TGIF! Hey ladies, I recently rummaged through my beauty stash and realised I had enough Mac products to complete a full face makeup. So, I decided to wear this look to work. hehe

It was a bit gloomy that day since the clouds were dark and looked like it was about to rain. So, I wanted a look that is a bit dewy, fresh and work appropriate.

So, let's start off with the face Base.  After my usual morning skin care routine. I first applied a thin layer of Mac Strobe Cream, which would serve as my moisturiser and primer at the same time. This will help give out that dewy effect I wanted to achieve. Then followed by the Mac Studio Sculpt Foundation in NC30. This foundation is a bit thick and has full coverage, so I only applied a pea-sized amount, focused on the centre of my face using a damp sponge.

Once done, I added a bit more foundation to my under-eye area to serve as my concealer. I then set my under-eye area with the Mac Studio Fix Powder in NC35 and dusted a little bit of powder on my T-Zone area as well.

For my Brows, I used the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade in Dark Brown (not in photo) to fill-in and shape my brows then finished it with the Mac Brow Set in Beguile.

For my Eyes, I started with the crease color using the Mac Powder Blush in Harmony. Then applied the Mac Mineralize Eyeshadow Duo in This and That. I applied that champagne colour all over my lids and used the cream colour on my brow bone area. I decided to skip eyeliner and just applied the Mac Opulash Optimum Black Mascara to define my lashes.

For my Cheeks, I used the Mac Powder Blush in Harmony. 

Lastly for my Lips, I used the Mac Matte Lipstick in Whirl.


So, that is it. Clean, fresh and work appropriate.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

The decision to have or not have laser skin tightening done is not one that should be taken lightly. If you are thinking of possibly having the procedure, there are a lot of factors that you need to think about. Until you examine all of the angles, you can't possibly see the big picture and determine whether or not the procedure is reasonable for you.

Laser Procedures Are Not a One-Time Thing
The first thing you need to know is that you can't just have one laser treatment and be rid of crow's feet, wrinkles, or skin sags forever. In fact, a single treatment is unlikely to even resolve those issues temporarily.

You see, aesthetic skincare tools that use lasers are not quick fixes. Many of them actually trigger certain processes within the body, like increased collagen production. Once those  collagen levels rise, skin should start to look tighter and smoother. But that process can take months or weeks, and it will definitely take multiple treatments.

Basically, that all means that you have to carefully consider both the cost and the time involved in the treatment process. It's also worth remembering that you might want to have another series of treatments at some point in the future, or possibly several. Those costs and the time spent can quickly add up.

Your Candidacy for Laser Treatment Might be Questionable
Not everyone can have laser treatment done successfully. Skin tightening with lasers is generally best done on those under 60 years old who have mild to moderate skin sags or wrinkles. Anyone who is older or has more severe skin problems may not see the results that they want.

Also, people with certain skin types and conditions may not be able to have specific laser treatments. For instance, if your skin is a darker tone, it may take you longer to find a laser clinic that has the right equipment to treat you. Similarly, those with extra oily skin may not be candidates for the procedure at all, regardless of the specific brand or model of machine.

The Side Effects of Laser Treatment Are Usually Mild
One reason that many people have laser procedures done is that they typically only have mild side effects. First of all, the skin is numbed or cooled during the procedure itself. So, you shouldn't have a lot of pain during your appointment. Although, your skin might feel warm and you might feel a sensation similar to a mild static electricity shock. '

After your appointment, you may notice that your skin is a bit red for a day or two. It could also appear bruised. Those should subside in a day or two, but your skin will still be very sensitive to heat or light for a while after the procedure. So, you will need to stay out of the sun and away from tanning beds.

Choosing the Right Laser Treatment for Your Skin
It's worth noting that no two lasers or laser treatments are exactly alike. In particular, there is a huge difference between laser skin resurfacing and laser skin tightening. Although, both can make your skin look tighter and healthier. Only a skincare expert can explain the differences between laser procedures in detail. Once you have that explanation, you can decide which method to try.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

I had bought the Mac Amplified Lipstick in Cosmo, over a year ago together with the Extended Play Mascara, and just realised how much I've been loving this colour for a while now.  I remember one of my followers on Instagram had requested for a swatch and I honestly forgot about it. hehehe


The tube is nearly used up now, which shows how much I've been using it. This has instantly become my favourite day time lipstick ever since I got my hands on it.

