Celeteque has been a household name for skincare for over a decade now, so we initially found it curious that it's earnestly coming out with cosmetics. We are happy to report though that the brand has managed the crossover to makeup in a way that stays true to what it started with: affordable, high-performance pieces that help give the look of a good skin day.

We did a feature last year on the cosmetics launch. This time we tested a few of Celeteque's latest products, so let’s get cracking!

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Celeteque 24-Hour Photoready Matte Primer (P825)

The Photoready primer acts as a mattifier and blur cream in a single tube. It instantly takes shine off and reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines, especially on the nose area. Compared to the more expensive Benefit The Porefessional Pro Balm, I find that Celeteque has a drier, more powdery texture that initially balls up as you smooth it over the skin. Surprisingly, the pilling disappears as you continue to apply and there is no significant difference in the way the skin looks afterwards. Celeteque could, in my opinion, pass as a dupe for the Porefessional.

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Top: Benefit The Porefessional Pro Balm, Bottom: Celeteque Photoready Matte Primer

Under makeup, the primer gives me about four hours of matte wear before the T-zone of my combination skin starts to get shiny again. I like its skin-smoothing finish which helps improve the appearance of my base! 

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Celeteque 2-in-1 Eye Bag Miracle Kit in Natural (P745)

Cleverly incorporating a skincare step with makeup, this unique duo includes an eye balm and an eye concealer. Since they were created together, the two formulas are designed to be compatible when layered over each other. It’s nice that this takes some of the guesswork out of the equation.

The under eye balm stays solid at room temperature and, though it may look waxy because it stays that way in the pot, it melts upon contact with the fingers. When applied to the skin, it has a mild cooling effect that lasts a couple of minutes, which I find pleasantly soothing. My eye concern has always been dark circles and not puffiness, so I can’t really tell you if it works in that department. It feels refreshing and moisturizing at the very least, and allows the eye foundation to apply smoothly on top. Once fully absorbed, you can proceed to apply the eye foundation.

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On your left: Wearing a sheer layer of the 2-in-1 Eye Bag Miracle Kit; on your right: bare skin

The fliptop lid reveals a tiny mirror, which is a useful addition that allows for applying this duo on the go. As with the eye balm, the eye foundation is on the dry, solid side instead of a creamy formula, so it is not prone to caking.

The shade Natural seamlessly blends with my NC20 skin. At best it is a little brightening, at worst it does not quite show up. If you have severe dark circles, you will still need a concealer with way better coverage.

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Celeteque CC Micro-Hydrating Powder in Classic Natural (P930)

Love the light, natural look of loose powder but hate lugging the potential mess around? The CC Micro-Hydrating Powder is the answer! From the outside, the thick, plastic compact looks like it could be a cushion compact but it’s actually a pressed powder topped with a special dispenser that scrapes a little bit of powder whenever you turn the knob. If you’ve seen the Elizabeth Arden Mineral Powder Foundation compact, the mechanism is similar. The thick puff that comes with the powder helps prevent loose bits from spilling out and making a mess of your purse, but there is a bit of wiggle room for some bits of loose powder to dusty up the mirror and the sides of the compact..

At first glance, I thought the shade Classic Natural would be too dark on me but it’s more of a sheer translucent powder that applies smoothly and quickly disappears on the skin. To an extent, it also refines smaller pores though the Photoready Primer already tackles the bigger ones. Used together, my skin looks even smoother, even on the sides of the nose. Longevity on my T-zone is around two hours before it starts to get shiny. I don't mind so much though, as I can retouch with this easily!

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Celeteque Eyebrow Defining Kit in Medium Brown (P600)

Offering both coloring and grooming features, the mirrored compact of the Eyebrow Defining Kit consists of a brow powder, a brow wax, and a dual-ended brush applicator (one side is angled and the other is slightly domed). The bristles on the applicator are made of synthetic hairs that are quite soft. Though they apply comfortably without snagging at my brow hairs, I wish the angled brush side could have been made of stiffer material so that mapping the edges of the brows would be easier and less jagged-looking.

The brow powder, although buildable, is not heavily pigmented. It takes quite some time to get the color to stand out against naturally black brow hairs; I counted 4 passes before it looked like I had brow products on. Similarly, the brow wax is more like a light balm that may keep brow hairs in place, but it hardly contributes to the coloring. You would have to use quite a lot, and the included applicator doesn’t offer much help in building up pigmentation.

Medium Brown is on the reddish side, making it suitable for those with chestnut or chocolate brown hair. As with most brow products I use, I did not require any touch-ups when I wore this for an entire day.

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Celeteque Moisturizing Lip and Cheek Duo (P665)

Lip and cheek products come in many forms. Some brands do tints, while others do creams. In this case, Celeteque has created a cross between a mousse and a cream that offers comfortable wear on both the lips and the cheeks. Lightweight and velvety, the whipped consistency that borders almost feels powdery, and it is neither tacky nor dry. That same texture and consistency lets it patiently sit on top of the skin as you blend it on the cheeks, allowing for it to diffuse evenly without the risk of patchy application.

On the lips, it initially applies sheer like a tint but layering twice will give it a creamy lipstick look. That being said, the buildable pigmentation is at sheer to medium. Moisture-wise, I recommend applying lip balm first as I didn’t find this to be moisturizing enough.

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Wearing Photoready Matte Primer, CC Micro-Hydrating Powder, Eyebrow Defining Kit, Moisturizing Lip and Cheek Duo in Rosy Blush on cheeks and lips (left), and Soft Berry on cheeks and lips (right)

Soft Berry is a warm-toned medium fuchsia that pops beautifully against fair skin. Rose Blush, on the other hand, may look like a nude peachy brown from the tube but it’s actually more of a coral-tinged pink that’s flattering on fair and morena skin alike. With no eating or drinking, the color stays vibrant for about three hours' I noticed that fading starts at the 5-hour mark. There is also a strong cherry candy scent to this, so check first if you're ok with the fragrance.

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Wearing Natural Nude (left) and Soft Pink (right)

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Celeteque Ultra-Nourishing Lip Lacquer (P645)

To top off the Celeteque collection with something shiny and new, there’s the moist Ultra-Nourishing Lip Lacquer. It’s basically a lip gloss but it’s only slightly tacky, and the shine it delivers is good for two hours before it starts to look more like lip balm. Pigmentation is on the sheer side and there is a pineapple candy scent that isn’t as strong as the Lip and Cheek duo’s cherry scent.

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From left: Soft Berry, Rosy Blush, Soft Pink, and Natural Nude

Natural Nude is a versatile nude pink that I think will be flattering on most skin tones. Soft Pink is a sheer hot pink that swatches vibrantly on the back of the hand but it looks toned down once on the lips. This shade might be more flattering to fairer skin tones.

After experiencing all these new offerings from Celeteque, I find that I want to keep a lot of them as staples in my makeup bag. I particularly loved the CC Micro-Hydrating Powder, the Lip and Cheek Duo, and the Ultra-Nourishing Lip Lacquer. The skin-flattering shades are great for light, everyday makeup that looks effortless but pretty!

