Happy Wednesday everyone! It's been a few days since my last post, and I feel like I drifted again. LOL. Anyway, I realized that I haven't done a mascara review for a really long time. So, I decided to review the Bobbi Brown Extreme Party Mascara which I have been using since October 2013. It's the mascara that I've been regularly using for the past five months.


Available at Bobbi Brown counters in Rustan’s Makati (812-2507), Rustan’s Shangri-la Mall (633-4636 loc. 114), Essenses Rockwell (822-9400), Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu (+6332 231 5633) SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall


During the opening of Bobbi Brown in Ayala Center Cebu last year, I was lucky enough to have received their Bobbi To Go set with the Smokey Neutral Eyeshadow Palette and Mini Extreme Party Mascara.

The February is about to end which means Graduation Day is just around the corner.  I know that a lot of you ladies will be graduating this coming March and I'd like to share a few tips to look fabulous on your big day.


If you are new to makeup, make sure to prepare at least one week before your graduation. That way, you can still practice.  Most makeup sold in malls are a bit pricey, so be a smart shopper and check out legit online stores like Lazada PH and get the best prices.

Makeup Essentials you will need

Face Primer. You need to prime your face in order to keep your makeup in place. It would be better if you have a face primer that already contains SPF so it can protect your skin at the same time.

Liquid Foundation. Choose a foundation that is an exact match to your skin and one that has light to medium coverage. This way, you can even out your skin tone easily and still look natural.

Concealer. Remember to apply concealer on your under eye area to cover up dark circles. This will help you look fresh and awake. If you don't have puffy eyes or dark circles, you can skip it.

Translucent Powder. This will set your foundation and help it to last longer.

Eyebrow Pencil or Powder. Fill in sparse areas on your brows with feather strokes and shape it to your preference. Well defined brows can frame our face. Make sure to blend it out with a spoolie for a natural finish.

Eyeshadow. If you don't know how to apply eyeshadow, skip it. That will save you time. But if you do want to wear eyeshadow, make sure to keep it light and neutral. I chose the Wet n Wild Trio in Silent Treatment because, it is one of those palettes that you can simply transition from day to night. Especially if you are going to a Graduation Party at night.

Eyeliner. Line your upper lash line to define your eyes. Keep it thin as much as possible. Do not use eyeliner on your lower lash line, I suggest you use a brown eyeshadow on that area for a natural look.

Mascara. Curl your lashes and apply mascara. Choose a volumizing and lengthening waterproof mascara. This will help define your lashes and makeup your eyes pop.

Blush. A flush of color is all you need on your cheeks. I would suggest using peachy pink blushes as it looks great on most skin tones.

Lipstick. Choose a natural shades for your lips and avoid bold colors for this occasion. You can opt for a tinted balm but I suggest you skip lip glosses to avoid having your hair get stuck on your lips.   You can always wear your bright and bold lipsticks on your Graduation Party but not during the ceremony.

Finishing Spray. This is optional. But if you already have a finishing spray, use it. I'm sure you will be busy on this day and you won't have time for touch up. This will help seal all your makeup.

Your goal is to look fresh and natural on your graduation day. Just enough makeup so you won't look pale in photos. You can use my "First Date Makeup" look as a reference.

If you have oily skin, don't forget to bring blotting sheets. You will surely need them.

Lastly, remember to groom your hair and apply an anti-frizz product or hair serum. So, that when you go on stage to receive your diploma, your hair won't be in the way.

I hope this helps you ladies.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Good Day ladies! Finally, here it is. After so long, I now got the chance to play with my new makeup brush set from Sigma! I won one of Sigma's giveaways last year around June 2013. I Know I'm so Lucky!!! (grin) Just really wanted to let you have a closer look at the Sigma Make Me Cool Travel Kit makeup brushes.

The Mrs. Bunny Travel Kit comes with the Vegan Sigmax HD fibers while the Make Me Cool Kit doesn't. Don't get me wrong, even though the Make Me Cool Travel Kit does not come with Sigmax bristles, they are still very soft and made from high quality bristles.

Here are the comparison of each of the seven brushes, so you can see their difference.

Good Day ladies! Here's another lipstick swatch for ya. If you've read my December 2013 Haul which I posted early January, you've seen the Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color which I received as a surprise gift from Bobbi Brown Philippines! Yeepeee ^_^

You can only imagine how excited I was when I received an email from them saying that I have a gift waiting for me at their Bobbi Brown Counter here in Cebu at Rustan's Ayala. and yes I was literally grinning as I dropped by the counter. LOL

Who’s It For
Women who want a full coverage, semi-matte lipstick

How to Use
Apply straight from the tube or with the Lip brush on clean, bare lips, or over the Lip Balm. If desired, blot with tissue for a matte finish.


