Being around fellow beauty lovers is great fun and our group chats are often very lively. My one complaint though is that their recommendations give me serious cravings for new products! While it would be so awesome to have all the moolah to tick off everything on our beauty wish lists, I think that part of what makes a new purchase so enjoyable is knowing that we’ve earned it. I’m personally not looking to get anything new but I asked my fellow PV girls about the product they’re planning to buy next. Here’s a quick list of our current lemmings!

Crystal: I have been eyeing a Chloe perfume (P5,000~ at Rustan’s Beauty) since forever! I love almost all of the scents from the signature collection and would be delighted to get my own full-sized bottle! I don't usually like rose scents but Chloe just does it so well. It's sophisticated but young at the same time.

Marielle: I want to grab a bottle of La Vie est Belle (P3,500 at Rustan’s Beauty) before Lancôme leaves the Philippines! Last Christmas, I had to pass by their counter to run an errand for a relative, and I was able to catch a whiff of what smells like the kind of sophisticated woman I want to grow up to be!

Image via ebay.com

Katsy: I am in love with the Shiseido Snow Beauty Powder (P4,000~ at Shiseido). It's a translucent finishing powder that you can wear during the day, and also at night over your skincare! I've always wanted to go out with just skincare and sunscreen on but my face looks a tad greasy without anything on top. I feel like this powder will solve that, not to mention the to die for packaging that will definitely up the pretty factor of my vanity!

Charlie: I’ve had quite a good run with Maybelline’s Eye Studio Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze and I’ve been on the lookout for a similar product. Moonshot’s Jelly Pot in Deia (P1,117 at Sephora.ph) is something I’ve been hearing a lot about and when I saw that it was available at Sephora, I got super excited because I really want to try it out. The price tag is pretty steep for me as I rarely purchase single eyeshadows that go over P200 a piece but I'm really curious about it as the swatches online look amazing and it’s said to be water-based and have a cooling effect.

Jenn: At the top of my shopping list is the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (P1,750 from Rustan's Beauty). I was initially hesitant because of the price but having tried it for several times has completely changed my mind. I'm impressed with how it compares to my other setting powders! The powder gives the perfect finish - neither too white nor too powdery - and actually did extend the wear of my makeup.

Stacie: My foundation game needs a serious upgrade! I've been saving up for a bottle of either Too Faced's Born This Way Foundation (P 2,351 from Sephora.ph) or Estée Lauder's Double Wear Stay in Place foundation (P2,400 from Estée Lauder). The price and performance of both foundations are almost similar so I've been having a hard time deciding which one to pick. I'll save up first and choose then!

Angela: I promised myself that I would buy a really good foundation this year. I've tried the Double Wear Stay-in-Place foundation (P2,400 from Estée Lauder) from my favorite brand Estée Lauder, and I've loved it ever since! I got a week's worth of sample and it just covered up all my blemishes without looking heavy or cakey. It lasted all day, too, which is what I'm looking for in a foundation. It's expensive so I’m cutting my budget on some of my other purchases.

Gett: I'm quite slap-dash with my daily makeup but I'm mad for lippies, hence my decision to splurge on one! I've been eyeing a Chanel or a Tom Ford, but I also reaaaaaally want Charlotte Tilbury's Bond Girl (P1,500 at Rustan’s Beauty).

Kim: I've been pretty content with drugstore foundations in the past but I think it's high time for me to invest on a luxe foundie. Now that I spend long hours outside of the house, I need something that's going to wear beautifully all day long. The Make Up Forever Ultra HD Foundation (P2,700 at MUFE) has been on my list forever!

How about you--what’s on your shopping list? If you have tips for saving up, do share them with us in the comments!

Did you know that there are pro-quality, super affordable European makeup brands at SM Beauty? We’ve only recently started discovering them as they’ve slowly been popping up all over the local beauty scene. To allow give us the chance to try these products, Bhagi’s International treated us to the Beauty Backstage shopping party! Whitespace Makati was transformed into a mini beauty fair where beauty writers got to shop each of the eight beauty brands carried by Bhagi’s.

We’re no strangers to Essence Cosmetics here in Project Vanity. We’ve raved about their best-selling All about Matt Compact Fixing Powder (P299) and I Love Colour Intensifying Eyeshadow Base (P249), hoarded their lip liners and eyeliners, and even hosted an eyebrow workshop for the Little Eyebrow Monsters Line. I’m so excited to finally try the Pure Nude Highlighter (P379) for myself as it’s constantly sold out! I also picked up two palettes: All About Roses eyeshadow palette (P379), which features some pretty shimmers; and Vintage Rose (P499), a rose-toned palette that includes eyeshadows, a highlighter, and cream eyeliner.

Catrice Cosmetics is another favorite German brand of ours here at PV. It’s inspired by fashion trends around the world so they’re always adding new products to match the seasons! Brand manager Katrina Chu excitedly shared her favorites from the brand. The Matt 6hr Lip Artist (P499) is a crayon-type lipstick that promises six hours of no smudging, while their 7-pan eyeshadow palettes (P499) come in four different collections: Essential Nude, Modern Matt, Nude Blossom and Precious Copper.

They also have the Deluxe Glow Highlighter Palette (P499) which consists of three luminescent shades that give the skin a soft glow, while the Blush Artist Shading Palette (P499) comes in three different collections each consisting of two blushes (one matte and one shimmer) and a highlight.

