Enjoy yourself – past midnight, the darkness keeps the secrets. Gorgeous colours in rich finishes captivate at every angle, inspiring an evening of lavish living, on the scene and to be seen.

It's finally Friday! Well, I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who looks forward to Fridays.

A lot of terrible things have been happening with our fellow Filipinos lately, due to the earthquake and the recent typhoon Yolanda, who left some of our provinces in a really bad shape. I'm praying for all the victims of the typhoon, may God be with them. I am also very gracious and thankful to our Father Almighty that my family, relatives and friends here in Cebu are all alive and safe.

In another note, I will be reviewing the BYS Matte Foundation in Natural Beige which I received during the BYS Makeup 101 event here in Cebu last July.

My rating: 3 / 5

Though this foundation has excellent coverage, I didn't like how it felt on my face, I wish it could have been more lightweight.

Would I repurchase? Unfortunately, No. I have tried a couple of drugstore liquid foundations at this price range that works way better compared to the BYS Matte Foundation.

How about you ladies? Have tried any foundation from BYS?

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

I received this product from Mary Kay Philippines early this year, around March. I have been using the Mary Kay Sheer Dimensions Powder in Pearls as a highlighter since then. So, keep reading to know what I think about it.



Pearls
- luxurious-feeling formula delivers, sheer all-over luminosity and a camera ready finish








Ribbon
- The color is so pure, every shade blends seamlessly with any skin tone










Lace
- Perfect for everyday in a range of shades and finishes from matte to satin to pearlescent.











Chiffon
- Breakthrough technology allows for intricate, fashion-inspired designs with unprecedented depth.










Benefits and Claims
(based on the percentage of women during an independent consumer study)
> 97% said it creates a soft-focus effect and is easy to apply
> 94% agreed it provides all-over luminosity and a camera-ready complexion
> 92% said it does not settle into fine lines, and skin looks fresh and radiant all day.

I only have the Mary Kay Sheer Dimensions Powder in Pearls, which came in this chic packaging. I appreciate that they made the cover see-through so that we can clearly see how pretty the embossed pearls are on the powder.

M.A.C Cosmetics announces its October 2013 releases for face, eyes, lips and lashes.


A much-awaited and celebrated collection, Rihanna premieres M.A.C x RiRi, her perfect palette of lavish fall colour range of decidedly daring yet classically gorgeous shades, finishes and tools, all encased in the metallic warmth of rose gold packaging. Lipstick in deep raisin, orange frost, creamy nude and the vivid red of RiRi Woo match gleaming Lipglass, while eyes in contrasting soft and smoky cocoas complement luminous skin highlighted with Diamonds Cream Colour Base and Powder Blush in Bad Girl Gone Good.


For the face, M.A.C’s Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm leads the generation of BB creams, evening skin tone, blurring imperfections and enhancing skin’s natural luminosity while shielding it from harsh UV rays. Available in an SPF 35 cream and a go-anywhere SPF solid cream compact, it is semi-translucent and luxuriously light. An extended colour spectrum of six new shades ranges from light to medium to beige, and on to caramel bronze.


For the eyes, the Pro Longwear line returns in seven new shades. From creamy beige to brilliant blue-green and shimmering silver, Pro Longwear Paint Pots deliver highly dimensional colour with a luxurious finish. They apply smoothly and dry with vibrant intensity. New shades of Pro Longwear Eye Liner from eggplant to army green and sheer gold define eyes with a dense, water-resistant formula that glides on comfortably and stays for 12 hours and can be coordinated with Paint Pots for a chic, modern look that lasts.

Complete the look with In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash, a blacker than black formula, for dramatic lashes with cinematic special effect. Innovative pigment saturation delivers a degree of pitch-black so optically intense it absorbs light and reduces reflection. It enhances volume, extends length and creates curl, while conditioning for softness and flexibility. The mega brush holds more mascara as rows of micro fibers weave in between lashes to separate, define and enhance. It is clump-resistant and non-flaking, non-smudging.


