Hi Ms Liz! What causes open pores and how do you treat them? :) I mean what are the remedies. Thanks!- Mikee

Hi Mikee, I'm not a dermatologist so I can't answer this with any authority. But hey, there's Google! First, what are pores? These tiny holes allow our skin to sweat and therefore maintain our body temperature. They also serve as channels for sebum to pass through to the surface of our skin; this oil lubricates our body and hair, keeping them supple and elastic.

The size of our pores is determined by the width of our hair follicles. If you have thick hair strands then you are most likely to have bigger pores. Not really a genius realization but now it makes sense why I don't have visible pores - my hair is very fine! Anyway, this also means that big pores are just in your DNA. You can't shrink them or make them disappear permanently.

Facial pores can look enlarged, however, if you don't clean them properly. Oil and dead skin cells can accumulate inside pores which may then stretch the skin and make the holes look more obvious.

Hi Liz! I just want to understand how the SPFs on multiple products work. If I use a facial moisturizer with SPF 15 and then layer it with a facial powder with SPF 15, does that mean that I'm wearing a total of SPF 30 on my face? I just want to make sure if my understanding is correct. If this is the case, then I can sparingly use a more expensive facial moisturizer with SPF 30 and then simply use the moisturizer-powder combination more frequently and I will have the same degree of protection either way. Thanks in advance for the clarification. - Maybelle

Hi Maybelle! Thanks for your question. I talked to a dermatologist before about this, and she said that it's not possible to layer SPF products to get a higher number. You will just get a higher volume of the sun screening ingredients, which means you get better protection, but it's still on the same SPF15 level. If you mix SPF15 with something that has SPF30 though, the higher number is the amount of protection your skin will receive.

Since we were already on the topic of hair removal, I thought I would smoothly follow through with a treatment I tried recently. Last December, I vamoosed to Strip Serendra to try out their sinful Warm English Gingerbread Cookie Wax and V-Blush treatment on my underarms. I love the end results! It's been five weeks and my 'pits are still super soft and fairly hairless.

Did I say five weeks? Yeah that's how good it is. The Gingerbread Cookie Wax is only offered for a limited time so I'm not sure if it's still available, but I would still highly recommend the waxing services of Strip. They are so quick to pull out the hair - one try, actually - and it didn't hurt at all.

Waxing was my favorite way to get rid of body hair, but most days I just shaved and called it a day. I don't really have time to drop by a waxing salon for an hour or so (including travel time), and besides it can be expensive if you must get it done twice a month. That comes down to P1,200 a month at a modest salon ha! I can buy better things with that money than getting rid of my leg hair, truth be told.

So, I embarked on a casual online hunt for electric hair epilators. Basically it looks like a razor but instead of cutting the hair close to the skin, the gadget pulls out each hair. Sounds like torture? Eh, depends on your pain tolerance. I'll discuss that later.

What is this sorcery and where can one buy it

I didn't know there were electric epilators available locally. The blog posts I've seen about it all talk about getting one abroad, or via pre-order. Clearly, my Google-fu needs improvement. Imagine my surprise when I saw one in Watsons Mall of Asia (SM department store area) a couple of weeks ago! I was actually checking out Baby Bliss hair curlers when, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted the mythical epilator. I knew I was going home with it, no questions asked!

Well there were questions asked because the first one I saw cost almost P7,000 I think. Haha. Good thing I rummaged behind the box to look for other models; the boxes look alike. The one I bought, the Philips Satinelle HP6400, is only P2,299.

Five years ago I wouldn't have looked twice at healing and repairing skincare products. I mean, what was there to repair when you're a girl of 19? Maybe I'm just ultra-sensitive because I work in the beauty and fashion industry, but I have noticed that my skin is becoming drier over the years. It's not as elastic and fresh as it used to be. Again, the difference may be unnoticeable to most, but since I write about beauty products day in and day out I am hyper observant of my hide. 

Anyway, my main skin problem is dryness on my hands and legs. My hands, particularly, are starting to feel crackly because I wash them so much (I have an active dog)! Thus I use a heavy moisturizer a few times every week to make sure that my hands are soft and smooth (my legs too). I love the Vitacreme B12 Body Milk but it's horribly expensive. I'm happy to announce a way cheaper alternative!