I’m looking forward to trying the Re Touch Light Reflecting Concealer (P399), which looks very similar to YSL Touch Eclat. I made sure to get the Prime and Fine Mattifying Powder Waterproof (P499) for my crazy oily skin, and Pret-a-Volume Smokey Mascara Waterproof (P499) which is the most long-wearing mascara of the brand.

As you may have guessed, Deborah Milano hails from Italy. Its bestsellers include the Daily Dream DD Foundation (P799), which features anti-aging properties and is said to be best suited for dry skin. I have very oily skin though so I decided to go for the Comfort Matt Foundation (P749) instead. Liz raved about how The Absolute Lasting Liquid Lipstick (P649) survived through a buffet meal so I got two shades of this transfer-proof goodness!

Aside from makeup, Bhagi’s also brought in the Il Salone Milano hair colors from Italy. These home coloring kits are gentler on your hair because it has only 0.7% ammonia content, plus they’re free from parabens, paraffin and ethyl alcohol. The scent is quite neutral, too, so you don’t get a headache while undergoing the treatment. It comes with a pre-treatment to protect your hair before coloring, as well as a post-treatment to nourish your hair after. Currently there are six shades available locally. The most popular ones are 9.03 light golden blonde and 8.3 medium golden blonde. For just P369 per box, these are very affordable and safe hair coloring options!

I didn’t even know that we had Turkish beauty products available here until I learned about Flormar Cosmetics. Their star product is the Illuminating Primer Base (P699), which brightens and hydrates the face while prolonging the wear of makeup, making it a must-have for dry-skinned gals. For my fellow oily-since-birth girls, they recommend the Mat Touch foundation (P749) for a matte, medium coverage and Perfect Coverage Foundation (P799) for full coverage. Another bestseller are the Deluxe Cashmere Lipsticks (P399), which are infused with shea butter, cacao butter, and other antioxidants. Even the Eyebrow Pencil in 402 (P199), a dark brown shade with a brush, usually sells like hotcakes!

I decided to go for the powders because summer will be upon us pretty soon and I usually ditch my liquid bases completely. I got the Loose Powder (P399) to control oiliness while locking in moisture. I also grabbed a Compact Powder (P449) as well as a Wet & Dry Compact Powder (P499). Both were wonderfully creamy to the touch when I swatched them.

The only non-European brand in the lineup is Jordana, which is made in the USA. Jordana aims to offer every girl the chance to experience superior quality, fashion forward cosmetics at extremely affordable prices. Their star products are definitely their lip products! Their bestselling Sweet Cream Matte Liquid Lip Colors (P399) are frequently run out of stock because beauty girls love the transfer-proof formula. They have outlandish colors such as blue, gray and black but the most popular shades are Rose Macaron (a soft pink that we featured in our Naughty and Nice kit), Tiramisu (rosy brown), and Crème Bulee (nude pink).

Another bestseller is the Complete Cover 2-in-1 Concealer Foundation (P499), which offers as full a coverage as its name suggests. You can also use this as a spot concealer. I found 03 Golden Beige to be a good match for my NC20 skin. I’m also looking forward to trying the Prime No-Shine Mattifying Face Primer (P699) because my oily skin needs all the help it can get!

I love collecting perfumes so I was really excited to see that Bhagi’s also brought in some new fragrances! Those who are just looking for a mild splash of scent will enjoy the Romantic Collection perfumed body mists (P299). There are six available variants, all with fresh, floral scents. I personally adore floral scents, and chose Memories of You and Hush of Blush. Those looking for something sweeter will enjoy Good Mornings.

If you prefer a more personalized fragrance, however, then check out Joe of London Eau de Parfum, which are made with fragrance oils from France. These scents can be layered on top of each other to create your own unique fragrance! And it’s so affordable, too: it’s Buy 1-Take 1 for just P469! There are eight scents to choose from and each has its own unique character. You can take your pick among citrus, floral and woody scents, then layer them according to your liking or wear alone. Their bestseller, Sage, is a woody, earthy scent with a hint of sea salt.

Eileen de Guzman, General Manager of Bhagi’s International, personally recommends Orangy, which is scented with fresh orange blossoms. She says that she always gets compliments whenever she wears it! I decided to follow her recommendation and I do love how it smells on me. I also got Lily, a powdery floral which I feel could be unisex despite the name. My hubby likes it too, so I wouldn’t be surprised if he started using it!

Blogger Julia Arenas, Liz, vlogger Say Tioco, and Ms. Eileen de Guzman

So there you go! As someone who studied makeup professionally, I’m so glad that these pro-quality products are now so readily accessible at SM Beauty, and at such reasonable prices, too! Have you ever tried any of these brands? Which of these products have become faves in your kit?

Disclosure: Our mother company provided press relations services for this event.

Fragrances hold a special place in our hearts. Scents can trigger memories anew, which is what I experienced when I recently sniffed Avon’s classic fragrance, Sweet Honesty. It’s the scent I wore when I was still in high school: I used to save up my allowance for a bottle! I was so enchanted by its trademark pretty and pink packaging. This is why every time I catch a whiff of this cologne, I am reminded of all the fun of those golden teenage years.

It’s only fitting that these memories of first love and carefree youth encapsulate the fragrance that Liza Soberano, one of the industry’s freshest and prettiest faces, now endorses. Liza joins the Avon Philippines family of stellar female endorsers including Jodi Sta. Maria and Marian Rivera as Sweet Honesty’s Fragrance Ambassador.

Just like things that are meant to be, Liza recalls having auditioned as a young teenager to be an Avon model. Having grown up with the Avon brand, she now comes full circle as she joins the Beauty for a Purpose campaign of empowering women and fighting against breast cancer and domestic violence.

