The rainy weather has been a nice respite from the hot and sticky days of summer but we gotta admit, the overcast skies make everything look so glum. We’ve changed our products for rainy day favorites and swapped face bases for more weatherproof foundations. The extra hydration and brightening formulas help to keep the blues from our faces, but for some mood-boosting color, try painting summer onto your digits!

ORLY’s PCH Collection features vibrant polish shades that remind us of ripe mangoes, frozen popsicles and other summery sweets! The candy colors look almost neon, and were inspired by the scenic route along the Pacific Coast Highway in California. This Summer 2016 release may be a bit late for our side of the world, but we’re loving how the bright pops are helping us stay perky through the rainy season.

Paradise Cove

This flirty, shimmery fuchsia brings to mind the drink mixes that we'd sip with lots of ice to stay cool on hot days. Compared to some of the other shades in this collection, Paradise Cove may not be as bright or eye-popping, but it isn’t any less lovely. The purples and plums in your makeup stash would match well with this color, be it eyeshadow, blush, or lipstick. Better yet, try to pair it with amethyst makeup!

Life’s A Beach

Hotter than a stop sign, this neon tangerine polish reminds us to keep on pushing the envelope in the name of beauty. When you want to veer away from the usual classic red and try something more daring, pair it with lined eyes and a similarly electrifying orange lip, or pop on some orange eyeshadow for a retro 60’s feel.

Put The Top Down

Girly-girl gorgeous, this is the sort of chipper pink we think Elle Woods would totally vote for.  It’s a hot reddish pink to match with a bright-hued lippie and bring your complexion to life. If you believe in matching your lipstick to your blush, take it a step further with your polish.

Road Trippin'

Yellow is the ultimate happy color, and this one will take you on a wild ride! This shade has a fluorescent quality to it, not unlike the highlighters you use on textbooks. Some people might be intimidated with how bright this looks but it actually works well with a palette of earth tones or brown metallics. It provides contrast to a monochromatic makeup look, giving you an edgy, modern vibe.

Summer Sunset

I didn't get to try this because it wasn't in the set I got but the orange-yellow with shimmer reminded me of Valencia oranges. It’s a sweet and playful orange tone that would look great with an FOTD of copper or gold shadows and bronzed cheeks. Perfect for looking like a sun goddess on a rainy day!

Scenic Route

This creamy pink-lilac is the tamest shade of the collection and looks as dainty as it is charming. Wear it with anything from my-lips-but-better shades to cotton candy lips!

The more fluorescent colors tend to compliment tanned skin, whereas the creamier pinks and purples look most flattering on lighter skin tones. In general, the polishes have a matte-creme finish, so make sure to use a top coat to increase shine and longevity, if that's the look you want! Do you wear neon colors? What nail polish shades are you sporting in this rainy weather?

You can find ORLY in Pure Beauty boutiques (Serendra, Trinoma, Glorietta 4), Landmark Department Store, select SM and Watsons branches, select Robinsons and Gaisano branches, and online. The full-size PCH polishes are at P385 each. 

by Sam Gonzales, contributor

The life of a beauty blogger is a product-filled one, and you can only imagine the number of things they test and review and use (and eventually store in every nook available). We regularly see Liz's faves here on Project Vanity so we were curious to find out what products other beauty bloggers actually rely on and have repurchased multiple times. We asked bloggers Nikki Tiu of AskMeWhats, Martha Sta. Barbara of The Beauty Junkee, and Donnarence Masilungan of My Lucid Intervals about their beauty mainstays and they gamely let us peek into their makeup kits! 

Everyone relies on different bases to make their makeup last the whole day, so when you find the stuff that works for you, you are thankful that the long search and experimentation comes to a close. Clearly, Nikki has found The Stuff with the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, which is a reliable companion for eyeshadow lovers; the Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder, a silky setting powder that blurs pores and fine lines; and the Paul and Joe Beaute Protective Dual Powder Foundation, which has great coverage with a natural finish and something that Nikki confesses she has backups upon backups of!

Nikki’s repurchases are tried-and-tested staples: Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+, a classic face moisturizer whose decades-old formula has been reformulated to keep up with the changing times; Burt’s Bees lip balms, which you can enjoy in a wide variety of formulas and colors; Benefit Cosmetics’ That Gal Primer, which Nikki regularly empties because she uses it as her day-to-day primer; Naris Up’s Day Keep 24 Hours Long Lasting Eyebrow Mascara, which is a great option for fine hair, unruly, brows, or creating a custom brow color; K-Palette’s 24H Real Lasting Eyeliner, which will last through the sweatiest of days; and Etude House’s Proof 10 Eye primer, which Nikki regards as on-par with more expensive options.

For Martha, it’s all about reliable utility. She has the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, which she says has lasted her forever; the Lucas Papaw Ointment, a moisturizing salve whose formula is so effective, they haven’t changed it for 100 years; and the Clean & Clear Oil control film, a lifeline for those with oily skin.

When it comes to her repurchases though, Martha's picks consist of an interesting mix of hygiene essentials, scents, and makeup products: Olay body wash, Pantene conditioner, Palmolive conditioner, Biogenic alcohol, Clean & Clear oil absorbing sheets, and theLanvin Eclat D’Arpege are her staples. She keeps her face clean with Shiseido Perfect Whip Senka, a foam cleanser that doesn’t dry the skin. Her makeup picks include: Etude House Curl & Fix Mascara, whose packaging has recently been revamped as part of their Berry Delicious collection; L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer, which has been attaining a cult status for being effective at a competitive price; and Shiseido Sheer Mattifying Powder Foundation, which has medium to heavy coverage but offers such a smooth texture!

Donnarence's picks prove that holy grail products needn’t break the bank. Her absolute favorite powder foundation is the FS Two Way Cake, a P399 powder that she lauds for its color, coverage, and texture, and has come back to it since she discovered it in 2011. She also uses Carmex lip balms to keep lips from getting chapped. Her last pick is the Canmake Shading Powder No. 1, her everyday bronzing/contouring powder that she loves for its soft and blendable texture.

Donnarence’s repurchases keep in theme with her penchant for quality affordable items. She has already gone through several tubes of the Essence Lash and Brow Gel Mascara; Ellana Cucumber Melon Brush Cleaner, which she uses for quick spot cleaning; K-Palette Real Lasting Eye Brow Liner, which easily creates hair-like strokes and lasts all day on her; Marrionaud Angled Brush with Spoolie, the tool she just can’t live without; and the Maybelline Gel Liner, which rivals even the best of the best.

Finding out about what products beauty bloggers actually love, it's interesting to note that there's a great mix of both drugstore bargains and high-end luxuries on their lists. Do you spot any of your own faves? What products would make it to your own list?

by Gett Baladad, contributor

“It’s on sale! Mura siya! Sayang naman if you don’t take advantage of the sale!” How many times have you heard these words before, whether from friends or that little voice in your head? How often has it happened that you walk into a store with a plan to purchase an item or two, and come out with a bagful of marked-down finds?

Don't get us wrong - we sure love getting a great bargain, especially when it comes to our favorite products! But at what point does it become too much? Where you should you draw the line between being smart about having back-ups, and simply hoarding for the sake of hoarding? Here are five things you should consider before splurging on that beauty bargain!

Do you have enough storage space?

So your favorite brand holds a Buy One, Get One promo on that product you've been wanting to try. Neat! Before grabbing several containers of that stuff though, do you actually have the space to accommodate that many? This is especially important to consider when purchasing items that are large and bulky. Even if you use the product regularly, it can take you awhile to empty one out. Meanwhile, the rest of your stock should be stored properly, and we're not just saying that to keep your place from turning into a mess.

Cosmetics are best kept in cool areas out of direct sunlight so that the formula doesn't break down from heat or sun exposure. If you don't want your stash to go bad (and we're assuming you don't!) better make sure you have a proper storage area to keep them away from the elements. And speaking of product expiry...

When does your hoard expire?

Make sure to monitor makeup expiry dates. Check that the beauty bargain that you have your eye on isn't due to expire before you've even had the chance to use it! And if you already have similar product back-ups, you may want to rethink that hoard. Products with liquids like cream eye makeup or mascaras tend to have shorter shelf life because the damp formulas are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. If you do decide to hoard, we recommend labeling the items with post-its or washi tape to help you remember important dates such as date of purchase, date of first use, and listed product expiry date.

Will your purchase add value to your current beauty collection?

Let's be honest: we’re attracted to new makeup releases like a moth is drawn to light. I mean, have you seen all the awesome stuff that will be dropping in stores soon? But it's going to be tough to justify buying that hot new thing if you still have several back-ups in your stash! If you’re the type that gets pulled into the allure of all things new, skip the bargain bin and use the cash to splurge on new releases instead. You'll have less but at least you've successfully curated your collection with better, updated products.

When will the brand release a new version of your HG (current or otherwise)?

Have you ever binge-bought your favorite product on sale, only to find out a week later that the brand has released a newer and better formulation? Yup, it can happen! Now you're stuck with multiples of the old formula, and your budget is blown from the purchase. Avoid this dilemma by following your fave brands on social media and keeping an ear out for beauty news. This way, you can find out if and when they're planning to release new products or reformulate old favorites.

Are you settling for less?

“But it was cheap kasi!” We’ve probably all been guilty of thinking this way at some point. In our efforts to finding cheap alternatives to the good stuff, we're bound to end up with duds that were a total waste of money. I recently experienced this while searching for a budget brow pen. While in my mind I was buying cheaper makeup, the amount I had spent on what turned out to be crappy formulas could have gone to purchasing the HG-worthy K-Palette brow pens, which have been recently reformulated and are now cheaper than before! 

