Brow mascara, for me, is that one final touch that takes my arches from pretty to wow. I showed you guys how I do my full brow routine in this tutorial (enjoy the video and gifs!) where I used a pretty pricey browcara that's not sold separately. Now if you're looking for something much more affordable then check out the new Pink Sugar Honey, I'm Good Brow Gel (P349)!

Yup, it's only 349 bucks. It comes in three shades - Blonde, Taupe, and Brunette - that is designed to work with most hair colors. Staying power for me is pretty good. Once this sets, it doesn't budge even when I get super sweaty. It might be a different matter if you have super oily brows but I find the liquid really sticks and doesn't smear even in extreme conditions.

The brush is medium-sized. I found it unwieldy to use at first, but once I got acclimated to the size and shape it was smooth sailing. Just be careful to wipe off the excess product first before applying it on your brows!

Back to the three shades. Blonde is a yellow-toned blonde that I love to apply on top of darker colors to soften them and add highlights to get that 3D effect. Taupe is a warm brown with a reddish tone that I can use by itself; I apply a thick layer and then even that out to get super sleek brows. Brunette is a rich chocolate brown that can also be applied alone to fake thicker brows. None of them seem to have shimmer but they do have a creme finish; not matte, but they have a slight shine that looks amazing on brows.

My absolute favorite would have to be Taupe, which I am wearing as is in the look above. It can also be a topper for pencils/powders/creams when I want my brows to look more lush.  It might be a bit challenging at first to get it to look as even - I had to practice A LOT - but once I understood how to sort of coax it around, it looked pretty damn good.

Otherwise you can use it just to prolong the staying power of your brow makeup + to get hairs in one neat direction. I would often use Taupe as well as Blonde for that purpose.

Overall, I highly recommend the Pink Sugar Honey, I'm Good Brow Gel if you want to:

• Soften your brow makeup or match your brows to your dyed hair (get Blonde!)
• Make your fine brows look extra lush (Brunette). Conversely, if you already have thick dark brows and just want them to look more polished, brush Brunette and Taupe lightly to keep them in place.
• Shade, shape, and thicken your eyebrows in one go. If we have generally the same hair color, Taupe is your perf shade as well.

You don't need this product if:

• You already love your current brow makeup routine.
• You don't have the patience nor time to deal with a brow mascara.

And that is that! Hope you found my review useful! Lemme know if you've tried this brow mascara and how you're liking it (or not).

You can purchase Pink Sugar in SM Stores and Watsons, as well as BeautyMNL.

Commuting around Metro Manila is a nightmare we all wish we could wake up from. Lucky are those who live near where they work; the rest of us have to suffer long hours on the road just to get to the office or reunite with our beds. It’s a really tough situation, no doubt about it, but you do have the option to NOT look as haggard as you feel. Here are four easy tips for keeping yourself looking fresh and poised even while you're on the road!

Plan your route and schedule

Beat ngarag by being knowledgeable about the best commuting routes to take. If you’ve been taking the same route for a long time, you know that there’s often a 10-minute window that can spell the difference between arriving a few minutes before you have to clock in, and getting to your destination an entire hour later. Most of the time it takes experience to know the best route, but websites like MMDA, Sakay.ph, Waze, and even good old Google Maps should help. Add an extra 10 minutes to make allowances for unexpected delays.

Prepare for any weather

As if the traffic wasn’t hard enough to deal with, we also have to be prepared with the erratic Philippine weather. It’s admittedly difficult to look poised when you’re soaking in sweat or rain or both, so being prepared against all kinds of weather is key. If you take public transportation, make sure to keep a fan and a sturdy umbrella as your bag staples!

When you do happen to get drenched by the rain, we've got some advice for you.

Dress comfortably

What constitutes as comfortable clothing varies for everybody. Depending on the nature of your work or activities for the day, you may also need to adhere to a dress code. Keeping your poise has a lot to do with making any situation you’re in as comfortable for you as possible. So in this case, all I could really say is you do you in the most comfortable way that you can pull off!

Personally, I like wearing pretty shoes that are comfortable for lots of walking, and light, breathable clothing. If I need to look a little more formal and polished, I’ll just throw on a cardigan or blazer!

Poise Hydrating Luxe Lipstick in Boca

Poise Hydrating Luxe Lipstick in Vintage

Make sure your makeup stays on point

Okay, you knew this was coming! A sure fire way to look poised is to make sure your makeup holds through your commute! This is a simple every day look that I did using products from Poise Makeup Professional, a new cosmetics brand from Los Angeles, California that just reached our shores! It’s a brand that’s meant to cater to both professional makeup artists and beauty enthusiasts alike, and all of products promise to be long lasting and sweat-proof a.k.a. commute friendly! Check them out on Lazada.

Above: Poise Mineral Pressed Face Powder (P1,600), Poise Mineral Pressed Cheek Color in Malibu and Venice (P850 each)

Below: Poise Hydrating Luxe Lipsticks in Vintage and Boca (P1,000 each), Poise Liquid Matte Lipstick (P1,250), Poise Lipgloss in Bliss (P1,400), Poise Mineral Pressed Eyeshadows in Taupe and Coco (P650 each)

How long does your daily commute take? What are your tried-and-tested tips for staying fresh and poised even on long trips? Share them with us in the comments below!

by Renee Ultado, contributor

With their symmetrical faces, sculpted bone structures, and imposing heights, we chalk up these model qualities as to simply winning the DNA jackpot. Having a clear and healthy complexion is also part of the job though, and just as they need to watch what they eat and exercise to stay toned, models have to make an extra effort in caring for their skin. We talked to four professional models about how they cope with heavy makeup, erratic work schedules, and the beauty secrets they've picked from hours of sitting in makeup artist chairs.

Photos by Miguel Alomajan

For Philippine-based Ukranian model Inna Gavrylenko, being a model is not an excuse to be lax with skincare. With shoots being an almost daily agenda and frequent makeup changes an integral part of it, the model lifestyle can really take its toll on the skin and result in acne breakouts.

Inna regularly visits a dermatologist and avails of skin treatments whenever she has the time. After a job, she uses a regular makeup cleanser and one formulated to remove waterproof makeup. A makeup artist recommended her to use argan oil, and now Inna swears by it as a moisturizer for the face and other dry parts of the body. 

Try: Snoe Oil For All Argan Oil

Try: Leaders sheet masks

She also uses a sheet mask for added minerals and skin pampering, and runs an ice cube all over her face in the morning before applying her day cream. Inna claims it's good for minimizing pores and helping makeup last longer, not to mention a refreshing way to start her day!

Photo courtesy of Two Management

Male model Cheyenne Draghi claims that he has his fair share of skin woes. As someone who has sensitive skin, he struggles with the amount of product that is applied on him for photo shoots and fashion shows. Getting made up is part of the job though, so he makes sure to remove all traces of product as soon as the shoot is done to avoid breakouts or other skin irritation.

Photo by Esmee Aleida

Photo by Constance Evans

Cheyenne travels a lot for work so his skin is prone to feeling dry and looking dull. To remedy this, he makes it a point to exfoliate regularly. And while he claims he is really not into beauty stuff, he shares that he loves using Chanel La Solution 10 Sensitive Skin Cream and the anti-acne line of La Roche-Posay, Effaclar K.

Photos from Vision LA

For American boy-next-door Bryce Howard who likes to work out, sweating and post-gym grime is the main concern. After showering, he uses Cetaphil to gently cleanse his face without drying it out. He also exfoliates twice a week but recommends using an exfoliator without scrubbing beads. 

Try: Cure Natural Aqua Gel

While he doesn't follow a special diet for his skin, he noticed that it's clearer on days he drinks more water and stays away from dairy products. He also learned from his agent to try and avoid absentmindedly touching his face, as it can introduce bacteria and irritate the skin.

Try: Body Shop Oils of Life Facial Oil

For moisture, Bryce swears by rosehip oil, which was recommended by a fellow male model. He mixes about six drops with a palm full of water and then pats it onto his skin for a healthy glow.

