Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Careline Mascara Comparison: Aye Aye Lashes!, Lash Boost Mascara, & Skinny Mascara

I’ve sworn left and right about how awesome the Careline Aye Aye Lashes! Mascara (P 325/6.5 g) is, so I was interested to see how the brand’s other mascaras perform. Aye Aye Lashes! is so good because it basically thickens and lengthens my lashes while keeping them curled and smudge-free all day. And, even though it’s highly water-resistant, it’s not quite as hard to remove as other similar products. A little bit of cleansing oil is enough to break it apart without too much rubbing. This is why it’s my go-to daily mascara!

Now, Careline sent over their Lash Boost Mascara (P195) and Skinny Mascara (P185) to test. I had high hopes for these two so I really put them on the grind. Let’s see how they perform!

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Taking a Pause: How to Regain Calm When You're Feeling Overwhelmed

Life, am I right? It has this funny way of piling things on when you least expect it. Between work, family, friends, and the constant ping of notifications from social media, it’s no wonder we feel like we’re barely keeping our heads above water sometimes. I’ve been there—staring at my to-do list with a sinking feeling in my chest, wondering how I’m going to get it all done without losing my sanity.

If you’re nodding along right now, trust me, you’re not alone. When life feels like it’s spiraling out of control, the best thing you can do is take a pause. But how do we actually do that in a way that’s effective and not just another thing to stress about? Let’s talk about why pausing is essential and how to make it a natural part of your daily rhythm.

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

New from Ever Organics: Aloe Vera Moisturizing Serum That Hydrates and Soothes

Aloe vera has been a trusted skincare raw material for centuries, renowned for its soothing and hydrating properties. Here in the Philippines, it’s long been a staple in natural remedies, used by our ancestors to treat everything from sunburns to skin irritations. Fast forward to today, and aloe vera is still celebrated in modern skincare, bringing its natural benefits into the products we love.

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Swatches + Review: The Spotlight Soft Flush Powder Blush

Blush is having a moment right now with the rise of Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, and so the Spotlight Soft Flush Powder Blush (P495 /4.2 g) couldn’t have arrived at a better time. This collection features six matte blushes that promise to be lightweight, blendable, and long-wearing. They come in a pretty rose gold compact - quite similar NARS blush packaging actually, but without the messy rubber texture. Let’s see how these perform!

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Claire Reyes Claire Reyes

Beauty Roundup: Hello Glow Retinol Serum, Spotlight Soft Flush Powder Blush. Colourette Second Base. And Blk Skin Tint Sun Shield

Every time I remember how much the local beauty industry has grown and blossomed, I can’t help but feel pride and joy. We’ve come to a point that major local beauty brands can fill a whole beauty news roundup, so let’s do just that! Let’s get to know Hello Glow’s new 3-in-1 Anti-Aging Retinol Serum, Spotlight Cosmetics’ Soft Flush Powder Blush, and Colourette’s Second Base concealer. We’ll also dive into the new and upgraded version of Blk Cosmetics’ Skin Tint Sun Shield!

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Katsy Faustino Katsy Faustino

KAINE Cosmetics: Accessible, Vegan, and Made for Sensitive Skin

Korean skincare brands are a lot more accessible now here in the Philippines compared to when it first started gaining popularity. Aside from online sources, getting our hands on some can be as simple as dropping by Watsons. There's easily a Korean brand for every skincare concern and preference; if you want vegan and cruelty-free skincare, KAINE might just be the brand for you.

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Try The Ever Bilena Ultimate Brow Fix If You Need A Water-Resistant Brow Mascara

I’ve tried, believe me I’ve tried, but it’s near impossible for me to walk out without some form of eyebrow product on. It just feels like I’m not dressed, you know? I need to dig deep and examine my feelings about this maybe in another article, but it is what it is! For days when I’m in a rush I always go for a brow mascara since a few swipes can get my brows sorted quickly; of course, it needs to be long-wearing since I do a lot of tennis and gym days.

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Katsy Faustino Katsy Faustino

Swatches: The blk Creamy All Over Paints

The blk Creamy All Over Paint has been one of my favorite products from the brand since it first came out. It is a multi-use product that is meant to add color to the cheeks, lips, and lids – perfect for saving both time and money! An evolution from the blk Creamy Cheek Paint that was part of their first K-beauty Collection, the Creamy All Over Paint launched in the second K-beauty Collection with the shades, Daffodil (nude) and Peony (pink).

Daffodil still exists to this day as a nude pink shade and is one of their boutique bestsellers alongside Palm Springs, a terracotta pink. That launch was way back in 2019 and now, five years later, the product has sold over half a million units and comes in 15 shades with four new ones. Let’s check out the new shades!

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Monday Musings: What’s Your Character Design?

The “very demure, very cutesy, very mindful” viral video swept the Internet a week ago and now it has become a battlecry or a diss, depending on who you ask. Words are powerful; how we tell stories about ourselves ultimately contribute directly to our actions. It has something to do with the way we weave meaning and contextualize our situation, I think. And that’s why it’s important to think about what our character design is.

