There were a lot of beautiful looks sent in, but in the end I had to pick one winner. Her name is Radz Bolambao. She sent in not one, but six FOTDs! I like that she maximized all her makeup and came up with flattering looks that anyone can cop with affordable products. I also like that her looks ranged from bare to smokey, with different themes.

Here's all of her six looks, and the link to the page where she detailed all the products she used. I highly recommend checking out all of them and maybe you can be inspired just as I was! As they would say, effort ang lola mo!

Go Bare (Click the link for product details)

Peaches n' Cream look

I paint my nails whenever I'm stressed or when I need to focus. If you've ever done a perfect paint job, then you know it takes quite a bit of concentration and patience to achieve. Painting my nails calms me down and allows me to be single-minded for the next hour or so. That's valuable for someone whose day requires too much multi-tasking!

Anyway, one nail polish brand that I really like is the Etude House VIP Girl Nail Polish. It's pretty awesome! It's cheap (only P48), applies smoothly, pigmented, and dries quickly with no streaks or bubbles. I didn't experience any staining so far. For P48, I think I got a great deal.

Etude House VIP Girl Nail Polish in GR605 and YL802

I love both the shades I got, especially the turquoise one. It's more green than blue with a matte finish. Very in season right now and surprisingly versatile - it feels right with whatever outfit I have for the day. The egg yolk yellow (no other description for it!) shade instantly brightens up dark and tired-looking cuticles.

It was the eyeshadow that drew me into the wonderful world of cosmetics. I loved the fact that you can paint your eyes with them, just as if you were working with watercolors or oil pastels on paper. Now, I like a pop of color on the eyes as much as I like neutral well-contoured eyes. I find that whatever look one goes for, it all comes down to color combination. Does this taupe look good with this bronze? Does this pink look good with blue? And so on.

One palette that has a seemingly non-coordinated color combination offers a really good color story: the Avon True Color Eyeshadow Quad in Romantic (P319).

What I like about the product

• Great color combination. You think pink, blue, mint, and white gold doesn't work together or looks too much - but you're wrong! They come out pastel, giving off that spring-y vibe.
• Nice packaging.

VMV Hypoallergenics is not particularly known for its makeup, but from what I've tried so far, I would have to say I'm impressed (remember the Ooh-La-Lash! Volumizing Mascara and the Lip Glitter Gloss?). VMV cosmetics is quite underrated but I do hope that will change in the future since their formulas are ace, with the added bonus of being truly hypoallergenic.

This time, I'd like to share my review of two VMV lipstick formulas: Velvet Matte and Glitz. Velvet matte lipsticks are, well, as matte as you can get. They feel very soft on the lips and isn't too drying. Glitz, on the other hand, has a shiny, glossy finish that's very look-at-me. Here's a quick rundown of each formula's strengths and weaknesses!

VMV Hypoallergenics Velvet Matte Lipstick in Kitten

"Soft kitty, warm kitty, little ball of furr!" is a song that plays in my head whenever I think about this lipstick. Kitten is an incredibly soft lipstick - both shade and texture-wise - that's quite unique for me.

There are a lot of beautiful finds inside Parfois. The best thing is, most of the items are not something you'll find just anywhere! There are cocktail rings, statement necklaces, and pretty bags in the store. Shoes, scarves, and wallets are also mainstays.

Indeed, Parfois is your all-around accessory store that's not too painful on the pocket. Rings are between P380 to P650, necklaces at P600-1200 (for the elaborate ones), and bags at P1,200 to 3,000 (for the big ones made for traveling).

Here's what I got!

This necklace is perfect for low-cut dresses and tops

These golden leaves hang beautifully on the neck. Can go with most outfits. Been wearing it nonstop!

I've read a lot of good reviews about the Human Nature Sunflower Oil. This is the very intriguing product description:

Radiant, soft skin touched by the sun! Our premium, cosmetic-grade Sunflower Beauty oil is packed with vitamins A, D & E to help fight wrinkles and naturally protect skin from infections and irritants. Best applied to the sensitive under-eye area. Many customers, including our Global Ambassador, Hollywood actress Rachel Grant, use this a make-up remover too. And due to Sunflower oil's properties, it can also help lighten dark circles under eyes and even stretch marks with daily use! A final tip - Rachel Grant likes to take a drop of it, rub it all over her palms then run her hands through her hair to add healthy-looking shine and vigor to her hair every morning. Is there anything our Beauty Oil can't do?!