Have you tried any of Celeteque’s makeup offerings? What are your faves?

Is there such thing as a "wrong" facial wash? Granted, it's just something that you put on your face for two minutes, but the wrong cleanser can cause drier/oilier skin or worse - breakouts. Your facial wash doesn't need to do much other than wash off the oil and dirt accumulated on your face but it does have to do one thing, without compromises: it has to be non-irritating.

That's where the recent obsession of beauty nerds with pH levels come in. We wrote a pretty detailed article about it already, but to summarize, this is why pH levels in your cleansers matter:

pH which stands for “potential hydrogen” is a measure of how acidic or basic a water-based solution is. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 referring to a highly acidic substance, 7 a neutral substance, and 14 a highly basic or alkaline substance. 

The acid mantle is our skin’s outermost protective layering. It’s a film of skin oils and acids that serves as a natural barrier between the deeper layers of our skin and the bacteria that we come across in our day to day lives. For the longest time, I used to associate the term acidic with a negative connotation. The truth, I’ve discovered, is that the low pH of the acid mantle creates an environment that is inhospitable to infection-causing pathogens and acne-causing bacteria. In short, pH-balanced skin is clear, clean, healthy skin!   

You want your skin to be able to fight off bacteria, maintain its moisture level, and control its natural oil production on its own. This is why it's important to use a cleanser with low pH, ideally in the acidic range (pH 6 or under). I wouldn't call this an absolute rule though. My favorite facial wash of all time is still the Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser which apparently has a pH of 8 (!!!)* but it works perfectly for me. I have other low pH cleansers but while they're pleasant, they don't work as well as I perceive the Ibuki does.

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Anyway, before I get even more sidetracked, I just want to quickly review the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser (P540 at theskincarecurator.com). I love this stuff (well, not as much as the Ibuki but it's pretty up there) because it is SLS-free, has a pH of 3.5, and features a non-drying, gentle formulation that's ideal for sensitive skin. Best thing is that it's less than P600!

Many low pH cleansers have trouble foaming but this one does not. It produces a robust foam and when it's washed off, the skin doesn't feel dry at all. It has a mild tea tree scent which I don't mind personally. I've also observed that this leaves a bit of a minty feel which manifests itself after I've dried my face; it's unexpected but not unpleasant.

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The cleanser is a clear, viscous gel off the tube

This cleanser doesn't remove makeup very well, but it's great as a morning cleanser by itself and as a second cleanser at night after I take off my face. I turn to this when I feel my skin is freaking out or just whenever I feel like rotating my facial washes. 

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Sorry if the foam looks weaksauce here, it's just that it was not easy having this on my hand and a DSLR on another! The COSRX cleanser can produce a more satisfying foam given the proper attention.

Overall, I highly recommend the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser to anyone who wants to start their new low pH life. It's great for sensitive and troubled skin, plus you get 150ml for P540. This is one of those products where you have nothing to lose and everything to gain! Unless of course you're allergic to some component of it but we can't predict that, of course.

COSRX is making me (and my SO's skin) happy! So glad it's easily available here now. Watsons carries select products (no cleanser yet unfortunately), but you can order online at theskincarecurator.com and beautymnl.com. Let me know what you think, as always! Are you looking to switch cleansers now?

*The Reddit Asian Beauty group has created this crowdsourced document about the different pH levels of popular cleansers. You might want to check yours out there too!

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always refused to wear anything that didn’t have sleeves on them and use a cover-up for my arms if forced. It’s not that I hate them - I actually do want to be able to wear sleeveless dresses and tops. I’m not comfortable enough to do so, mainly because my arms lack tone and I feel embarrassed about displaying them. More so, I don’t exactly have Instagram-worthy smooth and white underarms.

Tight clothing that rub against the underarm area, deodorants with chemicals that cause irritation, and shaving are often causes of dark armpits but fortunately, they’re not completely hopeless. As I didn’t want to cower away and give up on my #kilikiligoals, I started looking for solutions to make my underarms lighter and smoother. If you’re stuck in a similar situation, consider these budget-friendly picks that actually work!

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Ever Bilena Naturals Sunflower Oil (P135 at Watsons, SM Beauty and Landmark)

Human Nature’s original version became a quick favorite when it came into the market, as it did a great job of providing moisture while lightening skin. It can be a bit difficult to find though and I chanced up this new release from Ever Bilena! It’s made from 100% natural sunflower oil and contains Vitamin E. As it’s an oil and can cause your antiperspirant or deodorant to slide off, it’s best to use this at night after bathing. Simply rub a good amount of oil all over your underarms and let it work its wonders.

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Kojie-San Skin Lightening Soap (P50 for two at supermarkets)

Liz has shared her skin-lightening success story with this soap, and the rest of us in the PV team can attest that it’s worth the rave. The kojic acid has powerful exfoliating properties that help to lighten dark spots and uneven skin tone. Use it to soap your underarms during bath time - you’ll start to see results in just a few weeks!

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Belo Essentials Whitening Antiperspirant Deodorant (P59.75 at supermarkets)

This is the first deodorant I’ve seen that also contains kojic acid and if using a wash-off soap is enough to make a difference, leaving it on may have an even more powerful effect! It also aids in soothing your underarms if you shave often and suffer from bumpy skin. And since it’s already a deodorant and whitening agent in one, you don’t have to worry about layering products on your underarms to smell fresh.

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Gluta-C Underarm and Bikini Skin Whitening Gel (P199 at department stores)

Though glutathione is a popular ingredient in skin whitening products, there’s some debate about whether applying it directly to the skin actually works. What probably makes this gel effective is the vitamin C it contains, which has been proven to brighten skin and even improve its texture. I find this very gentle on the skin and it promises a deodorizing factor so I sometimes use it on its own. The gel formula is also easily be absorbed by the skin, making it easy to use in the morning or at night.

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Belfour Whitening Anti-perspirant and Deodorant Spray (P74.75 at Watsons)

Spray-on deodorants are so convenient to apply and lessen your armpits’ exposure to friction. This is a good alternative for canned spray deodorants and you can even keep it in your purse if you feel the need to reapply. It uses all natural ingredients like tea tree oil to keep underarms clean and fresh. It also has a special blend of plant extracts that help lighten the underarms with regular use.

Are you confident about showing off your underarms? What do use to improve the appearance of your pits? Do share your underarm whitening secrets in the comments below!

Though the pleasantly cool weather right now still has us thinking about winter, spring-summer beauty trends have set the stage for a season of vibrant colors and edgy design. It’s all about being fresh and high-energy - just the thing to help us keep our optimistic outlook for the year ahead. Clinique, looking younger than ever, is ready to shake up your FOTD with beautifully bold new color selections that will make your daily look pop!

