Project Vanity Podcast Relaunch: Episode 1 Recap with Albert Kurniawan
Today is a special day! I am beyond excited to announce the relaunch of the Project Vanity Podcast, and what a comeback it is! I'm your host, Liz Lanuzo, and I'm excited to dive back into the heart of the Filipino beauty industry with you. Our first episode is a treasure trove of insights and inspiration, featuring none other than the renowned makeup artist and founder of Teviant, Albert Kurniawan.
The Definitive Guide to Using Vitamin C
Let’s talk about one of the most popular actives in skincare products today: Vitamin C. Sure, it might seem as basic as a plain white tee, but just like that wardrobe staple, it’s a must-have in your skincare arsenal. It's the go-to for brightening a tired complexion, fading spots, and boosting collagen. In short, if you’re not already familiar with this powerhouse antioxidant, it’s high time you got acquainted.
Why I’ve Never Bought Anything from Shein
The title alone already makes me sound like a judgmental asshole, but hear me out. Yes we know about the poor labor practices of Shein’s manufacturers, how Shein steals the intellectual property of artists, and how fast fashion is one of the biggest polluters in the world with millions of clothes ending up in landfills all over the planet. Let’s set all that aside for a minute and ignore these valid ethical concerns.
The Price of Perfection: Kylie Jenner and the Vicious Cycle of Beauty Standards
In a recent episode of Hulu’s “The Kardashians,” Kylie Jenner, 26, opened up about the hate she’s received over the years regarding her appearance and plastic surgery. “It’s like a miracle that I still have confidence and I can still look in the mirror and think that I am pretty,” Kylie admitted to her sister Kendall Jenner. This candid confession highlights a troubling paradox: Kylie, an influencer with millions of followers and who has shaped modern beauty standards, is also a victim of the industry she helped create.
Beauty Roundup: Careline Matte Edge Bullet, Ever Bilena Serum Tinted Lip Gloss, Hyaloo Glow Boost Vita-C Serum, and Blk Cosmetics Universal 3.0
For this week’s beauty news roundup, let’s focus on new drops from local beauty brands! Let’s check out Careline’s new Matte Edge Bullet lipstick. We also have the low-down on Ever Bilena’s new Serum Tinted Lip Gloss. Let’s see if Hyaloo’s Glow Boost Vita-C Serum could be a great addition to your skin care routine. Blk Cosmetics releases “Universal 3.0” with a new Tinted Sunscreen Stick plus new shades for their Color Sticks.
Love Loudly and Proudly: Benefit Celebrates Pride Month with a Fabulous Drag Bingo Party
Last year for Pride Month 2023, Benefit Cosmetics threw a wonderful party in celebration and it seems to be turning into an annual thing! They "went a little extra this year" for a high energy Drag Bingo Party held at the Rampa Drag Club, truly expressing the theme "Love Loudly, Love Proudly" for Pride Month 2024.
Art Meets Skincare: Testing Innisfree’s New Collab with Steven Harrington
I try not to buy beauty products unless I need them, but brand collabs are a weakness of mine. The limited edition product designs are so cute, and I remember Innisfree's previous collabs with Toy Story, Mentos, and Peanuts that really tested my self-control. This time, colorful drawings by artist Steven Harrington decorate Innisfree skincare products for the brand's most recent partnership.
Ever Bilena Serum Tinted Lip Gloss: Review and Shade Guide
I’ve tried my fair share of lip glosses over the years, from the high-end splurges to the drugstore steals. Ever Bilena's Serum Tinted Lip Gloss (P225 for 4ml) is one of those delightful discoveries that makes you wonder why you’d ever spend more. With seven gorgeous shades to choose from and a fabulous texture, it makes a good case for why it deserves a spot in your makeup kit. Let’s go through it!
Is There A Real Difference Between Drugstore and Luxury Skincare?
In the beauty community, there's a pervasive belief that the difference between drugstore brands and premium skincare brands boils down to just a few active ingredients and a whole lot of marketing. As someone who has developed skincare products with manufacturers, I can confidently say this is not the full story. The truth is far more nuanced and interesting.
A Review of GRWM SPF BFF: The Sunscreen that Doubles as a Hydrating Primer
The rainy season has officially been declared by PAGASA, but that doesn't mean I'm ditching my daily sunscreen. The sun is still shining, after all! Sunscreen remains a top priority in my skincare routine, and GRWM Cosmetics has just launched a new one that promises to be my new SPF BFF. Let’s give it a try and see if it earns a spot in my sunscreen rotation.
Community Question: How To Make Makeup Last In A Garden Wedding
This question was posted on the Project Vanity Community on Facebook by Anonymous Member.
Hi, ladies! I'm a newbie in putting on make-up hehe so please help
I sweat A LOT. Every time I wipe my face, I see some make-up on the tissue. Huhu. My problem is:
I will be attending a friend's GARDEN wedding. Que horor!
What are your tips to make sure that my make-up is intact from the wedding to the after party? Haha roughly 10 hrs, I guess. What wipes should I use? Oil blotting sheets? Thank you!