I received these Jergens Overnight Repair and Ultra Healing Moisturizers (P99/ 100ml and P342/650ml pump) a month ago and I find that they do exactly what they promise. These are heavy-duty, thick moisturizers that are designed to heal skin and restore it to suppleness.

The weather has been cold and windy lately. It's a great fashion opportunity (layering and cute boots, anyone?) but it's not so kind to our skin. I'm sure some of you have been suffering from dryness and even flakiness on the face and hands! I would too, if I haven't been using the Clinique Moisture Surge Intense (P2,600) this past month.

I usually get very dry come December up to February, when the season is colder than average. It's worse on my cheeks and sides of the mouth/ nose. It's kind of ridiculous that I didn't think of using a heavier moisturizer than I normally do but then again, I don't like that many moisturizers as much as the original Clinique Moisture Surge. So yes, the Intense version is a brilliant idea for people like me.

The CMS is a great moisturizer for oily skin in tropical weather like ours, but the thing is it doesn't give the necessary moisture once the weather turns. Intense is heavier, creamier, and is almost unrecognizable from the CMS gel formula except for the trademark pink jar.

Hey folks! Before I start with the review of my new favorite facial wash, I want to share a lovely comment that I received from Kim, a new Project Vanity reader (say hi!):

Hi Miss Liz! I'm a new follower of Project Vanity and I'm loving my stay here as a reader so far. Before I'd be a silent follower who would read every post religiously but never leave a comment. Your makeup reviews are very detailed and helpful but what I love most is the feedback section. It's a refreshing change from other blogs where comments sections are usually reserved for compliments and praises and whatnots for the blogger. Yours is very interactive and the comments have legit helpful content as well. :) Smart bloggers attract smart readers, eh? ;)

This is quite true. I am not able to reply to all comments unfortunately but I read everything as soon as I get them, and learn so much in the process. Like dupes of certain high-end products, application tips, and just general feedback on a product the commenter has tried. I also get ideas on what to post next time! So thank you, guys, for helping fellow beauty enthusiasts with your practical and unique insights.

On to the review! The Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleanser (P1,200) is formulated for oily-skinned girls who are also prone to pore blockage (blackheads). This promises to neatly absorb and sweep off all traces of sebum on your skin without actually stripping off its moisture barrier. Kaolin Clay, the public enemy #1 of oil, is its main ingredient.

The thing with kaolin clay is that it's so effective in absorbing oil that it ends up sucking your skin dry (at least in my experience). It's more commonly used in facial masks for deep treatments. How does it fare in a facial wash? 

The Bobbi Brown Illuminating Face Base (P2,650) aka the reason I can go out without foundation is now a mainstay in my routine. It has SPF25 which is always useful during the day, but most importantly, it makes my skin look amazing. You'll see a photo later. For now, lemme run through what's awesome about this product!

What I love about it

• The micronized pearl pigments infused in this cream base gives skin the perfect glow. You'll see a bit of shimmer if you look reeeeallly closely but when worn, there's just a can't-put-your-finger on sheen to your skin. Don't worry, it's subtle that it won't make oily skin look oilier.
• Helps makeup glide on better as it smoothens skin. It also helps keep your makeup look fresh longer, although it won't block oil in my experience.

My dresser and product storage space are literally close to bursting - and I'm not saying that just to brag. I'm actually in a mild panic about organizing, photographing, and finally using everything I received the past few weeks! I don't know how I can manage all the backlogs what with work plus three events I'm deploying in the next three weeks. -_- Damn I need an assistant.

Anyway! I just want to quickly review the latest Avon Skin So Soft products. I've been a huge fan of SSS since I was in high school, so I'm really happy that Avon is adding more targeted products to the line. My favorite out of the bunch is the Silky Moisture Ultra Moisturizing Body Lotion (P300). It's light and non-greasy, plus it smells like fresh jasmine. That always gets me - I love jasmine in skincare!

There are three new SSS sub-lines:  Soft & White (to help lighten skin), Silky Moisture (for long-lasting moisturization), and Firming & Restoring (to promote vitality and firmness).

If you watch Lisa Eldridge on YouTube then you've probably seen her rave about the Bioderma Crealine H20 Micellar Solution (recently renamed to Sensibio) a few times. It's a French makeup remover that has no scent, no sting, and feels just like water on skin. Micellar waters like this are all the rage these days (a favorite by models and makeup artists) because they leave no wet or greasy mess after it is wiped off.

