Finally bought the ever famous Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler last September 2012, during their first visit here in Cebu. You can check the event HERE.



I've been using this eyelash curler for about 4 months now, both on myself and my clients as well. It was love at first use! I'm really impressed how this eyelash curler fits majority of my clients' eye shape.  Prior to purchasing the Shu Uemura Eyelash curler, I have been using the ELF Studio Eyelash Curler and Revlon Eyelash Curler.


One thing that I instantly noticed about the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is that, it fits my eye perfectly.  It also does not give that stiff looking "L" shaped lash when I hold it too long.  I'm guessing that's probably because of the silicone pad used for the curler, which also helps give that perfect curl.


The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler has a smaller opening compared to my other lash curlers. It opens just enough for you to comfortably fit your lashes in.


The gold variant of the lash curler retails for Php 1,400.00 if bought locally at Rustan's. However, I'm sure it only costs half the price if bought in Japan.  The silver variant is slightly cheaper at Php 1,100.00.


Each box of Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler comes with a free silicone pad which has the Shu Uemura brand engraved to it. I'm sure it will take years before I could use the extra pad.

The Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler is very easy to clean, I just use baby wipes to remove dirt then it's good as new. After 4 months of use, the gold plate on the curler didn't fade at all not even a little.

I have a good friend who is also a Makeup Artist, she has been using her Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler silver variant for 4 years now and it is still in good condition.

I can now understand, what made the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler famous. Having an eyelash curler that will last for years and give you that perfect lash curl without tugging your lids is definitely worth it.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

I recently stumbled on these adorable and pretty nail polishes online, specifically at ebay.ph.  I could not resist these pretty little things, so I just had to buy some for myself.

Been loving a new lip balm that I received as a present last December 2012 from my good friend Khymm of Miss Shopcoholic.  Though I already have a lot of lip balms, I still try out different brands like the ones from my previous post about lip balms HERE.

Last December 2012 I stumbled on the Milani Body Glow in 02 online while I was perusing through several shops on ebay.ph. I intended to buy Christmas presents but ended up buying stuff for myself. LOL

I already bought this Milani body glow two years ago (2011), but I ended up giving it to a colleague in the office because she loved it so much. She's a beach bum so I know that the product won't go to waste.

 

Estee Lauder developed a NEW and cutting edge Tri-HA Cell Signaling Complex™ helps rewind skin’s visible signs of aging by restrengthening its cellular communication and reigniting other age-resisting functions for younger looking skin, fast.  This ultimate line-fighting complex consists of:

Cell Signaling Molecules: These signaling proteins help skin amplify cell communication through a natural pathway. In fact skin’s natural production of HA increases by 182% in just three days!  They also help signal healthy cells, such as keratinocytes, to migrate to the site of damage up to 7X faster , to help rebuild and restore the look of skin fast

Tri-HA Complex: A unique blend of three HA Technologies that include high molecular weight HA, HA Fragments, and anti-hyaluronidase Centaury Extract. Together they replenish, rebuild and sustain skin’s optimal levels of HA to instantly plump and smooth fine lines, visibly fill-in more prominent wrinkles and maximize skin’s visible wrinkle reduction over time. 

Clinical testing showed that:
Skin looks dramatically less lined as wrinkles appear significantly reduced
Skin appeared soft, smooth, supple and plumped with lasting moisture
Skin’s natural, healthy-looking radiance is re-ignited instantly

The Collection


By Day:
Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Creme SPF 15 for Dry Skin - Luxuriously emollient and velvety smooth, this rich creme wraps skin in lasting comfort. To be applied AM and PM after a repair serum. Suggested Retail Price:  P4,600.00

Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Creme SPF 15 for Normal/Combination Skin - Lightweight, silky, lasting hydration with just the right balance of richness and refreshment. To be applied AM and PM after a repair serum. Suggested Retail Price:  P4,600.00




Advanced Time Zone Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Hydrating Gel Oil-Free for Normal/Combination Skin – This oil-free, oil-controlling, refreshing gel lotion features an innovative lightweight texture, ideal for warmer, more humid climates.  The Hydrating Oil-Free Gel Lotion has a beautiful lavender color and unique pearls for an immediately beautiful, radiant look. To be applied AM and PM after a repair serum. Suggested Retail Price:  P4,900.00

