair with the NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer for a time, but I ended up repurchasing the Pro Longwear again and again! This is more sulit because it's 10ml; one tube takes me like 10-12 months to finish. It's much more economical compared to NARS. More than that though, it has heavy coverage with water-resistant wear. I've worn this for 12-14 hours and it barely fades! I got a perfect shade match in NC35, too.

BECCA Ultimate Coverage Concealing Cream (P1,608 from Sephora.ph). I actually didn't like this at first, but I eventually figured out how to keep it from being such a creasy hot mess. The solution is simple: it has to be buffed down to a thin, thin layer with a dense brush (an oval brush is perfect) or a wet Beauty Blender. That way, it sticks to the skin all day without moving! This has heavy coverage - it can cover an angry red pimple or fresh hyperpigmentation - plus I found my perfect match in Honeycomb.

Eye bags be gone

I am a little less exacting of under eye concealers since I don't really get super dark eyebags (I sleep at like, 9 PM) but they still can't slack off. I prefer them to have a brightening undertone and use them sparingly. A thin layer can keep them from caking!

Guerlain Multi-Perfecting Concealer (P2,000). This has a pink salmon undertone that I find effective in making my eyes look less tired. Very little goes a long way with this one, and it sticks all day without creasing.  

In this look, I use the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer on my blemishes and the Missha Under Eye Brightener

Happy Skin Bye Bye Blues Concealer (P899). While I find this a bit on the sheerer side for blemishes, it's perfect for eye bags. It has a peachy undertone that helps to brighten the area naturally. It's also easy to work with.

Missha Under Eye Brightener (P190 from Althea). It's cheap but it works! The coverage is pretty good (medium to heavy) and the staying power is impressive (about 8-10 hours). I think I got the Natural Beige shade; it's too light for my skin tone but it's perf on my eye bags.

And that is that. ^_^ Care to share what your HG concealers are?

When the brown lipstick trend came about, I fell hard. Forget about the glam of red and the allure of pink – brown, to me, was the shade that felt most natural. As of the moment, half of my lipstick collection is composed of earth-toned hues of pinks, reds, and nudes that can take me from day to night. If you also happen to like brown lippies, you might enjoy these eight picks that won’t cost you a pretty penny! 

Etude House Play 101 Blending Pencil in Shade 05 (P349 at Etude House)

The Etude House Play 101 pencil in Shade 05 is a light brown nude that leans on the peachy side. It’s a creamy pencil that dries down matte, and a multitasker that can be used as a subtle blush, eye shading pencil, or as a lip liner (this one’s a trooper).

Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte in Nude Nuance (P299 at the beauty section)

Last year, Maybelline released a line of brown nudes perfect for every Filipina skin tone under their line of Creamy Matte lipsticks. Included in the six-piece launch is Nude Nuance, a medium burgundy brown that’s both fierce and wearable.   

FS Cosmetics Luscious Lipstick in Brick (P299 at Watsons)

This classic matte lippie by Features and Shade impressed the PV team for being a true matte that’s long wearing and non-drying. Brick is a rosy brown that adds a nice pop of color to any look. It makes my skin look brighter!

Pink Sugar HD Lipstick in Butter (P299 at Watsons)

The Pink Sugar HD Lipsticks are probably my favorite from the drugstore for its creamy, opaque, non-drying formula with a satin finish. The shade Butter is a peach medium brown MLBB shade that could work with all kinds of looks.

Palladio Dreamy Matte Lip Color in Lady Rose (P450 at Beauty Bar)

The Palladio Dreamy Mattes are creamy, moisturizing lipsticks that settle down to a soft matte finish after a few hours of wear. Lady Rose is a light brown based pink that would soften your FOTD for a fresh-faced look. This is the kind of color your can meet the parents with!

L’Oreal Paris Color Riche Rouge Magique in Beige Reveur (P400 at Watsons)

The rich color payoff and creaminess of the L’Oreal Paris Color Riche lipsticks make them a fan favorite from the drugstore. Beige Reveur is a mauve-y brown nude that can take you from day to night, no matter the occasion.

