This is it! You just got an interview call from the company that you always dreamed of getting into ever since you entered the final year of college. You have your documents ready, you rehearsed all the questions that could be asked. You even took out the perfect outfit that is needed to look sharp and immaculate. Now you are stuck on how to do your makeup. Should you go with bright and bold colors or to keep it in pastels?
I blogged about this Sigma kit when it first came out a couple of months ago. Imagine how excited I was when I finally got my hands on the Sigma Beauty SigmaTech Essential Brush Set! woohoo! Anyway I've been using this set all week long, turns out I was right when I decided that this is the perfect brush set in my opinion...
I have seen the Laura Geller Makeup brand on popular online retail shops for years so I have always been curious about it. I finally had the chance to try out some of their products when a friend flew in from the US and gifted me with this Laura Geller Sparkling Rose Festive Makeup Collection...
I rarely post a review on fragrances, but I just feel like I had to share this long time perfume love that I've always had in my stash. It's no other than the cult favorite, DKNY Be Delicious (original scent). Not sure if you remember one of my old post, the Empties Perfume Edition. This very same scent was present in that post as well, but it was the 50ml bottle, this time I got the 100ml bottle, yay!
Hey ladies, Happy Friday! I'm back with another post. So, like the title suggest, let's talk all about makeup removers. I was about to throw my empties yesterday when I realized that I had quite a selection of makeup removers in my stash. I'd like to share my thoughts on them.
Not sure if you remember but I posted about this lip palette early this year and some of you might have seen this on my Instagram posts. So, I think it's high time that you know more about the Mac Pro Lip Palette in 6 Editorial Reds.
Sigma Beauty is brand very known all over the world and they have been coming out with new innovative products every year and they never fail. This time they recently released another brush set which got me excited. It is the SIGMATECH Essential Set.
Hey ladies, it's been a while since I last wrote about body products and I would like to share a few of the essentials that I've been currently loving.
Whew, it's been almost a month since my last post. I have just been busy in the past few weeks and honestly was just feeling lazy and sleepy everyday after work. I do hope I get back to my old upbeat self where I'd feel excited to write and share about my beauty discoveries.
It has been several months since I bought the Zoeva Classic Eye Brush Set. I was lucky enough to have gotten the 40% Off code from Luxola late last year (2014), which is why I bought this brush set right away. I have been using these brushes for a good number of months so it's high time to let you gals know what I think about them.
Yes, you ladies read that right. Tory Burch Beauty and Fragrance is finally available here in Cebu. It is located at Rustan's, Ayala Center Cebu. I was invited by the Tory Burch PH team a couple of months ago for an intimate launch held at Radisson Blu Hotel here in Cebu City.
After several months, I finally got around to reviewing the ever popular DipBrow Pomade. Anyway I bought this around August, last year (2014) and I've been using it ever since. Please note that I don't use this everyday. Coz, let's face it... It's not the quickest way to shape and fill-in my brows.
If you're not already aware, I've got a little weakness when it comes to perfume. I've used a lot over the years so I thought, why not share with you guys what sort of perfume I've been using. I love citrus scents with just a tiny hint of fruity and floral fragrance in them. Mostly mild scents that are easy on the nose.
I'm not that really particular with concealers before, but when I started experiencing breakouts last year, I was left with pimple scars and so my hunt for a good concealer began.
There were so many choices from different brands, but I was looking for something affordable with really great quality. That's when I remembered that Youtube Beauty Guru xteeener really loved the Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette. I've read a lot of good reviews about this concealer palette as well, so I was convinced to give it a try.
There were so many choices from different brands, but I was looking for something affordable with really great quality. That's when I remembered that Youtube Beauty Guru xteeener really loved the Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette. I've read a lot of good reviews about this concealer palette as well, so I was convinced to give it a try.