For the lips, the original VIVA GLAM girl is back! Fabulous, chic and utterly outrageous, the electric RuPaul, first face of VIVA GLAM in 1994, returns with her sexy signature burgundy red Lipstick and a new Lipglass that is universal in glamour and appeal. Every cent of the selling price of VIVA GLAM – The Original goes toward helping women, men and children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

The Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm, Pro Longwear, In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash, VIVA GLAM- The Original and M.A.C x Riri are now available in M.A.C counters nationwide. In Cebu, the M.A.C Counter is located at Rustan’s Department Store, Ayala Center Cebu. For more information, go to www.maccosmetics.com.ph and follow @MACcosmetics.

Info and Photos courtesy of MAC Cosmetics Philippines.

I have been using the MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm for a while now, and I find it to be an awesome primer. The Mac Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm (original formula) is what I prefer to use as a face primer. This works more like a face primer rather than a BB Cream.  I do not use this in an everyday basis, only on special days like a dinner date with hubby or if I'm out with friends.  Like with other BB Creams, this also contains SPF 35 for UV protection.

I only need a pea size amount to prime my whole face with this and it really does help my makeup lasts longer. The new formulation of the Mac Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF 35 now comes in a 40ml tube and is available in 3 shades, Extra Light, Light, and Light Plus which retails at Php1,900.

How about you ladies, have you tried any product from the recent collection?

Would love to know your MAC favorites.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Sigma Beauty recently launched the newest addition to their line of high quality makeup brushes last October, the Advanced Artistry Set.


The Advanced Artistry brushes are specially designed for mastering specific functions of makeup artistry. Each brush was made to go beyond the basic uses, custom designed for detailed makeup purposes. The Advanced Artistry Set is comprised of three new kits that are completely unique to the industry; Extreme Color Payoff, Spot-On Concealer and The Perfect Blend.

Retail Price for the Advanced Artistry Set is $175.00 (a $189 value) which you purchase HERE


The Extreme Color Payoff Kit contains six brushes designed to deliver a strong and pigmented application of eye shadows, bases and liners. The different shapes and sizes of the bristles allow you to create a variety of looks while providing an intense and concentrated color payoff. Intended for makeup enthusiasts, the creative possibilities are endless.

Brushes included in the kit are as follows: 
E20 – Short Shader: Apply color onto small areas of the eye such as the outer eyelid. Also use to smudge the lower lash line.
E30 – Pencil: Soften pencil liners along the top and bottom lash lines, add shadow to line the eyes, or use to highlight inner corner of eyes.
E44 – Firm Blender: Intense, even blending of the crease for strong color application.
E57 – Firm Shader: Apply intense colors all over lid for a controlled color finish.
E58 – Cream Color: Long brush head is best used to apply cream products for a diffused finish.
E59 – Wide Shader: Apply intense color for a fast, strong application of the full lid.

Retail Price for the Extreme Color Payoff Kit is $63.00 which you can purchase HERE


The Spot-On Concealer Kit contains six brushes for the ultimate concealing of blemishes, dark spots and any other imperfections. The various brush sizes, textures and angles were designed to apply the perfect amount of product for maximum coverage anywhere on the face. Buff and blend your way to flawless skin.

Brushes included in the kit are as follows: 
F63 – Airbrush Blender: Delivers an airbrushed application of concealer for a diffused, well-blended finish.
F64 – Soft Blend Concealer: Best for buffing and evening out concealer applied with a light hand on large areas or all-over finish of the face.
F66 – Angled Buff Concealer: Gives a soft, light to medium coverage under the eyes and around the nose.
F68 – Pin-Point Concealer: Best for coverage of small spots that needs extra concealing.
F69 – Angled Pixel Concealer: Apply concealer in a patting motion for best results on areas such as the sides of the nose.
F71 – Detail Concealer: Use with a soft, light sweeping motion for a subtle touch of concealer.

Retail Price for the Spot-On Concealer Kit is $63.00 which you can purchase HERE.


