Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Soothing, Brightening, and Everything in Between: An Intro To Hello Glow Soothing Gels

When large jars of aloe vera gel began making their way to the Philippines from South Korea about a decade or so ago, it resonated deeply with the Filipino beauty community. It was a match made in skincare heaven - a product that was not only lightweight and moisturizing but also soothing, perfectly matching the needs of those living in a tropical climate. This laid the groundwork for the embrace of similar products, such as the Hello Glow Soothing Gels lineup, available on Shopee Mall, which have since become staples in the beauty routines of many Filipinos.

These gels, coming in generous 300 mL jars, offer a modern twist on the classic aloe vera formula, infusing it with active ingredients designed to target a variety of skin concerns while remaining budget-friendly. Let’s discuss each!

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Rae Angelei Regalado Rae Angelei Regalado

Beyond Stereotypes: Celebrating Women's Strength at the 8th She Talks Asia Summit

The phrase 'Kababae mong tao' is one that all Filipinas have encountered at some point, often used as a dig anchored in the towering stereotypes dictating what a woman is supposed to be. If you've ever felt hindered or stifled by the limited roles set for women, let me take you through the essence of the recently concluded She Talks Asia Summit, aptly themed Breaking Stereotypes. It was a day brimming with compelling discussions and narratives that left the crowd feeling changed and inspired. It's my hope that by sharing this, it sparks the same for you.

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Spotlight’s Fresh Look And Their New Lush Lip & Cheek Creme

In case you missed it: Spotlight, a Filipino brand that debuted on the eve of the pandemic, is going through somewhat of a reawakening. It seems they've been on a quest to find their spot in the sun (get it?), and with the introduction of their new Spotlight Lush Lip & Cheek Crème (Php 425 / 6.5 grams), they might just have hit the mark.

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Roshni Hemlani Roshni Hemlani

Vice Cosmetics x Full Spectrum Masterclass Debuts The Endlezz Collection

As a professional makeup artist, I often find myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of base products and shades in the market. But with Vice Cosmetics’ new Endlezz Collection, the guesswork was taken out of the equation—making it easier than ever to create flawless looks for my clients. I recently attended the Vice Cosmetics x Full Spectrum Masterclass event, where I learned all about the a new skin-focused lineup designed to revolutionize the way we approach makeup in the Philippines and beyond.

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Claire Reyes Claire Reyes

Beauty Roundup: New lip and cheek drops from Spotlight, Blk, ColourPop, and Dior

The heat is on! Lately I’ve been drawn to a fresh monochromatic look with lighter colors, a juicy lip, and fresh base: the makings of a good summer go-to look. And it seems like I’m not the only one. Thankfully, new releases have focused on barely there skin tints, bright cheeks, and glossy lips. This week, let’s take a look at Spotlight Cosmetics’ new Lush Lip and Cheek Créme, and new shades for Blk Cosmetics Creamy All-Over Paints. We’ll also get a taste of ColourPop’s new plumping gloss balms and lip liners. Last but most definitely not the least, let’s take a peek at Dior Beauty’s new color lineups for the season. Let’s get started on this week’s beauty news roundup!

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

What Is Dry Shampoo, And Do You Need It?

Ever had those mornings where you're rushing out the door, no time for a shower, yet your hair is screaming for a wash? Or those days when the weather just makes your scalp feel ickier than usual? We all know how humid it gets here in the tropics, especially in Manila where pollution is an all-time high. That's where the lifesaver called dry shampoo comes in, and trust me, it's a winner for anyone looking to freshen up their locks on the go.

