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?

"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?

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

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

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

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

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

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

I've been working in beauty for a few years now, with my first post being a social media manager for several beauty brands. With each brand that I handled, I would always receive this one same question: What lipstick shade should I wear with my skin tone? 

The answer for me has always been: any color you want! Lipstick is probably the most fun makeup to wear because you're not limited by wearing only one shade (as with foundation) or how well you know to blend (as with eyeshadows). Picking out a lipstick to wear for the day can be dictated by your mood or matched to your outfit - the only real limitation is what's available in your collection.

With Pink Sugar's Super Creamy Matte Lipsticks line, it's easy to build a lipstick wardrobe without having to break the bank. The moisturizing formula and vivid pigmentation of these mattes make it difficult to believe that they're only P349 a pop! No surprise that they are the brand's best-sellers. Need proof? The Project Vanity team took on this massive swatch challenge to show how Pink Sugar's top 10 shades appear on different skin tones.

Enjoy!

From left: Girl Next Door, Breakfast in Bed, Hot Mess, Heartbreaker, Desire, Rumor, Catfight, French Kiss, Diva, Sangria

Marielle, fair with yellow undertones

I initially thought that these matte lippies would be drying. There is some drag in the application and it takes a few passes to get the creaminess going but I am amazed by how comfortable the formula actually feels! I was impressed by how pigmented and luxe-looking the shades are, and though I feel a slight waxiness in the texture, it is satisfyingly lightweight. It doesn't dry my lips out, and the color stays vibrant up until I eat. My top picks are Heartbreaker, a gorgeous, vintage-looking warm brown, and Diva, a sophisticated shade of brick red.

From left: Girl Next Door, Breakfast in Bed, Hot Mess, Heartbreaker, Desire, Rumor, Catfight, French Kiss, Diva, Sangria

Katsy, medium with yellow undertones

I once read somewhere that your best everyday lipstick should be able to brighten up your face and make you look ready to face the world, even with little to no makeup. Breakfast in Bed is that lipstick for me. I feel that it matches my medium skin tone really well and adds the right amount of color to my normally pale lips. This tube will definitely be living inside my bag from now on! It also lasts a good length of time on me, around 3 to 4 hours, mostly because I usually have to eat by then. I have a feeling it can last even longer without eating, as I always have to retouch after a burger break.

As for the formula, I find the Pink Sugar Creamy Mattes moisturizing, which is kinda amazing for a matte though this doesn't appear full-on matte to me. I like how it manages to have this sort of seal that makes the lipstick drag upon first swipe but after, it just glides on. It feels like it only melted upon contact with my skin, which is a good thing considering how crazy hot our weather is right now. I'll definitely repurchase and might even hoard! If ever they come out with a slightly more luxurious limited edition packaging, I'll be first in line for it!

From left: Girl Next Door, Breakfast in Bed, Hot Mess, Heartbreaker, Desire, Rumor, Catfight, French Kiss, Diva, Sangria

Angela, medium with neutral undertones

I like how the formula doesn't glide too easily as I am prone to making mistakes in application. The bit of tack actually makes my lipstick application more precise! Longevity is pretty good until I eat, at which point it completely comes off. I don't mind as I can easily reapply afterwards and have my lips looking great again.

I just love Breakfast in Bed - it's my perfect peachy nude. I also adore Desire on my lips and Heartbreaker won my heart. I really enjoyed these lippies and find them to be such a steal considering the price! There are so many shades to choose from and they all look beautiful.

While Breakfast in Bed was unanimously voted as the favorite shade, the girls prove that you can wear any color you want and pull it off. it's all about your attitude! 

Ready to rock your lip color? Did you fall in love with a single shade, or are you already planning on getting several shades?

