When I think of the women I write for, I don't just see numbers. I think about what you'd be delighted to read, excited to discover, and actually use everyday. I think about what kind of value I can offer you - maybe not to change your life in a major way (only you can do that), but to make that change more accessible by changing what you think about your own kind of beauty. Whether it's designing a lipstick that will make you feel like you woke up pretty, getting you a hand-picked kikay kit for much less, or doing a workshop about interesting techniques, I want you to know - really know - that you can be beautiful and confident on your own terms.  

When the time came for me to make something new, I thought of creating skincare. It has to be something for busy women, like you and I. It has to be simple and effective. It has to be a nice experience everyday, something that will elevate what you already do in your routine.

And so In Her Element was born. 

In Her Element aims to make simple skincare for busy women. It's made from all-natural ingredients and contains no fillers. It is cruelty-free (we test only on ourselves) and proudly handmade here in the Philippines! The first product under the brand is the Nourish & Cleanse Balm (P595 for 30 grams) which offers two primary functions: it revives dry patches of skin and removes waterproof eye and lip makeup without drying the area.

Unlike other petroleum-based balms which simply seals moisture under the layer, the Nourish & Cleanse Balm's main ingredient is coconut oil. It hydrates and smoothes skin effectively, as it is a moisturizing oil. It is said to have anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties as well. The In Her Element Balm also features Beeswax, Cocoa Butter, Choco Vanilla Oil, and Vanilla Oil - all nourishing for the skin - and Organic Red Colorant to create a lovely pink shade (although it's colorless when applied). It smells like sweet vanilla!

You can use it as a lip balm. I love it as a primer for my lipstick so that my lips don't get dry (especially useful under mattes)! It's also great for parched and scaly cuticles, elbows, and heels. 

Another feature is that it can remove waterproof eye and lip makeup. When you massage the balm on your skin, it has the ability to melt even the toughest formulas. Just wipe it off with tissue before proceeding to your normal cleansing routine! Here it is in action:

I do hope you can try the Nourish & Cleanse Balm out soon! Currently, we are only selling via the In Her Element website (Inherelement.ph), but we'll have more locations next year. ^_^ Please do follow us on Instagram (@inher_element) and Facebook for more updates. We'll definitely have more products soon.

I'm honestly feeling a little emotional right now as I've been working on this for half a year. I just really want to say thank you for reading this, and checking out In Her Element. Would love to know what you think, as always!

I have a growing suspicion that if the Project Vanity team were to pool all of our sheet mask stashes together, we’d have enough to fill a large suitcase! We’re so crazy about sheet masks, we pretty much hoard them every time we spot them on sale. Not only are they a nice, effective boost to our regular skincare routine, but the act of masking in itself feels like 20-minutes of blissful pampering after a busy day. At an average of about P50 per mask, it’s honestly not a cheap habit to have, so we’ve found seven ways to make the most out of each one!

Tailor your mask

If you encounter a mask that doesn't quite fit your face, don’t hesitate to cut away! 20 minutes is quite a long time to be bothered by an imperfect fit, and you may be missing out on fully absorbing the essence if the mask isn’t fully in contact with your skin. To make fit it to your face shape a bit better, simply cut it horizontally, along the same line as the flap for your nose. This should allow you to better position the placement of your mask over your eyes and mouth, especially if your face is smaller or bigger than the cutout.

Don’t hate, refrigerate

I once had a friend complain to me how uncomfy and sticky masking can feel. I told her to pop the mask in the fridge before use and she now looks forward to her masking sessions. The cold sensation of the essence feels very soothing particularly if you’re hot and tired. This trick is a must if you use undereye mask sheets - it deflates puffiness and lessens the appearance of dark circles!

Metal masking

When I first saw that Estée Lauder came out with the Advance Night Repair Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Masks, I freaked out a little before eventually warming up to the idea. By putting a foil barrier on top of your mask, you lock all the moisture down thereby creating a more efficient facial essence delivery system. Now we all can’t afford to spend $20 on a single mask so thank God for DIYs and Althea!

Two is better than one

If you check our collections, you’ll notice that we don’t just hoard one type of mask. That’s because no one mask can address all our issues with just one product, and the needs of our skin can actually change on a daily basis. So until we find that magical mask that solves all problems, we’re happy to do double masking! The idea is to use one mask after another, so your skin can get all the treatments that you need. And because your skin will already be moist from the first mask session, the second one actually penetrates the skin better because there are no dry barriers to overcome. Not only will this fast track your way to perfect skin, your face will also thank you for the intense hydration!

Complete the package

Ever feel like your eyes and lips are feeling a little unloved compared to the rest of your face because of your sheet mask habit? Don’t leave them hanging; if your sheet mask doesn’t use an include a flap to cover these areas, just use separate eye and lip masks for these areas underneath your regular mask. Multi-masking cuts the wait time if you’re looking to speed things up!

The final touch

Did you know that the best time to use a sheet mask is actually AFTER applying all your skin care? That’s right: after the essences, serums, moisturizers, etc. is when your mask should be going on so that it can seal all that goodness in.

Leftover essence is a mist opportunity

Most masks will have quite a bit of essence left in the packet after you’ve done masking, and we’re thrifty enough to ensure that this precious liquid isn’t simply thrown away. Apply the remaining essence all over your body for an intense moisturizing treat, or grab a clean, empty spray bottle and transfer the essence in. Et voilà! You get a nice facial mist that serves as a great (and easy) pick me up whenever your skin starts to feel blah. For more viscous essences though, dilute it a bit with a bit of added distilled water or another mist like Avene Thermal Spring Water, otherwise it may simply clog the nozzle of the spray bottle.

Do you love sheet masks as much as we do? What are your favorite masks, and how do you make the most out of every use? We want to know what your mask-imizing techniques!

Have you heard about menstrual cups?  It’s a less popular way to deal with our period especially here in the Philippines where we tend to be conservative about matters of the vagina. I'm a  tampon user myself, but I admit I still had misgivings about going for the cup. I needed to know first: what is it, exactly? Is it easy to use and is it safe?

The 101 on cupping

Like tampons, menstrual cups are inserted into your vagina but they catch the blood in the bell-shaped cup rather than it getting being absorbed by a cottony material. While they cost substantially more than tampons and napkins, they tend to be more economical in the long run! Menstrual cups are reusable and can be used for up to five years. Think about how much money you’d save from not having to buy menstrual supplies every month, plus it’s more environment-friendly as you don’t contribute to waste.

Although the cup has been around since 1937, it didn’t sell because people found it scandalous. It finally began to gain popularity in the late 1980s, using a latex rubber material. These days, the cups are made with medical-grade silicone because some women suffer from latex allergies. It’s safer to use compared to napkins (which can irritate and chafe skin) and tampons (which poses the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, if you don’t change it regularly).

If you’re into sports or are physically active, cups are a great alternative to pads, Mountaineering friends tell me that this is actually their preferred method for dealing with menses: they’re easy to clean up and bring around, doesn’t result in trash that can soil the environment, and they don’t have to worry about running out of a supply of napkins or tampons while on a climb!

While looking for options, I was surprised to learn that we actually have a locally-made menstrual cup called the Sinaya Cup! With each purchase of a Sinaya Cup, the company donates a cup to underprivileged women so I really appreciated how their business includes giving back. The Sinaya Cup comes in two sizes, Small and Large. They recommend the Large size for women who are over the age of 30, have given vaginal birth, or have experienced heavy flows during their periods. Otherwise, you should be okay with the Small size.

Debunking myths about cupping

Anyone can use a menstrual cup but since it’s still not a mainstream option, there’s a lot of misunderstanding and trepidation about its use. Here’s what you should know!

Myth 1: When the cup is full, the blood flows back into the uterus.

Once you start your period, the muscles of your uterus push the menses out into the vaginal area. The flow is then caught by the cup, which blocks its exit. No matter what you do, the blood will not flow back up.

Myth 2: Virgins can’t use the cup/the cup will affect your virginity.

The only way you can “lose” your virginity (a social construct and not so much a physical one) is to have sex. Inserting the cup for the first few times may feel like a tight fit, but that’s simply because your body isn’t used to it and the vagina may tense up and thus constrict the opening. There are different methods for insertion though, which we will discuss below.

