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?

It’s always difficult to force ourselves back into the daily grind after enjoying a long, relaxing weekend. Whether you were team Laboracay, La Union, or LaBahay, this weekend all roads lead to White Space in Pasong, Tamo, Makati for this year’s Row101 Summer Pop Up! Happening on May 6 to 7 (Saturday and Sunday) from 11am to 9pm, it’s a shopping bonanza that you will not want to miss. Here’s a sneak preview of what’s coming your way!

Earrings from Simone's Closet

Local celebrities and fashion influencers will be opening their envy-worthy closets

This year’s summer pop up will see a nice mix of fashion, food, and beauty brands offering the best deals. Models, style influencers, and celebrities will also be hosting their own booths to sell brand new and pre-loved clothes and cosmetics. Chie Filomeno, Janina Manipol, Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia, and Vern and Verniece Enciso will have booths set up so do drop by and check out their stuff!

Need proudly Filipino-made skincare for your busy life? In Her Element has you covered!

Our very own skincare brand In Her Element will be having our bazaar debut. You can test and shop the Nourish and Cleanse Balm, First Wash Cleansing Oil, Pure Squalane Facial Oil, and Spot Control Facial Oil. Come say hi and hang out with the PV team. Our founder and editor Liz Lanuzo will be there as well to share her recos! Need more convincing? Event goers will be getting first dibs on our two new surprise products! *wink*

It's going to be a K-beauty stop, too!

Our favorite Korean brands Etude House, Tony Moly, and Leaders will also be there to sell their wares. If you’ve always wanted to get your hands on Etude House’s Berry Delicious Collection, Tony Moly’s Panda’s Dream Collection, or the rave-worthy sheet masks from Leaders, Row101 is a convenient way to collect them all under one roof. 

Shoes from El Marikeno

Hard-to-find but amazing local fashion brands will be there for us to explore

The Row 101 Summer Pop Up Bazaar is also a great place to shop awesome local fashion finds. There’s no shortage of clothes, shoes, swimwear, and accessories from brands like El Marikeno, Shoegar, and Simone’s Closet. 

Joyce, Marj and Nikki

Say hi to your favorite beauty vloggers and bloggers

While you’re there, don’t miss out on the perfect chance to meet and greet your favorite beauty influencers! Joyce Sola, Marj Sia, Nikki Tiu, Say Tioco, Jessica Godinez, Kim Mendoza, and Genzel Habab will be shopping and selling at the event themselves, so check out their booths for makeup and skincare finds. 

Other brands participating in this year’s Row 101 include:

Browhaus, Happy Socks, Boulangerie 22, Bahn Mi, Serbesa MNL, Baba's Kitchen, Squeeze Me, Below 35 MNL, Lazeez Shawarma, Swinging Chairs, Sunflower Kitchen, Lemoon Philippines, Sefra Babe Wear, Marie Villamor, Sun Fish PH, Alijo Chua, Basi, Shop Katre, Shop Eunice Sason, B Manila, Vida Lim, Guppy Shorts, Simone's Closet, The Poppy PH, Leather and Feet, Shut Up Tees by Rekles, Heir Clothing, Owl PH, Kaine Cordova Primegroup, Teddy Sage, I Love Koi, Grigio Inc. El Marikeno, La Latina Swimwear, Ibiza Love Your Sole, Sola Jewelry, Estela Philippines, Coral Swimwear, Food Truck Cheese Steak and Food Truck Fire Station.

There will also be some surprise booths so be sure not to miss this summer event!

Here’s my loot from the media preview of Row 101. I can’t wait to go this weekend to catch the best deals! You can come in for free simply by sharing the official event poster below on your Facebook timeline with the caption "I am going to #row101summerpopup on May 6 and 7 at White Space, Pasong Tamo, Makati!”. Just show your post at the door to gain free entrance. Hope to see you there!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

Unless you stay in an air-conditioned room 24/7, you’ve probably had to deal with the intense summer heat. I often feel like every single thing I do results in me breaking into a sweat, and it makes me feel extra conscious about being around other people.