Bea Aquino is one of those lucky girls who have perfect skin with little effort. Her smooth and poreless complexion is maintained with a simple routine using classic products that most Pinays have probably tried. For cleansing, she uses the Pond’s White Beauty Pearl Cleansing Gel followed by a swift swipe of Eskinol all over the face.

Though she gamely sports (and rocks!) the crazy makeup concepts applied on her for shoots, Bea keeps her personal style down to the basics. She puts a prime on sun protection, and never leaves the house without slathering the Belo Sunscreen Lotion over her face and arms. She finishes her day routine with a light layer of Clinique powder foundation. 

Sometimes, all you need is a simple routine with products that work exceptionally well on your skin. Have you found your HGs? How do you maintain and prep your skin for shoots?

I know this is overdue again but thank you so much for your patience! The Commenter of the Month is Carla. Kindly email your full name, address, and mobile number to den [at] projectvanity.com.

To make it up, we are giving away three Project Vanity Girl Boss Glam Kits! They contain a Sleek True Color Lipstick, Happy Skin Eyeliner Set, Inglot Brow Powder (or Wax), Revlon All-In-One Mascara, Pink Sugar Sweet Cheeks Blush, and Origins CC Cream sample. Everything inside is worth P3,600 but this retails for only P1,250 - you can grab yours in the store if you want one asap. ;)  

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 end of August.

photography by Sam Gonzales

by Karla Aguas, contributor

Let’s face it: one of the most difficult challenges makeup lovers struggle with is applying eyeliner. As the saying goes, “May your coffee be strong, your day short, and your cat eye even.” It can take years of practice (and many tubes of eyeliner) to master the art of getting your flicks to look perfect but for the meantime, a swipe or two of your trusty concealer can save the day!

That's right - don’t reach for the makeup remover just yet, as it can erase your foundation and cause unsightly smudges. Instead, you need is a skin-toned concealer and a small detail brush!

MAC Studio Finish Concealer and Real Techniques Accent Brush (part of the Starter Set)

Once you’ve drawn your cat eye (do try to make them as even as possible so that you spend less time correcting them), figure out which wing needs the correcting. It may just be a matter of extending the flick a bit more, but if the angle is completely different or if one is thicker than the other, you'll need to cover that up. Concealer works best for this because wings need to be sharp to really get that cat eye effect. 

Pick up a small amount of concealer with your brush and gently swipe the excess wing from the bottom going up. This helps even out the thickness of the cat eye or if one of your wings seems to be lower or droopier than the other. Applying concealer with a brush gives you more control compared to a cotton bud dipped in makeup remover, and it won't mess up the rest of the makeup you've already applied. It also preserves the crispness of your stroke.

In case you need a total wing redo, you can also use the concealer to just cover up the flick then draw on a new one. Just make sure to blend everything in with the rest of your makeup to keep your look seamless!

Et voilà! Even wings for your fierce cat eye! No need to be afraid of trying out this look, or get frustrated from failed attempts. You'll still need to practice drawing your flick, of course, but this trick can save you from having to remove and reapply your eye makeup completely.

Have you mastered the art of drawing perfectly-even wings? Share your secrets in the comments!

When I was but a wee lass just starting out with makeup, I almost never wore mascara. I thought it was an unnecessary hassle because I didn't see how in the world I need all that goop in my eyes. I thought eyeliner was enough! But, fortunately, I have taken a complete 180 and now I can not leave the house with at least a coat on. My eyes feel so bare without mascara and I am not ashamed to admit it!

I should talk about my current mascara selection soon. For today, I want to quickly mention the Revlon Ultimate All-In-One Mascara (P650) which came out just last month and is also part of the Project Vanity Girl Boss Glam Kit. This is interesting because it promises EVERYTHING - volume, length, definition, lift, and intense color. Does it deliver?

First, here are my lashes without any mascara. I've already curled them soundly so that they're standing up.

Here's the Power Mini Brush of Revlon; you'll notice that it's much smaller compared to a normal mascara wand. I actually like wands like this since I can pay attention to every single lash on my upper and lower lids. I don't find it strange or inconvenient to use at all.

And here's what my lashes look like with one and two coats respectively of the Revlon All-In-One Mascara. I'm using the shade Blackened Brown here so it's softer than your average black mascara, but you can see how it amped up my lashes even with just the first coat.

Volume? Check. Length? Check. Definition? Check. Intense color? Check. Lift? Well. I have stick straight stubborn lashes and I would be so happy if this mascara curled the way I want it to (as if they were dragged by a majestic condor in flight if you can imagine that), but alas, it doesn't particularly excel in that one department.

I'm disappointed about it but in all other aspects this mascara performs well, particularly in lengthening my lashes! I also love how it makes the base look so dark and lush. I mean, I look like I'm wearing eyeliner here BUT I'M NOT.

I also have to mention that the staying power is pretty darn good. I've read reviews online about it flaking but IDK, maybe that's only a problem for those in cooler climates. I haven't experienced that in our tropical weather! As proof, here's a picture of myself wearing the mascara after an hour of tennis and profuse sweating. There's some smudging in the outer corners but it's nowhere close to a nervous breakdown. 

It's easy to remove with micellar water so I love that it's not a hassle at the end of the day.

Overall, I find the Revlon Ultimate All-In-One Mascara to be a solid choice for those who need a water-resistant formula that volumizes, lengthens, and defines lashes exceptionally well. If you have naturally upturned or curled lashes, I think you'll love it! If you need need NEED curl, then this might not be the best choice. I know Revlon has other mascaras in this line (same tube, different cap color) so I'm interested in exploring the other variants when I get the chance.

Would love to know your thoughts!

If you have been reading Project Vanity long enough, you know that there are plenty of tips and tricks to apply your makeup better and faster like these tips from the pros. While there are no hard and fast rules in beauty, because really, we can do our makeup any way we want to, we’ve picked up some important techniques that take our makeup game from pwede na to advanced. Simply reading about the right way of doing things may not be enough though, so we did half-faces that make it easier to spot the difference. Let's go!

Left: bare skin, Right: skin with primer

Left: foundation only, Right: foundation with primer

Lesson 1: Prime everything

If you want longer lasting makeup, you'd better start with primer. Primer helps to smooth over the appearance of pores and lines, plus enhances the overall finish of your makeup. Here's a neat tip: include your brows in primer application so your brow products don't fade or slip off when you start to get oily or sweaty!

Primers needn't be expensive.  You can find good ones under P500, even for your eye makeup, which makes this crucial makeup step easier on the wallet.

Left: foundation only, Right: unblended corrector

Left: foundation only, Right: blended corrector

Lesson 2: Color-correct before concealing

Color correction is a technique that's been around since the 90s, but it's recently popular again. You don't need to do this everyday since a normal concealer should be enough to cover up average skin discoloration. However, if you have especially obvious marks, you may want to explore color correction first before moving on to your concealer.

Depending on your blemish, you'll need a corrector color that is on the opposite end of the color wheel since opposite colors cancel each other out. The commonly used ones are: green for redness caused by acne or sunburn, yellow/pink/peach for purplish under eye circles, and neutral/flesh tones for light blemishes.

Watch this PV tutorial to see the process of color correction. As for concealer options we’d recommend, you can try the K-Palette Zero Kuma Concealer (P895) and the Suesh Concealer & Corrector Pots (P105).

Left: Used a fluffy brush for application, Right: Used a powder puff and small brush for application

Lesson 3: Always set your wet makeup with powder

It's called a setting powder for a reason, which is to keep your makeup from sliding or melting off throughout the day. Usually applied as the last step for your base makeup, pros advise skipping the big fluffy brush in favor of a smaller one to avoid piling on the powder.

Worry not if you have dry skin; we have a list of powders that you can check out. PV powder favorites include the classic LAURA MERCIER Translucent Loose Setting Powder (P1200) and the affordable ESSENCE All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder (P269).

Left: Orange-tinged brow mascara, Right: Reddish brown brow mascara

Lesson 4: Match your brow products to your hair color

This is especially relevant for those who dye their hair often but even you don't, a black brow product isn't necessarily your only option. As a general rule, your brows should at least be either a shade darker or lighter than your hair color. Your brows can also make you look younger or older depending on the intensity. The darker shades have a more maturing effect, so brunettes should go a couple of shades lighter than their hair color for a more youthful look.