Bargain prices don't always mean you'll be getting an actual bargain. Don't let those red tags and marked down prices fool you into buying stuff you don't actually need, or ending up with products that don't even work all that well. Make investments on worthwhile tried-and-tested faves instead!

Do you have stories about regretting a beauty hoard? What are your tips to prevent getting into this situation?

Photography by Sam Gonzales

So many new launches, so little time! Our hearts are bursting, our minds are freaking out, and our bank accounts are starting to but the last quarter of 2016 is going to be one heck of a beautiful ride.

Just when you thought things couldn’t get any better - Urban Decay finally gets into the highlighter game, Benefit’s Lip Kit has us puckering up, Hourglass showed off their gorgeous marble palette, and KFC has released its own sunscreen (no kidding)!

Image via Popsugar

Urban Decay, the high(light) of the holidays!

We may soon be sporting all-matte eye looks, thanks to the upcoming NAKED Ultimate Basics palette but Urban Decay is taking the glow elsewhere. Introducing their latest baby, the Naked Highlighter Palette! Yes people, it’s finally happening- we’re about to get glowy, dewy, and oh so gorgeous! The palette will include three new powder shades that are perfect for strobing: a shimmery gold called Pyrite, a tantalizing taupe called Oasis, and a rosy pink flush called Twilight. There’s no word yet on the exact date of release but it’s expected to drop this holiday season. Forget the Christmas lights, girls; we’ll be dazzling with these babies!

Full story on PopSugar

Image via Bustle

A liquid lipstick that gives back

Crowd favorite ColourPop Cosmetics has announced that they are teaming up with model Karrueche Tran for her second collection of eye-catching and drool-worthy products this year. Following the success of her first collaboration KaePop, Tran’s new line will have three ultra lip glosses and one ultra matte lipstick, but this matte lippie is extra special. Part of the proceeds from every sale of matte liquid lipstick Saigon will go to The Green My School Program, which provides urban school gardens for inspiring students to make healthier food choices. The latest collection will be available on August 25, and will only cost you $6 a lippie!

Full story on Bustle

Image via MAC

It’s Taraji’s empire (and we all just live in it)

Empire star and award-winning actress Taraji Henson is the latest celebrity to get her own M.A.C. collection! Known for her smoky eye looks and luscious nude lips, the actress is getting not just praises for her acting chops, but also for her evolving style and natural sexy vibe. The limited edition collection is set to launch online on September 6, just in time for the third season of the hit show.

Image via people.com

Expect to find a matte beige lipstick playfully called Strip Me Down, a black mascara called Haute & Naughty, a Mineralize skin-finish powder called Taraji Glow, a Mineralize Skinfinish highlighter in Highlight the Truth, a black eyeliner, and a 187 Duo Fibre brush! The collection will be available in select M.A.C. stores on September 8. Products will retail from $17 to $42.

Full story on Allure

Image via i2.wp.com

Finger lickin’ good... sunscreen?!

Yes, you read that right. The famous fried chicken house is now making its way into the beauty world with some pretty crazy products. Just earlier this year, KFC came out with their own fried chicken-flavored edible nail polish (available in both Original and Spicy flavors, of course) and now they’ve added another crazy but totally functional product: fried chicken-scented sunscreen!

The SPF30 sunscreen is part of the efforts to promote KFC’s “Extra Crispy” recipe, and the stock of 3,000 bottles was wiped out within two hours of launching in the US. Hey, if it’s going to get more people wear sunscreen, we’re all for it! Plus, it won’t have that trademark sunscreen scent.

Full story on Telegraph

Image via Benefit Cosmetics UK

Benefit Lip Kits? They’re Real!

Remember when Benefit launched their new packaging and collection for brows and we marveled at the number of brow looks that we could choose from? Well, now we’ve got even more to look forward to! The quirky brand just released some teaser pictures of their latest collection- They’re Real! BIG SEXY Lip Kit! This adorably tinned lipstick goodness features four mini dual-toned lipsticks in warm orange and red shades. The lippies have teardrop-shaped tips, making it easier to "contour" lips with.

Image via Benefit Cosmetics

The kits are already available in the UK, but the US will have to wait until October to get them. They will retail for $29 per kit. There is no word yet on when these will get to the PH but we are hoping it is soon. 

Full story on Bustle

Image via Be

A Korean love triangle

Forget metallic and acrylic nails: there’s a new beauty trend that’s taking Korea by storm - triangle nails! Combining Inca-inspired and quirky designs with minimalist bases like white or colorless polish, these nails are definitely going to help you stand out for the rest of the year. Originally a collaboration between Korean nail salon giant Unistella and Chinese shoe brand Pedder Red, the contrast of negative space and geometric designs look edgy and modern.

Full story on Be

Image via Hourglass Cosmetics

So beautiful, it’s surreal!

Two things that Hourglass Cosmetics is known for: their finely-milled and gorgeously marbled powders, and their amazing packaging. Following the success of their Ambient Lighting Edit palette which featured three of their famous setting powders, the luxury brand has announced that they will be releasing something very special for Holiday 2016! There is no better name for Surreal Ambient Light Edit, a gorgeous marble palette that brings out a new finish called “Surreal”. And that’s exactly how you can expect to feel and look when the most flattering and natural soft glow is on your skin, as if the sun were hitting your face 24/7. The palette will include a Surreal setting powder, a bronzer, two blushes and a highlight.

Full story on Temptalia

Which bit of news excites you the most? Hope you stay dry today!

Let us for a minute take our eyes off those sexy American palettes and look to Korea for a fresh take on eye makeup. Luminous eyes in tender shades of pink and beige are huge there, and I've recently come across a palette that I think many of you will love. It's the Holika Holika Personal Eyes Palette in Sunkissed (P1,265), a new release that's already available in Manila!

At first glance this 10-pan palette looks rather plain and common, but once I started doing looks with it, I realized how well-curated the colors and textures are. You get a cream primer that neutralizes your lid color and helps the shadows stick better (Crema Primer is the white on the left most). There's also a pigmented powder liner which can be used wet or dry to darken the eyes (Cacao Liner). Between those shades there are eight shadows in two colorways: four of them warm like sunlight, and the other four in varying intensities of pink. There are two mattes (Ginger Blanket and Rose Blanket) that are the perfect blending colors to these shades.

The sparkly shades (Golden Gossip and Flamingo) have shimmer fall out so be careful to tap the brush before applying the color on your lids! The rest of the colors are quite well-packed and solid, and can be intensified when needed. The pigmentation is actually already good at first swipe but you can always add more if you want to get an intense eye.

You'll notice the primed shadow looks pinker than the one which was applied directly on skin

The primer, while not really for long-wearing purposes as in Urban Decay, performs well as a color neutralizer (and instant lid brightener). It helps the eyeshadows show up more true-to-pan when used! They look great as is even without the Crema Primer but if you want the color nuance to show up better, this cream is a great base. It's easy to blend and has a thin texture with a powdery finish.

Used just two shades here to create a delicate pink look! Used Flamingo on the lids then Rose Blanket on the crease.

Overall, I highly recommend the Holika Holika Personal Eyes Palette in Sunkissed if you're looking to do that sweet Korean eye with the right shades and textures. Of course other palettes from other brands can seal the deal just as well, but this one was specifically made with the Korean style in mind. I only realized this when I started watching their tutorials; they are particular pala when it comes to eyeshadows too! It's not quite like the American makeup we're used to. Should we do a tutorial soon? Anyway the Personal Eyes Palette also comes in Moonkissed, which feature different shades of brown.

Holika Holika is available in SM Makati, Mall of Asia, SM  Cubao,  SM Manila, SM Fairview, and SM North EDSA The Block. You may also purchase online at BeautyMNL.

compiled by Charlie Esmerna, contributor

While catching up on my beauty shopping, I oftentimes hear fellow shoppers ask, “Matte ba ‘to?” while holding out a lipstick to the store assistant. To those who do ask, I feel you! The popularity of matte finish lippies is not without reason because it's usually equated to one of the most important features in lip products: longevity.

Many matte formulas do have better staying power on the lips compared to those that are creamy or glossy, due to a lower oil content that can make the lip color slide off. And despite being drying at times, the PV staff can’t help but make a huge room for a few matte favorites in our vanity!

Liz: I like creme-finish lipsticks more than mattes, because honestly, it's so hard to find something that moisturizes my lips enough while staying put for an admirable amount of time. It's a difficult balance to achieve! One lipstick that does it for me is the Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Matte Sculpting Lipstick. It's creamy and non-drying, and I love how opaque it is. Commanding is the shade I have - it's an intense and dark purple-toned red that is unique in my collection.

Spoiler alert: It's quite pricey though, so I was able to help make an affordable matte lippie for you guys. We will be dropping the collab next week! <3 (Can't wait, so nervous).

Katsy: My current favorite matte is the Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipstick in M102. It's crazy pigmented and creamy so it doesn't dry out my lips. The color is a bit deeper than what I would consider an easy everyday nude for me but I've been wearing it to both work and play. I'm definitely loving it these days.

Sam: I gotta give it to the NARS Pure Matte Lipstick in Tonkin. It's my perfect warm nude-y lip color and the formula wins for being a comfortable matte. I've used a significant amount of it already (not common for a lipstick hoarder like me) so I try to use it less often.

Claire: I really didn't want to like Sleek MakeUP's Matte Me Lip Cream in Birthday Suit but I gave in and purchased one when I chanced upon it at Landmark Makati (everywhere else was out of stock). Love at first swipe! The hype is real and well-deserved. I also have its sisters Shabby Chic and Bittersweet, but Birthday Suit just goes with everything I wear.