Apart from making sure I apply a reliable deodorant, I turn to scents to keep me smelling good and also to lift my mood when the heat threatens to make me grumpy. While I’ve put together quite a perfume collection, I select my summer fragrances very carefully to focus on fresher and lighter ones that are less likely to change when I start sweating buckets. Here are five of the go-to summer scents fragrances I’m relying on this summer:

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Nectarine Blossom Eau de Toilette (P2,250 for 100mL at Rustan’s)

If you loved the original Green Tea, you’ll enjoy its latest flanker. Nectarine Blossom is a floral fruity fragrance as fresh and light as the 1999 crowd favorite. It opens with green tea before settling into a sweet nectarine and peach breeze. This has some similarities to Jo Malone Nectarine Blossom, at a much friendlier price tag.

• Top notes: peach, bergamot, exotic fruits, green tea
• Middle notes: green tea, nectarine, nectarine blossom
• Base notes: musk

Estée Lauder Pleasures Aqua Eau de Parfum

Aqua was released last year as the latest flanker to Estée Lauder’s Pleasures line. This floral aquatic fragrance features lilac, jasmine, and peony - the signature Pleasures notes but with some added touches of watery and green notes to transport us to the beach, no car trips or plane tickets required. If you find that the original Estée Lauder Pleasures is too much of a heavy floral, then you may enjoy this watery, fresher take on it.

• Top notes: honeysuckle, freesia, green leaves, watery notes
• Middle notes: jasmine, peony, lilac
• Base notes: musk, woodsy notes, ambroxan 

Clean Air Eau de Parfum (P3,960 for 60mL at Rustan’s)

If you just want to smell like fresh air, then look no further. Clean Air, a woody aromatic unisex scent, is the scent for you. The mountain air note is what makes it unusual. Combined with aldehydes, powdery notes, and green notes, it is a concoction that leaves you smelling fresh, clean, and light, with a sheer floral bouquet. This can be worn alone or can be layered with other scents, too.

• Top notes: bergamot blossom, mountain air
• Middle notes: green accord, freesia, peony
• Base notes: musk, cashmere wood, white amber, powdery notes, aldehydes 

Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin Cologne (P3,940 for 30mL or P6,980 for 100mL at Jo Malone)

Like other Jo Malone colognes, this scent is both for men and women. Lime Basil & Mandarin is one of the stronger-smelling ones on our list but still smells very fresh because of the blend of green and citrus. As the name suggests, the lime, basil, and mandarin orange notes are very prominent in this scent, giving it a zesty, energetic vibe.

• Top notes: lime, mandarin orange, bergamot
• Middle notes: basil, lilac, iris, thyme
• Base notes: patchouli, vetiver

Michael Kors Glam Jasmine Eau de Parfum (P4,150 for 50mL or P5,350 for 100mL at Rustan’s)

If you are a fan of jasmine, then you must try this one. This white floral fragrance only has a few notes consisting of jasmine, cassis, and sandalwood. The cassis gives it a citrus-y kick before getting to the jasmine heart, while the sandalwood gives it a creamy dry down. If you want to smell fresh but still feel glamorous and feminine, then is one to keep in your purse.

Have you been wearing a summer fragrance? What are your current faves?

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?

It’s always difficult to force ourselves back into the daily grind after enjoying a long, relaxing weekend. Whether you were team Laboracay, La Union, or LaBahay, this weekend all roads lead to White Space in Pasong, Tamo, Makati for this year’s Row101 Summer Pop Up! Happening on May 6 to 7 (Saturday and Sunday) from 11am to 9pm, it’s a shopping bonanza that you will not want to miss. Here’s a sneak preview of what’s coming your way!

Earrings from Simone's Closet

Local celebrities and fashion influencers will be opening their envy-worthy closets

This year’s summer pop up will see a nice mix of fashion, food, and beauty brands offering the best deals. Models, style influencers, and celebrities will also be hosting their own booths to sell brand new and pre-loved clothes and cosmetics. Chie Filomeno, Janina Manipol, Billy Crawford and Coleen Garcia, and Vern and Verniece Enciso will have booths set up so do drop by and check out their stuff!

Need proudly Filipino-made skincare for your busy life? In Her Element has you covered!

Our very own skincare brand In Her Element will be having our bazaar debut. You can test and shop the Nourish and Cleanse Balm, First Wash Cleansing Oil, Pure Squalane Facial Oil, and Spot Control Facial Oil. Come say hi and hang out with the PV team. Our founder and editor Liz Lanuzo will be there as well to share her recos! Need more convincing? Event goers will be getting first dibs on our two new surprise products! *wink*

It's going to be a K-beauty stop, too!

