Summer in the Philippines seems to wait for Anessa, a J-Beauty cult favorite, to make its grand entrance. This year, Anessa is heralding the season with upgraded formulas for their beloved products, a preview of an exciting innovation in sun protection, and a SUNsational Summer Getaway. The event was a vibrant beach-themed party, attended by guests eager for sun, sea, and the return of the Anessa Summer Squad. This year’s Anessa Summer Squad. Left to right: Steve Near, Zara Near, Isabelle Daza, and Dr. Windie Villarica- Hayano. This year's squad features SUNsational ambassadors, each an exper ..read more

I asked on the Project Vanity Community about what it is that Filipinos hate about buying makeup and skincare. A common answer is that we aren’t able to try samples or mini versions of the products first before fully investing. Brands like GRWM Cosmetics, Issy, and Happy Skin have done samplers and minis in the last year or so, but this still isn’t common practice among Filipino beauty brands. Why? Economic Barriers to Mini Versions The concept of economies of scale plays a significant role. For many Filipino beauty brands, especially the smaller, indie ones, the initial investment required t ..read more

Product photography by Perkin Gotohio / This story is made in partnership with Barenbliss As someone mildly obsessed with collecting good face bases, I was intrigued by the Barenbliss Bloomatte Hi-Cover Foundation Balm (P699 for 12g). This new launch claims to offer everything from high coverage and long wear to a skincare-infused formula. After spending some quality time testing it out, here’s my in-depth take on whether it lives up to those claims. First Impressions and Application The Bloomatte Foundation Balm comes in a sleek, compact design with a cushion puff-style applicator included, m ..read more

Welcome to another edition of Beauty News Roundup! This week is all about magical news from the world of beauty. Let’s take a look at ColourPop’s latest release: a collaboration with Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Charlotte Tilbury creates six mood-transforming fragrances that look like magical alchemy elixirs! Drunk Elephant’s Bora Barrier Repair Cream is now available locally. Last but not least, Ariana Grande hints at a Wicked-inspired holiday collection by her brand R.E.M. Beauty. Image via ColourPop on Instagram Rose-filled Disney x ColourPop collab  On April 15th, 2024, ColourPop t ..read more

We have fully transitioned into summer and this weather is making my skin feel drier than usual. My first instinct is to go for a heavier moisturizer but the heat and humidity both say otherwise! A good alternative to remember are sleeping masks that we can use at night – these give an immediate moisture boost plus other skin benefits, and lucky for us, Laneige Philippines has recently launched a new one. With a campaign to #StayBouncy&Firm, the new Laneige Bouncy & Firm Sleeping Mask stars popular actress Sydney Sweeney as the global brand ambassador and it may just be what my skin c ..read more

Photography by Perkin Gotohio / This story is made in partnership with Ever Bilena If you're a keen beauty fan like me, you've probably noticed the pendulum swinging back to matte from last year’s glossy and shiny lip trends. The new EB Matte Lip Ink is Ever Bilena's nod to this shift, but with a refreshing modern twist. Priced at a budget-friendly P220 for 4.5g, it’s a contender for those looking to explore a matte revival without breaking the bank. First off, the application is a dream. It starts out almost like a light, watery stain, very different from the heavy, often drying matte lipsti ..read more

I’ve always been a huge fan of J-Beauty, and there's something about their skincare and makeup that just works perfectly for my skin. My love for it grew even more after an afternoon with K-Palette. I’m not new to the brand—I’ve been hooked on their liquid eyeliners since my first Don Quijote shopping spree in Japan. Usually, I stick to the classic black, but now my world has opened up with K-Palette’s launch of three new vibrant shades of their 1Day Tattoo Liquid Eyeliner and a new shade of their curl-enhancing 1 Day Lash Up Mascara. At an intimate event with leading makeup artists and taste ..read more

These days, it's easy to get swept away by the latest in the beauty stores. The bright lights, beautiful packaging, and tempting promises can turn even the most practical among us into magpies, attracted to shiny new things. Yet, now more than ever, it's important to remember that not every product is destined to be our holy grail. This isn't just about saving money (though that's a definite perk); it's about curating a collection that truly reflects who we and what our needs are. Let's take a closer look at the beauty traps that can catch us unawares and how a mindful approach can guide us ba ..read more

It’s getting hot in here! This week, we’re keeping it FRESH here at Project Vanity with the latest in beauty. Let’s get to know new local product drops for that perfect summer look from Ever Bilena, GRWM Cosmetics, and Sola. We’re also checking out Estée Lauder’s newest global brand ambassador: multi-talented Korean superstar IU! Image via Ever Bilena on Facebook Get Ink-spired with Ever Bilena’s new lippie Matte lip lovers, rejoice! Local beauty brand Ever Bilena has just released a new matte liquid lippie. Meet EB Matte Lip Ink (P220), a pigmented, hydrating, waterproof liquid lipstick. Alt ..read more

Avon is at it again, folks, and they're pushing for something they already do well: the Make-up +Care Range. This line features skincare-infused makeup that’s designed to be your go-to everyday. And who better to bring this innovative range to life than the viral personality, Mimiyuuuh? I’m looking forward to seeing her funny videos about Avon, as I’ve been following her for many years now. Mimiyuuuh is the face of Avon’s multi-benefit Make-up + Care Range “I’m so excited to be part of a brand that believes in the power of beauty to improve the lives of everyone. Totoo ito sa bagong Avon Mak ..read more