Gett: I love the Maybelline Creamy Matte line! They glide easily on the lips, have good staying power, and a great color range to choose from! My favorites are Nude Nuance (a browny nude), Touch of Spice (a pinky-brown nude), and Divine Wine (a deep burgundy red).

Kim: I'm so in love with the Creamy Matte Brown Nudes by Maybelline! I've been reaching out for Clay Crush and Nude Nuance more than any of my other lipsticks lately. They're just nice nude colors that could really go well with everything. I apply this is either with a lip brush or my pinky finger so I get a very thin yet opaque color that hugs my lips perfectly.

Marianne: I've been more partial to cream/mousse formulas for lipsticks lately, so my current favorite is the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream! They go on smoothly and set to a very comfortable, almost weightless matte. I also like that they come in a wide variety of colors. Personal shade faves: Cannes (rosy mauve), Prague (bright plum), and Budapest (deep red-mauve)!

Charlie: My lips are so dry that I keep a gazillion lip balms, but I just can’t stay away from matte lipsticks. My favorite would have to be Ever Bilena’s Matte lipsticks in Toast of New York and Dusk. Toast of New York is a brownish red that’s perfect for those who are into brown lipsticks but are terrified of sporting Nutella-lips during the day. Dusk, on the other hand, is a deep wine red that looks really stunning. They’re quite drying on their own but they last for a good few hours so I still love them.

Angela: My favorite matte lipstick is Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita II. The color is so gorgeous for my skin tone. It's the only lipstick that made me not want to try anything else while I was still in Sephora. And it stays on forever!

If you're looking to try out matte lipsticks, check out our below 500 matte lippie picks. Do you have a go-to matte lip color like we do? Or are you more of a creamy or glossy gal? Share your picks in the comments below!

If you're just beginning to explore the world of fragrances, having so many to choose from can overwhelm you. Choosing one that suits you or feels worthy of becoming your signature scent is something of a trial and error thing, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the journey in the meantime!

Good fragrances aren't cheap so to start your perfume collection, we recommend in investing in tried and tested classics. Many of these fragrances are best-sellers that have been loved for decades, and continue to enjoy a cult following even now. Here are ten from different fragrance families for you to try out!

First up is Philosophy’s Amazing Grace Eau de Toilette and Pure Grace Eau de Toilette. Amazing Grace is a citrusy floral scent with notes of musk, freesia, jasmine, rose, bergamot, grapefruit, and mandarin orange. It’s light, refreshing, and womanly. It has a soft powdery scent that makes it a hit even for sensitive noses.

Pure Grace, on the other hand, is a concoction of lavender, musk, jasmine, water lily, and bergamot. Though it contains floral notes, the overall appeal is one that simply smells clean and crisp. You’ll love this if you like shower-fresh scents, and though it’s supposed to be a perfume for women, the fragrance is pretty unisex.

We’re big fans of citrus fragrances because a single spritz can instantly uplift the mood, so our next pick is Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne. Zesty with a lime top note, it settles to a beautiful mix of sweet mandarin and leafy basil. It’s a lovely scent to wear through summer, on an active day out, or whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

If you were a 90s kid, you probably grew up smelling this on your mom and titas. Estée Lauder Pleasures is an elegant floral bouquet of lily of the valley, peony, lilac, and green notes. If the original feels too dainty and mature for you, Pleasures has been released in other variations such as Eau Fraiche and Flower. Compared to the classic version, Eau Fraiche has a spicy zing while Flower has stronger citrus notes that give it a youthful vibe.

Another memorable fragrance from Estée Lauder is Modern Muse. The 2013 release of this perfume also marked a huge comeback for the company, which had previously launched its last fragrance a decade earlier. Compared to Pleasures, the white floral scent of Modern Muse has a more contemporary vibe. The blend of jasmine sambac, lily, and honeysuckle is balanced with musk, which gives the wearer that powerful girl boss aura. Recently, Estée Lauder released a flirty, more romantic version called Le Rouge for their latest muse, Kendall Jenner.

One of the oldest bottles in my mom’s stash is Anais Anais by Cacharel. Released in 1978, this perfume is no longer very visible in the market but select stores and Amazon.com still carry it. It was such a popular scent that you’ve probably smelled this at least once before, and if you don’t remember, a whiff of the white lily, hyacinth, lily of the valley, and Moroccan jasmine notes will be sure to refresh your memory. It can last up to 12 hours, depending on your body chemistry.

Marc Jacobs Daisy earns its rightful spot in this hall of fame. It was released in 2007 and like Pleasures, has inspired a number of newer variations. The original perfume boasts of violet leaf, blood grapefruit, strawberry, gardenia, jasmine, musk, white woods, and vanilla. The combination of fruity and floral makes this a youthful and vibrant fragrance. The pretty bottle makes it so display-worthy, too!

From the bottle design alone, Be Delicious by DKNY is obviously a fruity scent, with strong notes of green apple mixed with cucumber, grapefruit, lily of the valley, magnolia, rose, tuberose, and wood. It’s every bit as delicious as the name suggests, and puts you in a fun and energetic mood. No wonder it continues to be a favorite among young women even though it was launched 12 years ago!

This scent is single-handedly responsible for the green tea obsession of women all over the world! The refreshing blend of green tea, lemon, mint, bergamot, and orange peel in Green Tea by Elizabeth Arden made it a best-selling hit that’s been going strong since 1999. Light and clean, you can wear this without overpowering sensitive noses. It doesn’t last very long but spraying it on again is a delight all the same.

For a scent that’s warm and sensual, the radiant appeal of Bulgari Omnia makes it a great date night pick! It features a blend of bamboo, nashi fruit, lotus flower, balsa wood. It also has a nice powdery quality that makes you just want to snuggle up, and it lightly envelops your body without overwhelming the senses.

When shopping for fragrances, it's best to limit the number of scents you try in a day. Unless you're given a small tester vial to take home, chances are you'll end up having to spritz the scent on your wrists. Applying it directly on your skin is important for determining how well the fragrance mixes with your body chemistry, as well as checking if you might get any allergic reactions to the product. Spray a scent each on either wrist and don't let them mix with other scents. You can also take a whiff of coffee to clear your nose if you find something too overpowering!

Have you found your signature scent? What are your favorites so far?

Source: fragrantica.com

compiled by Sam Gonzales, contributor

It’s almost like a plague. Behind the beautiful Instagram posts and self-deprecating tweets grows a creature devouring the light within. I’m sure we’re all familiar with self-doubt as it looms over us. When I talk to people about this, one thing seems to ring true: everyone feels self-conscious and doubt themselves. It is present at night, when we’re alone, when we reflect on the state of other seemingly more successful people. But hey, self-improvement is difficult but that isn’t a good enough reason not to try. We asked nine incredible women how they try to overcome their self-consciousness and self-doubt.

Bea Dela Torre

Trisha O’Bannon

Bea Dela Torre, Junior Product Manager at L'Oreal Makeup Designer/Paris

To be honest, it takes time and a lot of growing up to get over self-consciousness and self-doubt. It just came to a point that I started not caring about what people think and just started focusing my energy on achieving my end goal in life. It was hard but that's reality. All good things take time and patience.

Trisha O’Bannon, poet and performer

It's not really overcome, it's a daily battle! A lot of it is constantly reminding yourself that whether you see yourself in a good way or bad way, the power's completely with you. Only you have the power to change how you feel about yourself, or do something about it. And it's important to get to the root of it. If I'm feeling really shitty about myself, I make a list of reasons why and then later, when I'm not so emotionally charged, I weed out the ones I can change from the ones that I can't or don't want to. For the ones I can change (e.g. I feel too fat), I make a plan to do something about it (e.g. diet, exercise, self-love). The ones that I don't want to or can't, I have to learn to accept that it's part of me and it makes me who I am.

Some days are easier than others. The important thing is to know that it's always going to be a struggle, so you never feel like you've failed yourself. And so you never stop making an effort!

Writing it down helps, para concrete siya, hindi lang some weird abstract "I suck.” And you have to do it when you're feeling less shitty, or when circumstances are better. Alternatively, if you constantly feel a certain way about yourself, maybe you have to change that thing. ‘Di lang siya fleeting feeling. And having a concrete plan of action is also super empowering. Like I've gained a lot of weight which totally sucks for me and it's going to take a lot of work but when I laid down what I had to do lose weight, I already felt much better. A lot of self-doubt and self-consciousness comes from the feeling of losing control. So, do what you gotta do to take back that control in your life.

Andrea Beldua

Donna Virata

Andrea Beldua, photographer

I don't think we can ever completely overcome our self-doubt; it is a work in progress always after all. I used to be so much more self-conscious before though, and I think that stemmed from my youth and my inability to recognize who I really am. As I grew older, I learned so much more about myself through my passion for my craft. Although I know I have so much to learn, I know now that my talent and hard work will always be the defining factor of Andrea Beldua — not my physical looks. I am so much more than that. A quote that will always be relevant to this is one by Savannah Brown (from her poem "Hi, I'm a Slut"): "My body is a temple, I am the god it was built for."

Donna Virata, Marketing Associate at GlaxoSmithKline and blogger

I wouldn't consider myself 100% confident about who I am and what I do, but I do think I've improved tremendously from how I used to see myself. I think what helped a lot is:

1. Understanding who I am, the things I value, my interests, strengths and weaknesses; and
2. Understanding the people around me and beyond my circle, the things they value, their interests, strengths, weaknesses and how they actualize their goals.

It’s cliché but I realized everyone's different, and that although some people are born with advantages, it's still up to me how I can make the most of what I have. I accepted myself, considered myself as a work in progress and went on to develop my strengths and weaknesses. as in with concrete action plan. So now, even if there are times that I would unconsciously doubt myself, bigla ko iisipin na unproductive ‘yun and come up of a way to kill that doubt.

