"Imitation is the highest form of flattery" is a quote that I heartily agree with. When someone goes so far as to copy you then it's not just garden variety admiration - you're already held as a model for his/her self-actualization. I'm not talking about your work here (which may be copied simply out of laziness or dishonesty), I'm talking about the essence of who you are. If you're being imitated then you better recognize what an honor it is!

It's similar with beauty products. The best products - usually expensive ones - are copied by drugstore brands because there's a high demand for it. They're desirable yet often unattainable so more affordable alternatives come out. Yay for the free market, eh? One product that's been copied endlessly is the Shiseido Perfect Foundation Brush (P1,500). Guess why.

It's perfect! (As hinted rather heavily by the product name, har har.) This brush is designed to apply liquid, powder, and cream face products flawlessly. It has soft, synthetic, densely packed bristles that makes application a dream. If you want light coverage then spread out the product in downward strokes; for heavier coverage, simply press/dab the brush on the desired area and then lay off the blending.

It's rather small which makes it ideal not just for foundation but for concealer, contour, and blush as well.

Are you too lazy to carefully apply and blend makeup on your eyebrows, yet still want that seamless, perfect finish? Then I might have a solution for you. The MeMeMe Arch Angel (P650 at Makeupholics) is a nice product for days when you want quick, fuss-free brows. It has a creamy brown shade for coloring and a shimmery white for enhancing the arch of your eyebrows.

Here's a quick rundown!

What I love about the product

• The brush is basic but it's the perfect size for eyebrows. Not too tiny as to warrant a lot of time to cover ground, but not too big that it would create a too-thick line. It also picks up the right amount of product so I don't make a mess.
• The product dries quickly and doesn't smudge throughout the day. It also keeps stray hairs in place without making them crunchy and hard.

You know how much I love the Glow Facial at CACI 6750. Now, you can get a chance to try a facial at CACI too! I'm giving away five facials to five lucky winners in the next two weeks. Oh, these five girls will have such fab skin for the string of holiday parties ahead! CACI facials are super gentle (no pricking and scrubbing) and will really make the face glow. 

Glow and Defy begins with cleansing, toning and facial massage. Then, using the CACI Ultra machine's handpiece which contains ceramic and quartz pieces, bacteria and dead skin cells are dislodged without any visible peeling. This allows for a deeper cleanse and better absorption of the MD Dermatics products. After the ultrasonic handpiece is the masque. After this, using the same handpiece, MD Dermatics active correction products are applied (PureLight and RevitaPlus Brightener for Glow, C10 and Wrinkle Diffuser serums for Defy and c5 for under the eye). With the handpiece set to a certain frequency, these products are absorbed much more efficiently into the skin. After the active correction ingredients comes the moisturizer. 

Here are the super easy contest mechanics!

1. FACEBOOK ENTRIES: Like CACI 6750 on Facebook. Make sure to leave a message on their Wall just saying hi and that you got there via Project Vanity! (So we know that you did like the page ;P )
2. TWITTER ENTRIES: Follow me on Twitter (@lizlan). Tweet "Want skin that glows? Join this #projectvanity contest to win a fab facial! http://goo.gl/O5eXs"

I have a nasty case of bag fever at the moment. I don't need a new bag, I just want something new and luxe to hold. Someone has to talk me out of it but in the meantime please indulge me. I checked out all the stores within my budget and found two drool-worthy bags!

I saw this at Tory Burch Medium 797 Satchel yesterday. It was love at first sight - I'm not kidding! I love the deep forest green color, the elegant combination of suede and leather, and of course, the shape. I have a thing for satchels because they're structured, poised, ready for anything. This one is just the right size for me, too, since it's not too large but it's still roomy enough for housing my usual stuff.

Hey guys! Good morning. So, let's get down to business. Today I thought I'd swatch one of my prettiest aqua eyeshadows for you. It's called the Shiseido Luminizing Satin Eye Color in GR222, an aqua green iridescent eyeshadow that reflects gold. I know, it sounds awesome!

The color looks like a swimming pool on a hot summer day, with barely any clouds in the blue sky. Ehem. Before I get overly poetic, here's a skin swatch of GR222.

A product that's 4.5/5 after 225 reviews at Makeupalley is something to take seriously. It must be really good, or there's a misguided mass hysteria surrounding it. :P Whatever the case is, I think Lucas Papaw Ointment (P450 at Digital Traincase) deserves the raves. It's not particularly special as a lip balm but for healing wounds and minor irritations? This is awesome!

Lucas Papaw Ointment is a petroleum-based salve that is infused with papaw, or carica papaya, that is grown and hand-selected in Queensland. Papaw is touted to have healing properties when applied on stings, cuts, and burns. This was found by Dr. T.P. Lucas who then created his ointment 100 years ago - a recipe that still remains unchanged up to this day.

It's interesting to note that the company making this is still family-owned and that they only employ 12 people. They don't seem to advertise heavily (if at all). This is worth mentioning because Lucas Papaw seems to be a staple in Australia, something both women and men carry with them at all times.