Our favorite Korean brands Etude House, Tony Moly, and Leaders will also be there to sell their wares. If you’ve always wanted to get your hands on Etude House’s Berry Delicious Collection, Tony Moly’s Panda’s Dream Collection, or the rave-worthy sheet masks from Leaders, Row101 is a convenient way to collect them all under one roof. 

Shoes from El Marikeno

Hard-to-find but amazing local fashion brands will be there for us to explore

The Row 101 Summer Pop Up Bazaar is also a great place to shop awesome local fashion finds. There’s no shortage of clothes, shoes, swimwear, and accessories from brands like El Marikeno, Shoegar, and Simone’s Closet. 

Joyce, Marj and Nikki

Say hi to your favorite beauty vloggers and bloggers

While you’re there, don’t miss out on the perfect chance to meet and greet your favorite beauty influencers! Joyce Sola, Marj Sia, Nikki Tiu, Say Tioco, Jessica Godinez, Kim Mendoza, and Genzel Habab will be shopping and selling at the event themselves, so check out their booths for makeup and skincare finds. 

Other brands participating in this year’s Row 101 include:

Browhaus, Happy Socks, Boulangerie 22, Bahn Mi, Serbesa MNL, Baba's Kitchen, Squeeze Me, Below 35 MNL, Lazeez Shawarma, Swinging Chairs, Sunflower Kitchen, Lemoon Philippines, Sefra Babe Wear, Marie Villamor, Sun Fish PH, Alijo Chua, Basi, Shop Katre, Shop Eunice Sason, B Manila, Vida Lim, Guppy Shorts, Simone's Closet, The Poppy PH, Leather and Feet, Shut Up Tees by Rekles, Heir Clothing, Owl PH, Kaine Cordova Primegroup, Teddy Sage, I Love Koi, Grigio Inc. El Marikeno, La Latina Swimwear, Ibiza Love Your Sole, Sola Jewelry, Estela Philippines, Coral Swimwear, Food Truck Cheese Steak and Food Truck Fire Station.

There will also be some surprise booths so be sure not to miss this summer event!

Here’s my loot from the media preview of Row 101. I can’t wait to go this weekend to catch the best deals! You can come in for free simply by sharing the official event poster below on your Facebook timeline with the caption "I am going to #row101summerpopup on May 6 and 7 at White Space, Pasong Tamo, Makati!”. Just show your post at the door to gain free entrance. Hope to see you there!

More than all the skin care in the world, sunscreen is the most important thing you can and should apply on your skin. Not only can it delay wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and other signs of aging, it also protects you from skin cancer! That’s a real health issue well outside the confines of everyday vanity.

There’s no debate that everyone needs to wear sunscreen everyday. The question now is, how do you choose the best sunscreen for your needs? Here are three basic factors you should check for!

UVB Protection

All sunscreens should have an SPF or sun protection factor declared on their labels. This is what protects us from UVB rays that cause redness and sunburn. What you should know is that you don’t actually need a lot of it to get yourself protected.

With just SPPF15, a sunscreen can already block 93% of UVB rays. SPF30 increases that protection to 97%, and SPF 45 to 50 blocks up to 98%. There’s very little difference in protection as you go for a higher rating. Up to this day, no sunscreen can promise 100% protection.

UVA Protection

UVA rays cause photoaging and suppression of the immune system. In the US, sunscreens are labeled “broad spectrum” when they offer UVA protection. Here and in other Asian countries though, we use a system called Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD). The higher the PPD rating, the longer it takes for the skin to tan, as compared to when the skin is unprotected.

Thus, products that have UVA protection are labeled as “PA+, ++, +++,” and so on, indicating the protection grade. PA+ means a PPD rating of 2 to 4, PA++ means a PPD rating of 4 to 8, PA+++ means a PPD rating of 8 to 16, and PA++++ means a PPD rating of 16 or higher. 

Water Resistance

The US FDA doesn’t allow sunscreens to be labeled as “waterproof” or “sweatproof.” Instead, sunscreens that can last for up to 40 minutes in water may be labelled as “water resistant” while those that can last effectively for up to 80 minutes in the water are labeled “very water resistant.” 