Left: Love At First Swipe, Right: I Can't Even

Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don’t Lie Crayons in Love at First Swipe and I Can’t Even (P399 each at SM Beauty) 

So we might be a little biased here but the Pink Sugar x Project Vanity crayons definitely deserve a spot (or two) on your list of brown picks! The shade Love at First Swipe is a sophisticated rose cocoa brown that would elevate your daily look. I Can’t Even is a nice mix of rose and ginger that’s somehow brightening and subdued at the same time.

And that’s it for our list of browns we love from the drugstore! Care to share your top picks for this lovely shade?

Is it just me or does each summer seem stickier than the last? Even though the temptation to hide in a cool, dark room all day may be overwhelmingly strong at times, we still have to soldier on and face the world because #Adulting. Next best thing? Stocking up on cooling products to get you through the most infernal of days! From minty washes to chilly salves, we’ve got 12 sanity-saving solutions to help your survive the heat.

Oryspa Rice Bran Shampoo AM Blend (P520 for 500ml from Oryspa)

The kulob feeling is real, especially if you have thick hair in this humidity. When a refreshing shower is what it takes to bring about some sweet relief, a cooling shampoo can make a huge difference on an icky scalp. Oryspa has a low-foam, paraben-free formula that will appeal to those who want to preserve their strands’ health while being able to cleanse their scalp regularly. The scent reminds me of sweet citrus and tea, and the pleasant effect lasts the duration of the shower. Certainly enough time for a cooler head to prevail.

Priva by pH Care Skin Firming and Cooling Intimate Wash (P139 for 150ml at the beauty section)

pH Care was one of the first to introduce Pinays to the sensationally presko feminine wash known as Cool Wind. Following that, they came up with Priva, a premium line of intimate washes that have skincare benefits in addition to the minty-cool qualities. The skin-firming claim is attributed to collagen and elasticity-enhancing Kwao Krua in the formula. Personally, I think the cooling sensation is not all that different from Cool Wind in terms of intensity and lasting power but it's comforting to know that the special ingredients could give the privates a little pampering.

Cathy Doll Milky Splash Essence with Heot Gae Na Mu (P649 at the beauty section)

While this doesn’t have that minty cool sensation, the Milky Splash Essence offers its own way of freshening up the face. The gel-cream texture looks fairly average at first but the formula turns waxy and then wet as you massage it onto the skin. The essence seems to separate into a smooth balm/wax layer that locks in moisture, forming milky white water droplets that are then smoothed on and absorbed by the skin. It’s both novel and fascinating, plus the Heot Gae Na Mu plant extract supposedly helps brighten skin.

Cathy Doll Milky Splash Essence with Heot Gae Na Mu

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (P1,400 at Laneige)

It’s rave-worthy for a reason! With its light, pudding-like texture, you get a deeply moisturizing treatment without the discomfort of a thick face cream. Skin feels plump and bouncy when you wake up the next morning, and it’ll be difficult to stop touching your face marveling at the difference (I know I did!) This is also a great alternative to sheet masks as you get to control the size of each portion, so while it may seem like a huge splurge, a jar does end up lasting a long time.

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm in Sweet Mint (about P200-250 each from online sellers or find bundles in S&R)

There was a time when it looked like all the Hollywood celebs were swiping their pouts with these little egg-shaped lip balms, and beauty addicts couldn’t get enough. The minty variant offers up a fairly intense cooling effect on the lips minus any stinging. Sweet Mint is my second EOS balm, and my main observation is how these flavorless balms are delectably scented without going the way of artificial candy fragrance. Just keep them out of direct sunlight and heat as they are known to melt easily.

From left: V&M Body Sorbet, Cathy Doll Essence, and Laneige Water Sleeping Mask

Human Nature Cooling Leg & Body Cream (P395 at Human Nature)

This isn’t your lola’s liniment! If you want to feel a full-blast of cold that lasts a long time, Human Nature’s eucalyptus-peppermint blend is all about intensity, in scent and in feeling. After applying it on my sore areas, it felt like the shockingly cold sensation could go on and on and on! The cream base itself has the texture of a light lotion and absorbs into skin immediately.