How It Works
Perfect Coverage in a Single Application/Intense Color Impact
- Creamy Matte Lip Color is formulated with an exceptionally high pigment load for intense color payoff in a single application. Traditionally, matte lipsticks are not offered in such a varied shade range because the more pigment that exists within the formula, the drier it tends to be.

Moisturizes and Conditions
- Creamy Matte Lip Color provides intense moisturization to the lips. This lip color is formulated with special emollients and soft waxes that form a conditioning barrier to lock in moisture.

Long Wear
- Creamy Matte Lip Color’s unique formula is designed to slightly soften with the warmth of the lips, providing full color release. Skin comfortable film formers and an extremely high concentration of pigments contribute to advanced wear that will not transfer, smear or feather for up to 8 hours.


What I like about it...
* extremely pigmented, one swipe is all I need to get full color on my lips
* has a rich and creamy texture, so it glides like a dream. it really does, I swear.
* has mild pleasant scent, like a hint of caramel. It's almost unnoticeable.
* has a chic and sturdy packaging
* the tube twists all the way to end so it's easy to close without nicking the tip of the lipstick
* dries to a semi matte finish
* feels really light on my lips compared to typical matte lipsticks
* though it is a matte lipstick, I was surprised that it's not drying at all
* stays long on my lips, a good 5 hours before it starts to fade
* once it sets on my lips, it doesn't smear or feather even after drinking or eating
* no allergies experienced

What I don't like...
* unlike its claim, this is does transfer a bit but not as much as ordinary cream lipsticks do
* expensive, but worth it because this is the first matte lipstick I've tried that isn't drying and feels really light at the same time.

My rating: 5 / 5

Hey ladies, just one more day and it's Valentine's Day.  I realized that I haven't created any makeup look for a really long time. (sigh) Since hearts day is coming, I just thought that this soft neutral look would be perfect for a date.

Before I chose to do this makeup, I thought "What kind of makeup look would I prefer to wear for a date with Hubby?" The answer is a no-brainer. I only wanted a simple and natural look with a healthy dewy finish.
 

I received a surprise in the mail last week. I honestly forgot that I subscribed to the Jan-Feb BDJ Box, since I paid for the box around October last year (2013). hehe So here goes, unboxing time!

If you ladies remember, I recently posted about the Mary Kay At Play Baked Eye Trio review and swatches. This time, you'll get to meet the Mary Kay At Play™ Jelly Lip Gloss which is included in the Mary Kay At Play makeup line.

On average, women try 7 foundations before finding the right one. This comes as no surprise to Bobbi Brown, who says the most common beauty mistake women make is wearing the wrong foundation shade. Bobbi believes that foundation should not change the color of your face but should match the color of your skin exactly.

In line with Bobbi’s philosophy that makeup is a way for women to look and feel like themselves, only prettier and more confident, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics offers 8 skin-tone correct shades and 10 high quality formulas as well as personalized makeup lessons, to take the mystery out of finding the perfect foundation.

Bobbi’s best tips on finding the perfect foundation 

How to choose the right formula
It’s important to choose a formula that is right for your skin type, personal style and has a texture that you like. When trying different formulas, check to see if your skin looks fresher, brighter and more even. If it doesn’t, remove the foundation and try another option. You know you’ve found the right foundation when it looks like your skin but better.

How to pick the right shade 
For the most natural look, choose a skin-tone correct shade of foundation and avoid foundations that have a pink or white base because they can make skin look chalky and washed out.

To find your perfect shade of foundation, follow these steps: in natural light, swatch the foundation from your cheek to your jaw line, and gently blend it into your skin. Now do the same with another foundation that’s one shade lighter and another that’s one shade darker. The shade that’s imperceptible should be your pick, but double-check it against your forehead, since some women tend to be darker there. If it works in both areas, you’ve picked a winner.

I also recommend having two foundations on hand—one for the cooler months, when your skin is naturally paler, and one for the summer months, when your skin is slightly darker. For those in-between months, blend the two to develop your own custom shade. And year-round, mix the two to address any areas where your skin is darker or lighter.

How to apply 
Using a sponge or foundation brush, apply foundation all over the face or just where skin needs to be evened out (usually around the nose, chin and forehead)—it’s a matter of personal preference. After blending the foundation, use your fingers to gently press it into the skin and create a seamless look.