The Perfect Blend Kit contains six eye brushes designed for all of your basic blending needs. The assortment of brushes provide a variety of uses such as working shadow into the crease, buffing out harsh lines and blending colors for a diffused finish. Whether you want to go from subtle to sensational or sharp to smoked-out, this is the perfect kit.

Brushes included in the kit are as follows: 
E32 – Exact Blend: Blend intense color onto to the outer corners of the eye.
E37 – All Over Blend: Best for going over your entire lid to blend any harsh lines.
E38 – Diffused Crease: Blend strong color into crease for a diffused effect.
E39 – Buff and Blend: Best for blending of smaller areas for a precise finish.
E48 – Pointed Crease: Use tip of brush to pick up darker shades and apply using a rolling motion for crease control.
E71 – Highlight Diffuser: Best to highlight areas such as the brow bone with shorter side of brush or to soften edges.

Retail Price for the Perfect Blend Kit is $63.00 which you can purchase HERE.

Important Reminders:
• The new brushes will not be sold individually at this time.
• The brushes within the kits are unique to the industry and are perfect for makeup enthusiasts and professional makeup artists alike.
• The 10% off November discount code (NOV2013) can be used when purchasing the new kits.
• You will receive an E25 mini as a free gift if your sub-total is over $30 at the time of checkout.

I'm really lemming for the Extreme Color Payoff Kit, as it will be very helpful in the precise application of eyeshadows especially if you're working with several colors.

How about you ladies, do you want to get the whole set?
is there a specific kit that you want?

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Halloween is always celebrated every year at our company.  This is the only time that kids get to hangout with their parents or relatives at the office. This year our Halloween theme is "Carnival Freak Show".



Each department is tasked to have at least one representative and choose their own kind of freak. Our department (Systems Dept.) chose "The Girl with Many Eyes" which is depicted from Tim Burton's Poem. 

Here is a before picture of our representative (Michelle). I already set her hair before I started to put on the makeup. So, that it will be very bouncy and curly after I'm done.

This is one of those times when curiosity got to me. I have seen a lot girls getting their hair color changed for years but I never entertained the thought of dyeing my own hair.  I was just so curious how my hair would look like if I lightened it a bit. So, this is the very first time that I applied a permanent hair color to my naturally black virgin hair.


I chose to use the Garnier Nutrisse Cream Nourishing Permanent Hair Color, since I felt like it it was a reliable brand. Plus the box only cost Php 299.00 pesos. I looked into brands like Revlon and Loreal but they were a bit pricey.


The box contents include the Garnier Developer Milk,  Nourishing Permanent Haircolor, After color Nourishing Conditioner, Plastic Gloves, and an instruction manual.

Since this is the first time I'm applying dye on my hair, I read the manual and also watched the Garnier Nutrisse Hair Color - How-to Application Video on GarnierUSA Youtube Channel, just to be sure that I do it right.


The manual says, it is best to apply the haircolor on dry unwashed hair, so that's exactly what I did. And true enough, there were no drips.

Upon application, I did feel a slight sting and a little bit of itch on my scalp but it went away after a few minutes. I let the haircolor soak in my hair for 25 minutes, as instructed on the box. Then I washed my hair until the water runs clear, then applied the Garnier conditioner. I used up the whole bottle of conditioner and left it to soak for 3 minutes then I rinsed my hair.


My hair color only changed a bit, but at least it is not Jet Black anymore. My friends told me that I should leave the hair dye for 1 hour before rinsing, for the color to really soak. But I followed what was written on the box. I am quite happy with the results because it did not dry out my hair like I expected it to.

From what I understand, I will need to dye my hair again after a few weeks, if I want to lighten it. Since I have virgin hair, it only stripped the natural black tint on my hair. I read somewhere that my preferred hair color will surely show the second time around.

How bout you ladies, have your tried to dye your own hair?
If so, what brand of  hair dye did you use?
What's the difference if I had my hair color changed professionally?

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***