It's like walking a tightrope; on one side, you have the evolving Filipino beauty industry, and on the other, the pressing need to be kinder to our planet. It's a tough balance to strike, especially here in the Philippines. Ever Bilena, a brand we've all grown to love for its affordability and quality, is stepping up to this challenge in a big way through its partnership with Ecoloop, a move that's not just about looking good but doing good.

I feel good whenever someone asks me what lipstick I’m wearing and I say, “It’s Dior”. It’s a small thrill, really, but I think we all deserve a little luxury in our life. Having a signature designer lipstick in my purse makes me feel elegant and tasteful, especially when I have a high-low mix of products for the day! It doesn’t have to be all designer but I think having a couple in there just elevates the entire look. If you feel the same way, then you should get to know the Rouge Dior Lipstick (P2,800 in Dior boutiques and Rustan’s) a little more.

You read that right! Japan’s #1 best-selling, multi-awarded Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner (P379 / 500ml) is here in the Philippines. This hydrating skin conditioner has achieved cult status, and no wonder! Its fragrance-free formula is hydrating yet never sticky, and works wonders on all skin types. Plus, it can be used as a toner, essence, or mask for the face and body–basically anywhere your skin needs to be hydrated and relieved from sunburn and other irritations.

Happy 41st, Ever Bilena! 🎉 It's not every day that a beauty brand we've grown to adore and rely on celebrates such a special anniversary. Ever Bilena has been with us through thick and thin, dolling us up for our first dates, job interviews, and everything in between. Now, in celebration of their 41st year in the beauty game, Ever Bilena is throwing one of their biggest sale events ever, and let me tell you, it's a beauty enthusiast's dream come true!

Trying to find ways to save the planet can be overwhelming but you can take action by starting with yourself and your shopping habits. For February or what is called the love month, Watsons encourages its customers to show the planet some love by doing  simple things that could make a difference. Small actions, taken by many, can be a real gift to the planet. Shopping for beauty and personal care products is still consumption but this can be mitigated by buying only what you can use and going for products from Watsons’ Sustainable Choices, which includes Naturals by Watsons, and picks from other brands.

Five years ago, we launched the Project Vanity Podcast. Back then, the concept of a beauty podcast was still fresh, and despite our passion and efforts, gaining momentum beyond the first five episodes proved to be a challenge. Podcasts weren't quite the phenomenon in the Philippines that they are today. Fast forward to now, the digital landscape has transformed, and with it, a renewed opportunity for the Project Vanity Podcast to do something new. Once again, we're thrilled to have the support of the award-winning Puma Podcast Team behind our production.

As awards season sweeps through, bringing with it a cascade of glittering ceremonies and star-studded red carpets, we can't help but watch in awe. The grandeur of the event, the stunning outfits, and, of course, the breathtaking beauty looks that grace the red carpet, leave us dreaming of incorporating a touch of that glam into our daily routines. While we may not have a red carpet to strut down in our day-to-day lives, the allure of Hollywood glamour isn't entirely out of reach.

And suddenly, it’s March! That means a month-long celebration: International Women’s Month. How are you celebrating it? SM Supermalls makes it easy with exclusive sales, promos, and installations at their malls nationwide. Outstanding women are also honored, including celebrity makeup artist turned beauty brand founder Lisa Eldridge. Kylie Jenner marks the month by releasing her first ever solo fragrance. We’ll also take a peek at MAC’s new collection, which takes inspiration from one of its iconic lipstick shades, Velvet Teddy.

Ladies, March is a special month for us all—it's Women's Month! It's a time to celebrate our achievements, reflect on our struggles, and support one another to reach even greater heights. This year, to mark this significant month as well as our 16th anniversary, Project Vanity is hosting an exclusive gathering that promises to inspire and educate. We're thrilled to invite you to our event, "#EmpowerHer: How To Elevate Your Style, Eloquence, and Personal Finance," happening on March 22, Friday, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Valle Verde Country Club.

Skin damage, premature aging, and the possibility of skin cancer–we go about our daily lives blissfully unaware that as long as there is daylight (and even when there is barely any), we are possibly harming our skin. You might not realize it, but everyday activities like a quick trip to the convenience store or scrolling on your phone expose your skin to serious harm from light radiation. Enter Kojie.san SunProtect, a sun care brand from top beauty brand Kojie.san. Powered by its unique Radiation Care technology, the Kojie.san SunProtect line offers a protective barrier against harmful sunlight and blue light radiation, providing daily and extra sun protection (more than a necessity in our summer heat) against UVA/UVB rays.

Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes an exciting array of sunscreen launches from our beloved skincare brands. At the top of my must-try list is the new Happy Skin Rescue Me Mineral Sunscreen Primer SPF 50+ PA++++ (P999). What sets this gem apart in the sea of sun protection is its dedication to being gentle on both sensitive skin and our oceans. Unlike previous offerings from Happy Skin, this product stands out by being an exclusively mineral-based sunscreen, steering clear of chemical filters.

Last week, I had a conversation with a friend that not only opened my eyes but also inspired me to rethink how I approach my goals. You see my friend lives by the mantra "delulu is the solulu" (being delusional is the solution), and boy, does she practice what she preaches!

She is the kind of person who believes in the power of dreams to an extent that makes the impossible seem merely a stepping stone away. During our conversation, she pointed out something that struck a chord with me. She said, "Liz, you're not convinced enough that you're going to achieve your goals." It was a wake-up call. She's right; sometimes, I get so caught up in the planning and strategizing that I forget to truly believe in the end result.

Since we did an all-local beauty news roundup last week, let’s do the opposite this time and look at beauty news from other countries. First up, Huda Kattan is back as CEO of Huda Beauty! Hard Candy releases a delicious collection inspired by Girl Scout cookies. Maybelline New York takes on the lip plumper trend with their own version. Last but not least, Dyson releases a gorgeous ceramic pink and rose gold version of their hair care tools in honor of Mother’s Day. Shall we take a look-see? Here we go!

Happy Leap Day! Here we are at the end of February, but let's not throw in the towel on those New Year's resolutions just yet. Saving more cash is a huge goal for many of us when the new year rolls around, especially now with prices going through the roof. It's more crucial than ever to stick to a budget. But, oh, the struggle when our favorite brands drop those irresistible new items or when our go-to influencers share their latest holy grails. It's tough not to have that "add to cart" moment and just hope for the best when the month wraps up. This leads me to one of my guilty pleasures – overspending on beauty products. Trying to figure out when to save and when it's okay to treat myself is tricky, so getting some solid advice can be a game-changer.

We decided to tap into the wisdom of The Project Vanity Community Facebook group to see how members have tackled beauty overspending. Maybe their tips can help you too!

The Philippines is famous for beautiful beaches, endless summers, and, well, the relentless sun. Living so close to the equator, we Filipinos are blessed with an abundance of sunshine almost year-round. But with great sunshine comes great responsibility—specifically, the responsibility to protect our skin. Sun damage, premature aging, and other skincare woes are all too real for us island dwellers. Luckily, there are so many options for us Filipinos now when it comes to local beauty!

Ah, the 30s. That magical decade when you're expected to have your life together but often find yourself wondering whether eating cereal for dinner again is a sign of independence or just poor time management. But fear not, dear reader, for this is also the decade where you find a deeper well of self-confidence—partly because you're too busy to care about the small stuff and partly because you've survived your 20s, which is no small feat. So, how do you unlock this treasure trove of self-assurance? Here’s some advice.

Trying to find ways to save the planet can be overwhelming but you can take action by starting with yourself and your shopping habits. For February or what is called the love month, Watsons encourages its customers to show the planet some love by doing simple things that could make a difference. Small actions, taken by many, can be a real gift to the planet.

Here at Project Vanity, we're absolute aficionados of everything beauty-related, but it's not often that we witness a beloved brand truly transform the market with a singular launch. So, believe me when I say our excitement was through the roof upon hearing this news. Benefit, globally celebrated as the #1 brand for brows and known for their iconic Precisely, My Brow Pencil flying off the shelves every seven seconds, has never been one to just bask in their success. In a bold move to shake up the beauty scene, they've introduced the groundbreaking Precisely, My Brow Detailer and the Precisely, My Brow Wax, proving once again that innovation is at the core of their ethos.

As we wrap up the month of February, let’s do a quick roundup of new locally available finds. First up, Mae Layug’s GRWM partners with Pawssion Project to raise awareness and funds for our furry friends. Happy Skin treats us to new and old faves with their Lip Mallows in two formulas. Get killer makeup looks with Ready Set Glow and their new powder compact. Maybelline Philippines plays it up with new vibrant pink lip tints and colorful eye liners. Ready? Let’s go!

Ah, tomatoes! Those juicy, red fruits are not just for salads and sauces; they're a powerhouse ingredient in the skincare world too. Tomato extract is like a secret weapon against a myriad of skin concerns, harnessing the goodness of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to give your skin a healthy, radiant glow. Let's dive into the benefits of incorporating tomato extract into your skincare routine.