In case you haven’t heard or haven’t visited their kiosks, Vice Cosmetics have recently launched their holiday sets! And let me tell you now, if you are still stuck on ideas or short on cash for last minute gifts, these sets and kits are here to the rescue!

There are a total of six sets to choose from, so whether you’re looking for stocking stuffers or an awesome gift to put under the tree, there’s something for every makeup lover. And probably the best part of these sets is that they cost less than their actual value, so you don’t have to put a big dent in your wallet to shop for your cousins, sisters and friends!

Let’s start off with the smallest gift set. This costs a mere ₱295 for a matte lipstick and lip & cheek tint combo, and comes in 2 varieties. Here’s what is in each gift set, with original retail price included:

KERI-BELLS, KERI-BELLS

• Good Vibes Matte Lipstick in Havey – ₱195
• Water Gel Lip & Cheek Tint in Sisterette – ₱145

KYONDI CANE

• Good Vibes Matte Lipstick in Good Vibes – ₱195
• Water Gel Lip & Cheek Tint in Kyondi – ₱375

The products in total cost ₱340, so you’d be saving ₱45 with this holiday set!

Next up, we have the cream lipstick and brow kit combo. Retailing at ₱495, here are the 2 variations of this set (individual product prices included):

WHOOPS KIRI-NGLE

• Gandal Lang Modern Creme Lipstick in Ganda Mo! – ₱195
• Gandoll Brow Kit (Micro Brow Pencil + Volumizing Brow Pencil) in Natural Brown – ₱375

PASKUMELAVU

• Gandal Lang Modern Creme Lipstick in GGSS – ₱195
• Gandoll Brow Kit in Ash Brown – ₱375

Worth ₱570 in total, these holiday kits save you ₱75!

Want to customize your gift box? Then the Pick & Choose Holiday Kit is for you! For ₱795, you can select any shade for the five items below. Individual product prices are shown for comparison:

• Good Vibes Matte Lipstick – ₱195
• Phenomenal Matte Liquid Lipstick – ₱195
• Phenomenal Velvet Lip Kit (Velvet Liquid Lipstick + Retractable Lip Liner) – ₱295
• Aura Glow – ₱145
• Aura Contour – ₱145

The products all together are worth ₱975, so you save ₱180 with the kit!

And last but definitely not least, we have the ultimate set called the GIVLAVU ON CHRISTMAS DAY Holiday Kit. For just ₱995, you get 6 items that you can customize, which is perfect for creating all of your holiday looks, and for anyone in general who loves a full face. Here is what’s included in the biggest kit of the collection, with individual retail prices for your comparison:

• Duo Finish Foundation – ₱245
• Gandoll Brow Kit (Micro Brow Pencil + Volumizing Brow Pencil) – ₱375
• Good Vibes Matte Lipstick – ₱195
• Phenomenal Matte Liquid Lipstick – ₱195
• Phenomenal Velvet Lip Kit – ₱295

The total cost of the individual products is ₱1,305, so you save ₱310 with this kit!

First of all, how is 2019 nearly over? Seriously, time flies by way too quickly.

But with the New Year comes exciting new beginnings, and it’s important that we start 2019 off the right foot. Out with the old, in with the new, right?

So that just leaves us with this question: How do you plan on ringing in 2019?

Obviously, there is no wrong way of celebrating New Year’s Eve. Some of us enjoy big family gatherings or clubbing with friends, while others might like a romantic dinner with their significant other. Whatever the case is, every occasion will call for different types of attire. Thus, to ensure you’ve got the perfect outfit for your NYE celebration, we’ve got some guidelines that will help you dress accordingly.

For a Traditional Family Celebration…

This is as casual at it gets, especially if you’re celebrating back in the province. If you haven’t been to the province for the holidays, normally people wouldn’t wear anything fancy. Think smart casual, so classic skinny jeans and a nice top or even a simple dress would do, and as casual as it is in the province, please resist the temptation to wear tsinelas. Sneakers, ballet flats or strappy flat sandals will do. Although you might want to avoid heels since they’ll only be of an inconvenience.

As for hair and makeup, any easy hairdo that will help you survive the humidity is key, and keep your makeup to a minimum since your face will be sweating the entire night. Just go for the basics, and maybe a matte lip or some eyeliner.

