Okay, before you start thinking I am not fine, I am in fact the most contented and happiest right now than I’ve ever been this year. Finally things make sense and have aligned after a trip into the woods. I feel light, clear, and just have this general sense of well-being. That being said, I know how it feels to be not fine or well. You know when someone asks “How are you doing?” and you blank out because you’re not quite sure if you should be honest or participate in the social contract where you’re not supposed to make a public mess of yourself? Yes, you know. And I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to not to be okay.

I think that blush has been a bigger trend in the Philippines than it’s ever been this 2023. Before, when it comes to color cosmetics, Filipinos tend to focus more on lips but with stars like Heart Evangelista and Kathryn Bernardo sporting distinct blush styles, I think that we’ve developed more of an appetite for cheeky trends. Thoughts? Anyway, Spotlight Cosmetics’s Rising Star Marble Blush (P395 / 2.5g) is worth a look for anyone who loves a natural, healthy glow. I had the chance to try out all three shades - Big Night, Red Carpet, and Premiere - and I'm here to share my experience with these lovely blushes.

This week’s beauty roundup is scent-sational! This one is for all the perfume lovers out there. We’re covering new local releases: Avon’s new take on a classic fragrance that guarantees to take you Far Away, and an affordable yet Luxe (Organix) perfume line for men. Discover where beauty giant L’Oreal opens a multi-brand refill station for perfumes. And last but not least, find out where you can watch a documentary to make you say, “J’adore, Dior!”

Careline has always been the go-to drugstore brand for teens, but honestly their products are good enough to warrant a spot in an adult’s makeup kit. The products are affordable and they work really well, too! They’ve also expanded their collection with lots of new SKUs, but they still focused on leveling up one of their core products: their tints. They just released something new, so here’s what I think of the new Careline Serum Water Tint (P195).

In our pursuit of personal and professional growth, Imposter Syndrome emerges as a silent adversary, often unrecognized yet powerfully influencing our self-perception and actions. It’s a something that transcends average self-doubt. This behavioral phenomenon, marked by persistent feelings of inadequacy despite evident success, can be a significant barrier to realizing our full potential. It is not just a fleeting moment of insecurity; it's a recurring theme that can shadow our achievements and skew our self-image.

Understanding, acknowledging, and addressing Imposter Syndrome is not merely a step towards building confidence; it is a crucial part of our journey towards self-awareness and authenticity.

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? SpongeBob SquarePants! This iconic character from my teen years, with his quirky adventures in Bikini Bottom, has always been a source of joy and laughter. I remember rushing home from school, eager to catch the latest episode! That’s why I'm thrilled to dive into Careline's latest collection. This whimsical range, inspired by the delightful and occasionally profound world of Bikini Bottom, resonates not just with fans of the show for its nostalgic appeal, but also with beauty enthusiasts for its playful yet practical products. The packaging alone is a vibrant homage to our favorite underwater friends, making it a fabulous pick for those who love a bit of fun in their beauty routine.

Let’s get into it!

As 2023 is about to close, it's clear that this year has shaped up to be a monumental one for Filipino beauty. Cosmetics have made a grand comeback, bigger and better, mirroring our collective resurgence post-pandemic. Still, it seems 2023 has reserved its most thrilling reveal for the finale. The Philippines' pioneering hybrid beauty brand is set to launch their much-anticipated multi-use beauty essential this December, perfectly timed for your Christmas wishlist. I'm excited to share with you the arrival of Five Beauty – a brand that promises to redefine our beauty routines!

This beauty news is all about innovation. Did you know that there’s a product out there designed to immediately diagnose, treat, and color your lips? Everybody has probably tried a bath scrub, but how about a hair scrub? As for the eyes: a local brand has released an intriguing mascara that promises clump-free application, and an international drugstore beauty brand takes on colorful mascaras that just might complete your holiday look. Intrigued yet? Buckle up for another Beauty Roundup!

I went through a makeup minimalism phase and back then, the Happy Skin Off Duty collection is one that grabbed my attention immediately. Clad in minimalist packaging, it had all you needed for a full makeup look, including multi-purpose products. That's why it’s pretty interesting to see where they are taking the collection next with the Happy Skin Off Duty: Backstage Honeymoon Glow Edition, centered around the iconic Honeymoon Glow lip shade.

Sunscreen sticks are the latest staples in skincare, and for good reason! They bring a whole new level of convenience and efficiency to our sun protection routine. One such product making waves is the Hello Glow Suncare Stick SPF60+, priced affordably at P395 for 17.5 grams. Let’s delve into why this, and sunscreen sticks in general, are becoming must-haves in our skincare wardrobe.