V&M Bare It All Cream Minty Body Sorbet (P285 for 100g at BeautyMNL)

The name seems fitting, especially after you’ve seen the “melted ube ice cream” appearance of the product inside. It features a minty berry scent, and the purple coloring disappears as it is massaged on the body. Do make sure that the product is fully absorbed by the skin before putting on light-colored clothes though, as it does tend to stain.

Belo SunExpert After Sun Gel (P259.75 at the beauty section)

You don’t have to get to a level of intense sunburn to start feeling the discomfort of sun damage. Even just a short stint outdoors at noon can already make skin feel tingly and irritable. This runny, hypoallergenic gel-lotion is soaked up by the skin instantaneously and has a mild cooling sensation for relief.

V&M Underarmour Aloe Tea + Licorice Mint Deodorant (P555 in BeautyMNL)

It’s not exactly a spray-and-go formula as you have to shake the bottle well before usage to disperse the ingredients that settle at the bottom. The sweet green tea scent has the lightest hint of woodsy notes - it’s both refreshing and sophisticated that you may consider using this as a fragrance spray instead. Take note that it doesn’t have antiperspirant properties so you may still feel some wetness but the potassium alum helps fend off odor-causing bacteria for longer. 

Flawless Skin Protect Mist (P450 at Flawless Face & Body Clinics)

The portable aerosol easily fits even into your everyday tote, so there’s no excuse to skip sunscreen! Just make sure to apply at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. The formula has a strong sunblock lotion scent but that’s not a bad trade off for the convenience it affords.

Belo SunExpert Hair and Scalp Shield (P349.75 at the beauty section)

Groom those locks while protecting them from the sun. Belo’s Hair and Scalp Shield acts like a spray-on hair oil to address frizziness and dryness while protecting your head and hair from UV damage. This is a must if you stay outdoors without the protection of a hat but remember to use sparingly as hair might look greasy from excessive amounts.

Snake Brand Prickly Heat Cooling Powder (P70 at the beauty section)

The threat of bungang araw is real, and the best way to prevent and combat it is through frequent baths and a dusting of medicated powder. I have dealt with bouts of prickly heat rash in the past couple of summers, and Snake Brand has been instrumental in healing the area faster and preventing any more rashes from developing. Chalk it up to the camphor, menthol, and tea tree oil that this powder contains.

Have you experienced the minty coolness of any of these products? What do you use to stay chill in this insane heat? Let us know in the comments below!

With the hot summer season is in full swing, we’ve been looking for ways to relieve ourselves from the heat. Skin cooling and soothing products are extremely handy but, given the opportunity, we’d definitely want to dive into a pool or soak at the beach! If you’ve got outings planned and want to look your best even in the water, waterproof makeup is the way to go. 

A lot of products are labeled as “waterproof” but how well do they actually perform? To test their claims, I put on my swimsuit and literally went swimming with a full face of these products! Will they survive? Read on to find out!

For my base, I used the Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen (P2,100), which is labeled “Very Water Resistant” and features their Wet Force Technology. I regularly use this on my face whenever I go swimming and haven’t been sunburned, though my shoulders were (they were covered using a different sunblock). Another option if you’d like a bit more coverage is Shiseido’s famous Sun Protection Liquid Foundation with SPF 43 PA+++. Of course, it is still best to wear a separate sunscreen underneath. I concealed blemishes with the Pink Sugar Our Lil’ Secret Concealer (P349), which has been said to “set like cement”.

On days when I don’t have enough time to do my brows but I need a semblance of polish, I just sweep on the MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow (P1,000). It stays on all day but I haven’t really tested out its waterproof claims ’til now! I use Brown Ebony while our editor Liz has Quiet Brunette. 

The Make Up For Ever Aqua Line features several waterproof products and for this test, we have the MUFE Aqua XL Extra Long Lasting Waterproof Eye Pencil in No. M-60 (P1,250), which they reformulated last year. The MUFE Aqua Smoky Lash Waterproof Mascara (P1,200~) is a sample I’ve been loving for budge-proof lashes, and it was also one of the hardest to remove during our micellar water throwdown. 

