These days, it seems there’s an app for just about everything—yes, even for figuring out which colors suit you best. These color analysis apps promise a quick and easy way to determine your most flattering colors without ever having to leave your couch. But can these digital tools truly replace a physical color consultation with an expert? The short answer: no. The long answer is all about how light is in fact a physical object,

BeautyCon 2024, hosted by Watsons at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City, recently wrapped up, and it was a gathering that beauty enthusiasts wouldn’t have wanted to miss. From March 20 to 23, this event transformed into a playground for those passionate about skincare, makeup, and overall wellness, featuring over 100 beauty brands that came together to showcase their latest offerings, from exciting deals to exclusive freebies.

This week’s Beauty News Roundup showcases brands and beauty icons showing up on unexpected platforms! Issy takes to the wrestling ring with their new Eyes of a Champion collection. We’ll check out how Happy Skin looks on Uniqlo shirts and totes! Fans of *the* Bobbi Brown can now gain access to exclusive content online via Substack. Last but not least, the next face of CoverGirl will be chosen with an online search. Ready? Let’s go!

When large jars of aloe vera gel began making their way to the Philippines from South Korea about a decade or so ago, it resonated deeply with the Filipino beauty community. It was a match made in skincare heaven - a product that was not only lightweight and moisturizing but also soothing, perfectly matching the needs of those living in a tropical climate. This laid the groundwork for the embrace of similar products, such as the Hello Glow Soothing Gels lineup, available on Shopee Mall, which have since become staples in the beauty routines of many Filipinos.

These gels, coming in generous 300 mL jars, offer a modern twist on the classic aloe vera formula, infusing it with active ingredients designed to target a variety of skin concerns while remaining budget-friendly. Let’s discuss each!

The phrase 'Kababae mong tao' is one that all Filipinas have encountered at some point, often used as a dig anchored in the towering stereotypes dictating what a woman is supposed to be. If you've ever felt hindered or stifled by the limited roles set for women, let me take you through the essence of the recently concluded She Talks Asia Summit, aptly themed Breaking Stereotypes. It was a day brimming with compelling discussions and narratives that left the crowd feeling changed and inspired. It's my hope that by sharing this, it sparks the same for you.

In case you missed it: Spotlight, a Filipino brand that debuted on the eve of the pandemic, is going through somewhat of a reawakening. It seems they've been on a quest to find their spot in the sun (get it?), and with the introduction of their new Spotlight Lush Lip & Cheek Crème (Php 425 / 6.5 grams), they might just have hit the mark.

As a professional makeup artist, I often find myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of base products and shades in the market. But with Vice Cosmetics’ new Endlezz Collection, the guesswork was taken out of the equation—making it easier than ever to create flawless looks for my clients. I recently attended the Vice Cosmetics x Full Spectrum Masterclass event, where I learned all about the a new skin-focused lineup designed to revolutionize the way we approach makeup in the Philippines and beyond.

The heat is on! Lately I’ve been drawn to a fresh monochromatic look with lighter colors, a juicy lip, and fresh base: the makings of a good summer go-to look. And it seems like I’m not the only one. Thankfully, new releases have focused on barely there skin tints, bright cheeks, and glossy lips. This week, let’s take a look at Spotlight Cosmetics’ new Lush Lip and Cheek Créme, and new shades for Blk Cosmetics Creamy All-Over Paints. We’ll also get a taste of ColourPop’s new plumping gloss balms and lip liners. Last but most definitely not the least, let’s take a peek at Dior Beauty’s new color lineups for the season. Let’s get started on this week’s beauty news roundup!

Ever had those mornings where you're rushing out the door, no time for a shower, yet your hair is screaming for a wash? Or those days when the weather just makes your scalp feel ickier than usual? We all know how humid it gets here in the tropics, especially in Manila where pollution is an all-time high. That's where the lifesaver called dry shampoo comes in, and trust me, it's a winner for anyone looking to freshen up their locks on the go.

It feels like the wheel of trends spins faster with each passing year, doesn't it? The traditional arc of the trend cycle weaves through five distinct phases: introduction, rise, peak, decline, and finally, obsolescence. Along this journey, we've embraced everything from the audacity of blunt bangs and the allure of blue eyeshadow to the fresh charm of strawberry makeup looks and the daring edge of the wolf cut. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of changing styles, one constant remains: our ability to look back at our old photos and wince at what we once deemed the pinnacle of fashion. Indeed, the trend cycle seems to unfurl across five stages, but I propose we acknowledge a universal, unspoken sixth stage: regret.

Have you ever been on the brink of achieving something you've wanted for so long, only to do something that pulls the rug out from under your own feet? It's like there's a part of you that's your own worst enemy, lurking in the shadows, ready to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. This, my friends, is self-sabotage in action. It feels like taking two steps forward and then three steps back, leaving us bewildered and asking, "Why do I keep doing this to myself?"

There's something captivating about a bright, radiant smile. It's like being the proud owner of a luxury item that never goes out of style. But achieving that coveted sparkle can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield in a world obsessed with coffee, tea, and the occasional "just one more glass" of red wine. Fear not, my friends! Here’s some advice on how to help brighten your teeth over time.

Dearest readers, I have returned to unveil this week’s beauty news roundup. This particular edition follows the intersection of show business and charming celebrities with the ever-changing beauty industry. Let’s take a peek at Bath & Body Works’ Bridgerton collection in collaboration with Netflix, and the charming new face of Clinique Moisture Surge. We also have all the details you need about the one and only Heart Evangelista’s talk at BeautyCon this month. Let’s congratulate makeup artist/beauty influencer/entrepreneur Mae Layug as her beauty brand GRWM opens its fourth physical store at SM North. Prepare yourselves for the exciting news unveiled below!

If you’ve been reading Project Vanity for a while then you know that I’ve never been into doing facial treatments. I felt, for the longest time, that these will just break me out and irritate my skin. But since I’ve been seeing a dermatologist, we’ve been able to improve my acne dramatically and my face is nowhere near as easily triggered as it used to be! So now I am super open to trying out new technologies specifically to improve my skin texture, brighten uneven areas, and to fade blemishes faster.

Recently, I got to try something fairly new here in the Philippines: the Dermadrop. An aesthetic clinic called Amore Lumina BGC (second floor of where Marqed Salon is) has a special pop-up event for the treatment available through Parlon.ph only until April. I went for the Dermadrop Polar Brightening Facial Plus Treatment (P7,000 per session), and here is my experience!

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.