Bianca Umali

Lara Rapanan

Bianca Umali, makeup artist

It was a process. It took a lot of convincing from my friends and family for me to actually consider makeup artistry as a full time job. However, what really made me take the plunge was the realization that I was more afraid of my inner demons than other people's reaction towards my chosen career. One day I just decided to make a Facebook page outing myself as a makeup artist and I didn't receive any negative feedback from anyone. I guess it's really true when they say your mind could be your best friend or worst enemy. Once you make peace with the idea that your doubts will never able you to move forward, you're already in the right path.

Lara Rapanan, co-founder of Habin PH

When I realized that I have full control of what my mind feeds my ego, I took charge of that process. I'm now mastering the art of weeding out the unnecessary from my life.

Mandy Cruz

Christine Liwag

Mandy Cruz, performer

I honestly think I never got over my self-consciousness nor my self-doubt; I think that's something nobody truly "gets over.” I just got used to thinking more positively about myself than otherwise. Despite that, I still really feel that often I catch myself comparing myself to other girls: how much prettier they are then me, or smarter, etc. Internal misogyny never goes away. It creeps up on you and shuts you down on your lowest of low days. The best way I try and get myself back to being positive and happy with myself is to remember that other girls are not my enemy.

Other girls are not my enemy. Other girls are not my enemy. Lather, rinse, repeat.

I don't want to say "repeat until true" because I don't think I have to repeat it over and over again until it's true. It'll be true even if I don't repeat the phrase, it'll be true even if I don't think it is. I think overcoming self-consciousness and self-doubt — or at least suppressing it until you have the capacity to ignore it — comes hand-in-hand with accepting others. We are all different and unique; we are not each other's enemy. Once I understood this, I became a lot more confident with myself and it became easier to even stand up for myself and just as easy to stand up for others as well.

Christine Liwag, Social Media Specialist at Smart and blogger

Honestly, I'm not very sure if I've entirely overcome my self-consciousness already. Growing up in an all-girls school got me up on the insecurity game quite early. It was only in high school when I realized how "good" I am with the things I think I'm "good" at. I guess you just need to find your strength — use it, maximize your potential, and you'll eventually be able to let go of your self-doubt. It's a work in progress, definitely not something you'll be able to achieve overnight. Oh, and friends help too! Be with the ones who'll cheer for you all throughout. I'm sure you'll never look back to what once pulled you down. Like what Harry Winston said, "People will stare, make it worth their while."

Indeed, the road to progress is a constant state of learning. How about you? How do you battle consciousness and doubt? What are you biggest hurdles when you try to improve yourself? Let’s talk in the comments!

Fight the good fight, ladies.

You don’t even need to be a makeup lover to have heard of MAC. The brand is a gold standard in quality and variety for pro artist makeup, and the prestige attached to owning their products have even caused some to resort to less-than-legit means of acquiring their own. But part of what makes shopping at MAC so special is that there’s always a trained makeup artist around to assist you in the process of finding the right cosmetics. There’s certainly prestige in knowing that you have created a customized look that perfectly suits your features with the guidance of a beauty professional! 

Recently, I joined MAC Techniques Light and Bright workshop, conducted by Raf Mañosca. The workshop focused on creating a dewy, glowing look like the kind Koreans are known for. It’s a great way to look more fresh, perfect for gals who are constantly stressed and lack sleep (#hugot). Here’s what you need to know!

Start with good skincare

Regardless of the makeup look you want to achieve, you should always begin the routine by applying skin care products. The MAC way of doing it involves applying lotion, hydrating mist, serum, moisturizing gel, eye cream, and lip treatment. (If it seems like a lot to you, then you probably haven’t heard of the full Korean skincare regimen)

Raf explains that those with oily skin should pay even more attention to creating a proper skincare routine as lack of hydration can cause overproduction of sebum, making matters worse. MAC skincare products have a lightweight quality, so they layer well under makeup.

Specific Products Used: Lightful C Marine-Bright Formula Softening Lotion, Mineralize Charged Water Skin Hydrating Mist, Lightful C 2-in-1 Serum, Mineralize Charged Water Moisture Gel, Lightful C Vibrancy Eye Cream, and Lip Conditioner.

Create your own custom highlighter

This DIY tip will give you the pro artist feels: you can create your own liquid highlighter by combining a face oil with your favorite powder highlighter! Raf scraped a little bit of Mineralize Skinfinish in Lightscapade onto a stainless palette and added a few drops of Prep + Prime Essential Oils. He mixed them together with a spatula to produce a runny liquid with suspended shimmer pigments, and we were wowed by its effect on the skin. The oil served to sheer the pigmentation out, giving the cheekbones a natural-looking glow.

Fill in eyebrows fast

As much as we want to spend time perfecting our arches, that is not always an option. For brows done in a jiffy, Raf used the Veluxe Brow Liner to create a curved solid line following the bottom shape of the brows and filled in the mid-portion of the brows. Then he brushed the color upwards, so that the hard lines are faded away and the pigmentation looks more dispersed and hair-like.

Work your creases the right way

Since I have monolids, it’s always been a challenge to define my crease without the fold “eating” everything up. I’ve always aimed the eyeshadow brush directly on my socket line but there is a tendency for it to create an obvious line. To avoid this, use a good blending brush like MAC 217 and aim it at the lash line, blending and working the eyeshadow up to the socket line. It produces a smoother gradation and prevents harsh lines!

Coordinate your blush and highlighter

You may know about matching blush to your lipstick, but did you know that you should also pick a complementary highlighter? For the same reason that you want an overall cohesive look with your blush and lippie, a highlighter in the wrong shade may end up looking garish rather than glowing. For example, bright pink blush and copper highlighter aren't exactly a match made in heaven as the contrasting colors look so unnatural. A pink blush would go great with a neutral, light beige highlighter, while a bronzer and copper highlighter can play up a tanned look. It's best to stick to using colors from the same palette so your overall makeup look is harmonious rather than confused.

Want to attend a MAC workshop? Workshops start at P5,000 and it’s a great deal because the amount is fully consumable through a voucher for MAC products given after the class. MAC has also released the nifty MAC Technique app (free to download on Android and iOS) so you can check out upcoming classes near your location and get info on what each of the classes are about. Once booked, attendees will be given a code to input into the app for exclusive access to other features like class notes, product photos, and a guide to the finished look.

Which tips will you be adapting for your makeup techniques? What MAC workshops would you be interested to attend?

by Crystal Rodis-Concepcion, contributor

We get a lot of questions about the best colors to wear for different skin tones, and though we have guides for picking out the perfect red or pink lipsticks, those only cover one aspect of your makeup look. There is one shade that seems to look great on everyone, a hue you can't go wrong with!

Peach is such a flattering color on Pinay skin tones. Its warmth has a way of making skin look glowing and healthy. What’s also awesome about it is that you can actually wear peach all over your face, which makes it one of our go-to shades for rocking a monochromatic makeup look. Here are a few of our fave peachy picks!

Eyes

Make Up For Ever in I-804. Although it’s actually the lone blush inclusion in the Artist Eyeshadow Palette, we see no reason why this can’t be used on our peepers as well! It has a beautiful gold shimmer that instantly brightens the eyes.

Laneige Two Tone Shadow Bar in No. 1 Humming Coral (P1,200). Love the gradient looks that Koreans come up with? This is two-toned eyeshadow stick makes it so much easier! Just swipe the stick over your lid, and the cream-to-powder formula blends the shades well enough so you don’t have to. The lighter color is a shimmery beige while the darker color is a matte coral peach.

Left to right: Make Up For Ever in I-804, Laneige Two Tone Shadow Bar in No. 1 Humming Coral

Cheeks

Benefit Majorette Blush (P1,600). This is one of the most sought-after peach blushes in the market! It has a matte finish (perfect for oily-skinned gals who worry about looking too shiny) and a fluffy texture that blends easily.

Happy Skin Get Cheeky with Me Blush in Summer Fling (P699). Experiencing some dryness on your cheeks? This slightly pink-toned blush contains cherry blossom extracts to help keep them hydrated, plus some very fine shimmer for that lit-from-within look.

Covergirl Cheekers in Pretty Peach (P395). Dewy cheeks can make you look more youthful and vibrant. We also loved how compact the palette is so we made sure to include this cutie in our Wanderlust Kit. Perfect for getting your glow while on the go!

Left to right: Benefit Majorette, Happy Skin Get Cheeky with Me Blush in Summer Fling, Covergirl Cheekers in Pretty Peach, Pink Sugar Sweet Cheeks HD Blush in Miss Independent, Ellana Mineral Blush Peach Passion

Pink Sugar Sweet Cheeks HD Blush in Miss Independent (P499). Looking for something subtle? This matte nude peach is a dupe of another popular peach blush, MAC Melba. You can also apply this just right under your cheekbones to mimic a contour effect.

Ellana Mineral Blush Duo in Kitten/Peach Passion (P450). Mineral makeup is great for gals with sensitive skin, plus they tend to pack a lot of pigmentation. You only need a tiny bit of Peach Passion to create a radiant glow on your cheeks as the pink peach powder contains fine shimmer. If you want a slightly more rosy effect, you can add a bit of the pink Kitten shade.

Lips

Lunasol Double Coloring Lips in 01 Clear Apricot (P1,630). This double-sided lippie contains a bright, apricot peach mousse and a sheer peach lip gloss. Layered together, it makes your pout look sweet and innocent.

Laneige Two Tone Lip Bar in No. 13 Orange Blurring (P1,200). Recreating the K-beauty inspired gradient lip usually requires mixing two lip products together but this dual-toned lippie allows you to do it in one swipe! We recommend applying the tangerine peach portion on inner part of the lip, while the clear portion provides moisture and gloss to the outer areas.

