Imagine going to one of your favorite shopping destinations and seeing SALE signs everywhere. There are 30% off, 50% off, and even Buy 1, Take 1 promos. We PV girls go weak at the knees for budget-friendly beauty finds, so a major sale at one of our fave shopping haunts is good news that we simply can’t keep to ourselves!
With super convenient locations (they’re practically everywhere!) and plenty of well-loved brands, Watsons is our go-to for affordable toiletries and makeup staples. With the ongoing Watsons Big White Blowout, they’re all about bringing us the lowest prices for their best-selling whitening products. If you’re keen on taking better care of your skin or getting a more even skin tone this year, now is the perfect time to stock up!
Cosmo Skin founder and marketing director Dr. Nino Bautista and brand endorser Ruffa Gutierrez
Celebrity guests joined us for the special event. Ruffa Gutierrez talked about her endorsement with Cosmo Skin while Kelly Misa and Lauren Young shared their favorite must-buys from the store. We spotted Kelly getting back-ups of the Pond’s Flawless White Face Cream and BB Cream plus a box of Belo Collagen Powder Drink, which promotes youthful and healthy-looking skin. Lauren got her trusty Cetaphil Cleanser, as well as Watsons Collagen Face Masks which were Buy 2, Get 1 Free.
Brands like Belo and Skin White are up to 20% off or have Buy 1, Take 1 deals.
If you’re a fan of Nivea and Rexona deodorants, take advantage of the sale to keep you smelling clean all year long! You can also get Olay Face Creams at up to 40% off.
Other brands included in the sale are Vaseline, Safeguard, L’Oreal, and Celeteque, with their lotions and creams at up to 50% off.
Our editor Liz still keeps raving about Kojie-san so I’m pretty excited to try out their popular Skin Lightening Soap (P120 promo pack) as well as their Body Lightening Lotion with SPF 25 (P159).
One of the causes of dull skin is having too many layers of dead skin cells (ick) so exfoliation is a must. I chose a Nylon Body Glove exfoliator (P59) for my body and a konjac sponge (P199) for my face.
I’m a loyal user of Pond's White Beauty Spotless White Cream (P32) before so I got an extra as backup. I also got the Biore UV Perfect Bright Milk sunscreen (P380), the Quick FX Tinted Moisturizer (P35), and the Nivea Extra White Repair Pore Minimiser Toner (P185) because I’ve seen good reviews about these products.
The Dazzling White Instant Whitening Pen (P188) for teeth is a cool addition I got because of Lauren Young’s tip. This should make it easier to wear lippie shades that somehow make teeth look more yellow. Whitening can take a while though, so in the meantime, you can use makeup to fake a pearly white smile.
The Big White Blowout sale at Watsons is until February 22, 2017. If you’re an SM Advantage Card or BDO Rewards card holder, you even get a chance to win an iPhone 7 when you buy P500 worth of participating products. Just look for the “Qualifier to win iPhone 7” sticker like on the packaging. For more information on this promo, check out the complete mechanics.
Are you ready to shop the Watsons Big White Blowout Sale? What will you be stocking up on?
As promised, I took my Dollar Store makeup haul and put it to the test! I was both excited and nervous about doing this as I’d never tried any of these products before. I was determined to make it work, though, no matter what it took. Can I do makeup magic with a P1,000 budget? Will I survive this challenge?
Step 1: Concealer
I couldn’t find a liquid foundation that matched me in the store so I figured I’d just use the She Concealer (P89)all over my face. I started buffing it in with the largest brush from the 6-piecePrincessa Tool Kit (P99). Instant regrets because I did not sign up for a cat scratching!
This concealer smelled like a Pentel pen. And nope, the brush ain’t working out.
Aside from irritating my skin, the bristles kept falling off! I had to switch to the flat top brush I scored from my Divisoria haul to give the product a real shot at working. That said, the concealer wasn’t half bad at evening out my skin tone but I had to go in for a second layer. It was still far off the level of coverage I normally wear but I also didn’t want to cake up my face this early on.
What it looked like a single layer (left) and a second application (right)
Step 2: Powder
The L.A. Colors Mineral Pressed Powder (P149) turned out to be a patchy, blotchy, tanned nightmare!
But Sand is normally my color for everything!
Okay, so this is partly my fault because I picked up the wrong shade. In my defense, Sandis usually a light-medium shade with yellow undertones but this definitely wasn’t it. I had to blend like a mad woman to diffuse what looked like a messed-up tanning job. That took a while but I was able to save my canvas.
Blending is my cardio
Step 3: Blush
I swear on my grave that I just lightly dipped the brush on the She Bronzer Palette (P129) and it still came out like this. I even tapped the excess product off but here I am, looking like a perfectly ripe tomato. This blush did not want to blend and practically emphasized every single pore on my cheek! I tried to tone it back down with powder but it wasn’t working so I gave up five minutes later. I disturbed my concealing job to try to get this blush to look less patchy, to no avail.
What the hell have I done
Step 4: Contour
I was so done with that stubborn bronzer palette so I switched to the Beauty Treats Eyeshadow Palette (P99)for contouring. Luckily, there was a cool taupe shade which worked out for my nose.
My nose is more high maintenance than you can imagine
Step 5: Eyebrows
The She Eyebrow Gel (P99) turned out to be more dark brown with grey tones than jet black, which I was very thankful for! Using the tiny lip brush from the Princessa kit, I was able do a pretty decent job filling in my eyebrows.
I know it looks a little strong without eye makeup on, but just wait!
Step 6: Eyeshadow
The Beauty Treats Eyeshadow Palette (P99)left me unimpressed when I swatched it so I didn’t really have the highest hopes for the palette. I used the bottom right quad to shade my lids, and the She Eyebrow Gel for a subtle wing. I packed and packed and packed color repeatedly but this was the best pigmentation that the eyeshadow could offer. No surprise there.
Where's my pigmentation at?
Step 7: Falsies
A pair of fluttery lashes makes everything better, right? LMAO, wrong. The Revlon Double Wink Eyelashes (P129)were the heaviest and stiffest pair I’ve ever tried to put on (wait, are these authentic?). And I’ve had studded falsies before, mind you, complete with long, spidery fibers and tiny gem stones! The eyelashes came with a sticky band but no lash glue. Because I had a tough time aligning the band to my lash line, all the readjustments caused the adhesive to lose its stickiness. I was all out of lash glue and not to keen on having these on so I ended up not wearing the falsies after all.
Felt heavier than the curtains falling on a bad comedy act
Step 8: Lipstick
A nude lip has never failed me...until now. The formula of the L.A. Colors Lipstick (P99) refused to stick to my lips and got all over the place. I’ve never had lipstick this bad since 2003, when eight year old me thought it would be a good idea to buy P10 magic lipstick from a sari-sari store.
Verdict
Believe you me, I tried my damnedest to make this work but not a single product turned out to be worth being thrifty over. Go to the drugstore instead, or use your P1,000 to splurge on a high ticket item that’s Holy Grail material. Even if these are cheap, your money is better spent elsewhere.
Looks like a throwback photo to when I didn’t yet know how to put on makeup
Have you had a better beauty hunting experience at the Dollar Store? What products worked out for you? I want to hear your story!
One of the things we love about beauty is how brands are continuously pushing the envelope to come up with new ideas and better techniques. It’s pretty inspiring, plus you end up looking good as a result! This week, we discovered that our fave childhood cartoon has even more makeup collections, an easier way to finally find your foundation soulmate, and the year’s cheesiest holiday will be worth celebrating for singles and couples alike. Read on to get the deets on the hottest beauty news!
Image via strongindependentcatwoman.wordpress.com
Customized to perfection
Every makeup-lover knows just how real the struggle is when it comes to finding the perfect foundation. It’s hard enough to find one that matches your undertone and shade - you also have to consider your skin type and even acidity level as well! Knowing and finding your match is a skill on its own, and a truly gratifying experience when you finally achieve it. Well, what if we told you that you can now skip all that guesswork and buying duds with just a click of a button?
Lancôme set the beauty world abuzz with a video featuring their newest foundation. Le Teint Particulier is the first ever custom-fit foundation that not only promises to give your perfect shade match but the best formula for your skin type as well! Using a specially developed gadget, your face is scanned to determine your shade and skin type. The analysis is then fed into a mixing machine that will concoct a blend uniquely customized for you. If that isn’t awesome enough, you can even choose the coverage, finish and amount of moisturization! Unfortunately, it’s currently only available at select Nordstrom stores!
Looks like 2017 is all about new trends in both fashion and beauty as luxury brand Tom Ford has just announced their sexiest lipstick creation yet: the Shade and Illuminate Lips! The whopping $60 duos feature six pairs of pure pigmented goodness that only a luxe brand like Tom Ford can pull off (at that price tag at least). Each palette is designed to help you sculpt the perfect pout - think classy ombre lips! The selection includes Nikita (warm toned red and deep brownish red), Tantalize (dusty rose and bright red), Automatic (nude and brown), Impulse (mauve pink and maroon), Possession (hot pink and baby pink), and Saboteur (purple and violet). If the formulas are just as good as their Lips & Boys Collection, we know these babies will be perfect to carry around!
If you grew up in the 90s, chances are this anime character was on your must-watch list. Now, our beloved Sailor Moon is back with even more goodies up her sleeve... or should we say gloves? Apart from getting us giddy with Romance Communicator Lip Glosses, the geniuses over at Creer Beaute have announced the latest addition to this fandom collectible: the Sailor Moon Prism Compact! The playfully kawaii compact contains four shimmery eye shadows (with one that can double up as a blush) for creating makeup looks that are out of this world! It includes a golden nude, a dark brown, a baby pink, and of course, a hot pink shade for that whimsical pop of color. Set to be released in March of this year, the compact will set you back $34 but hey, it seems worth it considering that it also doubles as a collector’s item. Check it out on the Creer Beaute website.