Product Info from Sonia Kashuk
This concealer works to minimize the appearance of dark circles, fine lines and skin imperfections while offering an overall smooth and polished finish. Two shades of concealer make it possible to custom-blend your own shade. Rich in treatment ingredients this palette contains: Jojobal Oil, Horse Chestnut Extract and Apricot Oil for smoothing and emollient properties; Vitamins A, C & E protect with anti-oxidant and anti-aging action and the colorless powder smoothes skin and offers hydrating properties for a natural and bright finish.
Award Winner: October 2008 Allure “Best of Beauty Awards”
Award Winner: October 2008 Allure “Best of Beauty Awards”
Place bought: Target.com
Retail Price: $10.49
(photo taken under natural light)
(photo taken with camera flash)
This palette consists of three concealers and one powder.
I've been using this palette ever since I got it last August 2014. So far, it's been a life saver! I love the consistency and formulation of this palette.
(photo taken under natural light)
Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette in Light Swatches
The consistency is really creamy and smooth which makes it very easy to blend. Contrary to what you expect, it is not as thick as other cream concealers. What's even better is that it has excellent coverage, so I don't need much to cover my pimple marks or my under eye dark circles. It also stays long around 6 hours on me before it starts to fade, but note that I have to set this with a powder foundation in order for it to last.
Here is the Sonia Kashuk Conceler Palette in action. That is my bare face on the left side with all the pimple scars and on the right side, you will notice how my pimple scars were perfectly covered. They will all look even and flawless after I've set them with my powder foundation.
What I like about it...
* inexpensive at only $10.50 approximately Php 472
* has three different concealer shades which you can mix as well
* has a colorless setting powder for dark circles
* has a sleek and convenient packaging, which makes it very easy to travel with
* stays for a good 5 to 6 hours on my before it starts to fade
* has soft, smooth and creamy consistency
* since this has a fine texture, it is very easy to blend and layer
* has a faint scent but barely noticeable
* I did not experience any irritation or allergies with this concealer
What I don't like...
* not easily accessible for us here in PH
My rating: 5 / 5
So my verdict is already obvious, I absolutely love this stuff! Even my besty and fellow freelance Make-up Artist Khymm really likes it. She has seen and experienced how effortless it is to cover blemishes and pimples with this palette. If you are looking for something that is affordable with excellent quality, this would be it. This is Hollie approved and would definitely recommend it.
Until next time.
Cheerios!
***Hollie***
Here is the Sonia Kashuk Conceler Palette in action. That is my bare face on the left side with all the pimple scars and on the right side, you will notice how my pimple scars were perfectly covered. They will all look even and flawless after I've set them with my powder foundation.
What I like about it...
* inexpensive at only $10.50 approximately Php 472
* has three different concealer shades which you can mix as well
* has a colorless setting powder for dark circles
* has a sleek and convenient packaging, which makes it very easy to travel with
* stays for a good 5 to 6 hours on my before it starts to fade
* has soft, smooth and creamy consistency
* since this has a fine texture, it is very easy to blend and layer
* has a faint scent but barely noticeable
* I did not experience any irritation or allergies with this concealer
What I don't like...
* not easily accessible for us here in PH
My rating: 5 / 5
So my verdict is already obvious, I absolutely love this stuff! Even my besty and fellow freelance Make-up Artist Khymm really likes it. She has seen and experienced how effortless it is to cover blemishes and pimples with this palette. If you are looking for something that is affordable with excellent quality, this would be it. This is Hollie approved and would definitely recommend it.
Until next time.
Cheerios!
***Hollie***
I am well aware that this is way overdue. However, I still would like to share my most used makeup products for the year 2014. I liked and discovered a lot of products last year, but I had to pick a few that I reach out the most, and these would be it.
I sometimes buy makeup on a whim especially if there are a lot ongoing sales in the beauty section. I am sure most beauty enthusiasts can relate. LOL So, last year I honesty really tried to limit myself into buying makeup that I don't really need. I think I was successful in a way since there were consecutive months where I didn't buy a single makeup. I only bought a handful of makeup that I was really lemming for and those that had been on my wishlist for the longest time.