Happy Skin Lip and Cheek Mousse in Warm and Toasty (P699).This nude peach with a hint of brown dries to a matte finish. We love that we can use it on our cheeks, too! It goes on smoothly and blends easily.

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lipstick in 523 Sunset Cruise (P795). This sheer coral peach lipstick is formulated with beneficial ingredients such as moringa oil and Vitamin E. That means you can skip the balm and apply this directly! It provides long-lasting moisture to your lips.

Left to right: Lunasol Liquid Lips (clear), Lunasol Coloring Lips (apricot), Laneige Two Tone Lip Bar in No. 13 Orange Blurring, Happy Skin Lip and Cheek Mousse in Warm and Toasty, Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lipstick in 523 Sunset Cruise,  L’Oreal Tint Caresse in Tulip Blossom, Pink Sugar HD Lipstick in Naked, Inglot HD Lip Tint Matte in #17, Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream in Birthday Suit, NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu

L’Oreal Tint Caresse in Tulip Blossom (P350). Not a fan of liquid or creamy lip formulas? This powder lipstick gives a soft and petal-like finish that feels like nothing when applied. It has a reddish undertone that makes it a great my-lips-but-better pick for those with pigmented lips.

Pink Sugar HD Lipstick in Naked (P299). This lipstick is a warm, peach nude with a creamy finish. It has just the faintest hint of brown that keeps it from looking too bright and punchy.

Inglot HD Lip Tint Matte in #17 (P1,150). Of course, we had to include a matte lippie in this list! And this liquid lipstick has one of our favorite formulas because it settles into a true matte finish without making the lips feel dry or uncomfortable.

Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream in Birthday Suit (P450). Disclaimer: you may need to track down this rosy peach as it is often sold out! And it’s no surprise, really, as the pretty shade is one of the most coveted MLBB shades in the market.

NYX Butter Gloss in Tiramisu. It’s a semi-sheer lip gloss that’s as moisturizing as your favorite lip balm! We give it plus points for having a pleasant vanilla scent.

What are your favorite peachy finds? Have you ever tried doing an all-peach look?

Whether you're a panda fan or not, we're sure you'll find the Tony Moly Panda’s Dream Collection as cute as the real thing. This extensive new line has everything from eye masks to contour sticks, and they're all in kawaii panda packaging. Take a look of some of the products from this new Tony Moly release!

Panda’s Dream Eye Patch (P58)

Our eyes are often the first indicator of how tired or stressed we feel, so this delicate patch of skin needs some extra attention. The Panda’s Dream Eye Patch contains bamboo sap and bamboo shoot to moisten and brighten the eye area, making it look more lifted and refreshed. 

The patch closely resembles panda eyes in that the packet contains two big black circles that’ll cover nearly half your face. Each one has a flap you can peel back in order to see through but we recommend just lying back and letting the formula work its magic on your eye area. There is a temporary brightening effect, and your eyes will feel much well-moisturized and supple afterwards. 

Panda’s Dream Clear Pact (P678)

There’s a certain vanity factor in choosing compacts as we tend to whip them out in front of others. They should look nice, since they are a representation of our beauty stash. The oil-control Panda’s Dream Clear Pact takes it a step further by going from presentable to adorable. It’s a touch-up product and conversation-starter all rolled into one neat packaging!

The powder is available in two shades (Clear Vanilla and Clear Beige) and both have a translucent quality. It is finely milled, as one light pat of my fluffy brush was enough to produce a matte finish. Coverage is light to medium, reducing the appearance of redness on my skin but not hiding hyper pigmentation or blemishes. My T-zone started to look shiny again after about 2.5 hours of wear but I did love pulling this cute pact out again to touch up!

Panda’s Dual Lip and Cheek (P598) 

The lip-and-cheek compact looks like slightly smaller version of the Clear Pact but the rosy pair of hearts on the pandas’ cheeks make it easy to tell the compacts apart. Available in red and pink variants, each lip/cheek compact comes with two pans of creamy color. One offers a matte, powdery finish while the other has a dewy, glossy effect.

The milky-pink cream on the left is a dream to apply on the cheeks and feels more like a balm. It wasn’t too pigmented that I had to make much of an effort to diffuse, and a few light pats of my fingertips were enough to fully spread the blush. Plus, it didn’t feel sticky at all to blend, making it an ideal formula for those who hate cream blush. 

Panda’s Dream Contour Stick (P578)

Not to be left behind on the contour and highlight trend, Panda’s Dream also has Contour Stick in three variants: 01 Highlighter, 02 Concealer, and 03 Shading. The highlighter was a surprise for me as it was a pale, matte-beige instead of the shimmery highlighter formulas that I've been used to. I appreciate the subtlety of this one, though, and it seems like a great highlighter pick especially for oily skinned gals who worry that shimmer will add to unwanted shine. It was also very easy to blend, even over a face set with powder. 

Panda’s Dream Lip Crayon (P548)

For a multitasking lip color, these Lip Crayons bring on the moisture, pigmentation, and cuteness overload! It's slim enough to fit into small purses, and the narrow shape makes it easy to apply without going past the lip line even with its curved, blunt end.

There are five shades of pinks and reds to choose from. I have 02 Heart Pink, which is a bright, somewhat milky salmon pink. It glides smoothly on my lips and gives it a healthy amount of coverage in a single swipe. I recommend applying a moisturizing balm beforehand though as it can emphasize lip lines and dry skin.

From left: lip and cheek creams, lip crayons, contour crayon, highlight crayon, powder

Products Used: Panda’s Dream Clear Pact in 02 Beige, Panda’s Dual Lip and Cheek in 02 Pink Baby, Panda’s Dream Contour Stick in 01 Highlighter, and Panda’s Dream Lip Crayon in 02 Heart Pink

The collection gets aces for the irresistibly cute packaging so it adds a fun element to making these part of our routine and touch-up kit. Have you ever been tempted to buy a beauty product based solely on its attractive packaging? Which item from the Panda's Dream collection will you be dreaming about?

Product photography by Sam Gonzales

As a beauty girl with a limited budget, hunting for bargain beauty deals is one of my favorite things to do. Isn’t it rewarding when you take a chance on an affordable product and it turns out to be of top-notch quality, at par with more expensive cosmetics? We know how hard it is to discover under P500 products that will make totally impress you, so here’s the second list of makeup finds we’d actually be willing to pay more for! They’re so cheap yet so good that they really do deserve a spot in your beauty shopping list!

Quick FX No Shine Mattifier, P89 at department stores

If you’re looking for an oil-control mattifying primer that won’t break the bank, this is it. Smoothing just the tiniest amount on my T-zone and trouble areas considerably lessens my oil production! Without makeup, it won’t blur your pores like the Benefit Porefessional can but it does fill in fine lines and uneven textures for smoother foundation application. It’s almost always out of stock though, but that’s just another testament to its effectiveness!

Catrice Camouflage Cream Concealer, P329 at department stores

From making dark circles disappear to covering up pesky pimples, this little pot is packed with magic! It delivers intense pigmentation, longevity, and blendability with just the teensiest amount of product. This even cancels out all sorts of discoloration without the need to color correct, as evidenced by my untouched before and after photos. The result pretty much speaks for itself!

Daiso Eyebrow Pencil, P88 at Daiso

I’ve since bought multiples of this unassuming eyebrow pencil after discovering it from Liz’s Daiso haul. Don’t let the cheap price tag fool you! It's easy to create soft, thin strokes that can pass off as real hair. You can also choose from two colors: dark brown which is a more taupe-y shade, and brown which has reddish undertones.

Ever Bilena Pink Palette, P150 at department stores

Had the packaging not given it away, I would have never guessed that this palette is as budget-friendly as it is. The intense pigmentation and ease of blendability can rival pricier palettes, I swear! Also giving as A+ to the color selection because you can mix any of these shades and still get a coherent eye look that’s reminiscent of what Korean stars usually sport. The texture isn't buttery but it won’t kick off a lot of powder either. 

Maybelline Hypersharp Power Black Liner, P399 at department stores

The Maybelline Hypersharp Liners come in four variants: Original (yellow), Wing (violet), Laser Precision (orange), and Power Black (red). All four have a pretty kickass formula that won’t smudge or smear even with all-day wear, but I particularly love the red-capped liner because it makes drawing on thin wings such a breeze! Unlike the Original or Wing version, Power Black is a truly intense black that delivers full coverage in just one go. It’s cheap enough as it is but it often goes on sale to just P300 to make the deal even sweeter!

Applied the Catrice Camouflage Cream to prep and prime my lids. I used the three shades on the right of the Ever Bilena Pink Palette, and the Maybelline Hypersharp Power Black Liner for this subtle, thin wing.

Essence Lip Liner, P99 at department stores

It’s not difficult to understand how this product has sustained the rave around it all these years. On top of the fact that it’s less than a hundred bucks, the quality of this creamy liner can seriously compete with others 5x its price. You can use this on its own, or as a base color to make any lipstick last longer. There’s a pretty good color selection to choose from, too.

Pink Sugar Lip & Cheek Tints, P349 at department stores

We’ve raved about them before but we can't help saying it again: the Pink Sugar Lip & Cheek Tints are just plain awesome. They feel more like straight up liquid lipstick more than the tints we’re used to, TBH. They smell like grape juice (which I like), and dry faster than most of liquid lippies that I have. Once it sets it pretty much just stays there, unless you eat and then the inner center begins to fade. What sets this formula apart from most is that reapplying and layering a new coat after eating is fuss-free; no need to take everything off and start anew unlike with other liquid lippies!

Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream, P450 at department stores

If you're all about matte lip looks, your collection wouldn't be complete without a couple of these! The Sleek Matte Me Lip Creams feature a lightweight, non-sticky formula that won’t flake or emphasize the lines on your lips. They’re completely transfer-proof, and they set on the lips like a trooper. I needed an oil-based makeup remover to take them off but I am definitely not complaining! Darker colors like Vino Tinto (which is what I'm wearing) may need to be layered twice but I love how they instantly transformed my for-everyday makeup look into a sultry FOTD.

Have you tried any of these super-sulit drugstore treasures yet? Which ones will you be picking up at your next beauty run?

The search for your perfect lipstick is an exciting adventure. We've made guides to finding your perfect red and most flattering pink, and if that's not enough to whet your fancy, a quick search for "lipstick" in our archives will have you reading for hours!

Recently, an exciting new lipstick range has turned up on our radar and made us take special notice. The upcoming Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Icona Pop Lipsticks collection promise to give your lips an iconic punch of color, featuring an expansive shade range that is nothing short of stunning!

The formula itself is quite notable as the MUFE Artist Rouge Lipstick lasts a good 8 hours for the Creme and 10 hours for the Mat. This is due to MUFE's  "novel complex of waxes" that work together to keep the pigments as long-lasting as possible.

Big bonus: these lipsticks won't dry out your lips! MUFE combined macadamia and mallow oils to keep your lips moisturized day and night. Mallow oil is known for its super-emollient qualities while macadamia oil prevents skin dryness and helps retain the moisture naturally found in the lips.

Top: C600; Left to right: C502, C602, C601, C604

The launch event also introduced their latest partnership with Swedish group, Icona Pop. Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo popularized the international hit "I Love It" featuring Charli XCX, also a MUFE ambassador, opened for multiple tours including Katy Perry's and Miley Cyrus's, and are now returning with their single "Emergency". The strong collaboration of MUFE, Icona Pop, and the group's makeup artist Colby Smith also produced two limited edition shades for the Artist Rouge line: M401 and C603 showcasing "Red for confidence. Blue for exuberance."

Icona Pop's Caroline Hjelt (in M401) and Aino Jawo (in C603)

A lipstick extravaganza filled the runway as models and MUFE's featured makeup artists showcased the new Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge line to the pulsating beats of the Zombettes.

A live demo also recreated the different lipstick artistry being shown on the huge TV screens at the Brewery. We're loving MUFE's modern take on the black lipstick!

As promised by the MUFE team, the Creme formula we swiped on at the event it lasted well into the night. Application was easy as the lipstick glided onto the lips. The Mat formula is also a winner in our book! The pigment stayed strong on the lips for a solid number of hours and only had minimal fading after eating.

The redesigned packaging reflects the professional aesthetic of Make Up For Ever. The inspiration comes from a MUA's metal palette combined with the brand's signature look. The bullet design provides high-precision application and was innovated by Dany Sanz.  This enables us to apply neatly into the corners of the mouth as well as create a crisper lip line.

M102 and M401

Mark your calendars as all 48 shades of Make Up For Ever Artist Rouge Lipsticks will drop in stores on September 15 and retail for P1,250 each. We’re certainly looking to add a color or three to our stash!

Are you Team Crème or Team Mat? Will you go for the passionate red or the exuberant blue?

by Diane Salazar, contributor

A couple of products we previously never thought of DIY-ing are brow pomade and brow mascara. It looked like the process was so complex but it was pretty easy once we got around to tinkering with the idea! The materials needed are easily found in any makeup junkie's home. The best part is that the color is fully customizable, plus you can even choose to make two different products from just one batch.

It's important to note that the proportions vary according to the type of powder, wax, liquid, and oil you are using. Consistencies are not the same across the board so you'll need to add or lessen as needed. So! Are you excited to try this yet? Here's what you'll need!

• Brow powder or any matte brown eyeshadow. Choose a shade or mix several to match your hair color.
• Hair wax or gel. Make sure it sets completely to get the best wear-time out of your mixture.
• Makeup fixing spray. This will create a more liquid texture for ease of application. It will also keep your wax/gel base from drying out too quickly.
• Beauty oil. This is optional, but we thought of including  it so you can condition your brows while wearing makeup at the same time! We recommend castor oil to promote the growth of lusher brows. If you have oily brows though you might want to skip this ingredient.
• Small spatula
• Mixing palette. This is optional, you can just as easily do the mixing in your jar.
• Clean cosmetics jar for mixing and storage

Step 1: Carefully scrape a small amount of powder using your spatula. Try not to dig out chunks as they will be lumpy when you try to crush them! It's easier to get a fine texture if you just slowly scrape off the powder per layer.

Step 2: Add a drop of wax, a drop of makeup fixing spray, and half a drop of oil (for conditioning, but you can skip the oil if you have oily brows) to your powder. Mix it with a spatula. This will create a brow mascara which can be applied with a brush or spoolie. If you want to make a brow pomade, add more powder to get a thicker, drier consistency. 

Again, feel free to adjust the ratio of ingredients according to the products you're using.

Step 3. Store the mixture in an airtight container to keep it from drying out. You only need a small amount at a time so if you don't plan to use this regularly, it's best to make this in small batches to prevent wastage.

This is what our DIY browcara looks like! Love the ease of application and how it made the kilay so organized. We used an angled brow brush to apply it but you can also use a mini spoolie if you have a spare. You can store this in an empty mascara tube if you have one (usually sourced from beauty supply or packaging stores)

Is our DIY brow mascara and pomade better than store bought? It looks great if we do say so ourselves, haha. However, it takes a while (say 40 mins to an hour) to set so beware if you're very oily. But it's easy enough to do and costs practically nothing, so it's worth trying out if you've always wanted to see how you'd look with a browcara or eyebrow pomade.

We recommend using a brow powder or eyeshadow with good pigmentation if you want to be able to wear this on its own. Otherwise, it's a great way to make your brows look thicker and more lush after applying your favorite pencil or powder products. It also keeps every hair in place!

Have you tried using brow pomade and mascara before? Will you be trying out this DIY? What do you use to keep your eyebrows in place? 

I’m a proud member of a local Facebook group of makeup lovers. I enjoy seeing their beauty recommendations and latest finds, since the members are so resourceful and always on the nose when it comes to what’s good! Every so often, however, questionable tips like curing psoriasis with bleach and washing acne with detergent soap come up. I appreciate that the admins are responsible about dangerous advice like this by posting disclaimers or even closing the comments section. However, since the group is so large many members still come away with a lot of unhealthy and false information about skincare.

For example, members with serious acne would often post their faces in the discussion section, asking for help. In just a couple of hours, over a hundred people would recommend various oral medication, creams, gels, and DIY solutions that worked for them. Now I think it’s fantastic that members care enough to share their advice, but here’s the thing: what’s the right advice for the person suffering from acne (or any skin issue for that matter)? How can she get the right treatment without causing her skin further harm?  

The Internet is a great place to get information about general skincare, but when it comes to serious, painful skin problems that actually affects your quality of life, it is best to go to a dermatologist to get help. I’ve said this so many times but it bears mentioning again: don’t experiment with products or treatments by yourself if you haven’t even found the cause of the problem. Yes, the cause.

A wrong self or crowd diagnosis can lead to the wrong treatment, and this can make your skin health worse than when you began. This is why it’s important to go to a dermatologist to find out what’s going on first before he or she can prescribe any medicine. Your best bet is someone registered with the Philippine Dermatological Society. A board-certified dermatologist in the Philippines is a doctor who completed three years of specialty training in one of the 11 institutions accredited by the PDS and passed the examination administered by the Philippine Board of Dermatology. This is not the same as a derma who completed his/her studies in a shady facility so you know you are getting the best help.

Should you decide to self-medicate to relieve the redness and pain before you can make time to see a derma, make sure to read the label and research what each ingredient does. Don’t blindly follow recommendations from strangers because at the end of the day, different things work for different people, and it might end up to be more costly to experiment. Make sure that the treatment you try is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (you can check here for registered over the counter drugs).

Be critical about the products we use and always consult a PDS-registered dermatologist if you’re unsure about something. I think that’s the best way to have the healthiest skin possible! Remember, beautiful skin starts with healthy skin. ^_^ I’ll be posting more about #SkinHealth soon, since this is something the team is passionate about. Stay tuned!

Discuss:

• What do you do to maintain your skin health?
• What’s the worst your skin has ever been?
• How do you normally solve your skin issues? Self-medicate or wait for them to go away?

photography by Sam Gonzales

For the most part, anyone who wants a good deal eventually winds up in the underbelly of Divisoria. Whether you are looking for fashion, school supplies, electronics, or home goods, Divisoria is the best place to look if you want to score great finds without burning a hole through your pocket. All you need is a bit of patience and the skills of a champion haggler.

However, the magical appeal of Divi doesn’t really extend to much of the beauty community, no thanks to the rampant selling of fake makeup. We went to numerous stores full of "MAC", "Anastasia", "Real Techniques", "Kylie", and other popular brands that are selling for so cheap. We can't support fake products hence they were a hard pass for us. 

Still we had to know: what legit beauty items can we actually haul from Manila's ultimate shopping destination? Here's what we found!

Acrylic Lipstick Organizer, P200 from 168 Mall

This cheap lipstick organizer is the new home of my lippies! Makeup organizers come aplenty in Divisoria ranging from the P100 to P400 mark depending on the material, design, and size. I actually like this one a lot because it’s simple, sturdy, and it can fit tubes of different shapes and sizes. I’ll be back to buy two more if I find the time so this is a YAASSS!