I normally use this on mornings since, it looks really feminine and just simply easy on the eye. It just has the right amount of colour, enough to make me look alive and less dull.


It has an Amplified finish. Which means it has a cream finish but highly pigmented without being drying. It also gives a hint of sheen upon application, which makes it really comfortable to wear.


Mac Lipstick in Cosmo, is described as a Pink Coco colour. It is a soft pink with a brownish undertone and mostly suites ladies with light to medium skin tone. What I also noticed about his lipstick, is that once it has been on my lips for a good number of hours, it fades into a really nice pink tint that makes my lips still look healthy.


So here's me wearing Mac Lipstick in Cosmo with my Go-to everyday office makeup look.

And oh, before I forget, I bought this at the MAC branch in Rustan's Ayala Center Cebu for Php 1,000. I only ever buy MAC Cosmetics products at either our local Mac Counters or the official Mac Cosmetics website in the US (only when I have a friend that's coming home from the US, so it will be hand-carried). This way I can be sure that it's 100% Authentic.

Do let me know if you guys have Mac Cosmo in your collection too.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Hey ladies! I've missed you all. I have something new for you. I have been wanting to do a one brand makeup for a while and finally got the time to play with my makeup.

I dug in my makeup stash and realised that I had a lot of products from Mary Kay, enough to do a full face makeup using all Mary Kay products.

They have always been a brand that I admired, because of the great quality and affordable price they offer. Plus their packaging is always so elegant, chic and sturdy as well.


So I'll start with letting you know the products I used for my face.

After my usual morning skin care routine, I started my makeup base with the Mary Kay Foundation Primer with SPF 15, followed by the Mary Kay Timewise Matte Wear liquid foundation. I mixed the shades Beige 4 and Ivory 2 to get the closest colour to my skin. Then I used the the Mary Kay concealer to do a little bit of spot concealing as well as to lighten my under eye area. To set my T-zone and under eye area, I used the Mary Kay Translucent Powder.

For my brows, I used the Mary Kay Brow Definer pencil in Brunette. This one applies smoothly and blends easily, so it's handy for a quick brow fix.

For my eyes, I went for the really simple day time makeup. I used the Mary Kay Mineral Eye Color in Hazelnut for my crease area, Sweet Cream for my brow bone, Amber Blaze for my lids, a hint of Espresso for my outer v and lower lash line, I also wet my angled brush and used Espresso to line my upper lash line. Then used Crystaline for my inner corner.

I then defined my upper and lower lashes using the Mary Kay Lash Love Waterproof Mascara. To contour my nose I used the Hazelnut eyeshadow, then I used Crystaline to highlight the bridge of my nose and high points of my cheeks.

I used the Mary Kay Mineral Cheek Color in Strawberry Cream on my cheeks for that subtle flush. Then for my lips I used the Mary Kay Creme Lipstick in Pink Melon. I only applied a really thin layer, just enough for my lips to have some color. (but I mixed it with another lipstick though)


I then set my makeup with the Mary Kay Makeup Finishing Spray by Skindinavia. It helped my makeup last longer and blend to my skin, making it look smooth and flawless.

Let me know on the comments below what products you have tried from Mary Kay.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

There are some tips that you need to consider:





Author Bio:

Yes, you read that right! today Althea turns 1! For all the Korean Beauty fans out there, let's all celebrate and wish Althea a Happy Birthday!

I can't believe it has been a full one year since I discovered Althea. I was one of the lucky few who got to shop at Althea Philippines when they first launched their website. I got to know more about Korean brands and products and fell in love with most of them and that is all thanks to Althea.

All my shopping experiences at Althea has never failed to amaze me. Knowing that the products came from Korean and gets delivered straight to my doorstep with just a few days, is most certainly wonderful. My recent Althea haul even arrived in 7 days! that's just awesome.


Since it's a huge Birthday Celebration, Althea has prepared a lot of cool stuff for you guys.

Starting today, July 20th until the 31st  of July 2016 Althea is offering :

Limited Edition Birthday Box + DIY Party Kit
For orders placed on 20/7 onwards. While stocks last.

Free Goodies for first 1,500 shoppers
Full size beauty products. While stocks last.

Birthday Giveaway. Pick 3 Top Sellers for 100% REBATE!
Rebate will be credited into your account.

