Random Beauty by Hollie: June 2014

COVERGIRL Eye Enhancers Quad in Tropical Fusion Swatch

9:30:00 AM

Good Day ladies! Since it is technically still the summer season. (it has been raining all week here in the Philippines) I'd like to show you gals this cheap drugstore find, which I thought would be perferct for your spring or summer look.

I accidentally found this at ebay.ph early this year and was hoping that I could use it this summer, unfortunately, I forgot this actually existed, until recently. LOL

Product Info from CoverGirl

This collection of great eyeshadow shades is handpicked by our makeup pros and designed to make your eye look go from day to night. They blend effortlessly to bring your eyes out beautifully, without overshadowing. Experiment using them together or as single shades.

Retail Price: around PHP450 (priced at $5 in the US)

available at our local Cover Girl Counters but I bought mine online

(photo taken under natural light)

CoverGirl Eye Enhancers 4-Kit Shadows in Tropical Fusion Swatch

I really like the blend of colors in this quad. They are very pretty and fun and I think this can look good with anyone, if applied correctly. My only qualm about this quad is that, it is hard to let the colors show without a creamy base or primer. In addition to that, the lightest shade is very chalky and has less color payoff compared to the other three.

I honestly tried to do an EOTD with this quad, unfortunately there were too many distractions at home and I couldn't finish what I was doing. (oooh life of a mom. hehe)

What's funny is that, the colors look similar to the recently released YSL Bleus Lumier Summer 2014 Ombre Eyeshadow Palette which retails for $60!

Do you ladies have an eyeshadow palette similar to the ones above? Also, do let me know if you still want to see a completed look using the CG Tropical Fusion quad. If you don't, I won't bother. hehehe

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

Eyes

Collection Lasting Colour Gel Eyeliner in Black Review

5:38:00 PM

Some of you might have heard about "Collection Cosmetics" and I know that some are already fans of the brand here in PH. I was just browsing through Zalora PH last May when I was shopping for things that I needed to bring for our summer team getaway and accidentally saw that they carry a lot of Collection Cosmetics products, and then I saw this...

Product Info from Collection Cosmetics

This intense colour pigment pot will give up to 12 hours lasting wear, for a glossy finish to your essential eyeliner look.

Retail Price: Php 399 from Zalor.com.ph

I was in need of a gel eyeliner at the time, since the one that I had on my kit already dried up. Seeing that it was affordable and received a lot of great reviews from other bloggers, I decided to buy it.

The pot came with a free, tiny eyeliner brush. You can choose to disregard the brush that came with it. I used the brush for review purposes and it actually wasn't that bad. It did what it was meant to do.

I was happy to see that the gel eyeliner was cased in a glass pot and not made of plastic material. I did not notice any kind of scent when I opened the pot, so that's a good sign.

The Collection Lasting Colour Gel Eyeliner has a creamy and very smooth texture, so it glides like a breeze and super easy to apply. I used the free brush that came with the pot on the photo below and I was surprised to see that the tiny brush actually works.

The label on the box claims to last for up to 12 hours, so I had to do a test. I wore the eyeliner for 9 hours max while I was at work. And I was impressed with the results, it stayed! For your reference, I don't have oily lids, so I can't vouch how long it will last with others. It is totally smudge proof, budge proof and water proof. It did smudge a little bit on my waterline and also left a gunk on the corner of my eye, but that's pretty normal with liners applied on the waterline.

The quality and performance actually reminded me of my Catrice gel eyeliner which I reviewed HERE. The only difference is that, the collection lasting colour gel eyeliner is more pigmented and extremely black.

What I like about it...
* affordable
* actually lasts the whole day
* does not smudge at all
* waterproof, I even tested it with running water on my hand, it didn't smear at all
* has a creamy and smooth texture, which makes it easy to apply
* the product sets quickly upon application, so you don't need to worry about it transferring on your crease area, you just need to practice using it to avoid mistakes
* fragrance-free
* it is extremely black
* easy to remove with a makeup remover
* did not experience any itch or irritation on my eye
* can be bought online or at malls

What I don't like...
* I've had it for only about 2 months now, and it is already starting to dry up in the pot

My rating: 4 / 5

If only it didn't start to dry out in just a couple of months, this would have been an HG (holy grail) black gel eyeliner. Oh well, I guess most gel eyeliners are the same. Let me know if you have any other gel eyeliner recommendations that does not dry up quickly.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Skin care

My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Mask Review

7:42:00 PM

First off, I'd like to say that I seldom use face mask sheets simply because I'm lazy. LOL I know that you've probably already seen a lot of reviews for the My Beauty Diary facial masks from fellow beauty enthusiasts, but I'd like to share my experience with this product.