No matter which end of the spectrum you're on, PV has budget picks for pencils, brow powders, or brow mascaras to get the job done.

Left: Badly blended eyeshadow, Right: Correctly blended eyeshadow

Lesson 5: Leave no visible edges when applying color makeup

Whether it's your blush, contour, or eyeshadow, your products should blend seamlessly with your skin and with each other. You shouldn't be able to see a clear demarcation of there the color ends. In the case of eyeshadows, you want to create a clean shape and not over blend; you don't want your colors to look muddy and indistinguishable.

Liz has a posted a tutorial for basic everyday eyeshadow looks. For a trendier look, check out Kate Tokyo's gradient eyeshadow technique.

Eyeshadow palettes like the WET N WILD Color Icon Eyeshadow Palette (P499), MAYBELLINE The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette (P675), and BYS Nude Eyeshadow Palette (P1,199) are easy to work with since the shades are designed to be complementary, but you can also learn how to how to choose a flattering palette.

Left: Without tightlining, Right: With tightlining

Lesson 6: Fill all the gaps in and below your lashes when doing eyeliner

Winged liners are a great way to play up your peepers, and should be applied as close to the upper lash line and between the roots of the lashes as possible for maximum impact. Tightlining or filling those spaces in between the lashes makes a world of difference for looks like this, especially when using dark liners. It looks a lot more polished, plus it creates the illusion of thicker lashes.

While we all know how much PV loves the K-PALETTE Real Lasting Eyeliner (P895), you can also check out the BCL Brow Lash Ex Liner Slim Black (P499.75), which Liz recently raved about.

Left: Bare lips, Right: Lips with concealer

Left: Lipstick only, Right: Lipstick with concealer base

Lesson 7: Lip color pops better on a blank canvas

Lipstick usually has a different color on the tube versus when worn, or even varies from person to person. This is due mostly to the natural color of your lips. To make the lipstick color really stand out, use a concealer or a color-corrector on the entire lip area to cover up the pigmentation and neutral base for the lip color to adhere to. This is also the same base technique used for gradient lips.

You can try the heavy coverage CATRICE Camouflage Cream Concealer (P329) before topping with your fave red or pink lipstick.

Do you have more tips to share on how to improve your makeup?

Are you or someone you know saving up for a big splurge at Estee Lauder? If that's the case, today until July 30 is the best time to do it! Estee Lauder's yearly gift with purchase is more colorful than ever with their hot pink faux croc tote and pouch. I'm loving that stitched airplane detail  - definitely bringing it on my next trip! Both bags are light and roomy which makes them perfect for busy days. 

So how do you get this cute GWP? For every purchase of P6,000 worth of Estee Lauder products you get the travel pouch with deluxe samples of your favorite Estee Lauder products worth P7,000 pesos. The set includes the Take It Away Remover Lotion, Micro Essence Serum, Advanced Night Repair Serum, Advanced Time Zone Moisturizer, Advanced Time Zone Eye Cream, Little Black Primer Mascara and Pure Color Lipstick.

Top up your purchase to P7,000 worth of Estee Lauder products to take the tote home. ^_^ Visit any Estee Lauder counter at Rustan’s Makati, Rustan’s Shangri-la, Rustan’s Alabang, Rustan’s Gateway, Rustan’s Cebu, Essenses Rockwell, SM Mall of Asia and SM Aura until July 30 to avail of this limited edition GWP. I've been getting them these last three years and I still use the bags up to this day. 

FYI!

photography by Sam Gonzales

Crepe paper has gone a long way from being a humble staple in art projects. It has recently found a place in many women's beauty stashes since it's the key ingredient to DIY dip-dyed hair! We spotted it in one of the beauty FB groups we follow, and a lot of girls swore that it worked for them. Naturally, we just had to find out if that's true! Here's how to achieve natural highlights with crepe paper.

You will need:

• 2 bundles of the crepe paper in the color of your choice (I used fuchsia/purpple)
• A pair of scissors
• A large stainless steel or disposable plastic bowl
• Half cup of hot water
• Gloves
• Elastics
• Shower cap

As with any dye job, expect this to get a little messy. Wear a white shirt that you can wash with bleach, or an old one that you won't mind getting stains on. You can also cover your workspace with newspapers to make the clean-up a lot easier.

Start by dividing your hair into upper and lower parts, and secure the upper half with elastic. Preserving its original folds, cut the crepe paper into strips. Keep the strips from each bundle separate.

Put on your gloves. Place a bundle of strips into the bowl and pour hot water into it. Use your gloved hands or a disposable spoon to soak the paper strips completely, and gently squeeze out the dye from the crepe paper.

Dip small sections of your hair tips into the dye bath, allowing each section to soak for a few minutes (the longer, the better). After dipping each section, wrap it with the remaining crepe paper strips and secure the bunch with elastic. 

You can dip-dye as much of your hair as you like but you may need more crepe paper and hot water to cover large areas. I opted to just color my ends so the look won’t be too drastic. You can also choose to use more than a single color!

After dip-dyeing all your strands (or just certain hair sections, depending on your preference), tuck your hair into a shower cap. Allow the dye to soak in for an hour. I only had a disposable hair net so that's what I used but I would have preferred a plastic shower wrap to prevent drips. 

After an hour of soaking, you can now wash your hair! I only used conditioner to prevent my temporary hair color from fading. You'll want to avoid shampoo for a day or two to keep the color for longer.

My hair before dip-dyeing

As you can see, my ash brown colored hair is still much too dark for the dye to stain bright pink. The effect is pretty subtle but I think it's a cute accent! If you have a dark hair color, using the pink crepe paper as I did might not work for you. You may have better luck with green crepe paper, which is the shade most popularly used in tutorials for this DIY. 

My pink dip-dyed hair

I should also warn you that the dye bleeds out every time I shower and stains my clothes while my hair is wet! If you decide to try this technique, be very careful about getting your hair wet (from sudden rain or even sweat) and dry your hair thoroughly with a blow dryer before dressing to prevent staining your clothes.

I had fun trying this out and sporting an unconventional color for a few days. I would never have paid for this color at a salon just to test it but now that I see what it looked like, well, I just might! Are you brave enough to try dyeing your hair with crepe paper, or will you be sticking to conventional box colors?

I'm open-minded when it comes to trying beauty products but I admit that I can be stubborn about a few things, too. The first half of this year however saw me changing my mind about certain products that I thought didn't really like. I mean, I knew I needed them and I do occasionally bother with them but I didn't see just how valuable they were until I gave them a chance. 

Some people might not think these changes are a huge deal but for me they are. Here are six things I do differently now!

Lip liner *gasp* is actually super useful

Before I would only wear lip liner if I absolutely did not want to re-apply my lipstick for the next five or six hours. And that happens...almost never! What's a few seconds refreshing my lip color, right? But I realized that lip liner does more than just extend the wear time of any lipstick. It makes my lips prettier and fuller in a jiffy. I've also found good formulas that are a breeze to apply and don't dry out my lips! Shoutout to the Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip Pencil and the Kylie liner in Posie K.

False eyelashes make all the difference in a home-run FOTD

Guys, exaggerated eyes are key when you really want to create a drastic change in your appearance. Falsies to me are non-negotiable now whenever I know I'll be photographed or under bright lights. They used to be a source of frustration before. I'd take 30-40 minutes just putting them on and almost gouging my eyes out in the process. But after I've found a good glue and a lightweight set of lashes (both from Bohk Toh as it happens) I've reduced my application time to about 10 minutes! I use the P-036 Bohk Toh lashes FYI. (Available in the Nippon store)

Highlighting is better than contouring in the context of everyday makeup

Highlighting was just an afterthought previously. I have a wide face so contouring was kinda a no-brainer! But the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (Pressed) in Opal turned me around. It gives me cheekbones, defined brows, and a higher nose in just a few taps plus it looks more natural in person compared to brown contour. Call it strobing or non-touring - doesn't matter, it makes my bone structure stand out more efficiently and naturally.