#AltheaTurns1 Instagram Contest
- Got your Althea party kit? Wish us a happy birthday with #altheaturns1 and stand a chance to win amazing prizes such as Macbook Air, Ipad Air 2, iPhone 6S, Galaxy S6 Edge, Canon EOS M10 Selfie Camera, Althea credits and beauty hampers from Althea!
- Prizes total worth KRW10,000,000 to be won.
- Contest starts from 20th July - 15th August, 2016.


As for me, I just received my Althea Birthday Box Haul, yay! So here's the stuff I got.

Summer and makeup have a love-hate relationship. Hard to maintain and sometimes difficult to make fun and bright, getting makeup and the heat of a sunny summer day to jive requires a little creativity. One of the most important parts about tailoring your makeup for summer is thinking about functionality. Another essential aspect is finding ways to lighten and brighten your look.

Fortunately, this year’s main makeup trends are reasonable and feasible. Check out these 5 best ever trends that are hot this year and that will pull your summer look into one eye-catching style.

Use:

1. Bright Liners

Dark or even toned eye liners are just too dramatic for summer. They look business like and formal. Summer, on the other hand, is all about pleasure. So try bright liners instead. Look for colors like:

• Teal
• Peach
• Lime
• Gold
• Silver
• Aquamarine
• Hot pink

Trace just a thin line of color on the very top of your bottom eye lid to create a subtle lightening and brightening effect. If you want something bolder for a special event or casual night time affair, use the liner all around your eyes and blend it into a glistening eye shadow.

This trend will help get rid of bags under eyes by distracting from them. It will also make your whole look feel carefree and summery.

2. No-Contouring 

All that time you spend applying foundation and then contouring your whole face? Forget about it for the summer. Neglecting contours is really trendy right now and it saves you tons of time and makeup maintenance.

Start by applying one of the best sunscreen for face. Be sure to use a sunscreen designed for use on the face so that it is not too oily and so that makeup can easily be applied overtop. Next, select a concealer that pairs well with your skin tone. Apply it and bring along blotting papers if you are going to be sweating. This technique will reduce your need for makeup touch ups and reapplications by eliminating contours and makeup that might run.

3. Thick and Dark Eyelashes

Without contouring, it is extra easy to draw attention to your beautiful eyes. Add in this trend and your eyes will pop in no time. This will create a simplified look that appears more natural and even a little messy. Summer and mess do go together, after all.

Simply apply thick, heavy mascaras, especially to the upper eye lashes. Some mascaras can even enhance the way that eye lashes curl or can make lashes appear longer than they are. You can also use fake lashes to help enhance your lashes if they are naturally very thin or short. No matter how you achieve this look, know that it is stunning and often quick to apply. This makes the makeup trend convenient and gorgeous.

4. Glossy Everything

If you look through recent fashion shows and stylish get-togethers like celebrity awards ceremonies, you will quickly notice that this year gloss is totally in. You can find glossy lips, eye shadow, nail polish and clothes. The shimmer of this look is eye catching and definitely comes off as casual, making summer automatically more fun.

Find a shimmery, glossy eye shadow or two that be lightly applied to your cheekbones for extra flair. Blend eye shadow so that it rises nearer to the brow and out from the corners of the eyes for more eye-catching power as well.

When selecting a lip gloss, choose a color that compliments your bright eye liner. This will pull together your overall look. Select gloss lipsticks or lip glosses themselves and then smooth over with a thin layer of Vaseline to keep your lip color and shimmer intact for hours, even in the sun.

5. Glittery Extras

In addition to the shimmer on your eye lids and lips, it is popular to add a little glittery extra around your eyes. A small dab or line below your eye is most popular. For instance, the glitter tears style is currently favourable. Creating a glittery sunset effect above the eye along with shiny, bright eye shadows is also popular.

Work that glitter in however you can to be in style. As a bonus, you’ll have less work to do making up the rest of your face because less is more when it comes to summer makeup.

Extra: Summer Hair Trends

Good news. Hair trends for this summer are also simple. Instead of being shiny, though, they are slick. Tight braids, tamed ponytails, and pool hair are all stylish ways to keep your hair sleek and trendy right now. All you need is a little mousse- or a day at the pool. Short hair is best styled shabby chic to give a slightly tousled appearance.