The best-selling Sweet Honesty fragrance is a fresh floral scent that is perfect for young women like Liza. She shares, “That’s what I love most about Sweet Honesty – it brings me back to the unforgettable innocence of first love. It’s like feeling the butterflies in my stomach all over again. Sweet Honesty is the perfect scent for me because it’s light and sweet. Also, the scent is timeless so it’s really perfect for anyone.”

This February, Liza shares her Sweet Honesty journey with a limited edition Sweet Honesty Eau de Cologne Bottle (P399). The classic bottle is refreshed with Liza’s own signature.

The fragrance is also available in a limited edition Sweet Honesty roll-on fragrance (P155) for those on-the-go, kilig-worthy moments.

The Liza Soberano for Sweet Honesty Fragrance limited edition bottles are now available nationwide from your favorite Avon ladies or via www.avonshop.ph.

Did you use Sweet Honesty when you were younger? What’s your favorite Sweet Honesty memory?

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!)

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.

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!

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.

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.”

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

Full story on PopSugar

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!  

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

by Jenn Tan, contributor

Shopping for makeup used to mean going to a cosmetics counter, swatching the items, and depending on the sales assistant's shade recommendations. That’s still a lot of fun, and we PV girls are often guilty of leaving stores with our arms marked from a massive swatch fest! Even then, the Internet has completely revolutionized the way we shop; all you need is online access and you don’t even necessarily need to have a credit card to buy stuff online. We don’t even have to wait for balikbayan relatives and friends to cart imported products for us; there are now a lot services that offer international shipping options so all you have to do is fill up some forms, click some buttons, and wait for your package to be delivered to your doorstep.

Online shopping is a great solution for hauling from brands that aren’t available locally but it has a catch: how do you shop for a foundation you've never touched or swatched? Stores like Althea and Sephora sometimes include swatches in their product listings but it can be difficult to guesstimate your shade based on photos. Before you decide to just take your chances and plop down your hard-earned bucks for a bottle you're not sure about, here are some tips for finding your shade match, even without swatching!

Image via Temptalia.com

Temptalia Foundation Matrix

I'm a big fan of this website because of its detailed and organized reviews. Swatches are always well-photographed and true to color; there's also a "when worn" photo so that you can see it as used. Temptalia's biggest gem is its Foundation Matrix, which allows you to see your approximate shade matches using your current foundation shade as reference point.

There are some other sites that offer the same free service but what makes Temptalia's Matrix stand out is that you can actually find your shade match, even if you're not using any foundation yet. The site includes a helpful guide for identifying your undertone and shade as a basic reference point.

Findation

Launched in 2012, Findation claims to be the largest usable database of matching foundation colors. The interface is basic and straightforward. For more accurate results, it’s best to enter two shades that you use and Findation will match it with other foundations in the database.

To get an idea of how extensive their database is, I tried searching a match to my L'Oreal Infallible 24H and MAC Studio Waterweight Foundations. I was happy to spot brands like Catrice in the list of suggestions, including Korean brand April Skin! Your matches can also be saved for future reference, so you don’t have to hang on to empties just to remember what your shade is.

My shade matches according to MatchMyMakeup

MatchMyMakeup

Similar to other websites, you are matched based on your current foundation shade. What is unique is that search results also include shades that aren't exact but close matches, specifying that it might be cooler or warmer than your skin tone. This is helpful when you're a wee bit more familiar with undertones and want to compare different shades.

I do hope that their database can be expanded to include more brands as matches are limited. It will probably take a while for this to grow though - the team behind the site manually tests the foundations under a professional light box mimicking different lighting conditions. They even use a color reading machine for precision and accuracy!  

Iman Beauty App

Among the bunch of apps that I tried, this one by Iman Cosmetics is by far the most user-friendly and impressive! It identifies your color signature - lips, shade and undertone, eyes, and hair color - through a selfie taken with the app. Just make sure to take a clear selfie that shows the whole face under appropriate lighting; the app will indicate whether the lighting is good or bad, and will not take a photo under less ideal conditions.

Unfortunately, the only recommended shade matches here are limited to what’s available in Iman Cosmetics. It’s fine if you’re looking precisely to try this brand, otherwise give this a pass.

It's tricky to get the lighting that the app wants but you can further tweak the photo after the shot if your photo gets distorted in any way.

With the wealth of beauty resources now at our disposal, shopping online for foundation is no longer as much of a chancy affair. No need to feel the pain of dropping precious bucks on a bottle, only to end up with something that’s practically unusable! Has that makeup buying mistake ever happened to you? How do you avoid buying dud shades online?

Jenn Tan is the owner of Cosabella Manila.

I've read the raves about the Yves Rocher Rinsing Vinegar (P495 at Yves Rocher stores) many, many years ago and have occasionally tried it in the past. I didn't like it though. I found the fruity vinegary smell annoying and it did the opposite of what it promised; my hair felt heavy and sticky after a few hours. But that was then. Recently, I've been plagued by a scalp so oily that I've almost given up! I've lost all hope until I tried my old bottle of this legendary hair rinse.

But wait, what is it exactly? The Yves Rocher Rinsing Vinegar is based on the good ol' vinegar rinse concept, wherein you use vinegar to remove product build-up on the hair and thus improve its shine and bounce. There are many versions of this DIY rinse, but all of them are, well, made out of vinegar and smells like it too! The one from Yves Rocher is made out of vinegar and water, but the vinegar is mild and mostly masked by a pleasant berry scent. I quite like it now!