This is where I keep the makeup products that I use personally. (Obviously, I like Teal/Mint Colors! hahaha) Since I am also a freelance makeup artist, the makeup for clients are stored separately in a hard train case.
Let's start this off with my favorite makeup products for FACE. Some of you might have already seen some of these on my Instagram account, which only shows how much I adore these products.
VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Face Cover 45 - This is my fave sunscreen to date. I use this as my makeup base or primer especially on hot days. I've noticed that this has a really good oil control power since my T-Zone stays matte all day and my makeup lasts longer. I've used the Armada Face Cover 30 and Armada Face Cover 70. They have different texture and consistency, but I like this Face Cover 45 variant more.
Mary Kay CC Cream in Very light - I was honestly skeptical when I first got my hands on this CC cream. I was never a fan of BB Creams to begin with or CC Creams for that matter. However, I really liked the texture and feel of the Mary Kay CC Cream, in addition to that, this is yellow toned, so it does not look ashy on me. I'm so glad that I didn't break out and that my skin actually looks great with this stuff on. Since I have the lightest shade, I only use this in certain areas on my face where I need to highlight. You can read my full review HERE.
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - My glowing secret is now out! This is the product I've been using for the past three years! It instantly wakes my face up and gives me a natural glow without trying so hard. LOL. But seriously, this stuff works wonders if used right. I use this every time my face looks dull and tired (which happens to be on most mornings, hahaha). I only need a pea-size amount and pat it on my entire face, then follow it right away with my foundation powder. Then BAAM! in about 5 minutes I notice that my skin looks alive, dewy and glowing.
Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette in Light - Every time my skin needs rescuing, I run to this concealer palette. It gives the perfect coverage to my pimple scars and it is very easy to blend. Best of all, it actually stays long after I set it with my Mac powder.
Elizabeth Arden Sheer Lights Illuminating Pen Concealer - I like using this to correct my dark circles since the shade I have is slightly peachy. It is very sheer and easy to blend and does not settle on fine lines. Plus it's very convenient to use.
Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in NC35 - This is already my 4th Mac Studio Fix compact and it has continued to be my Holy Grail face powder. You can read my full review HERE.
For EYES and BROWS, these are my go to products.
Happy Skin Eye Am Here To Stay Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Chic Brown - I started using this ever since it was launched last year. It stays all day long and does not budge. It is my fave everyday eyeliner to date! You can read my full review HERE.
Mac Opulash Mascara - I still haven't found an HG mascara, however when I used up my Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara last year, I reached out for this Mac Opulash Mascara the most, since it defines my lashes and it works great for everyday use.
The Face Shop Style My Eyebrow Pencil in No. 3 - This is my favorite eyebrow pencil to date. One coz it's super affordable at only Php150, two coz the shade is perfect for me, and three it is super smooth to apply.
Mac Brow Set in Beguile - I know this is a bit pricey for a brow set but I still keep coming back to this. I tried cheaper ones but they don't hold my brows like this one does and I still love the shade Beguile on me. My first tube of Beguile actually lasted me for about 2 years! So it is worth it. You can check out the Mac Brow Set swatches HERE.
For Eyeshadow, these are my most used shades.
Mary Kay Mineral Eye Color in Sweet Cream, Hazelnut and Espresso.
Covergirl Eye Enhancer Eyeshadow in Mink
Wet n Wild Color Icon Single Eyeshadow in Nutty
Mac Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in This & That
For CHEEK products, I've been loving these products from The Balm Cosmetics. Apart from the super cute packaging, they have excellent color payoff and very easy to blend. Price wise, I find them affordable compared to high end brands like MAC.