For a House Party with Friends…

The dress code depends on the host, but for the most part, a house party with friends is quite similar to a fiesta back in the province, with the only major difference being that you can take some more risks with your outfit, whether that’s a bodysuit with jeans or a mini skirt. There’s more room for freedom in clothing, since you’ll be among friends and not surrounded by judgmental or conservative relatives. You can also play with different makeup looks, if you’re not into the light, barely there makeup finish.

For a Dinner Out with Family and/or Friends…

Here’s where you can be a little dressier than usual. Instead of summer dresses, cocktail frocks and tailored separates are great for restaurant dining, but you can always dress it down with perhaps pleather leggings or dark jeans and a beautiful blouse. Heels are suited for the occasion since you’ll be sitting for the majority of the time anyway.

Unless you’ve go long lasting or smudge-proof lip wear, maybe ditch bold lippies for dinner. Nudes are definitely better, and they match smokey eyes if you like going heavier in your eye makeup in general.

For an All Day Celebration…

For those that want to start the festivities a little early, the most important thing to consider for your NYE outfit is comfort. Since it’s highly unlikely you’ll have time for an outfit change, you’ll need an ensemble that will blend in as you jump from place to place, and something that will keep you comfortable all day. One-pieces are the go-to in this instance, with the V-neck Short Sleeve Jumpsuit or Striped Cape Sleeve Romper being your best bet. If you prefer dresses, don’t go for anything body hugging or restrictive. The Self Tie Kimono Dress is flattering on all body types.

Keeping your hair up will help prevent your tresses from getting greasy. For makeup, minimal is easy but a full coverage face could work as long as you set it with setting powder and/or use setting spray. It also helps to use longwear makeup.

For a Night Out at the Club…

This is where your party dresses come handy. Because it is New Year’s, you don’t want to go for your usual slinky black dress. Rather, go for daring colors, such as neons, metallics and shimmers. It’s all about having fun, and it’s not that often you can wear a glittery pink bodycon without sticking out like a sore thumb.

Smokey eyes are a staple for nightlife, though a bold, vampy lip with winged liner would also be sexy. If you’re planning on curling or straightening your hair, make sure you are generous with your hairspray.

For an Intimate Dinner Date…

And now for anyone that wants to ring in the New Year with someone incredibly special, a simple, yet sophisticated LBD or LWD (little white dress) would work for any romantic dinner setting, whether you’re at the Fort Strip, a rooftop restaurant and lounge, or even something less fancy. Black and white blend seamlessly into any environment, which is why they’re staple hues in our wardrobe.

Glam looks are best for the date, but make sure not to go over the top like you may do with a night out clubbing.

That’s all, folks. As the last post for 2018, Pretty Me wishes you a Happy New Year! See you pretty ladies in 2019!

Hi all! Hope everyone had a very merry Christmas and ate non stop for Noche Buena.

Although Christmas might be over, the parties aren’t. We’ve still got New Year’s, as well as the festivities with family and friends in between, so we want to make sure you’re always party ready, and for today’s post, it’s all about the holiday hairstyles.

But it’s not about those fancy hairdos that require specific hair tools and skills of a professional stylist. No. With how crazy humid it is in Manila, we wanted to create a list of hairstyles that were accessible, meaning you don’t have to be great at styling or need a lot of accessories. Plus, every single one of these can be executed WITHOUT a hairdryer, flat iron and curling iron! Your hair has suffered enough from heat damage.

Easy Heatless Holiday Hairstyles

1. Half-up High Ponytail

If you don’t quite have long luscious locks like Ariana Grande, there’s always the half-up high pony. It’s just as cute, and it’s a fun hairstyle for family events.

First things first, make sure your hair is properly brushed so that your tresses are free from tangles. Spray a comb with hairspray and comb half of your hair to the top of your head, then secure the hair with an elastic if you have thin hair or a fabric hair band if you have thicker hair. If you have any flyaways or bangs that don’t reach, you can use hairspray, pomade or hair gel to make sure the hairs stay in place, then secure with bobby pins.

Feel free to make adjustments as you please, whether they be the use of a scrunchie for a 90’s vibe, or going full pony. Tip: do your hair upside down to make the full ponytail ‘do to avoid aching shoulders, and finish with hairspray.

2. Effortless Waves

Regardless if you’ve got a bob, lob or long longs, there’s a heatless hair curling method for you. The key to making the curls last is by having damp hair before applying the curling technique, and then letting it dry overnight.