We’ve already covered a lot of facial sunscreens in the past but lest we forget, the rest of our body needs protection, too! So for this showdown, we decided to put four body sunscreens that we regularly use to the test. Meet our contenders!

Nivea Sun Protect and Moisture, P459 for 125ml at Watsons 

With broad spectrum SPF50 PA++, the Nivea Sun Protect and Moisture has you completely covered. It’s labeled as water-resistant, and I made it to 40 minutes in the water before feeling like I needed to reapply it already. It can be really sticky though even if the label says otherwise. It creates a white cast. There’s a strong sunscreen scent upon application but it seems to fade afterwards. This would be good to use for when you’re outdoors and expecting to sweat a lot, or for swimming. 

Belo SunExpert Body, P459.75 for 100ml at Watsons

At SPF60, Belo offers the highest SPF coverage among the products I tested plus a pretty high broad spectrum protection at PA+++. It’s also the only product here that’s labeled as hypoallergenic and paraben-free, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or conscious about product ingredients. It’s also water-resistant but I find that it does not last as long as Nivea does. It’s not really sticky and doesn’t have a white cast but it leaves a sheen on my skin. It still smells like sunscreen but the scent is less noticeable compared to Nivea.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel, P460 for 90ml at Watsons

Unlike all the other products I tested, this features a gel formulation that you can apply on both your body and face. It’s not water-resistant but I love that it absolutely feels like nothing once applied.

The downside, however, is that it doesn’t have any moisturizing properties that a cream lotion formulation usually provides. For my face, it’s okay because I have combination skin and I only need a bit of moisturizer on my cheeks. But I have dry skin on the rest of my body, so I’d need to apply lotion first before putting this on. If you have normal skin on your body though, this is a good pick for you as you can use it all over. No need to bring a separate sunscreen just for your face!

Silka Premium Whitening Lotion in Papaya with Milk and Honey, P174 for 200ml at Watsons

This moisturizes really well and has a skin brightening effect because of the addition of niacinamide, sweet almond milk protein, and papaya enzyme in the formulation. It does not claim to be water-resistant but I wouldn’t mind reapplying this every two hours because I love the scent. The price is very budget-friendly! It’s an economical option for everyday use, however, we recommend a different sunscreen if you’ll be outdoors long or when swimming.

Reminders about using sunscreen

It’s best to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes BEFORE sun exposure to give the product time to dry on your skin. Be generous with your application because a thin layer won’t build up enough product to shield you from the sun's rays - you’ll usually need about a shot glass worth of sunscreen to cover EACH limb in your body. Finally, regardless of whether you’re swimming or just outdoors, you need to reapply about every 2 to 3 hours to ensure that you get continuous protection. 

Care to share what your fave body sunscreen is? Why do you love it?

Sources: Time, Skincancer.org, Byrdie, Foxnews.com, TheKlog.co, Cancer.org.au

How hot is it going to be today? That's my #1 consideration when I wear makeup lately. The hotter it is, the lighter I need my base to be since it can get uncomfortable later on! I ascribe to the "less is more" philosophy during the summer, unless I really, really have to pile on the product for work. At the same time I need my makeup to keep it together for the day. Sounds impossible, right? Not really. If you find the correct products for your needs, you'll have more control with the way your makeup looks later on.

Happy Skin recently released a duo that should help with keeping our faces shine-free for longer. The brand introduced the Matte About You Pore & Shine Control Primer In Nude (P1,299 for 25 ml), a silicone-based primer that fills in pores and mattifies skin in one later. They also have the new Matte Of Your Dreams Oil Control Mattifying Powder In Translucent (P1,200 for 8 grams), a white, zero-coverage powder that creates a matte filter-like effect on the skin. 

Here's what I think of each!

A pea-sized amount is enough for the whole face. I like spout dispensers like this since I can control the amount of product that comes out.

The Matte About You Pore & Shine Control Primer In Nude looks and feels like your typical silicone primer. It's dimethicone-based, with added kaolin powder and mica to enhance the ultra smoothing finish. It has no coverage at all even though it has a slight tint off the tube, but as you can see in my before and after photo, one layer of it seems to have made my skin tone and texture more even. 

