ICYMI, homegrown brand V&M Naturals has announced that they will be taking a break from production until further notice. Their many fans immediately shared their messages of support on the Instagram post, and started getting backups for their backups! Now, this is the kind of hoarding that I can support (please don’t buy out all the alcohol and face masks - other people need to protect themselves, too) but apart from the CPC+G Oil that Angeli (and everyone else) keeps raving about, I had absolutely no idea what to get from V&M!

I’ve become a super fan of shiny, plump, and slightly overlined lips. They look fresh and youthful compared to the matte lip look, and the juicy finish just feels more apt for summer! It also used to be a challenge to find a glossy lip product that wasn’t sticky and provided opaque coverage, but that all changed with the new Ellana Satin Stain Shine Liquid Lip and Cheek (P699 from Ellana).

The other day, Den and I were talking about what we thought was a botched cosmetic campaign. The advertisement was for an all-around (eyes, cheeks and lip) product. The idea was there, but it felt like the execution was lacking and the makeup looked clown-like, which we were sure was not the goal of the campaign.

I’ve always said that trying to do “less” with makeup is harder than going full glam. No makeup makeup looks and monochromatic looks are so understated that one minor mishap can be easily amplified due to the fact that there is nothing else to distract from the error. With the growing popularity of multi-use products, let’s get comfy with monochromatic makeup and learn the right way to pull off that one-product face!

Filipinos may love their lipsticks but eyebrow makeup is what they can’t live without! Having a nice pair of kilay is something of a national obsession, so it only makes sense that this would be the focus of Issy & Co’s newest release. ICYMI, this new Filipino brand recently broke into the local beauty scene with their vegan lipstick line in pretty, minimalist packaging. If you haven’t tried anything from them yet, I’m here to rave about their latest drop, the Brow Refiner!

Happy weekend, everyone! It’s time to kick back and relax as we bring you the latest in all things beauty. We’ve got Ellana Minerals’ latest baby (that you’re going to want for this summer) as well as an out-of-this-world MAC collab. We’re also talking about BeautyBlender’s makeup launch, and ABH’s reissuing of a classic!

With super hip releases like multisticks and silicone-y lipsticks, it can be easy to forget that Ever Bilena Cosmetics is actually a decades-old company. They’ve done an amazing job of keeping on the pulse of beauty trends, and making them easily accessible to Filipinos at affordable prices. And yes, this includes using vegan and cruelty-free formulas!

My favorite skincare step has to be cleansing because I like how it makes my skin feel instantly refreshed. In the morning, I use my fave low pH cleanser, and double cleanse to remove makeup and dirt at night. I’ve experimented a bit with facial washes and oil cleansers but I’ve never tried using any cleansing tools.

Maine fans say hey! After two years Maine Mendoza gets another shot at #MACMaker - check her first color here. Now only is she the first influencer to do a second collab with MAC, she’s also the first to launch a Lipglass! Are you guys ready?

After dealing with warts and boils firsthand, I completely understood why people of long ago blamed curses and hexes whenever they developed unknown growths on their skin. I mean, my skin was perfectly fine one minute and then suddenly something was growing out of it! Thankfully, we live in the age of science and have a better understanding of what causes these mysterious bumps on our skin and how to treat them properly.

When I’m super busy, my self-care tends to go out the window. It’s ironic because I know that I need it the most when I’m tired and stressed. And it does tend to show up on my skin because I neglect my skincare routine, doing very little else besides washing my face before bed. Considering that I have so much to do throughout the day, the idea of having to apply several different skincare products just does not appeal to me.

College was the time I lived for all the potted and tubed makeup. Those precious mousses, creams, and gels were my way of looking presentable on the fly without requiring skills beyond a little dotting and blending. I think it’s coming full circle now that I’m back to looking for simple products for a more low-maintenance routine.

Happy weekend, PV fam! It’s time for another beauty roundup, and boy, do we have a serious scoop! We’ve got Glossier’s latest launch (perfect for the summer tbh), a 90’s duo and their makeup comeback, as well as MAC’s second Selena collection. We’re also talking about elf Cosmetics’ big purchase this 2020!

If you’re familiar with Korean airy velvet tints then the concept of the Revlon Cloud Blotted Lip Color (P475) is no stranger to you. This 19-color collection promises a weightless formula that feels like a cushy cloud on the lips, with a true blotted matte finish that looks smooth as you apply it. This isn’t even out yet in the Philippines (it’s coming next month!) so you’ll be the first to see how this product performs.

When I wrote “It's okay to be ugly. What's not okay is to give up on yourself.” last December, I didn’t expect it would resonate with people as much as it did. That’s why when we were thinking of the theme for this year’s 12th Anniversary, we wanted to explore this idea more. In a world where it is impossible to be perfect, what are the ways in which we can empower ourselves?

I always have a stash of sheet masks available. There’s a couple in my travel kit because it’s the easiest skincare to bring along, and I always have a few in the fridge to help me cool off on hot days. Sometimes, a cold sheet mask and 15 minutes is just what I need to de-stress.

In today’s busy world, don’t you just wish your time was actually spent doing something worthwhile? So much of our day goes to doing chores and being in stuck in traffic, and we’re forced to accept them as part of daily life. I’ve found myself wishing for someone to take care of all the little things that I could delegate, without adding strain to my family’s budget. Even if I just had someone to do all my shopping for me, I would have saved time from driving to and from the grocery, walking through each aisle, and waiting in line for the cashier!

The close of the last decade brought me more than wistfulness for bygone days. It also gave me some seriously dry skin! And while I’m not sure if it was caused by hormonal changes, good ol’ fashioned skin aging, or something else entirely, I spent most of 2019 actively seeking out skincare products to help counteract the dreaded papery texture that my skin had suddenly become. I’m happy to say that I’ve found some keepers that might just work for you as well!

If makeup is a form of wearable art, nail polish is the longer lasting option. You (should!) take off your makeup at the end of the day but the right products and proper care can make your painted tips last for 3 weeks. I love being able to enjoy my vanity project for a little longer, and contrary to what some people think, short nails can rock nail art designs, too!

Unless it’s an actual job requirement, no one needs to wear makeup every day. I think the world is changing to recognize beauty doesn’t need to equate perfection, and more people are finding the courage to be comfortable in their own skin. That said, it’s nice to be able to spend a few minutes for yourself to get ready for the day ahead and put your best face forward.

How is February almost over?! 2020 is off to a quick start, but we’re slowing things down for this week’s beauty roundup. We’re talking about Lady Gaga’s lippie launch, an anime and beauty crossover, and Dior’s crazy new skincare line. We’ve also got the scoop on a new brow product from Maybelline, so read on if you love being on fleek!