You know the feeling. You’re scrolling through Instagram, and bam—that new, shiny, limited-edition palette pops up, with influencers gushing over it as if it’s the holy grail we’ve all been missing. Suddenly, there’s this little pang in your chest, that urgent “I need this now” kirot that has you reaching for your wallet before you’ve even finished the post. Beauty FOMO (fear of missing out) is real, and honestly? It’s exhausting.

If you’ve ever looked at your beauty drawer and wondered why you have five nearly identical brown pink lipsticks, or felt that your collection doesn’t quite feel like you despite all those purchases, it might be time to step off the FOMO train. So let’s talk about how to cut through the hype and curate a beauty collection that feels authentic and satisfying.

Blk has been delivering uncomplicated beauty for seven years now, and we here at Project Vanity have been loving them since their launch, and have been reviewing blk products ever since. On their 7th birthday milestone they’ve prepared the sweetest treat for us in the form of their Soft Blur Powder Blush (P399/4g), each shade deliciously named after a delectable dessert.

I get it. When you see a blush with a nearly 600-peso price tag or an eyeshadow duo that costs more than your lunch for a week, it’s easy to feel like brands are pulling one over on us. It’s even easier to feel that way when certain products seem to get panned right out of the gate. Case in point: the Happy Skin Jelly Blush at P599. The feedback was harsh—many felt it didn’t live up to its cost. But here's the thing: I tried it myself, and I genuinely loved it! It’s the most staining, long-wearing lip and cheek color I’ve ever used. For me, it was worth every centavo.

So why do some people feel like products like these are rip-offs, while others (like me) feel they’re totally worth it? Let’s dig into this, because it’s a topic that has a lot more layers than it seems.

As we step into November, we definitely feel the holidays descending upon us! Thankfully, some beauty brands are helping to make our Christmas shopping easier, like K-beauty brand Romand (Rom&nd), who have set up a few “Gift Bars” in the Metro! Let’s also look at some sparkly new releases that would make great stocking stuffers: Ever Bilena’s Sheer Serum Tinted Lip Balm, Teviant’s new Star Balm, and a collaboration between Wet n Wild and Sanrio’s Hello Kitty.

It’s hard not to notice the buzz around Remedy – influencers everywhere are raving about their visits, and I couldn’t help but get curious myself. So when Project Vanity got an invite to Remedy’s exclusive Wellness Treat event, I knew we had to be there! We got the inside scoop on what sets this aesthetic clinic apart and what’s in store for its future. If you’re on the lookout for a clinic that doesn’t just offer treatments but provides real solutions, keep reading – we’re spilling all the details!

When it comes to tinted lip balms that deliver on both comfort and hydration, the Spotlight Dewy Lip Balm (P395 / 3.5 g) is worth checking out. Many lip balms promise color or moisture, but few manage to strike that perfect balance between the two. This balm, however, does just that, making it the ideal choice for days when you’re craving a wash of color but don’t want to compromise on hydration or comfort.

It’s a scene we’re all too familiar with: you bump into an old friend, maybe it’s been a while since you’ve seen each other, and you gush, “Wow, pumayat ka!” ("You lost weight!"). It’s often said with such enthusiasm, and usually, it comes with a compliment about how good they look. There’s no malice, no intention to harm. But is it really as simple as that? Or are there layers we need to peel back, like the many feelings we have about our own bodies?

This week’s beauty news roundup is full of promising new releases, and a sale you wouldn’t want to miss! Let’s take a look at the new lippie that has set Tiktok on fire: the Spotlight Cosmetics Dewy Lip Balm. We’ll also learn more about a collaboration between two unexpected brands: e.l.f. Cosmetics and Stanley–yes that tumbler brand! Homegrown Issy Cosmetics also recently launched their Skin That Works Collection which includes a stick foundation, a gel powder compact, and two setting sprays. Read until the end for more details on Sephora Philippines’ Weekend Love Sale.

Even with the rise of new blush formulas, powder blushes remain a staple in any makeup brand's essentials list. Mastering the art of applying powder blush with a fluffy brush is often one of the first skills a makeup beginner learns. Plus, the versatility of powder blushes allows for different placements that can complement various face shapes. While it’s not my first time testing and comparing powder blushes, it has been a few years, so I’m excited to dive back into the world of powder blush. Today, I’ll be exploring different brands, evaluating their pigmentation, beginner-friendliness, and longevity—all while keeping an eye on the price per gram. Let’s get started!

I spent last night at the Solaire Theater, catching Six the Musical, and it's still on my mind. If you haven’t heard of it yet (where have you been?), it’s the story of Henry VIII’s wives, but told with a twist: pop concert meets history class, complete with a dash of glitter and a lot of attitude.

Now, I’ll be honest. I went in thinking, “Okay, how exactly are they going to make 16th-century royal drama into something worth my Sunday night?” It’s actually my husband who’s more of a fan of the musical than I am! But about 10 minutes in, I realized they knew exactly what they were doing.