To use, I shampoo my hair and then splash the Rinsing Vinegar all over my scalp. The bottle has a small opening that allows me to do this with some precision; it's simple but it works. I massage the liquid all over my hair then leave it on for a few minutes while I soap and exfoliate the rest of my body. I wash it off completely before I leave the shower.

I've been suffering from a ridiculously oily scalp, as I've mentioned above. Before I was able to fix it with some clarifying shampoo once or twice a week, but that stopped working! :( I tried changing shampoos and using dry shampoo, but those were only temporary solutions. I was at my wit's end until I randomly saw this bottle of Yves Rocher Rinsing Vinegar in my stash (it is probs almost two years old)! After just one use, it's like my scalp re-balanced itself and its oiliness has decreased dramatically.

I am so happy. Now I rinse with this about once a week and it keeps my hair fluffy and far from greasy. Definitely stocking up on this stuff! Have you tried a vinegar rinse before? How was it?

Yves Rocher Branches:
Level 2 SM Aura Premier
C5 Road cor MH del Pilar Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

G/L SM Southmall, Las Piñas City
(632) 478.2252

G/F Paseo Solano Wing Ayala Center Cebu, Cebu City
(6332) 266.1458

G/F TriNoma, Quezon City
(632) 576.3662

Skincare is an easy obsession to fall into. It could start as a small feel-good reward at the end of a long day, or as a solution to a specific concern (wrinkles, dullness, acne, etc.). Some of us even go as far as trying out the full 10 Korean skin care steps to get soft, smooth, radiant-looking skin! In all this pomp and pageantry though, we often neglect that other used and abused part of our face: the lips.

We use drying matte lipsticks, forget to drink enough water, eat spicy, sour, or greasy food, and do some lip-biting when nervous or obsessing on a flaky bit of skin. Our lips regularly take a beating, so it actually makes sense to incorporate products in our beauty regimen to make sure that they stay healthy. There’s a lot more out there than just our standard lip balm, so we put together several treatment options and tried one nightly to find which solution takes the cake!

Kiehl’s Scented Lip Balm #1 in Pear (P535 at Kiehl’s)

This is a standard petroleum-based lip balm. It lends a velvety, coated feel on the lips with the addition of a slight sheen. In the morning, it doesn’t feel like there’s a lot of moisture left over from the overnight application so it may be more appropriate to use this (and reapply it) throughout the day. The formula sits well under other products though so you can apply a coat before putting on a drying lipstick formula.

Nivea Lip Butter in Vanilla Macadamia (P129 at department stores)

Lip butters offer more moisture in a thinner, more emollient form compared to balms. It has none of the waxiness of solid lip balms, and it doesn’t feel oily at all! I find the Vanilla Macadamia scent particularly comforting for bedtime use, and the resulting softness of the lips lasts well into the next morning. If you hate the thick, heavy feeling of regular lip balms, go for lip butters instead!

The Saem Eco Soul Lip Oil in Honey (P320 at Althea Korea)

Have you ever shopped for face serum with the assumption that the formula would be a gel or liquid but then it turns out to be an oil instead? Well, the reverse happened here. I expected lip oil to be slick and greasy as the name suggests. However, I was surprised to put on what felt more like lip gloss. Eco Soul has the high-shine and slight tackiness of a good-quality gloss.

Initially, I felt silly wearing this before bed but my fears were unfounded as the formula turned out to be quite moisturizing. I woke up feeling like moisture was locked in, and the tackiness had faded into a velvety texture. Also, the honey scent (which is actually flavorless) smells like breakfast cereal. Yum!

Petitfree Oil Blossom Lip Mask (P400 at Althea Korea)

I was expecting a bouncy, whipped, jelly-like lip texture but it felt more like a traditional lip gloss with the heaviness of an extra thick balm. It has more tackiness than the lip oil, and there is a strong floral scent that strikes me as a little bit strange to have on the lips. It smells more like something that you should be spraying on your body instead! The next morning, the texture feels similar to your average balm but I feel like it doesn’t particularly add or lock-in moisture.

Pure Smile Choosy Lip Pack in Peach (P40 at Althea Korea)

I thought the packet would contain a lip-sized cotton sheet mask but I was surprised to see a cellulose-like hydrogel patch instead! I followed the instructions to leave the moist, silicone-like pack on the lips five minutes but it honestly felt bitin for something that is supposed to be a deep moisturizing treatment.

Aside from the interesting sensation of having a cool, jelly-like patch covering my mouth, it didn’t actually feel like I was soaking up a whole lot of moisture. The formula even stung on the edges of my lips. Perhaps this would be more suitable going over another layer of lip product to help keep the treatment from evaporating too quickly.

And the winner is 

The most cost-effective lip treatment with the most long-lasting effect is the Nivea Lip Butter! My lips stayed super soft and moist until the next morning, and the available scents are all crowd-pleasers. The runner-up is The Saem Eco Soul Lip Oil for doubling as a moisturizing layer that can be worn day and night. It’s also available in Berry and Grapefruit scents, in case you want something fruity.

Have you been kind to your lips? What steps and overnight treatments do you use to keep them soft and flake-free?

Yep, you heard it right - this one is one of those hidden gems at the drugstore! We actually featured the Deborah Milano Absolute Lasting Liquid Lipstick (P649) last October as one of our 10 most long-lasting drugstore makeup picks, but never really got around to doing a full feature as we only had a single shade. Yes, yes, excuses, but here's a review finally! 