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Headlining the Pop Collection is the Clinique Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer (P1,100). These matte lipsticks have a luxuriously creamy formula that won’t dry your lips out, and pack a rich, full pigment in a single swipe! I was amazed by how comfortable they felt on the lips, staying vibrant and moist through the commute home, and up until I ate a few hours later. Here are some of the colors I swatched:

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From left: Rose Pop, Ruby Pop, Bold Pop, Graffiti Pop, Pow Pop, and Mod Pop

Not a fan of mattes? There’s also the regular variety of Clinique Pop Lip Color + Primer (P1,100). These have a satin/velvet finish.

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From left: Nude Pop, Berry Pop, Bare Pop, Melon Pop, Poppy Pop, Passion Pop, and Wow Pop

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From left: Love Pop, Grape Pop, Plum Pop, Fab Pop, Beige Pop, and Sweet Pop

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If you’re more of a liquid lipstick kind of gal, you’ll be pleased to know that Clinique also came up with the Pop Liquid Matte Lip Colour + Primer (P1,100). The finish is a bit satiny rather than a completely flat matte but it wears comfortably well for a liquid lipstick. It’s got generous pigment in a single swipe, too, so it’s best to apply in thin layers if you want to really build up color.

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From left: Black Licorice Pop, Boom Pop, Candied Apple Pop, Sweetheart Pop, Petal Pop, Cake Pop, Ripe Pop, Flame Pop

The Clinique Lacquer Lip Colour + Primer (P1,100) is the choice for those who want both high-shine and high-pigmentation. Surprisingly, the formula is on the light side compared to the usual tacky-feeling lip gloss.

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From left: Peace Pop, Love Pop, Cocoa Pop, Wink Pop, Happy Pop, and Lava Pop

Clinique Regional Makeup Education Manager Rene Benkenstein even gave tips on how to pull-off that bright pop of color without a hitch. Lips that draw a lot of attention call for an extra bit of precision. She showed us how to create fuller-looking lips with a lip liner, starting by giving definition to the cupid’s bow then switching to line the center of the bottom lip. From there, it’s just a matter of connecting the two together as the upper and bottom lines act as guides and help your application look more symmetrical.

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There are also blushes and eyeshadows under the Clinique Pop line, making it quite a massive selection for those who want to go for a look that’s bold and beautiful. For contouring, she also recommended using the corners of the eyes as the guide for where to end application. Applying contour too close to the the center of the face makes it look obvious, she explained. And for blush, the pop of color is most visible on the apples of the cheeks, so even a subtle choice of shade can instantly light up the face when placed there.

Have you had a chance to swatch any of the lippies yet? Which popping shade is your fave?

by Jes Roque-Medina, contributor

When my boyfriend of 12 years and I finally decided to push through with our wedding, we agreed on one thing: to be practical and not to spend too much. We agreed upon a budget and set our limits - what we were actually willing to spend on and what was nice but unnecessary. At first, it was difficult because seeing other dreamy weddings made us want to have the same thing but we reminded each other, “We can have it if it falls within our budget. If not, we’ll drop it and look for alternatives.” Weddings can get really expensive but only if you allow it to! My dream wedding didn’t entail princess-y themes or extravagant parties; I just wanted our wedding to be about me and my husband. No drama, no fuss.

With that in mind, we had to be hands on with every detail. We DIY’d almost everything to save money, from the invitations to the table toppers. We sought the talents of our relatives and friends for my wedding dress, souvenirs, corsages, and boutonnieres. Our wedding was set in Subic so we searched for local suppliers for the photos and the catering to save on transportation fees. Whatever we could do on our own, we did, so it was a no-brainer decision for me to do my own makeup.

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Makeup is something that I love doing and can do decently so why not, right? Though it was, and still is, my dream to be in the makeup chairs of famous makeup artists, I didn’t find it to be a practical expense for our wedding. As much as I admire their works, I just did not have the budget for it.

I only had one thing in mind for my bridal makeup: I wanted to look like myself but way more polished. I went for my usual - defined brows, neutral smokey eyes, and deep rose lips. Since I didn’t have time to practice and play with new makeup, I went with my ever-trusted and for sure no-fail makeup products in my stash. It just happened that everything I used was from the drugstore and inexpensive!

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I invested so much on skincare months before the wedding so having a clear, smooth, and glowing base wasn’t a problem. To hide my pores and keep oil at bay, I used the L’Oreal True Match Blur Cream (P400, department stores) mixed with Quick FX No Shine Mattifier (P99, Watsons). I evened out my skin tone with my favorite L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Foundation (P899, department stores). This foundation gives me a flawless finish in one layer without caking, creating a white cast, or drying my skin!

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I used several concealers to achieve completely flawless coverage. I mixed the Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer in Neutralizer (P399, online shop) and LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer in Yellow (P200, KeringKeri Store) to cancel out the darkness of my dark circles, then brightened up the undereye area with K-Palette Zero Kuma Concealer in Type 2 (P895, Beauty Bar).

To hide the blemishes and broken capillaries I have on my face, I used the K-Palette Zero Kuma Concealer in Type 1 (P895, Beauty Bar). I wanted to make sure that nothing would come off so I baked the eye area with Nichido Final Powder in Ivory Glow (P150, department stores) and set the rest of my face with L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Powder (P499, department stores).

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My contouring game was on that day so I used the LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer in Toast (P200, KeringKeri Store) as a base and created more dimension with Maybelline V-Face Blush Contour (P499, department stores). I also used at bit of NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder in Sunny (P185, makeupinboxph.com) to add warmth to my face. I dusted Ellana Minerals Blush Duo in Kitten/Peach Passion (P450, ellana.com.ph) all over my cheeks. For a luminous glow, I used Ultraflesh Shinebox (about P1,000, phen.strawberrynet.com) on my nose bridge and cheekbones.

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I’m obsessed about my brows so I had to make sure that they were perfectly on fleek on my special day! I started by drawing the outline with The Face Shop Style My Eyebrow in 3 (P150, The Face Shop) and filled it in with Maybelline Fashion Brow 3D Brow and Nose Contouring Palette in Dark (P349, department stores).

To further define the shape and to make sure everything will stay intact, I went over my brows with K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow in 01 (P699, Beauty Bar). To lighten and keep my brow hairs in place, I used the K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow Mascara (P595, Beauty Bar). Highlighting my brow bone with Nichido Spot Concealer (no longer available in stores) was an extra step but it made a huge difference!

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Since I went for heavy, neutral smokey eyes, I primed my lids with Essence I♥ Stage Eyeshadow Base (P229, Watsons) to make the colors stay all day. For eyeshadow, I used the Beauty UK Posh Palette in Eden and Masquerade (P550, Makeupholics on IG). I did nothing unusual with my eye makeup: just played with brown eyeshadows and smoked it up!

For added drama, I tightlined using Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner (P449, department stores) and lined my lids with K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner (P695, Beauty Bar). I curled my lashes, coated both upper and lower ones with the foolproof Etude House Lash Perm Curl Fix Mascara (P848, Etude House), then put on a pair of Wicked Beauty False Lashes in G01 (P120/box of 10, Wickedbeautyph on IG).