With a killer description and a killer price (P120 for the 50mL bottle), who won't buy this? My curiosity got the better of me so I decided to get one when I visited Mercato Centrale.

I try not to go to too many events lately because I do have work and I want to spend my free time just relaxing. But when Majolica Majorca calls, you know it, I'm there! It's one of my favorite makeup brands right now (if you haven't noticed yet, hehe) so I wanted to show my support.

The event happened last Wednesday at Opus, Resorts World. The set up was quite enchanting, as if the guests stepped inside another world. Take note, it was 3pm in the middle of a work week! The Majo team really transformed the space - it was quite an achievement ha. I'll just let the photos speak for themselves.

An installation by Tina Daniac is the first thing we saw upon entering

The beautiful and talented Bianca Valerio hosted the event

Last Wednesday, Japanese cosmetics brand Majolica Majolica officially launched here. They also introduced the latest collection called Fake Sleeping, a two-product affair that is quite unique if you ask me. Will talk more about these in a bit! In the meantime, I'd just like to share what I wore to the event.

Thrifted peach dress and printed cardigan/ SM lace up heels/ Ferretti satchel/ Parfois gold leaf necklace

It was kind of difficult to dress up for this particular shindig because (1) It was held in Opus, a night club in Resorts World and (2) It was 3pm on a Wednesday! Should one wear a clubbing dress? A breezy tea dress? Night makeup? Day makeup? Lol. I just went along with my mood and the weather that day (which is super hot btw). In any case, the dress code is supposed to be playful, fun, and whimsical.

For the FOTD, there was no question: I used my fave Majolica Majorca makeup!

Face: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, MAC Studio Finish concealer, Clinique Blended Powder to set, Guerlain Meteorites

Mascara for your bottom lashes? Why not! It's an awesome idea, actually. I've poked my eyes many times with a normal mascara wand, trying to coax those itty bitty bottom lash hairs into existence. For someone like me with sparse, short lower lashes, a mascara specifically designed for them is heaven sent! It's perfect for getting that clean, wide, doll-eyed look or just generally younger-looking peepers. Lush fringe of lashes = illusion of younger, less tired eyes.

The Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara (P1,150) is exactly as it is called: a mascara for your lower lashes. It has a small, conical wand that can easily coat fine lashes without messing up the skin around it. The wand is a breeze to maneuver and could actually also be used as a mascara for those hard-to-reach upper lashes near the inner corner of the eyes.

It's pretty awesome. Here's why!

What I love about the product

• Volumizes and lengthens in one coat. One coat is usually enough to bring the lower lashes out; two coats give a little too much va-voom for me.
• Doesn't smudge. Very valuable since the mascara is precariously used in the smudge zone - the lower lid.

Last Friday, I was invited by SM and OMD Media to talk about their newest campaign. They just launched the Redhead Model Search, and they're inviting everyone to join! They will be choosing the three new faces of Redhead, SM's clothing line for spunky young women. So if you're 15-25 y/o with the "k" and the guts to be one of the future top models in the country, I highly recommend you compete. This might be your big chance at the spotlight!

Can you strut it?

Flaunt it?

And pose like you mean it? Then join The Redhead Model Search now! Here are the detailed mechanics for your perusal:

Estee Lauder just relaunched their lipstick line, Pure Color. You'll remember that I reviewed it some months ago - the EL Pure Color is definitely one of my favorite lipstick formulas ever. Whenever I blog about a lipstick, I use this line as my basis for determining what the ideal formula should be like.

Estée Lauder and Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux introduce new Pure Color Lipstick, uniting fashion and technology with two new luxurious formulas that set the stage for modern lip looks. The high-performance formulas are fused with an expansive palette of hues that promise a lip look for any desired occasion from a subtle whisper of color to a vivacious, siren red. These lipsticks are expertly crafted and specially formulated to maintain the highest quality of color performance, shine and wear… the new Pure Color Lipstick.

Now, Estee Lauder would like to give Project Vanity readers a chance to win P3,500 worth of EL products! Simply answer the question: what's your mood today and why? Here are the mechanics

Mechanics

1. Like the Project Vanity FB Page and the Estee Lauder Philippines FB Page.

So, this is the look I wore to the Bloggers United bazaar last Friday. I was inspired by my turquoise nails at that time, so I thought of building a look centered on an eyeshadow called Shattered from Urban Decay. It's a golden teal, almost turquoise shade that's super flattering on Pinay skin.