Come again?

What's a micellar water anyway? Basically, a micelle is a cluster of surfactant molecules suspended in a liquid solution. These molecules absorb dirt and oil thus cleaning the skin without having to lather or emulsify. Cool eh? I found Bioderma very mild, however, it has a bitter taste - something you'll notice when you use it to remove lipstick.

Oooh my first time to try Laneige! Other bloggers have raved about the brand so naturally I want to see what the fuss is about. That said, I got the Laneige Snow BB Soothing Cushion (P1,950 with refill) a few weeks ago and have been using it every so often. Not as often as I would like, to be honest, only because I chose the wrong shade. 

First off, this is not foundation. Laneige primarily describes it as a whitening product with SPF which is pretty much how many BB creams are. The Snow BB provides just enough coverage to even out skin and give it a dewy glow, but it won't hide blemishes or pimples you might have. It's really more of a tinted makeup base that anything else.

Here's a quick rundown!

What I love about the product

• Gives a dewy, super natural finish on skin. It doesn't look like makeup because it's sheer and allows your real skin to show.
• Has SPF50 PA+++. That's a pretty good number if you're looking for extra sun protection!

Whew, what a busy Friday. How's yours? Hope you're going somewhere fun tonight. :D I just want to pop in and share a review on a soap I am loving right now: the Earth Therapeutics Loofah Exfoliating Soap in Oatmeal & Honey (price to follow).

I'm the type who can't take a proper bath without using a loofah. It makes me feel cleaner, as if all the dirt and grime are completely washed away. My usual routine is liquid soap + loofah. Simple really but a loofah soap like the one for Earth Therapeutics simplifies my bath routine even more!

It smells like honey, as promised. It's very relaxing in the bath but don't expect the scent to linger outside.

Now, I've tried other exfoliating soaps before but this one actually exfoliates.

A product that's 4.5/5 after 225 reviews at Makeupalley is something to take seriously. It must be really good, or there's a misguided mass hysteria surrounding it. :P Whatever the case is, I think Lucas Papaw Ointment (P450 at Digital Traincase) deserves the raves. It's not particularly special as a lip balm but for healing wounds and minor irritations? This is awesome!

Lucas Papaw Ointment is a petroleum-based salve that is infused with papaw, or carica papaya, that is grown and hand-selected in Queensland. Papaw is touted to have healing properties when applied on stings, cuts, and burns. This was found by Dr. T.P. Lucas who then created his ointment 100 years ago - a recipe that still remains unchanged up to this day.

It's interesting to note that the company making this is still family-owned and that they only employ 12 people. They don't seem to advertise heavily (if at all). This is worth mentioning because Lucas Papaw seems to be a staple in Australia, something both women and men carry with them at all times.

I'm in an unusual position of being able to experience a huge number of products on a regular basis. I don't try ALL the skincare I get - I usually check reviews online, and if they're good then I test the product for a week. If they suit me then I use it up. If, in that time period I haven't found something better, then I repurchase it. If not then I use up the new product, and the cycle repeats itself.

There are products I repurchase but you can see how it depends on several factors. What does my skin need at the moment? Did I recently receive something that can be a good or even better substitute? That's a beauty blogger problem, haha. That's why my current skincare routine is radically different from the one I posted seven months ago.

My skin right now! Not wearing foundation, just an awesome SPF base, concealer on the few blemishes remaining (none on eyebags), and sheer pressed powder to set.

Before I go into the nitty gritty I want to explain what's awesome about this routine. It's best for sensitive oily-combination skin, with a focus against dullness and blemishes.

This isn't going to be a review since I gave this Human Heart Nature set away after I took the photos - now I regret it because I've seen good reviews online! These products smell fantastic, and we all know that HHN is quite specific about their ingredients being as safe as possible.  

Well then what am I going to put here in place of a review? Why, information my dear! :) These may be something to consider the next time you buy body care products. The 50ml tubes are especially useful for traveling!

The Human Nature Hand & Foot Salve in Eucalyptus is formulated with oregano, spearmint and lemon balm extracts with a mild, cooling sensation to soothe dry, cracked, flaky skin.