The Balm Bahama Mama for contouring
The Balm Frat Boy for my cheek blush
The Balm Mary Lou Manizer as my highlighter
These are my most used brushes for 2014. I use the Sigma Make Me Cool Travel Kit most of the time, then a few other brushes like, the Charm Luxe Retractable Kabuki Brush in Gold which I bring with me every day for my compact powder. The Artist Studio Brush for my brow bone (I found this in Landmark when I went to Manila last year). The Zoeva 322 Brow Line Brush for my brows and the Sigma E25 Blending Brush for my eyeshadows.
Lastly, for LIPS, these are most used lippie picks last year.
Mac Tinted Lipglass in Love Child - This is the only gloss I've been using a lot last year. I just adore the shade so much coz it looks like an MLBB shade only glossy. hehe
Mac Amplified Lipstick in Craving - This has become my go-to everyday lipstick ever since hubby bought it for me mid last year. I just love plummy shades.
The Face Shop FaceIt Artist Cube Lipstick in Pop Plum - A friend of mine gave this to me ("just because" she said. hehe) I really love the shade and I like using this as a stain rather than applying it full on. You can read my full review HERE.
Happy Skin Shut Up and Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippies in The Morning After and Sunset Kiss - These are just lovely shades and although they are from the summer collection, I still loved using them all year round. I love mixing these two shades together coz they create a lovely creamy-coral shade. You can read my full review and swatches HERE.
VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Lip Balm - this thing has SPF 60! that's the biggest SPF content I've found from a lip balm. Definitely a keeper!
Whew, I know that this is a rather long post, so thank you for taking your time to read it. I just didn't want to create separate posts for my 2014 hit list. hehe
Until next time.
Cheerios!
***Hollie***
I sometimes buy makeup on a whim especially if there are a lot ongoing sales in the beauty section. I am sure most beauty enthusiasts can relate. LOL So, last year I honesty really tried to limit myself into buying makeup that I don't really need. I think I was successful in a way since there were consecutive months where I didn't buy a single makeup. I only bought a handful of makeup that I was really lemming for and those that had been on my wishlist for the longest time.
This is where I keep the makeup products that I use personally. (Obviously, I like Teal/Mint Colors! hahaha) Since I am also a freelance makeup artist, the makeup for clients are stored separately in a hard train case.
VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Face Cover 45 - This is my fave sunscreen to date. I use this as my makeup base or primer especially on hot days. I've noticed that this has a really good oil control power since my T-Zone stays matte all day and my makeup lasts longer. I've used the Armada Face Cover 30 and Armada Face Cover 70. They have different texture and consistency, but I like this Face Cover 45 variant more.
Mary Kay CC Cream in Very light - I was honestly skeptical when I first got my hands on this CC cream. I was never a fan of BB Creams to begin with or CC Creams for that matter. However, I really liked the texture and feel of the Mary Kay CC Cream, in addition to that, this is yellow toned, so it does not look ashy on me. I'm so glad that I didn't break out and that my skin actually looks great with this stuff on. Since I have the lightest shade, I only use this in certain areas on my face where I need to highlight. You can read my full review HERE.
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - My glowing secret is now out! This is the product I've been using for the past three years! It instantly wakes my face up and gives me a natural glow without trying so hard. LOL. But seriously, this stuff works wonders if used right. I use this every time my face looks dull and tired (which happens to be on most mornings, hahaha). I only need a pea-size amount and pat it on my entire face, then follow it right away with my foundation powder. Then BAAM! in about 5 minutes I notice that my skin looks alive, dewy and glowing.
Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Concealer Palette in Light - Every time my skin needs rescuing, I run to this concealer palette. It gives the perfect coverage to my pimple scars and it is very easy to blend. Best of all, it actually stays long after I set it with my Mac powder.
Elizabeth Arden Sheer Lights Illuminating Pen Concealer - I like using this to correct my dark circles since the shade I have is slightly peachy. It is very sheer and easy to blend and does not settle on fine lines. Plus it's very convenient to use.
Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in NC35 - This is already my 4th Mac Studio Fix compact and it has continued to be my Holy Grail face powder. You can read my full review HERE.
