Random Beauty by Hollie

MAC Cleanse Off Oil Review

4:25:00 PM

You ladies should know by now, how important it is to remove your makeup before going to sleep. So, I've been really keen on trying out all sorts of makeup removers. This time around, I have been using the Mac Cleanse Off Oil to remove all of my makeup, since my favorite Bioderma makeup remover is running out.

Product Info from Mac Cosmetics

An industry-strength oil-based makeup remover that's gentle on the skin. Botanically formulated with oils of olive fruit, evening primrose and jojoba seed and absolutely 100 percent mineral-oil free. Massages onto the skin to loosen all makeup, including waterproof mascara. Emulsifies into a lotion-type liquid with water: rinses off easily, no tissues required - and no residue! Protects with vitamin E. Skin softening and conditioning. Good for all skin types.

Retail Price: Php 1,550 (full size 150ml)

(the 30ml travel size is not sold individually here, it is included in a set)

locally available at Rustan's Mac Counters

cap and pump

this is 30ml travel size bottle

What I like about it...

* definitely removes all traces makeup including waterproof mascara and eyeliner

* has a really mild, almost unnoticeable scent

* suited for sensitive skin

* no irritation or allergies experienced

* does not sting my eye

* leaves my skin soft and moisturized

* does not leave any oily residue after rinsing

* a little goes a long way

* has a spill proof cap

* the pump doesn't spurt too much product, so none of it will go to waste

What I don't like...

* expensive

My rating: 4.5 / 5

left (before removing makeup) right (after removing makeup)

notice how it literally removed my eye makeup in just the first swipe

I used about 3 to 4 pumps of the product for one cotton pad

I only used two cotton pads to remove all of my makeup and about 7 pumps in total.

The best way to apply the Mac Cleanse Off Oil:

Take a few pumps on your hand (about 2 or 3 pumps worth) and gently massage over face to dissolve makeup. Then simply rinse with lukewarm water.

I used cotton pads this time for review purposes only. ^_^

I'm really not a fan of oil-based makeup removers, because I feel uncomfortable with the grease on my face. However, I am honestly very impressed with how well the Mac Cleanse Off Oil removed all of my makeup. That greasy feeling instantly disappears as soon as I rinse it away.

I haven't tried any other cleansing oil like the popular ones from Shu Uemura so I am not sure how this one compares. I would definitely recommend this, especially to those who wears a lot of makeup.

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

Press

Bobbi Brown is Now Open in Cebu

10:00:00 AM

Yes ladies, you read that right. Bobbi Brown is finally available here in Cebu! I know that it's definitely exciting for my fellow Cebuana beauty enthusiasts and I'm sure you're all dying to try out their products.

You can now feast your eyes on the array of shades Bobbi Brown has to offer. The Bobbi Brown stall is conveniently located in Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu.

During the official launch of Bobbi Brown last March 9, they offered a 20 minute one-on-one makeup lesson taught by their very own Makeup Artists. I was lucky enough to be taught by their Makeup Artist Trainer, Noel, who so kindly shared to me the tips and tricks of having a flawless looking skin. I definitely learned new techniques during that short session.

After the makeup lessons were over, they offered us these tasty, Red Velvet Cake Pops!

Of course the event would not be complete without a photo op!

Khymm of Miss Shopcoholic, Raine of Lil Ole Moi, Kristine of The Style Cebu and Me ^_^

Press Kit given by Bobbi Brown Philippines

I'd like to thank Bobbi Brown Philippines for letting us experience their products first hand and teaching us how to apply them. It really is something that I can add to my book of tricks. ^_^

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Press

Mary Kay Press Event in Cebu City

4:17:00 PM

I was fortunate to be part of the Mary Kay invitation-only Press Event held at Cafe George, Banilad here in Cebu City. In celebration of the Women's Month, Mary Kay Philippines reached out to us Cebuana's and spoiled us with a sumptuous full course meal and showered us with their products.

Me with Khymm

We got to know more about Mary Kay, a top beauty brand available in more than 35 countries world wide. In addition to that, they are celebrating their 50 years in the beauty industry! We have also witnessed the launch of their newest products and got to try some ourselves.

Once we arrived at the location, we were greeted with this beautiful pink table filled with Mary Kay products and chic decors.