Myth 3: The cup will get lost inside you.

The walls of the vagina actually hold the cup snugly in place! It can’t go up any further than where you placed it. Because it’s blocking an exit point, it also creates a kind of seal to keep the blood from leaking out. I find that removing the cup has to be done in a particular way to “break” the seal and allow it to be pulled out with ease.

Myth 4: I can get infections or even Toxic Shock Syndrome when using the cup.

Unless you’re very slap-dash with your personal hygiene, you shouldn’t be worried about getting infections. Just remember to always wash your hands and sanitize your cup before and after use. And it goes without saying: no sharing, please!

How to use the cup

Before anything else, it’s important to boil the cup before your first usage to sterilize it and soften it a bit. Most cups include instructions on how to do this properly. Follow up by washing your hands and the cup with a mild, unscented, oil-free soap as these additions may contribute to irritation.

To insert the cup, it is folded so it can be placed into the vagina easily and then spreads out to its normal shape and size. There are several ways you can fold it, depending on your comfort level. Personally, I find that the Punch-down Fold works best for me.

Aside from finding a folding technique that suits you best, you also have to be in a comfortable position that makes insertion easier, just like when you put on a tampon. You can squat down, put one leg up the toilet seat, or just sit down. The important thing is that you’re in a comfortable position that allows you to relax, which is honestly even more important than the fold or the position.

When you’re ready, slip the folded cup into the vagina slowly and carefully until it has completely gone inside. You’ll know you’ve done it right when you don’t feel anything at all. Make sure that the cup has unfolded into its full size by inserting a clean finger and running it all around the cup to check. You can also use your fingers to gently push it in and ensure that the cup is securely in place.

To remove, pinch the base of the cup to create a fold and break the “seal”. Dump the contents into the toilet and wash the cup with water before reinserting. You don’t have to do this often, so you can choose to wait until you get home to do so. When you start a new menstrual cycle, make sure to boil the cup again for five minutes before usage to sterilize it.

So how is it like, really?

I find that it’s very, VERY important to relax when inserting the cup so don’t try to do this when you’re in a hurry. Insertion gets more difficult the more tense you are, and you need to be patient. It took me three attempts to correctly put the cup in the first time, so don’t be frustrated if you can’t get it right immediately!

Once the cup is in, you shouldn’t be able to feel it at all. If you do, you may need to push it in farther or reinsert it again so that it’s positioned correctly and comfortably. It’s advised to use a panty liner the first few times you use the cup in case of it’s not positioned correctly and leaks. Nonetheless I was thrilled that I didn’t experience any leakage even on the first try.

Removal was a bit difficult for me and again, it’s important to relax while doing this. Lightly and carefully squeeze the cup in, and pull it out gently by its stem. It can be a bit uncomfortable but it gets easier as you get used to it.

Overall, I’m glad that I got to try this out. I’ve long hated the diaper-like feeling of napkins, and tampons are pricey and sometimes hard to find. While I’m still getting used to insertion and removal, I find that once the cup is in, you basically forget that it’s there because it doesn’t feel like anything at all! I can wear this for up to 12 hours so I just make sure that it’s newly-inserted in the morning and remove it when I get home. It really just takes a lot of practice and patience. I’ve only gone one cycle so far, and I may change my mind, but I am really loving how it works!

What do you think about menstrual cups? Is this something you’d be willing to try? And if you have more questions, feel free to send them in through the comments below and we’ll do our best to answer them!

Learn more about Sinaya Cups on www.sinayacup.com

Sources: Sinaya Cup, Lunette, Diva Cup, Intimina

2016 is almost behind us. It’s been a crazy year for the PH as well as the rest of the world, but we can’t help but be thankful as this year marks the rebirth of Project Vanity. Whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or just recently discovered our site, we’re thankful that you found your way to our happy, makeup-loving corner of the Internet!

Anyway, we’ll be ringing in a new year in just a couple in a little over a month and we’re looking to (hopefully) leave some things behind, like these questionable beauty trends. Sure, you should definitely have fun with makeup but it’s important to make a distinction on what only looks good on camera versus simply looking like a better version of yourself in real life. Here are a few of the trends we’ve loved to hate:

Screencap from Youtube: Denitsalava Makeup

Den: I’ve been trying to step up my eye makeup game this year and blending shadows like my life depended on it so I really don’t understand the cut crease! Theoretically, it should work particularly well with my hooded lids as it gives the illusion of a bigger crease area, but going around with such an obvious line freaks me out.

Image via Instagram: @kyliejenner

Stacie: Instagram eyebrows should leave, right now. Too crisp with a strong gradient and super high arches should only stay on Instagram. Please don't bring them out of social media!

Image via Instagram: @mariya.ae

Angela: I'd love to see everyone sport natural-looking brows instead of overly-drawn ones. Eyebrows are supposed to frame your face and not be the main attention but that's just me. I also love highlighters, but too much simply makes your face look like you poured glitter on it.

Image via Jordan Liberty

Gett: I'm just over the excessiveness of Instagram makeup. It looks nice on camera but I just have to wonder: how realistic is it to wear out on a normal day?

Image via Instagram: @jamescharles

Claire: I'm so over 2016 eye trends. A dramatic cut crease takes a lot of practice to do right, and a boatload of confidence to pull off IRL. Glitter for the eyes: awesome in theory but in reality, would you really risk getting bits of a foreign object into your eyes? I do own some shimmery cream shadows, but I've been seeing loose glitter powder being used as eyeshadow. Just, NO. Not for me.

Image via Elle

Marielle: I have a love-hate relationship with the idea of glitter lips. I've never actually tried it, but I love all things shimmery and sparkly so the curiosity is there. And then I end up thinking, "But you'll be swallowing that." Hard pass. Let's move on.

Katsy: Definitely the glitter lips also. I remember doing crafts in grade school, and glitter just spreads everywhere! Though I think they use special glitter for makeup, but like Marielle, I really don't want to eat glitter.

Image via Cosmopolitan

Kim: I wish people would finally get over lip injections in 2017. Your body, your choice – of course.But I still think there are much better, safer, less painful ways to improve your pout than pumping silicone into them.

Whether you’re a fan of these trends or hate them just the same, at the end of the day, makeup and beauty boils down to personal choices. How about you? What can’t you wait to leave behind in 2016?

Header image via Jordan Liberty

I've collected several brush sets and singles through the years. I am delighted by each one - a bright, shiny set of unused tools always give me a high - but it's often just that, a high. Soon enough I pick out only a few that will stay within arm's reach whenever I do makeup on myself! I do use a couple of sets regularly for work though, like the Riot Brush Set for public demos and the Charm Suzie Set if I need a travel-friendly version. Otherwise these eight brushes are ALL I need. They've proven themselves after all this time and over so many other options!

SOFFIA Opulence All Over Face Brush. I've had this for over two years and it's still as soft and whole as the day I got it. This is what I use for applying powder foundation and setting powder! It's the best for achieving that ultra smooth, buffed-out finish without requiring a lot of product.

Bobbi Brown Angled Face Brush. I didn't like this at first, because the shape fanned out weirdly and it always has these stray hairs just dangling from the head. For a brush worth almost P3,000, you'd think it'd look better! But I haven't found a brush yet that applies blush and contour as flawlessly as this. It delivers the perfect amount of pigment and doesn't create streaky patches that need extra blending. The angle allows me to stamp my contour/blush on and I'm done in like 10 seconds!

Suesh Large Eyeshadow Brush. I got this particular brush as part of a set, but I've been using an older single (which I lost) years before. This is the brush that made me realize that eyeshadow is really best applied with a flat tapered brush versus a fluffy round brush. At least, for my flat, not-so-contoured lids! I also use it as an overall brush for blending shadow on my lash line, crease, lower lids, and brow bone. It's a great do-it-all tool.

Morphe E14 Eyeshadow Brush. When I want really solid color on my eyes though, I go for the E14. This has dense, synthetic bristles that can pack on both powder and liquid eyeshadows to bring out their potential. It can also work with concealers and smudge out creases and edges.

Zoeva 231 Luxe Petit Crease. This bullet brush is the perfect size and shape for dropping crease makeup. It's not too dense that the color looks too solid, but it's not so fluffy that it diffuses the color overmuch. 