Once again, an all-local beauty news roundup is upon us this week! Let’s find out what our homegrown movers and shakers have been up to. Influencer Camille Co-Koro has launched her very own skin care line called CKIN Collective. Five Beauty recently released their All-Around Cheek Brush, the perfect companion for their Hybrid Colour Stick. Blk Cosmetics has added to their Life-proof line three new Airy Corrector shades. Finally, let’s talk about what’s been making the rounds on Tiktok as a controversial new release: the Happy Skin Jelly Blush.

I’ve got some major news, and I’m beyond excited to finally share it with you. After months of planning, brainstorming, and talking to the most inspiring beauty creators in the country, we’re officially hosting the first-ever Beauty Creator Summit in the Philippines!

Yes, you read that right! This is a groundbreaking event, and it’s happening on November 9, 1-6 PM at KMC Solutions, One Ayala. We’re bringing together the brightest, most empowering voices in the beauty content creation world for an afternoon packed with learning, inspiration, and community building. Whether you're an aspiring creator or someone who's already established, this is the perfect space to grow, share, and elevate your game.

We all love the idea of having a signature scent—a fragrance that is so you that people immediately think of you when they catch a whiff. But what if one perfume just isn’t cutting it? What if you could create a unique, custom scent that nobody else has? That’s where fragrance layering comes in. This art of mixing and matching scents can help you create a fragrance that is completely your own.

In this story, we’ll dive into how to master the art of fragrance layering, the best types of scents to combine, and tips for getting the perfect blend every time.

Mattifying products don’t usually catch my eye since I generally have dry skin, but I do reach for them on long workdays when I'm constantly moving in and out of the sun. That’s why I’m intrigued by Benefit’s latest release, dubbed the "new CEO of Shine Control." I can’t wait to see how this mattifying power duo handles my oily T-zone!

In my retelling of my personal history both to myself and to the world, I have always been a confident kid. My mother nurtured all my interests - from singing, to drawing and painting, designing, pretty clothes, reading, makeup, guitar - whatever it was that caught my eye, my mother would indulge me. We weren’t rich, mind you, but she always found a way. She made learning easy, and because of that singular priceless gift, learning has always been a source of joy for me. Unlike most children, I suppose, I did it not because I had to but because I loved to.

When I was asked to try SNAILWHITE’s new botanical body washes, I was both intrigued and a little skeptical. I haven’t tried anything from the brand, although I’ve heard good things about their skin care products. I knew that their Whipp Soaps were incredibly popular and effective, but I usually favor gentle body washes. However, after a quick glance at the product description, I decided to give them a try.

This Beauty News Roundup is dedicated to the Cool Girl who was always so effortlessly cool. Yes, we all went to school with one. The one who always looked and smelled great, regardless of how busy our school days were! This week, we’re taking a look at the new Colourpop collection with Bratz (yes, the Bratz dolls everyone wanted to have back then). Local beauty brand Strokes Beauty Lab has re-released their Eye Paint eyeshadows, this time in Solos. Make sure your locks look and smell great with Blackwater Women’s newest Desire Conditioning Hair Mist. And of course all the coolest girls have makeup from Sephora! We have all the deets on their 10.10 sale.

Nothing is worse than trying a new skincare product hoping for healthy, beautiful skin and instead getting a horrible skin reaction and breaking out. With every product promising the best results, it can be hard to figure out what ingredients we like and don’t like especially when products don’t share the most comprehensive of ingredient lists. And with everyone’s skin being unique, how is a skincare newbie supposed to wade through everything and find the perfect product for them? Lucky for us, there’s Good Molecules, whose approach to beauty is that “They Have Nothing to Hide”.

Glossy tints promise the best of both worlds: the lasting power of a lip stain combined with the hydration of a balm—definitely appealing if, like me, your lips tend to dry out easily. While some brands clearly label their products as glossy tints, others get creative with names like dewy, glaze, or splash. For this Beauty Throwdown, I’ve rounded up six of the most buzzed-about glossy tints to compare how they stack up in terms of stain, price, hydration, and, of course, glossiness. Let’s find out which one emerges as the winner!

Hi. I saw your video where you talked about people saying you look older than your age. I am in the same situation. People think I’m between 35 to 40 when in fact I am only in my late 20’s. What did you do to overcome the judgement or to somehow boost your confidence? Because I am having anxiety about it and I no longer want to eat with my co workers because I feel like they are staring at me and judging me. - A

First of all, thank you for sharing your story with me. I know how difficult it is to feel like people are constantly judging your appearance, and it can be isolating. I’ve been there too. Here’s my story, and I hope my experience helps you feel seen.

It’s time for another all-local beauty news roundup! This time, it’s gonna be a mix of something old and something new. Let’s take a look at the new Blk Soft Blur Blushes, and the newest addition to Issy Cosmetics’ refillable palettes: the Mini Palette. Avon partners with Watsons and is now available at your one-stop beauty shop nationwide! And, last but definitely not the least, the much-beloved L'Oréal Paris Makeup makes a comeback to SM Beauty.