Cushion makeup is so much more convenient than bottled foundation

What's inside cushion compacts are really just watery liquid foundations, so there's nothing new about that. What makes cushions so game-changing is the fact that both the sponge dispenser and applicator make the process of putting on LFs easier and quicker. These days I almost always pick up a cushion compact for my base! I ordered A LOT recently (even empty compacts) from Althea too so I'm excited about that.

Waterproof mascara is no match for cleansing balm

I'm a micellar water girl through and through. For waterproof mascara though, I find the Banila Co. Clean It Zero Balm an excellent remover, almost melting off tough formulas with just a bit of massaging. I've tried a couple of cleansing balms before but none were as powerful as Banila Co's! You're missing out if you haven't gotten on this little bandwagon.

Oils are more potent than lotions and creams

There was a time when I was all about ultra light moisturizers but these days I've been using oil both on my face and body a lot more often. Lotions and creams have a base with oils as active ingredients; why not get the full dose with a really good oil? Oils are not uncomfortable or greasy to have on the skin if you find the right products. I love the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse for my body and the Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Serum for my face!

So those are the changes in my beauty routine lately.  ^_^ Speaking of big changes, Smart has just introduced GIGASURF 50, an offer that lets us enjoy 1GB open access data + 300MB data for iflix, YouTube, and more, valid for 3 days. Aside from the huge data, we can also share our data with our friends through the offer’s PASADATA feature!

I am online all of my waking hours so I'm glad to know there's an affordable service I can rely on if I'm not with connected to my home WIFI. When I have changes in my life, I can always keep my friends and family updated. ^_^ And so can you!To subscribe to GigaSurf 50, just text BIG50 to 9999.

Have a great weekend y'all! Let me know about the changes you've made in your beauty adventure recently.

This story is brought to you by Smart.

I've had makeup phases. As I recall, the first thing I ever bought was a concealer from VMV because I was a sleep-deprived college student who wanted to hide her dark circles. Next, I obsessed over my brows (still do actually) and hunted for products to restore my over-plucked arches to their former glory. When I started applying foundation, I realized it made me look too pale even when it matched my skin tone, so I got into using blush. Somehow, it still didn't look right! 

That was when I discovered the wonders of contouring. My face was flawless and my cheeks lightly flushed, but it all looked pretty flat (and wider than usual) because an extremely even skin tone took the natural shadows of my face away. Contouring isn't just about recreating a model's killer cheekbones or tapering your nose to a more delicate point. If you use a good product and blend it well, it can actually make your face look more natural! I'm personally more in favor of using a cream formula but if you're looking for a good contour powder, the rest of the PV team has got you covered.

Liz: I love the Happy Skin Feeling Sculptucular Face Contour Kit for events and the Pink Sugar South Beach blush for everyday. A new addition to my routine though is the Sleek Face Form Contour & Blush Palette in Medium. It's what I go for when I want to sculpt a masterpiece out of my jowly jawline and cheeks. Haha. I always seem to get compliments when I have this on - maybe it's the color? They're quite warm and have a brightening effect on my skin tone.

Sam: For an every day look, my favorite is the Marc Jacobs Beauty #Instamarc Light Filtering Contour Powder in Mirage Filter. "Light bronze" is the perfect neutral shade that's buildable but suited to those who want a subtle contour. And the texture is so finely-milled, it almost feels like a cream! For special occasions (read: when I wanna go HAM on the sculpting,) the very best is the Kevyn Aucoin The Sculpting Powder in Medium. It is The Powder you want to use to mimic shadows, and a little goes a long way so the tiny compact is justified.

Katsy: I don't have a dedicated contour powder yet but for the subtle, barely there contouring which my bloated face needs, I go for Nars Laguna. It's actually a bronzer but the shade lends enough shadow to my medium/neutral skintone.

Angela: My first and current fave contour kit is the City Color Contour & Define Palette. I like it because it already includes a highlight and bronzer as well. It matches my morena skin tone and it's very pigmented. I even use it for filling in my brows sometimes!

Charlie: I used to go for a flat matte brown color for my contour powder but when a taupe shade was tried on me, I found it more natural-looking. Acorn Matte in this customized Props Tools and Cosmetics palette is just perfect because the color is buildable, and the product is easy to blend. It looks scary-grey upon swatching but it actually suits my yellow-toned skin well.

Karla: Since I'm quite fair and I like a natural-looking contour, I love the L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Contour powder in Light for that ashy but natural sculpt. I also like the Make Up For Ever Pro Bronze Fusion in 20M (I think that's the shade name - I've been using this so much that it's rubbed off!) for that warm bronze look without shimmer.

Stacie: I've only tried a handful of contour powders but I definitely love doing the Korean style contour to slim down my face. I use the Tony Moly Crystal Blusher in 07 Bronzing Brown. Despite the shade being called "bronzing", it's entirely matte. It's not too orange nor yellow and doesn't look muddy!

Claire: I got myself a Sleek Makeup's Face Form in Light but now prefer their Face Contour Kit in Medium, even though I have a light skin tone. I find that the contour shows up more easily, and it's a dream to blend in. It also comes with a natural-looking highlight and a decent-sized mirror.

Do you include contouring in your makeup routine? What are your go-to products?

Finding the right foundation shade for your skin tone and undertone is the ritual awakening all makeup lovers go through. You’re lucky if you got it right the first time; some of us went through bottles of the wrong foundation with bad pictures to remember them by. If you still haven’t found The One, we posted a Project Vanity Foundation Guide a while back that should save you from spending another cent on the wrong kind of foundation. And if you’re ready to #FindYourTrueMatch, I highly suggest you visit the nearest L’Oréal counter!

Last Tuesday, L’Oréal Paris invited us down to SOMA Bistro in Green Sun Makati for an intimate True Match Makeup Workshop taught by no other than L’Oréal’s first Filipina ambassador for cosmetics, Solenn Heussaff. Aside from being a model and actress, Solenn is actually a professional MUA who studied makeup artistry in Paris for a year and a half. I was excited to learn from her as it is, but she piqued my interest even further when she said that she wouldn’t be using any other tool aside from the applicators included in the actual products. I mean WHAAAAAT? We all know from experience how lacking those tiny sponges and brushes can be!

L'Oreal however has a simple goal. They want Filipinas to look great with pro-level products without needing pro skills. 

Solenn made it look so easy! Using just her fingers, she was able to achieve a flawless base on her model by layering the True Match Blur Cream, True Match Liquid Foundation and True Match Liquid Concealer, and locking everything into place by patting on the True Match Powder. Every step of the way, she emphasized how important it was to use the correct shade, otherwise the foundation could look too orange, gray, pink, or any other shade of plain wrong. 

Using the new L’Oréal La Palette Nude in Beige and its accompanying applicator, she was able to create a stunning smokey eye look that made me wonder for a minute why I ever spent money on brush sets. If she didn’t do it in front of my very eyes, I’d say she was cheating because guuuurl does she know how to blend her shadows!

See what I mean? Solenn’s makeup skills are totally legit. She even gave us a tip on layering two blushes – a pink shade over a coral one – so the blush becomes more vibrant but still natural-looking.

We were given L’Oréal products so we could follow along Solenn’s tutorial, and she even went around to check on our progress and answer individual questions! For added coverage for events or night time looks, she suggests using the True Match Two-Way Foundation wet so that skin can look spotless without being cakey.

It was such a fun event, and Solenn is a genuinely lovely person with mad makeup skills to boot. I also found my True Match (it’s W4, if you wanna know while Liz is G5), and I'm looking forward to trying to rest of the products from this line!

If you want to meet and learn from Solenn, she’s hosting a second L’Oreal True Match Makeup Tutorial that’s open to the public on July 30 at 3pm in SM Megamall. And you can get your hands on True Match products for less because they’re currently having a 25% OFF SALE NATIONWIDE until July 31! Check out their Facebook post for more details.

Hannah Ruth Sison and Ava Daza found their True Match with L’Oréal Paris.

 I really love these ads for showing how the right foundation shade can bring your look together!

by Karla Aguas, contributor

How do you apply concealer? Do you swipe it on and then immediately blend it out? It sounds like what everyone else does but apparently this is a makeup mistake that leads to our skin simply soaking up the product and our blemishes getting exposed! If you've ever wondered why a much-raved about product with supposedly great pigmentation doesn't work for you, your technique may be the culprit. You can easily improve your concealer's (and foundation's) coverage and lasting power - all it involves is sitting still and waiting for it to dry up!

