Foundation Liz Lanuzo Foundation Liz Lanuzo

Great skin in a bottle: NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

People have been complimenting me on my "great" skin these past couple of weeks. I always tell them "It's NARS!" I've been breaking out heavily up until last week so my skin really looked like crap underneath; only a miracle could have made me look presentable. That miracle is the NARS Sheer Glow Foundation.

Let me cut to the chase and say that the NARS Sheer Glow is the best foundation I've tried to date. Trust me when I say that I've tried quite a lot in the past! Now before I go on and on just raving about it, let me debunk a couple of things about this product.

First of all, it's not sheer. I'd say that the coverage is medium to heavy (two layers). Second, it's not glowy at all - at least, not in the sense the word is usually taken in cosmetics. It's not shimmery nor luminescent. In fact I'd say the finish is more matte-satin. Lastly, while this foundation is especially formulated for dry to normal skin, it works perfectly for my oily-combination skin.

What I love about this product

  • My skin looks amazing with it on. It covers the lighter blemishes and uneven patches on my face while smoothing the overall appearance. The effect is "hyper real" - it's my skin, but loads better! The foundation just melts seamlessly.
  • The feel is lightweight, like I don't have makeup on.
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Shoes, Shopping Liz Lanuzo Shoes, Shopping Liz Lanuzo

Ferretti Shoes

A couple of weeks ago I visited Ferretti Shoes in Glorietta 5. I have passed by the store many times before, but I've never entered because the name "Ferretti" already sounds expensive. I also got the impression that their shoes are for mature women who work in the office - totally not my style since I prefer trendier footwear!

Boy was I wrong. Ferretti had shoes for different styles - for the yuppie who needs versatile and comfortable office shoes for commuting, for the older woman who needs something for a semi formal to formal party, for the ultra-casual urbanite, for the trend-setter who likes edgy shoes - there's something for these people in Ferretti. The brand has teetering heels, sophisticated flats, wedges, and even those canvas espadrilles we see everywhere now. It also has handmade bags and clutches.

Best part? The shoes are not expensive at all! The most expensive pair I saw in the store cost only P1,500. Flats and wedges range from P800 to P1,000. That's pretty good considering the fact that the shoes look sturdy and feel really comfy.

Ms. Cecille, the super nice owner of Ferretti, let me pick three shoes to take home, and these are what I got!

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Random Liz Lanuzo Random Liz Lanuzo

A new member of our Apple household

Let's take a break from makeup and clothes today, shall we? I'd just like to share my newest toy!

It's true what they say: once you go Mac, you can't go back. Okay that doesn't really apply to everyone but it does to me and Marco. We love Apple computers because of the functionality and design. We love that Apple thinks of computers differently and encourages other people to do the same.

Tools of the trade: 16-gig iPad, Macbook, 32-gig iPod Touch, 4-gig iPod Shuffle

When I first got my Macbook I had no idea how to use it.

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Outfit of the day Liz Lanuzo Outfit of the day Liz Lanuzo

Too Stepford Wife

When I meet Project Vanity readers, they always tell me that they're surprised I'm not...fatter. I don't know what's up with cameras, but in my photos I look five to ten pounds heavier! I fit into small and medium clothes. Bah.

Case in point:

Ukay Manila dress/ belt from Market! Market!/ Ferretti wedges

Oh well. I really like this dress. I didn't want to wear it to the La Mer event at first because it's too Stepford wife for the occasion, but I was in a hurry.

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Eyeliner, Tips and Tricks, Tools Liz Lanuzo Eyeliner, Tips and Tricks, Tools Liz Lanuzo

Glambox Mink Lashes review and photos

I am born with stick-straight pudgy lashes. It sucks because my brother was born with curly, thick lashes that no decent boy should have had! When we were kids all my parents' friends and visitors would compliment his lashes! Huff. Oh well. Even though I'm not happy with the lashes I have, I'm not obsessed about them at all. I don't use lash enhancing products and services unless you count mascara - I'm much too lazy for anything else.

Bare lashes

So I wasn't that psyched when I received the Glambox Mink Lashes for review. I seriously can't afford to put extra time in my usual routine, plus I have really short patience for "matrabaho" procedures when it comes to beauty. But hey, I might as well try these falsies right? Always be adventurous when it comes to beauty, I say.