Taiwan Lashes, P45 from 698

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Divisoria is falsies heaven! Of course, there are the actual fake false eyelashes (with "branded" packaging) but you can also get generic ones like this for only P45 for a set of 10. I’d heard great things about these Taiwan 217 lashes from Facebook reviews, and they proved to be easy to apply, even for a lash virgin like me. Definitely giving a big YAASSS on account of the thin, bendable band, and the natural-looking lash length boost of the design!

Paddle brush, Mushroom brush, 10-piece brush set

Makeup Brushes

To my surprise, the paddle brush (P170) turned out to be a big YAASSS. I’ve been reaching for it more than my Beauty Blender these days because it gives me heavier, fuller coverage in just a few strokes! Using a moisturizing primer and buffing repeatedly ensure that I don’t get foundation streaks on my face. The bristles are soft and dense,  but if I have one gripe with this product, it would be just how hard it is to clean.

The mushroom brush (P150) is a PASS for me though. While the bristles are actually quite soft, the short and compact design of the brush head makes them very stiff, so buffing and blending in circular motions is quite difficult. It also absorbs a lot of product, and I noticed quite a bit of fraying after just one wash.

Used the paddle brush to apply my face base, and the 10-piece kit to complete the rest of my look

I have mixed feelings about the 10-piece brush set (P350) though. If you’re a makeup beginner with a limited budget, then this might be a YAASSS for you just because you get a lot of different brushes for not a lot of money. As with anything, you can make this work but it does take more effort as compared to working with luxe brushes. If you have Zoeva, Sigma, or even drugstore faves like Real Techniques, EcoTools, or even e.l.f., just PASS or you’ll be sorely disappointed.

Weird beauty gadgets: Nose Up (P18) and Fullips (P40)

I know these two look sketchy as hell and that’s cause they are, haha! As I expected, both turned out to be a hard PASS because the only thing they did was to give me a hard time breathing. If you want a narrower nose and a fuller lip, just use the power of contouring and lip-lining. Don’t even bother wasting your P58 and get a few items from Watsons instead.

Have you ever considered shopping at Divisoria for your beauty buys? Let us know what you think of this haul in the comments below!

P.S. If you choose to patronize fake cosmetics, that’s on you, but there are a number of good reasons why you shouldn’t.    

This is it. You know how some moments in your life, when they're happening, don't feel significant until much later on when you can look back and lead all good things back to it? I remember a call I received last year from someone named Laveen Rohit who emailed previously that he's launching a cosmetics brand called Pink Sugar. I was in an Uber going home after a meeting, and here was this guy gabbing enthusiastically about makeup. Not in a this-is-just-business tone - he was genuinely into cosmetics and obviously put in a lot of time and research into developing his own brand.

When we finally got to meet and Laveen showed me the products, I was amazed. There was a complete 24-color lipstick line up, a crazy pigmented concealer, eyeshadow palettes, and rich, smooth blushes in lush shades among other things in the extensive debut collection. "This guy is not kidding around," I thought. These products challenged what a local makeup brand can do within an average price range of just P400. 

I remember Laveen telling me during that first meeting that they would love to do a collab with Project Vanity in the future, and I remember feeling touched but not taking it that seriously. I mean, forget about modesty, I'm not famous. I don't have caravans of followers! But a year later and here we are. This collaboration is perhaps the biggest trust a brand has given me in my entire eight-year career in beauty and truly, I am still in a state of disbelief as I write this at 5 am today.

This is a huge milestone for me, and I will be forever grateful to Laveen and his brother Rohit for giving me the opportunity to finally have a hand in making makeup.

The development. The Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Lie Matte Lip Crayon (P399) didn't quite start out as a crayon. I thought of a dual-ended product but there were some limitations about the available components and costing, so crayon it is! Crayons are the easiest to apply since you can outline the lips with a lot of control. Of course it had to be moisturizing, as well! Laveen asked me to design four colors and I thought of doing an everyday shade, a trendy shade, the Project Vanity shade of pink (of course!), and a daring shade for evening events.

From Laveen's end, he came up with the concept of "These Lips Don't Lie". It's about the little white lies us girls like to tell, whether in sarcasm, exasperation, or humor. I loved it! The names of the colors reflect those LWLs - Woke Up Like This, Ready In Five, Love At First Swipe, and Nothing To Wear.

The box and tube. The lips on the box were illustrated by yours truly! I went for a matte pink tube in the Project Vanity shade, something you can easily spot in your dresser or from the bottom of your bag. I think it's fun and cheerful, a bright spot of color against the busy blur of everyday life.

The formula. Laveen and I decided on a matte finish, but we wanted it to be non-drying. There is Vitamin E and Shea Butter included in the formula for extra hydration! If your lips tend to dry and flake though I would recommend using a clear lip balm beforehand to give 'em an extra boost.

We were particular about pigmentation. These had to be opaque and hold their color integrity for about four hours of normal wear. The Pink Sugar x Project Vanity crayons are also completely scentless, since I know PV girls love their lipstick with little or no fragrance! 

The colors. Woke Up Like This is a muted pink “my lips but better” (MLBB) shade that is designed to look flattering on all skin tones. It’s a versatile color that can be worn to an important work presentation or to a first date! Love At First Swipe is a peachy cocoa, a fresh take on the brown lip trend. It’s dramatic yet wearable for everyday. Ready In Five is a brightening perky pink that’s bound to cheer you up even in the gloomiest of days; it's based on the Project Vanity pink logo!  Nothing To Wear, a sexy deep plum, is set to be a new staple at parties formal or high-octane. 

I've swatched them on myself (has a slight sheen since I was using bright lights but they are quite matte in person) as well on Marielle, who is very fair; Kim, a medium; and Angela who is morena. 

So there you go guys, the Pink Sugar x Project Vanity crayons! I hope you love them as much as I do! It would mean the world  if you can try them out, let me know what you think, and share your #FOTD on Instagram with the hashtags #PinkSugarxProjectVanity #TheseLipsDontLie and #ProjectVanityCom so I can check them out. <3 If you don't have the lip colors yet, you can also share a photo of  your favorite shade on Instagram and why you like it the most (please use hashtags for tracking). The three best posts will win a COMPLETE set of these lipsticks from me! This quick contest will run from September 1 to 7.

Thank you, thank you as always for supporting us! We've come quite a long way, and this will not be possible without your constant visits and constructive feedback. <3

photography by Sam Gonzales

Where to buy. The Pink Sugar x Project Vanity These Lips Don't Lie Matte Lip Crayon are now available at Pink Sugar's 23 counters nationwide. Online, you can purchase them at Pinksugar.com.ph and BeautyMNL.com. 

Pink Sugar store locations:

Greater Metro Manila:
SM Makati Department Store, SM Manila Department Store, SM MOA Department Store, SM Aura Department Store, Landmark Trinoma Department Store, Landmark Makati Department Store, Watsons Festival Mall, Watsons SM Southmall 

Luzon:
SM Fairview Department Store, SM Bacoor Department Store, SM Marilao Department Store, SM Clark Department Store 

Visayas:
Watsons Ayala Center Cebu Watsons Seaside Cebu, SM Bacolod Department Store, SM Seaside Cebu Department Store 

Mindanao:
SM Lanang Premiere Department Store (Davao), KCC Department Store General Santos, KCC Department Store Zamboanga, KCC Department Store Marbel, G Mall Department Store Davao, G Mall Department Store Tagum, G Mall Department Store Toril 

Now that September has kicked in, Christmas season has officially started in the PH. Expect holiday carols to start piping in through PA systems, parols for sale on street curbs, and an ever-growing wish list for Santa. Oh yes, you’ll definitely want to be on the Nice List with even more beauty releases coming our way!

Image via Bustle

Bend it like BECCA

Known for their finely milled and incredibly glowy powders, luxury brand BECCA is taking the world (and our cheeks) by storm. With the successful launch of their collection with YouTube star Jaclyn Hill, the brand has been upping their glow and highlight game ever since. Cut to their newest release, a powder that’s aimed to give you that summer bronze glow all year long: the Bronze Amber Shimmering Skin Perfector. The name’s a mouthful but it promises to deliver more of the brand’s signature luminosity. The powder is actually a combination of the brand’s Wild Honey Mineral blush and cult favorite Opal Shimmering Skin Perfector, helping you achieve that perfect darker blush glow. Retailing at $38, this lust-worthy highlighter drops at the BECCA website this week!

Full story on Bustle

Image via Huda Beauty

Baby, Huda best!

Seriously, who hasn’t fallen in love with Huda Kattan? The makeup artist-blogger-turned-businesswoman shocked the beauty world when she first came out with her Huda Beauty range of falsies and liquid lipsticks, which not only had amazing staying power but contoured lips to pouty perfection. Well, this Girl Boss has just released yet another exciting product following her matte liquid lipstick collection- the Huda Beauty Rose Gold Edition Textured Eyeshadows Palette! The 18-piece eyeshadow palette will feature a mix of matte, shimmer and metallic shadows that would make rose gold-lovers swoon. No word on the price yet but the palettes are expected to be available at Sephora stores and online by mid-September.

Full story on Popsugar

Image via Bustle

Color the holidays with Tarte

Christmas lights and lanterns won’t be the only ones sporting a dazzling display of colors this season. Tarte has just released their Color Vibes Amazonian Clay Palette, ahead of the anticipated release date. Our wallets are not ready, so who else is freaking out right now?!

Image via Temptalia

The limited edition palette features four different sets with 20 different colors to fit every colorful mood this Holiday 2016. Consisting of mostly neutrals, the matte and shimmer shadows are perfect for mixing and matching, plus the formula features their signature Amazonian Clay blendability and pigmentation. Retailing at just $46, you can now get them on the Tarte website. BRB, placing in our orders!

Full story on Bustle

Image via Allure

Sponge-tastic!

