I got horribly sick the week before Christmas. Weak and stuck in bed with a high fever, doing my skincare routine was simply out of the question and my skin began acting up. Pimples appeared on my forehead, nose, and chin while a scaly rash spread over my left cheek. By the time I was well enough to get into the groove again, I looked like a hot mess and didn’t have much time to fix my skin before attending various holiday parties.

People travel to soul-search, take a break from work, and to immerse themselves in a new culture. Why not travel for beauty? Seoul has been touted as the new beauty capital of the world, and it's not hard to see why. K-beauty is on the cutting edge of advancements in beauty, and shopping directly from brand stores (as opposed to online!) makes it possible to do a 10-step routine even on a budget. Beauty shopping is high on the list for any SoKor itinerary but there are a lot more kikay activities available that you shouldn't miss out on!

Korean beauty is all the rage these days. From their 10-step skincare routine to the trending straight eyebrows, we sure get some beauty envy watching our favorite K-drama stars with their bright skin and natural glow! Fans like myself are hopping on the K-train to get closer to even skin tones and smoother complexions. Enter Seoul White Korea, a new brand that promises more even skin for Filipinos.

Move over, Instagram brows - Korean straight brows are in. They're perfect for creating a look that's sweet, innocent, and oh-so young! Naturally, they pair well with Hallyu-inspired gradient lips and puppy eyeliner. If you've attempted it before and ended up with a solid block instead of feathery frames, we're here to help you, dear reader, to achieve your K-Drama goals. Snagging an oppa on the side is just a plus!

While I've already reviewed the different product lines of Collagen by Watsons products, I wanted to dedicate a post to my unexpected new HG: the White Regeneration Instant Finishing Cream. Adding this product to my routine has brought me a lot closer to achieving that coveted chok chok glow, and budget-friendly price tag just blows my mind!

Hi, my name is Den and I am a skincare addict. I'm seriously (unhealthily?) obsessed with getting my skin to its absolute best condition. Not gonna lie - as managing editor of Project Vanity I do get to try pricier skincare brands that make the cost worth it, but it isn't a practical option for other people. I was honestly very excited to try the new Collagen by Watsons line because I'd love to be able to share more budget-friendly recos. And I'm happy to say that for the most part, these picks did not disappoint!

One of the breakthrough ingredients in Korean skincare for 2017, Centella Asiatica is also known as Gotu Kola or Pennyworth. It has been popping out as a main ingredient in many Korean road shop brands, including Innisfree and Etude House, which both have their own Cica (short for Centella Asiatica) lines. Many other popular Korean brands like Dear Klairs, CosRX and Leegeehaam (formerly Leejiham) also have their own Centella-centered skincare lines.

When I was growing up, wearing eyeglasses was painfully un-cool. You got teased for them and were generally considered ‘ugly’ for wearing a pair. A lot has changed since then, with fashionistas now using a pair of specs as a cute accessory for their outfit. With the right frames, you can even use glasses to balance out your face shape!

While scanning through my Instagram feed, I came across an Etude House video of its endorser Krystal using a new product called the Tone Up Fix and Fix primer (P698). While I know she already has nice skin (a pre-requisite for any Korean idol), I got sold into the whole concept of Tone Up products that promise to improve complexions in just one, easy step. Sounds like a dream come true for lazy girls!

Banila Co is one of our favorite Korean brands here on PV. From taking on their 7-day sheet masking challenge to discussing how their best-selling Clean It Zero works as a gentle makeup remover, there’s been plenty for us to explore about K-beauty with the brand. We actually learned quite a few tips from their brand ambassador Cho Heena and we’re constantly fangirling over their celebrity frontrunner, K-Pop idol Taeyeon! The hype is real so we definitely don't want anyone to miss the opportunity to try out their awesome products. Lucky you if you're a QC girl, because the brand has opened a store in Trinoma!

I literally gasped in awe when I first saw the teasers and previews on the fifth installment to the Naked palettes of Urban Decay. I’ve always wanted to get the first and third Naked palettes, which were warm and rose-toned respectively, but I never had enough of an urge (and moneh) to actually purchase. Naked Heat was different - there was something about it that I just couldn't resist!

Despite my obsession with skincare, I've only had two actual facial treatments (complete with pricking) in my entire life. The first time was way back in high school, before I had any appreciation for the kind of effort you actually need to make for achieving and maintaining good skin. It was pricey for my student budget and I didn't see any improvements after, so I didn't feel encouraged to try it again.

Recently though, I was invited by O2 Laser Skin Center to try out their signature service: a Korean Facial Therapy! As images of Korean actors and pop stars flooded my head, I wondered how different the procedure would be from the usual treatments you can get at mall facial centers. Would it give me that coveted chok chok complexion?

Have you heard the good news? Club Clio is now available at SM Makati's beauty section! No need to travel all the way to Trinoma or Lucky Chinatown mall if you're a Southern gal because these hot K-beauty brands are now within easy reach. If you've never tried anything from Goodal, Peripera, or Clio and don't know what to get, you've come to the right place. I got to pick up items during the store’s grand opening, so I'm sharing my finds and giving the lowdown on which products have made their way to my regular makeup routine!

They say “one’s company, two’s a crowd and three’s a party” and this week’s roundup is nothing sort of a grand celebration! We’ve got a ton of things to get through that will have you partying up the weekend with excitement. Love spoiling your hair with delicious treats? Well, The Body Shop has something fruity and refreshing for your scalp. Love getting manis and pedis? ColourPop has something fun and pastel just for you. Always wanted makeup by Kat Von D but didn’t know where to get it? Look no further cause it’s finally in the PH! It’s a party up in here, PV ladies, and we’re going to have so much fun!