Cult-fave Cargo Cosmetics burst into the local beauty scene last year courtesy of Beauty Bar and brought in their Swimmables line. These Cargo Swimmables Eye Pencils  in Pebble Beach, Loch Ness, Karon Beach, and Black Sea (P1,750 for a limited edition set or P850 each) are waterproof, smudge-proof, and long-wearing. The formula seriously won’t budge until you decide to take it off!

For the cheeks, the Cargo Water Resistant Blush in Ibiza (P1,250) is an instant perk-me-up, while the Cargo Water Resistant Bronzer (P1,350) comes in one shade that prettily warms up the complexion and gives it a hint of highlight. I love using the bronzer on my cheeks before popping on the pink Ibiza blush for a summery version of draping!

For the lips, I’ve been road-testing the new Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Lip in Luxe Liquid Lipsticks (P499 each), which perform impressively under normal circumstances. These have great longevity and come in four shades of which Love is True (red) and Love is Devotion (nude) are the darkest. 

Swatches, from left: MUFE Mascara, MUFE Eye Pencil in M-60, Cargo Eye Pencils in Karon Beach, Loch Ness, Pebble Beach, Black Sea, MAC Brow Set, Pink Sugar Concealer, Cargo Bronzer, Cargo Blush in Ibiza, Ellana Liquid Lipstick in Love is Devotion, Love is True

I didn’t want to emerge from the water looking like a raccoon, especially since there were other people around! So before diving into the pool, I put the products through two tests: the Faucet Test and Tissue Test. 

After the Faucet Test

Faucet Test: I swatched the products on my arm and let the swatches set undisturbed for around 30 minutes. Afterwards, I put the whole thing under running water and very lightly tried to rub them of. I was so amazed at the result – they still didn’t move! There is some noticeable fading in the color vibrancy but the swatches didn’t budge.

After the Tissue Test

Tissue Test: Exposure to water can affect the resilience of a product so I performed a tissue test to see if there would be transfer. I lightly patted a clean tissue over the wet swatches so I could see even the faintest change in color. Good news – no makeup transferred!

Before the Swimming Test

Swimming Test: After seeing how the products performed in the first two tests, I felt ready to pile on the makeup and finally take that dip in the pool. The products used for my swimming #FOTD were: Shiseido Sunscreen, Pink Sugar Concealer, MAC Brow Set, MUFE Eye Pencil for the upper lash line, Cargo Eye Pencil for the lower lash line, MUFE mascara, Cargo Bronzer and Blush in Ibiza, and Ellana Liquid Lipstick in Love is Devotion.

I waded into the pool and did a couple of laps before taking the after photos. There was some fading with the blush and bronzer but you can still clearly see the colors. My eyebrows remained intact while my eye liners and mascara did not move at all. I did experience some caking with the concealer but it was only noticeable up close. The liquid lipstick also lightened but my lips were still covered in pigment.

After the Swimming Test

The MUFE mascara smudged on my lower lids although some still remained clinging on my lashes. Unless you really, really can't live without mascara, I suggest skipping this step. Just curl your lashes to make your lashes pop.

Overall, these products passed the swimming test with flying colors! I went on swimming for an hour more after taking these photos and my makeup continued to stay on! Fading is to be expected though, so at best this will stay on for about two hours of swimming (sans rubbing). It should last for less though if you're swimming in the sea as the saltwater may dissolve the makeup faster.

Do you have plans to swim this summer? What are your go-to waterproof makeup products?

Maybelline has been releasing a new lipstick collection every other month lately, and while these are on point, I've been wondering when they'll run out of new colors for us to play with. I mean seriously, how many browns, pinks, reds, and plums can there conceivably exist for our lips? At some point they'll start to look alike. And then the Maybelline The Loaded Bolds Lipsticks (P299) came along.

This line has bright shades of pink, red, and purple, but with the interesting addition of a deep blue (Audacious Blue), black (Pitch Black), and white (Wickedly White). The latter three shades may be worn alone if you're going for an editorial look but they are intended to be mixed with other lip colors to create entirely new ones. Think of those lip palettes from Anastasia and Pony Effect! The weird shades open up the potential of your other lipsticks for greatness.

The formula of the Loaded Bolds are smooth and *generally* opaque in one swipe (I hear the black is patchy). They have some slip upon first contact so it's a wee bit hard to get a straight lip line if you're not careful; the slippy texture dries quickly though and becomes a good, long-lasting matte. These stay on for three to four hours on me.

