When shopping for beauty products, two of the PV girls' favorite stores are Watsons and the Beauty Section of the SM Store. Aside from getting great deals at their many sales, buying with an SM Advantage Card from either store also gets you discounts and points which you can then use for future purchases. In fact, I’ve been able to buy a few lipsticks just from my accumulated points! Getting to treat myself to something from SM Beauty is always a fun experience, and now I get share that joy with others!

Welcome to a new edition of the Project Vanity Kit! This time, we've partnered with cosmetics brand Sleek MakeUp to curate a kikay kit that's all about bringing your makeup game to the next level. Containing an iconic pink brown liquid lipstick, a gorgeous colorful palette, and a flashy lipstick, our new kit is all about spicing up your everyday look. This is also perfect for all your pre-holiday events!

Eye makeup is probably my favorite part in my routine. The endless color combinations and creating that perfect brow never fails to excite me, so I've spent most of my adult life trying out every look I can think of. I've written dozens of posts and tutorials on it; I've held so many workshops to teach what I've learned through the years! I'm excited to announce that I have a new class, this time with pro brand INGLOT. This is happening in SM Megamall on October 22, 1-3PM! (SIGN UP PAGE HERE)

Some of you may know that I started beauty blogging while I was in college almost ten years ago. I was a poor student in UP Manila, but I had some income from freelance writing gigs so I could buy makeup here and there. Still, I'd save up all my allowance and eat the cheapest lunch everyday just so I can shop for things to review! I started with drugstore brands but eventually worked up to pricier but better products.

I remember that one of the very first "expensive" things I bought was a Prestige palette in Beauty Bar. I remember going inside the store so many times, exploring and swatching everything, before deciding on that 750-peso face and eye palette.

We've raved about the Ellana Cosmetics foundations so many times before and even now, their crazy good powders still have a place in our vanities. But did you know that they also have killer liquid lipsticks?

Ellana Mineral Cosmetics Lip in Luxe Matte Liquid Lipsticks have one of the best wear-it-and-forget-it formulas we've ever tried. Once set, they're completely smudge-proof and transfer-proof. In fact, we tested them on a swimming trip and they passed with flying colors! What's even more exciting is that Ellana has just released five new shades, bringing your color options to eight in total.

Tom Ford Beauty is coming to the Philippines on October 6, in Rustan's Makati. If you've always wanted to experience the brand full stop then you must visit the soft launch! There are bigger plans early next year (*wink*) but by next month, you'll be able to try on the brand's famous perfumes, Lips & Boys Lipstick, Lip Color, Patent Finish Lip Color, and selected pieces from the Soleil Collection.

Last week I had a Eureka moment: what if the Project Vanity Community can share their thoughts on PV about the beauty products they've tried? I love loyal readers not just because you're always on PV - I think you're a bunch of intelligent, talented, and passionate women whose opinions I deeply respect. Much of what do here at PV is shaped by those who are part of it so I thought, why not pick YOUR brains a bit more?

The road to running my own company at 28 was an unexpected one. I always thought I’d be working a corporate job for most of my life and maybe finally running my own business when I retire. But things didn’t quite work out the way I planned! It’s challenging and often exhausting, but I honestly can’t imagine my life any other way - and it was all because of blogging.

Nothing quite marks the end of summer than an end of season sale. They're almost always worth waiting for because the deals are better and you can finally get that dress you've been eyeing for months. Whether you're treating yourself to an overdue shop-a-thon or getting started on your Christmas list (it's never too early!), you can shop smart at Podium's End Of Season Sale from July 12 to 16. That's up to 70% off on food and fashion picks! 

It can be tempting to lose your head and go on a buying frenzy. Instead, keep these four shop smart tips to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.