Bobbi’s foundations for natural, flawless skin

for Sheer Coverage

You Want: Radiant coverage with intense moisturization and sun protection
Try: EXTRA SPF 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm
A lightweight foundation-alternative for dry, dehydrated skin, this formula is ultra-rich, and blends easily, giving skin a dewy look with light coverage. Broad Spectrum SPF 25 helps protect skin against damaging UVA/B rays. Dermatologist tested.
Retail Price: Php 3,100.00
Shades: Light Tint, Light to Medium Tint, Medium Tint


You Want: A “no makeup” look that’s also oil-free
Try: SPF 15 Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free
Created for women with oily skin who want light moisture, sheer coverage and sun protection in one, Bobbi's gel-based formula is the perfect alternative to foundation. Light and refreshing, it glides on smoothly, blends easily and provides a hint of coverage for soft, even and natural-looking skin. Vitamins C and E protect skin from free radical damage, while Broad Spectrum SPF 15 helps prevent sun damage.
Retail Price: Php 2,350.00
Shades: Light, Light to Medium, Medium


for Light to Medium Coverage

You Want: A lit-from-within glow that also reduces fine lines, visible redness and pores
Try: BB Cream SPF 35
The ultimate skincare/makeup hybrid, this formula perfects skin tone, hydrates, brightens, repairs and protects.
Retail Price: Php 2,350.00
Shades: Light, Fair, Medium, Natural


You Want: To even out skin’s appearance for a polished yet natural look
Try: Skin Foundation Mineral Makeup SPF 15 
Bobbi's groundbreaking mineral makeup is made of specially-selected mineral powders to instantly even out skin and diminish the look of imperfections. The result is a natural finish that never looks masky or overly made up. The super-fine powders in this formula are triple treated with glycerin, vitamins and skin softeners, and wear extenders. Smooth and silky, it glides on with a weightless feel and helps improve skin's appearance. SPF 15 helps protect skin from damage.
Retail Price: Php 2,450.00
Shades: Extra Light, Light, Light to Medium, Medium, Medium to Dark


for Medium Coverage

You Want: Skin that looks like skin – only better
Try: Skin Foundation SPF 15
A truly modern foundation that offers invisible, weightless coverage that looks like healthy skin, not makeup. This long-wearing formula evens tone, minimizes the appearance of pores, conceals imperfections, and offers broad spectrum UV protection. Its hydrating technology leaves skin feeling cushioned, comfortable, and clean.
Retail Price: Php 2,900.00
Shades: Warm Ivory, Sand, Beige, Natural, Warm Natural, Warm Sand, Warm Beige, Honey


for Medium To Full Coverage

You Want: A natural look with an oil-free foundation
Try: Long-Wear Even Finish Foundation SPF 15
Comfortable and hydrating, this medium to full coverage oil-free formula never looks cakey or masky. Glycerin and shea butter keep skin feeling moisturized while a gel base creates a lightweight finish that stays color-true. Lasts for up to 12 hours even in the most humid conditions. Protects skin from future damage thanks to broad spectrum SPF 15 with antioxidant vitamins C and E.
Retail Price: Php 2,900.00
Shades: Warm Ivory, Sand, Beige, Natural, Warm Natural, Warm Sand, Warm Beige, Honey


You Want: Skin that has a soft, natural looking glow
Try: Illuminating Finish Powder Compact Foundation SPF 12
This foundation cuts shine while creating a radiant, diffused look. Creamy and soft to the touch yet light and airy, this buildable powder formula can be applied wet or dry. Reflective pigments play cinematographer, optically diffuse skin imperfections and minimizing the appearance of pores, fine lines and wrinkles for a flawless, even glow.
Retail Price: Php 2,550.00
Shades: Warm Ivory, Sand, Beige, Natural, Warm Natural, Warm Sand, Warm Beige, Honey


for Full Coverage

You Want: To target imperfections
Try: Touch Up Stick
Carry this mini stick in your makeup bag, and use it to conceal any imperfections, redness or blemishes. Its creamy, full-coverage formula is perfect for the cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin (not the under eye area).
Retail Price: Php 1,500.00
Shades: Warm Ivory, Sand, Beige, Natural, Warm Natural, Warm Sand, Warm Beige, Honey


You Want: A natural finish and twelve hour wear
Try: Long-Wear Even Finish Compact Foundation
Perfectly matched to skin tone and texture, it never looks fake or makeup-y, just like smooth, even skin. With 12 hours of flawless, oil-free wear, all you see is your skin - at its best. Plus, it's completely portable, too - with a hidden sponge applicator right in the compact - so you look polished wherever you go.
Retail Price: Php 2,400.00
Shades: Warm Ivory, Sand, Beige, Natural, Warm Natural, Warm Sand, Warm Beige, Honey


for All Coverage

You Want: A portable formulas that smoothes and evens out skin
Try: Foundation Stick
Bobbi's innovative Foundation Stick is designed for portability and adjustable coverage. Easy to apply and blend all over the face or just where you need it.
Retail Price: Php 2,350.00
Shades: Warm Ivory, Sand, Beige, Natural, Honey, Golden, Almond, Warm Natural, Warm Sand, Warm Beige

Info and Photos courtesy of Bobbi Brown Philippines

Available at our local Bobbi Brown counters in Rustan’s Makati (812-2507), Rustan’s Shangri-la Mall (633-4636 loc. 114), Essenses Rockwell (822-9400), Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu (+6332 231 5633) SM Mall of Asia and SM Megamall.