Before, when people asked me what the most long-wearing lipstick I've ever tried is, I'd always say that it's the  Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge Waterproof Liquid Lip Color. It had to be applied in two steps: the satin base that sets like cement must be swiped first, to be followed by the clear gloss. It works because the gloss moisturizes the drying color base, and "seals" it in much like a nail polish top coat would. This is truly water and transfer-proof! It's my go-to when I know I won't be able to retouch much during special events or a long day of errands.

The catch? It's around P1,300. That's why I was surprised to find something that performs exactly like it in Watsons for only P650! The packaging of Deborah Milano is similar - nay, identical - to the MUFE liquid lipstick. It works and feels exactly the same way too! The wear time of the DM lipstick is about 6-7 hours without retouching, and will barely fade after a full, oily meal. It also does not transfer on cups and skin, same as the MUFE.

To maximize the formula, try not to apply lip balm before the first coat of color so that it will set properly. The gloss coat will take care of any dryness (unless you have severe chapped lips in which case you shouldn't be wearing something like this) without the sticky feel! Then, enjoy the rest of your life as you frolic without worrying if your lipstick is smearing after that leg of lechon.

I have three shades here. Shade 07 is almost the exact same color as my lips, which makes it my ideal nude! Shade 09 is a berry-ish mauve that's versatile yet eye-catching. Shade 11 is a deep red with some fine gold sparkle - I wore this a lot during the holidays. The colors when freshly applied are demi-matte while the gloss adds a healthy amount of shine. Do note that you can't wear just the color or your lips will protest. It is waayyyy too drying by itself! You can wear the gloss as is though, or on top of other colors.

Overall, I highly recommend the Deborah Milano Absolute Lasting Liquid Lipstick to anyone who's looking for a bulletproof lip product. There are plenty of pretty shades available! I'm really loving 07 as it's a beautiful nude on me. Perfect for chill days and smoky eyes!

What do you think of these lipsticks? Have you tried one already?

Deborah Milano is available inside SM Beauty and Watsons stores.

Gone are the days when we can actually spend an hour or more in front of our vanities doing our makeup. Traffic in the metro is just insane, so unless you’re able to do your full makeup in the car while stuck in EDSA, a five-minute face before you leave the house is a practical life skill. It's like knowing how to do your taxes or plan for your groceries!

This time, we’re doing a fresh and youthful FOTD popularly called the “polbo and lip tint” look. It’s inspired by Ellen Adarna’s no-makeup makeup at last year’s Star Magic Ball, which was refreshing amidst all the faces that had been contoured and highlighted to perfection. It’s easy but pretty - perfect for on-the-go, busy girls who want to keep their look natural and their makeup light.

Here's what you’ll need!

• Eyebrow mascara
• Brightening concealer
• Lip and cheek tint
• Oil-controlling pressed powder
• Lip balm

Step 1: Brush up your brow hairs with an eyebrow mascara like Happy Skin Glam Squad Arch Definer & Brow Mascara (P949 at happyskincosmetics.com). If you already have full or thick brows and your hair is not colored, you can opt to use a clear brow gel instead of a tinted one to simply fix the hairs in place.

Step 2: Apply brightening concealer on the undereye area to keep those dark shadows at bay and look like you got your full beauty sleep. The recently launched Happy Skin Bye Bye, Blues Brightening Concealer in Light Beige (P899 at happyskincosmetics.com) is a great option! You can also apply a bit of the concealer down the center of the nose for a subtle highlight effect.

Step 3: Fake a natural flush with a lip and cheek tint. The Skin Genie Lip and Cheek Stain Alive in Tulip Red (P80 at beautymnl.com) is one of our cheap beauty thrills for this purpose. Apply on your cheeks and lips and blend, blend, blend!

Step 4: Lightly dust powder all over the face to set the concealer and even out the complexion. Use a large fluffy brush for a more natural finish. Oil-controlling powders like the Avon Belle in Bloom Ideal Oil Control Pressed Powder in Neutral (P199 on sale at avonshop.ph) are particularly helpful to keep shine at bay for longer.

Step 5: Pat on a lip balm like the In Her Element Nourish & Cleanse Balm (P595 at inherelement.ph) over the lip tint for that trendy glossy lip look. You can also apply it on top of your cheekbones for a natural glow and added moisture!

It actually took me less than five minutes to get done, and I’m pleased with how well it makes me look for just a tiny bit of effort. The power of makeup, indeed!

before and after

The PV girls have been obsessing over Korean beauty since last year, and we’re so glad that the K-beauty wave is here to stay! It’s gotten such a huge following over the past few months that another website has set up shop to indulge our lemmings. Meet Yeppunonnie, an online shopping destination from the Korean words “yeppun” (beautiful) and “onnie” (big sister). Unlike other retailers, however, Yeppunonnie will be open to wholesale purchases to support their vision of making the Philippines “a nation of confidently beautiful and happy women.”

Koreans have some pretty interesting makeup techniques as their approach to beauty is pretty different from the more mainstream Western practices that we’re used to. At the soft launch of Yeppunonnie, we learned that instead of applying foundation in a downwards motion (supposedly to brush any fine facial hairs down and thus create a smoother-looking appearance), Korean makeup artists recommend applying foundation starting from the neck going up to help prevent sagging skin. Considering how ageless Korean women seem to look, this tip surely merits looking into!

The site is already live! You may visit them at www.yeppunonnie.ph and get updates over at their Facebook page.