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When I first used the Maybelline Creamy Matte in Touch of Spice (P199, department stores), I immediately knew that it would be my lipstick of choice on my wedding day! In fact, the entire look I did was based on it! But to make it last even longer on the lips, I first applied Essence Lipliner in Soft Berry (P99, Watsons). Finally, I generously sprayed L’Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray (P499, department stores) all over my face to seal the deal.

I feel that doing my own makeup on my wedding really made me own the look. I achieved what I wanted and achieved the outcome I had envisioned. I was especially proud of the fact that, despite using only (mostly) drugstore products, the look turned out beautiful and stayed intact the whole day! I didn’t even have to retouch my lipstick.

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If you plan to do your own makeup for your wedding or an important occasion, it’s important to have tried and tested products that you’re absolutely sure will work on you. It doesn’t have to expensive as even drugstore makeup can perform like pro-quality, high-end ones if you what works for you and your skin. Of course, it also pays to research and practice the wedding look first before you commit to it on the day itself. Test wear times and study if you're not super confident about a particular detail or product.

So, how much did I spend for my wedding makeup? Honestly, nothing! Everything I used was already in my existing stash. And yes, you can do it, too!

Jes Roque-Medina is a full-time middle school teacher in an international school and a financial advisor of AXA Philippines. She blogs at MakeUpLove.

Wedding photos by Raya Photography / Product photos by Muffy Tirona

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?

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

Full story on PopSugar

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Image via facebook.com/SMBeautyPH

Get red-dy to fall in love

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.

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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?

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Header image via jasminetalksbeauty.co

I picked up this Too Cool For School by Rodin Shader (P640) at Althea a few months ago but didn't open it until a few weeks back. I didn't know why I got it, I mean, Korean contour powders are basically just foundation shades for me! But I thought I might give it a chance as I am in desperate need of an idiot-proof daily contour powder. The price is not too bad and hey, the packaging looked interesting. (Said every girl who bought something she didn't maybe need!)

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So how is it? Well, I love it. The swatches are kinda blah, but on my face it creates a natural contour that's almost invisible. It's there - my face is more defined, certainly - but it never gets obvious even though I apply a heavy layer. The lightest strip is indeed my skin tone shade, but the mid and dark strips are exactly what I need for that subtle contour job.

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The colors are warm with a taupey hint. Mixed together, they warm up my skin nicely without looking too orange or muddy brown. In the photo below I used it on the hollows of my cheekbones and jawline!

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The powder does need to be layered a couple of times with a nice dense yet fluffy brush. I don't mind though, as it means I can't really go wrong no matter how heavy-handed I get! 

Overall, I think the Too Cool For School by Rodin Shader is a great find! I've been using it regularly, and I think I'll be adding it to my regular rotation of products. ^_^ What's your current contour powder? Any faves we should know about?

Who doesn’t want to wake up with brows that are always #onfleek? Very few people are blessed with genes that give them perfect brows; the rest of us have to spend quite a bit of time and money looking for the right products and applying them to shape our arches into perfection. And that’s if you’re lucky enough to even have brows to shape - some women have such sparse hair growth that their eyebrows are barely visible or are too short to create a proper arch.

Whether you’re in need of actual eyebrows or just want to be able to head out in the morning without scrambling to get your brows on, eyebrow tattoos are a practical solution to consider. The procedure promises a good set of well-defined brows that require very little to no maintenance that last for about two years. Imagine all the time you could save every morning!

Some real talk, though: not all brow tattoos are created equal. Some people may even cringe at the mention of “brow tattoo”, thinking of all the harsh black or weird green solid blocks of color sported by older ladies who’ve opted to have them permanently tattooed. The technique and technology for eyebrow tattooing has since evolved to something a lot more natural-looking (often called feathering or embroidery) but if you’ve had the misfortune of getting stuck with perpetually bad brows, it’s not the end of the world! We talked to brow tattoo expert and Suesh owner Sheryll Kim (who did great work on Kim’s tattooed brows) and her sister, makeup artist Suzzane Tan, about how to save your brow tattoo disaster.

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Photo courtesy of Sheryll Kim

Houston, we have a problem

While it’s easy to ditch a bad product or regrow overplucked arches, the permanent or semi-permanent nature of brow tattoos can leave one feeling hopeless. Some experience tattoo mishaps like discoloration, use of the wrong color, multi-tailed brows (more on this later!), improper placement, misshapen or uneven arches, or having a solid stroke of color that looks like you went over your brows with a marker. Discoloration (often once-black ink that has turned green) is particularly common with permanent tattoos as exposure to sunlight and chemicals in skin care can affect the dye. If the tattoo artist doesn’t follow the natural shape of your brows, you may even end up having two brow tails!

Sheryll has seen quite a lot of these mishaps and has had people come to her asking for help with correcting them. Choosing a reliable artist is very important for an alteration that can last a long time. She shares, “If you’re thinking about having your brows tattooed done permanently, you have to ask past clients about their experience and see the finished look. It's bad enough to have a semi-permanent tattoo that looks wrong, and it's worst for those who have it done permanently. Bad brow tattoos are very easy to spot when they're not done properly or the shape is not right for the face.”

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Courtesy of Sheryll Kim

Get your fix

Just like dark circles and ugly zits, makeup is a great lifesaver. “Concealing should do the trick, or drawing over the tattoo,” says Sheryll. Suzzane recommends using concealer correctors (like these affordable pots from Suesh) to cover it up, and applying dimensional eyebrow makeup. To make it all come together, she recommends, “Choose the closest color to the tattoo, or a shade darker to conceal the old tattoo.”

If you’re looking for a more lasting solution, you may be able to cover it up with a new tattoo. For errors that aren’t too glaring or tattoos that are fairly light, color correction may be done to cover up the old tattoo. But if you’re worried about another mishap, your best option is to have the permanent tattoo removed via laser in skin care clinics.

Semi-permanent brow tattoos, like the ones done by Sheryll, are a bit easier to deal with. Suzzane says, “You can opt to have skin peeling to quicken the fading.” Since you can’t correct errors like wrong placement, solid lines, or an obvious failure in color matching by simply putting another tattoo over it, you have to get rid of the previous one first. However, it should be taken into consideration that this takes time as the treatments are done in sessions. “Usually, it would require around 5 to 10 sessions, depending on the how the tattoo has faded. The rate per session is roughly P5,000 per session,” says Sheryll. If you’re still up for a brow tattoo job after the removal, it’s best to get the go-signal from your specialist first before scheduling another tattoo session.

