I can’t believe 2023 is almost over! It’s been a solid year for beauty comebacks and upstarts. I feel like slowly but surely, the beauty industry has finally found a foothold in the post-pandemic landscape. Let’s take a look at new products we can take delight in this coming year!

This is the year that I finally got to try Barenbliss, and honestly I should have done so a lot sooner. This brand gets so much hype on TikTok that it sometimes seems too good to be true, but I’m here to tell you that the products are in fact worth a hard-earned spot in your kit. I’ve tried almost all of Barenbliss’s products so I can tell you, with conviction, my top four picks which have made it to my regular makeup routine. Let’s go!

There's something undeniably chic and empowering about the ritual of twisting up a fresh lipstick and applying it with a little attitude. It's a small act that connects us to our mood for the day, I think! Embracing this iconic format, Ever Bilena introduces the EB Matte K-Beauty Lipstick (P225), a modern twist on the beloved bullet lipstick, designed to appeal to both long-time lipstick lovers as well as a younger, trend-savvy generation. This line, with its coquettish, muted pinks encased in sleek matte packaging, is a nod to K-Beauty aesthetics and a testament to the bullet lipstick's unshakeable status in the beauty world. Let’s take a look!

Are you feeling a little guilty because you ate “too much” during the holidays? It’s ok - I’m here to tell you that you’re not alone. This is a shared experience, particularly for women, many of whom have been navigating the toxic waters of diet culture since the 90s and 2000s. It's a culture that has often dictated how we should feel about food and our bodies, leaving a lasting impact that many are still working to overcome. But guess what? We can shift our perspective and soothe those feelings of guilt about holiday eating. Here's how we can reframe our thoughts and start embracing a healthier, more forgiving relationship with food and ourselves.

"Are you ready, kids?" It's time to dive into the colorful depths of Bikini Bottom once again with Careline’s third installment of their massive SpongeBob collaboration! This collection is like a day at the Krusty Krab - full of surprises and delightful treats, but for your makeup bag. Whether you're a die-hard SpongeBob fan or just adore playful makeup, this lineup is sure to bring a splash of fun to your daily routine. So, grab your jellyfishing net and let's explore! Here's a rundown of the new products in this latest batch, along with my personal take on each one. And yes, I've included swatch photos for a closer look.

Looking for last minute gifts can be such a hassle but if your giftee is a beauty enthusiast, Laneige has got you covered. It is one of my favorite K-beauty brands and with good reason! Read on to check out their holiday offerings with links to why we love them. They have sets featuring their best-sellers and ranging from P500-4,000 so we get a choice for every budget.

Navigating the vast array of mascara options on the market can be a confusing task. Each product comes with its own set of promises – lengthening, volumizing, curling – the list goes on. But what do these terms really mean for you and your lashes? Today, I'm here to cut through the clutter and provide a clear, straightforward breakdown of mascara types and what those labels on the packaging actually signify.

This week’s beauty roundup brings us local beauty news, takes us to Japan, and even to the virtual gaming world! Let’s learn more about Shiseido group’s exclusive “Future University” in Ginza and explore Givenchy Beauty’s Festive Winter Escape game in Roblox. Take a peek at new lippie shades from Blk Cosmetics, and check out Luxe Organix’s choice of new packaging for their ClinicalPRO Serums. We’ve got a lot of ground to cover, so let’s dive right in!

When it comes to beauty staples that won't break the bank, Ever Bilena consistently delivers. Their new EB Plus Serum Tinted Lip Balm (P245) is no exception, offering a budget-friendly option for those who want a pop of color with the added benefit of hydration. Priced well at just P245, this lip balm promises to deliver sheer yet buildable color while keeping your lips moisturized.

I think that we’ve been taking sunflower oil for granted. It was such a big deal before, but as time passed I feel like we’ve sort of started to ignore it in favor of more buzzy beauty products. This is a mistake because sunflower oil, out of all beauty oils, is the best to have on hand! It’s light on skin and hair, inexpensive, and easy to access online and off. It has so many different uses outside of face moisturizer and frankly if that’s how you use yours, you’re missing out!