I got this around February this year, through my bestie Khymm of Miss Shopcoholic. She went for a short trip in Hong Kong early this year and I asked her to buy this for me. I've been so curious for the longest time why face mask addicts are loving this stuff.

My Beauty Diary Masks are face masks which originates from Taiwan. My Beauty Diary is very popular in Asia as My Beauty Diary Masks are suitable for Asian skins, made of natural ingredients, proven effective and most of all, they are affordable! Even Taiwanese actresses recommend the masks.

Product Info from My Beauty Diary

Retail Price: HK $58 (around Php 300+)

bought at SASA

Purpose: Hydrating, Whitening

Skin type: All skin types especially skin which is dull and lacks firmness

Characteristics: Combining the active ingredients from the black pearl together with extracts from the marine and plants, it enhances the hydration of the skin improving radiance.Natural vitamin C extracted from plant essence helps to exfoliate gently, removing dead skin on the surface. This allows for deep moisturising, improving skin elasticity, energizing the skin for a healthy, radiant look.

Ingredients: Purified Water, 1, 3-Butylene Glycol, Glycerine, Propylene Glycol, Aloe, Hyaluronic Acid, Pineapple, Alage, Cucumber, Lime Tree, Triethanolamine, Methyl Paraben, Algae-Yeast Complex, Bio-Active Silanols, Lecithin, Nanospheres, Vegetale Collagen, Citric Acid, Royal Pearl

The box contains 10 face mask sheets, so it's very affordable considering the price. (it would go for less than a dollar per piece). I found out about My Beauty Diary face masks a few years ago (around 2011 I think), but I never got the chance to try it. So, imagine my excitement when I finally got my hands on one of these.

Other My Beauty Diary Masks which I got from fellow blogger Phoebe

They offer a wide selection of face masks which offer different results, but I decided to try the Black Pearl variant because of it's brightening effect, plus it's one of their best sellers.

Each pack comes in a decent size sheet that will definitely cover your entire face. One side is covered with plastic which you need to strip before application. The face mask sheet itself is a little bit thin, so there is a big tendency that you'll tear it easily if you are not careful.

I only use face masks when I feel like relaxing and taking a short nap or on times that I can't think of anything else to do, which rarely happens. hehe (ignore the tired-dont-mess-with-me-or-else look)

The consistency of the essence on the sheet is not thick, it actually feels light. It also gives a slight cooling effect on my face which is nice. This face mask is mildly scented, but it's pleasant.

I leave the sheet on my face for about 20 to 30 minutes. I also noticed that there is a lot of excess essence left in the pack, so I just applied it on my neck. Rinsing is not required for this face mask but I prefer to do so. Then you can opt to follow your toner and moisturizer after application.

My face feels revived after using this mask. This is the fourth time I've used it and I always notice the brightening effect after application. Also I'd like to note that I didn't experience any irritation or allergies with mask, Lucky!

Overall, I'm happy with the My Beauty Diary Black Pearl Mask. I like the fact that it's affordable and it works. I've tried other face masks sheets that claims to brighten but honestly does nothing. So, I suggest to give this a try if you happen to see it. ^_^

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

Lipstick

Happy Skin Turn Up The Heat Summer Lippie Collection

10:08:00 AM

I know that summer here in the Philippines is about to end, but I just had to show you girls how much I adore these Happy Skin Shut Up and Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippies from their Turn Up the Heat Summer Collection which I talked about last month HERE.

If you have been following my blog, you probably already know how much I'm drawn to bright lipsticks and this Happy Skin lipstick trio are no exception. So, when the Happy Skin team sent me these lippies, I was ecstatic! I've been using these lippies all summer and I honestly plan on using them all year long. hehe

Happy Skin lippie fans will love the new limited edition summer shades of Shut Up & Kiss Me Turn Up The Heat Lippies (box set of 3 lippies for P1,249 and individually priced at P549)

The limited edition summer shades can be bought individually, however I would suggest you get the set of three instead. It's like getting the third lippie for free. The set comes in a sturdy yet colorful case which mimics the look of a cigarette box. I actually find this box cute (who doesn't!?!).

back label

As stated in the box, "These lippies can be worn alone or layered on to create unique lippie looks!"