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Tips for those taking the plunge

Deciding to get your brows tattooed shouldn’t be 5-minute decision as it can last for a few years. The consequences of a bad tattoo job can also be both traumatizing and costly. After all, didn’t you want to get them to make your life easier? If you’re emotionally (and financially) ready to go under the needle, take note of the following tips:

• Consider your age and skin sensitivity. Sheryll recommends being 18 or older before having your brows tattooed as younger people have more sensitive skin and may have a negative reaction to the dyes or process.
• Let your brow hairs grow. It’s tricky to see what shape your brows really are if they’ve been drastically plucked and shaped. Leave them alone until it’s time to have them tattooed so your tattoo artist will know how to design your tattoo.
• If you have colored hair, decide on how long you’ll be keeping your hair color. Otherwise, it may be wise to stick a brow tattoo that matches your real shade.
• Ask and research. Go online for rants and raves of the service you’re eyeing, not counting celebrity reviews that may actually be endorsements. Since different artists may use different techniques, Sheryll advises, “It pays to do a some research on the procedure. Consultations are usually free, so you can talk to the eyebrow tattooist if you have any questions or reservations”.
• Really, really think about it! After doing your research, take a night or two to decide if you actually want to have your brows tattooed. Don’t get swayed by promos or service discounts that pressure you to purchase before you’re actually ready.

Have you had your brows tattooed? Ever thought of considering such procedure? Tell us your brow story in the comments below!

Is there such thing as a "wrong" facial wash? Granted, it's just something that you put on your face for two minutes, but the wrong cleanser can cause drier/oilier skin or worse - breakouts. Your facial wash doesn't need to do much other than wash off the oil and dirt accumulated on your face but it does have to do one thing, without compromises: it has to be non-irritating.

That's where the recent obsession of beauty nerds with pH levels come in. We wrote a pretty detailed article about it already, but to summarize, this is why pH levels in your cleansers matter:

pH which stands for “potential hydrogen” is a measure of how acidic or basic a water-based solution is. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 0 referring to a highly acidic substance, 7 a neutral substance, and 14 a highly basic or alkaline substance. 

The acid mantle is our skin’s outermost protective layering. It’s a film of skin oils and acids that serves as a natural barrier between the deeper layers of our skin and the bacteria that we come across in our day to day lives. For the longest time, I used to associate the term acidic with a negative connotation. The truth, I’ve discovered, is that the low pH of the acid mantle creates an environment that is inhospitable to infection-causing pathogens and acne-causing bacteria. In short, pH-balanced skin is clear, clean, healthy skin!   

You want your skin to be able to fight off bacteria, maintain its moisture level, and control its natural oil production on its own. This is why it's important to use a cleanser with low pH, ideally in the acidic range (pH 6 or under). I wouldn't call this an absolute rule though. My favorite facial wash of all time is still the Shiseido Ibuki Gentle Cleanser which apparently has a pH of 8 (!!!)* but it works perfectly for me. I have other low pH cleansers but while they're pleasant, they don't work as well as I perceive the Ibuki does.

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Anyway, before I get even more sidetracked, I just want to quickly review the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser (P540 at theskincarecurator.com). I love this stuff (well, not as much as the Ibuki but it's pretty up there) because it is SLS-free, has a pH of 3.5, and features a non-drying, gentle formulation that's ideal for sensitive skin. Best thing is that it's less than P600!

Many low pH cleansers have trouble foaming but this one does not. It produces a robust foam and when it's washed off, the skin doesn't feel dry at all. It has a mild tea tree scent which I don't mind personally. I've also observed that this leaves a bit of a minty feel which manifests itself after I've dried my face; it's unexpected but not unpleasant.

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The cleanser is a clear, viscous gel off the tube

This cleanser doesn't remove makeup very well, but it's great as a morning cleanser by itself and as a second cleanser at night after I take off my face. I turn to this when I feel my skin is freaking out or just whenever I feel like rotating my facial washes. 

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Sorry if the foam looks weaksauce here, it's just that it was not easy having this on my hand and a DSLR on another! The COSRX cleanser can produce a more satisfying foam given the proper attention.

Overall, I highly recommend the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Cleanser to anyone who wants to start their new low pH life. It's great for sensitive and troubled skin, plus you get 150ml for P540. This is one of those products where you have nothing to lose and everything to gain! Unless of course you're allergic to some component of it but we can't predict that, of course.

COSRX is making me (and my SO's skin) happy! So glad it's easily available here now. Watsons carries select products (no cleanser yet unfortunately), but you can order online at theskincarecurator.com and beautymnl.com. Let me know what you think, as always! Are you looking to switch cleansers now?

*The Reddit Asian Beauty group has created this crowdsourced document about the different pH levels of popular cleansers. You might want to check yours out there too!

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always refused to wear anything that didn’t have sleeves on them and use a cover-up for my arms if forced. It’s not that I hate them - I actually do want to be able to wear sleeveless dresses and tops. I’m not comfortable enough to do so, mainly because my arms lack tone and I feel embarrassed about displaying them. More so, I don’t exactly have Instagram-worthy smooth and white underarms.

Tight clothing that rub against the underarm area, deodorants with chemicals that cause irritation, and shaving are often causes of dark armpits but fortunately, they’re not completely hopeless. As I didn’t want to cower away and give up on my #kilikiligoals, I started looking for solutions to make my underarms lighter and smoother. If you’re stuck in a similar situation, consider these budget-friendly picks that actually work!

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Ever Bilena Naturals Sunflower Oil (P135 at Watsons, SM Beauty and Landmark)

Human Nature’s original version became a quick favorite when it came into the market, as it did a great job of providing moisture while lightening skin. It can be a bit difficult to find though and I chanced up this new release from Ever Bilena! It’s made from 100% natural sunflower oil and contains Vitamin E. As it’s an oil and can cause your antiperspirant or deodorant to slide off, it’s best to use this at night after bathing. Simply rub a good amount of oil all over your underarms and let it work its wonders.

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Kojie-San Skin Lightening Soap (P50 for two at supermarkets)

Liz has shared her skin-lightening success story with this soap, and the rest of us in the PV team can attest that it’s worth the rave. The kojic acid has powerful exfoliating properties that help to lighten dark spots and uneven skin tone. Use it to soap your underarms during bath time - you’ll start to see results in just a few weeks!

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Belo Essentials Whitening Antiperspirant Deodorant (P59.75 at supermarkets)

This is the first deodorant I’ve seen that also contains kojic acid and if using a wash-off soap is enough to make a difference, leaving it on may have an even more powerful effect! It also aids in soothing your underarms if you shave often and suffer from bumpy skin. And since it’s already a deodorant and whitening agent in one, you don’t have to worry about layering products on your underarms to smell fresh.

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Gluta-C Underarm and Bikini Skin Whitening Gel (P199 at department stores)

Though glutathione is a popular ingredient in skin whitening products, there’s some debate about whether applying it directly to the skin actually works. What probably makes this gel effective is the vitamin C it contains, which has been proven to brighten skin and even improve its texture. I find this very gentle on the skin and it promises a deodorizing factor so I sometimes use it on its own. The gel formula is also easily be absorbed by the skin, making it easy to use in the morning or at night.

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Belfour Whitening Anti-perspirant and Deodorant Spray (P74.75 at Watsons)

Spray-on deodorants are so convenient to apply and lessen your armpits’ exposure to friction. This is a good alternative for canned spray deodorants and you can even keep it in your purse if you feel the need to reapply. It uses all natural ingredients like tea tree oil to keep underarms clean and fresh. It also has a special blend of plant extracts that help lighten the underarms with regular use.