While last year’s trend was covering up every flaw and pore, this year is all about lighter bases that show some skin! In the eternal summer that we experience here in the PH, we could really do without that heavy feeling that normally comes with using a full coverage foundation. While it makes us look perfect and flawless, too heavy foundations can also appear and feel mask-like. They also don't look so hot when viewed up close and personal. Not to mention that it’s more likely to cake throughout the day!

So, do you really need a full coverage foundation? The truth is, you might not actually need as much as you think. We’ve listed the top reasons women use to justify the heavy coverage on a regular basis, and how you can start changing up your makeup game into one that allows you to embrace your imperfections and your skin to breathe.

Reason #1: I already have a foundation that I love and I don’t want to stop using it.

Solution: Thin out your coverage with moisturizer.

We know the struggle of finding that perfect foundation, as well as needing to scrounge up funds before being able to shell out for a new bottle. Instead, why not just thin out the coverage of your favorite foundation by mixing it with a bit of moisturizer? You can control the coverage depending on the ratio of foundation to moisturizer you use (more moisturizer = less coverage). This way, you can still enjoy the benefits of your favorite foundation while  letting your natural skin peek through. You can even take it up a notch up by making your own cushion!

Reason #2: Sheerer formulations slide off my face.

Remedy: Use a primer.

Adding a primer can seem like an additional step but if foundations can’t seem to stay put on your face, then it’s worth the extra effort and offers a better solution versus just packing on product. A PV favorite is Benefit ThePorefessional Matte Rescue Gel (P1,600 at Benefit) - it’s a bit pricey but a tiny amount is all that’s needed for the whole face. If you’re on a budget, try our primer picks for under P500.

Reason #3: I want to cover my pores.

Remedy: Try a sheer foundation that illuminates your skin.

Adding more coverage is not the answer to covering up pores. Instead, go for a light face base with pore-blurring properties. We love Benefit ThePorefessional Pore Minimizing Makeup (P1,700 at Benefit) for this. In addition, pore-blurring powders like Benefit ThePorefessional Agent Zero Shine (P1,600 at Benefit) can also help.

Reason #4: I have blemishes I want to conceal.

Remedy: Apply concealer only where you need it.

As someone with extremely oily skin, trust me when I say that concealers have a better chance of staying put all day compared to a long-wearing foundation. The heavier formula and more intense pigmentation makes it easier for blemishes to stay hidden all day, too! I’ve found that MAC Pro Longwear Concealer (P1,250 at MAC) can survive my 16-hour workdays and extremely oily skin. The price is worth it because the tiny amount you need makes even a small bottle last forever! Other cult faves are the NARS For the more budget-conscious, Pink Sugar Our Li’l Secrets Concealer (P299 at SM Beauty) is a PV favorite because the tiny tube packs heavy coverage and sets like cement!

Have you ditched your heavy face bases for something more light, comfortable and natural? What products would you recommend for that second skin feel?

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!)

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.

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!

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.

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.”

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

Full story on PopSugar

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!  

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.

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.

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

Kiss marks are cute when used as design, not when it’s on someone’s face. You don’t want to Ieave it on people you beso with, or make your date look like he’s wearing lipstick. The Project Vanity team usually has a wide variety of recommendations but finding a lippie that won’t leave tell-tale marks of affection has honestly been even more difficult than finding The One! Today, we spill on the lipsticks that we rely on to get us from a dinner date to the morning after, without ever leaving our pout behind.

Liz: I've been a fan of the Make Up For Ever Aqua Rouge Waterproof Liquid Lip Color for years. This is what I wear when I want bullet-proof lipstick all day! It can be quite expensive though, so luckily I found a cheap, near-identical alternative: the Deborah Milano Absolute Lasting Liquid Lipstick, which is just P650. I don't shut up about it if you accidentally ask me, haha.

Den: Red and dark-colored lippies are actually my fave shades but I normally wear something more subtle because I’m paranoid about getting lipstick on my teeth and uneven fading. Luckily, I recently picked up the Deborah Milano Absolute Lasting Lipstick and it’s finally allowing me to wear the colors that I love! It stays on through eating and drinking, and barely transfers. I actually did test it on my husband after getting this, and he no longer complains about having kiss marks!

Crystal: I don't really like liquid matte lipsticks, which are generally the most long-wearing ones (or so I've been told) so I'm glad to have found something with a glossy finish that is the closest thing to cement, the Deborah Milano Absolute Lasting Lipstick! The best thing is, I don't even have to worry about my lips looking cracked or peeling.

Kim: The Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick stays true to its name by being the longest lasting lipstick I have in my collection. Drinking, eating, kissing, and a night of partying? Still no match against my Lolita II.

Angela: Like Kim, my current favorite lipstick (for the past five months!) is Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita II and it never fails me. No matter what I do, it stays put for hours. And the color is just absolutely lovely on my morena skin. I'll definitely keep purchasing this over and over again.

Jenn: I would also have to recommend the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick! It dries up quick and does not rub off easily, although it's very easy to remove with makeup remover. The best part for me is how comfortable it wears, no cracking or drying feeling!

Claire: Still haven't found a lipstick that won't budge no matter what. Liquid matte lippies are long-wearing for sure but I haven't tried one that has survived a ramen date! I stick to stains for lasting color that will for sure fade, but at least do so with dignity. I love Pink Sugar's Sugar Tint, Happy Skin Shut Up & Kiss Me Lip & Cheek Mousse, and good ol' Lip & Cheek Stain from The Body Shop.

