I have not been so kind to my skin lately. Lately, my job finds me outdoors for most of the day, and even with sunscreen application and strategically finding shaded areas to stand in, the sun and its reflection on the pavement have led to unevenly tanned skin and sun spots galore. Will switching from a simple hydrating skincare routine to an actively brightening one help? That was my big question when I swapped my usual nighttime picks for a duo from the Laneige Radian-C line!

If you’re not too familiar with Chemical Exfoliants, they sound downright terrifying. It certainly doesn’t help that they’re also known as Acids, conjuring to mind old Filipino movies and teleseryes with old-school physically abusive contrabidas! But those in the know cherish how their favorite acid exfoliant formulas are capable of being super effective yet surprisingly gentle. And I feel exactly the same way about the Puffy Pod (P995 for a jar of 60 pads).

How do you feel about having gold in your daily skin care routine? Pure Culture is a fairly new local vegan and clean beauty brand with products that aim to strengthen the skin’s microbiome while using sustainable, locally-sourced active ingredients in the process. It’s the first Filipino beauty brand that is Safe Cosmetics Australia-certified. I got to try both their Bulgarian Rose serum and moisturizer, and here’s my quick review!

By the time I had saved up enough to make the purchase, the era of Foreo had already begun. The more hygienic and softer silicone material is gentler on the skin than the defunct sonic brush brand’s nylon bristles. And what’s more, the brush head doesn’t require regular replacement. It turns out that the delay was a blessing. As of today, I am already a proud owner of two Foreo cleansing devices! I have just tested their latest entry-level release, the Foreo Luna Play Smart 2 (P5,280 via Sephora.ph, Lazada, and Foreo), so let’s see how it compares.

When menstrual cups started showing up more and more in the Philippines, I rejoiced. I liked the idea of a more eco-friendly alternative to the pads I’ve used since puberty. Unfortunately, I didn't have the best experience in finding the right fit and ended up a little traumatized. So no judgment here if you really wanted to give The Cup a try, but it just wasn't for you. The next best thing is an alternative to the alternative: fully biodegradable pads!

Pwera usog, but it feels like we’re moving into the more “normal” part of the new normal. Meaning, full makeup is finally making a comeback in all its gorgeous glory! And to celebrate this, Estee Lauder hosted a virtual class led by their Director of Global Artistry, Jocelyn Biga

Have you heard about NACIFIC? It’s a K-beauty brand that’s been quietly getting a strong following recently. It stands for Naturalistic, Affordable, Clean, Innovative, Fresh, Iconic, and Caring. Their approach is a trendy minimalist aesthetic coupled with formulations that spotlight nature-derived healthy ingredients to relax the skin. It is an inclusive brand, because each product line targets specific skin concerns. There’s the Fresh Cica Plus (acne care/anti-inflammatory), Pink AHA/BHA (exfoliating), and Blackhead All Kill (pore refining) to name a few. But their all-time bestsellers are still the OG Fresh Herb Origin line and their brightening Phyto Niacin line!

I remember when I had just started writing for Project Vanity and attended a MAC workshop that featured the Lightful C collection. It was actually the first time I realized that this MUA staple makeup brand also carried a skincare range! And it’s one that focuses on highlighting the skin’s radiance for a rosy glow, even before any base makeup takes place.

Well, the Lightful line just got a major “tone up” that sees the series expanding to a total of seven skincare products and three types of base makeup. Say hello to the Lightful C3 collection!

I am of the opinion that facial oils are severely underrated. They can feel so… extra - and, therefore, not for everybody. Since they’re primarily occlusive in nature, oils work best when they’re not just used as a one-and-done skincare step. Rather, they best function as a final moisture “sealant” to go over your serum and moisturizer. That’s why some might feel that they’re excessive.

After first discovering Mae Layug’s GRWM Cosmetics and being pleasantly surprised by the Multi-Use Creamy Tints, I’m back with reviews and swatches of their latest multipurpose makeup offering! The Radiance Tint (P349 / 8ml via LazMall or ShopeeMall) is a tubed concealer line that comes in 12 shades and 12 possible uses.

A fascinating truth: Even before you become fully aware of it, cleansing is the earliest form of skincare you take on. It’s a ritual most people even take for granted. But why aim for just getting it over with, when you can pay attention to flaunting that fresh, oil-free glow by choosing the ideal cleanser to deliver those results?

What was your foundation game like five or ten years ago? Or if you’ve been using makeup for longer than that, do you remember what the formulas were like when you first started? There was a time when it was all about matte, and the coverage options seemed to be either full or fuller and, dare I say, cakey. We’ve come a long way since then, and the formulas feel more... efficient. The wear is generally more comfortable, while the finish of some varieties look more skin-like than ever. Most of all, these innovations are premiering at a fast pace while becoming more affordable!

Here’s the thing: A minimalist skincare routine can be just as effective as an elaborate one in achieving those glass skin goals. The key is to layer on the right combination of products together to target those daily skincare concerns. And the Japanese are experts at this practice, proving time and time again that even their drugstore brands deliver.

During my teen years in the early aughts, most of the scented beauty products like skincare and body care were typically floral-scented. You could say that it was the bouquet heyday. Fruity fragrances were often marketed towards kids and pre-teens, while gourmand scents had a not so low-key boudoir association. (Remember Jessica Simpson’s Dessert Beauty? Because I sure do!)

How are you stepping up your self-care game? Some may have taken to adapting their going-out beauty habits for at-home ones, while others have opted to sport makeup again to keep the proverbial engine running. But of course there’s the physical health aspect of self-care as well where our wellness journey tends to manifest itself through our physical appearance. Don’t sleep on getting proper rest, eating well, and taking the best supplements for your needs!

I think it’s safe to say that a lot of us have picked up new hobbies in the last two years. Some have even started small businesses out of these freshly acquired skills. Luckily, accessibility to these activities are at an all time high, thanks to the internet.

One thing that I found on Lazada randomly is this DIY kit for those looking to start their own fragrance hobby or business. The Chemworld Fragrance Factory’s Fragrance Play DIY Perfume Blending Starter Kit (P750) has two types of starter kits. The Fragrance Play is the more basic one, while Starter Kit A (P3,865) is the pro-level version that’s meant for those planning to start their own fragrance mixing business.

If being in the midst of a global pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that trying to take on healthy habits should be a conscious year-round practice rather than a half-hearted New Year’s resolution. It also means learning to be more in-tune with our bodies’ needs and selecting the right tools to help our wellness journey along. Bonus beauty benefit: A healthy system can translate to a glow that shows on the outside!

Since many of us are cautious about going out these days, physical shopping trips tend to be planned more carefully than during the pre-pandemic era. But that doesn't mean discarding your beauty routine and limiting yourself to grocery supply runs. One way of still being able to stock up on your kikay caboodle is by visiting a one-stop shop that offers choice products from all over the world. It's time to stop, LOOK, and shop!

Ever since the start of the community quarantine, online marketplaces like Shopee have helped give us convenient access to certain things from the outside world. Learning a new hobby? You're likely to find competitively-priced supplies. Forgot to pick something up from the last supply run? Perhaps one of your favorite sellers has it. Want to try something new? There’s tons of listings to discover.

One of the most challenging things about this pandemic is being able to avail of regular healthcare services that require one’s physical presence at a clinic. When my mom was experiencing a toothache earlier this year, I was surprised to learn that her dentist could not even do fillings. It was straight to tooth extractions for emergency cases. Cleanings and regular check-ups were out of the question.