Are you confident about showing off your underarms? What do use to improve the appearance of your pits? Do share your underarm whitening secrets in the comments below!

Though the pleasantly cool weather right now still has us thinking about winter, spring-summer beauty trends have set the stage for a season of vibrant colors and edgy design. It’s all about being fresh and high-energy - just the thing to help us keep our optimistic outlook for the year ahead. Clinique, looking younger than ever, is ready to shake up your FOTD with beautifully bold new color selections that will make your daily look pop!

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Headlining the Pop Collection is the Clinique Pop Matte Lip Colour + Primer (P1,100). These matte lipsticks have a luxuriously creamy formula that won’t dry your lips out, and pack a rich, full pigment in a single swipe! I was amazed by how comfortable they felt on the lips, staying vibrant and moist through the commute home, and up until I ate a few hours later. Here are some of the colors I swatched:

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From left: Rose Pop, Ruby Pop, Bold Pop, Graffiti Pop, Pow Pop, and Mod Pop

Not a fan of mattes? There’s also the regular variety of Clinique Pop Lip Color + Primer (P1,100). These have a satin/velvet finish.

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From left: Nude Pop, Berry Pop, Bare Pop, Melon Pop, Poppy Pop, Passion Pop, and Wow Pop

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From left: Love Pop, Grape Pop, Plum Pop, Fab Pop, Beige Pop, and Sweet Pop

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If you’re more of a liquid lipstick kind of gal, you’ll be pleased to know that Clinique also came up with the Pop Liquid Matte Lip Colour + Primer (P1,100). The finish is a bit satiny rather than a completely flat matte but it wears comfortably well for a liquid lipstick. It’s got generous pigment in a single swipe, too, so it’s best to apply in thin layers if you want to really build up color.

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From left: Black Licorice Pop, Boom Pop, Candied Apple Pop, Sweetheart Pop, Petal Pop, Cake Pop, Ripe Pop, Flame Pop

The Clinique Lacquer Lip Colour + Primer (P1,100) is the choice for those who want both high-shine and high-pigmentation. Surprisingly, the formula is on the light side compared to the usual tacky-feeling lip gloss.

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From left: Peace Pop, Love Pop, Cocoa Pop, Wink Pop, Happy Pop, and Lava Pop

Clinique Regional Makeup Education Manager Rene Benkenstein even gave tips on how to pull-off that bright pop of color without a hitch. Lips that draw a lot of attention call for an extra bit of precision. She showed us how to create fuller-looking lips with a lip liner, starting by giving definition to the cupid’s bow then switching to line the center of the bottom lip. From there, it’s just a matter of connecting the two together as the upper and bottom lines act as guides and help your application look more symmetrical.

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There are also blushes and eyeshadows under the Clinique Pop line, making it quite a massive selection for those who want to go for a look that’s bold and beautiful. For contouring, she also recommended using the corners of the eyes as the guide for where to end application. Applying contour too close to the the center of the face makes it look obvious, she explained. And for blush, the pop of color is most visible on the apples of the cheeks, so even a subtle choice of shade can instantly light up the face when placed there.

Have you had a chance to swatch any of the lippies yet? Which popping shade is your fave?

by Jes Roque-Medina, contributor

When my boyfriend of 12 years and I finally decided to push through with our wedding, we agreed on one thing: to be practical and not to spend too much. We agreed upon a budget and set our limits - what we were actually willing to spend on and what was nice but unnecessary. At first, it was difficult because seeing other dreamy weddings made us want to have the same thing but we reminded each other, “We can have it if it falls within our budget. If not, we’ll drop it and look for alternatives.” Weddings can get really expensive but only if you allow it to! My dream wedding didn’t entail princess-y themes or extravagant parties; I just wanted our wedding to be about me and my husband. No drama, no fuss.

With that in mind, we had to be hands on with every detail. We DIY’d almost everything to save money, from the invitations to the table toppers. We sought the talents of our relatives and friends for my wedding dress, souvenirs, corsages, and boutonnieres. Our wedding was set in Subic so we searched for local suppliers for the photos and the catering to save on transportation fees. Whatever we could do on our own, we did, so it was a no-brainer decision for me to do my own makeup.

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Makeup is something that I love doing and can do decently so why not, right? Though it was, and still is, my dream to be in the makeup chairs of famous makeup artists, I didn’t find it to be a practical expense for our wedding. As much as I admire their works, I just did not have the budget for it.

I only had one thing in mind for my bridal makeup: I wanted to look like myself but way more polished. I went for my usual - defined brows, neutral smokey eyes, and deep rose lips. Since I didn’t have time to practice and play with new makeup, I went with my ever-trusted and for sure no-fail makeup products in my stash. It just happened that everything I used was from the drugstore and inexpensive!

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I invested so much on skincare months before the wedding so having a clear, smooth, and glowing base wasn’t a problem. To hide my pores and keep oil at bay, I used the L’Oreal True Match Blur Cream (P400, department stores) mixed with Quick FX No Shine Mattifier (P99, Watsons). I evened out my skin tone with my favorite L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Foundation (P899, department stores). This foundation gives me a flawless finish in one layer without caking, creating a white cast, or drying my skin!

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I used several concealers to achieve completely flawless coverage. I mixed the Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer in Neutralizer (P399, online shop) and LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer in Yellow (P200, KeringKeri Store) to cancel out the darkness of my dark circles, then brightened up the undereye area with K-Palette Zero Kuma Concealer in Type 2 (P895, Beauty Bar).

To hide the blemishes and broken capillaries I have on my face, I used the K-Palette Zero Kuma Concealer in Type 1 (P895, Beauty Bar). I wanted to make sure that nothing would come off so I baked the eye area with Nichido Final Powder in Ivory Glow (P150, department stores) and set the rest of my face with L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Powder (P499, department stores).

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My contouring game was on that day so I used the LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer in Toast (P200, KeringKeri Store) as a base and created more dimension with Maybelline V-Face Blush Contour (P499, department stores). I also used at bit of NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Powder in Sunny (P185, makeupinboxph.com) to add warmth to my face. I dusted Ellana Minerals Blush Duo in Kitten/Peach Passion (P450, ellana.com.ph) all over my cheeks. For a luminous glow, I used Ultraflesh Shinebox (about P1,000, phen.strawberrynet.com) on my nose bridge and cheekbones.

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I’m obsessed about my brows so I had to make sure that they were perfectly on fleek on my special day! I started by drawing the outline with The Face Shop Style My Eyebrow in 3 (P150, The Face Shop) and filled it in with Maybelline Fashion Brow 3D Brow and Nose Contouring Palette in Dark (P349, department stores).

To further define the shape and to make sure everything will stay intact, I went over my brows with K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow in 01 (P699, Beauty Bar). To lighten and keep my brow hairs in place, I used the K-Palette Real Lasting Eyebrow Mascara (P595, Beauty Bar). Highlighting my brow bone with Nichido Spot Concealer (no longer available in stores) was an extra step but it made a huge difference!

