Lips Liz Lanuzo Lips Liz Lanuzo

M.A.C Week: Rebel, See Sheer, and Lustering Lipsticks

M.A.C lipsticks are some of the most vibrant, complex ones out there. You can find anything from sweet pinks, severe browns, sexy reds, daring purples, or even stark black if you're into that. ;) Each new collection has at least a new shade or two of lipstick so there's always something to covet if you're a collector, or a simple lover of color. 

The downside is that not all lipsticks have a great formula. Some may look streaky or fade easily. That's why you should always check reviews and swatch the lippies in person if you can, as this will save you a lot of grief in the long run. I've reviewed a few already so please do check them out! That said, here's a new batch of permanent M.A.C lipsticks for you to check out.

I'll begin with the MAC Lipstick in Rebel (P1,000). Rebel has a satin finish, which is full-bodied, pigmented, and a wee bit glossy. It's a color that I've always been hearing about from beauty bloggers here and abroad, so I got one to see if it's worth the hype. Dahhlings, it is. It's such an amazing color!

I've always thought of Rebel as a gothic red shade based on the swatches I've seen online, but on me it's a deep fuchsia with a strong purple base. This is daring alright, no question about it! I usually prefer to wear this in full during evening engagements, but during the day a stain of Rebel can live through a greasy lunch. Yes, it's quite long-wearing.

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Foundation, Tips and Tricks, Tutorials Liz Lanuzo Foundation, Tips and Tricks, Tutorials Liz Lanuzo

DIY: How to make your own BB Cream and CC Cream

BB creams and CC creams are easily available in the market. However, if you want to save a few bucks by simply re-purposing some beauty products you already have, then make your own! It will rock. You will probably be able to get a better shade match and a skin-beneficial product in the bargain.

It begs the question: why don't you just apply these things seperately and call it a day? That works too but it's a lot more time consuming. With a (home-made or store-bought) BB/CC cream, you can skip several steps in your routine!

So, I've decided to make a tutorial on how to make your own BB cream and CC cream. BB creams are technically mid-coverage bases with a lot of SPF and skincare properties thrown in. CC creams on the other hand are also beneficial to the skin but have sheerer, more illuminating coverage. To create one, all you need to do is tweak your DIY or store-bought BB cream. ;)

Let's get started!

These are the basic things you need. The beauty is that you don't have to use these exact same brands posted here! Just use skincare that works for you and your favorite liquid foundation. I will also include alternatives.

1. Moisturizer with SPFIt ain't a proper BB/CC cream without SPF. ;) If you use an SPF 50 cream, don't expect that number per application since it will already be diluted. What I used: Kiehl's Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++

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Powders Liz Lanuzo Powders Liz Lanuzo

M.A.C Week: Blot Powder in Medium Deep

M.A.C makeup has been a staple in my kit since I bought the Studiofinish concealer four years ago. I didn't have a lot of money then, being a fresh grad on my first job, but I remember feverishly researching that product and swatching it repeatedly until I coughed up the cash. Incidentally, I still use the Studiofinish up to this day (I think this is my fifth pan)!

I've been steadily acquiring M.A.C products since then. They're dependable, and they come in such wonderful colors too. I have a few new M.A.C items here that deserve the spotlight. So - ta-dah! - I would like to present Project Vanity's M.A.C Week!

I'll start with a product that brings me back full circle: the M.A.C Blot Powder in Medium Deep (P1,375). This is one of the first I've ever tried from the brand! I remember reviewing this years ago, but for some reason that post wasn't properly exported to my .com domain. Oh well. Here's a proper review now!

The M.A.C Blot is a fairly straightforward powder. It's matte, has a silky texture and translucent coverage, although you can build it up if you wish. It's amazing at controling oil without "thickening" the makeup underneath it. It's incredibly useful for long-haul days when oil is just another part of the job description!

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Brushes, Tools Liz Lanuzo Brushes, Tools Liz Lanuzo

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and Blush Brush

Remember my Real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set? I still abuse those brushes regularly. They've kept their shape well through repeated washing, and still have soft bristles even though they've been mercilessly rubbed and wiped on different products. Not a bad deal considering they're only P1,100 for four full-sized brushes!

I told myself I'd get more RT brushes when I get the chance, so here are two new ones I've managed to add to my collection thanks to Stuff In Style. ^_^

I have here the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and Blush Brush (P600 each). These brushes sport an interesting shape and size for what they purport to do, but I swear, they do the job quite well. That's what I like about Real Techniques - the brushes are real solutions to real makeup application problems. 

More details on each brush below!