I wanted to keep things light since I'm going to two events in the afternoon. I added a rich golden eyeshadow from MAC to add depth to the eyes and a nude brown color to blend everything seamlessly. Lips and cheeks were downplayed since the eyes had center stage.

Face: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, MAC Studio Finish concealer, Clinique Blended Powder to set, Guerlain Meteorites

I was at the Ferretti store in Glorietta 5 last Saturday to turn over receipts (I work for the the brand) when I spotted the new bags. It was love at first sight! I immediately bought one of the structured satchels since I am into that particular look right now.

Well, I was once seriously considering those Cambridge bags but a friend aptly observed that they're the new Longchamps - meaning everyone had them. I prefer having more unique pieces, and this Ferretti bag fit the bill (quite literally, too, since this style is only available in very very limited quantities).

Did I mention that the bag is just P899? :D It also comes in light taupe.

The truth is, mascaras mainly differ from each other through their wands. A winning formula plays a role but it's really the wand that seals the deal (in my experience anyway). So a mascara that has two wands is like buying, well, two mascaras!

The Revlon CustomEyes Mascara (P750) promises to deliver two lash looks: one that has length and definition, and another that has length and drama. It's possible via a wand that has swiveling bristles controlled by a twist mechanism built in the cap. So, is there a difference between two settings? There is.

Length and Definition delivers sharper lashes while Length and Drama volumizes. It's best to use them together!

Available in three shades: Blackest Black, Black and Blackened Brown

What I like about the product

• Washes off easily with room temp water, at least, the non-waterproof version. Saves me a lot of hassle whenever I take off my makeup.
• The CustomEyes mascara is all about options. You can pick from two settings, two fomulas (waterproof and non-waterproof) and three shades.

This year, Avon is celebrating its 125th year in the business of making women beautiful. They kicked off the celebration with a party at Republiq with all their iconic brochure models and brand endorsers: Lea Salonga, Ruffa, Gutierrez, and Angel Locsin! It was a fun intimate night for all guests as their latest colletions were presented to the press to the beat of The Beatle's greatest hits.

Among their newest products are the Avon Ultra Moisture Rich Moisture Seduction Lipsticks and the Retro in the City jewelry collection - do click the links for my review and photos. This time, I'd like to share the event photos.

Here you go!

Yes, our local Forever 21 now carries Love & Beauty cosmetics! I visited SM Megamall last Friday and found them in the accessories section with their own stand. There were blushes, eyeshadows, lip glosses, nail polish, sets, and tools for makeup newbies who are just starting to experiment. The products were reasonably priced at less than P500, too.

I really wanted to try the Smokey and Natural Palettes that come in these huge-ass cardboard boxes, but I don't want to blow P400+ on something I haven't even swatched. :/ I mean yeah it's not expensive but it would be so annoying to find out at home that the palette is a dud (if ever). Hopefully F21 provides testers soon! It wouldn't make sense to allow everyone to try on shoes, clothes, and accessories, but not makeup.

Last Friday, I did the stupidest thing I've probably ever done in my life: I walked that gravel parking lot next to The Podium from Megamall to ADB in 5-inch stiletto heels. Never again! What was I thinking? Anyway.

I managed to drop by the Malayan Plaza hotel for the Bloggers United bazaar. I wanted to see all my blogger friends, maybe chat a bit, because I don't know when I'll be able to see them next! I didn't get to stay that long though because I wanted to talk shop with Paul, one of the two guys behind PMP Communications. Had fun seeing everyone nonetheless.

Pax and I. She's wearing Ferretti!

I met Mr. Fu of Love Radio!!! The dude's a riot. And we both love NARS!

One of the most beautiful lipsticks I own is this Paul & Joe Lipstick C in Afternoon Delight. What an apt name! The cardboard packaging features a beautiful floral print in grays and fuchsias while the lipstick tube itself has Paul & Joe's iconic chrysanthemum engraving.

As with all Paul & Joe products that I've tried, this lipstick has a superb formula. It feels like lip balm, very thin and moisturizing. The finish is a hybrid of satin and gloss which makes lips look more supple. As for the color - it's cute!