Zoeva 230 Luxe Pencil. This tiny pencil brush is what I use to achieve a clean smoky eye. Yes, it's possible with a smaller brush vs going in with a bigger head! I "draw" my outer v and line/smudge my lower lids with this to get dark colors in those areas without the mess.

MAC 217. This blending blush is a legend for a reason. It works with cream, liquid, and powder formulas and is not just limited to eyeshadow; it can work with concealer, blush/contour, and foundations well, too! Makeup artists stock up at least two MAC 217s in their kits, one to drop product and the other for blending. I've had this for FOUR YEARS and it still performs as well as the day I got it at the store. 

Tarte Eyebrow Brush. This just came "free" with a pot of eyebrow gel but have gone on to become my most abused brow brush. It's also almost four years old! I'm sure Tarte sells one similar or exactly like it, and you can be sure I'll buy that once this brush dies on me. Doesn't seem like it will anytime soon though!

And that is that. Most of these brushes are old already but you can see that they still look great, with proper care. I just wash them with Joy dishwashing fluid or clear shampoo (whatever I have on hand) and let them dry lying down on a towel. ^_^ What are your most abused brushes? How do you care for them?

Are you excited about the holidays as much as we are? We're looking forward to the dazzling decor, family reunions and oh, eating, of course. Whatever gifts we receive are just icing on the cake but there's something even better than getting something nice - it's giving away goodies to our favorite people! As a thank you for supporting Project Vanity throughout the year, we've partnered with Bare, a skincare line that's popular for their custom-mixing scent system, to give away sets to 30 lucky winners. Yup, you read it right, we will give away thirty sets of their travel-sized 60ml bottles!

Bare's body washes, lotions, shampoos, and conditioners have become a fast fave for the PV Team since they smell so clean and relaxing. They instantly turn our bathrooms into a spa! The formulation is light - none of that greasy, heavy feeling - which makes them perfect for everyday use.

Wanna get your own Bare set? Here's how to join!

1. You must follow @bareforbare and @Projectvanitycom on Instagram.

2. Repost our featured bare image of the week on IG with the answer to our weekly question. This week’s (November 28-December 5) question is: what do you love most about the holidays?

3. Use the hashtags #BareForBare #BarexProjectVanity so we can track your entries.

We'll pick ten winners each week for the next three weeks.* Good luck!!!

*Terms and conditions: Winners must be based in the PH and cover the shipping cost of their prize.

I think we can all agree that beauty sponges aren’t going away anytime soon. When the OG Beauty Blender achieved cult status, it inspired a plethora of copycats available for every budget. We’re not complaining though because while we love the real thing, a thousand bucks for a tool that’s only good for three months isn’t exactly wallet-friendly! So I tried and tested five different beauty sponges to see if I can achieve the same airbrushed finish for less.

To test, I used my usual primer and foundation duo: Nivea After Shave Balm and Céleteque Photoready Liquid Foundation. I applied a full squeeze of foundation on the left side of my face with a dry sponge, while I dampened the sponge for application on the right side. I didn’t use any concealer to be able to compare the coverage, so please excuse my dark circles! After every application, I made sure to clean off everything with a wet wipe and dry my face before going in with my next base application. I tried not to change anything else so the conditions are as consistent as possible. So here’s the full report on the beauty sponge breakdown!

BYS Cosmetic Sponge (P149, available at Watsons)

Unlike the Beauty Blender, the BYS cosmetic sponge is a flat teardrop-shaped tool which doesn’t expand when soaked in water. Instead of the usual dabbing motion, what I found worked best for the BYS sponge is sliding the material over my face in small strokes similar as to how you would use a mushroom brush. That being said, it took a while to get everything blended out. The sponge also sheers down the coverage, and it will take several passes to get to a medium coverage. If you can put in the work, I do find that it does a nice job of making foundation look like second skin. Out of all the sponges I’ve tried, this one is the most porous and absorbed a significant amount of product.

I did a bad job of blending the foundation to my hairline. Not the sponge’s fault!

Nippon Pro Blend Sponge (P400 for two sponges and a cleanser, available at Nippon)

Shape and material-wise, the Nippon Pro Blend Sponge is the closest dupe to the Beauty Blender among the four other sponges I tried. It’s slightly larger than the BB and also expands when dampened, but it’s denser and less porous than the original thing. You can see right away that the coverage is so much better compared to the BYS cosmetic sponge. The dampened side also provides a more luminous finish compared to the matte effect on the dry side.

If I were to use the Original Beauty Blender on half of my face and the Nippon Pro Blend on the other half, it would take a whole lot of makeup experience to know which side is which. You can feel feel the difference when it comes to application though. The Nippon sponge isn’t exactly as soft as I wish it were, so it’s not as bouncy as the Beauty Blender. It doesn’t absorb much product but it can be a pain to clean because of how firm and dense it is.

Happy Skin Air Touch Sponge (P499, available at Happy Skin stores and counters)

The Air Touch Sponge is the biggest and has the most unique shape of all. It has a curved edge, a flat edge, and a rounded bottom that’s meant to cradle the contours of the face easily. While I do love the shape of the sponge, the material of the sponge is sadly a deal breaker. The sponge expands unevenly when dampened. The edged parts become soft and malleable but the rest of the sponge remains stiff and hard to work with.

This one absorbed the most amount of product, which affected the coverage so you can easily see the blemishes on my forehead. If I was working with a tougher foundation, I think it would have been obvious how inefficient this sponge is in blending my base. On top of it all, the sponge is also a pain to maintain! It stains and tears easily, and even after a few washes, I couldn’t get it to be as pristine as when I got it.

Missha Air in Puff (less than P100 at online stores)

Using a tapping motion, I was able to achieve the most intense coverage with the Missha Air in Puff - or what they call a rubicell sponge. Despite the heavy coverage, I didn’t feel the thickness yet my skin looked flawless! Note that I used the same amount of foundation for all sponges and this one stretched out my foundation the most. The sponge absorbs very little and is the easiest to clean. I read on K-beauty blogs that wetting the sponge would create a more dewy base but I personally didn’t really notice the difference.

Rubicell sponges in general can inspire a battle of their own but they still can be classified under the makeup sponge category. For this post, I used the Missha Air in Puff which comes with all Missha cushion foundations.

Doing this battle reminded me again how thankful I am for K-beauty! If you’ve been meaning to try a beauty sponge for so long but don’t have the budget for it, get a rubicell sponge from Korean beauty brands! AmorePacific was on to something when they patented the cushion technology.

Original Beauty Blender (P1,000, available at Sephora PH, GlamourBox, Purebeauty)

Now down to the sponge that inspired it all: the original Beauty Blender is a pink egg shaped sponge that expands to about 175% of its original size when dampened. I’ve been a fan of this stuff ever since I purchased it and I hope you can see why! Nothing beats the airbrushed effect of the Beauty Blender in making my base look like my skin but better.

This makes blending the easiest thing, and I love how great it is at taking away any cakiness. It’s the perfect amount of soft and malleable, which makes it easy to cover every nook and cranny of your face. You do get heavier coverage when you use it dry but dampened is still the way to go IMO. The Beauty Blender absorbs very little product, is hypoallergenic, and is easy to clean so it’s not hard to see why this product has won multiple awards!

Final Verdict

I’m both happy and sad to be saying this but the Beauty Blender still wins at creating the perfect, second-skin-like base. If you prefer a heavier coverage for a tenth of the price, go for a rubicell sponge, even though it may not be as versatile in blending all types of cream products. If you want a nice, blending multi-tasker but can’t afford to splurge just yet, the Nippon Pro Blend is the next best thing.

Have you found a perfect dupe to the Beauty Blender just yet? What other beauty sponges have you tried?

*Header image: (from left) Nippon Pro Blend Sponge, Original Beauty Blender, Happy Skin Air Touch Sponge, Nippon Cosmetic Sponge, Missha Air Puff

If you’ve been looking forward to getting your hands on some holiday releases, these new ones from Sleek MakeUp are not to be missed. They're all about making your skin and eyes glow, just in time for Sparkle Season! Here's the line up plus swatches.