Sam and Nic Chapman, the geniuses behind the affordable British brand Real Techniques, are definitely pioneers in their own right. From starting out as makeup artists to becoming one of the most successful YouTubers in the UK, these women are changing the drugstore makeup tool game and we couldn’t be happier!

Following the success of their $7 Miracle Complexion Sponge, which rivaled the famous $20 Beauty Blender, comes something that’s going to make sponge-obsessed converts of all us. According to Sam, the three new beauty sponges will aid in the three Cs of makeup: cover, correct, and color. The Miracle Diamond Sponge ($10) has a marble effect that makes blending face bases so much easier and faster. Though oddly-shaped, the Miracle Sculpting Sponge ($6) is the perfect companion for highlighting and contouring with its six different sides, allowing for precision and easy blending. The adorably-sized Mini Eraser Sponges ($6) may look puny but these little egg -shaped purple sponges actually work great for final touchups and blending.

Full story on Allure

Image via bestthingsinbeauty.blogspot.com

So Guerlain, it hurts

If you’re looking to treat yourself to a bit of luxury, consider picking up one of the Guerlain Palette 5 Couleurs! With five shade options in each palette, there’s no shortage to the different looks you can do. Whether deep, rich purples to blush-toned nudes, the shadows offer well-pigmented mattes and shimmery powders. Priced at $69 a palette (ouch!), these babies are on every high-end makeup collectors’ dream team.

Full story on Temptalia

Miracle Workers from Korea

The craze for Korean-made cosmetics and skincare isn’t stopping any time soon! Even Western brands have (finally) taken notice and started developing their own versions of K-beauty cult favorites.  

Images via nguonmyphamhanquoc.vn and sehoonyolomall.com

Quirky cosmetics brand Clio just came out with their Peripera Vivid Tint Water ($8), the intensely pigmented concentrate of their cult-classic Tint Water. It packs a punch in the color department, and promises minimal transfer.

Image via Popsugar

Give your skin a nice tall drink of Enature’s Birch Juice Hydro Essence Skin, the latest goodie to add to your skin care regimen. With its natural and innovative ingredients, the birch sap used in place of water gives your skin a brighter, smoother, and plumper, look and feel. Priced at $25, watch out for its availability this September.

Image via beautespring.com

Stick to It!

You can literally erase your face with one of the coolest products that Korea recently came up with. The Neogen Green Tea Cleansing Stick ($25) uses actual green tea leaves to exfoliate, cleanse, and polish skin. You’ll be able to remove makeup, dead skin, and other impurities just by swiping this on. Sounds nifty, right?

Full story on Popsugar

Have a great weekend y'all!

Okay, I'm kidding, it's not a miracle for me to finish products - just difficult! Many, many new products arrive weekly at the Project Vanity HQ for the team to try, which means that it's easy to switch loyalties from one brand to another. A current fave may be just that, current. Something else might take its place in a month or two so it might never get finished.

Some products, however, are so good that they are constantly within reach. For powder, these are the four I've proudly hit pan on! I didn't include the Shiseido White Lucent Foundation anymore since I've already mentioned finishing it a few times. It's a totally awesome foundation though and my HG since I tried it two years ago. 

Onwards -

L'Oreal Mat Magique All-In-One Powder (P499). So cheap, but so good! This has a smoothing, poreless finish and adjustable coverage. It can be used as a finishing and retouching powder or a full foundation on its own, if you add a couple more layers. It has a fine texture and controls oil very well.

Currently, I'm trying out the newly released L'Oreal Micro Perfecting Powder Foundation and I'd say it's even better than Mat Magique! It has such a poreless finish. I'm G5 in L'Oreal, for your reference.

Ellana Pressed Mineral Foundation (P699 for the refill). Heavy coverage that's photogenic without being mask-like - this is what I love about this mineral powder. I've gone through a couple of these already! It's the powder I go to when I'm breaking out since it conceals so well and doesn't irritate my skin. I'm a Hazelnut Latte here!

Happy Skin Don't Get Mad, Get Even Powder Foundation (P1,399 for the compact and P899 for the refill). I'm using the darkest shade, Deep Beige, which is a great if sliiiiiightly darker match. I love the silky fine powder and medium coverage it gives. It stays on me well during the day! This is comparable to my Shiseido and Lancome foundations in terms of texture and finish.

VMV Hypoallergenics So Clear Oil-Absorbing Pressed Powder (P1,805) I got this from BeautyMNL some time back for an article on my column but never got around to reviewing it here. T__T Anyway, now that it's almost finished, I can say it's seriously good! It actually has some coverage so it's great if you want to fix up your makeup during the day and even it out. I'm Ochre, a perfect match. This is also a good choice for days when my skin is just not cooperating with me since VMV is conscious about putting allergens in their makeup.

And that's it! Hope you enjoyed my quick list, and have a great weekend!

Discuss:

• What are the powders you loved to death?
• What are you looking for in a great powder?

When someone says “K-beauty”, brands like Etude House, Tony Moly, The Face Shop or Laneige immediately come to mind. They are already considered as household names for us avid beauty junkies! However, the K-Beauty world is so much bigger than what we've been exposed to here in the Philippines. Thanks to online stores like Althea, About Face, and Mei Satsuki, we got to dig a little deeper into the treasure trove of lesser known Korean beauty brands! Here's just a few that have gotten rave reviews online.

NoTS

In our first brush with high-end Korean cosmetics, we discovered NoTS or Noble Through Skincare. It's still a little known brand even in Korea as it's relatively new. Nonetheless, what we've tried of their all-natural formulations for sensitive skin have been rave-worthy. Their stick foundations are a must-try! You can get their products from Aboutface.ph locally.

W.Lab

We first saw W.Lab at Althea and was surprised by how extensive the line is. There's skincare targeted towards different skin concerns and whole lotta makeup! Our editor, Liz, tried the 3-D Face Shading Stick some months back and loved the subtlety of the contour it provided. We're looking forward to try out more from the brand, like their BB cushion and lip & cheek palette which we just got from Althea.

Bbia

Bbia is an online exclusive makeup brand in Korea, meaning they don’t have any physical stores at all! Currently their site also caters to countries like China and Japan, but you can also find their products on Gmarket, which ships internationally. I personally love their Last Lipsticks, which are long lasting and matte, but I get my fix from Mei Satsuki!

April Skin

It's hard to believe that this brand is only two years old because they're beginning to trend online! Famous for their Magic Stone soaps and Magic Snow Cushions, April Skin boasts of naturally-derived plant ingredients. They've recently released the Fixing Tint, which is a liquid lipstick that promises to stick on your lips no matter what! April Skin is available at About Face, Althea, and Mei Satsuki.

Peripera

I'm actually surprised that Peripera isn't really being talked about in our local beauty scene because their lip tints are a HUGE hit in Korea. We vaguely remember them being available in Watsons some years back but they've pulled out since then. Peri's Ink is what they are most famous for, as they're well-known for their longevity and vivid pigmentation. They are often referred to as Benefit dupes (Editor's Note: better than Benetints - they are SO SOLID and stays even when you eat!). Try the Water Tints if you want a more natural finish, or the Ink Tints for a rich, opaque lip stain. Some of their tints are available in Althea and Mei Satsuki.

Rire

Rire is famous for their Lip Manicures, which are liquid lipsticks that are supposed to be transfer-proof and waterproof. So cheap too, since they're only P280 at Althea! Their lippies look like little bottles of nail polish and all have a matte finish but if you prefer a bit of shine, you can also get the glossy top coat for a juicy-looking finish. Rire is considered a dupe for the more pricey Clio Lipnicure but supposedly doesn't similarly flake off with wear. Rire can be purchased from Althea.

Mamonde

Did you know that "Ma Monde" means "My World" in French? Despite its name, this skincare brand is all Korean and have the unique idea of using flowers like camellia, lotus, rose, and honeysuckle in their products. Their Rose Water Toner remains a steady bestseller because of its mild and moisturizing properties; I sometimes soak the product into cotton pads to use as a DIY face mask, and it leaves my skin feeling so soft! Mamonde is available from Althea.

Image via beautybyrah.blogspot.com

Chica Y Chico

If you're an active netizen, you've probably seen their 10-in-1 Matt Cushions being buzzed about on social media. Most BB cream-based cushions often include skin care benefits but theirs is one of the longest lists I've seen: UVA/UVB protection, whitening and wrinkle care, pore care, sebum control, dead skin cell control, perfect coverage, strong durability, cooling effect, and improving skin elasticity! If you want to get on the bandwagon, you can check them out at Althea.

Proud Mary

This is the first time I've heard of a "Derma Personal Brand". Proud Mary's claim to fame is their cutting edge technology, which aims to boost the skin’s ability to combat abnormal skin turnover cycle (aka aging) caused by stress or an unbalanced lifestyle. They're primarily a skincare brand but they also have a BB cream and a CC cream that also offer promise to care for your skin. You can find Proud Mary at About Face.

Holika Holika

Holika Holika actually opened their first store in the PH in 2013, and now has counters in select SM Beauty Sections. The packaging of their products are often cute and a bit cartoon-y: from heart-shaped lipsticks and pig design nose packs to cats on cushion compacts. I often go to their SM Manila branch to pick up their nicely scented mask sheets, but their best-sellers are the Holy Berry Tint (available in our Wanderlust Kit as it happens!) and the Aqua Petit Jelly BB Cream. The latter even has a cult following in Korea!

We hope you enjoyed our list! It took us a while to source these products (it took two months to produce this story), and yes, we will definitely review them soon! 

Discuss:

• Which ones do you want us to try and review first?
• Have you tried anything from these brands before?
• What other less-popular beauty brands do you recommend for us to try?