Speaking of appeasing fandoms, even Japan’s luxury brands are getting on trend. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the anime, Shiseido will also be releasing a two-piece Sailor Moon makeup collection for the MAQuillAGE line! Can we just talk about how insanely gorgeous these look?
The focus is all about creating gorgeous skin that looks bright and smooth. The Dramatic Skin Sensor Base UV is a lightweight liquid formula that creates a perfectly smooth and matte complexion, while the Dramatic Powder UV is a compact with light coverage. The set is about $61 and comes with a velvet pouch to keep the powder compact safely protected. It comes out in April but you can already pre-order!
Known for combining luxe aesthetics with superior performance, Guerlain is once again changing the way we see cosmetics and beauty. The French brand has just tapped Hollywood actress bas the muse for their new fragrance! Brand master perfumer Thierry Wasser says that the brand creates fragrances based on the women that inspire them, so having the silver screen’s biggest siren as their latest icon will bring a whole new level of sexy to the upcoming scent. It’s been in the works since December 2015, and is expected to finally drop on March this year! Anyone else excited to smell like Angie? *raises hand*
ERMERGERD. Even if you aren’t a fan of the flowers, the crowds, the traffic, and the cards, this will make you look forward to Valentine’s Day. Kylie Jenner is giving you big reasons to pucker up and batt your lashes! The makeup mogul has announced a limited-edition Valentine collection that includes two new lip kits, six mini matte liquid lipsticks, and a giant palette called Kylie’s Diary which includes her first ever blushes! There are also three mini collections that include two lippies and two exclusive eyeshadows each. Start your vigil at the Kylie website early because these are sure to sell out in seconds once it goes on sale on February 2, 3pm PST!
If you didn’t get that reference, don’t worry, we gotchu! YouTube queen Jaclyn Hill has just teased her most epic creation yet: a palette with Morphe Cosmetics! Although there are no pictures of the actual palette yet, Jaclyn has been busy teasing her fans on her social media accounts with the various shades and gorgeous finishes of the shadows she’s helping to create.
Image via Snapchat user @jaclynhill
Partnering up with a brand that is known for high quality at a low price, her Morphe palette will feature 35 shades that she has personally worked on since 2015. Expect warm browns, oranges, golds, turquoise, and tons of other Jaclyn-approved shades! The price will range from $23 to $40, and will launch some time in March. Who’s ready to recreate her signature warm brown smoky eye?
If there's one makeup basic I can't live without, it would be powder foundation. It's the quickest way to get coverage and often even sun protection, for days when I'm just really stepping out and don't want (or if I'm fortunate, need) to apply a lot of layers. I just need to even out my skin with it using a big dense brush and I'm good to go in three minutes!
That's why I can't have too many powder foundations in my kit. The latest addition is the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealer SPF30 PA+++ (price to follow) which was included in the press kit they gave out at their recent event. Luckily, it's ~sorta~ my shade so I've been wearing it quite a lot lately!
I've had several Clinique powders in the past and all of them I finished down to the pan. Clinique has this way of making bases that smoothen the skin immensely well - they never look powdery or overly thick. It's just your skin, but enhanced up a few significant notches! This new foundation does not disappoint in that regard. I'm also happy that it has SPF30 PA+++!
The Beyond Perfecting Powder gives my skin a demi-matte finish and smoothens out creases and bumps nicely. Coverage is medium to heavy - it does not quite work like a concealer at all but I'm pleased with the coverage and adherence it gives me. It can cover up minor blemishes and discolorations by itself, but if course you'll still need a proper concealer underneath for serious hyper pigmentation. A little goes a long way with this foundation; you may apply it with the sponge or your preferred buffing brush.
The shade I got in the press kit is 64 Cream Beige. It's not an exact shade match as it's about a shade lighter than what I would wear, but I don't mind so much since it adjusts to my skin tone about an hour into it. Cream Beige isn't that beige, and is actually yellowish in tone. I'd say it's best for NC30 skin.
Staying power is average - the Beyond Perfecting Powder keeps me oil-free for about 4 hours, and fades evenly by the 6-hour mark. I just keep retouching to keep it up. It's not that much of a hassle but if you're particularly oily, you may need something that has better wear time.
Overall, I highly recommend the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealer SPF30 PA+++ to anyone looking for a good daily powder foundation. You may need to retouch more often if you have oilier skin, but those with normal to combi skin should be fine with it. As for me, I'll be using it until I run out since it works pretty well for my purposes. ^_^ Let me know what you think!
When people say you look tired, chances are you dark circles and eye bags are a lot more obvious than you think. Sure, you can try to cover them up with concealers and correctors but all that makeup isn't going to address the actual issue of what’s happening to your skin. If you aren't using an eye cream yet, it's a good idea to add it to your routine even before you need it. Prevention is always better than cure, and to start you off, the PV girls are sharing their current picks!
Liz: Eye cream is one of those things you don't think you need until you do - and by then, it's almost certainly too late! To be fair though as long as you moisturize your whole face properly, sleep right, and maintain a healthy lifestyle then your bags shouldn't be a problem. If you're not able to do all the above though, you might need some help.
I love the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye; it's a good formula for all ages and one I've been using for years whenever needed. Recently I've been trying out the Juice Beauty Anti-Wrinkle Eye Treatment and Goldfaden MD Bright Eyes Cream. I like how both have a refreshing feel on the eyes and how thin the formula is. They do help de-puff my bags nicely!
Den: I haven’t been as religious about putting on eye cream as I should be at my age but when I do remember, these are the ones I reach for. The Body Shop Moisture White Brightening Eye Cream sits well under my makeup and helps to keep my concealer from creasing. I don’t use it regularly enough to say if it does lessen the dark circles though. At night, I apply Clinique’s Repairwear Laser Focus, focusing at the outer corners where crow’s feet threaten to show up. I try to avoid putting anything on my lids though because the cream eventually travels into my eye and clouds my vision.
Jenn: While I don't think I've used enough to really pick out "what's best out there", I have a thing for eye creams with metal applicators. It makes putting on eye cream more fun since the applicator cools and relaxes the skin. L'Oreal Revitalift helps with lines while Beauskin Crystal Whitening combats dark circles, especially during puyat days!
Katsy: I have been using eye creams since college but I can't recommend a "best" one yet as my under eye area is still dehydrated. I do like the Laneige White Plus Renew Eye Cream that I'm currently using just for its brightening properties. Still not enough moisture though so I've started to use eye masks like the Petitfee Black Pearl & Gold Hydrogel Eyepatch.
Marielle: Because I only use eye creams at night, my bottle of Nuxe Creme Prodigieuse Anti-fatigue Eye Cream is still around. It applies without drag or greasiness, and the formula is light and absorbs quickly. I find that it delivers well on moisturizing the eye area.
Claire: Mizon's Snail Repair Eye Cream is the best I've tried so far. It made my sagging lids firmer and my under eye area lighter. And it costs less than most eye creams, too! Right now, I'm trying Skin Food's Salmon Brightening Eye Cream. I like its gentle scent and light texture. It does what it says and brightened my dark circles in a week.
Angela: I use the Elizavecca Gold CP Nest White Bomb Eye Cream that I got from Althea. It's made from bird's nest and 24K pure gold! They all seem to work at keeping my eye area moisturized and healthy. It has reduced the darkness of my under eye area and my fine lines are now gone. I really love the mild and delicate scent, too!
Gett: My undereye area's fine for now so all I really put on the area is the Watsons Collagen Hydro-Balance Eye Treatment Cream. It's very moisturizing that I sometimes use it on dry patches of my skin!
Kim: My eyes are very choosy when it comes to mascara. I grab the wrong tube, and they will immediately itch like hell and develop ugly dry patches on the inner corner. What helps my skin recover overnight is the Aveda Botanical Kinetics Energizing Eye Creme. I like how well this heals and moisturizes my abused eye area. If this lightened my dark circles, too, I'd be happy to stick with this forever!
Are you already using an eye cream? What products have you tried, or have been eyeing for your next purchase?
How far would you go in the name of beauty? This is probably a question you’ve had to confront a few times, from having your eyebrows threaded and getting a Brazilian to forking over several thousand-peso bills to buy a product that promises to bring you closer to perfection. Those activities are all pretty normal though and we no longer bat an eyelash when we hear of a makeup haul that goes up to five figures, but sometimes we do things that are just a bit of the beaten path.
The Internet is full of crazy ideas that can supposedly help you look better, and it can be tempting to give them a try even though the chances of them actually working are 50-50. So we asked six women about the weirdest beauty product, service or tip they’ve tried so far and whether it actually worked for them. Ready to get a little weirded out?
Rica Garcia, 23, freelance makeup artist and Youtuber
Not one to shy away from testing out products and home remedies, Rica is no stranger to beauty kitchen experiments. One of the strangest things she’s done for beauty is using baking soda and milk to whiten her knees and elbows. Rica shares that she was so desperate to see the effects that she did the remedy for two straight weeks! Unsurprisingly, it didn’t work and we now know that baking soda is bad for your skin.
Katrina Aguas, 33, manager
When it comes to her beauty regimen, Katrina keeps it simple but is pretty fearless about trying anything and everything. From Ventosa treatments to acupuncture, she’s been there and done that. But she says that the strangest thing she’s ever done in the name of beauty is to slap some snail serum skincare on her face! Before her trip to Korea, she had heard so many people rave about this “snail mucus” skincare, and all of its benefits and amazing results. So she decided to purchase the Snail Solution line from Nature Republic in Seoul, and shares that she’s in love with its effects on her skin!