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Rae Angelei Regalado Rae Angelei Regalado

The Beauty Trends That The Project Vanity Community Regrets

It feels like the wheel of trends spins faster with each passing year, doesn't it? The traditional arc of the trend cycle weaves through five distinct phases: introduction, rise, peak, decline, and finally, obsolescence. Along this journey, we've embraced everything from the audacity of blunt bangs and the allure of blue eyeshadow to the fresh charm of strawberry makeup looks and the daring edge of the wolf cut. Yet, amidst the whirlwind of changing styles, one constant remains: our ability to look back at our old photos and wince at what we once deemed the pinnacle of fashion. Indeed, the trend cycle seems to unfurl across five stages, but I propose we acknowledge a universal, unspoken sixth stage: regret.

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

How Take A Stand Against Self-Sabotage: A Guide to Reclaiming Your Power

Have you ever been on the brink of achieving something you've wanted for so long, only to do something that pulls the rug out from under your own feet? It's like there's a part of you that's your own worst enemy, lurking in the shadows, ready to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. This, my friends, is self-sabotage in action. It feels like taking two steps forward and then three steps back, leaving us bewildered and asking, "Why do I keep doing this to myself?"

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

A Brighter Smile Awaits: How to Combat Teeth Stains and Yellowing

There's something captivating about a bright, radiant smile. It's like being the proud owner of a luxury item that never goes out of style. But achieving that coveted sparkle can sometimes feel like navigating a minefield in a world obsessed with coffee, tea, and the occasional "just one more glass" of red wine. Fear not, my friends! Here’s some advice on how to help brighten your teeth over time.

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Claire Reyes Claire Reyes

Beauty Roundup: Bridgerton x BBW, Lee Chae Min for Clinique, Heart E at Beauty Con 2024, and new GRWM retail stores

Dearest readers, I have returned to unveil this week’s beauty news roundup. This particular edition follows the intersection of show business and charming celebrities with the ever-changing beauty industry. Let’s take a peek at Bath & Body Works’ Bridgerton collection in collaboration with Netflix, and the charming new face of Clinique Moisture Surge. We also have all the details you need about the one and only Heart Evangelista’s talk at BeautyCon this month. Let’s congratulate makeup artist/beauty influencer/entrepreneur Mae Layug as her beauty brand GRWM opens its fourth physical store at SM North. Prepare yourselves for the exciting news unveiled below!

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

A Review of the Dermadrop Treatment

If you’ve been reading Project Vanity for a while then you know that I’ve never been into doing facial treatments. I felt, for the longest time, that these will just break me out and irritate my skin. But since I’ve been seeing a dermatologist, we’ve been able to improve my acne dramatically and my face is nowhere near as easily triggered as it used to be! So now I am super open to trying out new technologies specifically to improve my skin texture, brighten uneven areas, and to fade blemishes faster.

Recently, I got to try something fairly new here in the Philippines: the Dermadrop. An aesthetic clinic called Amore Lumina BGC (second floor of where Marqed Salon is) has a special pop-up event for the treatment available through Parlon.ph only until April. I went for the Dermadrop Polar Brightening Facial Plus Treatment (P7,000 per session), and here is my experience!

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Green Glamour: Ever Bilena's Mission to Merge Beauty with Sustainability

It's like walking a tightrope; on one side, you have the evolving Filipino beauty industry, and on the other, the pressing need to be kinder to our planet. It's a tough balance to strike, especially here in the Philippines. Ever Bilena, a brand we've all grown to love for its affordability and quality, is stepping up to this challenge in a big way through its partnership with Ecoloop, a move that's not just about looking good but doing good.

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Review + Swatches: Rouge Dior Is Where Color Meets Couture

I feel good whenever someone asks me what lipstick I’m wearing and I say, “It’s Dior”. It’s a small thrill, really, but I think we all deserve a little luxury in our life. Having a signature designer lipstick in my purse makes me feel elegant and tasteful, especially when I have a high-low mix of products for the day! It doesn’t have to be all designer but I think having a couple in there just elevates the entire look. If you feel the same way, then you should get to know the Rouge Dior Lipstick (P2,800 in Dior boutiques and Rustan’s) a little more.