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Claire Reyes Claire Reyes

Beauty Roundup: EB Ultimate Brow Fix, Ever Organics Aloe Vera Serum, Dolly Beauty, and Britney’s Candied Fantasy Perfume

Bias: a word that used to connote negativity (prejudice against someone or something). In today’s lingo, though, it typically means a fan favorite! This week’s Beauty News Roundup will be all about that. Let’s take a look at Ever Bilena’s newest brow product, the Ultimate Brow Fix–could it be your new brow bias? We’ll also get to know Ever Organics’ Aloe Vera serum, with its new face Jayson Lee of 1ST.ONE. Let’s peek into Dolly Parton’s foray into the makeup world with her own brand Dolly Beauty. And last but not least, let’s check out the new fragrance from Britney Spears, Candied Fantasy.

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Your Ultimate Guide to Using Retinol for the First Time: Introducing Hello Glow 3-in-1 Anti-Aging Retinol Serum

Retinol is often regarded as a skincare powerhouse, and it’s easy to see why. If you’ve been considering adding this potent ingredient to your routine, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through the essentials of using retinol for the first time, helping you navigate its benefits and potential pitfalls. Plus, we’ll take a closer look at a new product on the market: the Hello Glow 3-in-1 Well-Aging Retinol Serum, which might be a great addition to your skincare routine.

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Claire Reyes Claire Reyes

Naked White Collagen: the 90-day Challenge

One of the most memorable articles I’ve written for Project Vanity is definitely my 30-day Naked White Collagen review. Long story short, the collagen drink delivered noticeable results: brighter, more even skin, improved skin elasticity, and healthier hair and nails, among others. It sounds dramatic, but it’s true: trying Naked White Collagen has changed my life. In fact, just seven days into the assignment, I was so sure I’d use it well after the article got published that I bought a few boxes myself! Drinking my pink collagen drink has become a habit that has improved my overall well-being since then.

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Katsy Faustino Katsy Faustino

Review + Swatches: The New Benefit Splashtints and Plushtints

When you think of OG lip tints, Benefit's Benetint instantly comes to mind. This iconic "rose-tinted lip & cheek stain" is adored by fans all over the world for its natural look. Shades like Floratint, Playtint, and Lovetint have also become bestsellers in their own right. So, when it comes to tints, we know we can always count on Benefit. Now, they’ve introduced their latest must-haves: Splashtint and Plushtint!

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Monday Musings: My Rough Relationship with Beauty

Lately, I’ve been feeling a little lost when it comes to my relationship with beauty. When I started beauty blogging 16 years ago, everything was new and exciting - I was nowhere near being an expert when it came to teaching others about beauty products and techniques, but it was fun to discover things on my own and eventually, together with you. I loved learning how to apply eyeliner, discovering things at the drugstore, and eventually being able to buy and get gifted luxury products. Now, I have access to everything. But these days I find it difficult to be interested and engaged. I haven’t really sat down to think about why.

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Claire Reyes Claire Reyes

Beauty Roundup: Kim Youjung for Bobbi Brown, Ariana Grande’s Lovenotes, Glossier Boy Brow Arch, Urban Decay Naked EP Comeback

For this week’s roundup of beauty news, let’s take a look at international movers and shakers. Korean actress Kim Youjung is the new face of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Asia Pacific. Ariana Grande is releasing new fragrances as love notes to her fans across the globe. Glossier ups the ante with a brow pencil - Boy Brow Arch. Last but not least, Urban Decay’s OG Naked Eyeshadow Palette is making a comeback for a limited time.

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Skin 101 Celebrates 20 Years of Timeless Beauty with Ultherapy®

If there's one thing we love, it's celebrating milestones that highlight dedication, passion, and exceptional service in the beauty industry. Recently, Skin 101, a beloved skincare clinic in the Philippines, marked its 20th anniversary with a fabulous event called "LUMINOUS" at Uma Nota. And let me tell you, it was an evening filled with nostalgia, gratitude, and a glimpse into the future of skincare.

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Beauty on a Budget: 10 Simple Steps to Look Great Without Spending Much Money

If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 16 years as a beauty editor, it’s that achieving conventional beauty is far from effortless. Unless, of course, you’ve hit the genetic jackpot with naturally flawless skin, strong nails, perfect teeth, luscious hair, and balanced facial features. Some people are just born that way. But for the rest of us, navigating the beauty industrial complex with all its rewards and pitfalls requires effort and dedication. Maintaining a conventionally beautiful appearance can be costly in both time and money. But what if you don’t have money? My dear, perhaps you have time.

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Katsy Faustino Katsy Faustino

Six Reasons We’re Loving the New Happy Skin x Marj Eye Collection

This is already the third time that Marj Maroket has collaborated with Happy Skin and they definitely did not disappoint! First, they came out with a full brush set that Liz positively reviewed here. Then they released a petite version that’s perfect for traveling and on the go. And now, we’ve come full circle as they introduced their eyeshadow brush set and eyeshadow palette. You may have gotten some info about this release on the Beauty News Roundup, but I'll go over all that you need to know about the collection and why I'm loving it!

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Claire Reyes Claire Reyes

Beauty Roundup: Issy Vitamin Balm, Colourette Colourdrip, Absidy Glazing Serum Lip Stain and Salon at Home with KISS

Can you believe it’s already August? Just like that, we’re on the last leg of 2024’s third quarter. The colder weather (and my extra chapped lips) definitely reminds me that the ber months are nearing. Thankfully there are new moisturizing lip treats from local brands: Issy’s Vitamin Balm, Colourette’s Colourdrip, and Absidy’s Glazing Serum Lip Stain. Rain or shine, KISS Philippines has everything you need for the ultimate salon experience right at home. Curious yet? One roundup of this week’s beauty news, coming right up!

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