Angela Ronquillo, 27, advocate and account manager
Being a woman isn’t as easy. There’s a lot of pressure to always look our best, and that honestly takes a lot of work. From brow threading, to body waxing and even laser hair removal, most women opt to be as smooth and hair-free as possible. Taking her cue from her favorite YouTube beauty gurus (Chloe Morello, Huda Beauty, and Teni Panosian) Angela decided, after much contemplation and consideration, to shave her whole face! Skipping her brow area (thank goodness), she took a razor and lightly shaved her entire face - revealing smoother and softer skin with no peach fuzz! She now swears by this trick and shaves her face regularly, saying that her makeup application is so much better and result in a more flawless finish. BRB, we’re off to buy a razor!
Lexy Angeles, 24, radio DJ
Face masks are all the rage nowadays. From cute animal-design masks to ultra-hydrating sheets of pure heaven, we’ve all done a mask at some point in our lives. But remember those classic “home remedies” we were fooled into believing would actually work? Lexy decided to try the classic egg white face mask, which is supposedly popular for its pore-tightening properties. Although she’s still unsure if it actually works, she has also tried applying toothpaste as a spot treatment and in Lexy’s own words: “It does not work. Don't do it."
Amanda Alegre, 25, content creator
Beach babe Amanda loves heading out to the surf and working on her tan. One time though, she decided to try this suggestion of washing hair with a soda or beer to make hair lighter. Amanda reveals, “It worked to a certain extent!” Just be ready to feel sticky and smell a little funny after!
Sarah Carlos, 22, artist
Even some of our favorite celebrities have done some pretty strange things for beauty. Take budding actress and future accountant Sarah Carlos. When she was younger, she was super frustrated about how slow her hair was growing so she went online and found a DIY home treatment that suited her student budget. She mixed up a hair mask made from egg yolks mixed with olive oil and promptly got into a mess because of the tricky application. It didn’t work though so best save these kitchen ingredients to make a fancy meal.
We’re no stranger to weird beauty practices either but there are trends and products that are just way out of our leagues! Have you ever tried an unusual beauty product, service or tip before? What was your experience? Would you do it again?
This is probably the most massive press kit I've ever received in my beauty writing career, and it's only fitting that it's from such an in-demand name! Too Faced Cosmetics as you guys may have heard has just been recently acquired by Estee Lauder for $1.45 billion last November. It seems like this iconic brand is on its way up in the world; it can only get better from here. It may not have physical stores yet in the Philippines but you can find their best sellers over at Sephora.ph.
Just the other day, Sephora sent me the full Too Faced Sweet Peach Collection which recently dropped on their site. Now I was so excited to try out everything that I shot and swatched the products immediately! If you've been curious about the collection or dithering on a purchase, then I hope you find these photos useful. I'll be posting a look + capsule reviews of the products next week. Let's begin the swatch party!
Click on the gallery images to see a bigger size.
The Too Faced Papa Don't Peach Blush (P1,808) is the one that started it all. Released years ago and considered to be one of TF's most iconic products, it's a universal peach that offers a rosy, almost bronzy hue to the cheeks! Looking forward to see if this wears as well as people say. I almost never retouch blush during the day so this would be a staple in my kit if it would stay for 8.5 hours (as Temptalia claimed).
The Too Faced Sweet Peach Eye Shadow Collection (P2,953) has eighteen highly-pigmented shades with different finishes. I like that everything veers on the warm side, and there are interesting colors to play with. There are neutrals, peaches (of course), and smoky shades to delight the eyes.
The swatches below were done with fingers on bare, primer-free skin. Most of the colors were solid in two swipes; the bronzey shades as well as Tempting took just one swipe. They're so creamy! Are these shades gorgeous or what? Just Peachy, Candied Peach, and Caramelized stood out the most to me.
The Too Faced Sweet Peach Glow Kit (P2,531) is a palette that contains a champagne highlighter, a golden peach blush, and a peach-toned light bronzer. The pigmentation level and smoothness of the formula are just right; it should layer beautifully on top of your base makeup. This palette will lend itself well to the draping and sun stripping cheek looks that are quite pretty, when done correctly.
Matte lipsticks are amazing, but glosses are a welcome change! I am digging the Too Faced Sweet Peach Creamy Oil Lip Gloss(P1,145) which has a balmy, non-drying, non-sticky feel and surprisingly even coverage. It's not 100% opaque, but the color is even throughout my lips.
There are eight shades available, ranging from nudes, pinks, and peaches. The swatches look just okay, but on the lips, they show up quite well!
Wearing Tickle Me Peach below on bare lips. I was expecting a streaky mess based on the swatches, but it looks even.
All of these products have a sweet peach scent which has divided the makeup population. Some people love it, some people hate it. Me? I've got a cold right now! But from what I can sniff of it, I like. I would still prefer my cosmetics to be unscented but this is a novelty I can get behind as long the formula performs well.
We'll see how these Too Faced products wear soon! Stay tuned, and let me know if you're looking to try anything!
Welcome to the month of love, PV girls! Whatever your relationship status, get ready to swoon over the stuff we found this week! You’ll be puckering up through February with all the new lip kits that just hit the market, and all the great sales may leave your heart racing. Ready for this?
Image via facebook.com/BeautyMNL
Last call for orders!
You’ll want to lift your shopping ban for this one: BeautyMNL’s Beauty Blowout is now as low as 70% off! Choose from over 65 brands and 750 products at prices that you just won’t be able to resist. Better hurry though: the sale ends on February 4, so get your orders in quick. Drop everything and head over to BeautyMNL now!
Image via via facebook.com/happyskincosmetics
A reason to celebrate
Happy Skin Cosmetics is at it again with another exciting launch for us to drool over (and basically hoard online, TBH). The Festival of Colors Collection is bringing summer in early and we couldn’t be happier. Included are three new lip kits in The Morning After (pinky mauve), Dance All Day (warm toned reddish brown), and Honeymoon Glow (peach) for just P1,149 each! There’s also the new Bye Bye Blues Brightening Concealer (P899) and Tickled Pink Skin Perfecting Super Absorbent Charcoal Blotting Sheets (P149) to keep you looking fresh during all your summer activities. Even their best-selling Eye Am Here to Stay 24H Eyeliners (P599) got a funky makeover. The limited edition collection is available for preorder over at the Happy Skin website only until February 8.
Image via facebook.com/inglotphilippines
This is not a drill!
Makeup hoarders (or should we say “collectors?”), listen up: Inglot Cosmetics is having their own version of an online New Year sale, and let’s just say we want everything! And it’s actually possible to achieve, too. Until February 5, you can shop selected blushes, powders, eyeshadows, lipsticks, brow products, and fragrances from the Freedom System for a steal! You can mix and match from the selected products and pay just P3,000 for 30 pieces, P1,500 for 10 pieces, and P1,000 for 5 pieces. We’ll take one of everything, please!
Image via PopSugar
MAC-ing their own kit
Before Kylie Jenner launched her own products, it must be remembered that once upon a time, she relied heavily on the Soar and Whirl lip liners by MAC Cosmetics. It feels only fitting then that the brand has decided to release their own set of iconic lip kits! Available exclusively online at Macy’s and Nordstrom’s, the kits are priced at $29 and come out cheaper than if you were to buy the lipstick and lip liner separately. MAC also made it a point to perfectly pair the liner and lipstick combos, giving you the choice of seven kits with some of their most iconic shades! Included are: Honeylove and Subculture, Velvet Teddy and Boldly Bare, Taupe and Hover, Twig and Half Red, Mehr and Soar, Stone (liner and lipstick), and Whirl (liner and lipstick)! We want this so bad!
It’s the season of love and 14 Days of Red Hot Deals at The SM Store Beauty Section! Starting February 1 until the 14th, each day will feature a special one-day only lipstick sale and special offers from different brands. Tons of brands are participating in this special treat, including (but not limited to) BYS, Jordana, Essence, Maybelline, L’Oreal, NYX, LA Girl, and The Body Shop! Remember: it’s a different set of discounts on different brands everyday so make sure to nab the lippies you’ve been eyeing by checking out the schedule here.
Image via Instagram user @katvondbeauty
Candy Kisses and best wishes
Who says cute can’t look hardcore? The highly anticipated release of the Kat Von D Rock Candy Studded Kiss lippies is finally happening! Scheduled to go on sale on April 4 on the Sephora website, these adorably punky mini lipsticks come in 6 new shades, with the signature studded bullet perfectly matching the colors inside! The shades include a soft gray, lavender, purple, hot pink, baby pink, and coral pink. Don’t they look so badass?
The Project Vanity girls are a little bit - ok, a lot! - like me when it comes to choosing their skincare products. We’re very particular about brands, to the point of sometimes being snobbish about what we pick out at the store. There is, however, one thing that trumps our brand-conscious nature: how effective and good the product actually is. It’s even better when it’s affordable!
We’re no strangers to drugstore HGs, so when Silka asked the team to try their new lotions, we were game to find out what they had to offer. Here are some quick info on the two new variants!
Silka Whitening Lotion with Shea Butter
If whitening or evening out your skin tone is a priority, this new lotion is Silka’s premium variant. It features shea butter for moisturizing irritated and dry skin, as well as SPF23 for daily sun protection! It has a lovely cocobutter scent that’s almost edible. It’s 50ml / P41, 100ml/P70.25, 200ml/P124.75 at your favorite supermarkets and drugstores.