Beauty Roundup: New Chanel No.5 L’Eau Drop Bottle, Natasha Denona Golden Collection, Fenty Hair, and Limited Edition Laneige Lip Mask
This week’s beauty news roundup is definitely iconic! This edition is all about trailblazers in the global beauty industry. Make way for a fresh take on Chanel No.5 L’Eau, with a beautiful drop bottle inspired by none other than Marilyn Monroe. Snatch Natasha Denona’s signature ‘healthy glow’ and smokey eye looks with her latest Golden Collection. Our girl Riri is once again out to make waves with Fenty Hair! Find out what KBeauty brand Laneige has in store for a limited edition release.
Project Vanity Presents: Be Kind To Your Mind Workshop with Dr. Margarita Holmes
Mental health goes beyond indulging in self-care with beauty products (though we do love a good mask session with a fragrant candle burning in the background). It's about seeking guidance from experts who can help us better understand our inner selves and equip us with tools to navigate life's challenges. I know—believe me, I know—how hard it is to get started on that path, so I thought of a guided workshop that can provide the support and structure we need to take those first steps together.
We're beyond excited to bring you an exclusive event that's all about you and your well-being—a mental health workshop led by the incredible Dr. Margarita Holmes! Join us on June 29 at the Valle Verde Country Club for an afternoon packed with insights and tools to help you manage daily anxiety and boost your overall happiness.
Why You Shouldn’t Bring Aerosol Cans in Carry-On Baggage (and How to Travel Smart with Beauty Products)
If you're reading this, you’re probably gearing up for an exciting adventure. Whether it's a weekend getaway or a long-awaited vacation, packing your beauty essentials can be a bit of a stressful activity, especially if it’s your first time flying. One crucial tip to remember: avoid bringing aerosol cans in your carry-on baggage. Here’s why and some smart ways to pack your beauty products!
Social Media vs. Reality: The Truth About Makeup Online and Off
Have you ever tried to recreate a stunning makeup look you saw on Instagram or TikTok, only to be met with a funhouse mirror version of what you expected? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Social media has made makeup look like a walk in the park, but what you see on your screen doesn’t always reflect reality. Let’s talk about why this happens and how you, as a makeup newbie, can find your way through the beauty maze.
Review and Swatches: Careline Best Brow Liner – An Affordable Dupe for Bobbi Brown
If you’re like me and love achieving perfectly structured brows without breaking the bank, then you’ll want to hear about the Careline Best Brow Liner. Priced at just P195, it’s an impressive dupe for the luxurious Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Brow Pencil, which costs over P2,000. Let's dive into why this budget-friendly option deserves a spot in your beauty kit!
Beauty Roundup: Spotlight Primer Duo, Issy Gelée, Happy Skin Crayons Comeback, and Lancôme’s Smart Makeup Applicator
This week’s roundup brings us news of innovation locally and around the world. Let’s get to know the new releases from homegrown brands: Spotlight Cosmetics’ duo of primers and Issy Cosmetics’ delicious lip gloss-tint Gelée. Happy Skin’s OG Shut Up & Kiss Me moisturizing matte lippies have come back with old faves and new shades. Lancôme is releasing a handheld device called HAPTA, which enables those with limited mobility to apply makeup precisely.
My Beauty of Joseon Routine: Traditional Ingredients for Modern Skin
Did you know that Beauty of Joseon is officially now available in the Philippines in SM Beauty and Watsons? We initially missed the memo, but let us make it up to you with this review! Now, Korean skincare is renowned for its innovation, but that doesn't mean we should forget about the timeless ingredients and routines of the past. Enter Beauty of Joseon, a brand that masterfully blends Hanbang, a traditional Korean medicine approach, with modern ingredients. I recently tried into their toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen, eager to see how these products harmonize tradition and innovation in my skincare routine. Let’s see how they performed!
Swatch + Review: The Spotlight No Pores Blurring Primer & Prism Glow Illuminating Primer
To prime or not to prime? That is the question. It really depends on what your needs are like and what kind of products you have. Honestly, if you already have a good base that covers your bases (get it?) then you may skip primer. But if you’re looking for a boost because you think your base can do better, then using primer is your best bet! It can transform your foundation and concealer routine without needing to replace everything.
Today, Spotlight has introduced two primers that cater to different skin needs: the No Pores Blurring Primer and the Prism Glow Illuminating Primer. Here’s a quick rundown on both!
Review + Swatches: The Careline Fruity Lip Oil Banks On Nostalgia (And It Works)
I’m a millennial, so I’m old enough to know that age is a funny thing. You don’t sense it creeping up on you, slowly, like the long shadows cast by the setting sun, until you’re hit by a half-forgotten childhood memory. When you’re younger, nothing is significant; when you’re older, everything that has passed is all significance. I’m in a contemplative mood because I’ve been testing out the Careline Fruity Lip Oil (P245 at Shopee) and its scent reminds me of hot summer days with a few coins in my pocket as a child, buying ice candy from the sari-sari store, and sucking on it gleefully with my cousins by the side of the road. We’re sticky and stained by the end of it, smelling like cheap sugar and happiness.