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Since I went for heavy, neutral smokey eyes, I primed my lids with Essence I♥ Stage Eyeshadow Base (P229, Watsons) to make the colors stay all day. For eyeshadow, I used the Beauty UK Posh Palette in Eden and Masquerade (P550, Makeupholics on IG). I did nothing unusual with my eye makeup: just played with brown eyeshadows and smoked it up!

For added drama, I tightlined using Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner (P449, department stores) and lined my lids with K-Palette Real Lasting Eyeliner (P695, Beauty Bar). I curled my lashes, coated both upper and lower ones with the foolproof Etude House Lash Perm Curl Fix Mascara (P848, Etude House), then put on a pair of Wicked Beauty False Lashes in G01 (P120/box of 10, Wickedbeautyph on IG).

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When I first used the Maybelline Creamy Matte in Touch of Spice (P199, department stores), I immediately knew that it would be my lipstick of choice on my wedding day! In fact, the entire look I did was based on it! But to make it last even longer on the lips, I first applied Essence Lipliner in Soft Berry (P99, Watsons). Finally, I generously sprayed L’Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray (P499, department stores) all over my face to seal the deal.

I feel that doing my own makeup on my wedding really made me own the look. I achieved what I wanted and achieved the outcome I had envisioned. I was especially proud of the fact that, despite using only (mostly) drugstore products, the look turned out beautiful and stayed intact the whole day! I didn’t even have to retouch my lipstick.

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If you plan to do your own makeup for your wedding or an important occasion, it’s important to have tried and tested products that you’re absolutely sure will work on you. It doesn’t have to expensive as even drugstore makeup can perform like pro-quality, high-end ones if you what works for you and your skin. Of course, it also pays to research and practice the wedding look first before you commit to it on the day itself. Test wear times and study if you're not super confident about a particular detail or product.

So, how much did I spend for my wedding makeup? Honestly, nothing! Everything I used was already in my existing stash. And yes, you can do it, too!

Jes Roque-Medina is a full-time middle school teacher in an international school and a financial advisor of AXA Philippines. She blogs at MakeUpLove.

Wedding photos by Raya Photography / Product photos by Muffy Tirona

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?

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

Full story on PopSugar

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Image via facebook.com/SMBeautyPH

Get red-dy to fall in love

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.

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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?

Full story on Bustle

Header image via jasminetalksbeauty.co

This story is brought to you by Silka.

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Supplementary sources: WebMD, Planned Parenthood

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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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?

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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Wearing the Forever Frappe lippie!

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Have you tried the L’Oreal Infallible makeup line? If not, which product has caught your eye?

With just a few days left to V-day, we're looking forward to heart-shaped chocolates, bouquets of red and pink, and of course, traffic. Ew. Now don’t fret because despite how crazy things will be getting in the coming days, we’ve got a roundup that’s sure to perk up your spirits and get you all giddy inside! There's so much to L-O-V-E from this week's new releases, you'll want to nudge to your bae here for gift ideas. Even love stories have endings though so get ready for some heartbreak as we say goodbye to yet another well-loved beauty brand leaving the PH.

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Image via facebook.com/cathydollphils

Take a Brow

Who would’ve thought that the little patch of hair above our eyes would turn out to be one of the most important features on our faces? From eyebrow threading to tattooing, pomades to pencils, brow gels and tints, we'll do pretty much anything to keep our arches looking perfect and on fleek. So when our radar picks up a new brow product, we get very, very, very excited!

Korean-inspired brand Cathy Doll has come out with a new brow product called the REALBROW 4D Tattoo Tint. A marker-like tool with four mini spiked tips that not only promises to give you a more natural looking brow but also to make it last up to 24 hours! Available in three shades (Light Brown, Ash Brown and Dark Brown) the REALBROW 4D Tattoo Tint will only set you back P399 and is available at select 7-Eleven, Watsons, and Zalora!

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Image via beautyalmanac.com

Do It Yourself Coverage!

Talk about starting a trend! Clinique has just released a revolutionary product that promises to give you the exact coverage that you want from your base makeup. How? By doing it yourself or more accurately, blending It yourself! The BIY Pigment Drops is a two-phase formula that allows you to blend the foundation with your favorite moisturizer, making your skincare and makeup routine that much easier. One drop gives you a sheer, healthy finish while 2-3 drops can give you full coverage. Only available so far on Ulta, the drops cost $33 each and come in 12 shades.

Full story on Refinery29

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Image via PopSugar

Perfectly Puckered Up

Known for making high quality brushes at affordable prices, YouTube stars Sam and Nic Chapman have come out (yet again) with a collection that have been missing from our makeup vanities. The limited edition Real Techniques Prep + Color Lip Set ($20) comes with four brushes that promise to help carve and color your pout. The Lip Smoothing Brush is for applying your lip balm, as this priming brush gently exfoliates your lips, too. The Lip Fan Brush helps you glide on your lip color down to your cupid’s bow. The Lip Lining Brush is perfect for cleaning up any edges and defining the edges of your lips. Finally, the Lip Brush is perfect for final touches - be it a touch of gloss or an ombre lip.

Full story on PopSugar

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Image via facebook.com/maybellinephilippines

It’s a Maybelline Birthday Blowout!

Get yourself the perfect gift for your special day! If you’re celebrating your birthday this February, you get an extra treat, care of Maybelline Philippines! Receive 10% off your favorite regular priced products from Maybelline in all Robinsons Department Stores nationwide from February 1 to 28. Don’t forget to bring a valid ID with a picture and your birthday on it to avail of this exclusive promo! It’s definitely time to #TreatYoSelf.

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Image via Allure

Fall (even more) in LOVE with ColourPop

Where my fabulous ladies at?! We know that February can be a tough month for some, not because they’re single but because restaurants are packed, malls are crowded, and couples are just EVERYWHERE. Well, ColourPop Cosmetics is giving us a reason to fall back in love with February with their latest launch: The Love Collection!

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Image via Instagram user @colourpopcosmetics

The Valentine’s Day themed collection features three new Lippie Stix ($5 each) in Sure Thing, Only You, and I’m Yours, which basically have every nude lippie lover dying. There’s also an awesome new tie-dye pastel pink highlighter called Tough Love ($8), a Mini Lipstick Kit ($18), Pressed Powder Eye Duo Palettes ($10), and a Yes, No, Maybe So Super Shock Shadow Kit ($18) with four pink and burgundy shadows. The collection will also feature brushes! The baby pink and rose gold beauties will cost you $6. Take your pick and snag the Blending Brush, Shader Brush, or the Angled Eyeliner Brush (or just get all three)!

Full story on Allure

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Image via finder.com.au

An Italian Beauty (and the Beast)

First of all, can we just talk about how amazing the trailer for the live action reboot of Beauty and the Beast is? Emma Watson makes the perfect Belle, it’s insane! With that said, some other photos have been making us hum about the tale as old as time - an actual makeup collection inspired by Beauty and the Beast! But is it real? Well, PV girls, we’ve got good news and bad news.