I have Wickedly White here plus what seems to be four minor variations of red. Here are my swatches and shade notes!

• Wickedly White is an opaque white shade that's made for mixing with other lipsticks. It should also work as a matte highlighter and face paint too.
• Chocoholic is an intense red with a mocha base.
• Berry Bossy is a red with a light fuchsia undertone.
• Smoking Red is a retro bright red that's absolutely gorgeous on my skin tone! This is my favorite shade. I wore this to an event and got compliments all around.
• Midnight Date is a deeper, winier red.

As I mentioned, the reds look rather too much alike to the naked eye. Their differences are a bit more obvious once I added Wickedly White on top of the colors.

• Chocoholic + Wickedly White becomes a beautiful MLBB
• Berry Bossy + WW becomes a rather cool pink
• Smoking Red + WW becomes a cheery bright pink
• Midnight Date + WW becomes a mauvey pink

The swatches showed some of the white lipstick on the edge of my lip line even though I was careful. If you have a cosmetics spatula and palette, I suggest mixing up a generous batch and storing the product in a jar for later use. I do recognize that's a hassle for most of us who merely dabble in makeup, but if you're a makeup artist, it might be worth your time to mix up custom colors using the blue, black, and white in this collection.

If you're going to get anything from The Loaded Bolds, I would recommend the "weird" colors more than anything else here. They are a great extension to your existing lipstick collection! The normal colors, while pretty, are not anything particularly special. I'm interested in purchasing Audacious Blue as I don't have a blue in my stash right now.

What do you think of Maybelline's new lippie collection? Did anything interest you?

Are you enjoying yet another long weekend, PV girls? Time to play catchup with what’s been happening in the beauty world! We’ve spotted a revolutionary skincare product that we’re super curious to try, and feel absolutely hyped about RiRi’s latest venture. Locally, we have the arrival of Thailand’s beloved beauty chain to look forward to, while students should check out Happy Skin’s special summer treat. Read on for the juicy deets!

Image via Happy Skin Cosmetics

An A+ Treat!

Need a solution for staying fresh on-campus? Happy Skin Cosmetics has got the perfect summer treat just for students! From April 24 until the last day of May, students can enjoy 15% off the #SkipTheFilter collection. Stock up on the Matte About You Pore & Shine Control Primer to preserve your daily face base and the Matte of Your Dreams Oil Control Mattifying Powder for easy touch-ups between classes. All you need to do is to present your student ID before paying at the counter. Head on over to your favorite Happy Skin store to avail of this awesome deal!

Image via Instagram user @mark_dy

Feast Your Eyes On This!

Who doesn’t love a good buffet? With rows upon rows of delectable goodies, you can indulge to your heart’s content but it’s not so good for your waistline. So here’s one that’s even better: you won’t gain a single calorie, and it features our other favorite: cosmetics! HECK YEAH!

Famous Thai beauty chain Beauty Buffet has just opened their very first store here in the Philippines! This new beauty haven has shelves stocked full of Thailand’s cult fave products. From The Bakery Macaron Eye Shadows (P295) to Scentio Sheet Masks (P85), you can now shop for and try another aspect of Asian Beauty, which we’ve previously enjoyed via Japanese, Korean and even Taiwanese products. I’m actually really excited to try the Scentio Olive Facial Mask (P400) and the Gino McCray The Professional Make Up Mineral Water Spray (P395). Beauty Buffet’s first branch is over at Ayala Malls The 30th in Pasig but it looks like they already have plans to put up more stores in BGC and Quezon City! 

Full story on Spot.ph

Images via Urban Decay Cosmetics

Let’s Get NAKED (again)

Known for their suggestively brilliant names and gorgeously pigmented products, Urban Decay has been killing the makeup game since the launch of their first ever NAKED Palette. The brand has since established themselves as a game-changer in the makeup world and have us on our toes with excitement at every new launch. Well, this is no different.