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Shoes Liz Lanuzo Shoes Liz Lanuzo

FitFlop: One of the best things that ever happened to my feet

There is no such thing as principle when it comes to FitFlop. These things made my feet so spoiled that I hardly wear flats, sandals, or flip flops unless I absolutely have to! I admit that I didn't understand why women would love such chunky, ungainly-looking footwear. The first few designs looked like platformed tsinelas, and they were sooo expensive to boot. I didn't get it. Until I got my own pair as a gift.

I love it because THE SOLE IS SO SOFT. It's like I'm perpetually walking on a cushion when I have these on! It was a little weird when I was breaking them in though. My feet kept slipping for some reason, but the rubber eventually softened and molded to the shape of my feet. Since then we've been more or less inseparable wherever appropriate.

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Eyeshadows Liz Lanuzo Eyeshadows Liz Lanuzo

Smashbox Heat Wave Eye Shadow Palette

How are you spending your mid-week Independence Day holiday? ^_^ Mine shall be terribly busy because I have to finish my work for tomorrow. I'll be out all day attending meetings and events so, whew, I need to get a lot of stuff out of the way first. Anyway! Today I'll be talking about an interesting palette from Beauty Bar.

The Smashbox Heat Wave Palette (price to be updated) was designed to create smoldering summer looks, but in my opinion these colors would look good in any season. The top row has five warm shades while the bottom row has cool, smoky shades, just perfect for matching and blending with each other! You can go as light or as sultry as you want. I love that the colors are not overly common; they're not the sort you'd find easily in more affordable palettes.

My first Smashbox palette (bought about four years ago) was a disappointment. It was expensive and pretty to look at but it was also practically useless due to the pathetic pigmentation. However, the brand's eyeshadows have come a long way since then. This new palette in particular is so pigmented that you won't even need to use an eyeshadow base to make them opaque!

The texture is smooth and creamy to the touch, which makes it easy to blend on the lids - bare or primed.

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Features Liz Lanuzo Features Liz Lanuzo

Yoga beauty buddies

If you've been to bikram or hot yoga then you know how foolish it is to wear makeup. Sweat would literally soak your clothes and pool at your feet as if you got fished off a river! You can even wring water off your outfit when you're done. But, being vain little ol' me, I decided that if I can find makeup to last a class, then I would wear it so I won't look like a ragged mess when I'm done. I know that no one really cares what you look like after yoga, but I do! 

Thankfully, I've found a few products that can look good through a yoga class. Don't get your expectations up though: they will fade when the sweat starts pouring out, but at least they won't completely disappear. I also make sure to dab my towel instead of wiping my face, to keep the makep intact. That said, here's the trio I usually have on whether I'm doing hot or vinyasa (flow) yoga.

The most important thing, of course, is having eyebrows! The K-Palette Lasting 2-Way Eyebrow does well under pressure. It fades, but at least it doesn't run down my face.

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Eyeliner Liz Lanuzo Eyeliner Liz Lanuzo

Eye of Horus Natural Smoky Eye Pencil in Black

My blogging backlog is alarming. I probably have over a hundred reviews and features filed away by now but I have stopped knowing where to begin! :( I can probably just quickly mention things here, but then I'd be wasting space. I don't want Project Vanity to be a repository of random beauty/fashion features - whatever I put out here should count. Be valuable. There are a lot of good brands and products out there but the point should be curation - what is worth writing and reading about?

So I figured, I will just write about the things I really, really like at the moment while I am organizing everything. It happens that the Eye of Horus Natural Smoky Eye Pencil (P960 at Glamourbox) has caught my eye!

I've had this for maybe three months now but honestly thought it wasn't anything special. I've seen some rave reviews, sure, but I was still incredulous. I've swatched it a few times in the past but I assumed that the consistency was too soft to be reliable when it comes to long hours and oiliness around the eye area. Wrong! This is an awesome pencil for that smudged smoky eye, or for something simpler like a soft natural line. It is buttery but most importanttly, it stays in place!

Can't believe I'm saying that of a pencil this ridiculously soft, but it's true.

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Events Liz Lanuzo Events Liz Lanuzo

Penshoppe at Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2013

Are you loving the cooler weather lately? It's still hot, but at least it's not scorching hot! I would sometimes go out at 8am to walk my dog and already the sun was unbearable. But now there's a cool wind blowing, the sun is bright but not burning. Perfect!

A change in the weather means a change in your wardrobe. We're in a tropical country so floral prints, bright colors, or anything short and airy are du jour, but I'm sure you also get bored wearing the same things. It's always a relief to get the chance to layer clothes and wear sweaters again.

If you're looking a for some inspiration on what to wear this rainy season, check out these new pieces from Penshoppe! This is what they presented at the recently concluded Philippine Fashion Week. I got to attend the show and it was pretty fun (albeit over in like 15 minutes). These looks are great for everyday shindigs, with a street smart edge to them. Have a look!