As part of the new Rockstars Collection, Sleek has come out with the Diamonds in The Rough i-Lust Palette (P650) for ultra-flattering rose gold-themed peepers that’ll work on just about anyone. The palette contains two cream shadows: Solitaire is a pearly white, and Radiant is a pale gold with fine shimmer. Use these for brightening the inner corners of your eyes, or even as highlighters! There are also four powder eyeshadows. Trillion is a champagne gold, Princess is an iridescent pink, Asscher is a silvery light peach, and Marquise is a copper-tinged pink (aka rose gold). Love how all the shades are named after diamond cuts!

From left: Solitaire, Trillion, Princess, Asscher, Marquise, and Radiant

All the shadows are easy to blend, though pigmentation is on the lighter side and longevity is at an hour or two before creasing. With primer, there was a significant improvement in color intensity and longevity. It still creased but within a six-hour mark. I also recommend using a flat shader brush so you can pick up more pigment in a single pass.

For a holiday strobe-fest, there’s the Highlighting Palette in Cleopatra’s Kiss (P875). While the Solstice palette has an opalescent, pastel feel, Cleopatra’s Kiss is all about creating a summer goddess glow. It looks fine on me (I'm fair, bordering on pale) but I think it will be even more flattering on morena skin.

From left: Sphinx, Delta, Dynasty and Goddess

The palette contains two cream and two powder highlighters. Sphinx, a true gold, is ideal for placement on the brow bone. The golden sheen is prominent but plays on the yellow tones of the skin, giving it a nice warmth. Delta, the first cream highlighter, is a bronze meant to give a sun-kissed touch along the bridge of the nose. Dynasty is a fine light gold shimmer for the tops of the cheeks and temples. Goddess, a pale silvery beige with a hint of pink, contains bigger, white pigments that would perfectly emphasize the cupid’s bow. The powders are more long-wearing the creams, and can survive a day without fading.

If you’re interested in just getting a single shade that you can easily fit into even a small kikay kit though, opt for the Strobing Souffle (P595). This whipped cream highlighter is available in Pink Opal and Smoky Quartz. The latter is composed of chunky, coppery gold sparkles suspended in a lightweight, creamy medium. It can be used to build up on a sheer highlight, or used by itself for conspicuous definition. I ended having to wear this for nine hours straight once, and by the time I was ready to take it off, I could still see most of the sparkles on my cheekbones!

Sphinx on the brow bone, Delta on the nose, Dynasty on the cheeks, and Goddess on the cupid’s bow

I’ve been enjoying these new additions to my highlighter collection, and look forward to having a brighter (and just a tad sparkly) complexion onto the new year with these light-catching beauties. Which one is your fave? 

What makes a brand good? I'd say it has something to do with its ability to evolve and be better over time. To do this, it has to listen to what customers want and get rid of the "why fix it when it ain't broke" mentality. There's always something to improve on if one can accept that product development is a never-ending process! How else can a brand stay relevant and play a long game?

Zenutrients has a new look, new products, and reformulated faves

This is something that Zenutrients General Manager Angela Reyes-Dinglasan understands by heart. Remember when she gave me the Gugo Hair Strengthening Shampoo and Conditioner last year and it blew my mind? I've purchased several bottles of both products since then because they do so much for my thinning hair! I always have these in my bathroom in rotation with other hair HGs. I was raving to Angela about it some months later and she says, "Wait until we perfect a new shampoo and conditioner base!" 

Wait I did, and now it's here. The Gugo shampoo and conditioner is Zenutrients' best-selling products - they sell this stuff by the liter - but Angela knew that it could be improved. I mentioned before that the shampoo, while having clarifying and volumizing functions, was quite drying. It's the kind where you really need a conditioner afterwards! The new version though has a richer lather and is definitely a lot less drying. I also feel that the gugo concentration is higher, judging by the smell and color of the shampoo (it's a deeper amber color than before, which means the gugo was steeped in there for longer). I would still want to use conditioner after the shampoo but now it can be optional.

I loved the conditioner before since it didn't weigh my hair down and rinsed off without a residue. Now it's richer and more moisturizing, while still maintaining my hair volume. It's still easy to rinse off! It smells the same too, like minty oatmeal.

Overall, I adore this new reformulated version of my old faves. The new packaging is lovely as well, with a more minimalist clean look. I am definitely going to keep on buying the Zenutrients Gugo products for the foreseeable future. ^_^ Have you tried this yet? If so, how was your experience?

I remember watching the documentary on Katy Perry some years ago and just literally crying for her. It seems odd to feel bad for a pop star worth millions of dollars, adored and famous all over the world, but I couldn't help it. There she was doing her massive California Dreams World Tour. It was a cornucopia of neon colors and candy-themed costumes, bright and bubbly like Katy's music. In the middle of it, her marriage was falling apart. There was a scene where she received a text message about the divorce but she had to perform mere hours after receiving the news. When she went on stage, she was all smiles and ready to give people the experience of a lifetime.

I found that particularly poignant. I wasn't a Katy Perry fan, but I felt so much respect and love for her during that moment! She'll never know who I am but I find myself rooting for her and all of her ventures.

Recently, Katy Perry released an exciting collaboration with Covergirl called the Katy Kat Collection. It features two volumizing mascaras (a black and blue) and 13 lipsticks with a demi-matte finish. This limited edition line is now available in the Philippines, finally. I will review the mascara separately (spoiler alert: LOVE IT) so for now I've got swatches and my thoughts on the Covergirl Katy Kat Matte Lipsticks (P450 in department stores) for you!

Let's talk about the formula first. These are not true matte lipsticks - they have an initial sheen that dries a little later on to become more of a velvety matte. The bullet goes on creamy and the colors are opaque in a couple of layers (save for Cosmo Kitty, which is streaky). Staying power is average at about three hours sans eating and drinking. Wearing a lip primer or liner should help them stay on much longer.

I have to mention that I am still not a big fan of the smell of CG's lipsticks. It's waxy and sweet in a way I find off-putting. It's not a deal-breaker but I am looking forward to the day when CG improves the scent!

Anyway, when I saw the selection of lipsticks that were sent for my review, I have to confess that I was disappointed at first. I thought that two of the shades would look terrible on me. I also didn't quite dig the reds but once I wore them, I must say that the colors are exceptionally pretty! 

Perry Panther is surprisingly opaque, for a black lipstick. As long as it's applied on completely dry lips, it adheres nicely and does not go on streaky. Maroon Meow is a gorgeous muted maroon, while Crimson Cat is the kind of classic, vampy red your mother and probably your daughter would probably still love. The clincher: Cosmo Kitty, a medium rich lavender, defied my expectations (or lack thereof). I feel it actually looks good on me! It is warmer and a bit deeper in person compared to the photo which makes it wearable even though it's a lavender.

The only catch for Cosmo Kitty is that it's streaky without a base. Make sure to wear a liner that matches your lips or the lipstick color so that it's opaque.

Overall, I really like these Cover Girl Katy Kat Lipsticks and will definitely wear them out often. Perry Panther is such a great find, as it's pretty unique in the drugstore beauty scene both in terms of quality and color. You should get it if you're looking for a good black lipstick! Cosmo Kitty is trickier to wear but has that advantage also of being a unique color.

What do you think? Are any of these lippies calling your name?

When Banila Co. finally arrived in the Philippines last year, K-Beauty fans all over the metro celebrated as it meant easier access to their amazing products. We’ve ogled the products on display in their new store, and even dared to take up the #OneDayOneMask Challenge! We still can't get enough though, so when we got the chance to talk to Banila Co.'s brand ambassador Cho Heena, we made sure to ask the K-beauty questions we've been dying to know more about!

Defining K-Beauty

Ms. Cho Heena is 24 years old, gorgeous, and a true-blue Banila Co. fan. In fact, she was scouted by the brand because she was one of their VIP customers! She shared her thoughts about K-beauty as actually being a mix of East and West; there’s opportunity for self-expression through skincare and makeup, but it’s also rooted in cultural traditions and notions of Asian beauty. She credits its international popularity to K-pop stars, who brought the style with them when they became big worldwide.

