It's that time of the month again! I'm giving away lots of beauty products to one lucky Project Vanity reader. Check out this whole cartful of prettifiers for the face, hair, and body:

Mechanics

1. On the Wall of the Project Vanity Facebook Page, answer the question: What are three beauty products that you can't live without? I'm asking because I'm genuinely curious about what you keep on buying and using!

2. Like the blog's Facebook Page. You must do steps 1 and 2 to qualify for this contest.

Optional: You can also blog about the contest (+3 entries). If you blog about the contest, leave a link on this post.

3. Contest ends on October 30. Winners will be picked via random draw.

Terms and conditions

Lip balm is one of the most fundamental things every girl needs to have about her person - forever! So when you find a lip balm that works for you, never let go. Hoard. Put one tube in all your bags and jeans pockets. I found THE lip balm that I plan to use for the rest of my life: Aquafina Lip Balms.

I got these from my swap with Anne last September. It wasn't part of the list we agreed on, so I was touched by the freebie she gave me! I didn't plan to use them actually, but I got curious so I tried the blue one first. It was love at first swipe, swear. I never suffered from dry or chapping lips ever since these babies fell into my hands.

Why this is awesome

• Very moisturizing. Some Western ladies at Makeupalley find the formula a bit drying, but since the Philippines is humid, the formula addresses my concerns perfectly. My lips feel more supple, smooth, and peeling skin (which is normal) go off evenly. Note though that I don't have particularly dry lips to begin with.
• Perfect texture and feel. The balm feels just like water on my lips but just a teensy bit thicker. The texture is fine and not waxy at all! This is the most comfortable lip balm I ever used - and I have tried quite a number from different drugstore brands. You will instantly forget you have this balm on.
• Serves as the perfect base for lipsticks and gloss. You lip color won't slide on this, nor would it feel heavy when you layer it on top of this balm. 

Anthology is famous for its ultra-cool and classic flat shoes that are designed for comfort. The materials used are of high-quality, which explains the prices starting from P2,000 to P4,000. I have the impression that Anthology shoes have achieved a cult following among Manila's fashion set because of their enduring designs and the feel of the shoes. If you have to buy an "investment" pair of flats, Anthology should be at the top of your list.

Here are some popular designs:

Shanghai, P2795

I love dainty containers, boxes, and paper bags. I used to collect paper bags from the stores I shopped in, then eventually from the brands who sent me their wares, but I had to throw them out since space is precious. I would keep special boxes though (like from Pond's - they pack stuff in the best, beribboned boxes!) and some paper bags that I know I won't easily come across. I also keep some pretty boxes that come with makeup.

Small pouches and containers are also a secret addiction. I have quite a lot lying around in the condo because I just can't bear to throw them away! What if I need them someday? I do use them someday, eventually. Other people would call it recycling but I'd call it hoarding.

Anyway, I'd like to show you one of my favorite containers. This one is pretty special to me because I bought it in Boracay. I haven't seen it around in Manila so maybe it's not one of those mass-produced things. In any case the shell is real and not plastic, making me feel like it would bear pearls whenever I hold it. Oh day dreams.

I thought it would be a nice accessory keeper so I stuffed all my Avon accessories from their summer collection (launched last March).

The iconic and wildly popular shoe brand, Jeffrey Campbell, has been here in the Philippines for some months already. SM Makati has been carrying the brand in their upscale shopping section called Fashion Forum. But why no buzz? See for yourself:

The whole selection of JC shoes available in Manila

The shoes aren't ugly - in fact, they're quite beautiful, just the thing you need for casual wear. But Jeffrey Campbell is famous for its edgy, aggressive statement heels, not for its conservative selections.

If you're wondering what's new with Clinique, they have another breakthrough hi-tech product: the Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & Photo Damage Corrector. It's designed to lessen wrinkles and repair sun damage, two major problems mature women have and pay tons of money to fix. Laser treatment is one effective way to combat the signs of aging and photo damage, but how many of us can afford the many sessions and the required healing time?

Clinique introduces Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & Photo Damage Corrector, a de-aging three-in-one serum uniquely formulated to work day and night to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, visibly repair photo damage and strengthen skin to accelerate regeneration. Just three drops of Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & Photo Damage Corrector twice a day and in 12 weeks, achieve a 53% reduction in the appearance of lines and wrinkles.

The price of one bottle is no joke - P3,300 - but it's a lot cheaper than laser treatment. Knowing Clinique, there's a high chance of this product being actually effective (I don't have the product so I can't review it for you, unfortunately). Now, on to pictures of the launch at Society Lounge!

Budit Reyes, Clinique Education Executive explaining the technology behind the new Repairwear

Pink, black, and ribbons all together make me happy!

Ooohh what's inside

I'm a sucker for bargains. I can't walk past an irresistible pair of shoes or makeup if I see that I'm getting more for my money than if I buy something else - even if I don't really need it. That's why when I saw this gorgeous set from Estee Lauder in Rustan's Makati, I just couldn't peel my eyes away from it! For P3,200 this is such an awesome find!

This box is as big as a laptop box

Ooh gold, the color of the season!

Mirror, pouch, and what can pass off as a mini train case

Like all good things in life though, there's a catch. To avail of this promo, you need to buy P4,500 worth of Estee Lauder products first. Good thing that I was buying some stuff from the brand anyway, so I took the plunge and blew P3,200 on the whole thing. You'll understand when you see what's inside!