Pink Sugar Cosmetics is available in SM Beauty Stores, Watsons, and other retail locations (full list here). Online, you may purchase products from BeautyMNL.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Kristel Yap, contributor

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

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

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

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

Proof of Authenticity

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

Image via Brandsafer

Important Dates

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

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

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

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

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

Ingredients Listing

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

English translations of Hwahae by lostinpretty.com

Cruelty-Free Practices

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

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

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

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

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

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

My fave blemish concealers

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

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

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

Eye bags be gone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

Header image by Samantha Gonzales

There's nothing more singularly disappointing than buying the wrong foundation shade. Sometimes, we get too excited and/or pressured at the counter that we don't hear the alarm bells ring; we just want our shiny new product sitting pretty at home! This is why it pays to have your wits about you when you're shopping for foundation, especially when you're about to drop the big bucks on a good brand. Here are five ways to get your perfect match!

1. Don't be shy or a know-it-all - ask the sales assistant for help! Yes, I know it sucks to be at the mercy of someone who may not be as nerdy about makeup as you are, but SAs will always trump your general makeup knowledge with specific product information. I always ask them for the three shades closest to my skin tone. If I don't have a product in mind, I ask what their best-selling formula is and what suits my concerns best.

It's important to have this discussion before moving forward to swatching shades. Take this time to establish rapport with the SA, study your options, and compare prices. I'll discuss why later on!

2. The best place to swatch foundation is along your jawline. Not your arm, wrist, or back of the hand! The jawline area is the mid-point between your face and neck color. If those two parts are too dissimilar, choose one side that you prefer and match that area. Just make sure to always blend the foundation on both your face and neck each time. No need to do this though if the color gap is not too wide; you can just apply the foundation on your face.

3. The foundation's undertone can make or break it. Ever notice how, even though the shade is correct, the color still looks off? That's where the undertone comes into play. Generally, foundations have two undertones: red and yellow. Forget about warm or cool; different brands have such different interpretations of the term!

Some brands like Make Up For Ever take the trouble to label their foundation shades Y for yellow and R for red so that you know what you're getting. Some brands like Bobbi Brown and NARS only offer yellow-toned foundation since it's their belief that yellowish colors work best to brighten any skin tone. MAC, in my experience, is a bit trickier. We made a guide on how to choose you MAC shade if you're interested.

These are Revlon Colorstay swatches. The shades look convincingly yellow in the swatch, but all of them sans Sand Beige (ironically) have a red undertone when blended. Still a great formula though. Full review here.

Here are a few *general* things to consider before choosing a red or yellow-toned foundation:

• Do you flush easily? Then a reddish foundation might work for you.
• Do you tan without burning as much or as quickly? If so, go for a yellowish foundation.
• This is an age-old trick but I find it's still relevant: if silver jewelry looks best against your skin, you might want to consider a reddish foundation. If gold jewelry is more flattering, choose a yellow-toned foundation.

Of course, none of this will beat the next tip, which is...

4. Go foundation shopping with a bare face, and actually wear the foundation ALL day before deciding on a purchase. Walk around the mall, check the color in natural lighting (as opposed to makeup counter lighting, which may be falsely flattering or bafflingly ugly-fying!), and check how it's changing throughout the day. You can read the online reviews, quiz the SA all you want, but there is no better test than seeing how a foundation performs than wearing it on your own skin. 

This is worth the hassle if you want to avoid an expensive mistake.

5. If you're still not 100% sure, bring a small plastic jar and ask for a sample. This is what I mean about the importance of building rapport with the sales assistant. If you are genuinely interested in buying their product, then it will show through and you can get the help you need. I used to be hiya about asking for things from the SA, especially when I go to high-end makeup counters, but I learned that it's their job to help me make a decision I won't regret!

So yes, bring a jar, and ask for a few pumps of the liquid or loose powder foundation you want to test. Don't fill the whole jar naman, just get enough for maybe one or two uses. This is especially useful if you have sensitive skin and want to know if you'll react to the foundation after an extended use. 

And that is that. ^_^ Have you got any more tips to add when it comes to foundation matching? Would love to hear them!