So how did I find the Glambox Mink Lashes? One word: transformative! I loved how it looked on me. Read on for my detailed review!

What I love about the product

  • It's made of 100% genuine mink hair. No animal cruelty involved is the claim.
  • Hypoallergenic. There are lots of cheap plastic lashes out there, but when it comes to putting stuff at or near my eye, I don't want to leave it to random testing. I didn't suffer any allergies or redness from these mink lashes.
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Shopping, Tips and Tricks Liz Lanuzo Shopping, Tips and Tricks Liz Lanuzo

Online store spotlight: Get Sophisticated

A lot of enterprising Pinays have built a business out of selling US-brand makeup online. This is great news for us makeup lovers, but many of these resellers overestimate the demand for such luxury products so they tend to overprice their goods. But really, while I want this really nice piece of makeup, there's no way I would pay for a 40%+ markup! Frustrations just rage all around.

Thus, I'm glad that Shirlina of Get Sophisticated contacted me to check out her site. She sells Urban Decay products, Coastal Scents brushes, NYX makeup, China palettes, and a mix of popular items from other US brands like Too Faced, Rimmel, and E.L.F. What I like about her store is that the prices are competitive. The items she sells are also well-picked - she's obviously a makeup enthusiast because she knows some cult favorites.

I decided to get a Too Faced Shadow Insurance eyeshadow primer (only P1,100) since I read some rave reviews. Many contend that this is better than the Urban Decay Primer Potion.

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Skincare Liz Lanuzo Skincare Liz Lanuzo

Key ingredients of Asian Secrets

 

So you've read all the raves for Asian Secrets lulur on GirlTalk and on my posts. Have you ever wondered though - what makes Asian Secrets effective in terms of whitening and moisturizing? Well, some of its key ingredients are green tea, Vitamin E and squalane. They're nothing extraordinary since there are tons of beauty products featuring the same ingredients but together they are an unstoppable force.

IMG_9811 by project_vanity.

Green tea helps with sun protection and aging. It combats free radicals and reduce inflammation instead of blocking UV rays (which is what sunblock does). The result is smoother, more supple skin.

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FOTD, Outfit of the day Liz Lanuzo FOTD, Outfit of the day Liz Lanuzo

Casual nauticals

I had a grand time yesterday accompanying Kirby (Asian Secrets grand winner) to her makeover as well as hanging out with the Estee Lauder girls. Thanks so much for the company! Anyhoo, I decided on a super laid-back outfit for the day since I knew I would be waiting and walking around most of the time.

Muji shirt/ Levi's ID Curve jeans/ Ferretti flats/ NaRaYa bag/ SM belt/ Avon accessories/ Landmark headband

I was already late for my appointment so I threw on the fastest look I could think of: red lips. Fifteen minutes tops and I'm done! Full FOTD details after the cut.

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Skincare Liz Lanuzo Skincare Liz Lanuzo

Exclusive preview: Tri-Aktiline Total Face and Smooth-365 Peptide Serum

This just in! GoodSkin Labs, the same company that brought us the famous Tri-Aktiline Deep Wrinkle Filler and Eyliplex-2 Eyelift Circle Reducer (click for my reviews) will have two new products available this November. The Tri-Aktiline Total Face and Smooth-365 Serum are designed to be used all over the face, unlike their predecessors which are for troubleshooting problem areas.
Intriguing eh? If you're a fan of Tri-Aktiline and have always wanted something like that to use all over your face, Total Face is just the thing. I just used Smooth-365 and yes, it does smoothen the skin instantly. It's also supposed to be a great makeup primer/base - feels like it, too. The texture is reminiscent of the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. Smooth-365 is not silicone based though, which is great news for those who are not hiyang with that ingredient.
More pics after the jump!
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Accessories Liz Lanuzo Accessories Liz Lanuzo

Surprising find: Avon accessories

You all know I love Avon, particularly its makeup and underwear. But after the launch of its Summer collections last March, I was able to better appreciate the brand's accessories. Frankly they're not trendy nor something that would appeal to me at first glance, but I find that the designs and quality are enduring. I've had these for almost eight months and not a single one of the pieces have tarnished. Don't you hate it when your faux gold/silver jewelry fails in that department? *Cough* Forever 21 *cough*

Anyway, I'd just like to show you some of the newest pieces Avon is currently offering. Because! A real girl loves pretty shiny things!