The beautiful Criscy, director for marketing and the lovely Fatima, brand manager, led us to this table filled with all the Mary Kay cosmetic products. It was something we all love to call as a Makeup Buffet! LOL

They gave us this empty Mary Kay palette, and let us pick and choose the products that suite us best! I was overwhelmed and I couldn't believe that we get to go home with all these products.

I will definitely be writing reviews for these products soon once I've tested them. It's just exciting and I can't wait to try them all.

We also got to see first hand, a full makeover from their Makeup Artist.

Makeover Complete! Meet the beautiful Pia

It was definitely an event I could never forget. We've learned so much from Mary Kay Philippines during that day, and we also got to share our giggles with fellow beauty enthusiasts and press.

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

Lips

Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick Swatches

8:21:00 PM

A couple of months ago, I and my fellow Cebuana beauty bloggers had the chance to meet the beautiful people from Estee Lauder Philippines and we got the chance to try out some of their products. This time I'll be sharing with you the pretty shades I got from the Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick line.

I got a sample size lipstick palette which contained four shades from the

Estee Lauder Pure Color Long Lasting Lipstick line.

The size of the palette is approximately 5cm x 7cm

which comes with a mirror and lip brush

Estee Lauder Pure Color Lipstick Swatches

from left to right

Pink Whisper, Bois de Rose, Pink Lolita, Marvelous Mauve

I love this tiny compact since it fits so easily in my makeup bag, so it's perfect for traveling. In addition to that, the shades in this palette are suitable for everyday use. ^_^

These lipsticks are pigmented and they blend easily. I also noticed that it lasts long and doesn't leave my lips dry. Lastly, I like the fact that it leaves a little bit of tint on my lips once they fade.

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

MAC

Mac Technique Experience

1:05:00 PM

I was lucky enough to have been invited to experience the first ever Mac Technique event held here in Cebu last February 19, 2013 at the Marriot Hotel.

Mac Technique is where we get to see and learn first hand some of the tips and tricks from a certified Mac Cosmetics Makeup Artist. In this event, we got the chance to learn it from Mac Philippines Head Makeup Artist, Owen Sarmiento.

Psychedelic Look

Puri-Tan Look

The looks presented where created by Mac Makeup Artists for Fashion Week Spring 2013. There are four looks for Spring 2013 and two of them were shown during Mac Technique.

The model on the left had the psychedelic inspired look, where only one or two parts of the face has a pop of color. In this case, the model had a pop of blue on her lower lash line and a hot pink lipstick. The model on the right had the puri-tan inspired look, where only neutrals and brown shades were used.

Here's is Mac of StyleCebu, she styled the models for the event (yes, her name is mac ^_^)

With Kirsten Brito in the middle, she's the PR & AR Executive for Mac Philippines.

on the left is Kaith from What's Up With Kaith and of course me on right (we're both pregnant ^_^)

Of course I didn't come home empty handed. more Mac goodies yay!

Mac Strobe Cream 30ml

Mac Cleanse Off Oil travel size

Mac Lipglass in Love Child

I definitely had fun and learned a lot during the Mac Technique event. I hope there's more coming ^_^

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

Skin care

REVIEW: Bioderma Crealine H20 Micellaire Solution

12:38:00 PM

I've been using the Bioderma Crealine H20 (now known as Sensibio H20) makeup remover since October 2012. Since this wasn't available here in Philippines at the time, I joined Eliza's 100ml Bioderma giveaway and got lucky ^_^

Product Info from Bioderma

• At the cutting edge of innovation, BIODERMA has pioneered micellar solutions. Specially formulated for sensitive, normal to dry skins, the Sensibio H2O micelle solution gently cleanses face and eyes. It removes water-resistant make-up.

The micelles contained in its formula effectively micro-emulsify impurities while maintaining the skin’s balance (soap-free, physiological pH).

• Soothing and decongesting active ingredients prevent the feelings of irritation often caused by cleansing.

• Sensibio H2O guarantees excellent cutaneous and ocular tolerance (tested under ophthalmological supervision).