For long hair, there are several options. For beach waves, French, Dutch, and simple plait will work. For bigger, slightly more defined curls, use rollers or curl formers in your hair. Ladies with medium length hair can also use these methods.

Women with short hair won’t be able to braid their tresses, but they can use rollers and curl formers. There’s also pin curling and the headband method, so there’s no need to fret if your hair isn’t long enough for overnight plaits.

3. Slicked Back Hair

Here’s one that’s great for straight hair of all hair lengths. Either spritz hairspray or evenly apply hair gel on your comb, and then start combing your roots away from your face to create some volume, then finish with hairspray to hold the look together. This hairstyle is pretty sleek and a great look to ring in 2019.

4. Classic Topknot

The topknot is useful in any and every situation, whether you want a simple way to clean up your look or just need to get your hair out of your face. Obviously, the messy topknot isn’t really suited for this season’s festivities, so make sure that you brush your hair thoroughly to avoid any knots when putting your hair up into a bun. Clean up your topknot with hairspray and bobby pins.

5. Braided Hairstyle

For anybody that loves braids, there are tons of styles you can experiment with this holiday season. There’s the French braid or the slightly more complex Dutch braid (which is pretty much a reverse French braid), and you could do a single plait or two. If you do two, you can either leave it down or pin it to make it into a braided updo.

If you prefer a side braid, you can try the fishtail braid, or go with the classic and style it with accessories or flowers.

Remember to secure any loose hairs with bobby pins.

In case you aren’t quite sure how to do any of these braids, you can always check out hair braiding tutorials on YouTube.

With only one more weekend before Christmas, some probably have already attended their annual holiday party. But with December being travel peak season and overseas clients working all throughout the month, plenty of companies have organized their holiday parties past the 25th, with some even having plans to hold theirs in the new year. Whatever the case may be, it’s always helpful to know what constitutes as appropriate for these kinds of shindigs.

A couple years ago, we covered style tips for your Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties, but we have yet to discuss what a suitable ensemble would be for a company organized event.

You’ve likely already figured out that you can wear pretty much anything you would be okay with wearing to the office, even if it’s slightly dressier. However, we figured it’s best that we cover all the office party no-no’s, in case you needed a refresher.

All the things you should not wear at your office holiday party

1. Something that you’d wear to the club

Bars and clubs are places where you can totally experiment with your wardrobe, from the tightest of dresses to the lowest of plunging necklines.  One of the settings that should never see a bandage dress, or any other sexy silhouettes, is an office party.

It’s not just party dresses though. Anything super glittery or sparkly, basically in your face saying that you are a human disco ball, should be off limits. They’re great for NYE when partying with friends, not your office mates.

2. An outfit that makes you look like you just left the office

We get that you might have to wear a pantsuit to the office, but for everyone’s sake, loosen up a little. Sure, you do want to maintain some level of professionalism given that you are attending an office Christmas party; however, it won’t hurt to add some festive touches to your ensemble. Perhaps a green skirt with a bow tie on it, or maybe something as a simple as a white shift dress? You don’t have to go as far as wearing a white top, black waist belt and red skirt, but at least look like you dressed up for cocktail party and not a meeting.

3. A holiday themed costume

This one might seem a little silly, but in every office, there’s always at least one big personality that loves to go over the top for these annual events. Santa hats are harmless, reindeer antlers are welcomed, and Christmas brooches and jewelry do give ensembles a nice holiday twist, and unless you’ve been assigned by the party committee to dress as Mrs. Claus or an elf, leave the costumes at home. We’re all for getting into the holiday spirit, but if the memo doesn’t state that there is a specific theme for the party, then leave the costumes at home.

Also, don’t show up with Christmas tree hair.

4. Anything that lights up or jingles

Here’s another outrageous one for the list. LED lights are a beautiful way to light up a tree and decorate the entire house, but they do not belong on clothing whatsoever. While the Christmas party is a more relaxed environment than your usual office setting, there is no need to wear anything obnoxious, such as a blinking-nosed Rudolph top. Plus, how inconvenient is it to wear something that needs to be plugged into a power source?

