Being on a work-from-home setup has its own fair share of challenges. I thought that not having to wake up early to brave the traffic would mean that I would have more time to take it easy and get some more sleep, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! As the lines between work and life get blurred, I find myself saddled with a big workload that I often stay up until the wee hours in the morning.

When I went to New York in 2018, I bought a Sunday Riley Power Couple Duo set on a whim. It contained a 15ml tube of the Good Genes (review in the link) and a 15ml dropper bottle of the Luna Sleeping Night Oil. I was a bit hesitant to try the products first since I’ve never tested Sunday Riley before, but boy oh boy my mind was blown! My skin got so nice! I’ve repurchased the Good Genes a few times since then. I did, however, balk on buying the Luna Oil as I felt it was too expensive at P3,375 for 15ml, or P225 per ml.

With so many beauty brands on the market, it’s not surprising for one brand to remind yourself of another. Whether its packaging or the shade range, it’s nothing new to see similarities between or even among beauty brands.

However, given the similarities, one couldn’t help but wonder if they are merely a coincidence, an inspiration, or a blatant imitation. This begs the question - where do we draw the line between inspiration and imitation?

Most of us are stuck indoors for the rest of summer, yes, but the tropical fun doesn't have to be shoved to the side and forgotten, yes? blk Cosmetics' Wondermelon Edit captures summer fun all year round with a skincare collection that feels as refreshing as it looks! The products contain watermelon seed oil that refreshes and hydrates. Here's the report of what I've tried!

Which age group comes to your mind first when we talk of acne? Teens? Adults? Acne may first appear during the puberty period but do you know that there’s also such a thing as adult acne? I don’t get a lot of cases of it in my practice but it has a big impact in the quality of life of adults, may lower their self-esteem and/or may cause depression or anxiety.

This whole pandemic year (and counting) has stressed us out not only from the inside, but outside as well. Our skin breaks out more easily into acne, rashes, and other irritations that it could withstand previously. If you’re looking for an effective ampoule to soothe your skin ASAP, then I’d like you to meet the latest product from my skincare brand: the In Her Element Super Soother 100% Centella Asiatica Extract (P575 / 30ml at inherelement.ph).

I am no stranger to Kojie San body care products. As someone who’s prone to ashy ankles and elbows, I was blown away by the sight of what the OG Lightening Soap did to even out the color of Liz’s knees. So this convert has been using it ever since to manage those patchy problem areas.

When the pandemic first broke out and the government put Metro Manila on strict quarantine, I thought it was only going to last for a couple of weeks. Then I thought it would only be a couple of months more. A year later, we are still under lockdown. There is fortunately an end in sight as vaccinations start rolling in, giving immunity to many of my friends and family, but it’s still a long way out to “normalcy”. I don’t even think that’s possible anymore. I know I’m not the same.

Women today are faced with difficult decisions. The world we live in imposes gender norms that we are expected to conform to. We fear being judged which makes us constantly doubt ourselves. It’s even more difficult for those who are mothers who are expected by some to stay at home and care for their children. These are the issues that Youtuber Kris Lumagui addresses in her new vlog.

Now that wearing masks is a requirement when going out, I made it my mission to find the most “mask-proof” products I could find. While it’s rare to remove my mask once outside, there are some activities such as drinking water where I have to remove it temporarily. I want to still be able to enjoy my makeup sans the worry of having an uneven base from lifted foundation or a smeared lip that will leave my face covered with stains. So when I came across the Laneige Neo Cushion Matte with its transfer-proof promise, I knew I had to give it a try.

Taking inspiration from cherry blossoms, MAC’s Spring 2021 offering is the Black Cherry Collection. Perfectly capturing the spirit of spring, cherry blossoms are no stranger to MAC’s limited edition collections. The collection contains a spectrum of products for the eyes, lips, and skin. For this review, I was able to try and test the Extra Dimension Blushes, Glow Play Lip Balms, and Matte Lipsticks. Here are my thoughts!

The Project Vanity annual anniversary event is something I look forward to, and I can’t wait for the day that we can celebrate in person again. I miss the talks, the catching up, and of course doing all it in our best pink looks. But that doesn’t mean that we’re skipping our kit this year! In fact, we have our most luxurious one yet, as we partner with Estée Lauder, MAC, Bobbi Brown, and Clinique for the first time to bring you some of my best finds for statement yet stress-free beauty.

Acne or pimple patches have been one of the skincare trends that have gained momentum since it was introduced by Korean beauty brands. I myself have used them during a certain time of the month because of hormonal acne. In fact, I have a small stash of them set aside when the need arises. But have you ever wondered how they work?

I remember it like it was just yesterday. I came home to all of my makeup scattered and broken on the floor. My mom standing over them, waiting for me to explain myself.

Ellana has always been known for their “skin first” philosophy as a mineral makeup brand. They’ve always aimed to create products that actually benefit the skin beyond just temporary coverage or color. That’s why it makes perfect sense for Ellana to create their own skincare line!

I was never really particular with my skincare because I grew up with normal, low-maintenance skin. That is, until I hit my late 20s and noticed a huge change brought about by an internal imbalance, and made worse by a change in environment! I woke up one day to sensitive, combination skin - just like that. It became so easily irritated that I had to go through trial and error with ingredients for about year before I got know this whole new me.

“She prepared for a summer vacation that didn’t come.” Sounds familiar, right? It’s a common 2020 tale. I’m sure that, even just within the beauty community, there were many kikay plans (trends to cop, bright and shiny purchases, and scheduled services, etc.) that had to be postponed when we all had to stay at home.

When I decided to buy my first “fancy” blush 11 years ago, NARS Orgasm was the one I had my eye on. It was said to be the best blush EVER and was highly recommended by all the beauty bloggers I respected! But Super Orgasm came out around that time so I spent weeks in agony thinking about what to buy. In the end, I decided on Super Orgasm. It was my fave blush for years and years!

Not all formulations are created equal. It’s also rather easy to get sucked into skincare ingredient lists and get impressed with high-percentages of certain actives. Paula’s Choice Niacinamide 20% Treatment has been hailed for its high concentration of this crowd-favorite – but is it really more effective?

Project Vanity usually celebrates its anniversary with a big event. Since we can’t do that this year, I would like to share stories that I hope will brighten up your day! Last month, we asked our community to talk about the most empowering figure in their life. We all have one - maybe even a few - who made us better, stronger, as we go through our daily struggles. I chose two entries that spoke to me and perhaps you will be inspired as well. May this be a reminder that we have deep reserves of strength to be found in those who love us.

Happy reading!