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Lips Liz Lanuzo Lips Liz Lanuzo

Lipstick Week: Avon Vitaluscious Lipstick

One week is not enough for lipstick week, it seems! I have three other features in mind for this, but I suppose I can always do another LW in the near future. ;) I decided to end this themed week with a bang, with something that I received just two days ago! I got pretty excited about these lipsticks because I'm a huge fan of the Avon Ultra Moisture Rich line, plus I know how y'all appreciate Avon swatches in particular.

The Avon Ultra Moisture Rich Vitaluscious Lipstick (P299) is the latest addition to the UMR line. It features ten on-trend glossy shades and a moisturizing formula that contains Vitamins B, C, and E. In terms of texture and lasting power, the Vitaluscious is the same as UMR - it's lightweight, slinky, and moisturizing, but it doesn't stay put beyond three hours. That's the trade-off for the moisture so I don't mind. I just re-apply as needed!

The scent is the same as all UMR lipsticks - juicy candied watermelon. I really love this scent, and I hope that they never discontinue it. It smells as expensive and fresh as high-end lippies. 

I do wish that the Vitaluscious could be as pigmented as the Avon Totally Kissable Lipstick. Most of the lippies need to be layered over several times to get that solid color, unfortunately. But again, that's their trade-off for the heavy oil content! Actually, they feel more like glossy lip butters than legitimate lipsticks.

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Tips and Tricks Liz Lanuzo Tips and Tricks Liz Lanuzo

How to take care of your lips

It's important to take care of your lips because it's one of the more sensitive parts of our body. The sun and whatever sits on or passes through your lips affect their appearance, so you must be careful if you want to keep your puckers even-colored and smooth throughout your life!

Here are a few do's and don'ts on how to keep your lips in tip top shape.

DO

Exfoliate your lips gently and regularly. There's no need to use harsh scrubs; indeed, a home-made scrub is the best thing you can use! Just combine honey, lemon, and sugar then gently massage the mixture on your lips. The sugar removes the dead skin, the honey moisturizes and smoothens, and the lemon helps lighten the skin. 

If you don't have time to play DIY goddess, you can exfoliate your lips easily after a shower. Your lips are usually softened after a bath so it's easy to wipe the dead skin with just the damp tip of any towel. You can also brush your lips gently using a soft-bristle toothbrush. ;)

Wear a lip balm with at least SPF15 during the day. A lipstick with SPF works too! Like any part of your skin, you lips darken when you expose them to the sun.

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Lips Liz Lanuzo Lips Liz Lanuzo

Lipstick Week: Japonesque 35-Well PRO Lipstick Palette

You're not a true-blue lipstick junkie unless you have the Japonesque 35-Well PRO Lipstick Palette (P1,450 at Digital Traincase). Okay, okay, I'm only half-kidding, but you have to admit that this is such a cool thing to have. Even Lisa Eldridge keeps a few of these! 

So what is it, really? It's a classy black box that has space for 35 lipsticks. It can also be used to store cream foundation if you wish, which makes it incredibly useful if you're a makeup artist. The case and mold is made of a thin, lightweight plastic, and is closed by a silver clasp.

I spent a whole morning selecting and depotting the 35 lipsticks that I wanted to put in this baby. It was a fun activity, albeit rather messy in the end!

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Blogging Liz Lanuzo Blogging Liz Lanuzo

On asking to be paid as a blogger

I just want to get this out of the way because it's been bothering me all day.

As you know I handle PR and marketing for a few clients. When I first started approaching top fashion bloggers to collaborate with, I was a little taken aback by the fact that they ask to be paid just to have my brand worn or mentioned on their blog. I've been blogging for almost a decade and I have not yet subscribed to that business model, although I've done a few paid months-long campaigns for different brands in the past. Campaigns, I believe, are not the same as paid mentions. 

But I do understand where the fashion bloggers are coming from. I am well aware that blogs take A LOT of time and resources to run. Blogs at a certain level are raking in hundreds of thousands of views; just being mentioned there can be the boost a business needs. Naturally, it ain't free.

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Top Ten Liz Lanuzo Top Ten Liz Lanuzo

My top 10 favorite finds last May

Last month was a good one since I found so many interesting beauty products! It was quite a challenge to whittle down this list to ten items, but it must be done. Here are my ten favorite things from May.

 

My review of the Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder is one of the most popular posts last month - and for good reason! It's an amazing powder that truly controls oil and extends the wear of my makeup. I wish that it has more, skin-toned coverage, but it's okay since I have a hack for that. ;) I usually mix this with my Snoe Poudre Extraordinaire, another awesome powder that I've been consistently using for months now.

CC creams are slowly but steadily making their way to the Philippines. One of the first to arrive is the Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream. It's an illuminating, light coverage face base that makes skin glow with only one layer. It has the Moisture Surge base which also happens to be my favorite moisturizer of all time! This saves me extra steps in my routine since this can be my primer, moisturizer, SPF, illuminator, and light foundation in one bottle.