Yesterday I went to the mall with only serum, an illuminating SPF base, a spot of concealer, and pressed powder. I felt I didn't need foundation! I used to have a TON of blemishes on my face, but they are clearing out faster because of a product I've been using these past two months: the Shu Uemura TSUYA Skin Serum (P3,250).

The TSUYA Skin Serum is perhaps Shu Uemura's star product of the year. It promises bright, translucent skin in seven days as it re-activates the cells that make our skin look younger. Yes, we've heard that before in other serums released this year. I'm still not sure if it's possible for skincare to do that, but claims aside the TSUYA is damn good and here's why!

What I LOVE about the product

• I did indeed get brighter, less tired skin in seven days or less. That may be due to the fact that the serum is infused with a purplish pearly shimmer that instantly gives skin a subtle glow. It's also an illuminator aside from skincare, but I didn't spot shimmer once it's on.

Estee Lauder's best serum has got to be the Advanced Night Repair. It's ideal for women in their early 20s to 30s who want something to keep their skin refreshed and supple. If you're looking for something to combat sagging skin and wrinkles though, you should check out the Estee Lauder Perfectionist [CP+R].

I didn't try it myself but I gave it to a friend who loved it! She has extremely reactive / sensitive skin but she didn't get any pimples using it. She likes the brightening effect, but beyond that she needs more time to see the wrinkle lifting benefits.

Interested? Here's more information for your reference!

Estée Lauder introduces NEW Perfectionist [CP+R] Wrinkle Lifting/Firming Serum, featuring breakthrough CPR-75 Technology, a dual-action, advanced amino acid and protein complex that supercharges and re-strengthens skin’s natural collagen-building power.

Fast, effective and dramatic, CPR-75 Technology helps skin supercharge its ionic “pump” to help boost its critical, natural energy potential, promoting optimal repair.

Good Monday morning! Thought I'd start the week with a skincare review. It's something I've been using consistently since late May, so I thought it's about time to blog it with conviction. :P 

The Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream (P1,800) is a brightening eye cream that promises to fade dark circles and smoothen lines. It's an extremely lightweight product that gets absorbed on skin without leaving any greasy residue. It doesn't have any fancy star ingredients that are only called in letters and numbers; what it does have is extracts of linseed, almond, wheat, oat, apple, and plankton.

What I love about the product

• It's incredibly light. It almost melts upon contact with skin, making it easy to massage evenly on lids and under eyes. 
• Moisturizing even if the cream isn't heavy at all. In four months I've used it, I've noticed that the skin under my eyes has become more supple, elastic, and the lines, smoother.  

I love the VMV Skintangible, but as fantastic as it is it has limitations due to it being a tinted moisturizer at best. Girls who are looking for better coverage, shade match, and higher SPF may not find it compelling enough. But never worry! Skintangible has a grown-up sister who can take all the heavy lifting: the VMV Hypoallergenics Skin Savvy 60 Foundation (P1,840).

This foundation is exactly like Skintangible in terms of packaging and how it's dubbed to be 75% free of common allergens. But that's where the similarity stops. Skin Savvy is a cream foundation with SPF60, six available shades, and full coverage. It lasts fairly well under the tropical heat, too! Just set it with loose powder and you're done.

However, because of these "extra" features, Skin Savvy has some down sides.

In 1895, an enterprising man called Dr. George F. Smith set up the Rosebud Perfume Co. to sell a homegrown balm that fast became a hit among his neighbors. He was able to grow the business by setting up a mail order and door to door sales system that not only sold the trademark Rosebud Salve but also perfumes and aftershaves. At one time, he had 70,000 salespeople going door to door to sell this popular product!

More than 100 years later, the Rosebud Salve (P420) is now a favorite among bloggers and celebrities like Natalie Portman, Eva Longoria, and Beyonce to name a few. This petroleum-based product is infused with oils, smells of roses, and is housed in a vintage-looking tin. It can be used as a lip balm, but it's really for any patch of our body that needs some TLC!

The Rosebud Salve is just okay as a lip balm (thin and moisturizing vs its greasiness and slight waxy texture). But you aren't really maximizing this if you just use this on the lips! It can be utilized several ways, but IMHO it is the best at reviving dry nails and cuticles.