For EYES and BROWS, these are my go to products.
Happy Skin Eye Am Here To Stay Gel Eyeliner Pencil in Chic Brown - I started using this ever since it was launched last year. It stays all day long and does not budge. It is my fave everyday eyeliner to date! You can read my full review HERE.
Mac Opulash Mascara - I still haven't found an HG mascara, however when I used up my Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara last year, I reached out for this Mac Opulash Mascara the most, since it defines my lashes and it works great for everyday use.
The Face Shop Style My Eyebrow Pencil in No. 3 - This is my favorite eyebrow pencil to date. One coz it's super affordable at only Php150, two coz the shade is perfect for me, and three it is super smooth to apply.
Mac Brow Set in Beguile - I know this is a bit pricey for a brow set but I still keep coming back to this. I tried cheaper ones but they don't hold my brows like this one does and I still love the shade Beguile on me. My first tube of Beguile actually lasted me for about 2 years! So it is worth it. You can check out the Mac Brow Set swatches HERE.
For Eyeshadow, these are my most used shades.
Mary Kay Mineral Eye Color in Sweet Cream, Hazelnut and Espresso.
Covergirl Eye Enhancer Eyeshadow in Mink
Wet n Wild Color Icon Single Eyeshadow in Nutty
Mac Mineralize Eye Shadow Duo in This & That
For CHEEK products, I've been loving these products from The Balm Cosmetics. Apart from the super cute packaging, they have excellent color payoff and very easy to blend. Price wise, I find them affordable compared to high end brands like MAC.
The Balm Bahama Mama for contouring
The Balm Frat Boy for my cheek blush
The Balm Mary Lou Manizer as my highlighter
These are my most used brushes for 2014. I use the Sigma Make Me Cool Travel Kit most of the time, then a few other brushes like, the Charm Luxe Retractable Kabuki Brush in Gold which I bring with me every day for my compact powder. The Artist Studio Brush for my brow bone (I found this in Landmark when I went to Manila last year). The Zoeva 322 Brow Line Brush for my brows and the Sigma E25 Blending Brush for my eyeshadows.
Lastly, for LIPS, these are most used lippie picks last year.
Mac Tinted Lipglass in Love Child - This is the only gloss I've been using a lot last year. I just adore the shade so much coz it looks like an MLBB shade only glossy. hehe
Mac Amplified Lipstick in Craving - This has become my go-to everyday lipstick ever since hubby bought it for me mid last year. I just love plummy shades.
The Face Shop FaceIt Artist Cube Lipstick in Pop Plum - A friend of mine gave this to me ("just because" she said. hehe) I really love the shade and I like using this as a stain rather than applying it full on. You can read my full review HERE.
Happy Skin Shut Up and Kiss Me Moisturizing Lippies in The Morning After and Sunset Kiss - These are just lovely shades and although they are from the summer collection, I still loved using them all year round. I love mixing these two shades together coz they create a lovely creamy-coral shade. You can read my full review and swatches HERE.
VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Lip Balm - this thing has SPF 60! that's the biggest SPF content I've found from a lip balm. Definitely a keeper!
Whew, I know that this is a rather long post, so thank you for taking your time to read it. I just didn't want to create separate posts for my 2014 hit list. hehe
Until next time.
Cheerios!
***Hollie***
Happy New Year Ladies! I know it has been a while since I last posted something. I guess I've been enjoying my days off so much that I just didn't have the time to blog. Some of you might be curious what I got during the holidays, so I am sharing it with you today.
The first makeup present that I received last December 2014 was the ever fabulous and over hyped Nars Audacious Lipstick from my dear Hubby. My shade of choice is the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Grace as I have been looking for a bright coral lipstick for some time now. I'm really glad that I finally found a coral lipstick that suits my skin tone. He bought this for me at Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu for Php1,650.