Laneige has always been at the forefront of cushion makeup, and I've been using their cushion since 2015. So, when they reformulated their best-seller in 2021, I was naturally curious and immediately bought one. I even reviewed it here on PV as part of my search for mask-proof makeup! Since then, the brand has introduced changes to the cushion formula and expanded the NEO lineup to include a liquid foundation, the innovative NEO Dot, and most recently, a blurring finishing powder. Now, let's delve into the current NEO line and explore some tips on how to use these products effectively.

If you're anything like me, you're always on the hunt for that one lip product that feels like a little hug for your lips, without the high-end price tag. Well, let me introduce you to my latest find - the Ever Bilena Plus Serum Tinted Lip Oil. For P225 and 2.6 grams of product, it's nestled comfortably in the 'treat yourself' category without making you feel guilty about the splurge.

Here in the Philippines, there is still a bit of a stigma when it comes to speaking up for yourself and going hard for what you deserve especially as a woman. People call others “bida bida” (or too much of a main character) when coming across people who have a strong drive. Because of this, women end up in the shadows too conscious of how they are perceived at work. But what if you could be your own best advocate, ensuring your voice is heard and your contributions recognized? Advocating for yourself at work is not just about getting ahead; it’s about acknowledging your worth and making sure others see it too. Here’s how you can start advocating for yourself in the workplace with confidence and poise.

So, have you been marked safe from the 11.11 and November pay day sales? I’m afraid the #HolidayBudol Beauty brands have got a few new holiday releases that might still grab your attention. Keep your eyes peeled for a new local arrival that promises to help get you #ReadyInFive. Fasten your seatbelts, because we’re going on another Beauty Roundup!

Oh, hey there beauty lovers! Guess what's brewing over at Watsons? They're rolling out something pretty amazing - a Nationwide Sale from November 15-19, 2023. It's not just any sale, we're talking major discounts, like up to 90% off! Now, I know what you're thinking – that sounds too good to be true, right? But it's happening, both online and in stores.

This is the kind of event where you can finally pick up those skincare goodies you've been eyeing, or maybe even discover some new favorites without the usual price tag hesitation. I'm personally excited to see what deals they have (I've got my eye on a few items myself). It's a great opportunity to stock up or experiment with something new. So, who else is planning their shopping list?

Innisfree, a beloved natural beauty brand from South Korea, has been a favorite among Filipino kbeauty lovers since they first opened in Manila in 2018. Now, in 2023, they're doing something really exciting – they're undergoing a huge makeover. Their aim is to bring effective skincare that harnesses the power of nature, something they've always been passionate about. What's really cool is that they're introducing this whole new concept – the New Isle. Think of it as adding a magical, new island to the Philippines' already impressive list of 7,103 islands. The New Isle is a kind of mystical place that captures the essence of where Innisfree gets its nature-inspired ingredients. It's like this perfect blend of beauty and the natural world, and it feels like something straight out of a fairy tale.

Just a few days before flying into Chiang Mai last week, I seriously regretted booking the ticket. I didn’t need to be there; my husband was scheduled to speak at a conference and I simply decided to join him on a whim a few months ago. When I travel these days it is usually because of work, typically buying jewelry or something beauty-related. There was no work to be done in Chiang Mai. On top of that the tickets were kinda expensive and we didn’t take a direct flight! The direct flight cost almost as much as going to Europe so that wasn’t an option. Finally, I didn’t know much about Chiang Mai and on the Internet it honestly didn’t look like my kind of place. So yes, I was even thinking of just not going even though I had paid for my flight already.

The busiest season is upon the beauty industry! New skin care and makeup products are being released to the holiday frenzy, both locally and abroad. There are even a few new home-grown beauty brands raring to join the competition. Are you curious yet? We have a lot of ground to cover, so let’s get to it!

In case you were living under a rock (nothing wrong with that, rocks are nice), then you know that Ever Bilena is not your mama’s makeup brand anymore. They’ve been coming out with some exciting new formulas in beautiful shades that are designed to be well-loved in your daily makeup wardrobe, and I for one can’t wait for the next batch of releases! They don’t have as many shades as other local brands per collection but I appreciate how thoughtful each one is. Ever Bilena knows who their customer is and what they need - I respect that.

Makeup artistry is backbreaking work behind all that glitz and glamor. People think it’s easy but it’s really not, and so many makeup artists do it for love without necessarily thinking about their pricing too hard. And so, in the world of makeup, where passion meets business, how does one really put a price on something that’s both an art and a service? Let’s break down a formula tailored for our Filipino makeup artists!