How to get that chokchok glow

Koreans are famous for their dewy skin that looks plump and moist. But it is sooo frustrating to copy the look here in our humid Philippine weather, since it can turns oily fast. Ms. Cho shared that she experienced the same problem while living in Malaysia, and revealed that the primary secret to making it work is moisturizing correctly! Don’t skip this step even if you’re afraid of getting hot and sticky; all you need to do is swap your usual cream formula for a gel. The heat and humidity can actually cause the moisture on your skin to evaporate, leaving behind a greasy, oily mess! So if you want to keep your skin balanced, make sure to moisturize regularly!

Another secret to chokchok is in the base makeup. She makes sure to use a primer, applies sunscreen, then powders lightly to finish the makeup. She recommends using the It Radiant CC Cream (P1,215), which also brightens the complexion and evens the skin tone.

On the Korean no-makeup makeup look

After all the products that need to be applied, you'd think it'll look cakey or too heavy, but Koreans make it look like second skin. Ms. Cho explains that it's all about controlling the amount of makeup. For example, she doesn't prime her entire face; just parts of it. It's about applying only where you need it, because your face may need different items for different parts.

With foundation, she applies in several light layers close to the skin, and not just dabbing and piling it on. Aside from controlling the amount, it's also the layering application that keeps the makeup from looking heavy.

The famous Korean straight brow

Ms. Cho complimented me on my “very Korean” straight eyebrows then shared how she does hers:

1. Start from the brow tip nearest to your nose, and draw a straight line until the portion of the iris.

2. From that point, draw a slight arch so it doesn’t look too “straight”.

3. Continue to draw until you reach the other corner of your eye then simply connect lines as necessary.

When it comes to grooming eyebrows, a lot of Korean girls are apparently self-taught. They have waxing but not much threading in Korea, so most girls learn how to groom their brows from a young age. They use a spoolie to brush up the front part of the eyebrows, carefully cut the longer hairs, brush down at the tail part, and cut the excess hair again.

The practically invisible Korean eyeliner and puffy eyes

Haven't we all watched a K-drama and wondered if their eyes were just that defined or if they were wearing eyeliner? Ms. Cho has an easy way to achieve this: her personal technique is to “root stamp” the Foxtail Mascara (P885) right on her lashes before using the Foxtail Dual Eyeliner (P865) to draw wings on the corners.

Ms. Cho doesn’t use eyeliner on her lower lid but she emphasizes the “pouches” underneath to make it look more puffy. She also uses a lighter and brighter shadow instead of a highlighter in the middle of under eye.

Five essential Banila Co. products you should try

Ms. Cho's first recommendation (and favorite product) is the famous Banila Co Clean It Zero (P875), a cleansing balm that many K-beauty fans swear by. She shares that she made a Filipino friend try it to remove makeup, and it worked like a charm even on waterproof mascara!

She also loves the It Radiant CC Cream (P1,215) as it has a way of evening out the skin by cancelling red, yellow, and dark spots, even though it doesn't have any coverage. She applies this on top of the Prime Primer Classic or Classic Matte (P1,090), then sets everything with Prime Primer Finish Powder (P1,090 reg, P595 mini). Unlike other powders, this formula is translucent so she is able to use it to set even eye makeup. There's no white powder effect with a velvety smooth finish either, so it's also perfect on the T-zone area!

Finally, she grabs the Two Kisses Dual Tint (P695) for that classic K-beauty ombre or gradient lips. This product has an emulsion side and a gel tint side, with different shades of the same color. You apply the emulsion side, which moisturizes the lips, then wait for around 30 seconds before dabbing the gel tint in the center for a natural ombre lip look.

She also advises for lips and cheeks should match, so Koreans mix a bit of both the lip color and the foundation to create a blusher that matches! The Cover 10 Perfect Cushion (P1825) and V-V Bouncing Cushion (P1825) both dispense a bit of product on a tray which you can use as the palette to mix with the lip color – instant cream blush!

Skincare will always be the top consideration for Koreans, so she also recommended the White Wedding Sleeping Essence (P1,550). You apply this as the last skincare step before sleeping, and you should wake up to brighter skin the next morning.

Are you a K-Beauty fan? Which of these tips will you be trying?

They say the world is different through an artist’s eyes: it’s bolder, more colorful, and full of life. This is certainly evident in the work of celebrity makeup artist Owen Sarmiento, who is regularly called upon to transform the most famous faces in the entertainment industry. His client list includes the likes of Yeng Constantino, Kim Jones, Jolina Magdangal, Arci Munoz, and Angeline Quinto, and his name is ever present in magazine spreads and covers.

We wanted to learn more about how his makeup unfolds beauty in its cleanest and most natural form, and we were thrilled to find that this industry bigwig has a warm and accommodating persona! Read on to get inspired by Owen’s story of painting faces, pushing limits, and venturing into the world of beauty.

Yeng Constantino

Who is Owen Sarmiento? Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

Ever since I was a kid, I have always been into the arts. I did a lot of crafting, I sketched, I sewed, I decorated, I designed. I spent all my free time creating and being creative. I was born into a poor family but I was very resourceful. I love creating out of nothing.

Who are you as a makeup artist? How were you inspired to pursue this career, and who inspired you?

As a makeup artist, I have always pushed my limits. I love trying different looks and keeping a wide range of makeup styles. As a kid, I most enjoyed sketching women's faces. I would even use real makeup (my mom’s) on paper until I realized I could apply it on my sister instead! It was during this time that I first laid eyes on the works of the great Fanny Serrano. It was really seeing his makeup genius that I started to dream of becoming a makeup artist and of being good at it. I would spend hours and hours in recreating the looks he created for his muses like Lorna Tolentino, Sharon Cuneta, Vilma Santos and the like.

Claudia Barretto

How did you begin your journey in the world of makeup?

I was 9 years old when I did my sister's makeup when she graduated in her prep school! I’ve never stopped learning and teaching myself since then. Professionally, it was in 2007 when I joined MAC Cosmetics Philippines to be a retail makeup artist. I was based in Marionnaud in SM Mall of Asia.

We hear that you also love to paint. Is this a factor that you consider important to how you view colors on a person’s face?

Painting came a little later actually. It was in June 2015 that I first did an actual painting, and it was more of a necessity. My partner and I were looking for paintings to hang on the walls of our house then, and while there were many beautiful paintings (both affordable and expensive), they meant nothing to us. So I decided to make the paintings myself and discovered how to manipulate acrylic paints.

When it comes to makeup, it takes years of experience to know the right colors to be used on someone's face. Knowing the basics of color theory is important but the color spectrum for makeup goes beyond that. Being able to analyze the base and undertone of a certain color is another story, and creating colors that are not immediately available in your makeup kit is a challenge. Textures and finishes and coverage also play an important factor so one must train his/her eyes to carefully look at these things.

Jasmine Maierhofer

What is your favorite part of the job and why do you love it? And what are the not-so-glam experiences that come with being a makeup artist?    

It's always fun to work with other artists and learn from their craftsmanship. It just naturally energizes everyone and the entire workroom! I just hope I was younger to physically accommodate some challenges of this job. Lack of sleep, outdoor locations, carrying heavy makeup tools, etc. can be very physically taxing.

Do you have favorite collaborations or memorable collaborations with your clients? What made these experiences stand out?

When I first started in the industry, I did a lot of magazine work. I believe that's where my name and my work really started to get noticed. Working with editors, fashion and beauty directors, stylists, photographers, designers and everybody else in the production team is something that I think ALL upcoming makeup artists should aspire to do because it will really train them and enhance their skills. This talented group of people will also teach them about good taste, which is a very important element in doing makeup. Working with these people will always be very memorable to me.

If you had not pursued a career in makeup, what do you think you’d be doing right now?

I would definitely be working in the advertising or entertainment industry, directing or conceptualizing. I love highly creative tasks. It really gets me going!

What are your most recent projects? What should we watch out for?

I just finished a collab with Make Up For Ever, wherein I conducted training workshops for their in-house makeup experts and customers. I am about to do the same for another brand, we just have to finalize the dates. I will be posting updates on my social media accounts.

What are your favorite makeup techniques?   

Generally, I just like blurring all my lines and edges. Blending everything into nothingness. So no matter how severe your color choices are, your makeup will still look soft and clean.

What makeup style are you most known for, or something that may be considered as the Owen Sarmiento signature look?