Karla: Mine has got to be my latest discovery from Korea - the Berrisom My Lip Tint Pack in Bubble Pink! This is an odd product as it applies as a thick gel that you leave on your lips for about a minute or so and then peel off but my goodness, the color payoff is insane! Your lips are colored and it doesn't budge! I've eaten oily food, wiped off coffee, and kissed my boyfriend and my lips stayed a gorgeous (and untouched) pink! The Koreans are geniuses!

Do you wear lipsticks when you go on romantic dates? What products or tips do you rely on to keep the color on your lips and off other people?

In the last ten years, the most significant change we’ve witnessed in the beauty world is the evolution of our brows. Gone were the days when lipstick reigned supreme in our beauty kits! If we were made to choose just one makeup item to grab in a fire, most of us would undoubtedly pick our brow makeup. Now there are different kinds of eyebrow products to choose from but I personally favor the versatility of the brow pencil. You can easily score a decent one for less than P200 but if you want to know which one will give you the best kilay of your life, my month-long brow showdown reveals the answer!

I pitted seven brow pencils against each other and wore them the whole day for three to five days each. My lucky seven consisted of the following:

• Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil 
• Ever Bilena Matic Brow Liner
• Eye of Horus Brow Define
• Flormar Brow Pencil
• K-Palette 1 Day Tattoo Lasting 3Way Eyebrow Pencil
• MAC Automatic Eyebrow Pencil
• Maybelline Fashion Brow.

We did not include Korean eyebrow pencils here because that will need a whole other post on its own (let us know if you want it)!

Bare brows

These are my bare eyebrows for reference. With a clear brow mascara, I’m normally good to go on minimal makeup days, thanks to my semi-permanent brow tattoo. They look too light when I put a full face on, though, so I still need a little help in making them look lush and filled out.

Maybelline (1), MAC (2), Eye of Horus (5), and Benefit (7) all have slim rounded tips of the same size. K-Palette’s (3) is just a tad bit bigger while Ever Bilena (6) is about twice as wide. All pencils come in a twist up form with exception of Flormar (4), which needs sharpening.    

The Benefit, Eye of Horus, K-Palette, and Maybelline pencils each come with a spoolie. The Eye of Horus (2nd in photo) particularly deserves special praise for the slim tapering spoolie that’s firm yet gentle at the same time! The Flormar comes with a brow brush (3rd in photo), while Ever Bilena and MAC skipped the blending tool completely.

From left: Benefit, Ever Bilena, Eye of Horus, Flormar, K-Palette, Mac, Maybelline

Here are the swatches! I drew a straight line with each pencil and added small strokes using light to heavy pressure to show how well you can control the pigmentation. Ever Bilena is undoubtedly the most pigmented, while K-Palette looks the most natural.

Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil (P1,400)
Shades: 01 and 02 light, 03 and 04 medium, 05 and 06 deep / Available in Benefit stores, or online through Sephora.ph

The Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil is the priciest one of the bunch. I feel this is the best in terms of creaminess to hardness ratio, because it blends without completely smudging the brush strokes I’ve applied to resemble hair. The slim pencil makes it easy to draw hair-like marks but also takes longer to use on sparse brows with lots of bare areas. The wide shade selection also guarantees that you’ll find a perfect match for your hair.

Ever Bilena Brow Matic Liner (P180)
Shades: Earth (terracotta brown) and Midnight (black) / Available at Ever Bilena counters 

If you want something quick and easy, Ever Bilena’s Brow Matic Liner will allow you just that because it’s a chubbier pencil. This is the creamiest and most pigmented of the pencils I tried for this challenge, and it was easy to glide on and blend. It’s an ideal product for people who like the Instagram brow as you can build it up to look as strong as you like. You will need to have a separate spoolie and maybe apply some concealer to cleanup the edges and achieve better definition. If your hair color is more ash brown or even black, the shade Earth may be too red for your liking.

Eye of Horus Brow Define (P950)
Shades: Husk (light ash blonde), Dynasty (medium cocoa brown), and Nile (medium dark taupe) / Available online through Glamourbox.ph

I find that this Eye of Horus product stays true to its name as it gives such a nice soft focus definition for clean, naturally lush-looking brows! It’s a hard pencil that’s best for mimicking individual brow hairs as the pigmentation is on the lighter side. That same soft pigmentation lends to that natural, almost undetectable brow to match light eye makeup that don’t need strong framing.

Flormar Brow Pencil (P249)
Shades: 401 Gray, 402 Brown, 403 Taupe, 404 Black / Available at Flormar counters in department stores

Another pencil featuring a creamy formula, the Flormar pencil feels a lot like a toned down EB Brow Matic Liner in terms of pigmentation. Though I’m used to blending with a spoolie, the brow brush included actually worked better for blending since it gave me better control over the product. It’s very easy to blend but definition can be hard to achieve unless you sharpen the tip every so often.

K-Palette 1Day Tattoo Lasting 3Way Eyebrow Pencil (P795)
Shades: Grayish Brown, Light Brown, Mocha Brown, and Natural Brown / Available at Beauty Bar

Out of all the pencils I’ve tried, the K-Palette pencil is the lightest in terms of pigmentation. It’s best for people who want soft-looking eyebrows that look like your own brows but better (BBB?). This is the most beginner-friendly pencil IMO because it still looks natural even when you use a heavy hand. On the flip side, it may look too light for a full glam look, unless you layer it with other products. To keep it fair, I only used the pencil side for this challenge but it also comes with a matching brow powder! You can use the pencil to create the shape and draw the hairs, and the powder to fill in all the other the gaps and blend everything together.  