I first encountered NaRaYa when I was still in college. Robinson's Midtown was newly constructed then and featured a lot of new shops, one of which was NaRaYa. I loved the display of fabric bags in the shop window, but I never ever ventured in. Why? Because I thought that there was no way I can afford all those pretty bags! The boutique looked expensive too.

Well, I'll let you in on a little secret: NaRaYa bags are actually very affordable! They have purses and pouches that sell for only P99 and up while the big bags range from P500 to P1000+ (bags that cost this much are as big as a suitcase). For the cheap price, you don't get cheap quality. I said in my post last Saturday that I was surprised by the quality of the NaRaYa bag I got; the stitches were fine and straight and the fabric used was top notch. I also loved the water-repellant lining!

Ms. Cecille, the owner of NaRaya Philippines, invited me to visit the store in SM North EDSA after reading what I wrote. She was super nice and accomodating, telling me all about NaRaYa and giving me a mini-tour around the store. I was amazed by what she told me about the bags!

For instance, did you know that NaRaYa bags are made by hand in Thailand? That explains the quality and attention to detail in each piece. They don't have factories here or in anywhere else but Thailand. Every aspect of the store is also replicated from the Thai flagship store, even down to the displays!

Aside from quality control, one other thing that NaRaYa prides itself in is the cleanliness of their stores. You won't see any dust gathering in corners here!

This is the full text of the talk I gave during the Vanity Fair event. Hope it can help you improve your blog!

I've been racking my head all night last night thinking about an interesting topic to present to you guys. I initially wanted to do something like “Vanity in the online space” but we’re all experts at that already - it would be redundant! 

Kidding aside, I landed on a simple, but always overlooked question: how do you take your blog to the next level? Let's make it a little harder. How do you take your blog to the next level - without losing your credibility and integrity as bloggers? Now I know that blog conferences past have already tackled the topic. But I believe that none of them have answered these questions in the context of beauty and fashion blogging.

The Vanity Fair is the second event I co-organized this year. It was stressful but totally worth it of course! I got to hang out with the beauty and fashion bloggers I see in other events. Better yet, I got to bond with new young 'uns like Krissy, Ava, and Ana! I was also happy to see Karl and Nicole (of Soule Phenomenon) - such a chic duo. I think that Vanity Fair proved that we have a vibrant local blogging community in the beauty and fashion niche.

So what was the event about anyway? Held last Friday at SM North EDSA Skydome, it was a health and beauty expo featuring brands like The Body Shop, The Face Shop, Organique Acai Berry, Philips hair and body tools, and the like. There was a special segment exclusively for bloggers where they participated in a game, a short essay writing contest, and listened to talks held by a rep from John Robert Powers (poise and posture), The Body Shop (makeup tips), and me (blogging).

Enough talking and on with the pictures!

Bloggers! photo by Kira

The Face Shop's busy booth. They did free hair and makeup for everyone!

More photos after the cut.

I've already raved about the Kotex Luxe Ultrathin pads when they came out last March. I never bought from any other brand since then! I just love they absorb extremely well without compromising comfort. This time around, the Kotex Luxe pads have gotten an upgrade: you can get them now in fun, flirty, and pretty prints. This is Kotex's answer to the question - "why only white?"

There are six different prints available, three each falling into two categories: Indie Chic and Girl-Next-Door. The one you see here is an Indie Chic design which is quite intricate and a bit artsy. If you're concerned about the ink getting to your privates, well, the concern is unfounded. The dye is applied on the other side of the cotton and it doesn't spread when it gets wet. I know, I tore it open.

Anyway, enough about the product! Let's move on to the special launch that Kotex prepared exclusively for bloggers. A lot of my favorite people were there so I really enjoyed the event held in Bizu, Glorietta 2. Of course, a great event is not complete without pictures.

Nakiki-style blogger! Haha. Photo from Lloyda

Sasha's "kissed" design, Shen's totally kikay work, and Teeyah in her Mango blouse (!)

Lauren and I have been working extra hard last month to bring you two exciting things for Ukay Manila: our new image model, Domz Tiu, and our brand new shoe collection, Love Walks In.

Dominique, or Domz as she likes to be called, is a freelance model, stylist, and one of the most popular fashion bloggers and Chictopia users in the Philippines. Our casual, feminine, vintage-inspired apparel is totally her style; just take a look at her blog konichiwear.com and see for yourself! Besides saying hello to new clothes, Domz likes to eat delicious food (nutella is her weakness) and traveling. She also writes a column for the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Styling by Lauren/ makeup by me/ photos by Mike

Love her! We are so happy with how the photos came out. I was a bit nervous about doing her makeup since it has been a while since I did it on another person's face, but I'm glad it came out alright. Now for the shoes!

You walk in and out of places as much as you walk in and out of people’s lives. And so we believe that it is the shoes you wear that tell the world where you’re from and where you’re going, your shoes that speak of your character and express the things about you that are not often said.

That is the idea behind our new shoe brand, Love Walks In.

Hi guys! Sorry I posted the winners late. I've been swamped lately, and unfortunately work spilled over the weekend. We still don't have winners for the Great Asian Secrets Giveaway as I am waiting for Asian Secrets to finalize the winning pair; don't worry, I'll post it ASAP!

In the meantime, here are the winning comments for two of my running giveaways. I picked them randomly, as promised. :)