I love using warm browns in almost everything! It's something I got from Fanny Serrano. And for me it's always about the depth and dimension of the face. Shading and highlighting are in their right places. The whole face is lit and pleasing to the eyes.

What are the top makeup items that you love and would keep in your kit forever?

Bronzers and contour powders, warm brown eyeshadows and blushers, nude lipsticks, lash curler and mascara will always be in my kit. These products will already complete a dimensional face.

What beauty kit staples do you think every makeup lover should have?     

A concealer, a translucent pressed powder, a pink blush, a mascara, and a lipstick or tinted lip balm will be enough.

What beauty advice can you give to our readers?

I always give this advice to everyone who asks me this question: Create your own signature look and be the envy of everyone else.

Photos via Instagram | @owensarmiento and @makeupartbyowen

Header image via Star Studio

Can you believe that the holidays are just a couple of weeks away? I’m excited for Christmas and the coming new year, but everything that needs to get done (finishing all work projects, shopping for gifts, getting the house ready and looking festive) is honestly stressing me out! With so many celebrations and get-togethers coming up, I really don’t want to get any well-meaning but still hurtful “Are you okay? You look tired” comments.

While I already have my Naughty and Nice Kit ready to glam me up, I want my skin to have that natural glow you only get from good skin care. While some of my friends have been going on diets in preparation for all the feasting ahead, I’ve been on a skincare diet with some new products I’m trying from Juice Beauty! I first fell in love with this brand when I tried a tube of their Stem Cellular Repair CC Cream, which remains a staple in my kit even though I’ve been swapping out face bases. And I figured that if their CC cream already had such great effects on my skin, I could probably expect more from their actual skin care line!

There are many organic and vegan skin care brands available to us now, but what sets Juice Beauty apart is the unique way their products are made. It isn’t just a name - the base of all their formulations are actually organic juices derived from plants and fruits! While most products contain “water” at the top of their ingredient list followed by the actual star ingredients (meaning, the product is mostly composed of water), Juice Beauty puts the organic juice bases front and center by making them the main component. Their ingredients are also certified USDA Organic, so their claims are founded on legal and scientific evidence.

Okay, on to the good stuff! Dry skin makes me prone to getting a dull and ashy complexion, so I start by using the Green Apple Peel Sensitive (P2,250) from their Daily Essentials line to exfoliate after cleansing. I was honestly a bit surprised when I first used this - it gave me that tingly feeling like in a professional facial! It didn’t hurt or sting though, and my skin felt smooth and looked brighter after. This is the brand’s best-selling product, and I’d recommend this as the first thing you try from Juice Beauty. The “peel” part may sound scary but it’s actually gentle enough to use for all skin types, except if your skin is extremely sensitive. I can even use it up to twice a week, so I’m getting good results from this new routine even if I’ve just started!

After wiping off the peel solution with a wet cotton pad, I follow up immediately with the Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment (P2,650) so it can trap the moisture in the neediest part of my face. My eyes don’t get puffy even with my frequent late nights, but they do get seriously dehydrated and the dark circles are painfully obvious. I like the unique applicator tip for this as I can just pump out a little bit of product then use the tip to massage it over the area, which feels soothing and helps the eye cream to soak in better.  

For the rest of my face, I use the Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Moisturizer (P3,750). I’m over 30, so yeah, I do have to start using anti-aging products before anything nasty and permanently skin-damaging happens. If I’m being honest, one of the reasons I love this product is the packaging! Instead of having to dip a finger into a tub of cream, there’s a simple dispenser that you just press down on until you have enough product. It’s just so hygienic! The moisturizer itself feels light and comfortable enough to use even during the day, and I just apply a more generous amount at night.

Because I’ve actually gotten used to a K-beauty skin care routine that involves applying other products before moisturizing, I’ve been missing the serum step and thinking of getting the Stem Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster Serum (P3,750) to complement the rest of the routine. I do feel that the Juice Beauty products work best when used together, since all are formulated with organic apple juice as one of the key components and to stay consistent with my goal for a brighter, clearer complexion.

How are you getting your skin ready for the upcoming holiday celebrations? Have you tried anything from Juice Beauty yet? Do share what your favorites are!

Juice Beauty is available at Beauty Bar and at Beauty Bar online.

Photography by Sam Gonzales

This story is brought to you by Smart.

In the early days of e-commerce, when I was but a wee little lass, shopping online was such a chore. It was even impossible in some cases (i.e. international online stores) if all you have is a bank account with a debit card. Eventually I managed to get myself a credit card and a PayPal account; these are what I use for most of my online transactions. However, what if you don't have access yet? How do you shop at places like Sephora, Althea, Colourpop, and Amazon (to name a few) or pay for online services and apps if you don't have a credit card?

Thankfully, there's a new payment portal that can help you with that problem! It's called PayMaya and they've actually been around for a while. I first heard about them from my special other James, who has been using it for in-app purchases for about a year now. Recently though I got to know more about PayMaya during a Smart event, and I think I've been missing out!

So how does it work? It's all in the video, but I'm going to list it down here in case you're not able to watch the video yet:

1. On your phone, download the PayMaya app on the App Store or Google Play Store. It's free!

2. Register with your basic details. You will also be required to verify your mobile number.

3. You get a virtual credit card (technically a debit card, more on this later) that functions like a Mastercard. The card contains the basic info required by most online sites (card number, name, expiration date, and CVV) and you just need to input them whenever you need to.

4. Before using the card, make sure you have funds in your account. You can go to 7-Eleven, Ministop, do Smart Padala, or even transfer directly from your BDO account as if it were a bill payment (must be enrolled).

And that's it! According to the PayMaya people, you can load up as much as P100,000 in your PayMaya account. This is super useful to me since I purposely keep my credit card limit low; in case my card gets used illegally - a real threat since I use it for many online stores and services - I don't have to worry about fixing a huge debt. With PayMaya, I can pay directly for flights and hotels which require a bigger credit card limit. I can load it and pay ASAP. 

Eventually, PayMaya will offer physical cards which may be swiped in counters. I use my BDO debit card for most of my purchases (it's also a Mastercard) but it's useful to have another card handy just in case - again, this is useful when traveling.

One other useful feature is that you can send and receive payments through your PayMaya account. I aim to offer this as a payment option at the Project Vanity Store soon.

If you want to see PayMaya in action, please do watch the video above. I show how I was able to purchase something at Sephora using the details provided on the virtual card. Hope you found this useful! Let me know if PayMaya solves your online purchasing problem!

by Jenn Tan, contributor

We sure hope you're still shopping for gifts, because we have a great list of sets to get from our fave local brands! We think it's important to support homegrown beauty companies since this helps our economy and enriches local talent.  When you buy from a local brand, you're not helping them get a new vacation house - you're empowering them to do more and be better at providing you the best products possible. Here's what to get for your loved ones this Christmas!

Snoe Beauty

There’s no shortage of beauty treats from Snoe as they have as many as 19 different sets to choose from! We loved the selection of six different beauty bars from Christmas Bundle #7 (P1,649), which features Beauty Sleep (anti-aging), Outzit (anti-acne), It’s Oat-K (moisturizing), Don’t Worry Bee Happy (skin balance), Emu Cleanse (anti-wrinkle), and Eau La La (anti-fatigue).

You can also treat someone (or yourself!) to a new skincare regimen. Christmas Bundle #13 (P2,199) is designed to bring out luminous skin by correcting imperfections and hyperpigmentation. The set includes the Special Black Beauty Bar (skin cleansing and cell renewal), Bleaching Body Shampoo (holistic whitening), Scrub Mask (to avoid dullness), and Jumpstart Whitening Concentrate. Celebrating the new year doesn’t have to mean having to look it.

The anti-aging properties of the products in Christmas Bundle #14 (P1,999) should help slow the hands of time, at least where your skin is concerned. Cleanse, tone, and moisturize with the set’s Beauty Sleep Beauty Bar, Star Night Star Bright Perfecting Toner, Rock-a-Bye Wrinkles Baby Smooth Skin Sleep Regenerating Cream, and Twinkle Skin Star Like a Diamond in the Sky Night Cell Turnover Cream.  

Available at Snoe outlets and the Snoe online store.