Keeping it within the NAKED family, UD has decided to bring out another palette that we’re definitely going to lust over (and let’s face it, purchase): the NAKED Skin Shapeshifter. Being the first of its kind, the palette will include pans of 4 powders and 5 cream products. The multipurpose palette will enable you to color-correct, highlight, and contour, all in one sleek package. A double-ended brush will also be available for purchase with the palette for easy application. No word yet on the price or launch date but we do know that the palette will be available in two shades: Light Medium and Medium Dark. Stay tuned, PV girls: we’ll definitely keep you updated! In the meantime, you should watch UD founder Wende Zomnir’s big reveal video here. 

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Allure

The Perfect Matcha For You

Anyone else love a good matcha-flavored treat? From ice cream to lattes, Japanese green tea is really having a moment and we aren’t complaining. Aside from the delicious bitter flavor, the green tea itself has loads of health benefits including improvements to the skin, which is why it’s not surprise that MILK Makeup has decided to infuse it into their skincare!

The brand is launching their very own Matcha Toner - a stick-formula toner that aims to reduce redness and clear pores, thanks to a blend of hydrating organic cactus elixir, pore-clearing kombucha, witch hazel, and of course, matcha. It’s the first ever stick toner we’ve heard of, and we’re already thinking about how its super convenient to use and carry around! Available on Sephora and the Milk Makeup site starting May 2, the Match Toner Stick retails for $26. Is that a cool idea or what? Would you be willing to try this new product out?

Full story on In Style

Image via Allure

Sweet Like Kandee

With millions of views and subscribers, it’s no surprise that many YouTubers are now getting their own products. From skincare to makeup, lifestyle bits to huge brand collabs, the Age of the YouTuber is in full force. The latest to join this growing list is Kandee Johnson who has partnered up with Too Faced Cosmetics for her very own I Want Kandee Eye Shadow Palette! The palette contains 15 shadows in hues of pinks, purples, and nudes, making it possibly the girliest palette ever! Now these eye shadows are just the tip of the icebergs as both Jerrod Blandino and Kandee revealed that it’s not just a palette they’re releasing but an entire I Want Kandee Collection. Expect to see loads more products in the coming months as the collection finally drops on September 3rd at the Ulta and Too Faced sites!

Full story on Allure

Images via Billboard

We Can All Shine Bright Like a Diamond

ERMERGERD, THERE ARE NO WORDS! Okay, maybe there are words but they will never be enough to express how excited I am for this! After an entire year of waiting, hoping and praying, Rihanna has basically confirmed what most of us have been dying to know: is her makeup line real? It! Is! At a Fenty Puma Pop Up event last week, the songstress revealed that a Fenty Beauty Highlighter was coming - and she was actually already wearing it!

It's a secret! Fenty Beauty is coming in September! 💄 #FentyBeauty

A post shared by Rihanna (@rihstore) on Apr 21, 2017 at 12:21am PDT

Being the perfect tease and hypewoman, RiRi merely said that the highlighter was a “secret” and was coming out... in September! YASSS! The singer did sport a gorgeous glow so we can only imagine that it will be epic, flattering, and sell out in minutes. Stay tuned for more updates on Rihanna’s makeup, we gotchu!

Full story on Bustle

Header image via Instagram user @rrraych

How long does it take you to use up a product? I don't wear makeup everyday, I circulate through a lot of skincare products, and I have a tendency to apply anything sparingly (because I was taught to make tipid) so it takes me a long, long time to empty out a product. It may seem like a good thing but what actually happens is that the product hits its expiry date or goes bad before I'm able to finish it up. If and when I'm finally able to produce an empty though, that's also when I realize how much I actually liked and enjoyed it!

Of course, there are also those of us who will continue to use meh products just so that they don't go to waste. Did we love them or did we just tolerate them? The PV team dishes out on what we've finally used up, what we think about them, and whether you should definitely add it to your cart or avoid it like the plague.

Claire: I always stock up on MiaCare Spot Care Patches - I go through these so quickly! After this box though, I tried the ones from CosRX and those rocked my world but I would probably repurchase the MiaCare ones instead, just because all Watsons branches stock it. Next up is Missha Time Revolution The First Treatment Essence. I like that I can use it both as an essence and as a toner but I don't feel like it made a dramatic difference on my skin. I think I could get the same or better results from other essences.

