Best In 2016: The Project Vanity Top 11 Skincare Finds
We can't let the year end without talking about some of the beauty products that made our 2016, can we? Hundreds of products came through our HQ this year but only a few ones deserve their rightful spots in our vanity. In the next few days, we'll post our best face, eye, and lip makeup finds, as well as the most memorable hair and body care this 2016!
Let's start with skincare. In this list, we only included products that arrived or were released in the Philippines within 2016. Here are the best of the best* face care products that, for us, made 2016 a good year for skin!
Shiseido White Lucent Line (reformulated version, launched early 2016) / Available in Rustan's and Shiseido boutiques
Many skincare brands promise many things, but Shiseido always delivers exactly what it says in our experience. The new White Lucent is a particularly potent line that specifically targets hyperpigmentation - blemishes and light scars are no match for this stuff. We raved about it last May after trying it out for two months, and have consistently used it throughout the year. The Luminizing Infuser (a softener) and Microtargeting Spot Corrector together can get rid of spots in a month!
Kanebo Moisture Flow Lotion and Bouncing Emulsion / Available in Rustan's
Other than White Lucent, our other great skincare find this year is the Kanebo Impress line, which has been around for a while so we're not including it in this list. After a massive breakout sometime September, it was the only skincare product that balanced my skin and healed it in record time. Similar and a bit more affordable is the new Kanebo skincare line (released November). The Lotion and Emulsion together keeps skin smooth, bouncy, and healthy. It's the perfect maintenance line!
April Skin Magic Stone (~P400-500 depending on where you buy it) / Available in Althea Korea, Watsons, and online resellers
If you badly wished for a facial wash that can well and truly remove your makeup, then the April Skin soap is for you! It can take off heavy foundation and water-resistant makeup; it balks at waterproof makeup naturally, but everything else is fair game. It also helps keep skin clear by removing pore blockages. If blackheads and whiteheads bother you, this soap is pretty effective in managing the situation.
Origins By All Greens Foaming Deep Cleansing Mask (P2,400) / Available in Origins stores
Masking is practically a necessity for us, but sometimes we don't have the time to do the whole number. By All Greens is probably the most convenient mask around - technically a bubble mask - so you can wash your face and do your masking in one fell swoop. This brightens skin almost instantly so it's a great pick me up!
The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Protect Emulsion with SPF30 PA+++ / Available in The Body Shop counters and stores
Nothing will beat the Biore Watery Essence SPF50 PA++++ as our HG sunscreen, but this TBS Emulsion can give it a good run for its money. It's feather light on skin while providing moisture - the latter part being the only weak department of the Biore sunscreen. It's a great nourishing sunscreen that functions well as a moisturizer in one tube!
COSRX One Step Pimple Clear Pads / Available for P800 at The Skincare Curator and P665 at Watsons (if you're lucky)
This is one of Korean breakout brand COSRX's bestselling products and we can see why! It's a great way to get into the COSRX craze because it exfoliates, moisturizes, and heals troubled skin in one pad. No need to use anything else if you're on this! We still recommend trying their more powerful acids and moisturizers, but you can start with these pads to see how effective COSRX could be on you.
COSRX Acne Pimple Master Patch (P170) / Available at The Skincare Curator
We've only recently tried this but was blown away but how effective it is! It calms pimples and absorbs the pus like no other pimple patch we've ever come across. You have to try it to know what we mean!
Leaders Masks / Available in select SM Stores and in Leaders boutiques
The PV team is a huge fan of the Leaders Anti-Trouble Mask, but really, any Leaders mask that came out this year were winners. Go for the The Gold 24 Secret Mask (P248) if you want a luxurious treat and firmer-looking skin. Is your face thirsty? Then the Deep Aqua Moisturizing Mask (P178) will give you the chok chok glow and bouncy texture worthy of a Korean TV star.
In Her Element Nourish and Cleanse Balm (P595) / Available in Inherelement.ph
We confess that we're biased since we worked on this brand. When we were thinking of In Her Element's first product, we thought of making something that will fit into a busy girl's life without missing a beat. And so this yummy-smelling balm that can hydrate dry patches (such as the lips, cuticles, elbows, heels, etc.) as well as cleanse waterproof eye and lip makeup was born! It's especially handy especially if you live or travel to colder climes.
And that is that! We hope you enjoyed our list. Stay tuned for the next ones as we post them throughout the week before the new year. Now, it's your turn. Which 2016 skincare products made your year? Sound off in the comments!
*Do note that what works for our skin may not necessarily work for you due to us having entirely different skin types, conditions, environments, and personal preferences. Use our recommendations with caution and always read the label. ^_^