Pink Sugar

These lip-smacking treats won’t make anyone feeling guilty about their diet. The Sweet as Sugar Gift Set (P499) contains one HD lipstick and one Creamy Matte lipstick! There are two variants: the Naked and Diva Set and the Fancy and XOXO Set.

Pink Sugar’s best-sellers are well-loved for their moisturizing formula containing vitamin E and shea butter, and the included shade options will make you want to get both sets. It’s too tempting not to want them for yourself, so take advantage of the pocket-friendly price tag.

Available at Pink Sugar counters, the Pink Sugar online store, and at BeautyMNL.

Zenutrients

Go natural and surround the tree with gifts from nature! Zenutrients has a wide range of offerings to suit everyone on your list while keeping you on budget. You can’t go wrong with the product that started it all: the Virgin Coconut Oil and Balm Set (P500). The food supplement can be taken as is or used for cooking, while the balm works great for soothing dry skin and rashes. Another must-try is the Hair Care Set (P459), a shampoo and conditioner duo with gugo as the main ingredient for breakage repair and hair growth boost. It’s a great gift for anyone because who doesn’t want to have gorgeous hair?

We can all use some relief from stress so make sure to get an extra Wellness Set (P315) for yourself as well. The combination of the All is Well Balm and All is Well Oil is heaven to tired and aching muscles! Mommies will love the Repellant Set (P515), which feature a spray and a mild balm that’s safe for kids’ sensitive skin.

Available at Zenutrients branches, the Zenutrients online store, and at BeautyMNL.

Happy Skin

We all went gaga when Happy Skin revealed their collaboration with Disney, and we can’t help but want to spread the love! There are four Shut Up & Kiss Me Lippie Sets (P1,299 each) to choose from: Belle & Rapunzel, Snow White & Aurora, Elsa & Anna, and Cinderella & Ariel. Any one of these would be enough to make the recipient deliriously happy, but my personal favorite is the Cinderella & Ariel duo. The mauve and deep wine colors make for a perfect day to night transition, and would look flattering on any skin tone. I can see why the Elsa & Anna set is also popular; its rich shades of deep plum and toasted cherry are totally on trend for the holiday season!

Available at Happy Skin counters and the Happy Skin website.

Beachborn

For beach-lovers who are constantly looking for the next opportunity to hit the waves, treat them to handcrafted skin and hair care products that celebrate their passion! Try their bestsellers with the Beachborn Bundle (P600), which allows you to choose three products to add to the Sun Balm (sunscreen for the lips) and Bam Balm (lip scrub). Jetsetters will love the 3-Piece Sampler Set (P380) of Sea Salt Spray, Dry Shampoo, and Healing Toner - it’s TSA-compliant and perfect for refreshing their look after a long flight! They also offer an interesting deal with their Protect and Style Bundle (on sale at P700!), which includes a Sea Salt Spray, a Sunset Spray, and a Nova Curling Wand to create chic waves.

Available at the Beach Born online store and select stockists.

Girl Stuff

For girlfriends who aren’t into skin care or makeup, their fancy may lie in well-manicured digits! Girl Stuff’s nail polishes are made in France and are certified 5-Free, making them safe to use without turning nails brittle or yellow. Their 2016 Holiday Collection features three super chic shades. Death by Chocolate is as rich and decadent as fondue, while Creme de la Creme is a cool beige reminiscent of nougat candy. Of course, there’s also You Had Me at Merlot, a deep burgundy to match your red holiday lips. The polishes can be purchased individually (P130) but I recommend to getting the set (P540) as it also includes a Fast Dry Top Coat and a pretty tin case for storage!

Available at Girl Stuff outlets and the Girl Stuff online store.

Zen Zest

For that tita who is particular about scents, gift her with some of Zen Zest's holiday offerings. We think she'll love their Room & Linen Spray Sets, a best-seller from the brand! There are other super affordable sets for your family and friends so best stock up on these as last-minute giveaways for unexpected guests.

Have you finished shopping for your gift list? What do you think of supporting local brands this Christmas? Which of these holiday sets will you be buying for yourself for gifts?

One of the great agonies of being a beauty girl is saying goodbye to expired products. We try our hardest to empty everything down to the last drop but product spoilage and expirations dates happen, and we end up grudgingly throwing good money down the drain. We’ve talked about decluttering our makeup stash before but when is it time to say goodbye to skincare products? If you’ve been holding on to sunscreen from two summers ago, or still have acne products from that bad breakout you had last year, your skincare cabinet is due for some spring cleaning. Here’s your full guide of when to toss or keep!

PAO symbol

Check the label

The expiry date and the period after opening (PAO) date are the two most important information to to look for when considering which products should stay in your collection. The expiry date is the end of the life of the product, regardless of whether you used it or not. It’s sometimes indicated by the phrases “best before” or “use by”. On the other hand, the PAO tells you how long you should keep the product once it has been opened. If any of these two dates are up, then it’s time to toss your products away even if they still look and smell okay. This is important because skin care products often contain active ingredients that are the key elements to making the product effective. After a period of time, these ingredients start to break down. If you continue to use them, they may no longer give you the benefits promised by the product and may also expose your skin to irritants.

If you’re into K-beauty, this cheat sheet from Peach & Lily should be useful for reading Korean characters for important dates.

Common PAO dates

Due to lack of regulations, however, you might not be able to spot specific expiry and PAO dates on products all the time. At the very least, you’re left with a manufacturing date somewhere in the packaging, or a batch code which you can check with websites such as checkcosmetic.net or checkfresh.com. We also recommend contacting a brand’s customer service team to get an accurate date for expiry or PAO date. If you can’t get a response, take note of when you opened the product and replace it after these recommended periods of usage:

• Cleansers, up to 1 year
• Toners, up to 1 year
• Moisturizers, Face Creams, and Eye Creams, up to 1 year
• Sunscreen, up to 1 year
• Vitamin C products, 6 months
• Acne Care Products, 6 months
• Scrubs, up to 2 years

Check for changes

If you notice your products changing in smell, color, consistency, and overall feel even before its time is up, don’t think twice about throwing it right into the trash. Improper storage and handling can cause your products to expire faster than the recommended time of use. To keep your products from going bad, store them away from direct sunlight and moist places like bathrooms. Make sure to always handle products with clean hands to keep usage hygienic, and make sure that you close the lids and caps off properly and tightly!

Two P’s can affect the lifespan of your skincare – preservatives and packaging

If you prefer using organic products, do note that they usually expire faster as they often have no added preservatives. Products in jars and bottles also expire faster compared to those in pumps and squeeze tubes as they aren’t as airtight and have greater exposure to bacteria. If you must deal with jars, make sure that you’re only getting product with a spatula, disposable cotton buds, or clean fingers to minimize contamination.

While some people would argue that it’s okay to stretch expired skincare products, just remember that more than inefficiency issues, there’s always accompanying risks of breakouts and allergy triggers when you’re working off label. Better to be safe than sorry! So if you want to avoid wastage, try not to have too many of the same type of product in circulation. It also helps not to hoard more products than you can actually use before they go bad.

When did you last purge your skin care collection? Do you have your own method of keeping your stash clear of expired products? Let us know in the comments!

Sources: Lifehacker, Allure, Paula’s Choice, Peach and Lily

Is it weird that one of the most fun aspects of traveling for me is packing all my things neatly and properly? I can't abide spills, messes, and worse - breakage. I try not to pack fine pressed powders with me during trips abroad but when I absolutely have to, I do my best to keep my whole kit secure and just pray that it doesn't get jiggled at a wrong angle!

Recently though I read about a cool travel hack that will help me secure powder compacts better. It's so simple, I can't believe it didn't occur to me earlier! It basically involves placing a cotton pad or two on the powder before closing the compact. That's it. It makes so much sense! Since there's something soft occupying the space between the powder and the mirror, the powder is pressed in gently.

This doesn't just apply to securing powders in your check-in luggage. It's also useful if you don't want your compacts to break inside your bag or even if you just want to separate the sponge from the powder for sanitary reasons. Oh, it should also be SOP for cushion compacts: as it can get damp inside due to the nature of the storage, place a cotton pad right underneath your sponge to absorb any extra moisture.

And that is that. Have you got any neat new travel or storage tips? Have a great weekend ladies! 