The proper way to apply concealer is to dab a little on the area you want covered, and then leave it alone for a minute or two. But won’t the concealer set and be more difficult to blend out? Well, that's the point: you need to allow it to get hard up to a point where it's still blendable but also partially set in the area touching your skin. That way you get max coverage without the cakey look.

Different concealer formulas have different setting times, so you'll have to get a feel for it first. For example, the Pink Sugar Our Li'l Secret Concealer sets almost immediately while the MAC Studio Finish takes a bit longer (we even recommend blow drying it). You may use your favorite blending brush or fingers to blend the concealer seamlessly. Some trial and error is involved in mastering this technique but we promise it's worth the result, especially if you have oily skin!

When you're satisfied that the concealer has blended seamlessly with the rest of your skin and after it has dried completely, lightly pat a translucent a loose powder over the area. This will fix it in place and help prolong your coverage!

Have you been applying your concealer the right way? What is your HG concealer? 

Editor's Note: The author is a licensed pharmacist.

If you watch TV, browse through magazines, or even simply pass roads hounded by billboards, I'm sure you've seen celebrity ads endorsing beauty supplements. Some admittedly look sketchy while others are made by big-name brands that have an established position in the beauty industry. We already know that vitamins are good for your skin, but these products often offer something a little different.

Most beauty supplements are actually combinations of vitamins, minerals, and other substances that claim to be good for your health and appearance. There are a many different kinds of beauty supplements but for the most part, they promise to work their in magic in at least one of these three categories:

General Beauty

If you don’t have any particular problems with your skin but want to take supplements for a healthier glow, hyaluronic acid is a popular option. Hyaluronic acid is a natural component of the skin and is present in connective tissue throughout the body. It enables our skin to retain moisture and strengthens the skin barrier to make it feel softer and smoother. It also helps skin problems like acne, sun damage, sensitivity, and inflammation.

You might have seen this in topical preparations such as toners, moisturizers, sheet masks, and even makeup, but taking it orally may give you more of the desired effects. It is said to help all skin types (yes, even oily-skinned gals), and has anti-aging effects.

This supplement is most commonly found in pill form, though a liquid version is available as well. Watsons has a combination of this and collagen, while Healthy Options carries several brands.

Image via themakeupinmanila.blogspot.com

Whitening

Whitening products are so in-demand in our country, that’s why there are so many options available. Glutathione is the most popular but taking them as an oral supplement isn't effective because our bodies are unable to absorb them that way. If you choose to go this route, injectibles are still the best way to go.

Afraid of needles? Try some ellagic acid instead. It's an ingredient sourced from the pomegranate fruit, and it has the same mechanism of action as glutathione injectables. Ellagic acid inhibits the activity of tyrosinase, the enzyme for melanin production. Locally, you can find this in Heliocare Purewhite Radiance, which is only available at select dermatological clinics. What's interesting is that it also contains L-Cysteine, which is what our bodies can absorb and use to manufacture glutathione naturally.

Anti-aging

Collagen is a protein found in our skin that helps keep it looking plump, smooth and youthful. However, our bodies produce less collagen as we age, which is why mature skin gets wrinkles and fine lines. Previously, there were debates about the absorption of oral collagen supplements in the body, with most saying that it is not well-absorbed, but newer studies are proving otherwise.

Aside from the usual pills and capsules, collagen can now be consumed as a juice drink. Liz has tried the Belo Nutraceuticals Collagen Powder Drink (available at Belo clinics and drugstores) and Sappe Beauti Drink (you can even find this at 7-11!). She only got to try them for a week though so it was long enough a period to see its full benefits.

As a pharmacist, it is not for me to make specific product recommendations so if you're thinking of adding a beauty supplement to your diet, make sure to check with your doctor first. Supplements aren't strictly regulated in the PH, and even if you do a lot of personal research online, available studies can be conflicting or insufficient so it's always wise to get a professional medical opinion. 

Unlike vitamins, there are no clear numbers similar to a recommended daily allowance, so make sure not to take more than what the brand recommends. Remember that even though something is all-natural, it can still be bad for your body if you take it unnecessarily. And if you notice any strange changes in your body, stop taking the supplements and seek medical attention.

Have tried any of these? How did it work out for you?

Sources:

Prevention.com, Heliocare.com, NCBI.nlm.nih.gov (1), NCBI.nlm.nih.gov (2), ClevelandClinicWellness.com, ThatGraceGirl.com, VictoriaHealth.com, Dr.WhiteTaker.com

by Sam Gonzales, contributor

As much as we love palettes with 40 gorgeous colors to play with, the truth is we don’t all have the time and patience to create eye looks using it. Maybe you're a makeup newbie just learning how to blend properly, or a beauty junkie who puts on her face while on the go. Either way, you might not always want to be confronted with too many choices!

Eyeshadow quads make application so much easier. They are also easy to pack, which is part of what makes them so popular. But just bigger palettes would have a dud shade or two, not all quads are created equal. So, we’ve come up with our picks that will help you out on your next shopping trip. They range from budget to luxury, but they all have some things in common — they are pigmented, easy to blend, and will make eyeshadow application less of a complicated routine.

These neutral quads can work with different types of makeup looks, and they are your best bet for keeping things office-friendly. They may look conservative but they are certainly not boring! 

Daiso Eyeshadow Quad (P88 at Daiso stores)

We’ve raved about this super-cheap quad before and with good reason — this Daiso eyeshadow quad is perfect for those on a budget but are looking for quality. It feel dubious to expect a lot from something with this price but you’ll be glad to know its silky texture lends to its blendability.

Happy Skin All Eyes on Hue Eyeshadow Palette (P1,299 at Happy Skin boutiques and Zalora)

The shades may not look exciting but it wins as a foolproof kit you can use from day to night. It even has an application guide for people who are new to eyeshadow. Nonetheless, long-time beauty lovers will appreciate how this quad can take a look from pretty to vampy in just a few strokes.

Lunasol Skin Modeling Eyes in Beige Beige (P3,000~ at Rustan's Beauty)

The colors in this quad is a clear case of They’re The Same But Different. Upon closer inspection though, the gorgeous beiges, golds, and peaches work so well to complement Filipina brown eyes. The soft hues paired with the warm brown create such a subtle highlighting effect on the eyes which is great for day time, and can be smoked out to create a more dramatic effect for special occasions.

Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quads (P399 from Avon representatives and Zalora)

If you think your eyes are your best feature, you should definitely call attention to them with pops of color! And we're not talking about any wild, all-the-colors-of-the-rainbow type of makeup here - you can definitely still have fun with your look without using anything too bright or complicated.

Avon constantly comes out with cohesively-themed quads such as the ones pictured above. These eyeshadows are buildable, blendable, and great for those who love color. They even carry shades which will still look great even when worn alone.

Revlon Colorstay 16-Hour Eyeshadow in Siren (P550 at department stores)

Smokey eye looks don’t have to be complicated. In fact, you can just use four colors to create the perfect vixen eyes. Other palettes in the Colorstay line look great too, which come in other great combinations that are easy to work with and can be amped up with a base. 

MAC Eyeshadow Quads (available in MAC counters in Rustan's)

If you’re miffed about limited edition releases by MAC, you don’t have to worry because you can actually create your own quad! The MAC Maleficent Eyeshadow quad features dark, sultry shades and the most lustrous gold that are "repromotes", which means they're actually available as single shadows from the existing line up. Of course, these shadows pack a punch, perfect for when you’re feelin’ like a bad witch.

Do you use eyeshadow quads? What are the best ones you've tried so far?

If you didn’t already know, we LOVE Origins here in Project Vanity. And I’m not using the word love lightly here – we have the receipts to prove how much we adore their Clear Improvements Active Charcoal Mask, Smarty Plants CC Cream, By All Greens Foaming Deep Cleansing Mask and Maskimizer Skin-Optimizing Mask Primer! It’s a reliable skincare brand that's "powered by nature and proved by science", and we've even enjoyed partnering up with them to treat a few readers to an intimate Mix and Mask Workshop. That’s why we’re super excited that something new is hitting their shelves next week!