In a world obsessed with luxury and designer labels, it's easy to think that being elegant means spending a lot of money. But I've found that's not necessarily true. Sure, money can buy fancy things, but it can't always buy good taste. True elegance is about taste, and you can develop that through research and study - it's worth it if you've got the time.

I believe that being classy and sophisticated isn't about how much you spend. It's more about attitude, smart choices, and understanding the art of presentation. Here's how you can exude class without constantly reaching for your wallet!

Last week, the Mall of Asia Atrium transformed into a wonderland of luxury beauty and skincare, hosting the SM Beauty Holiday Soiree from December 11-15. It was an event that truly celebrated the art of giving, proving that luxury gifts are not just about their price tags, but the personal touch they embody.

Last year, I got to try the Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump which I loved so much that I’ve been pretty much saving it for special occasions. I love that it’s a super minty balm which has a nice glossy finish and a bit of a plumping effect. People always ask me about it when I wear it alone since it’s so pretty, but most of the time I use it to prep my lips before lipstick or use it as a final lacquer to finish up a lip look. Anyway, yeah, it’s fantastic! But it’s expensive at P1,700 and I can’t quite justify another tube considering the other lip products I have lined up to review.

I have a serious social media addiction. The most effective thing I’ve found against it is an app called OneSec. Basically, it forces me to do journaling, a breathing exercise, asks me to specify the reason I’m trying to access the social media app at the moment, suggests other activities I can do, and then finally asks how long I want to use the app so it can shut down after the allotted time - ALL of these steps happen before I get to open the app. So far it has prevented me from opening my apps almost 14,000 times and saved me about 30 solid days of my life this year. I know it can be more, except my work revolves around social media. Still. It’s an achievement I’m proud of.

The year 2023 is almost up, and I find myself looking forward to what the next year brings! So for this week’s Beauty Roundup, let’s discuss what trends will make it big next year (which is in a couple of weeks, wow). Let’s get to know Peach Fuzz, Pantone 2024 Color of the Year. We’ll also check out a bunch of interesting beauty and style predictions from Pinterest Predicts 2024. The Ultimate Skin Master collection by the Albert Kurniawan rounds up Teviant’s releases for 2023. And last but not least, Selena rocks the world yet again with surprise Rare Beauty drops for the body. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Japanese skincare brands always amaze me with minimalist yet effective products, so I was excited to attend the launch of Hada Labo's extension of their iconic skincare line. During the event, there were skincare talks from board-certified dermatologist Dr. Bea Chan and Hada Labo brand manager Jenny Arcellana. Did you know that Hada means “skin” and Labo is short for “laboratory”? The name Hada Labo goes hand in hand with the brand’s philosophy of “Perfect x Simple” and “Nothing more, Nothing less”. This means that their products are formulated without unnecessary ingredients – no alcohol, no mineral oil, no colorants, and no fragrance.

I didn’t grow up rich. I know how it’s like to go without and watch other people have nicer, newer things. So, when I started making my own money, I really cherished every single thing I bought which made it hard for me to throw them away once they were past their usefulness. Somewhere at the back of my mind lay a dark thought: what if I don’t get a chance to have something this nice again? I spent my early twenties hoarding stuff I don’t need in my tiny apartment.

The festive season is upon us, and Watsons is redefining the art of gifting with a thoughtful, environmentally conscious twist. Their latest initiative, Sustainable Choices, is more than just a product line – it's a commitment to the planet and future generations. Let's dive into how Watsons is turning the tide towards a greener Christmas.

This year, I made a conscious choice to save money by adopting an alternative approach to my Christmas gifts. As a skincare enthusiast and someone who is part of the Project Vanity Team, I've been fortunate enough to acquire a vast array of incredible products throughout the year. This abundance led to an extensive stockpile, or 'tambak', which inspired me to re-gift these items to myself for the holidays. My goal was to rekindle my love for the hidden treasures in my collection and to enjoy the experience of opening gifts, without the need to spend more of my hard-earned money.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year again, and what better way to celebrate than indulging in some fabulous beauty deals? Barenbliss, known for their chic and effective beauty products, is going all out for their 12.12 Christmas sale - their last double day extravaganza of the year. Trust me, you don't want to miss these bundles, each thoughtfully curated and packed with amazing savings. Let’s unwrap these delightful sets together!