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

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

My fave blemish concealers

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

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

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

Eye bags be gone

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

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

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

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

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

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

We do a lot of things for our love for beauty. A true-blue makeup addict signs up for workshops, spends hours watching tutorials on YouTube, and religiously visits beauty sites (like Project Vanity!) not just for reviews but to learn more about their passion. We may be able to perfect our arches as well as our wings but it's a whole different ball game to be a professional makeup artist. Whether here or abroad, the hours of training and practice under qualified instructors translate into product and technique know-how that you can only attain in a formal setting.

Apart from short courses, the tuition fees required to enroll in one of the top makeup schools can cost a good bit of money. Going into full-on career mode and stocking up on tools of the trade is especially expensive, as makeup artists usually use high quality products that they have to get in multiple shades to suit different client needs. If you’re a fledgling makeup artist, the costs of starting up can be heavy so every bit of savings can go a long way!

With that in mind, The SM Store Beauty Section recognizes the talents who make the local beauty scene a more vibrant place to be. To make pro kit-building more fun and affordable, beauty professionals can now get special perks with the new SM Beauty PRO-Card. The black privilege pass entitles pro makeup artists to a year-round 10% discount at The SM Beauty Section, as well as exclusive event invites and previews of the latest beauty releases.

The program was hosted by Bianca Valerio and Shamcey Supsup

Applying for membership is simple: the artist must simply send their portfolios via email to smbeautyph@gmail.com. Once approved, they will be issued their own PRO-Card and can already start shopping!

Over 200 makeup artists were present for the Pro Card's big reveal, wherein three pro makeup artists participated in a showdown. The trio worked their magic to create a personal spin on the ever-popular mermaid makeup theme. Guests then got to vote on their favorite look, and voters of the winning entry were automatically entered in a raffle draw to win some fab prizes from the event’s brand partners. The showdown winner, Muriel Jada Nubla, fashioned metallic fish scales on her model and used a statement-making shimmery blue on the lips for a mystical, monochromatic look. 

Contestants Nap Candelaria, Muriel Jade Nubla, and Zidjian Floro with their models

Have you ever considered getting formal makeup training? If you’re a professional makeup artist, what tipid tips can your recommend?

I picked this up while I was shopping for tissue and wipes at Watsons. I actually put it back because it was a bit expensive for a Nichido product, but I thought I'd live a little. At P348, the Nichido Contour Palette is probably one of the pricier items from the brand. It contains a matte higlighter, a shading color, and a contour color.

What's the difference between shading and contouring, you ask? Shading is adding a natural color around your face to enhance features. It's much less precise than contouring, which requires a darker shade applied in specific areas to bring out the bone structure. It's a tomayto, tomahto thing because you can definitely use a contour powder to both shade and contour; just adjust the pigmentation!

Anyway, here is my quick feedback on the Nichido Contour Palette:

• The Contour shade is very pigmented - I actually wipe my loaded brush on tissue before putting it to my face. I like the shade as it's a neutral brown that looks natural when blended. It's a bit difficult to blend as it's patchy at first, but it works out in the end. I just move my brush briskly across the hollows of my cheeks. Staying power is good at 4-5 hours on my combination skin.
• The Shape shade in the middle is a bit lighter and closer to my skin tone. It's a nice color to use if you just want a more natural definition. It's a more forgiving color than the Contour! It doesn't seem to last as long though, at around 3-4 hours of wear. Maybe because it's not as easy to spot as the contour?
• The Highlight shade is a matte warm off white. It's patchy and looks chalky against my skin tone if I place too much. If I place too little, it looks completely invisible. Like I'm using translucent powder! You know what, it might actually serve better as a retouch powder than a highlighter.
• All shades are quite powdery. Always tap your brush to get rid of excess.

Overall, I'd recommend this palette to makeup newbies who are on a budget. It has three shades after all, for P348! Each has four grams so it will take a while to finish. I wouldn't say it's the best out there, but it will do if you just want to experiment with contouring. What do you think?