The new GinZing Peel Off Mask (P1,650) is the first of its kind from Origins and is designed to peel off dullness in just 10 minutes. According to their Sales Coordinator Samantha Lim, the GinZing line is often the customer’s gateway product to the brand because dullness is a general skin concern that can be experienced by all skin types. GinZing treatments are formulated to harness the power of coffee beans and panax ginseng for skincare – two antioxidant-rich ingredients scientifically proven to energize tired, dull skin.

This is how it looks like in action! The rose gold color seems like a small thing, but it makes the mask feel more special and luxurious. It's really easy to use and pretty much mess-free: I just applied a thin layer, waited 10 minutes, smiled, and then peeled the mask off from the edges. It smells absolutely heavenly as the product contains a blend of lemon, orange and apple fruit acid complexes. As long as you apply an even layer and avoid your brows and hairline, peeling the mask off is a breeze. It’s not as hydrating as the original GinZing Refreshing Face Mask (P1,500) which I also love but it does have that added exfoliating effect from the fruit acids.

I’m quite religious with exfoliating my face so I don’t deal with dullness on the regular but I hope you can see the patch of brightened skin where I applied it on my hand. It’s one of those things that you have to see and try for yourself to truly appreciate, and you definitely can! Just drop by an Origins counter and ask to try the new GinZing Peel Off Mask from their friendly beauty advisers.

Aside from the new peel off mask, they’re also launching their very first essence as part of the Original Skin franchise. The Original Skin Essence Lotion with Dual-Ferment Complex (P1,600) contains molasses, willowherb, chestnut seed, and phytosphingosine that’s meant to combat premature aging and give your skin a baby soft texture. I’ve only tried it on the back of my hand but it really did soften my skin, and willowherb is one of my favorite scents in skincare products. I have no idea of its long term effects yet, but I’m excited to get my hands on this when it launches next month!

Have you tried anything from Origins? If you haven't yet, I highly recommend checking them out! They’re one of the best skincare brands in the country right now, and they’re very generous with sampling and giving free demos, too! Follow them on Facebook so you can get a better idea on what Origins product will work for you.

Are expensive beauty products always better than cheaper ones? Ah, my friends, isn't that the question of the decade! To answer it, I came up with an FOTD that’s half painted with high-end cosmetics while the other half was done with drugstore counterparts. Get ready for a literal product face-off!

Can you spot the difference? Which side of my face uses high to mid-range products and which side is sporting budget-friendly picks? Take a guess and see the answer at the end of this article!

Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder (P1,750) vs. BYS HD Microfinish Powder (P899)

The powders look exactly alike in their containers but the Laura Mercier powder feels silkier to the touch and more finely-milled than BYS. I didn’t notice the difference in texture though when I applied the powders to my face. What I did notice is that BYS appears to have more of a matte finish. From my experience, it takes a very thick application to get matte with the Laura Mercier powder, and it reflects horribly in flash photography! 

The BYS HD Microfinish Powder wins this round but take care that you don't layer it on too thickly. It’s still a setting powder and not specifically a mattifying one.

K-Palette Lasting 2Way Eyebrow in Natural Brown (P895) vs. Catrice Longlasting Brow Definer in Chocolate Brownie (~P200)

For a fair comparison, I only used the liquid end of K-Palette. I also only used the pens to fill in sparse areas as a reinforcement to my brow pencil. The K-Palette liquid pen looks much lighter when swatched next to Catrice though they don’t look all that different once applied to the brow with light touches. Catrice bled a bit during my swatch sessions but remained intact on my brows even on hot days. Longevity is the same, and their swatches both didn’t rub off easily.

I'm inclined to call this a tie since both function and stay on equally well! In terms of overall value though, the K-Palette may cost more but you get two products instead of one.

Left: Catrice, Right: K-Palette

K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow Mascara in Natural Brown (P620) vs. Fashion 21 Eyebrow Gel in Light Brown (P165)

Fashion 21 has a huge spoolie-type applicator, making it look like regular mascara. I found it tricky to use on the tail portion of the brow as the big brush often goes over the lines and requires clean-up. On the other hand, K-Palette has a tiny, spoon-like applicator that gets at hard-to-reach places without difficulty. The darkest available shade of the K-Palette Eyebrow Mascara is still quite light though, whereas Fashion 21 offers more color choices. K-Palette also has a matte finish, while Fashion 21 is metallic with gold shimmer. Longevity-wise, K-Palette lasts longer as Fashion 21 rubs off quite easily.

K-Palette clearly dominates this round! The specialized applicator was a huge factor for me as it made application so easy and convenient. Longevity was also a major plus.

Left: Fashion 21, Right: K-Palette

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Moonlight (P1,250 for full size) vs. Maybelline Color Tattoo Gel-Cream Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze (P379)

The Laura Mercier is a LOT easier to apply: the twist-up pen is easy to swipe all over the lids but fine enough to also use as an eyeliner. Bad to the Bronze is warmer in color and more copper-toned compared to Moonlight. Both are buildable, but only up to a certain point before they look cakey. In terms of longevity, they both last through the day with minimum or no creasing.

The Caviar Sticks are pretty much my HG cream shadows because of the convenience of application as well as a longer product life. I’ve had my first Caviar Stick for almost two years, and the quality and consistency of the shadow stick hasn’t undergone any noticeable changes. The Maybelline cream shadows tend to dry up faster and are harder to pick up and apply. 

Left: Maybelline, Right: Laura Mercier

NARS Deep Throat Blush (P1,450) vs. Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush in Lilas d’Or (price varies, as it is only sold by online vendors)

I picked up the Bourjois Lilas d’Or because it's known as a popular dupe for NARS Orgasm. However, since Deep Throat and Orgasm aren’t all that different - Orgasm has more gold shimmer and, thus, has a more obvious duochrome effect than Deep Throat - the comparison can be made. The Bourjois blush is baked, so it has a grittier texture and results in patchier application. NARS is smoother and results in a more diffused application. The gold shimmer in the Bourjois blush is also chunkier than NARS’, giving it the appearance of sitting on top of the skin rather than being completely blended in.

I'd definitely pick NARS for a natural looking glow! The patchy application of Bourjois was troublesome and takes a lot longer to blend out - definitely not going to work for five-minute makeup looks.

Left: Bourjois, Right: NARS

Benefit High Beam (P1,400) vs. City Color Glowing Complexion Illuminating Cream (P229)

I purchased City Color’s Illuminating Cream because the color in the tube looked exactly like the Benefit High Beam. As it turns out, it has more of a peachy-gold color as opposed to High Beam’s pearly pink. Both have white shimmer but City Color has bigger shimmer pigments. When blended thoroughly, City Color still leaves a peach tint while Benefit diffuses completely into sheer white shimmer. I found that City Color applies really well over powder but Benefit turns cakey.

Poor blendability has already turned me away from a lot of highlighters before but City Color totally changed my mind!

Left: City Color, Right: Benefit

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl (P1,450) vs. Pink Sugar Creamy Matte Lipstick in Hotline Bling (P349)

It’s the battle of the brights! Dragon Girl is a hot red with pink undertones while Hotline Bling is actually a hot pink with red undertones - go figure. They don't look exactly the same but they are very similar to each other if you look at the swatches.

Now initially, Hotline Bling doesn’t apply comfortably because it has a lot of drag on un-balmed lips while Dragon Girl feels velvety (true to its name). But the second swipe for Pink Sugar feels much better as it glides over the first lipstick layer. NARS has the tendency for patchy application because it offers zero moisture (as it is a true matte) versus Pink Sugar’s satin formula.  

I can't name a winner for this because it really depends on the finish and feel you prefer. If you hate the heavy, coated sensation of lipstick, go for NARS. If you prefer something more creamy and moisturizing, then Pink Sugar might be a better pick.

Left: Pink Sugar, Right: NARS

So, did you guess which side of my face features the pricier products? It's the one on your left! Though both sides look almost identical, the difference lie in how well the products apply and how long they last. I think it's great that the winners turned out to be a mixed bag of both drugstore and luxury brands. It goes to show that we don't have to spend a ton of money to get amazing colors, finishes, and textures although it's nice to treat ourselves to a truly special piece once in a while.