Another thing that’s probably more distracting than clothing with flickering lights is clothing or jewelry with bells on it. While sleigh bells may look cute around your neck or wrist, they’ll only get on your nerves later on in the evening. Bells ringing every time you move an inch? Doesn’t sound like a good time to us.

5. Ugly Christmas sweaters/vests

This one depends on how big the event is, whether it’s a company-wide party or a department get-together at a bar. The ugly Christmas sweater, or any warm weather alternative to it, works among friends and family, so if it’s decided among everyone in the group that the party is gonna be of casual nature, then there are no issues. Though just to be on the safe side, you might want to go for something that is deemed a little more professional.

Some people are amazing at buying gifts. Others, not so much. For me, the best kinds of presents are the ones attached to good memories, or with homemade touches (aka homemade gifts). Alas, not everyone is a mind reader, creative, or sadly, even willing to put that much thought or effort into your present. To save your loved ones from searching the ends of the earth (or all around the metro) for something you might not even like, it’s best to save them the trouble with a holiday wish list.

Now, writing one is not as straightforward as one would think. You never want to go to crazy and hand out pages upon pages worth of ideas; on the flip side, you also don’t want to leave your friends and family with too few options. Additionally, you can’t fill up your wish list with luxury items that the majority of your loved ones cannot afford. There needs to be some balance.

Maybe it isn’t your first time at the rodeo. Maybe you’ve writing wish lists for years, but Pretty Me has got plenty of tips to up the ante to ensure you receive the best gifts this year.

So, ladies. Take some notes.

How to make your holiday wish list

List down everything your heart desires, then eliminate

Everything from new coloring pencils to the Dyson Airwrap can go in the first draft of your list. At this stage, you can include absolutely everything you have been wanting or would like, and if that list seems extremely long, no worries, as you’ll be eliminating things later. What you don’t want to is go looking for items to add to your list, since it’ll just make the process of elimination that much harder.

Once you’ve got that master list, it’s time to start crossing things out. If the list is really long, chances are you’ve doubled up on items. Also, having this long list will help you figure out which items you can actually buy for yourself instead of making others buy it for you. For example, it’s probably best to cross “lingerie” or “new underwear” since not everyone knows your size or the style of intimates you go for. Also, it’s pretty awkward asking your family to buy underwear for you, don’t you think?

Base your list on personal goals

If you’re not even sure where to start for your list, this is a good guideline for you. It’s that time of year when people are starting to think of New Year’s resolutions, so why not create a wish list that’s based on those goals? For example, if you want to finally lose some weight and live a healthier lifestyle, some items to include in your list are cute workout clothes and running shoes, a yoga mat or other gear, and maybe even a gym membership. If your goal is to take better care of your skin, include beauty products into your list. Now, if you’re looking to be smarter with your finances, you can ask for budget planning notebooks and books about personal finance management. If you want to read more, things to include in your list would be a Kindle, perhaps a GC from a bookstore, or just generally,  good old fashioned books.

Make sure your list is a mix of luxury items and affordable goods

If you’re the oldest kid in the family and the only one with a job, it doesn’t make sense to fill your list up with a bunch of expensive items that you’ll probably never get (unless you buy them yourself). While it is reasonable to include a couple of luxury items (after all, it is a wish list), you can’t expect your studying/unemployed siblings to pull their savings together and get you the iPhone XS Max. Instead, have items in there at varying price points, so that there are potential gifts in there that would suit every kind of budget.

You might also want to include the price range of all your items to give your loved ones an idea of how much they’ll need to spend.

Include photos for references

I don’t know about you, but I don’t know how many times I’ve looked at my dad’s list and wondered what he actually wanted to say. Someone please explain to me what a Bluetooth speaker headset is. 

You can put as many details in your list as you can, from shoe sizes to brands, but it’s always best to be specific. Photos are a great way to show your loved ones what exactly it is that you want in case they miss all the extra details in your list. Additionally, having a photo reference will help others deviate less from what you’ve asked for.

To make life easier for you, share this guide with your loved ones! That way, no one in your circle has anything ambiguous in their list, and that everyone ends up happy on Christmas Day!

It’s that time of year again, folks, which begs us to question whether you’ve started on your Christmas shopping yet.

Holiday shopping can be extremely stressful, but it really doesn’t have to be. It’s all about being efficient, and never ever leaving anything to the last minute.

If you haven’t started yet, don’t fret. We’ve got a bunch of tips for you that will keep you sane in the next few weeks.