This is a wee bit late but I thought I'd share it anyway! As you know Estee Lauder has been celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness month for 20 years now. Last October 9, the brand lit up the Ayala Museum in pink to draw support for the cause. Our museum is just one of the numerous monuments and landmarks all over the world (such as the Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House, and Tower of Pisa) that has been illuminated in pink!

I'm in an unusual position of being able to experience a huge number of products on a regular basis. I don't try ALL the skincare I get - I usually check reviews online, and if they're good then I test the product for a week. If they suit me then I use it up. If, in that time period I haven't found something better, then I repurchase it. If not then I use up the new product, and the cycle repeats itself.

There are products I repurchase but you can see how it depends on several factors. What does my skin need at the moment? Did I recently receive something that can be a good or even better substitute? That's a beauty blogger problem, haha. That's why my current skincare routine is radically different from the one I posted seven months ago.

My skin right now! Not wearing foundation, just an awesome SPF base, concealer on the few blemishes remaining (none on eyebags), and sheer pressed powder to set.

Before I go into the nitty gritty I want to explain what's awesome about this routine. It's best for sensitive oily-combination skin, with a focus against dullness and blemishes.

Sooo, how was your vacation? Mine dragged as I didn't go out of town or even to the mall. I spent my long weekend watching TV shows, reading books, and playing a new game (Disgaea 4!). Speaking of books, if you like Cinderella-type stories, you should consider reading The Selection (Hunger Games-ish) and A Kiss at Midnight (Cinderella with no magic, more wit). They're not particularly good books but they're fun to read!

Anyway today I want to talk about my visit to Regatta a couple of weeks ago. I have to be honest, I was only expecting the usual preppy stuff like polos, collared shirts, and sensible bottoms. Regatta does carry these must-haves - in better quality than what's usually in department stores - but I like that they came out with uber chic printed pieces! You'll see them later. ;)

Here's a quick tour!

Regatta has casual stuff for you and the special men in your lives

Unisex fragrances and accessories

I haven't heard of NCLA until Monica of Polish Please, an online shop dealing in popular and hard-to-find nail polishes, contacted me and asked if I wanted a bottle. There can only be one answer to that. ;)

NCLA is a fairly new brand off Los Angeles that first became famous for their no-heat DIY nail wraps (or stickers). They decided to expand to nail polishes, and right now they have 24 drool-worthy colors like Santa Monica Shore Thing.

Santa Monica Shore Thing is a tiffany green shade that's ultra posh. It has a lovely, opaque creme finish with a smooth texture. It dries pretty quickly - 20 minutes - and stayed on for three days without chipping. That may be due to the new topcoat I'm using though! See these swatches? I have actually been wearing this color for three days already. It still looks fresh no?

This isn't going to be a review since I gave this Human Heart Nature set away after I took the photos - now I regret it because I've seen good reviews online! These products smell fantastic, and we all know that HHN is quite specific about their ingredients being as safe as possible.  

Well then what am I going to put here in place of a review? Why, information my dear! :) These may be something to consider the next time you buy body care products. The 50ml tubes are especially useful for traveling!

The Human Nature Hand & Foot Salve in Eucalyptus is formulated with oregano, spearmint and lemon balm extracts with a mild, cooling sensation to soothe dry, cracked, flaky skin.

I was at Watsons Mall of Asia last Sunday, looking for a new pair of tweezers as I seem to have lost my old one. Yes, mundane, but not what I found in the racks! I know this twisty hair removal thing has been around for years now but it's my first time to see it in a drugstore. Plus, it's only P89!

Yes it does look like a torture device but it's super neat. Just twist it into a u shape, apply anywhere on your face where fine hair is growing, then twist in and out. It takes out even the finest hair! I didn't find it painful as I'm used to threading/plucking on my face but if you're a newbie then it will sting a little. 

If you love Japanese cosmetics then you might have heard of Dolly Wink. I believe that the brand is well-known for its pen eyeliners, with about the same level of popularity as Majolica Majorca and K-Palette. Interesting but I haven't seen any Dolly Wink resellers here! That is, until Wicked Drops contacted me. Now you know where to go if you want to try or restock this intriguing Japanese eyeliner.

Anyhoo, the Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in Deep Black (P800) is pretty good if you ask me. It has a sharp, bendy tip that delivers precise lines. It's pigmented enough (but you have to go over a couple of times if you want a super black line) and has a bit of a glossy finish. It also doesn't smudge once it sets!

I also love that this eyeliner is easy to remove with just a bit of soapy water. It's water-resistant just as long as you don't rub it.

Chipped nail polish is inevitable, like sore feet from glam heels, panty lines in tight pants, and well, leg hair. Still, one shouldn't take the inevitable to be an excuse to be lazy. It's impossible to be perfect but it is possible to be neat at the very least. Nothing says "lazy girl alert!" more than obviously chipping nail polish!