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Claire Reyes Claire Reyes

Everything You Need to Know About Naturie, Japan’s #1 Toner Essence

You read that right! Japan’s #1 best-selling, multi-awarded Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner (P379 / 500ml) is here in the Philippines. This hydrating skin conditioner has achieved cult status, and no wonder! Its fragrance-free formula is hydrating yet never sticky, and works wonders on all skin types. Plus, it can be used as a toner, essence, or mask for the face and body–basically anywhere your skin needs to be hydrated and relieved from sunburn and other irritations.

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Celebrating 41 Years of Beauty with Ever Bilena: A Sale Not to Be Missed!

Happy 41st, Ever Bilena! 🎉 It's not every day that a beauty brand we've grown to adore and rely on celebrates such a special anniversary. Ever Bilena has been with us through thick and thin, dolling us up for our first dates, job interviews, and everything in between. Now, in celebration of their 41st year in the beauty game, Ever Bilena is throwing one of their biggest sale events ever, and let me tell you, it's a beauty enthusiast's dream come true!

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

The Project Vanity Podcast Is Back: What Does It Mean To Listen To Women?

Five years ago, we launched the Project Vanity Podcast. Back then, the concept of a beauty podcast was still fresh, and despite our passion and efforts, gaining momentum beyond the first five episodes proved to be a challenge. Podcasts weren't quite the phenomenon in the Philippines that they are today. Fast forward to now, the digital landscape has transformed, and with it, a renewed opportunity for the Project Vanity Podcast to do something new. Once again, we're thrilled to have the support of the award-winning Puma Podcast Team behind our production.

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

A Touch of Glamour: Bringing 8 Hollywood Beauty Trends Home with SM Deals

As awards season sweeps through, bringing with it a cascade of glittering ceremonies and star-studded red carpets, we can't help but watch in awe. The grandeur of the event, the stunning outfits, and, of course, the breathtaking beauty looks that grace the red carpet, leave us dreaming of incorporating a touch of that glam into our daily routines. While we may not have a red carpet to strut down in our day-to-day lives, the allure of Hollywood glamour isn't entirely out of reach.

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Claire Reyes Claire Reyes

Beauty Roundup: Women’s Month at SM, Lisa Eldridge snags award, Kylie Jenner’s first fragrance, and MAC’s Teddy Forever collection

And suddenly, it’s March! That means a month-long celebration: International Women’s Month. How are you celebrating it? SM Supermalls makes it easy with exclusive sales, promos, and installations at their malls nationwide. Outstanding women are also honored, including celebrity makeup artist turned beauty brand founder Lisa Eldridge. Kylie Jenner marks the month by releasing her first ever solo fragrance. We’ll also take a peek at MAC’s new collection, which takes inspiration from one of its iconic lipstick shades, Velvet Teddy.

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Liz Lanuzo Liz Lanuzo

Project Vanity Presents: #EmpowerHer – Elevating Style, Eloquence, and Personal Finance

Ladies, March is a special month for us all—it's Women's Month! It's a time to celebrate our achievements, reflect on our struggles, and support one another to reach even greater heights. This year, to mark this significant month as well as our 16th anniversary, Project Vanity is hosting an exclusive gathering that promises to inspire and educate. We're thrilled to invite you to our event, "#EmpowerHer: How To Elevate Your Style, Eloquence, and Personal Finance," happening on March 22, Friday, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Valle Verde Country Club.

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Katsy Faustino Katsy Faustino

Glow Without the White Cast: Discovering Happy Skin's New Mineral Sunscreen

Summer is right around the corner, and with it comes an exciting array of sunscreen launches from our beloved skincare brands. At the top of my must-try list is the new Happy Skin Rescue Me Mineral Sunscreen Primer SPF 50+ PA++++ (P999). What sets this gem apart in the sea of sun protection is its dedication to being gentle on both sensitive skin and our oceans. Unlike previous offerings from Happy Skin, this product stands out by being an exclusively mineral-based sunscreen, steering clear of chemical filters.

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