Anyone else freaking out just from reading the title? This week’s beauty roundup will have you PV girls giddy with excitement. From a fabulous summer sale with up to 70% off to a luxury makeup brand finally available on Sephora Philippines, your weekend is about to get a lot more spendy. Revlon’s latest lippies promise both hydration and pigmentation while L’Oreal has tapped their youngest ambassador ever (spoiler alert: she’s gorgeous). Whatever it is you fancy, we’re sure you’ll find it in this roundup. Happy reading! 

Image via Inglot Cosmetics

Build your own palette for a steal

If you’ve ever dreamt of creating your own custom palette for blushes, eyeshadows or even your whole face, now is the perfect opportunity to make it happen! Inglot Cosmetics is treating us to one heck of a sale this weekend. Get up to 70% off on your fave Inglot products and take advantage of the Buy 1, Take 1 promo! We’re definitely going to hoard some pans from their Freedom System and maybe curate another 40-piece palette. Head on over to the Ingot for this awesome sale!

Image via Revlon

Getting gel-y with it

Revlon Philippines recently posted an awesome video of their latest baby - the Ultra HD Gel Lip Color! We’re totally digging it, as the formula is Infused with hyaluronic acid for an intensely hydrating pout. It glides beautifully on the lips, and the 15 available shades promise a super pigmented and vibrant color thanks to its clear gel base. They’re also scented with mango and vanilla. We’re loving HD Lava (bright red), HD Sand (brown nude), HD Twilight (purple), and HD Tropical (Barbie pink). Keep your eyes peeled for a review here on PV soon!

L’Oreal’s newest fan(ning) girl 

Celebrities like Nicole Kidman, Angelia Jolie, J.Lo, and Blake Lively are just some of the gorgeous faces we regularly see at our fave beauty boutiques and now we can add another blonde beauty to the mix. Actress Elle Fanning is the newest ambassador for L’Oreal Paris! The fresh-faced star will be making her L’Oreal debut at the Cannes Film Festival where the beauty company has been a longtime partner. She will also be the face of their latest campaign for the Paradise Mascara and we can’t wait to see more of her! 

Full story on Elle

Image via PopSugar

Liquid #goals

Not one to shy away from amazing releases, Anastasia Beverly Hills is bringing their A-game this summer with yet another highlighter (as if they didn’t have gorgeously glowy ones already). Claudia Soare, President of ABH, announced that their latest addition will be the Liquid Glow. Described as an intensely luminous liquid that provides shimmer and sheen, this product would be perfect for flaunting your summer tan. No word yet on the release date, price, and number of shades, but based on the pictures and videos posted on social media (check out @norvina and @jaydenrobison), this liquid highlighter is the looking to be the bomb.

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Ouai

Rockin’ the rose

When it comes to fabulous products for your hair, Jen Atkin knows what’s up. With the success of her celebrity fave (and always out of stock) brand Ouai, the hair guru has just released another must-have for all those who love their hair care. Ouai Rose Hair and Body Oil ($32) aims to nourish, tame, and care for your locks as well as your skin. The dry oil is silicone-free, making it easily absorbed by the hair and skin, with a light feel and ultra nourishing formula. It is infused with rose hip oil (aids in minimizing scars and redness), absinthium oil (perfect for hydration), and shea oil (revives dry and dull hair). With a deliciously light floral smell, the Rose Hair and Body Oil is the perfect summer buddy. Keep checking back on Sephora Philippines for when it goes on sale!

Full story on In Style

Image via Instagram user @katvondbeauty

Crazy for the contour

Who doesn’t love a chiseled cheek and a gorgeous glow, right? Well, Kat Von D Beauty’s latest teaser has beauty junkies all over the world freaking out. The Shade + Light Crème Contour Palette ($49) will have the same gorgeous shades as that of the original powder counterpart, offering offers with highly pigmented colors and a smooth, non-greasy texture. The crèmes are long lasting and easily blendable with any skin tone. So if you’re on the look out for an awesome cream palette (or if you have dry skin and cream products are your jam) then this is the product for you!

Full story on Bustle

Image via Get The Gloss

On your Marc, get set, SHOP!