Silka Premium Moisturizing Milk Lotion with Avocado Oil and Almond Milk
If you’re looking for deeper, long-lasting moisture, this Silka lotion with avocado oil and almond milkcan give it to your skin sans the sticky, thick feeling. This has a creamy floral scent as well as SPF23! It’s a bit more expensive than the Shea Butter variant as this is 50ml / P45, 100ml/P77.25, 200ml/P137 at your favorite supermarkets and drugstores.
Which one should you try? Here’s what the PV girls think of these new releases! We split them up into two teams: the Shea Butter Team (Marielle and Angela) and the Avocado Team (Den and Kim). They used the lotions for two weeks to see how their skin would react. They have previously never tried a Silka lotion before but, spoiler alert: they loved it!
Personally, I am really enjoying the Shea Butter variant for everyday. I love the scent and the SPF23 the most, followed by how moisturizing yet light it is on my skin. Can’t beat the price too - I was previously using an SPF 24 body serum from another brand but the Silka one is like half the price! Will continue using it and keep it in my to-repurchase list.
Have you tried Silka lotions before? How did they work for you?
Editor's Note: We believe that virginity, birth control, and sex are still opaque topics here in the Philippines. A discussion about these things with our parents mostly involves them telling us never to have intercourse or get pregnant until we're married. However, that is hardly a deterrent for women to make unwise choices. At Project Vanity, our ultimate goal is to empower women by providing them information about their own bodies so they feel more confident navigating their world.
In The Sex Talk, a new section here at PV, we aim to consult with doctors and experts about common questions we feel should be answered by women, for women.
I always knew I wanted to have kids. No specifics on how many, what gender, and when, though. Whenever I would hear the phrase “family planning” it just went over my head, my brain stamping it with “N/A” and going on with my life. So I had a bit of a panic attack when I found out I was pregnant, a mere two months after I got married. I never thought I’d get preggers so soon! I felt very unprepared, and wished desperately that I had paid attention to the required pre-wedding seminar on birth control.
Don’t get me wrong—I don’t regret for one moment conceiving and giving birth to my beautiful babies. Still, I had thought my husband and I would enjoy at least a year or two of just being newlyweds. I realized with guilt that I had given more thought to planning our wedding than making specific plans for our marriage.
Here at PV, we want women to be informed of their options on this critical issue. Since we already talked about artificial birth control, let’s have a look-see at natural options. I sat down with Dr. Cecilia Vicencio, head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at The Medical City, for the low-down on natural birth control, and her expert opinion on its merits and disadvantages. We hope this article can give you the basic facts you need and encourage you to consult with your own doctor before you decide whether or not this is for you and your partner.
First things first
Natural birth control methods are also known as fertility awareness-based methods for good reason. All of these methods involve pinpointing dates when one is likely to get pregnant and avoiding unprotected sexual contact on those times. It comes as a bit of a shock but Dr. Vicencio reveals, “You are actually only fertile one day in a month, so that’s just 12 days in a year!”
Although the egg cell is viable for only 24 hours each cycle, sperm cells live for an average of 3 to 7 days, with the most tenacious ones surviving for up to 8 days in the womb. So it’s unsafe to have sex about a week before the egg drops, and until after the egg exits the body through menstruation. The key to success is accurately predicting when you will ovulate, since not all women get their menstrual cycles within regular intervals. There are several methods that medical practitioners recommend.
Image via mamanatural.com
Rhythm Method
Also known as the calendar method, this is probably the most commonly known and used natural method for birth control. It has been around since the 1930s, and just requires a calendar and basic arithmetic to use. To make this work, you’ll need to keep a log of your menstrual cycles for the past six months at least, and then use simple math to chart days when you’re likely to be fertile. Here’s the formula, as quoted from WebMD:
Subtract 18 from the number of days in your shortest cycle. Count that many days after you start your period. That’s your first fertile day. Subtract 11 from the number of days in your longest cycle. Count that many days from the start of your period. That’s your last fertile day. Don’t have sex on or between your first and last fertile days.
Advantages: You won’t need to spend much--all you’ll need is a calendar or journal. There are also free apps available to help you track your cycles. Once you know which days are “unsafe”, just avoid having sex on those dates. On the flipside, you can also use this same knowledge if you’re trying to get pregnant.
Disadvantages: The rhythm method assumes that your period follows a strict schedule. If your cycles is irregular though (as women who have polycystic ovary syndrome can sometimes experience), it’s hard to accurately predict your ovulation. It can work but it’s not completely fail-safe method for preventing pregnancy, and if you don’t use this method together with artificial birth control, it can drastically diminish sexual contact between partners.
From top: Day 1 (sticky and a little slippery = safe), Day 3 (cloudy and stretchy = not safe), Day 5 (clear, wet and stretchy = fertile), Day 7 (white and tacky = safe)
Images via readytogroove.com
Cervical Mucus Method
Also known as the ovulation method or Billings method, this involves checking the mucus from the cervix. On fertile days, there are detectable differences. Dr. Vicencio explains that as you reach your peak fertility, your cervical discharge becomes clear, thin, slippery, and spinnable. She demonstrates by putting her index finger and thumb together and slowly pulling them apart--the mucus feels more wet and stretchy.
You can check your discharge by wiping with a tissue, from front to back. Take note of the appearance (white, clear or cloudy), texture (clumpy and thick, or smooth and sticky), and feel (wet, dry or slippery). Like the rhythm method, it’s best to log these observations over a few months.
Advantages: There are no expenses involved with this method. Plus, if you track these changes and see a regular pattern, you can predict your fertile days for future cycles.
Disadvantages: Breastfeeding, menstrual flow, use of vaginal products like douches and spermicide, as well as certain medical conditions (like having PCOS or an infection) can affect cervical discharge, preventing an accurate interpretation. Some women also don’t produce enough mucus daily.
Image via babysounds.com
Temperature Method
Monitoring your basal body temperature (BBT) is another way to check for your fertile days. To measure this accurately, you have to check your temperature immediately upon waking up. An oral thermometer will do but a rectal one gives a more accurate reading. There will be a slight rise in your body temperature (about 1 degree Fahrenheit) when the egg drops into your uterus and falls again just before menstruation. Usually, you reach your peak fertility 2 to 3 days before the increase in your body temperature.
Advantages: Anyone with a thermometer can use this method. You can use this in tandem with other natural birth control methods.
Disadvantages: The differences in temperature can sometimes just be a fraction of a degree from day to day, so this is not an ideal method if you don’t have a large-scale thermometer that can track slight variances. Of course, you won’t get accurate results if you have a fever. Stress, excessive physical exercise, drinking alcohol, and an irregular sleeping schedule can also affect your BBT.
Images via maya.live
Helpful tools and aids
Practicing natural birth control takes quite a bit of effort and diligence but there are tools that can help you stay on course and get more accurate readings. A basal thermometer provides a more specific thermal reading compared to regular thermometers. Dr. Vicencio shares that there is a vaginal thermometer with a matching app that charts the results straight to your smartphone (but it’s not available locally). There’s also a gadget that can check for ferning patterns (due to crystallization of sodium chloride) in your saliva.
It may be easy to get data for these methods but the true challenge lies in faithful tracking and accurate interpretation. Cycle beads can be used to track the days in one’s cycle while doubling as either a bracelet or a necklace.
Whether you’re practicing natural birth control or not, it’s a good to get a period tracker app for your phone. There are many free options for both iOS and Android such as Maya, Clue, Eve and SpotOn. Some even offer features like sending reminders before you get your period (so you can stock up on supplies!) and taking notes for temperature, cervical mucus, mood, etc.
Should you go natural?
Dr. Vicencio’s explained that natural birth control options are the safest ways to prevent pregnancy. There are no side effects, unlike hormone-based pills and IUDs, patches, and injectables. There are no major expenses involved, too. Should a couple change their mind and opt to conceive, there is no waiting period, plus they can continue using these methods to determine fertile days.
Although these are big reasons to consider a natural option, Dr. Vicencio admits that it is the least effective of birth control methods. Natural birth control has relatively high failure rates, though it helps if you use all three methods to boost efficacy. Women whose menstrual cycles are outside the normal range (21 to 35 days, or even up to 38) will have a challenging time making the rhythm method work. It’s also not for women who have uncooperative partners. To be candid, it takes a lot of work and advanced planning for both parties to use fertility awareness-based methods to prevent pregnancy.
Again, please see your OB before deciding to go for natural family planning. It’s best to do this with your partner, since it involves his willingness and cooperation to make it work. Even if you do decide that this birth control method is not for you, we hope it encourages you to be more attuned to your body, and how your menstrual cycles might be affecting your everyday life.
I currently have five foundations, four moisturizers, three serums, and six shampoos in circulation. It may not seem like a lot compared to other people’s stashes but having more than one product that pretty much serves the same purpose and isn’t differentiated by color is honestly more than I need. The truth is, being a beauty addict turns most, if not all, of us into product junkies as well. We fall in love with the pretty things and fawn over them until a newer, shinier object catches our attention and the cycle repeats itself.
It’s that same realization that helps me appreciate posts about empties. When we’re constantly trying new things, it feels like a rare feat to finally hit pan or squeeze the last drop of product out. Empties may not always read like a list of holy grails but I personally enjoy learning why people continue using them, even when other options have become available. This is what the PV team has used up so far for this year!