Ingredients
WATER (AQUA), PEG-6 CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CUCUMIS SATIVUS (CUCUMBER) FRUIT EXTRACT, MANNITOL, XYLITOL, RHAMNOSE, FRUCTOOLIGOSACCHARIDES, DISODIUM EDTA, CETRIMONIUM BROMIDE.

has a flip top cap

What I like about this...

* Fragrance-free

* Alcohol free

* No phenoxyethanol

* Effectively removes waterproof makeup

* Water based, so there's definitely no greasy feeling

* Does not sting even if used on my eye area

* Ultra mild so it's perfect for sensitive skin

* No irritation or allergies experienced

* Does not need rinsing

What I don't like...

* It is a bit pricey and hard to find here in Phils. The 500ml bottle is currently available at DTCmakeup shop and sold for Php 1,350.00 However it quickly goes out of stock. So, you have to buy it right away if ever you see it back in stock again. ^_^

My rating: 5 / 5

I only use my Bioderma Cleansing Solution to remove eye makeup and use makeup remover wipes to remove the rest of my face makeup.

If you notice on the photo above, I only need about 2-3 drops of the Bioderma makeup remover per eye. That's the reason why I still have about 50% left on my 100ml bottle. The trick is, to let the cotton soak on your eye for about 10 seconds before gently removing your waterproof eyeliner and waterproof mascara.

Most of the time, I just apply a waterproof eyeliner on my upper lash line and put on waterproof mascara. That's my everyday office look. If you're curious, I use the Prestige Waterproof Eyeliner in Black and the Estee Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara.

This is how my cotton usually looks like after the first couple of swipes. Then I use the back side of the cotton to remove the mascara residue, since it is still wet from the Bioderma makeup remover.

In conclusion, this is the best makeup remover I have used to date. I have tried using oil based makeup removers like the ones from Maybelline and Etude House. They both remove my eye makeup effectively but with the use of more product plus it leaves a greasy feel. I have also used the Human Nature Sunflower seed beauty oil and the MAC Cleanse Off Oil to remove makeup, it also removes makeup but still leaves that greasy feel.

I am still searching for a good alternative to my Bioderma makeup remover, so if you can recommend water-based makeup removers that really works, I'll definitely try it.

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

Press

Kanebo Beauty Workshop here in Cebu City

9:45:00 AM

Hey ladies, I'd like to share with you this invite from Kanebo Philippines. They are inviting us beauty enthusiasts to their Private Sale and Beauty Workshop here in Cebu City.

You will have a chance to experience the Kanebo Beauty Workshop. It will be held at Marriot Hotel here in Cebu City on February 28, 2013 at 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Learn how to look fresh in vivid colours together with their local guest makeup artist, Mr. John Rubi. You also get first dibs on the Lunasol Spring Summer Makeup Collection 2013.

Workshop Fee is only Php 500.00 and you can use that to redeem Kanebo products. The event will include a Makeup Workshop, Skincare Application and Snacks.

Please make RSVP to:
Yannie @ +63 922-8672309
Judith @ +63 905-7735789
Cristine @ +63 927-9128137

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Skin care

Bathology You Big Softy Body Lotion

10:19:00 AM

This is the body lotion I've been using most often since I received this present last December. Thanks Khymm. I have a couple more body lotions at home but I almost always grab this huge tube.

Product Info from Rustan's The Beauty Source

Rich in Vitamin E, the Bathology body lotion moisturizes and protects skin against

environmental aggressors and neutralizes free radicals.

Retail Price: Php 395.00

What I like about it...
* inexpensive
* paraben free
* smells really good, reminds me of baby powder
* has thick and creamy consistency, which is perfect for my dry skin
* moisturizes really well
* seeps into skin quickly
* does not leave a greasy and sticky feel
* adorable name and packaging
* comes in a squeeze type tube, which makes it very handy

What I don't like...
* does not have SPF, but I use this mostly at night so it's okay
* only available at Rustan's and selected retailers

My rating: 4 / 5

the cap

it has a thick and creamy consistency

This is the tube against my hand, so you can tell how big it is.

In conclusion, I really like this body lotion and I'll definitely repurchase. I just hope I can find this again at our local Rustan's Department Store here in Cebu. I haven't seen any of the Bathology products since late December. I don't know yet if they are going to restock, I hope they do. ^_^

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***