It’s finally here, PV girls! Marc Jacobs Beauty is officially available on Sephora Philippines and we’re struggling with the urge to put everything into our digital shopping cart. The prices may be steeper than other brands but with all the amazing reviews on MJ’s products, we’re sure we’re going to find some faves and makeup staples. We’ve already got our eye on the Effortlessly Irresistible Most Coveted Bestsellers Set (P7,400) – it may be a huge price tag but the set already includes the following: the Hydrating Under(cover) Perfecting Face Primer, Highliner Gel Eye Crayon in Blacquer, Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara, Le Marc Lip Crème in Slow Burn, and the Enamored Hi-Shine Gloss Lip Lacquer in Allow Me. Bundled together, these five great products are practically a steal. Of course, there’s the Re(marc)able Full Cover Foundation Concentrate (P2,848), and the Undercover Perfecting Coconut Primer (P2,312) that we’re tempted to drop into our carts. Shop the brand here.

Happy weekend to all!

Header image via The Beauty Look Book

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?

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?

"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 until May 21 only: 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

Can you feel the heat? We sure can! And we’re not just talking about the crazy 41 degree weather we’ve been experiencing. This week’s beauty roundup features everything you would want to take with you on that dream vacay, plus some intriguing stories to fuel an intense discussion with your amigas! Word of warning: we had an extra tough time stopping ourselves from placing orders for all the product spots this week.

Image via Instagram user @katvondbeauty

Livin’ La Vida Lolita

One of the hottest trends right now is sporting your lipstick, eye shadow, and nail polish all in the same shade. Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez are just some of the celebs who have gone all matchy-matchy, so it’s no surprise that beauty brands are jumping on this bandwagon. Enter Kat Von D Beauty. The vegan and cruelty-free brand has decided to release one of their most iconic shades Lolita in two new forms - an eye shadow and a blush powder! The gorgeous chestnut-rosey-mauve shade will be available starting next month on Sephora, and will, unfortunately, be a limited edition release. No other details have been released but the blush/shadow was teased over at Kat Von D’s official Instagram account. Anyone else dying to add this to their makeup collection?

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Allure

It’s A Unicorn Universe (and we just live in it)

Drugstore game strong! Wet ‘n Wild has made magic real with the launch of their Limited Edition Unicorn Glow Summer Collection, and we want everything! Following the success of their Color Icon Rainbow Highlighter, the affordable vegan beauty brand has added two more whimsical powders for us to play with: Everlasting Glow (a champagne highlighter) and Bronze Over the Rainbow (a golden brown) both priced at just $5.99 each. The collection will also feature three new Color Icon Loose Pigments ($2.99) in Mythical Dreams (purple), Pegasus Flutter (pink), and Unicorn Wishes (teal). 

If you’ve been dying to get your hands on one of those Too Faced Unicorn lippies, Wet ‘n Wild has the perfect dupe! The Mega Last Iridescent Lip Color ($3.99) in Immortal Tears (shimmering white) and Unicorn Soul (sparkly blue) both have pearl pigments that will give your lips that “unicorn sparkle” effect. And to top it all off, the brand is also releasing a special highlighting brush to help you create a diffused, ethereal glow. The dome-shaped synthetic brush has a unicorn horn-inspired handle and will retail for just $4.99! Shop the entire limited edition collection for just $29.99 on Ulta starting May 21 and on the Wet 'n Wild site on May 22. Hopefully these babies will also be available at Wet ‘n Wild counters soon!

Full story on Allure

Image via brandingmag.com

Are You Down with Dove?

And we thought the Kendall Jenner Soda ad was controversial! Brands are always trying new and different ways to connect to their market, and while sometimes it works, there are also occasions when it’s just... confusing. Dove, known for their relatable and “real” campaigns, has once again divided the Internet with their latest launch: the limited edition “Real Body” bottles of their cult-classic Deeply Nourishing Body Wash. The bottles became a hot topic because they come in six new shapes inspired by common female body types. The silhouettes are supposed to celebrate women of all shapes and sizes but it came off as an ill-conceived gimmick to some. Twitter is awash with posts dishing the brand and calling the campaign out for being inappropriate and unnecessary. Watch Dove’s Body Wash ad here and let us know what you think. Did Dove’s latest campaign hit or miss the mark for you?

