When I’m super busy, my self-care tends to go out the window. It’s ironic because I know that I need it the most when I’m tired and stressed. And it does tend to show up on my skin because I neglect my skincare routine, doing very little else besides washing my face before bed. Considering that I have so much to do throughout the day, the idea of having to apply several different skincare products just does not appeal to me.

College was the time I lived for all the potted and tubed makeup. Those precious mousses, creams, and gels were my way of looking presentable on the fly without requiring skills beyond a little dotting and blending. I think it’s coming full circle now that I’m back to looking for simple products for a more low-maintenance routine.

Happy weekend, PV fam! It’s time for another beauty roundup, and boy, do we have a serious scoop! We’ve got Glossier’s latest launch (perfect for the summer tbh), a 90’s duo and their makeup comeback, as well as MAC’s second Selena collection. We’re also talking about elf Cosmetics’ big purchase this 2020!

If you’re familiar with Korean airy velvet tints then the concept of the Revlon Cloud Blotted Lip Color (P475) is no stranger to you. This 19-color collection promises a weightless formula that feels like a cushy cloud on the lips, with a true blotted matte finish that looks smooth as you apply it. This isn’t even out yet in the Philippines (it’s coming next month!) so you’ll be the first to see how this product performs.

When I wrote “It's okay to be ugly. What's not okay is to give up on yourself.” last December, I didn’t expect it would resonate with people as much as it did. That’s why when we were thinking of the theme for this year’s 12th Anniversary, we wanted to explore this idea more. In a world where it is impossible to be perfect, what are the ways in which we can empower ourselves?

I always have a stash of sheet masks available. There’s a couple in my travel kit because it’s the easiest skincare to bring along, and I always have a few in the fridge to help me cool off on hot days. Sometimes, a cold sheet mask and 15 minutes is just what I need to de-stress.

In today’s busy world, don’t you just wish your time was actually spent doing something worthwhile? So much of our day goes to doing chores and being in stuck in traffic, and we’re forced to accept them as part of daily life. I’ve found myself wishing for someone to take care of all the little things that I could delegate, without adding strain to my family’s budget. Even if I just had someone to do all my shopping for me, I would have saved time from driving to and from the grocery, walking through each aisle, and waiting in line for the cashier!

The close of the last decade brought me more than wistfulness for bygone days. It also gave me some seriously dry skin! And while I’m not sure if it was caused by hormonal changes, good ol’ fashioned skin aging, or something else entirely, I spent most of 2019 actively seeking out skincare products to help counteract the dreaded papery texture that my skin had suddenly become. I’m happy to say that I’ve found some keepers that might just work for you as well!

If makeup is a form of wearable art, nail polish is the longer lasting option. You (should!) take off your makeup at the end of the day but the right products and proper care can make your painted tips last for 3 weeks. I love being able to enjoy my vanity project for a little longer, and contrary to what some people think, short nails can rock nail art designs, too!

Unless it’s an actual job requirement, no one needs to wear makeup every day. I think the world is changing to recognize beauty doesn’t need to equate perfection, and more people are finding the courage to be comfortable in their own skin. That said, it’s nice to be able to spend a few minutes for yourself to get ready for the day ahead and put your best face forward.

How is February almost over?! 2020 is off to a quick start, but we’re slowing things down for this week’s beauty roundup. We’re talking about Lady Gaga’s lippie launch, an anime and beauty crossover, and Dior’s crazy new skincare line. We’ve also got the scoop on a new brow product from Maybelline, so read on if you love being on fleek!  

Pinays just looove their lipsticks. Most local brands will only have one or two foundation shades, but a boatload of lip products. It just makes sense. This country is too hot and humid, so foundation, which tends to break and smear with the heat, is just an added stress. Lipstick application is easy, and playing with color is a quick way to transform your look. Let’s take a few pointers from today’s hottest celebs and break down what makes a celebrity smooch.

I’ve tried hundreds and hundreds of lip products in my career as a beauty blogger and editor these last 12 years. You only need to look at all the lip swatch photos and reviews I and the PV Team have published in the past to see that trends in color and formulations come and go; what’s hot right now might roll on for a few years, and then not be seen again until its turn on the line has come.

What I’ve noticed though is that there is one thing that never goes out of style - comfort.

The clay mask made my already dry skin feel even more dry and tight. It was also very difficult to wash off, so I had to use a damp towel to remove the mask. I later learned that a bentonite clay mask is more apt for use on oily skin, because it’s made from a very absorbent material that is sometimes even used for cat litter. It’s not a bad ingredient, but if you have dry or sensitive skin, there is a better alternative.

With velvet lipstick being such a popular option these days, it’s not surprising that Happy Skin has finally thrown their own hat in the ring. The new Happy Skin Lip Mallow (P549 at happyskincosmetics.com) is described as a “plush matte lip mousse…weightless, intensely pigmented, and gives you that cloud-like feel on the lips”. It features eight morena-friendly shades that have brown undertones. This also has SPF15.

While going through the newly-opened Metro department store in Cebu, I stumbled upon the cute counter of Squad Cosmetics. I love discovering new brands, and this one got me intrigued because I was told it was local. With a little research, I discovered that they are a sister company of Detail Makeover. The products are formulated in LA but manufactured in China. I also found that a lot of YouTubers have been raving about this pocket-friendly brand, whose priciest product is only P230! So, I couldn’t help myself and picked out a few items to try!

As a member of the Grease Girl Group, I have a love-hate relationship with my oily skin. Sebum production helps to keep my skin smooth so I look younger, but it’s unpleasant when my face looks greasy after a few hours! Oil control sheets and powder for touch-ups are must-haves in my makeup bag. With skin care, I tend to stay away from facial oil, and even once tried to remove moisturizer from my routine because some experts claim that moisturizer for oily skin will only make my face oilier.

How was your Valentine’s weekend, PV fam? In case you aren’t feeling the love or aren’t too into this whole V-Day craze, this week’s beauty roundup is sure to get you kilig over the latest developments. We’ve got the latest scoop on NARS’ new fragrance drop (luxe doesn’t even begin to cover it) as well as their 10 new blushes that are sure to have you swooning! Our very own Maine Mendoza is doing a second act with MAC, and let’s take a peek at Jaclyn Hill’s newest (and hopefully fuzz-free) palette. Oh, and Bretman has an ode to the island that’s making us excited for summer!

One of my all-time favorite lip looks is the classic red lip. Whether it’s inspired by Taylor Swift circa 2016 or that quintessential French vibe, this bold look continues to be a major beauty trend this 2020. Despite its seemingly intimidating color, there’s always that one shade of red that can fit into your makeup collection and personal preference. We’ve previously tackled how to find your perfect red lipstick but with so many new products in the market these days, we decided to update our red lippie recos – just in time for Valentine’s Day!

Are you one for New Year’s resolutions? Some people may be naysayers but I personally believe in the power of a new year for sparking change! Sure, you’ll need to follow through for the next 11 months to achieve success but getting started is almost always the hardest part. If one of your resolutions this year is to achieve your best skin yet this 2020, here are four things you can do to reach that goal.