1. Set a budget

A lot of people base their Christmas shopping budget on their 13th month pay, but spending more on gifts doesn’t mean they will be well received. On top of gift shopping, there are going to be lots of parties and gatherings that probably have to contribute to, and if you’re traveling, you’ll need a separate budget for your trip. Yes, the holidays are expensive, but that doesn’t mean that you have to spend all that you have on the Christmas season. You still have to think about your monthly bills and savings. Plus, you want to save some money to be able to treat yourself.

Instead of devoting 100% of your 13th month for presents, aim for 50-75%, so the rest of it could be used for other holiday expenditure. And if you need to dip into your monthly salary, you can still do so without risking an empty bank account by the time the new year comes rolling in.

2. Make a wish list

Much like a wedding gift registry, wish lists benefit both parties. For the shoppers, you’re narrowing down the options of presents so they don’t go crazy thinking about the perfect gift. For you or whoever the list is for, you’re pretty much guaranteed a present that you actually like. Consider making wish lists with family members and friends.

3. Start shopping now

As a nation that starts blasting Jose Marie Chan and putting up decorations as soon as September starts, you’d think we’d be done with Christmas shopping by the end of November. Unfortunately, most of us are procrastinators, leaving gift shopping to the last possible minute. A smart Christmas shopper would have already bought (or at least thought of) one or two presents by now.

If you haven’t started yet, it’s not a big deal. Ideally, you do want to get your shopping as early as possible to avoid the crowded malls and horrible December traffic. It also gives you time to have a gift shipped from overseas if you’re ordering presents from out of the country.

4. Use social media for gift inspiration

We all have a friend or family member that refuses to make wish lists, claiming that any present will do even though they clearly disappointed with the presents from the year before. To avoid another failed attempt, do your research by checking out their social media. Pinterest would definitely be the most helpful of all platforms, though not everyone has an account. You can see what pages and links they’ve liked on Facebook, and see the kind of things they like to post on Instagram.

5. Head to the mall during off-peak hours

Malls are starting to get pretty crazy right now (more so than usual). If the weekends are the only times you have to visit your nearest shopping center, do your shopping first thing in the morning. That way, you’ve got a good parking spot, and you can get a lot of it done before the lunch crowd.

If your office is in or near a mall, you can always visit it after work or during your lunch break on the weekdays. It’ll be more crowded after work, but anything is better than shopping over the weekend.

6. Map out your mall visit

With holiday sales everywhere, it’s so easy to be distracted. Your primary goal is Christmas shopping, so you’ll need to prioritize specific stores to avoid wandering aimlessly and shopping for yourself instead of your family. Efficiency is what will also help you stay within your budget, so make yourself an itinerary, if you will.

You can always window shop after you’ve gone through your list.

7. Shop online

If you can’t stand the crowded malls, you can save yourself the time and energy by purchasing gifts online. Some products are even cheaper online than ones at the physical store, though there will be added costs, such as shipping and handling. If you’re concerned about added costs, consider buying multiple presents from one site to be eligible for free shipping.

Depending on the online retailer, you may also request to have your gifts wrapped to save you all that trouble of wrapping it yourself.

8. Sign up for sale alerts

If you’ve ever shopped online or part of a brand’s mailing list, you probably get loads of emails that tell you when a sale is happening. While they would be considered junk throughout the year, these emails are like gold for the -ber months. They’re your chance to save more money, so keep a lookout. One sale you shouldn’t miss out on is the 11.11 Single’s Day sale, which is happening this weekend.

9. Support small businesses

You’re probably used to shopping with popular retailers and big name brands, but there are loads of local small businesses that offer unique items that are just as good, if not better, than the products in SM or Ayala Malls. For example, Pretty Me has a bunch of beauty products that aren’t sold in most malls, and the rarity of the gifts will be something that your family and friends would really appreciate.

10. Consider getting gift cards

If you absolutely have no clue as to what to get your loved ones, you can always get them a gift card from their favorite store. If they love makeup, a Sephora gift card would be great. If they love Forever 21, get a GC there. Have a friend who is a frequent traveler? Give them an AirBnB GC. While some people might consider this lazy, what person would be disappointed with a GC at their favorite outlet? It’s basically a free shopping spree, and that way, the recipient gets to pick out their own presents without spending any of their own money.