I’ve been blogging for 16 years now, 19 years if you count my first personal blog. I’ve been extremely lucky to be one of the first people to do this in the Philippines, and I’ve also been lucky to keep doing it for a living despite the pandemic flipping everything in my industry. I was simply in the right place at the right time, made a few right decisions, did a whole lot of hard work. But let me tell you the truth: only a few people these days get a chance to create content full time.

“If I started Project Vanity today, it wouldn’t be as successful as it has been,” I told my husband the other day.

This week’s roundup of beauty news is here! MAC Cosmetics’ 40 Disney Bring Backs is now available in the Philippines. Local brand Blk Cosmetics released a new blender tool designed with versatility and precision in mind. We also get to meet vitanature+, a Thai brand that blends science with botanical ingredients for an effective dandruff solution. Clean beauty brand Boscia shockingly announced their closure.

When it comes to maintaining skin that's fresh, plump, bright, and firm, retinol often steals the spotlight. However, have you heard about bakuchiol? It's viewed as a gentler, more natural alternative. Touted for offering similar benefits to retinol but with fewer harsh side effects, Bakuchiol is particularly recommended for those with sensitive skin. Excitingly, in their latest skincare launch, Happy Skin has chosen to harness both Bakuchiol and Retinol in their new serum and moisturizer duo. This blend promises to deliver the best of both worlds, combining the robust effects of retinol with the soothing qualities of bakuchiol.

Lip tints and Filipinas—it's a love story as timeless as the Philippine summer. Practical, affordable, and effortlessly chic, lip tints are often our first brush with makeup, as they are perfectly suited to our tropical, forever-summer vibe. But not all tints are created equal, and the new Spotlight Hydra Tint, priced at a wallet-friendly Php 395 for 3.8 mL, promises to bring something new to the table.

Today, let’s talk about something you might have bumped into while shopping online - the "no video, no refund" policy. Yes, you read that right. Some stores online are telling us we need to film ourselves opening our purchases if we want to stand any chance of getting our money back for a dud product. Sounds off, right? Well, it turns out, it's not just off; it's straight up illegal.

The summer heat isn’t letting up, and neither are the new makeup releases! If you’re looking for colorful additions to play up your makeup looks, you’re in the right place. Let’s get to know Happy Skin’s latest lippie that gives glossy lips with a lasting stain: Lip Jelly. Chill out with Blk Cosmetics’ Fresh Collection featuring a glowy base, moisturizing and protecting lippies, and colorful eyeliners. Kiko Milano recently released a collection for all Bridgerton fans. Benefit releases their iconic BADgal Bang! mascara in new colors.

Mark your calendars for April 26 as Watsons’ best-selling facial serums will be priced at Php399 for one day only! This extraordinary event is exclusively available online and for Watsons Club Members. Elevate your skincare regimen with facial serums, the ultimate skincare essential designed to target your skin's unique needs.

I have an affinity for fragrance and enjoy it subtly present in my skincare. I also rarely leave home without a spray or two of my current perfume. So discovering the popular W.Dressroom Dress & Living Clear Perfume was a delightful surprise—I’m ready to spray it all over myself and around the house!

Despite the New York in the brand’s label, W.Dressroom is actually a renowned Korean fragrance brand that gained fame when it was embraced by Korean idols and celebrities, including BTS’ V and Jungkook.

In celebration of Earth Day, Watsons, the flagship health and beauty brand of AS Watson Group, is proud to launch Naturals by Watsons’ Special Edition Blue Beauty range in Hong Kong, Thailand and Taiwan markets, as well as plans to expand to Malaysia, Singapore and soon to be available in the Philippines.

Summer is upon us! For me, it means paying extra attention to my skin concerns (oiliness, dry patches, dark marks) while powering up my SPF protection. I’ve also been looking into simplifying my beauty routine: the less layers of skin care and makeup, the better! The clear answer to me was finding multitasking makeup products that also have skin care benefits and sun protection.