Next are the MAC stuff that I personally bought as presents to myself. I didn't buy these together because they were out of stock from our local Mac counter. I pre-ordered the Mac Matte Lipstick in Sin (Php900) and the Mac Pro Longwear Eye Liner in Definedly Black (Php1,100) from @cebumakeuponline on Instagram.
Then I discovered that a friend of mine who is also a fellow makeup enthusiast had the Mac Pro Lip Palette in Editorial Reds (Php2,600) on hand, she gave me huge discount so I quickly bought it from her.
I also got the Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Spotless Foundation & Brush in Medium Beige (Php600) and the Loreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara from the same friend so the prices are discounted. You can follow her @karenjap on Instagram.
Then last December, I finally decided to try and order makeup internationally and send it via JohnnyAirPlus.com because TheBalm.com was having a 50% off sitewide during Cyber Monday. My experience with JohnnyAirPlus Cebu was pleasant and they gave me a discount for the delay. I knew that it was peak season, so I understood the reason for the delayed shipment. I only got The Balm Balmsai Eyeshadow and Brow Palette (Php1,800) from the site since I didn't want to go overboard with my makeup spending. hahaha
My besty Khymm of Miss-Shopcoholic.com new that I loved lip balms, so she got me the Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose amongst other things that she gave as my Christmas present.
Lastly, a surprise Christmas present came for me. It was late and totally unexpected. My childhood friend Christine, who is a flight attendant for Qatar Airways, suddenly remembered to get me something from Inglot while she was in Poland. She knew how much I enjoyed makeup and I really appreciate the thoughtful gesture. She got me the Inglot Freedom System Blush Palette, where she chose 3 blushes and 1 shade for contouring. I am absolutely ecstatic to try these.
How about you ladies, what did you get during the holidays?
Until next time.
Cheerios!
***Hollie***
The first makeup present that I received last December 2014 was the ever fabulous and over hyped Nars Audacious Lipstick from my dear Hubby. My shade of choice is the Nars Audacious Lipstick in Grace as I have been looking for a bright coral lipstick for some time now. I'm really glad that I finally found a coral lipstick that suits my skin tone. He bought this for me at Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu for Php1,650.
Next are the MAC stuff that I personally bought as presents to myself. I didn't buy these together because they were out of stock from our local Mac counter. I pre-ordered the Mac Matte Lipstick in Sin (Php900) and the Mac Pro Longwear Eye Liner in Definedly Black (Php1,100) from @cebumakeuponline on Instagram.
Then I discovered that a friend of mine who is also a fellow makeup enthusiast had the Mac Pro Lip Palette in Editorial Reds (Php2,600) on hand, she gave me huge discount so I quickly bought it from her.
I also got the Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Spotless Foundation & Brush in Medium Beige (Php600) and the Loreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara from the same friend so the prices are discounted. You can follow her @karenjap on Instagram.
Then last December, I finally decided to try and order makeup internationally and send it via JohnnyAirPlus.com because TheBalm.com was having a 50% off sitewide during Cyber Monday. My experience with JohnnyAirPlus Cebu was pleasant and they gave me a discount for the delay. I knew that it was peak season, so I understood the reason for the delayed shipment. I only got The Balm Balmsai Eyeshadow and Brow Palette (Php1,800) from the site since I didn't want to go overboard with my makeup spending. hahaha
My besty Khymm of Miss-Shopcoholic.com new that I loved lip balms, so she got me the Nivea Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose amongst other things that she gave as my Christmas present.
Lastly, a surprise Christmas present came for me. It was late and totally unexpected. My childhood friend Christine, who is a flight attendant for Qatar Airways, suddenly remembered to get me something from Inglot while she was in Poland. She knew how much I enjoyed makeup and I really appreciate the thoughtful gesture. She got me the Inglot Freedom System Blush Palette, where she chose 3 blushes and 1 shade for contouring. I am absolutely ecstatic to try these.
How about you ladies, what did you get during the holidays?
Until next time.
Cheerios!
***Hollie***