Have you ever experienced a budget find outperforming a high-end product? Do you have more splurge or save items in your collection?

Eyebrow makeup has sort of become an international sport. We wait for the latest team ups and merchandise, agonize over wins and losses, and battle it out in a never-ending competition to decide who wins the gold medal in the kilay games. Seriously though, our obsession with eyebrows is a harmless yet intensely productive past-time. It makes us look more polished and confident with the right products and techniques, so why fight it? Just do your best and your eyebrow weapon of choice will do the rest!

The boxes alone are so exciting to look at!

Okay so today I want to talk about the biggest eyebrow collection to date by Benefit Cosmetics. They've released a 40-piece ensemble under 10 product lines. Some are completely new while others such as Gimme Brow, Brow Zings, and High Brow have been reformulated and repackaged in the unified magician-themed look. I love the colorful boxes and the futuristic components (tubes, cases, etc.) - as expected, Benefit spared no cost in making their products stand out.

According to Benefit, it took them three years and hundreds of consumer feedback to perfect this new collection. They realized that women have different brow concerns so every item was designed with these common problems in mind.

Now I have here five items from the new collection and I've been using them for about 2-3 months. All of them wear well on me - meaning they don't fade for about 6-7 hours - and the shades are perfect for my hair. Here's a quick review of each!

Browvo! Conditioning Primer (P1,600)

What this is for: Sparse and thin eyebrows, brittle eyebrows, oily skin

What it does well: This clear gel is designed to prime your brows both in terms of appearance and in helping your colored products stick better throughout the day. It smoothens and conditions brows - in fact, brows feel thicker and more organized after one coat. I even use this sometimes to set my brow makeup even though there's another product in this collection just for that purpose.

Does it make my brow makeup stay on longer? I don't have oily brows - in fact I'd even hazard to say that my skin is a bit dry in that area - so I can't tell for sure. I like the thickening effect though and how it makes my brow hairs shinier and more lively-looking without making them stiff.

What it doesn't do so well: Benefit makes great formulas but their click-type pens are so tricky to use! I end up dispensing too much product. 

Precisely, My Brow Pencil (P1,400)

What this is for: Creating hairline strokes to mimic the appearance of hair; achieving natural yet precise brows that don't look drawn in. This is great for thicker brows that only need a bit of shading and correction.

What it does well: If you have unfortunate gaps or over-plucked areas on the outline of your brows, this pencil is for you. It's creamy but not overly so; it's a breeze to navigate around the contours of the brow. I'm using shade 4 for Medium hair! It has a sort of translucency to it that belies the fact that I've  filled in my brows carefully.

I love the spoolie included in the pencil. It's soft, narrow, and doesn't erase too much of the product come blending time.

What it doesn't do so well: If you have sparse brows like mine, be prepared to spend time filling in a thicker shape.  It also has a tendency not to adhere well if the area you're shading is damp.

Goof Proof Brow Pencil (P1,400)

What this is for: Creating smooth, creamy-looking brows in just a few strokes. This is ideal for those with sparse and thin brows.

What it does well: If you prefer thick, sleek, and soft matte brows, this pencil is for you! It's easily my favorite in the collection as it is perfect for my needs. The angled, sword-cut pencil tip gets me the brows I want quickly and with little effort. It delivers well-balanced pigmentation so I don't have to keep going back AND I don't need to use additional products to get the look I want! It's certainly goof-proof. The shade, also #4, is perfect for my hair.  

The spoolie of Good Proof is the same as Precisely My Brow. It's so good I just might keep the component even when I've run out of product.

What it doesn't do so well: When I'm not careful, I over-apply and the product bunches up in one area. Use a light hand when working this into your brows.

Ka-BROW! Eyebrow Cream-Gel Color (P1,400)

What this is for: Precise, dramatic brows that will not budge all day as it features a waterproof formula

What it does well: If you want Instagram brows - full, faded brows that defy natural genetic possibilities - you'll love this. Cheekiness aside, you just have to look at the kilay I've made above to understand the true power of this potted wonder! I found it difficult to work with at first, but once I got the hang of it, I appreciated how it can make my brows look like they're having the time of their lives.

I sometimes use it by itself but the best way, IMHO, is to wield it as a perfector. As you can see in this tutorial on how I do my brows for special occasions, I used the Ka-Brow to add depth and definition to the final look. I also pick it up when I know I'm having an extra long day as it is oil and sweat-proof in my experience.

What it doesn't do so well: There is a learning curve to this, I find. The trick is getting the pressure and product ratio juuuust right. Too much and it bunches up or looks too dark. Too little and it won't glide on. You must also work fast with this formula as it dries very quickly! I'd say you have, hmm, 15 seconds to blend everything out if you accidentally place too much.

Gimme Brow Volumizing Eyebrow Gel (P1,400)

What this is for: Thickening brow hairs as well as keeping them neat and budge-proof all day

What it does well: If you have fine brow hairs like I do, Gimme Brow can help you. This browcara tints and volumizes individual hairs instantly with its small, easy-to-use brush. I recommend using this as a topper for your brow makeup just to keep the whole thing in place! I am using the shade #3 here.

What it doesn't do so well: It can shade your brows - up to a point, as you can see in the pic above. It may not be enough by itself (unless you have thick brows already) so always use something else designed for proper shading beforehand.

And that is that! Whew. I hope you enjoyed my reviews! I'd love to know what you think of Benefit's latest magic act, and if you've tried anything from the collection already. What's your fave brow look?

photography by Sam Gonzales

by Sam Gonzales, contributor / Header image by Ana Gonzales

As makeup junkies and skincare fanatics, we clearly fixate a lot on things that make US beautiful that it’s easy to forget that our consumption patterns may affect the environment. The sad truth is that the little things, however insignificant they may seem, form into a collective problem that has irreversible effects on the planet.

We've previously listed environmentally-friendly beauty brands that create great products but if you want to lessen your contribution to "garbage islands", you may want to consider ridding your dressing table of these common culprits.

Images via telegraph.co.uk and lazada.com

Cotton buds

The harmful component: Your favorite tool for cleaning up small makeup mishaps often have a plastic stem that holds the buds and, you guessed it, these things aren't biodegradable.

The effect: They end up in landfills, sewers, and eventually the ocean, harming marine life and washing up disgusting trash on our beaches. Sure, maybe you just use them one at a time, but eventually you will finish up that pack of 100 and so will many others. Add that all up and you've got yourself a pile of little plastic stems larger than the blue whale.

The alternative: First, don’t flush buds down the drain. This seems obvious but apparently, a significant amount of people do this. Fix botched eyeliner with concealer, or at least choose buds with paper stems. They are less likely to escape the sewers and will biodegrade at some point. Simply check the label for “paper stems” and get these ones from Sanicare.

Garbage image via Ashley Shelton

All The Bottles

The harmful component: Whether it's empty or a dud, you might be throwing out a foundation bottle or tube of cleanser made of plastic that will outlast the apocalypse.

The effect: Not only do they last for centuries but chemicals added to plastics can potentially be absorbed by our bodies and affect our health. When plastics are buried in landfills, the chemicals can seep into the ground and make its way into our groundwater. Animals can also inadvertently eat or be poisoned by them. It’s suddenly not so cute to not care.

The alternative: Ask your makeup counter if they have a recycling program or opt for packaging that’s made of glass or cardboard. After use, repurpose them or find programs that can recycle the waste materials. The Body Shop is one company that takes pride in recycling!

Garbage image via wikimedia.org

Exfoliators

The harmful component: Your favorite exfoliator might contain microbeads, those small balls of plastic that might feel good on the skin but wreak havoc in the ocean. 

The effect: Microbeads are made of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), or even nylon. They are so tiny that standard filters used by sewage treatment plans can’t catch them all. Never mind the idea of slathering your face with tiny bits of plastic; some toothpastes also use microbeads to polish your teeth. Yeah, that realization wiped the smiles off our faces, too.