Full story on Elle UK

Images via Instagram user @nicolettemason and Notey

That’s GNAR(S)LY

Hold the phone and ready your wallets, ladies - NARS is about to drop something we didn’t think we needed... til now. Their famously pigmented cult classic blushes (which are available in powder and cream stick form) will now be available in a dreamy, liquid formula! The liquid blush actually first debuted at the 2017 Oscars Red Carpet on Emma Stone, causing quite a stir as everyone sought to discover the secret to her gorgeous flush. As it turns out, the actress was sporting the shade Orgasm in its liquid form, and we never imagined that the iconic shade could ever be improved on! The liquid blush line will have four shades: Torrid, Luster, Dolce Vita, and of course, Orgasm. Priced at $30 each, the blushes will launch on May 12 on the NARS site and will soon be out in NARS counters.

Full story via Refinery29

Image via PopSugar

Glisten and Glow, with Glossier

And it’s finally out! After a couple of weeks of teasing on Instagram, Glossier has finally released a product that a ton of us have been waiting to see - their very own sunscreen! Unlike basic sunscreens that are thick, greasy, and even pore-clogging, Glossier promises that their Invisible Shield SPF 35 ($34) is a lightweight, serum sunscreen that protects your skin while keeping it free from that dreaded white cast in pictures. Containing both UVA and UVB filters, this sunscreen effectively protects your skin from a full spectrum of harmful rays without feeling heavy or sticky. Infused with Vitamin E, Vitamin P, and broccoli and aloe leaf extracts, the Invisible Shield looks like it blends smoothly on the skin and gets absorbed quickly (no more waiting for your face to dry!) while delivering antioxidant properties and fighting free radicals to keep your skin healthy. The super sunscreen also contains fermented yeast and vegetal extracts, keeping pollutants away from your face! Shop the new Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35 here.

Full story on Teen Vogue

Image via SephoraPH Newsletter

Marc Your Calendars!

Never thought that an email could make us swoon but that we did when we opened the newsletter from Sephora Philippines. Marc Jacobs Beauty is officially coming to the Philippine site, and signing up qualifies you to receive an exclusive gift once they’ve launched. We don’t have any other details but we’re already populating our wish lists with the Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer ($44) and the O!Mega Bronzer Perfect Tan ($49). Suffice to say, our wallets and bank accounts are not safe. Better sign up at the Sephora PH site to get first dibs when the brand finally goes live!

SpectruMed president and CEO Cheryl Grazer with Cristalle Belo-Pitt (Image via SpectruMed)

Perfectly Prime

Let’s face it: when it comes to staying slim and fit, diet and exercise are things we sort of dread doing. The results show, but at what feels like the slowest possible speed, making it both frustrating and disheartening to continue on. To quicken the process and ensure that your skin stays toned even with the weight loss, SpectruMed offers the perfect solution in its latest technological upgrade. President and CEO Cheryl Glazer is committed to keeping their company up to date with the latest advancements in beauty science so that both doctors and patients get the best quality of service. 

Their newest machine, the Accent Prime, offers patients customized treatments for facial and body contouring, as well as skin tightening, skin rejuvenation, and cellulite reduction. With the extra-large applicator, treatment time has been drastically cut short to just 20 minutes for the entire session! Industry bigwigs like Cristalle Belo-Pitt of the Belo Medical Group and Dr. Aivee and Dr. Z Teo of the Aivee Institute have expressed their support for Accent Prime, so if you’ve been considering getting a treatment, this is the machine to ask for.

Can’t get enough of beauty news? Got any of your own to share, or want to discuss in detail? Leave a comment below and make sure to join the Project Vanity Community page on Facebook!

Header image via Bustle