When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, not all sunscreens are created equal. The environment where you plan to spend your time—whether bustling through a city or lounging on a beach—plays a crucial role in determining the type of sunscreen you should use. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between city sunscreen and beach sunscreen, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Summer in the Philippines seems to wait for Anessa, a J-Beauty cult favorite, to make its grand entrance. This year, Anessa is heralding the season with upgraded formulas for their beloved products, a preview of an exciting innovation in sun protection, and a SUNsational Summer Getaway. The event was a vibrant beach-themed party, attended by guests eager for sun, sea, and the return of the Anessa Summer Squad.

I asked on the Project Vanity Community about what it is that Filipinos hate about buying makeup and skincare. A common answer is that we aren’t able to try samples or mini versions of the products first before fully investing. Brands like GRWM Cosmetics, Issy, and Happy Skin have done samplers and minis in the last year or so, but this still isn’t common practice among Filipino beauty brands. Why?

As someone mildly obsessed with collecting good face bases, I was intrigued by the Barenbliss Bloomatte Hi-Cover Foundation Balm (P699 for 12g). This new launch claims to offer everything from high coverage and long wear to a skincare-infused formula. After spending some quality time testing it out, here’s my in-depth take on whether it lives up to those claims.

Welcome to another edition of Beauty News Roundup! This week is all about magical news from the world of beauty. Let’s take a look at ColourPop’s latest release: a collaboration with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Charlotte Tilbury creates six mood-transforming fragrances that look like magical alchemy elixirs! Drunk Elephant’s Bora Barrier Repair Cream is now available locally. Last but not least, Ariana Grande hints at a Wicked-inspired holiday collection by her brand R.E.M. Beauty.

We have fully transitioned into summer and this weather is making my skin feel drier than usual. My first instinct is to go for a heavier moisturizer but the heat and humidity both say otherwise! A good alternative to remember are sleeping masks that we can use at night – these give an immediate moisture boost plus other skin benefits, and lucky for us, Laneige Philippines has recently launched a new one. With a campaign to #StayBouncy&Firm, the new Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask stars popular actress Sydney Sweeney as the global brand ambassador and it may just be what my skin currently needs.

If you're a keen beauty fan like me, you've probably noticed the pendulum swinging back to matte from last year’s glossy and shiny lip trends. The new EB Matte Lip Ink is Ever Bilena's nod to this shift, but with a refreshing modern twist. Priced at a budget-friendly P220 for 4.5g, it’s a contender for those looking to explore a matte revival without breaking the bank.

I’ve always been a huge fan of J-Beauty, and there's something about their skincare and makeup that just works perfectly for my skin. My love for it grew even more after an afternoon with K-Palette. I’m not new to the brand—I’ve been hooked on their liquid eyeliners since my first Don Quijote shopping spree in Japan. Usually, I stick to the classic black, but now my world has opened up with K-Palette’s launch of three new vibrant shades of their 1Day Tattoo Liquid Eyeliner and a new shade of their curl-enhancing 1 Day Lash Up Mascara.

These days, it's easy to get swept away by the latest and greatest in the beauty aisles. The bright lights, beautiful packaging, and bold promises can turn even the most practical among us into magpies, attracted to shiny new things. Yet, in this glittering array of options, it's important to remember that not every product is destined to be our holy grail. This isn't just about saving money (though that's a definite perk); it's about curating a collection that truly reflects who we and what our needs are. Let's take a closer look at the beauty traps that can catch us unawares and how a mindful approach can guide us back to making better purchases.

It’s getting hot in here! This week, we’re keeping it FRESH here at Project Vanity with the latest in beauty. Let’s get to know new local product drops for that perfect summer look from Ever Bilena, GRWM Cosmetics, and Sola. We’re also checking out Estée Lauder’s newest global brand ambassador: multi-talented Korean superstar IU!