The alternative: Fortunately, many cosmetics companies carry natural exfoliants that can be dissolved by water such as salt and coffee. Opt for something like Lush’s Ocean Salt Cleanser or simply use your leftover coffee grounds!

Images via abc.net.au and Liz Lanuzo

Wet wipes

The harmful component: Apparently cleansing wipes contain plastic fibers, too, which when disposed are non-biodegradable.

The effect: Being lazy at night has more repercussions than clogged pores as wet wipes form fatbergs in the sea. They can also be mistaken as a yummy jellyfish by turtles who inevitably die from this tragic case of mistaken identity.

The alternative: Avoid wet wipes and opt for a gentle, washable towel with a touch of cleansing oil to remove your makeup. If you don't have access to water and wipes are your only option, follow our tip to just using one wipe for your entire face and throw it in the trash instead of flushing it down.

Images via wikimedia.org and Human Nature

Chemical Sunscreen

The harmful component: Sunscreens that contain parabens, cinnamate or octinoxate, benzophenone or oxybenzone and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor are in many of our sunscreen options.

The effect: Even at low concentrations, sunscreens can actually contribute to coral bleaching, which is all bad news for our diverse reefs and and economic dependence on fishing.

The alternative: Make sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen if you're hitting the beach because you should never be without some SPF. Human Nature has two variants that offer sun protection without compromising the safety of marine life, and they're less than P500 each, too!

If you find yourself wondering why some nature-safe or organic products are pricier, think of what you're saving in exchange. Think about contributing to a safe planet for our children. Suddenly, investing in the future doesn’t seem so expensive.

When you visit @nongchat on Instagram, you'll instantly see why the Thai celebrity makeup artist has over 400,000 followers and counting. Aside from his adorable personal posts, his makeup portfolio shows a plethora of stunning looks. From red carpet glam to glowing bride, Nongchat knows how to bring out the best in his ladies! His signature eye makeup is one that many MUAs aspire for. Lucky for us, we got to learn his secrets when Nippon Esthetic Philippines invited Nongchat to our shores for an intensive one-day only workshop.

The Bridal and Glam Eyes Masterclass by Nongchat is the latest Nippon Beauty Lab event and was done in partnership with Bohktoh Philippines, exclusive distributor of the industry fave Bohktoh Lashes from Thailand. A pop-up shop at the event offered exclusive discounts and showcased Nippon and Bohktoh products together with other cult-fave brands like Pixi by Petra, Eye of Horus, Pop Beauty, and Ofra Cosmetics. We spotted top PV Picks like the Nippon Pro Blend Sponge, Nippon Dome 6 Face Brush, Eye of Horus Dual Brow Perfect Pencil in Husk, Pixi Brow Powder Palette, and Ofra Cosmetics Long Lasting Liquid Lipsticks!

The course was divided into two sessions, with the morning session focusing on how to do Glam Eyes. With the help of a translator, Nongchat gave us solid notes about putting a sparkle into our peepers as he demonstrated them on his model for the day, Soak Swimwear CEO Angela See.

Tip #1: Location is key to choosing an appropriate formula

If you want to keep the focus on the eyes, it's important to start by creating a flawless face base to set them against. Nongchat stressed the importance of using a formula that's appropriate for your location. Since it's hot and humid in our part of the world, he recommends using a light foundation as much as possible. A heavier product and application may not hold up to the weather, upping your risk of turning oily and shiny.

Tip #2: Find your go-to brown for your lids

Nongchat uses a brown eyeshadow with a hint of shimmer for his base color and builds up from it. The perfect brown is one that you can just apply all over your lid and look instantly glam in! Then you can intensify your look with black eyeliner and use false eyelashes to create that extra pop.

Tip #3: Emphasize eyes with falsies

Before popping on your false lashes though, you need to prep your real ones! Start by curling them properly then coat them with a curling mascara that can hold up the curl. This will help them combine better with your falsies, and give you a better idea of which type of falsies to use or where you need extra lashes.

Nongchat uses good quality false lashes and layering them for a more dramatic effect. He prefers using Bohktoh Lashes because they are very lightweight and can be easily molded to different eye shapes. That's right: not only do you have to cut the falsies to the appropriate length, you also have to bend them to follow the eye's natural shape prior to applying glue. This helps a lot in keeping those ends firmly on the skin instead of popping up.

You can use as many as three layers of falsies (or even more), which is actually a beauty queen makeup trick! This will depend on your or your model's comfort level, of course. For the demo, Nongchat layered two Bohktoh Y005 lashes plus some single hair ones. His favorite Bohktoh lashes is J202 though, as he likes how the strands cross over each other like natural lashes do. 

Angela's final look! (Image via @nongchat)

Tip #4: Layer different types of product to get a stunning, photogenic effect

Nongchat is a huge fan of layering and aside from applying this trick for falsies, he uses it to create a more vivid eye line as well. He first uses a pigmented pencil eyeliner then tops it with a liquid formula to create sharper edges and greater intensity that looks stunning in photos.

Bridal makeup is one of the most challenging looks to do, which is why few girls dare to do it on their own! Nongchat’s IG posts of his brides' wedding looks are nothing short of stunning so the second workshop session was the one that everyone most looked forward to. Newly married Glamourbox co-founder and CEO Lia Andrea Ramos even slipped into a dazzling gown to complete the effect.

Bridal Makeup Tip #1: Prep the skin well before applying your face base

Even if your makeup promises to have skin benefits, you should never ever skip your skincare routine. This is especially important for brides who want to look their best on their special day! Nongchat shares that the groom's first look at the bride is a very precious moment, so he wants her look to have an immediate and powerful impact. 

He starts by cleaning the face well to remove all traces of oil and dirt, then spritzes on mineral water. For glowing skin, he likes using water-based moisturizers as it wouldn’t be as thick under the foundation. He also recommends applying lighter makeup for outdoor events and thicker makeup for indoors.

Bridal Makeup Tip #2: Soften eyebrows and keep them in place with lash glue

Nongchat recommends keeping brow makeup soft and feathery for bridal makeup. His preferred method is wetting a small brush before using powder to fill in the eyebrows. To tame unruly hairs, he applies a bit of Bohktoh Eyelash Adhesive Glue to keep brow hairs in place and lines neat. He uses a spoolie to brush the hairs down from the middle but leaves the innermost hairs standing straight up to look more natural.

Bridal Makeup Tip #3: Apply blush on your cheekbones instead of on the apples of the cheeks

This is apparently a popular Thai beauty trend! Nongchat applies blush high up on the cheekbones, practically where we’re used to putting our highlighters. He says that this makes the bride look more youthful, and adds an instant contouring effect as well.

Bridal Makeup Tip #4: Contour your nose from the bottom going up

Your wedding will probably be the most photographed event of your life, so contouring is essential for ensuring that you look good from every angle. When doing your nose contouring, Nongchat suggest starting from the bottom instead of the top of the nose. This gives you better control in creating the shape.

Bridal Makeup Tip #5: Kiss-proof your lips by using two shades of lipstick

There'll be a lot of smooching involved, so long-lasting lip color is a must! Nongchat first applies a dark-toned lipstick as base then tops it with a nude lipstick so that the color won’t fade as easily. Then the bride only needs to carry the nude lipstick for retouching.

The bridal look I did on my cousin

We immediately got to put our new learning to the test at the afternoon part of the workshop. During the hands-on trial, Nongchat went around, checked our work and freely shared his pro tips! I practiced the Bridal Makeup look on my cousin, and tried the Bohktoh Lashes and the Bohktoh Eyelash Adhesive Glue. I’m happy to report that they are easy to use! With Nongchat's guidance, I managed to secure the falsies on even if it was my first time to try applying them!

Lia Andrea Ramos, Nongchat, Nippon Esthetic Philippines CEO Sydney Go, Bohktoh Lashes CEO Prang, and Angela See

The workshop was a certificate course so attendees all got one from Nongchat. We made sure to snag a photo with him as well! He's a gifted artist and incredible teacher, so seeing him work his magic was really such a treat. Thanks for inviting us, Nippon!

Do you follow @Nongchat on Instagram? Have you ever joined a Nippon Beauty Lab event? Which of these tips do you look forward to trying?