Holiday gift ideas

So, are you done with your Christmas shopping? If you're part of the majority who's rushing like a headless chicken in the middle of bazaars and mall sales, but don't know what to get exactly, allow me to share a couple of articles which can give you some ideas!

Top 20 gift ideas for Christmas Mara Ruiz

From accessories, clothes, shoes to makeup, this article will help you pick your gifts according to preference, and features some great brands to check out.

Holiday skincare sets for your loved ones by Lyn Cacha

If you're looking for affordable but totally practical gifts for your friends, sister, aunts, etc. - any female loved one - then you can't go wrong with skincare. Make your gift more attractive by picking a pre-packaged set!

Hope this helps. ;)

Announcements: Vita Fede Sale and Santa's Christmas Bazaar (with freebies)

Dear girls, here are a couple of press releases I thought you may be interested in. Love, Liz

To mark its one-year presence in the Philippines, Vita Fede, the luxury accessories line that is frequently seen on high profile celebrities is teaming up with StyleBible.ph for a three-day exclusive online sale from December 8 to 10. 

A staple in the wardrobe of Hollywood A-listers such as Kate Hudson, Jessica Alba, Cameron Diaz, Katherine Heigl, Lindsay Lohan, Emmy Rossum, Olivia Palermo, Fergie and Jessica Biel, Vita Fede is also a favorite among Manila’s fashionable celebrities including Ruffa Gutierrez, Georgina Wilson, Anne Curtis and Kris Aquino.

Known for attention to detail, Vita Fede is committed to using only the finest materials and techniques.

Click to read more ...

Current fave: Clean & Clear Deep Action Cleanser

Clean & Clear used to be my go-to skincare brand during my adolescent years, but I have long since outgrown their formula and have tried and loved other brands. That's why I wasn't expecting much from Clean & Clear's newest facial wash called the Deep Action Cleanser.

However, surprise surprise! It's pretty awesome. I've been using it fairly regularly this past month. 

What I love about the product

• Amazing oil control. When I use this, my face holds up better under extreme heat and humidity. I still oil up of course, but let's say, only half as much as when I use other cleansers. I get and oil-free face for a good two to three hours with zero makeup; longer with makeup on, at four to six hours. That's nowhere near the promised 8 hours, but that's still quite an achievement! Please note though that I am not super oily. At best I only have combination-oily skin.
• Leaves my skin soft and glowy immediately after washing.

Click to read more ...

Mannish basics

Have you checked up on your closet lately? In all your shopping sprees, have you remembered to stock up on the absolute basics? I did a closet sweep last week and noticed that out of my many my white t-shirts, I didn't have THE white t-shirt: a Hanes v-neck cotton shirt! How could I have been so foolish all these years?

The small size fit me perfectly, and better yet, it only cost me a little more than P200. How cool is that?

So anyway, speaking of basics, I love how the combination of my straight-cut Levi's jeans, Charles & Keith leather loafers, and thrifted faux leather jacket looks like! It's relaxed yet extremely stylish. Perfect for errand days and for meeting with friends. I also love that I can easily amp the look up with some accessories and crazy high heels.

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Goodies from Canada

Last week, I received a beauty loot from Anne, a friend who lives in Canada! You remember that I swapped with her last September. This is our picture with Noemz, another friend I met online, who kindly shipped the package to me even amidst her busy schedule!

me, Anne, Noemz

These two girls are the sweetest. We only met online, eventually met in person, and, thanks to the Internet, we manage to keep in touch! I can't wait for Anne to visit the Philippines again so we can have a proper dinner or something. 

Anyhoo, this is what Anne sent me:

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Paul & Joe sale

Great news! Paul & Joe is on sale again! This time, it's 25% off on ALL items. That's not bad, considering a purchase of P2,000 will already get you a P500 discount. Now is the best time to get foundation refills and some eye crayons, if I were you.

open image to zoom 

New kicks: Ichigo laced flats

Are these brogues? Oxfords? I am not entirely sure, so to be safe I'll just call them "laced flats". Lol. I was at The Ramp in Glorietta the other day and couldn't resist the lovely muted pink color of these shoes. If you haven't noticed yet, I love pinks - light pinks, specifically. These Ichigo shoes are just the perfect shade of pink in my book.

Love the box!

They're originally P900 something, but since Ichigo had a 40% off on some designs, I got them for only a little over P500! How awesome is that?

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FOTD: Smoky taupes with Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadows

A friend of mine (hi Anne!) sent me this Maybelline palette from Canada. I don't buy Maybelline palettes because whenever I swatch one in the store, I always feel underwhelmed. However, I was really surprised by how this particular palette performed! The eyeshadows were silky, highly pigmented, and performed well over a base. Definitely a keeper.

Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow Quad in Natural Smokes

I love the color selection because they make for a quick, flattering smoky eye that's not too dark. I'm not sure if this palette is available in the Philippines, but if they are, I will definitely buy one in different colors. 

 

Face: Clinique Supermoisture makeup, MAC Studiofinish concealer, Ellana mineral foundation and finishing powder, NARS Super Orgasm

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I am always looking for ways to make Projectvanity.com a better website. Ultimately, my goal is to provide for your beauty and fashion needs in terms of information and merchandise. I hope you can answer this short survey to let me know what I can do for you.

Looking forward to your response! The survey appears after the cut. Click click! :D

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Outspoken by Fergie

I'm sure you've seen the Outspoken by Fergie commercial by now. I love it when she said, "There is more than one way to be heard." I completely agree! One way is by wearing a scent that reflects your personality since it can speak volumes to those who can "hear" it, if you know what I mean.

I must admit that I was surprised when I learned that Fergie, of the Black Eyed Peas fame, did a collaboration with Avon. She's known for her sexy image and strong personality - not really something one would immediately connect with a conservative brand like Avon. However, now that Avon is taking a more aggressive stance on women empowerment, Fergie is indeed a timely endorser as she is known to be a fun, fearless, and fashionable female that has a voice in this generation.

Avon kindly sent me a bottle of Outspoken by Fergie, designed by none other than the singer herself. It's a fresh modern scent that I really love!

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