Still, I get you. I get that you're busy with work, your social life, your hobbies, etc. so I'm sure nail polish is the least of your worries. But with great nail polish comes great responsibility. If you don't want to bother with the upkeep, then just don't bother putting it on and/or leaving it there. Seriously you won't miss much! If, however, you have a bit of time to retouch your chipping nail polish, then this tutorial is for you!

This is super easy and not at all time-consuming - well, not factoring in the drying time of course. All you need is the original polish color, a nice top coat, a toothpick and a scrap of tissue. Let's do it!

I would call myself a relatively happy and optimistic person. The secret? I don't worry about the things I can't change. I work around them instead of cracking my head open trying to get through. I know in my bones that there are other (maybe even) better things to want, to conquer. There's always something else for me, I just need to keep an eye out for it. And so do you!

Dress, heels, belt from Forever 21 / Pinkbox bangles, ring and ribbon

Makeup: Models Own Hyper-Brite Lipstick in Annalise's Pink, Revlon ColorStay nail polish in Wild Strawberry, Stila In The Garden Palette (eyeshadows), Fairydrops Volume Burst Mascara

So you already know what my favorite bag is right now. Here's what's inside! Surprise, there's A LOT of stuff in it. I'm big on travelling light but if there's extra space I tend to throw in more things just because. Oooh I forgot to take a picture but I also sometimes stuff a pair of thin heels inside if I need to!

Breakdown:

 1. Book of the moment: The Bride Wore Pearls by Liz Carlyle. It's a romance novel, haven't gotten too far yet to tell if it's any good. I like bringing books if I know I'm in for a loooot of waiting in meetings and what not.

2. House keys. See that Happy Lemon key chain? Proof that I'm addicted to that stuff. You get a key chain for free if you complete 16 stamps on the loyalty card. I stopped getting stamps because I felt embarrassed by all the Happy Lemon I'm gulping down.

Yesterday I went to the mall with only serum, an illuminating SPF base, a spot of concealer, and pressed powder. I felt I didn't need foundation! I used to have a TON of blemishes on my face, but they are clearing out faster because of a product I've been using these past two months: the Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin Serum (P3,250).

The TSUYA Skin Serum is perhaps Shu Uemura's star product of the year. It promises bright, translucent skin in seven days as it re-activates the cells that make our skin look younger. Yes, we've heard that before in other serums released this year. I'm still not sure if it's possible for skincare to do that, but claims aside the TSUYA is damn good and here's why!

What I LOVE about the product

• I did indeed get brighter, less tired skin in seven days or less. That may be due to the fact that the serum is infused with a purplish pearly shimmer that instantly gives skin a subtle glow. It's also an illuminator aside from skincare, but I didn't spot shimmer once it's on.

My bag of the moment is this black Avon Manzzini Bag. I first saw my friend Mara carrying it at an event in Marriott Hotel and I honestly thought it was a high-end bag! Just yesterday someone also asked me if it was designer. It does have an expensive, discreet look to it (minus the key wallet), which may explain the first impression it usually gets.

Dimensions: 12.5" L x 16" H

Best thing? It's only P1,750. It's expensive for an Avon bag, since the normal collections are just around P600-1,000. But if you like the design then why not right? These bags come with a key chain wallet (for the black), detachable organizer, and dust bag (for storage). 

I love how matte lipsticks look but I don't like how they feel on the lips. They're heavy, thick, and drying if I don't prime my lips properly with a hydrating balm. They're less comfortable compared to glossy lipsticks but in exchange they last waaay longer and leave a pretty stain.

One lipstick that I'm really digging is the new Shu Uemura Rouge Unlimited Supreme Matte Lipstick in M PK 335 (P1,285). It feels like silicone primer on the lips - indeed, it's silicone-based! - so it's cushy, soft, and not at all heavy. Trivia: this lipstick's main ingredient is dimethicone, a type of silicone oil that is largely used in shampoos to keep hair smooth and shiny. It's safe, don't worry! I just think it's neat.

Aaanyway. This matte lipstick lasts super long and doesn't fade completely even after eating. It doesn't transfer too much on glasses and utensils, plus, it's not drying.

The past few weeks have been extra stressful because of the two events I've been working on for Pinkbox. They are finally over! Not to say that I had a horrible time, but everyone's nerves are understandably frayed. There's this intense pressure because it's our first time to do something of this scale. We had to be perfect. We had to be smooth.

Thankfully, everything turned out well!

Forever 21 shorts and blouse / Shoe Etiquette heels / Pinkbox headband, ring, bangle

Last Saturday, I hosted a meet & greet for sisters Vern and Verniece Enciso. You may have heard of them! They're only some of the prettiest, most popular fashion bloggers in the country. ;) They're so very Pinkbox so we thought we'd invite them to one of our stores to finally meet their fans. And oh what a fan base! More on that in a bit.

I didn't want to wear anything elaborate since the venue was in SM Southmall (biggest Pinkbox store) and I had to carry lots of stuff going there. Hence, just the shorts and the blouse. On most days you'll find me in different variations of this fuss-free template. It's easy, it's comfy, and it flatters me.