Den: I’ve just run out of another K-Palette Lasting 2Way Eyebrow, though thankfully not during mid-application. As one of my kit staples, I wish these were cheap enough to hoard backups for! After using them all of last year, my bottles of Neutrogena Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser and Avalon Organics Vitamin C Renewal Refreshing Cleansing Gel are now empty. I loved both: Neutrogena’s low pH formula was great for daily use while the vitamin C in Avalon had a nice brightening effect on my skin. I’m not sure if samplers would count as empties but I extended the tiny pack of CosRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid to three applications and promptly bought the full-sized bottle as a result. I tell anyone willing to listen that they absolutely need this in their lives!
Angela: I finished my Maybelline Clear Smooth All-In-One Powder Foundation. It covers some of my blemishes and keeps my T-zone oil-free. I also use it as a setting powder for my concealer. It's so affordable and performs really well so I'll definitely buy again!
Crystal: I've always prided myself on my ability to empty products because it (somehow) justifies my hoarding tendencies! This month, I emptied a whopping 30 grams of 3W Clinic Powder, which is a really nice, inexpensive setting powder with a floral scent. The Face Shop Natural Sun Eco Ice Air Puff Sun is the lightest sunblock I've tried to date with a nice, cooling effect that is perfect for our hot weather. The Body Shop Almond Oil Conditioning Hand Wash was a moisturizing hand wash with a mild scent.
I finished a Maybelline Brow Mascara even though it took me forever because there was so much product. Miller Harris is a perfume brand from the UK. I used up the lip balm and it's honestly one of the most moisturizing lip balms I've ever tried. Last but not least is a mini size of Belo SunExpert SPF60 PA+++ Body, which I got when Belo had a promo. I've always been happy with Belo SunExpert and will continue purchasing from the line. Overall, I'm happy with all the products I emptied for this month, which is exactly why they are empty now LOL!
Katsy: I'm nearly done with the travel-size skincare set I got from Laneige last November. The set lasted almost three months, although I did alternate with other skincare items once I reached the halfway mark. I will probably repurchase the line plus the Water Sleeping Mask as they really did hydrate my face well. I used the Laneige Moisture line as I have dry skin.
Claire: I go through conditioners, lotions, and makeup wipes really quickly. I have backups of the Pantene 3 Minute Miracle and Nivea Extra White Firming Body Serum but I'm not loyal to any brand of makeup wipes just yet. I picked up the Watsons 3-in-1 facial wipes in Malaysia a while back but haven't been able to find it locally. Too bad, as it effectively but gently removes makeup! I also enjoyed the Biore makeup remover wipes but I wish they were a bit larger. It's pretty rare for me to finish any makeup item but I really abused my Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder. Will definitely repurchase this after I go through my loose powder stash!
Jenn: Super happy to finish my bottle of Merphil AC+ All in One Magic Cream - my holy grail when it comes to combating zits! This is one product that really changed my life, errr, skin. Designed for hormonal acne, it always either flattens my small pimples after overnight use or calms down big ones. It's a regular fixture in my routine so I always have to keep a backup of it.
Gett: I finally finished my bottle of Cure and a tub of Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask after more than a year of using them. These two helped improve my overall skin texture and kept my face thoroughly clean. I use both once a week, or twice if my skin looks meh. I'd repurchase these two in a heartbeat!
Did you empty out any products last month? What convinced you to keep using them?
Whether it’s from having an active lifestyle, surgery, or simply being clumsy, chances are you have a scar somewhere on your body. It’s romantic to think of them as a gateway for telling an interesting story but we’d much rather not have to remember the time when a giant pimple threatened to ruin a special event! If you have scars that you’d rather live without, read on to find out what your options are for managing their appearance.
Different types of scars
The skin can work wonders when healing itself but some injuries are so damaging to tissue that it can sometimes result in pigmentation and/or a different skin texture. It’s important to find out what type of scar you have before attempting to restore your skin to its former glory as some scar treatments are only intended for specific types of scarring.
Flat scars result from minor breaks in the skin, typically from common injuries or burns. The telltale sign is the discoloration - it might start off as pink, reddish, tan, brown or black. In time, it will naturally fade away to something closer to your skin tone. If your flat scar was caused by acne, it’s technically not a scar but post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Severe burn injuries may cause contracture scars, which makes it look like the skin of the affected area has “shrunk”. The unnatural tightening can sometimes impair proper movement.
If you picked at your chicken pox, or had deep cystic pimples, you likely have indented or atrophic scars. These little hollows form if the wound destroys your skin’s underlying support structure. Sadly, topical treatments cannot restore atrophic scars to their original appearance. Collagen fillers might work but only temporarily.
Sometimes, the skin can be a little overzealous and produce way too much collagen to repair a wound, causing raised scars. Hypertrophic scars are typically red but stay confined within the wound’s boundaries. Keloids are also raised scars that form even beyond the area of a wound, so you end up with a mark larger than the wound that caused it. Unfortunately, some people are more predisposed to form raised scars whether from shallow or deep wounds because of genetics.
Stretch marks are also technically a form of scarring but these form from the inside, when the skin is stretched beyond its capacity. They can be caused by weight changes (gain or loss), pregnancy, or even puberty when you hit your growth spurt!
Over-the-counter (OTC) scar solutions
It’s always best to consult a doctor, preferably a dermatologist, for proper treatment of scars. There are many options available, including clinical treatments like laser therapy, microdermabrasion, and even surgical procedures. For less severe scarring that can be treated by topical gels and creams though, these (prescription-free) drugstore finds can significantly reduce their appearance if not fading them off completely.
Contractubex Topical Gel (P600 for 10g and P990 for 20g)
This lightweight gel contains three active ingredients that help skin repair properly: extractumcepae - nion extract, an anti-inflammatory that helps prevent excessive scar tissue formation; heparin, which promotes cell and tissue regeneration; and allantoin, which soothes the skin.
There have been several clinical trials that prove this product’s effectivity but please note that there is no proof that these active ingredients would perform similarly when used individually. Personally, this gel has flattened and lightened my keloid scars relatively quickly. It also lightened my post-acne marks, and wears well under makeup! Best to rub the gel onto affected area twice daily after cleansing until it is completely absorbed. You can also apply this on older scars and then cover with gauze.
Dermatix Ultra Topical Gel (P731.25 for 7g and P990 for 15g)
Scar tissue can benefit from silicone-based formulas with skin-healing antioxidants and ingredients. It helps to plump up depressed areas and thus create a smoother skin texture. It has less active ingredients than Contractubex, but it looks and feels exactly like a smooth silicone-based primer! As such, you can wear this under makeup and you can get a smoother application on the area. Dermatix is also available in sheet form, which works best on raised scars, but I couldn’t find it at the drugstore in my area.
Image via shiberty.com
Glyderm Stretch Mark Cream (P462 for 60mL and P808 for 125mL)
Nothing can completely eradicate stretch marks, since these form underneath the skin. Still, I can attest to the transformative power of Glyderm on my post-pregnancy belly marks! I applied this twice daily and it has significantly lightened and reduced my stretch marks, making them less obvious. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should check with their doctors before using this.
Bio-Oil (P495 for 60mL and P795 for 125mL)
Many people swear by this dry oil, though it seems that just as many say it doesn’t work. It claims to work wonders for scars, uneven skin tone, and stretch marks with its PurCellin oil. Its main agent is mineral oil, which is mixed with other skin-nourishing ingredients like vitamin A and several plant oils.
Apollo Sebo de Macho (12g for P40)
This is a staple in many Pinoy households but did you ever wonder what it’s made from? Its one and only ingredient is mutton’s tallow, aka sheep fat! Before you freak out and dismiss it as a gross option, know that mutton’s tallow has been used for centuries as an all-around remedy for skin troubles. Apparently, it’s very similar to the skin-restoring sebum that our skin naturally produces to protect itself plus fatty acids that nourish the skin.
How to minimize scarring
Prevention is always better than treatment, so if you get an injury or have a nasty pimple, here are some suggestions:
Treat wounds properly. Appropriate first aid is crucial to any break in the skin so don’t delay cleansing and applying antiseptic treatment. Never apply creams or other treatments to open wounds.
Use a gentle cleanser. Harsher formulas might irritate the skin and worsen its chance of healing well. Don’t scrub the area, as well.
Keep the wounded area away from sunlight to prevent further pigmentation.
Don’t fiddle with it! It’s so tempting to pick at a scab, especially the itchy ones, but doing so could cause permanent scarring.Manage your expectations once scars form. All we can do is try to improve its appearance and hope for the best. It’s awesome if your scars completely disappear with proper treatment, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t.
Track your progress. It’s easy to be disappointed with scar treatments since all of them need time and a lot of patience to work. Whenever possible, take progress photos of the scar when trying out treatments.
What kinds of scars are you dealing with right now? Have you tried any of the products in our list? We want to know what worked for you!
The temperature keeps rising and humidity is at an all-time high. For me, this signals that summer is just around the corner and it’s time to take my makeup game to go sheer, sheer, sheer. But while going as au naturel as possible is in line with this year’s makeup trends, I know there are will be days when I’ll need to wear a proper face of makeup in order to look fresh and presentable despite the heat. Thankfully, L’Oreal Makeup Designer Paris has brought in their Infallible Makeup line to help us get battle-ready with #NeverFail makeup!
At the L’Oreal Infallible launch event, we were invited to put their makeup line to the ultimate tests. The first step was to have an Infallible Makeover to determine our shade matches then we could choose to head over to a workout station, an eating station, or a photo booth station to test out each of the product’s properties. As it turns out though, the true makeup test for me came after the event, when I took the products out for a spin in the real-world application of renewing my driver’s license!
The L’Oreal Infallible 24HR Foundation (P700) is a lightweight, liquid foundation that promises to last for 24 hours with a “flawless, full coverage”. From the six shades available, I was matched to the Shade 120 Vanilla, which surprised me because it was on the lighter side of the spectrum (I’m about NC35). It was a perfect match though! The line has offers a substantial shade selection, which will hopefully match more Filipina skin tones.