First, the good news is that the collection is 100% REAL! L’Oreal Cosmetics has verified the authenticity of the products, which means we can actually get our hands on these beauties. The bad news is that the entire collection is exclusively available on Amazon Italy only (insert 5,000 sad face emojis). The website does ship worldwide so you could still try your luck at scoring these enchanting lippies with matching polish.

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Image via revelist.com

The Color Riche Lipsticks and Color Oil Enamel Polishes have seven shades each and are all inspired by the story’s characters, down to the gorgeous packaging. The entire collection will cost you $97 (and is available for pre-order on the site) while individual lippies are $11 each and the nail polishes are at $8 each. If you have any friends or family in Italy, please get in touch with me in the comments section!

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Sneak Your Way Into Their Heart

Looking for a unique and practical V-day gift for your significant other? If they're The One you see yourself going places with, a pair of customized sneakers will carry your message across! Give them Keds that are specially illustrated by top female visual artists Paola Esteron, Anina Rubio, and Geli Balcuz. Find out how over at the Keds Facebook page or @kedsph on Instagram.

If you want to pick your design or want to be matchy-matchy, you can head over to to the Keds Glorietta 3 branch on February 12, from 11am to 2pm, to have Paola Esteron customize your sneaks. Plus, you can get a 10% discount for your purchases!  

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Au Revoir, Lancôme

I know, I know: we’re all still trying to get over the fact that Shu Uemura is leaving the country very soon and sadly, another amazing brand is following in its footsteps. The L’Oreal Group has just confirmed that the French brand will be pulling out of the country some time this year. Lancôme stores have already stopped replenishing stocks of their cult favorites, so if you’ve got an HG there, better hoard while you still can. Despite the recent buzz of the brand’s revolutionary customizable foundation, L’Oreal has decided to go ahead with the pull out. The exit of these brands do have us hoping that it leaves room for newer names to enter the country. L’Oreal did purchase brands like IT Cosmetics, YSL Beauty, and Urban Decay, so here’s hoping that we have better news to look forward to!

Full story on Town and Country

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.

Ready for a dose of cold, hard reality? Accidents happen. No judgment here. And it’s not always the scenario you’d expect, either. Yes, incidences of unprotected sex can be caused by the heat of the moment but it can also result from a failed primary birth control option like a broken condom, or even something as severe as sexual assault. Whatever the case, it’s important to know that you have options readily available to you in that time of need. Yes, even though the deed has been done without protection, there is still a way to lower or remove your risk of getting pregnant.

Emergency birth control is something that's not common knowledge here in the the Philippines, so we had a chat with Dr. Rowena Rivera, an OB-GYN at The Medical City and instructor at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health to tell us more about it. After helping us navigate the hymen, she’s back to talk about last-minute options for preventing an unplanned pregnancy.

The long and short of it

Emergency birth control? Morning-after pill? What’s the difference? They are often used interchangeably, because the morning-after pill is a form of emergency birth control. Do note that these measures are designed to prevent pregnancy even before it happens, which also means that there is only a small time frame in which it can be effective.

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What are your options?

If you’re familiar with American pop culture, you’ve probably heard of Plan B. It’s just one of the emergency contraceptive options available in the US, along with ella and Next Choice. Unfortunately, none of these morning after pills are available in the PH but you still have two options.

“What’s available in the country and what’s most effective is the IUD,” says Dr. Rivera. Though the intrauterine device is primarily as a long-acting, reversible artificial contraceptive, it’s also effective as an emergency option if placed by your doctor within 72 hours of unprotected sex. Aside from the immediate efficacy, it can provide you with continuous birth control for as much as the next 10 years. As an intrauterine device though, it cannot protect you or your partner from getting sexually transmitted diseases so it’s still a good idea to use a condom.

Alternatively, you can take a powerful dose of OCPs (oral contraceptive pills) following the Yuzpe method. Depending on the type of pill, you usually take several pills in two doses to boost the contraceptive effect. This is best done within 24 up to 72 hours after sex and with your OB-GYN’s guidance to ensure its safety and effectiveness. The sudden surge in hormones can result in some side effects like nausea and vomiting so do make sure to contact your doctor if this happens, as the vomiting may cause you to throw up the pills and render this option ineffective.

You can check the different doses for different types of pills here. The easiest to access birth control pill which you can use for the Yuzpe method is Nordette, four of which you can take 12 hours apart (total of eight pills). Nordette can be purchased in most drugstores in the Philippines. Please do make sure to contact your health care provider for advice before doing this, especially if you have an existing condition.

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The A Word

So much controversy surrounds the nature of emergency birth control, especially in our country where a strong opposition to artificial contraceptives can lead to fear-mongering and misinformation. Let’s address the burning question: are emergency birth control methods considered an abortifacient? The answer is NO. “With the morning after pill, IUD, and Yuzpe method, you want to prevent implantation. Abortion only occurs when implantation has already taken place,” explains Dr. Rivera. 

If implantation has already occurred or if the pregnancy is already underway, taking birth control pills or even the morning after pill will not harm the developing baby. “The pill is proven to be without effects on the implanted embryo,” she clarifies.

In the case of IUDs, they will also not disrupt an implantation that has already taken place. However, early detection of the pregnancy is a must as there are cases where an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage can occur because of the presence of IUD. If this happens, the doctor will advise you whether to leave the IUD in or have it taken out, depending on the condition of the embryo. 

If you find yourself in need of emergency birth control, it’s very important for you to take a proactive stance in finding safe and medically-proven solutions rather than looking online for sketchy DIYs.

• Keep calm and don’t panic but understand the urgency of the situation. Emergency contraceptives only have a small window of time to be effective, so act fast but stay smart. Think about the options available to you and consider which one may suit you best.
• Call the doctor very quick. Self-medication can lead to some serious consequences so don’t try to Yuzpe all on your own. Get yourself an appointment with your OB-GYN ASAP. If you decide on an IUD, let them know in advance so they can order the implant and have it ready for when you visit.
• Get support. This is naturally a nerve-wracking experience, so the presence of your significant other or a friend during the doctor’s appointment and through the entire ordeal can help keep things in perspective.
• Prepare for sudden changes. If taking pills, higher doses of hormones are involved, so your body might be put through the wringer. We’re talking sudden mood swings, headaches, and the tendency to feel ill. Your doctor should advise you on how to handle them, and which side effects may require you to give them a call or schedule another visit.
• Check back. To be sure, you may want to purchase a pregnancy test to use a few weeks after your close call.
• Plan for the future. If you plan to continue to be sexually active, talk to your doctor about getting on regular contraception. You may want to continue to take pills, or get an injectable or an implant if you tend to forget to take them.

Supplementary Sources: ACOG, Planned Parenthood, British Pregnancy Advisory Service, Cosmo, Parents.co

This story is brought to you by Silka.

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!

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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.

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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.

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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?