I like the mild, clean scent of this primer and how easy it is to blend all over the face. Do note that you have to wait for your moisturizer and/or sunscreen to dry completely before applying it. Otherwise, the primer won't sit on your skin well! You'll notice it will crease or roll off in a few hours. Also make sure to apply the rest of your base makeup after Matte About You has dried and set.

As promised on the label, this Happy Skin primer lessens the appearance of pores, flakes, and rough skin. It also helps to keep shine at bay for about three to four hours on my combination skin - I usually shine in two. Not bad at all! It really helps to hold my makeup down (you'll see later). I did notice though that it has a lifespan; it creases slightly on me after six to seven hours so I have to correct the fine creases as they appear.  

Nevertheless, I like the Matte About You Pore & Shine Control Primer In Nude and will continue to use it when it's extra hot outside. I have combination skin so I'm actually ok with just patting my nose with powder on a regular day. Sometimes though, a girl needs a hand! This is just the thing I need to keep my look fresh in this crazy summer. 

I find myself reaching for the Matte Of Your Dreams Oil Control Mattifying Powder In Translucent regularly because it just makes my skin look so gorgeous. It doesn't look like a blah white on skin; it sorta melts into my color, creating this amazing filter-like finish! This can be used as a setting powder after liquid/cream bases, but it also excels at absorbing oil midday. I love that it's not a flat matte. It has some light-reflecting juju going on so that it looks skin-like and not just totally matte.

It takes a bit of layering to set makeup with this as the powder is quite tightly pressed, but it only takes a layer to remove shine. It comes in a mirrored compact with a puff so you can retouch anytime. Plus points for the cute, mermaid-inspired packaging too! I do hope Happy Skin would sell refills in the future.

Applied the Matte About You primer here, added liquid foundation on top, then set everything with the Matte Of Your Dreams powder. How's that for smooooooth AF?

Seven hours later, here's what my makeup looks like! I did not retouch AT ALL. My base has faded a bit, though I'm way less shiny than I normally would be considering I use a liquid foundation. It still looks serviceable because of the primer + powder combo.

Overall, I highly recommend the Matte Of Your Dreams Oil Control Mattifying Powder In Translucent to just about anyone who wants a smoothing powder for retouching. It's well-milled and not gritty at all, so the results on skin are impressive. It's a bit pricey for 8 grams at that, but well worth it if you want a good retouch powder that won't look cakey or disturb what you already have on.

Let me know what y'all think, as always! Are you digging these new Happy Skin products?

Hey hey! We finally have a new Commenter of the Month! Congratulations to Tricia Del Castillo, who never fail to share her intelligent insights in our stories. We'll be sending you the Benefit Beauty School Knockouts kit! Kindly send your full name, address, and mobile number to den [at] projectvanity.com so we can ship it out.

For our next Commenter Gift, I handpicked a few things: the Snail Treatment for Damaged Hair, Browhaus Heavy Duty Biliner, Browhaus Precision Eyeliner, the new Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Lie Matte Lip Crayon in Sorry Not Sorry, and a few lippies from Maybelline, Covergirl, L'Oreal, and Revlon.

So! It's the same mechanics as before. Every month, we'll pick a commenter on Project Vanity. She must be able to leave useful comments, such as sharing feedback about a product we reviewed. It can be a "thank you" comment, or maybe a really good question (we love good questions). A big factor would be the frequency of the reader's comments. Does she always visit? Does she read through the site? At the end of the day though, we always value quality more than quantity. Consistency is key. 

Comment away! Am hoping to hear from you. We'll pick the winner by the beginning of June.

Something has been bothering me lately and I am hoping that you guys can help me out. As you may have heard, my company has recently come out with a skincare brand called In Her Element. It's proudly Filipino - everything is made in small batches and ingredients are sourced here! The response we've been getting is amazing so far. There is one common reaction that we get a lot though: it's along the lines of "why add coconut oil? I might break out!"