How much time does it take for you to do your makeup everyday? As much as we all want at least an hour to primp and prettify (and maybe also nap in between), most days it's just not in the cards. So how do you do your makeup in the quickest amount of time possible? Shortcuts do exist but the true key to light speed but presentable everyday makeup are products that work with little prep time or blending.

First, take away the items you don't really need. If you have fairly good skin, then you probably don't need as much concealer as you think. If your eyes are already pretty defined, then eyeliner could be skipped. Got long, lush lashes? Lucky you - forget the mascara.

Have a signature look. Red lipstick on an almost-bare face is quite stunning. Lush eyebrows, bronzed cheeks, and a peach lip is youthful. A good highlighter on key points of the face and a matching stain on both the lips and cheeks looks super fresh. There are several looks you can try! I think it's important to have more than just a default prettifying look; you should have a signature look, something that ties in with your personal narrative. I love bright lips with strong eyeliner on myself, especially.

Finally, curate your products carefully. When I'm in a rush, high coverage things get the job done faster. If you're working with too-sheer formulas, you spend extra time layering everything. If the coverage is already high then you just need to diffuse a small amount with a few pats, and you're done. 

My seven-product, five-minute face: Bobbi Brown Cushion Foundation, Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, Shiseido Sheer Mattifying Foundation, Eye of Horus Dual Brow Perfect, Pink Sugar Miss Independent Blush, and the Pink Sugar x Project Vanity Lip Crayon in Ready In Five

Here's how I do my five-minute face! I timed it and I finished in exactly five. However, since I uploaded the video on Instagram, I just had to shorten it to one minute. ^_^ Enjoy!

A video posted by The PH's Top Beauty Resource (@projectvanitycom) on Oct 28, 2016 at 8:48pm PDT

How do yo do your makeup when you have barely any time? Share your routine and products in the comments below! 

When it comes to natural, handmade soaps and body treats, Lush is one brand that immediately comes to mind. Nothing compares to the distinctive scent of their products, and coupled with their cute take on design, their products are simply the [bath] bomb! They’ve got your covered from head to toe (ever heard of their shampoo bars?), and well into the holiday season!

The brand recently unveiled their Winter Collection at the newly renovated Lush store at Bonifacio High Street. I’m really loving the sleek and crafty modern apothecary feel of the store, which serves as the perfect foil to their more colorful products. Their classic black and white recyclable packaging also stands out as the products are lined up neatly in shelves which makes you want to keep shopping.

In true Lush fashion, wash areas are provided so you can enjoy trying out their products. Everything smells so good but since we can’t afford to buy everything, here are our top picks for gifting to others (and to ourselves!).

Bath Bombs

Although tubs are not exactly commonplace here in the Philippines, you should definitely pick up a couple of these bombs for when you find yourself in a hotel room with one! You can skip heading to the spa if you throw in some bath bombs into the tub because the soak and the wonderful aroma are just so soothing and luxurious.

The Luxury Lush Pud Bath Bomb with its lavender scent is perfect for children and grown-ups alike for a soothing bedtime routine. For a more visual treat, the Northern Lights Bath Bomb and the Golden Wonder Bath Bomb are awesome choices. Both bombs create lovely colorful swirls (blue and yellow with “popping candy” for Northern Lights and “liquid gold with a sparkling turquoise explosion” for Golden Wonder) to perk up your bath time.

Bubble Bars

Mountains of bubbles are produced by these bars in cutesy shapes, making these great for kiddie bath time. Topping our faves are the Snowie Bubble Bar (P345) and the Ruby Red Slippers Bubble Bar (P275), which both look exactly as they are named!

Of course, we'd want the fun times to last so choosing the reusable ones like the Magic Wand Reusable Bubble Bar (P395) and the Jester Reusable Bubble Bar (P545) will make bubbles a common sight in your bathroom for a couple of days.

Soaps

If you don't have a bathtub, no worries! You can still enjoy Lush's scent-sational products with soapy treats for your skin, eyes, and nose.

There's the Shooting Stars Soap (P275/100g) filled with vitamins and antioxidants because of the Lemon Oil, and the Baked Alaska Soap (P225/100g) that is zesty and uplifting due to the Grapefruit Oil.

Interactive fun

Multi-purpose products are excellent gift ideas, since the receiver can decide what they want to do with it. Instead of buying the premade bars, you can shape, mix, and mold this as you please! This way you can totally customize them in your preferred design, and add a true personal touch. Three of the Christmas themed variants are Elf on the Shelf FUN (P575), Reindeer and Robin FUN (P575), and Santa FUN (P425).

Makeup

Makeup lovers, rejoice! Lush did not forget about us, and have lip tints packed with moisturizing benefits in lovely festive colors. The holiday-themed choices are Santa Baby (P375) for that bright reddish pout, and Sugar Plum Fairy (P425) for a hint of purple. I will probably get these as stocking stuffers for my BFFs, and myself, too!

Gift Sets

In case the sheer number of choices is making your head spin, they also have gift sets to make life easier for you. The Joy to the World gift set (P925) includes 45g of Dream Cream self-preserving hand and body lotion plus 120g of Santa’s Post Box Soap.

The Ice Cube gift set (P1725) is all about refreshment with 100g of Whoosh shower jelly, 50g of the Christingle body conditioner, a Frozen bath bomb, and a 90g slice of Igloo soap.

My personal favorite would have to be the Santa in Space gift set (P2195) for the ultimate fun present! It has the Northern Lights bath bomb, a Santa FUN in 200g, a Big Bang bubble bar, an Intergalactic bath bomb, and 100g of Twilight shower gel.

Charity Pot

Lush provides plenty of vegan options and promotes environment-friendly sourcing, making them an attractive brand to support. They also have their Charity Pot campaign, which had them working recently with CARA Welfare for the rehabilitation of rescued dogs at the Laguna Pitbull sanctuary, and Piglas Pilipinas in a movement against the use of fossil fuels in Batangas City. The Lush Charity Pot (available at P295/45g, P485/95g, P925/240g) is the gift that truly keeps on giving

What is your favorite Lush product? Which Lush Winter Holiday item made your wishlist this year?

Lush is available at Alabang Town Center, Bonifacio High Street, Estancia Mall, Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3, Robinsons Magnolia, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Mall of Asia, and Trinoma. Visit them online on Facebook and Instagram.  

The 90’s brown lipstick trend made a mean comeback this year. From drugstore brands to luxury makeup lines, basically everyone had their own take on this yummy chocolate shade. Browns are in, and we don’t think they’re going away anytime soon! But if like us you find yourself with one too many brown lippies, you don’t have to confine yourself to just swiping them on your lips. Here are three other uses to maximize your brown lipsticks!

Contour

Lipsticks are simply molded pigments. That said, you can practically use most lipstick formulas to act like your normal cream products! You can transform a brown lipstick with a cool or neutral undertone to work as a contour product. Simply swipe or dot on along where the areas of the face where you need a little sculpting magic, and blend away! If you’re working with a liquid lipstick, I find that mixing it in a bit of foundation helps to improve the blendability. You can also customize your perfect contour shade in this way, too!

Blush

My lipstick collection is about 50% earth-toned pinks. I’m all about these rosy MLBB shades, which also happen to work well as nice blush colors! While Marielle who is fairer than me can use it as a contour stick, the Pink Sugar x Project Vanity Lip Crayon in Love at First Swipe has got to be my favorite lipstick blush. This peachy cocoa shade gives me the most natural-looking flush, which lasts up to eight hours on my cheeks!

Eyeshadow Base

If you’ve been looking for an eyeshadow base that can both extend your dark shadows’ wear time and pigmentation, look no further than a brown lipstick. See how much richer the intensity of these metallic shadows are over a brown lipstick base in my swatch! No need to foil your eyeshadows to increase their vibrancy or purchase a separate eyeshadow primer. I also find that using a lipstick as my eyeshadow base increases the longevity of my eye look and helps control fall out. With a flat brush, simply coat your lids with brown lipstick until you reach the crease. The tackiness of the lipstick makes shadow adhere to your eyes flawlessly for that budge-proof smokey eye! We recommend using long-wearing matte lippies for this technique.

Do you love brown lipsticks? Have you considered using them for other parts of your face? Which of these tips will you be trying?