When I apply the foundation after my usual skincare routine, it blends on easily even just by using my fingers. It does have good enough coverage with a demi-matte finish, though I have to go over and apply an extra layer over areas like my dark under eye circles. In a pinch though, the L’Oreal Infallible 24HR Foundation does its job well and it left my skin looking fresh and ready for the day.
The L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte 16HR Powder (P600) promises to provide a matte finish to complete your look. It can be worn on its own or as a finishing powder to set foundation. Of the six shades available, I got matched to 200 Natural Beige, which I find to be a bit dark on me. I liked that it doesn’t look cakey when applied and really does extend the wear of the Infallible 24H Foundation. This also completely mattifies the demi-matte finish of the liquid foundation.
The packaging is also quite commendable as the sponge applicator is stored separately from the product, though I much prefer using a brush for both initial application and touch-ups.
The L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender & Setting Spray (P500) is a dream come true for making makeup last in our weather! A quick spray over ensures a longer-lasting makeup look, so imagine combining that with the promise of 24HR and 16HR finishes of the liquid foundation and powder respectively! While the powder mattifies the entire look, I didn’t want to look too matte and the Pro-Spray comes to the rescue by ensuring the makeup looks freshly-applied. I love the combo of the three Infallible products for an all-day flawless finish. Plus, the Pro-Spray can easily be used over base makeup, eye makeup, and even lipsticks!
Speaking of lipsticks, the L’Oreal Infallible 10HR Lipstick (P500) is available in 20 shades! These Infallible lipsticks promise to be food-proof, fade-proof, and dry-proof. I got the shades Always Apricot and Forever Frappe and have been testing them out since.
From left: Always Apricot and Forever Frappe
Do they stay true to their claim? Amazingly, yes! The lipsticks are infused with vitamin E, which make them creamy and glide on like a dream. My normally dry lips do not feel parched when using the Infallible lipsticks. A great bonus is that they fade evenly throughout the day, leaving a distinct demi-matte stain once they set.
From left: L’Oreal Infallible 10HR Lipsticks in Always Apricot and Forever Frappe, L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte 16HR Powder in 200 Natural Beige, L’Oreal Infallible 24HR Foundation in 120 Vanilla
Here is my #FOTD using the L’Oreal Infallible line! I’ve taken to reaching for the entire line when I know I need to be out and about for hours without fear of constant retouching. I get oily around the T-zone area after 3 to 4 hours but nothing an oil blotting paper can’t solve.
Wearing the Forever Frappe lippie!
Have you tried the L’Oreal Infallible makeup line? If not, which product has caught your eye?
The year 2016 may have come and gone but when it comes to enduring beauty trends, we are definitely still loving liquid lipsticks! More and more local brands are coming out with their own versions while old faves add new shades or improve existing formulas. There can be a bit of a learning curve to applying liquid lippies perfectly but with so many offerings under P500, you can practice painting on the perfect line with no stress.
Today, our focus is on six local liquid lipsticks that have caught our fancy and become mainstays in our stash. We tested them out to see which ones lasted well throughout the day, with a full eight hours of drinking and eating. Ready to see which ones will survive?
From left: Happy Skin Glam Squad Liquid Matte Lipstick in Mickey See, Features & Shades True Light Liquid Lipstick in Coral, Jazzy France Lustrous Lip gloss in Nutmeg, Everyday Love+ Nude Lips #03, Pink Sugar Sugar Tint Lip & Cheek Tint in Purrfect Pout, Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Lip & Cheek Mousse in The Morning After
This is honestly one of my personal favorites, so much so that I actually collected all four shades from the Glam Squad collection! The texture is smooth and non-drying on my lips. It is highly pigmented and reapplies easily. The color looks vivid when freshly applied, and stays true to the shade even after eight hours of wear. While it does fade around the middle area of the lips like most liquid lipsticks, I find that I can go without retouching by simply pressing my lips together to “refresh” and even out the look.
Features & Shades True Light Liquid Lipstick in Coral (P350 at SM Beauty)
The ingenious packaging of this illuminating tube is what drew me to it in the first place but the formula is A+ as well. This liquid lipstick is of a slightly runnier consistency but pigmentation is still great. The wetness of the formula actually lends to an easier application as it glides on smoothly and evenly covers the lips. It also fades out into a light stain, which looks okay if you’re dressed down. In my case though, I had to reapply after 5.5 hours because I was headed to a meeting.
Jazzy France Lustrous Lip Gloss in Nutmeg (P349 at department stores)
The name is really a misnomer as it certainly does not behave like a lip gloss. The pigmentation is insane! My freshly applied lip swatch went on really matte, with full color. It is admittedly patchy but this can be expected from most dark liquid lipstick shades. It also clung to the flaky bits of my lips, unfortunately.
Nutmeg is a very lovely color though, and the lippie didn’t feel like anything that I almost forgot I was wearing such a dark shade. Reapplication is a must for this liquid lipstick as any fading on darker shades is immediately noticeable.
Everyday Love + Nude Lips #03 (P199 at Instagram @everydayloveph)
This is such a pretty color in person but features a very drying formula that looks and feels desert-like immediately upon after application. I did notice though that as the day progressed, the dryness I felt lessened and the color started to blend with my lips more. Maybe I just had a bad batch but the gorgeous nude shade really made me want to make it work! I feel like this is a close dupe to Kylie’s liquid lipsticks. The shade still looks presentable after three hours, which is good, but at 8 hours, reapplication becomes a must.
Pink Sugar Sugar Tint Lip & Cheek Tint in Purrfect Pout (P349 at SM Beauty)
Featuring a moussey texture and a sweet fragrance, it dries down to a soft matte almost immediately after application. I needed a few passes for it to completely cover my lips but I didn’t mind too much as, compared to the other liquid lipsticks I tried in this battle, it felt softer and lighter. It certainly makes it easier to blend on the cheeks! This held up quite well as shown by the hour 6 lip swatch; I just have to purse my lips to refresh the color a bit and it’s good to go. It also did not dry out my lips as much as other liquid lipsticks normally do.
Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Lip & Cheek Mousse in The Morning After (P699 at Happy Skin)
Compared to the brand’s own Liquid Matte, this has a creamier, moussier texture that helps it apply smoothly to the cheeks. The almost demi-matte finish looks like a healthier version of your lips’ natural look. It fades evenly except for the build up around the edges, so you may want to reapply even at just the 4-hour mark as the formula can’t be easily “refreshed” by just pursing the lips.
Verdict: After thoroughly testing and documenting the six liquid lipsticks, here’s where they stand in terms of longevity, moisture and consistency, as well as overall performance.
Best in Longevity: The Happy Skin Glam Squad Liquid Matte Lipstick remains my favorite for this! Even when it starts to fade a little, it can easily be “refreshed” even without reapplication.
Best in Moisture and Consistency: The Pink Sugar Sugar Tint Lip & Cheek Tint wins this for me as it did not dry out my lips and also applies well to my cheeks.
Best in Overall Performance: I have to say that the Features & Shades True Light Liquid Lipstick is the top winner! This is a sleeper hit for me as I knew it performed well enough but I only realized just how good it actually performs after comparing all six lippies. While it doesn’t dry down immediately, it lends a lovely looking finish to the lips that eventually settles down into a soft matte.
Do you have a favorite among these liquid lipsticks? If not, do tell us what other lippies past the 8-hour mark for you!
Happy Skin just dropped a new collection called Festival of Colors last week, and here's your first look into how some of the products perform! I don't have the Lip Kits, Glisten Up! Kit, and Air Touch Sponge, but I've tested everything else. Here's what I think of these colorful additions to the beloved homegrown brand after rigorously trying them out for a few days.
Y'all know that I have no time or patience for substandard eyeliner. I am pleased to report that the basic Eye Am Here To Stay 24H Gel Pencil Eyeliner(P599 for .5 grams) of Happy Skin is super good! The mini ones they released in the past are nice, but only as an occasional addition to my look. I can see that the Perfect Black (opaque matte black) and Chic Brown (shimmery brown) liners will be mainstays in my routine as they're pigmented, fairly creamy with minimal drag, and sweat-resistant.
Perfect Black is mostly matte, but it has this strange smattering of fine sparkle when drawn on. It's not obvious at all, but you will see them if you look closely. I love how ridic black it is that even I was surprised when I took my first selfie with it! It's solid in one or two layers for me. Chic Brown is pigmented, and is more of a bronzy brown to me. I like wearing it a bit below my iris or all over my waterline to add some shadow to my eyes. By itself, it creates a natural line on the upper lid.
A single swipe the Bye Bye, Blues Concealer in Medium, Perfect Black, and Chic Brown
Staying power is really good. The Gel Pencil smudges a teensy bit when worn for over five hours, but it retains its integrity for much for the day. I wore it during an intense tennis session to see how sweat-resistant it is and as you can see in the photo, it did not fall apart after an hour! There was some smearing on the bottom lid and it has faded on the upper waterline, but it still looks decent.
Left: Before tennis | Right: An hour after tennis and buckets of sweat
I love that these pencils are automatic; there's no need to sharpen. It does come with a detachable plastic sharpener on the butt part but I don't have a good experience with these gizmos so I won't recommend it. You might end up breaking the tip of the eyeliner.
Overall, I highly recommend the Eye Am Here To Stay 24H Gel Pencil Eyeliner to anybody who needs reliable liners. These should do well even on oily lids, when applied properly.