The Shut Up & Kiss Me moisturizing lippies comes in a twist type crayon-like tube which looks very similar to the popular lip balm stains available in the market today, like the chubby sticks or kissable balm stains. But these lippies look more hip in my opinion.

From left to right, here is Summer Crush a warm toned bright pink, followed by Sunset Kiss a fiery red-orange and then there's The Morning After a mauvy nude shade.

What I like about it...
* it is a Filipino brand
* has an eye catching twist type packaging
* has a creamy texture which glides easily on my lips
* has excellent color payoff, very opaque and pigmented
* fragrance free, no scent at all
* lasts long on my lips, starts to fade after 4-5 hours on me
* the shade sunset kiss leaves a stain which I really like
* it is moisturizing, so I don't need to use lip balm prior to application
* does not dry out my lips at all
* does not settle on lips' fine lines
* I can layer it on top of each other and create a new shade
* no irritation or allergies experienced

What I don't like...
* I find it a bit pricey for a local brand, but the quality is at par which mid-range to high-end brands in my opinion, so it's understandable
* not all of their lippies leaves a stain, I prefer lipsticks that stain a bit

My rating: 4 / 5

Happy Skin Turn Up The Heat Summer Lippie Swatches

As mentioned in their box, these lippies can be layered so you can create another range of colors. Depending on how much product you apply, the shades can vary.

Overall, I am honestly loving these lippies and I definitely get the hype now. It actually performs and I'm sure you will get your money's worth. These are Hollie Approved!!!

Have girls tried their Shut Up & Kiss Me lippies yet? If so, what colors did you pick?

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Brow Products

The MAC Waterproof Brow Collection

3:24:00 PM

A new collection of products elevates the brow in waterproof formulas that are sweat-proof, smudge-free and humidity-resistant. Waterproof Brow Set grooms, defines and strokes brows into shape, naturally shading to create subtle or dramatic looks in seven new hues. The long-wearing, waterproof Fluidline Brow Gelcreme fills, lengthens and shapes in rich brunette, soft taupe and golden brown. Finish the look with Zoom Waterfast Lash, Splashproof Lash or False Lashes Waterproof and your brows are gorgeous to go..

I am sure that you ladies are excited about the new range of brow products from MAC, especially those who are extra attentive to their brows. I even already have a couple of brow products in mind from this new product release.

PRO LONGWEAR WATERPROOF BROW SET

Clear clear
Emphatically Blonde soft muted beige-taupe
Toasted Blonde dirty blonde
Red Chestnut gold brown with gold shimmer
Quiet Brunette muted mid-tone grey brown
Bold Brunette muted blackish brown
Brown Ebony asphalt black
retails for PHP 1,000 each

FLUIDLINE BROW GELCREME

Redhead muted golden brown
Dirty Blonde soft taupe brown
Deep Dark Brunette rich brunette
retails for PHP 1,100 each

BRUSH
208 Angled Brow retails for PHP 1,250

I really want to try the Fluidline Brow Gelcreme in Dirty Blonde and Pro Longwear Brow Set in Quite Brunette. I feel like those two will work really well with my current hair color.

Also, if you are already familiar with the original MAC Brow Set which only comes in 3 shades (Girl Boy, Beguile, & Show Off). You will surely love the new Pro Longwear Brow Set because I have a good feeling, a good match awaits you with the new set of colors they offer. In addition to that, the brush applicator is much smaller than the original, which makes it easier to control while grooming your brows.

Please do share your experiences if you've already tried some of the new brow products, I would love to know what you think about them. ^_^

These are already available at our local MAC counters, so do check it out!

Info and Photos provided by MAC Cosmetics Philippines

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Press

MyPhone Rio Fun now available in Lazada Philippines

4:19:00 PM

Bright and Fun For Everyone

Picking a mobile phone nowadays is just as tough as picking a boyfriend – or a girlfriend for all the bachelors out there. As they would always say, it’s all about finding the perfect match despite the tons of available options out there. While we cannot guarantee finding you “the one”, we can definitely put you up for something bright and fun – the recently unveiled MyPhone Rio Fun which is now available at Lazada.com.ph

The MyPhone Rio Fun is the trifecta of eye-popping color, crisp functionality, and affordability. Its five-inch LCD screen is perfect for squint-free wide format view for all your photos and videos. The MyPhone Rio Fun also comes with a 3.2 megapixel rear camera with LED flash so capturing those special moments whether daytime or at night should be effortless. It also has a 512 MB internal storage but when all those selfies are taking up too much memory space, the MyPhone Rio Fun also has a 32GB internal storage so you can still access those files wherever, whenever. Despite its 2G network configuration, connectivity should not be an issue with the MyPhone Rio Fun, as you can connect via WiFi or Bluetooth and it has Dual SIM slots, both with Dual Standby. All of these for an affordable price of PhP 2,999 at Lazada.com.ph.