Sources:
http://www.cinemarati.org/9-summer-beauty-tips-to-combat-sweat-and-humidity/
http://losbeauty.com/beauty-hacks-to-deal-with-tropical-heat
http://www.allmyfriendsaremodels.com/5-beauty-tips-to-beat-the-heat/

Author Bio:
Daisy Grace works as a content coordinator for Global Internet Magazine. She specializes in women’s health and also explores topics related to general health and beauty. Daisy loves studying the latest trends in cosmetics and skin care, but her experience extends further than that. She writes on all aspects of women’s health and beauty skin care and also various product reviews.

Hey ladies, it's time for a mascara round up! I'm trying to use up all 5 tubes of mascara the I currently have in rotation before I decide to buy another one. So it's high time to share my thoughts on these.

I've started using a couple of these mascaras late last year, so some of them are almost empty.  I know that mascaras should be replaced every 3 to 6 months for hygienic purposes. But I continue to use them anyway. I just don't like throwing them out when they still work well. However, I only keep them for up to 8 months before I toss it out.


First up is the Laura Geller GlamLash Dramatic Volumizing Mascara. I got this together with the Sparkling Rose Collection which my friend gave me. This one's actually my fave among the bunch. Too bad this is not available locally though.

What I like about it...
- it coats my lashes evenly
- it is build-able and does not clump up
- lengthens and thickens my lashes well after about two coats
- does not smudge, does not flake, and lasts all day long
- the lash applicator is slim which I prefer, since it helps with getting in to the roots of the lashes especially when applying mascara in the lower lash line.
- easy to remove even with my water-based makeup remover

Definitely give this a go if you chance upon this online or in-store if you are in the US.


Next is the Mac Extended Play Gigablack Lash Mascara. This is the only mascara I have repurchased among the bunch. In terms of formulation I don't really like it that much. However, this is the thinnest mascara applicator I can find and it's perfect for me.

What I like about it...
- has a really thin and fine applicator which is awesome for really reaching the roots of the lashes, especially the lower lashes.
- holds up my lashes really well and does not make my lashes droop
- does not clump and separates my lashes well
- it lengthens and gives volume to my lashes
- smudgeproof and waterproof
- easy to remove with any makeup remover

The only thing I really don't like about this mascara is, it flakes! If only, this mascara didn't flake after a few hours of wearing, this would have been on HG status. (sigh) And it's a bit expensive too for what it is, bought this for around Php1,200. I would be truly grateful if you girls can recommend another mascara that has a thin applicator similar to this one.


Next is the Missha The Style 4D Mascara. I got this mascara earlier this year when I first ordered from Althea last February. I honestly didn't expect to like this mascara but I did!

What I like about it...
- super affordable, I got this for only Php190 pesos from the Althea website
- has a long, thin and slender applicator, which makes it very easy to apply
- separates my lashes well and does not clump
- lengthens and volumizes well
- waterproof, but tends to smudge after 8 hours of use, which isn't really bad at all
- does not flake
- easy to remove

I really love this as an everyday mascara. Would definitely recommend to everyone.


Next is the Mac Opulash Optimium Black Mascara. This is first mascara from Mac I every tried and it's also the biggest tube among the bunch. I do like the formulation of the Opulash.

What I like about it...
- gives excellent volume to my lashes
- easy work with even with multiple coats
- separates and lengthens my lashes very well
- smudge proof and does not flake
- has a thicker applicator which helps with adding volume, but I can't use it properly on my lower lashes since it tends to get messy
- very easy to remove even with just warm water

This does not hold the curl of my lashes very well though. Also, you'll need to get used to applying this quickly to your lashes since it tends to dry up faster. However, if you want volume and length, then you'll absolutely love the Mac Opulash Mascara.


Lastly, there's the Rucy's Vanity Gleamy Lavish Waterproof Mascara. I started using this recently and I can say it's a good everyday mascara.

What I like about it...
- very affordable at only Php180 from their website
- coats and separates lashes well
- waterproof and does not flake
- lasts all day without smudging
- did not irritate my eyes
- easy to remove

This does not lengthen nor volumize my lashes but it does a good job of coating my lashes and making it appear more black.  I would recommend this mascara those who already have naturally long lashes. If you are looking for length and volume, this is not for you.

Phew! that was rather long. But I tried my best not to be so chatty in this post. hahaha
I would like know your mascara recommendations, that would be awesome.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***