The Happy skin Bye Bye, Blues Brightening Concealer (P899 for 7.5ml) is an entirely new product. It comes in two shades, Light Beige and Medium Beige. I have here the latter and it's a great match for my NC35 skin! It's yellow with a strong peachy undertone to it - perfect for eye bags.
This concealer has heavier coverage and thicker texture compared to the Happy Skin Eye Need A Miracle Correctorwhich I reviewed previously. As promised, it brightens the under eyes without looking like a caked-up mess even with the good coverage. Here is it + the Perfect Black eyeliner in action.
It fades minimally during the day when set properly with a thin layer of powder. It creases after about 3-4 hours, but i just pat it back down with a clean finger and it's like nothing happened. Do I like this new concealer more than Eye Need A Miracle? I think I need more time to see, but so far so good! I'd say Bye Bye, Blues lasts better but Eye Need A Miracle is more light-reflecting and thus more brightening.
Finally, I've got the Tickled Pink Skin Perfecting Super Absorbent Charcoal Blotting Sheets (P149 for 50 sheets). I've tried A LOT of oil blotting sheets but I'd say this one is the best so far! It's thicker and bigger than your average oil blotting paper, which means that you only need one sheet to remove all traces of oil. I've always found it counterintuitive that we have to use at least two sheets for the oil-blotters to do the job. Maybe we boys and girls are just oilier here in the Philippines? In any case, I'm happy that a local brand found the perfect solution to a very greasy problem.
I love the thickness of the paper here as the oil doesn't get into my hands when I press into it. I love that it has some bamboo charcoal and kaolin incorporated in the paper that boosts its matifying power. Overall, a great find! I understand it's more expensive than the ones you can buy in drugstores but for 50 uses, P149 is not too bad for me.
Hope you enjoyed reading through my review! Let me know if you're looking forward to trying out anything from Happy Skin's Festival of Colors collection. Currently, you may pre-purchase them only online at happyskincosmetics.com. Starting February 8, you can get these at Happy Skin's retail locations.
Coming from firsthand experience, I know how losing so much hair can take a toll on one's self-confidence and self-worth. Hair is such a visible, definitive characteristic that suddenly going bald is hard to accept. But it's not game over for us who wish for better hair days. Svenson, the country's premier hair loss and hair restoration center, has aesthetic surgeons who are able to do hair transplants.
The Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) or Strip FUT is a method that removes a strip of hair from the donor site, generally from the back of the head, and dissects it into smaller groups to implant into thinning and balding areas. It's a procedure that takes several months and quite an investment for results to show, but if baldness is a big concern for you, it's worth looking into.
Suki Salvador, Vice President, Creative Director & Editor at One Mega Group has decided he's had enough of early hair loss and got the procedure done recently. Here's his story!
When did you start to notice the hair-loss signs?
I started to notice it 5 to 8 years ago. A friend told me, ‘Hey your hair is thinning!’ That time, I kinda ignored it. It started to hit me when I got rained on one time. When the water dropped, it fell straight to my scalp. It was very alarming. And every time I’m sitting at my office desk, I could feel the air from the AC hitting my scalp directly. That’s when I decided to go to Svenson for a consultation.
How did hair loss affect your job?
I’m in fashion. Styling my hair is important and hair loss restricted me from pulling off fun, unique hairstyles. I couldn’t color my hair as wild or as crazy even if I wanted to. I couldn’t cut it too short or grow it too long, because it would weigh my hair down, which can make my hair loss problem more obvious.
What made you decide to have the hair transplant procedure done?
I just realized, people nowadays are very active; they travel a lot, myself included. So it’s hard to go to the centre as often as you should. When my trichologist at Svenson recommended hair transplant, I said yes right away.
How did the procedure go? Tell us about your whole experience.
During the first consultation, they did several tests to assess my hair-loss condition. After getting the results, they recommended the FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) procedure. The process involves taking a strip of your scalp from the back of your head, where some of your healthy and permanent hairs are planted, to replace the balding areas.
Before we started, they even asked me to choose what shape of hairline I want to have! I chose the square one. The procedure took hours but it was comfortable. I even posted what’s happening on my social media accounts and everyone was like, ‘How are you so calm?’. I just felt that I was in good hands, which only means that my doctors were great at what they’re doing. Three months after the surgery, here I am seeing great results. Can’t wait to see further hair growth in the next few months!
Why would you recommend Svenson Hair Transplant procedure?
I believe it’s the best option for those experiencing hair loss, because it’s permanent and the technology they are using now can guarantee a very high success rate. And it’s not something you should feel ashamed of, especially those who are young. Balding is actually a young man’s problem. It can start even in your 20s, but you can do something about it. When you’re young, you have plenty of options and reasons to save your hair. And the best thing about Svenson hair transplant is that it’s complete, comprehensive, and they got you covered from start to finish. It’s the trifecta of full service!
To know more about Svenson’s Hair Transplant procedures, go to www.svenson.com.ph/hair-transplant/ or call 892-4247 or Text/Viber 09175014915 to book your free hair and scalp analysis
Imagine going to one of your favorite shopping destinations and seeing SALE signs everywhere. There are 30% off, 50% off, and even Buy 1, Take 1 promos. We PV girls go weak at the knees for budget-friendly beauty finds, so a major sale at one of our fave shopping haunts is good news that we simply can’t keep to ourselves!
With super convenient locations (they’re practically everywhere!) and plenty of well-loved brands, Watsons is our go-to for affordable toiletries and makeup staples. With the ongoing Watsons Big White Blowout, they’re all about bringing us the lowest prices for their best-selling whitening products. If you’re keen on taking better care of your skin or getting a more even skin tone this year, now is the perfect time to stock up!
Cosmo Skin founder and marketing director Dr. Nino Bautista and brand endorser Ruffa Gutierrez
Celebrity guests joined us for the special event. Ruffa Gutierrez talked about her endorsement with Cosmo Skin while Kelly Misa and Lauren Young shared their favorite must-buys from the store. We spotted Kelly getting back-ups of the Pond’s Flawless White Face Cream and BB Cream plus a box of Belo Collagen Powder Drink, which promotes youthful and healthy-looking skin. Lauren got her trusty Cetaphil Cleanser, as well as Watsons Collagen Face Masks which were Buy 2, Get 1 Free.
Brands like Belo and Skin White are up to 20% off or have Buy 1, Take 1 deals.
If you’re a fan of Nivea and Rexona deodorants, take advantage of the sale to keep you smelling clean all year long! You can also get Olay Face Creams at up to 40% off.
Other brands included in the sale are Vaseline, Safeguard, L’Oreal, and Celeteque, with their lotions and creams at up to 50% off.
Our editor Liz still keeps raving about Kojie-san so I’m pretty excited to try out their popular Skin Lightening Soap (P120 promo pack) as well as their Body Lightening Lotion with SPF 25 (P159).
One of the causes of dull skin is having too many layers of dead skin cells (ick) so exfoliation is a must. I chose a Nylon Body Glove exfoliator (P59) for my body and a konjac sponge (P199) for my face.
I’m a loyal user of Pond's White Beauty Spotless White Cream (P32) before so I got an extra as backup. I also got the Biore UV Perfect Bright Milk sunscreen (P380), the Quick FX Tinted Moisturizer (P35), and the Nivea Extra White Repair Pore Minimiser Toner (P185) because I’ve seen good reviews about these products.
The Dazzling White Instant Whitening Pen (P188) for teeth is a cool addition I got because of Lauren Young’s tip. This should make it easier to wear lippie shades that somehow make teeth look more yellow. Whitening can take a while though, so in the meantime, you can use makeup to fake a pearly white smile.
The Big White Blowout sale at Watsons is until February 22, 2017. If you’re an SM Advantage Card or BDO Rewards card holder, you even get a chance to win an iPhone 7 when you buy P500 worth of participating products. Just look for the “Qualifier to win iPhone 7” sticker like on the packaging. For more information on this promo, check out the complete mechanics.
Are you ready to shop the Watsons Big White Blowout Sale? What will you be stocking up on?
As promised, I took my Dollar Store makeup haul and put it to the test! I was both excited and nervous about doing this as I’d never tried any of these products before. I was determined to make it work, though, no matter what it took. Can I do makeup magic with a P1,000 budget? Will I survive this challenge?
Step 1: Concealer
I couldn’t find a liquid foundation that matched me in the store so I figured I’d just use the She Concealer (P89)all over my face. I started buffing it in with the largest brush from the 6-piecePrincessa Tool Kit (P99). Instant regrets because I did not sign up for a cat scratching!
This concealer smelled like a Pentel pen. And nope, the brush ain’t working out.
Aside from irritating my skin, the bristles kept falling off! I had to switch to the flat top brush I scored from my Divisoria haul to give the product a real shot at working. That said, the concealer wasn’t half bad at evening out my skin tone but I had to go in for a second layer. It was still far off the level of coverage I normally wear but I also didn’t want to cake up my face this early on.
What it looked like a single layer (left) and a second application (right)
Step 2: Powder
The L.A. Colors Mineral Pressed Powder (P149) turned out to be a patchy, blotchy, tanned nightmare!
But Sand is normally my color for everything!
Okay, so this is partly my fault because I picked up the wrong shade. In my defense, Sandis usually a light-medium shade with yellow undertones but this definitely wasn’t it. I had to blend like a mad woman to diffuse what looked like a messed-up tanning job. That took a while but I was able to save my canvas.
Blending is my cardio
Step 3: Blush
I swear on my grave that I just lightly dipped the brush on the She Bronzer Palette (P129) and it still came out like this. I even tapped the excess product off but here I am, looking like a perfectly ripe tomato. This blush did not want to blend and practically emphasized every single pore on my cheek! I tried to tone it back down with powder but it wasn’t working so I gave up five minutes later. I disturbed my concealing job to try to get this blush to look less patchy, to no avail.