MAC Automatic Eyebrow Pencil (P900)
Shades: Brunette, Fling, Lingering, Spiked, Strut, and Stud / Available at MAC stores

This is Queen Pia Wurtzbach’s weapon of choice for Miss Universe-worthy brows. Out of all the slim tip pencils, this one is the creamiest and most pigmented, so you can go as glam or natural based on how you use it. You wanna be careful with blending this one out because the creaminess can turn messy real quick! This is also non-retractable, so don’t make the mistake of twisting it all up to check how much product you get!

Maybelline Fashion Brow (P359)
Shades: Gray and Brown
Available through Maybelline counters in department stores

If you can’t justify splurging on the K-Palette just yet, I find that the Maybelline Fashion Brow is a pretty close dupe! This is my fave from the drugstore because of how easily I can achieve a natural-looking brow with this pencil. It’s true what they say on the ads: that you can’t mess this up. One caveat though – it's brittle and breaks easily! Make sure you dispense just about a 1-2mm long tip so you don’t end up wasting product that has fallen off.

Verdict: Overall, I can’t complain about the wear time that I got from any of these products. Even on my oily skin, they managed to stay fresh and plakado until I took them off (usually about eight to ten hours of wear). I find it hard to pick faves though, because I realized that sometimes you need different products to achieve different looks.

If I absolutely need to pick just one, I would have to go with the Benefit Precisely, My Brow Pencil. It has the perfect balance of creaminess and hardness, so I can use this to create a wide range of different brow looks! Blending the pencil in won’t make it look like you coated your brow with powder. I take my sweet time drawing my brow hair in strokes and I like how I get to retain that definition with Benefit, even after blending. If only the price was more friendly, this would be my everyday go-to!

So let me know, which one of these brows were your favorite? Did your HG brow pencil make the cut?

Are you working with a budget or are you in it for the thrill of the (bargain) hunt? Either way, it can be exciting to be in a store that offers affordable beauty finds. All of a sudden, you are surrounded by so many choices that fit the bill - or the budget, in this case - that shopping to complete an FOTD becomes a delightful matter of mixing and matching. A lot of you enjoyed our haul at the Dollar Store so this time around, we decided to go local and flexing our bargain-buying skills at homegrown store HBC!

A quick disclaimer before we begin: this haul consists purely of items from the San San line. I came in hoping to also pick up a few items from Allue, HBC’s makeup line geared towards tweens and teens, but was told by the SA that the makeup line has been discontinued.

Face Base

There was a lot of buzz about the Age Defense Serum Foundation (P238) in one of the local local groups that I follow so I made a beeline for that as soon as I entered the store. I was surprised to learn that this only comes in one shade! Luckily, the formula swatched kind of sheer so I felt like I could work with it.

For concealers, I checked out three types before settling on San San Concealer SPF15 (P120). It was a bit difficult to choose due to the inconsistency of the shades with each concealer line. They all had the same shade names per line but the Olive shade of one line would be much darker or a Beige shade would be waaaay more peach-toned. This cream concealer’s particular shade of Natural looked to be the closest to my skin tone, so I decided to go for that.

Unsure of the staying power of these products (and if they would match my skin tone), I asked for a powder foundation to set (or correct) the rest of my base. The SA recommended the San San Pressed Powder in 02 Satin (P118), which looked like my best shade match so far.

From left: Serum foundation, concealer, and pressed powder

Eyes

I was disappointed to learn that the famed San San shadow singles were out of stock! I guess they truly live up to the reputation of being bestsellers. Instead, the SA offered me a P200+ palette that included eyeshadows, blush, powder foundation, and lipstick but where’s the fun in that? I also wasn’t into shade selection included in the palette so I gave it a pass and settled for brow products. The Eyebrow Powder Duo in Light-Medium Brown (P152) looked promising, with brown shades that I felt could work as both brow powder and eyeshadow. I also grabbed a Shader Brush (P39) to use for eyeshadow application.

The SA who assisted me swore by the San San Waterproof Eyeliner Pen (P106). She leveled with me and said that while she doesn’t find it 100% waterproof, it was strongly water-resistant. To finish up the eye look, I also picked up the Long Lash Waterproof Mascara in Black (P147).

From left: eyebrow powder duo and eyeliner pen

Lips

I was already impressed that I’d gotten seven products (and nearly completed my FOTD) for P920 but here’s where HBC sweetened the deal. For the entire month of February, purchases of the San San Age Defense Serum Foundation or 2-in-1 Foundation Stick allow the customer to get any lipstick for 50% off! (Lip crayons and lip stains not included.) I took advantage of the promo to snatch up the Creamy Matte Lipstick in Tempting Ruby (sale price P75, regular price P151) because I wanted a bold lipstick to go with the simple eye makeup. The striking red shade swatched like it could work as a red blush as well.

From left: creamy matte lipstick and lip gloss (barely visible, sheer light pink)

Bonus: There’s another month-long promo that gives a free tube of lip gloss to the first 10 San San customers to present this voucher and make a P150 purchase, which I was also able to avail! And in case I didn’t end up getting a Serum Foundation, there is yet another February promo that slashes the price of their Creamy Matte Lipsticks by 50% if you trade in any brand of old lipstick. It’s definitely savings galore at HBC.

Final bill: P955! Talk about diversifying my makeup collection! I like having a high-low mix of luxe pieces to drugstore picks, and I was thrilled that this particular challenge put my creativity in building a full face haul to the test. Next up is the moment of truth: FOTD and review time!

Have you ever done a haul at HBC? What are your favorite products? And which of these haul finds are you most curious about?