A quick defense of coconut oil

I personally have not broken out from any of our products so far so I don't have an issue with coconut oil. My personal experience aside though, here's why we like to include it in our skincare:

• Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids which help to moisturize skin and help with inflammation. As a skin emollient, it shows higher performance compared with mineral oil.
• It is also rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants keep your skin from receiving and retaining as much damage from environmental factors.
• Coconut oil has natural antibacterial properties, which benefits us when used in a dermatological formulation
• Coconut oil is thinner in texture compared to some oils and is therefore more pleasant to apply on the skin and hair. 
• It remains stable for a year or so without no need for preservatives; it doesn't easily go rancid when stored properly in a cool dark place.
• Using coconut oil in our products supports local farmers who supply it to our manufacturers. It helps the economy by providing jobs and income. Coconut oil from the Philippines is world-class; it is heavily imported and valued all over the world. Why not support the industry in our small way, as it were?

What scares most people off coconut oil though is the fact that it has a high rating of 4 in the comedogenic scale of 0-5. This is however an outdated rating system, as we discussed at length in this article.

But I don't mind being corrected

That's not to invalidate the the chance that you may have broken out - or will break out - from coconut oil in your skincare products. Each one of us react differently to different ingredients; no one can predict what will happen. As with all new skincare, I highly encourage you to do a patch test on your inner arm or jaw first (leave it for 24 hours) to see if you will get any reaction!

I'd love to know what you think. Do you love or hate coconut oil? Why or why not?

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?

"Ma'am, may SM Advantage Card po ba kayo?" It didn't use to bother me to answer "no" to this question until a Watsons store opened up just five minutes away from my condo. I keep finding myself in there for all sorts of reasons: stocking up on tissues, buying medicine, doing "research" for Project Vanity. It's just super convenient to shop for my personal care needs in one store and there are always great deals available. There was just that one thing I didn't even realize I was missing.

The Watsons team

While doing my most recent Watsons haul, I finally signed up for an SM Advantage Card (SMAC). They had just launched the Members Get More program and I was curious to see what benefits a slim piece of plastic would get me. I had to pay close attention to the displays because I noticed that they didn't just have prices displayed on them!

Isana shampoos are regularly priced at P199 but it's only P179 for members!

The Green Member Tags indicated two different prices: the regular one with the standard SRP, and a lower one that's specially for SMAC members! Considering that these were drugstore picks, many of the items are already quite affordable but I'm glad to be able to save a few extra pesos. It's not an amount to sneeze at - there were discounts as much as P64 on some products. A smart spender won't say no to that!

Buy sunscreen and win a trip to wear it on!

One of my simple joys in life is getting a raffle stub along with my purchases. I've never won anything but I like having the opportunity to do so. Thing is, filling out all those stubs and putting them into a tambiolo can be a hassle, and the little bits of paper can inconveniently bulk up my wallet. With SMAC though, I'm automatically enrolled into the current e-Raffle as soon as I pay for my purchases! The ongoing Make Your Summer promo affords me the chance to win a trip to Bali, Guam, or Sydney. Even if I don't get anything (or anywhere), it's nice to be rewarded just for doing some beauty shopping.

If you like being the first to know about sales and promos for early birds perks (ie, before stocks run out!), being a SMAC member can afford you that. And not only will you be the first to know, you can get exclusive access and additional discounts to important events like 3-Day Sales, which all beauty girls look forward to with their wishlists in hand. The extra 10% off offered to SMAC holders can spell the difference between getting the palette you really wanted instead of something you simply chose because it fit into your budget.

Of course, the main come-on to getting a SMAC is earning rewards points. Aside from Watsons, there are a number of other retailers that issue points for purchases to your SMAC, so you can really think of it as a card you can shop with most everywhere!

My Watsons haul is a little boring because I'm on a makeup buying ban (I have too many backups!) and I decided to pick up some essentials instead. And yes, I really do like buying their in-house branded items because they're cheap and perform just as well as the more popular ones!

These aren't the Watsons facial wipes that won Best Value for Money at our Makeup Wipe Battle but I mostly prefer unscented products for my face and liked the inclusion of aloe vera extract. It's a huge pack of 50 wipes for just P69. I regularly hoard the Velvety Tissues (P99 for 3 boxes) because these are what I use to dry my face after washing. Reusing towels to wipe your face are a no-no since you end up reintroducing dirt to your skin, and these cottony fibers feel much gentler on my face.

I'm a germophobe and a compulsive handwasher, so I like that the Cream Hand Soaps (P149 buy 1-take 1) don't dry out my skin. The Shea Butter and Peach is my favorite but they have several other scents to choose from. You can also buy these pump bottles first then just refill with the aluminum pouch versions to reuse instead of throwing out!