What the hell have I done
Step 4: Contour
I was so done with that stubborn bronzer palette so I switched to the Beauty Treats Eyeshadow Palette (P99)for contouring. Luckily, there was a cool taupe shade which worked out for my nose.
My nose is more high maintenance than you can imagine
Step 5: Eyebrows
The She Eyebrow Gel (P99) turned out to be more dark brown with grey tones than jet black, which I was very thankful for! Using the tiny lip brush from the Princessa kit, I was able do a pretty decent job filling in my eyebrows.
I know it looks a little strong without eye makeup on, but just wait!
Step 6: Eyeshadow
The Beauty Treats Eyeshadow Palette (P99)left me unimpressed when I swatched it so I didn’t really have the highest hopes for the palette. I used the bottom right quad to shade my lids, and the She Eyebrow Gel for a subtle wing. I packed and packed and packed color repeatedly but this was the best pigmentation that the eyeshadow could offer. No surprise there.
Where's my pigmentation at?
Step 7: Falsies
A pair of fluttery lashes makes everything better, right? LMAO, wrong. The Revlon Double Wink Eyelashes (P129)were the heaviest and stiffest pair I’ve ever tried to put on (wait, are these authentic?). And I’ve had studded falsies before, mind you, complete with long, spidery fibers and tiny gem stones! The eyelashes came with a sticky band but no lash glue. Because I had a tough time aligning the band to my lash line, all the readjustments caused the adhesive to lose its stickiness. I was all out of lash glue and not to keen on having these on so I ended up not wearing the falsies after all.
Felt heavier than the curtains falling on a bad comedy act
Step 8: Lipstick
A nude lip has never failed me...until now. The formula of the L.A. Colors Lipstick (P99) refused to stick to my lips and got all over the place. I’ve never had lipstick this bad since 2003, when eight year old me thought it would be a good idea to buy P10 magic lipstick from a sari-sari store.
Verdict
Believe you me, I tried my damnedest to make this work but not a single product turned out to be worth being thrifty over. Go to the drugstore instead, or use your P1,000 to splurge on a high ticket item that’s Holy Grail material. Even if these are cheap, your money is better spent elsewhere.
Looks like a throwback photo to when I didn’t yet know how to put on makeup
Have you had a better beauty hunting experience at the Dollar Store? What products worked out for you? I want to hear your story!
One of the things we love about beauty is how brands are continuously pushing the envelope to come up with new ideas and better techniques. It’s pretty inspiring, plus you end up looking good as a result! This week, we discovered that our fave childhood cartoon has even more makeup collections, an easier way to finally find your foundation soulmate, and the year’s cheesiest holiday will be worth celebrating for singles and couples alike. Read on to get the deets on the hottest beauty news!
Image via strongindependentcatwoman.wordpress.com
Customized to perfection
Every makeup-lover knows just how real the struggle is when it comes to finding the perfect foundation. It’s hard enough to find one that matches your undertone and shade - you also have to consider your skin type and even acidity level as well! Knowing and finding your match is a skill on its own, and a truly gratifying experience when you finally achieve it. Well, what if we told you that you can now skip all that guesswork and buying duds with just a click of a button?
Lancôme set the beauty world abuzz with a video featuring their newest foundation. Le Teint Particulier is the first ever custom-fit foundation that not only promises to give your perfect shade match but the best formula for your skin type as well! Using a specially developed gadget, your face is scanned to determine your shade and skin type. The analysis is then fed into a mixing machine that will concoct a blend uniquely customized for you. If that isn’t awesome enough, you can even choose the coverage, finish and amount of moisturization! Unfortunately, it’s currently only available at select Nordstrom stores!
Looks like 2017 is all about new trends in both fashion and beauty as luxury brand Tom Ford has just announced their sexiest lipstick creation yet: the Shade and Illuminate Lips! The whopping $60 duos feature six pairs of pure pigmented goodness that only a luxe brand like Tom Ford can pull off (at that price tag at least). Each palette is designed to help you sculpt the perfect pout - think classy ombre lips! The selection includes Nikita (warm toned red and deep brownish red), Tantalize (dusty rose and bright red), Automatic (nude and brown), Impulse (mauve pink and maroon), Possession (hot pink and baby pink), and Saboteur (purple and violet). If the formulas are just as good as their Lips & Boys Collection, we know these babies will be perfect to carry around!
If you grew up in the 90s, chances are this anime character was on your must-watch list. Now, our beloved Sailor Moon is back with even more goodies up her sleeve... or should we say gloves? Apart from getting us giddy with Romance Communicator Lip Glosses, the geniuses over at Creer Beaute have announced the latest addition to this fandom collectible: the Sailor Moon Prism Compact! The playfully kawaii compact contains four shimmery eye shadows (with one that can double up as a blush) for creating makeup looks that are out of this world! It includes a golden nude, a dark brown, a baby pink, and of course, a hot pink shade for that whimsical pop of color. Set to be released in March of this year, the compact will set you back $34 but hey, it seems worth it considering that it also doubles as a collector’s item. Check it out on the Creer Beaute website.
Speaking of appeasing fandoms, even Japan’s luxury brands are getting on trend. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the anime, Shiseido will also be releasing a two-piece Sailor Moon makeup collection for the MAQuillAGE line! Can we just talk about how insanely gorgeous these look?
The focus is all about creating gorgeous skin that looks bright and smooth. The Dramatic Skin Sensor Base UV is a lightweight liquid formula that creates a perfectly smooth and matte complexion, while the Dramatic Powder UV is a compact with light coverage. The set is about $61 and comes with a velvet pouch to keep the powder compact safely protected. It comes out in April but you can already pre-order!
Known for combining luxe aesthetics with superior performance, Guerlain is once again changing the way we see cosmetics and beauty. The French brand has just tapped Hollywood actress bas the muse for their new fragrance! Brand master perfumer Thierry Wasser says that the brand creates fragrances based on the women that inspire them, so having the silver screen’s biggest siren as their latest icon will bring a whole new level of sexy to the upcoming scent. It’s been in the works since December 2015, and is expected to finally drop on March this year! Anyone else excited to smell like Angie? *raises hand*
ERMERGERD. Even if you aren’t a fan of the flowers, the crowds, the traffic, and the cards, this will make you look forward to Valentine’s Day. Kylie Jenner is giving you big reasons to pucker up and batt your lashes! The makeup mogul has announced a limited-edition Valentine collection that includes two new lip kits, six mini matte liquid lipsticks, and a giant palette called Kylie’s Diary which includes her first ever blushes! There are also three mini collections that include two lippies and two exclusive eyeshadows each. Start your vigil at the Kylie website early because these are sure to sell out in seconds once it goes on sale on February 2, 3pm PST!
If you didn’t get that reference, don’t worry, we gotchu! YouTube queen Jaclyn Hill has just teased her most epic creation yet: a palette with Morphe Cosmetics! Although there are no pictures of the actual palette yet, Jaclyn has been busy teasing her fans on her social media accounts with the various shades and gorgeous finishes of the shadows she’s helping to create.
Image via Snapchat user @jaclynhill
Partnering up with a brand that is known for high quality at a low price, her Morphe palette will feature 35 shades that she has personally worked on since 2015. Expect warm browns, oranges, golds, turquoise, and tons of other Jaclyn-approved shades! The price will range from $23 to $40, and will launch some time in March. Who’s ready to recreate her signature warm brown smoky eye?
If there's one makeup basic I can't live without, it would be powder foundation. It's the quickest way to get coverage and often even sun protection, for days when I'm just really stepping out and don't want (or if I'm fortunate, need) to apply a lot of layers. I just need to even out my skin with it using a big dense brush and I'm good to go in three minutes!
That's why I can't have too many powder foundations in my kit. The latest addition is the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealer SPF30 PA+++ (price to follow) which was included in the press kit they gave out at their recent event. Luckily, it's ~sorta~ my shade so I've been wearing it quite a lot lately!
I've had several Clinique powders in the past and all of them I finished down to the pan. Clinique has this way of making bases that smoothen the skin immensely well - they never look powdery or overly thick. It's just your skin, but enhanced up a few significant notches! This new foundation does not disappoint in that regard. I'm also happy that it has SPF30 PA+++!
The Beyond Perfecting Powder gives my skin a demi-matte finish and smoothens out creases and bumps nicely. Coverage is medium to heavy - it does not quite work like a concealer at all but I'm pleased with the coverage and adherence it gives me. It can cover up minor blemishes and discolorations by itself, but if course you'll still need a proper concealer underneath for serious hyper pigmentation. A little goes a long way with this foundation; you may apply it with the sponge or your preferred buffing brush.
The shade I got in the press kit is 64 Cream Beige. It's not an exact shade match as it's about a shade lighter than what I would wear, but I don't mind so much since it adjusts to my skin tone about an hour into it. Cream Beige isn't that beige, and is actually yellowish in tone. I'd say it's best for NC30 skin.
Staying power is average - the Beyond Perfecting Powder keeps me oil-free for about 4 hours, and fades evenly by the 6-hour mark. I just keep retouching to keep it up. It's not that much of a hassle but if you're particularly oily, you may need something that has better wear time.
Overall, I highly recommend the Clinique Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealer SPF30 PA+++ to anyone looking for a good daily powder foundation. You may need to retouch more often if you have oilier skin, but those with normal to combi skin should be fine with it. As for me, I'll be using it until I run out since it works pretty well for my purposes. ^_^ Let me know what you think!