What's up with black boxes tied up with pink ribbons? Eh? I'm not complaining!

Dare To Dazzle Collection (sans earrings since I forgot to take photos). I'm giving these away soon!

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Fashion, Fragrances Liz Lanuzo Fashion, Fragrances Liz Lanuzo

Avon launches Jet Holiday perfume and Dare To Dazzle jewelry

Have you ever seen Ruffa Gutierrez in person? You should try one time! She's stunning in every sense of the word. Her beauty is like a physical wall that hits you when you lay your eyes on her. And no I'm not going lesbo, it's just that I am a keen admirer of beauty (hence this blog)! Anyway, I also like that Ruffa is always perfectly poised and well-dressed, with her makeup flawless.

Allow me make a comment in true showbiz fashion: she lost weight!

Ruffa hosted the launch of Avon's latest offerings: the Jet Holiday Eau de Toilette and the Dare To Dazzle Jewelry Collection last October 12. The event was held at Society Lounge. It was a pretty straightforward launch where guests got to experience and take home the Avon's newest products.

Gwapo models went around spraying Jet Holiday (P1,350) for the guests

Jet  Holiday  is described as an "enticing  blend of fresh citrus, sun-soaked orange blossom and exotic fig wood". I love the scent because it has this unexpected kick of something like ginger.

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Clothes, Fashion Liz Lanuzo Clothes, Fashion Liz Lanuzo

The Little Black Dress

I've been thinking about little black dresses all week. I don't know how it started, but there it is. My guess is that I'm in a black mood, that is, all I want to wear is black. I want an LBD in every shape and size!

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Skincare Liz Lanuzo Skincare Liz Lanuzo

Pond's Gold Radiance: a literal gold mine

When the kind folks at Pond's invited me to a soft product launch last night, I was wondering: knowing the extensive skincare lines the brand has come up with to address every Pinay skin concern, what else can they possibly have up their sleeves?

The answer is delightfully surprising: gold! I was completely caught off guard. Can it be that something as luxe as real gold be available in drugstore skincare products?

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Fashion, Shopping Liz Lanuzo Fashion, Shopping Liz Lanuzo

SM Fashion Forum: The hotspot for chic investment pieces

We all love cheap clothes, but sometimes, it's wise to invest in choice pieces that will serve us for more than a few washes. Basics like the little black/white dress, stunning cocktail dresses, and evening gowns are items that need to stand the test of time in our closets. It makes more sense to blow a few thousands on them and then recycle until you get fat, or die. Lol.

Anyway, that's the idea behind the SM Fashion Forum located at the third level of SM Makati. The clothes there are in the P2,000 to P5,000 price range, but they are picked with care to reach a balance of quality, trendiness, and versatility without sacrificing timeless style. The clothes are from US brands like Adrianna Papell, David Meister, Donna Morgan, London Times, Max & Cleo, and Maggy London, to name a few. Miss Couture is a line for the younger set in terms of cheaper pricing and styles.

If you're looking for clothes to wear for important business meetings, power lunches, and parties/events from semi-formal to formal, I highly recommend Fashion Forum as your first stop. However, if you're into cheap and trendy disposable clothes for malling, clubbing, or coffee dates, go to Forever 21! Or any mall department store and tiangge, really.

Here's a virtual tour of the SM Fashion Forum:

Bright, well-lit interiors and spacious aisles will greet you upon entering

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Clothes, Shopping, Tools Liz Lanuzo Clothes, Shopping, Tools Liz Lanuzo

Shopping at Muji

Muji is a Japanese "no-brand" brand that specializes in minimalist lifestyle goods. The brand sells things from clothes to toothbrushes, bed frames to makeup. I've always been curious about Muji because friends who have visited its stores abroad have raved about it. Thus, I dutifully went last night with Marco and braved the sea of chi-chi shoppers, poodles (clutched in the arms of chi-chi shoppers), and yayas in uniform, toting hyperactive kids.