I finished up two serums: Olay White Radiance Cellucent White Essence Serum and Benefit Instant Comeback Facial Serum (mini). The Olay serum was actually a repurchase - it does lighten my dark spots but it takes two to three weeks for visible results. Not gonna repurchase this though because I will be trying out In Her Element's Spot Control Facial Oil!

The Benefit serum brightens my skin and I like using it before applying makeup. Still, I don't think it's worth the price tag (I'm definitely keeping the cute little bottle though!). I've already repurchased the CosRX One Step Pimple Clear Pad. It's the ultimate exfoliant/toner with BHA for the lazy girl! The VMV Hypoallergenics Essence Skin-Saving Superwash is technically a joint empty. My husband uses this as shampoo, face, and body wash. I use it as facial wash when I'm too lazy to reach for mine on the sink LOL. It didn't trigger his skin asthma and his skin continues to improve. It never triggered a reaction on my sensitive facial skin either so needless to say, this one has become a staple in our bathroom.

Stacie: I don't know if you can see how simot my Heroine Make Lasting Mineral BB Cream is! I love this BB so much that I cut it the tube open so I can use every last drop! It fits my skin color well and has medium coverage. Too bad they left the country! I've hit pan on two powders from Tony Moly namely their Cristal Blusher in #7 and the Cat's Wink Pact, which are both part of my everyday routine. I'm also near to emptying Etude House's Face Blur, which is my everyday primer. I probably just have 2 weeks of use left for this!

Jenn: I only have two empties for this month. One is my Migabee Witch Hazel and Seabuckthorn Toner, the bottle of which I accidentally threw away before I could take a photo. I love this toner and really used it up to the last drop because it really regulated my skin's sebum production. The other is the BRTC Jasmine Cleansing Oil, which I like using on days when I use just light makeup. Its floral scent soothes me and cleanses without stripping the skin's natural oils.

Charlie: I have a lot of skincare items open at the moment that it's really been a goal of mine to actually finish even just a few of them early this year. Recently, I ended up emptying my favorite serum, the Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum, my trusty troubled-skin helper COSRX Pimple Pads, and my night moisturizer, the Etude House Collagen Moistfull Cream. I wish they were as less expensive here as they are in Korea but still, I love these products as they’ve helped calm my skin during my monthly breakout attacks. I’m actually planning to repurchase all of them!

Crystal: I'm proud of myself for using up another lipstick, even though it was a deluxe size: NYX semi-matte lip cream in Istanbul. This is my second lip empty for the year so far! I also used up a travel size spray of Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Now Eau de Parfum. I initially thought that I wouldn't like anything with coconut but I love how fresh it smells and turns into a floral scent. I also used up a Laneige Pore Minimizing Pack. I really like how it dries so quickly so I can use it even when I'm in a hurry. I emptied a Nature and Co. Green Tea Mist, which I got at Beauty Bar as a pick-me-up when my skin looked weird. I used up an Obagi Clenziderm Pore Therapy toner, which helped me a lot when I was breaking out. Lastly, I also emptied an Eva Nyc Hungry Hair Oil Treatment for my frizzy, curly hair. A little really went a long way so one bottle lasted a really long time!

Gett: I finished my In Her Element Nourish and Cleanse Balm, which I've had since December. If it run out too fast, it was because it was my skin-saving best friend when I traveled to a colder climate last January and because I use it to remove glittery eye makeup! I've also gone through two Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms, which are still some of my fave lippies because of the colors and comfy wear. Standout has been my fave matte red for the longest time, and Sultry is a great MLBB!

I also finished up a tube of the COC Eye Flower Care Serum that I got from Althea Korea, which is a hair serum for lashes and brows. I've noticed how my brows and lashes seem more stronger and how my lashes have grown longer. The Nature Republic Aloe Vera gel has been a staple and is a great multi-purpose gel that feels good especially in this heat. Finally, I've also gone through a Lush Percup bar, which I initially thought was a soap LOL but is actually some kind of bar lotion! I love how it smells of coffee and gets me buzzed for the day.

Have you collected any empties so far? Did you love them enough to repurchase, or you still questing for HG quality?