If you share my fear of being seen with food stuck in between your teeth, pop a couple of these Dental Floss Picks (P99 for a pack of 3) into your purse. It's an easy solution to keeping your teeth clean in between brushing. I also save the plastic boxes and reuse them as containers for small items like hair clips and ties.

My fave find is this Sunplay SPF75 PA+++ Watery Cool Body Mist Sunscreen (P599). It's slightly mentholated, which makes reapplying sunscreen on a hot day actually feel pleasant, plus the formula is water-resistant and includes hyaluronic acid to help keep skin moisturized. The truth is, I actually bought this because it has penguins on the packaging and just lucked out on how well it actually performs.

So that's what I got for my first SMAC experience! I'm looking forward to more new finds at my neighborhood Watsons and getting more savings with my SMAC membership. Do you often shop at Watsons? Would you consider applying for a SMAC as well?

I've been writing about skincare and makeup for nine years. Almost everyday, at that! I've tried hundreds - could it be at least a thousand at this point? - of different products through the years personally. That's why I'm particular about the things I use, especially the ones that go into my face. It's literally my job to know how to look good so I can share practical information you would be able to use in your own "project vanity".

Honestly (and I say this a lot), when I started out in 2008 I had no idea I would be here today developing proudly Pinoy beauty products. I guess it was a natural transition; I've tried and recommended so many things that it was only a matter of time before I tried a hand at giving birth to my own. Now I've never given birth but this must be how it feels like - the anticipation, the expense, the doubt, the joy. 

Today, I'd like to introduce a new collection under my company's skincare brand, In Her Element. We've been working on this for some time and it's finally ready! The Rose Gel Collection features two core products that every skincare routine MUST have: the Low pH Rose Gel Cleanser (P675 for 100ml) and the Rose Gel Serum Moisturizer (P895 for 30g). 

The Low pH Rose Gel Cleanser is more than just your average facial wash. It is a mild and purifying cleanser that features a friendly pH level of 5.5-6 to keep your moisture barrier intact! There is a host of benefits to using a cleanser with low pH, as it helps your skin fight off bacteria, maintain its moisture level, and control its natural oil production on its own. IHE's cleanser is ideal for all skin types, even dry and sensitive skin as it is designed to be a non-irritating formulation. It has no SLS and SLES, and is also fragrance-free (as with all In Her Element products). It contains organic Rose Distillate which has a natural rose scent, as well as antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

The Rose Gel Cleanser also has a few active ingredients to treat your skin as you wash it: it hydrates skin with Aloe Leaf Juice, soothes with Licorice Extract, softens with Vitamin B5, and brightens with Daisy Flower Extract and Milk Protein. Now how's that for the ultimate facial wash?

The Rose Gel Serum Moisturizer is something I am especially proud of. It's an ultra-lightweight gel moisturizer full of active ingredients, which makes it a serum, as well. I mean, we know serums are great but do we really want to buy a separate bottle when you can moisturize and treat skin at the same time? This moisturizer hydrates skin with Aloe Leaf Juice, smoothes pores and lines with Phyto Collagen from Seaweed, brightens with Daisy Flower Extract and Milk Protein, and fades spots with Vitamin C. Like the facial wash, it also contains Rose Distillate which has a mild rose scent as well as antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

I LOVE THIS STUFF. I've been using it ever since I got the first sample a few months ago and my skin has never been more behaved. I use it with the Low pH Rose Gel Cleanser, plus I sometimes add the Spot Control Facial Oil whenever I have hormonal acne or break out from other products. 

The Rose Gel Serum Moisturizer is ideal for oily to combination skin. If you have extra dry skin, you may want to add a few drops of our Pure Squalane Facial Oil for a moisture and antioxidant boost.

Bare face! I have some freckles and old blemishes but it's generally clear now

So there you go guys, our newest creations! I hope you can try them out soon! We have a promo only until May 30: use the code ROSEGEL upon checkout to get 20% off if you get both the Rose Gel Serum Moisturizer and Low pH Rose Gel Cleanser. It's free shipping, too! ^__^ Let me know what you think, as always.

Photography by Samantha Gonzales