Muji's minimalist, utilitarian clothes are not my style, but there are a lot of nice basics like plain tanks and shirts which one can incorporate in any outfit. The prices of the clothes started from P600 to P2,500. Frankly not all the clothes are worth their price tags. They were selling these plain cotton dresses for ~P1,600. The fabric or quality wasn't anything special, if that's the major argument for the price.

The cardigans and blazers for women, however, are worth a gander.

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Promotions Liz Lanuzo Promotions Liz Lanuzo

Project Vanity Stash Giveaway

It's that time of the month again! I'm giving away lots of beauty products to one lucky Project Vanity reader. Check out this whole cartful of prettifiers for the face, hair, and body:

Mechanics

1. On the Wall of the Project Vanity Facebook Page, answer the question: What are three beauty products that you can't live without? I'm asking because I'm genuinely curious about what you keep on buying and using!

2. Like the blog's Facebook Page. You must do steps 1 and 2 to qualify for this contest.

Optional: You can also blog about the contest (+3 entries). If you blog about the contest, leave a link on this post.

3. Contest ends on October 30. Winners will be picked via random draw.


Terms and conditions

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Lips Liz Lanuzo Lips Liz Lanuzo

Rave: Aquafina Lip Balms

Lip balm is one of the most fundamental things every girl needs to have about her person - forever! So when you find a lip balm that works for you, never let go. Hoard. Put one tube in all your bags and jeans pockets. I found THE lip balm that I plan to use for the rest of my life: Aquafina Lip Balms.

I got these from my swap with Anne last September. It wasn't part of the list we agreed on, so I was touched by the freebie she gave me! I didn't plan to use them actually, but I got curious so I tried the blue one first. It was love at first swipe, swear. I never suffered from dry or chapping lips ever since these babies fell into my hands.

Why this is awesome

  • Very moisturizing. Some Western ladies at Makeupalley find the formula a bit drying, but since the Philippines is humid, the formula addresses my concerns perfectly. My lips feel more supple, smooth, and peeling skin (which is normal) go off evenly. Note though that I don't have particularly dry lips to begin with.
  • Perfect texture and feel. The balm feels just like water on my lips but just a teensy bit thicker. The texture is fine and not waxy at all! This is the most comfortable lip balm I ever used - and I have tried quite a number from different drugstore brands. You will instantly forget you have this balm on.
  • Serves as the perfect base for lipsticks and gloss. You lip color won't slide on this, nor would it feel heavy when you layer it on top of this balm. 
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Shoes Liz Lanuzo Shoes Liz Lanuzo

Sneak preview of what's dropping at Anthology

Anthology is famous for its ultra-cool and classic flat shoes that are designed for comfort. The materials used are of high-quality, which explains the prices starting from P2,000 to P4,000. I have the impression that Anthology shoes have achieved a cult following among Manila's fashion set because of their enduring designs and the feel of the shoes. If you have to buy an "investment" pair of flats, Anthology should be at the top of your list.

Here are some popular designs:

Shanghai, P2795

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Random Liz Lanuzo Random Liz Lanuzo

Guilty pleasures

I love dainty containers, boxes, and paper bags. I used to collect paper bags from the stores I shopped in, then eventually from the brands who sent me their wares, but I had to throw them out since space is precious. I would keep special boxes though (like from Pond's - they pack stuff in the best, beribboned boxes!) and some paper bags that I know I won't easily come across. I also keep some pretty boxes that come with makeup.

Small pouches and containers are also a secret addiction. I have quite a lot lying around in the condo because I just can't bear to throw them away! What if I need them someday? I do use them someday, eventually. Other people would call it recycling but I'd call it hoarding.

Anyway, I'd like to show you one of my favorite containers. This one is pretty special to me because I bought it in Boracay. I haven't seen it around in Manila so maybe it's not one of those mass-produced things. In any case the shell is real and not plastic, making me feel like it would bear pearls whenever I hold it. Oh day dreams.

I thought it would be a nice accessory keeper so I stuffed all my Avon accessories from their summer collection (launched last March).

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