Another CC cream I'm loving is the Etude House CC Cream in Glow. I honestly didn't think I would like it this much!

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Lips Liz Lanuzo Lips Liz Lanuzo

Lipstick Week: MAC Pink Nouveau, Lavender Whip, Viva Glam Nicki 2

Lavender is an intimidating color to wear with Asian skin - some are virtually unwearable - but they can work with the right supporting colors. If that fails, just blend them with your other lippies to create interesting shades! Today I thought I'd post swatches of three MAC blue-based lavenders with various levels of pink in them. ^_^ 

I have a permanent and popular shade (MAC Pink Noveau), a limited-edition repromote (MAC Lavender Whip from Baking Beauties), and the MAC Viva Glam Nicki 2 which is for the brand's AIDS charity. I have already reviewed MAC lipsticks before so I won't go into details, but quickly, these lipsticks vary in pigmentation and have a decent staying power (three hours). I have to admit that while MAC lipsticks aren't THE BEST when it comes to formula, they come in trendy, one-of-a-kind shades that other brands try to copy.

Here are the swatches and color descriptions!

MAC Pink Noveau is a bright pink with strong lavender undertones. It's a cool shade and a struggle to wear if you're morena, but on my medium yellow skintone it looks striking and interesting. I usually prefer to pair this with a dark, smoky eye to balance the coolness. A barbie pink blush always works with this particular lipstick!

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Features, Random Liz Lanuzo Features, Random Liz Lanuzo

Style is all in the head

Dressing beautifully isn't about the clothes you wear or the face and body that you have. It's about being secure in your identity, about being confident and accepting of all the things you are (and are not). This self-awareness combined with self-confidence is then reflected in your attitude towards fashion.

Example, a woman wearing a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans. She can leave the house thinking, "Oh gosh I look so plain and boring", "My shirt makes me look fat", or worse "I'm wearing this so I don't get any attention because I'm not worthy of any attention". She'd be hunched down and timid when dealing with people, and others won't really see her outfit beyond how she sees it herself. 

But then she can also see it differently.

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Lips Liz Lanuzo Lips Liz Lanuzo

Lipstick Week: L'Oreal Color Riche Intense Lipstick

High-end lipsticks are nice to have, but if you're on a budget there are also wonderful alternatives out there. You won't be getting the same fine texture, lasting power, and packaging of course but for the price you're still nabbing a pretty good deal. ;) Take for example the L'Oreal Color Riche Intense Lipstick (P625). This drugstore product can give those luxe tubes a run for their money!

It's weird that these lippies aren't receiving a lot of noise here - they're quite good! Pigmented, creamy, and beautifull packaged, these come in a variety of show-stopping colors. The texture is smooth and light on the lips. It doesn't feel waxy at all.

Worth mentioning is the fact that these lippies also have no scent or taste. They definitely don't feel drugstore!

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Accessories Liz Lanuzo Accessories Liz Lanuzo

The armored finger

Hey folks! What's up? Sometimes I feel weird just talking about what I did, what I wore, and what I thought about all the time here. I know it's the nature of a blog, but I feel so self-absorbed I'm sick of myself. :P You have to help me out by talking about yourselves too, and suggesting topics I can work on! This blog isn't all about just me, you know, not anymore. It's a community of beauty enthusiasts and I always, always take your input into consideration. So let me know what you want to read about, okay?

Anyway I was scouring through my photo albums when I found a set of pics I took about two months ago. It's a Pinkbox ring that I absolutely adore! It reminds me of a film called the Curse of the Golden Flower, which I loved. I wrote a whole blog post about it and all. Haha. This ring makes me feel like a Chinese empress whenever I wear it (er, humor me).

I know you'll ask - is the ring uncomfortable?

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Lips Liz Lanuzo Lips Liz Lanuzo

Lipstick Week: NARS Satin Lip Pencils

I've been in love with lipsticks since my first swipe at five years old. I love how they can brighten up my face in a matter of seconds, and how there's a shade for whatever look and mood I have for the day. Lipsticks are never boring. There are always new colors and formulas rolling out from the labs, and believe me, they are getting better and better each year!

So, I've been saving up my lipstick reviews since last month, when I decided to do a Lipstick Week. I thought to start with an amazing lip product called the NARS Satin Lip Pencil (P1,550). If you could look past the price tag (and the fact that they don't twist up), these are total must-haves!

 

I love them because they're pigmented - opaque in one layer - and feels very thin on the lips. When they dry up (in two hours) they don't feel like a waxy, crackly layer. Instead they feel more like a light, flexible blanket of the color! Not many lipsticks that I've tried have that dry-down texture. 

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