So here’s what you will get out of your PhP 2,999 with the MyPhone Rio Fun:

5-inch FWVGA TFT LCD screen @ 854×480 pixels, 195ppi
MediaTek MT6572 1.3GHz dual-core CPU
512MB RAM
Mali-400MP1 GPU
512MB internal storage
Expandable 32GB internal storage
2G only
Dual-SIM, Dual-Standby
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth
3.2MP rear camera, LED flash
VGA front-facing camera
Li-Ion 1800mAh battery
Android 4.2 Jelly Bean

Purchasing the MyPhone Rio Fun from Lazada.com.ph gives you nothing but effortless and risk-free shopping experience. With Lazada, you get to enjoy online shopping with cash-on-delivery payment, free nationwide shipping for transactions above PhP 1,000.00 and free returns within 30 days. So what are you waiting for? Shop for your own MyPhone Rio Fun at http://www.lazada.com.ph/shop-mobiles-tablets/myphone/ and find your perfect match! For more updates on sales promo and new products, subscribe to www.facebook.com/lazadaphilippines and visit www.lazada.com.ph

Don't know anything about Lazada?

Lazada (www.lazada.com.ph) is Philippines’ largest online shopping mall and is pioneering e-commerce by providing a fast, convenient and secure online shopping experience combined with an extensive product offering in categories ranging from mobiles & tablets and consumer electronics to household goods, toys, fashion and sports equipment. Lazada is continuously striving to offer its customers the best possible shopping experience with multiple payment methods including cash on delivery, extensive warranty commitments and free returns. Lazada mobile applications for Android, iPhone and iPad provide additional convenience to its consumers’ allowing them to shop anywhere, anytime.

For more information, please visit http://www.lazada.com.ph. For updates on Lazada’s latest innovations, as well as activities, contests and promotions, connect with us via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LazadaPhilippines).

Disclaimer: This is a press release. I have not received any form of compensation for this post. All content and links where provided by the aforementioned company in the post.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Skin care

Celeteque Advanced Anti-Aging Alcohol Free Toner Review

4:30:00 PM

It's high time that I tell you about the new addition to my skin care routine. The Celeteque Advanced Anti-Aging Alcohol Free Toner. (whew, that was a mouthful!) I ran out of facial toners a few months ago, so I went to Watson's to look for another Alcohol-Free Toner to try and I found this.

Product Info from the box

Celeteque Dermoscience Advanced Anti-Aging Alcohol-free Toner

helps remove the last traces of stubborn dirt without drying the skin.

It contains Acerola Fruit Extract which is an effective antioxidant that slows the natural aging process of your skin. It also helps in the formation and maintenance of collagen in the skin which prevents or reduces wrinkling.

It also reconditions the skin to prepare it for moisturizing, to maximize the benefits of your moisturizers.

Retail Price: Php169.00 for 125ml

I have been using this facial toner for over two months now and I am very happy with it. The main reason why I prefer to use alcohol-free toners is, they are non-drying and very gentle to the skin. (I have normal skin with slightly oily T-Zone)

What I like about it...
* inexpensive, very affordable compared to other alcohol-free toners
* it is alcohol-free
* mildly scented
* it literally feels like water
* very gentle to my skin, it does not sting at all
* my face feels well hydrated after I apply this toner
* cleans really well, I can see small traces of dirt on my cotton pad even after I washed my face
* didn't experience any allergies or irritation
* I also noticed that I haven't had more than a single bump on face ever since I started using this

What I don't like...
* I can't tell if this really has anti-aging properties (doesn't matter, I'm still young anyway..hehe)

My rating: 4 / 5

Overall, I'm quite happy with the Celeteque Advanced Anti-Aging Alcohol Free Toner coz it gets the job done. Would I recommend? Yes, especially if you are looking for a mild toner that cleans well and keeps your face moisturized at the same time.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***