By Night:
Advanced Time Zone Night Age Reversing Line/Wrinkle Creme for All Skintypes – An advanced night creme with Rhodochrosite Extract delivers the intensive moisture skin needs all night and Biomimetic Barrier Lipids replenish skin’s natural protection against moisture loss. A nighttime amino acid complex helps skin optimize its natural replenishment of wrinkle-smoothing collagen for skin that every morning looks smoother, less lined, years younger. To be applied PM after a repair serum.
For Eyes:
Advanced Time Zone Reversing Line/Wrinkle Eye Creme for All Skintypes - Instantly, the delicate skin around eyes appears brighter, smoother and more radiant. Lines, wrinkles, crow's feet and crepiness all look reduced and their future appearance is discouraged and Biomimetic Barrier Lipids replenish eye area’s natural protection against moisture loss. To be applied AM and PM. Suggested Retail Price:  P3,100.00

The Collection is already available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangrila, Alabang, Gateway, Rockwell and Cebu Essenses section.

Photo and Info credits to Estee Lauder Philippines

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

It's high time that you ladies know my go-to makeup products for 2012.  I don't really change my personal makeup kit that often, which explains why I don't do monthly favorites. I prefer to finish one product at a time especially if it's just for personal use.  However, I do keep on purchasing new makeup products if I find something interesting to add in my train case, which I use for my freelance gigs.




The Mac Prep + Prime Beauty Balm (original formula) is what I prefer to use as a face primer. I do not use this in an everyday basis. I usually apply primer on special days like a dinner date with hubby or if I'm out with friends.  This face primer contains SPF 35. Contrary to what other people say, this does not give me white casts in photos at all. White casts will only show if you use a face powder with SPF as well.

I only need a pea size amount to prime my whole face with this and it 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 available in 3 shades, Extra Light, Light, and Light Plus. Still sold at the same price as the original formula at Php1,900 at local MAC counters.

The Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick with Vitamin E is my favorite multipurpose moisturizer. It can be used to lighten Marks and Blemishes. It soothes Rough, Dry Skin as well as Chapped Lips. This is what I normally use to lighten pimple marks and even out scars from tiny wounds.  I also use this in an everyday basis to soothe dry patches on my skin. It retails for only Php178 at Rustan's.

The Clarins Beauty Flash Balm is my favorite go to makeup base, if my face looks tired and dull. I first heard about this product through Lisa Eldridge's Youtube Channel.  Then my besties Raine and Khymm, recommended this product to me. They are also the ones who gave me the sample tubes I'm currently using.

All I can say about this product is WOW! It really does what it claims to be. It simply brightens and tightens your face in a matter of minutes. You only need to apply a thin layer of this product to your face, a pea size amount will suffice. Then set it with your usual face powder. You can see the results in just a couple of minutes. The full size tube retails for Php 2,100 at Rustan's.


The Mac Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in C40,  became my favorite face powder ever since I bought my first compact last 2011. Though it is expensive, I decided to repurchase since, it is the only powder I found that matches my skin tone perfectly.  In addition to that, the first compact lasted for almost 10 months. The current compact I'm using is one that I bought last August 2012 and there's still so much product left. This product retails for Php1,700 at local Mac counters. You can read the full review HERE.

The Charm Luxe Retractable Kabuki, is what I love to use to apply my face powder. I do not use the free sponge that comes with my face powder compacts for several reasons. First, I find it more hygienic to use a brush rather than a sponge. Sponges tend to absorb more dirt and bacteria. Second, using a face brush gives me more control over the amount of product I want to apply and it gives a more flawless finish. Third, brushes do not absorb so much product like sponges do. Which is why one compact can last me a long time. Lastly, brushes are easier to clean especially with a brush cleaner. I don't need to keep repurchasing sponges anymore when they get all dirty. The Charm Retractable Kabuki retails for Php580, you can the full review HERE.


The Mac Powder Blush in Pink Tea, is my go to everyday blush. I just love the naturally soft pink flush it gives. It takes very little effort to blend this blush since it is already very sheer. I am not sure if this shade is still available at local Mac counters, it might be already discontinued. Mac Powder Blush retails for Php1,300.

The Mac Select Cover Up Concealer in NC30, is my favorite under eye concealer. It simply doesn't cake even if I already applied two layers. It gives medium to full coverage and easy to blend. It doesn't settle on fine lines as well. Retails for Php1,100 at local Mac counters.



The Revlon Colorburst Lipgloss in Papaya, is my go to lip gloss. I don't wear lip gloss that much but when I do feel like putting a little sheen on my lips, this is what I go for. I simply adore the shade, and it's the only lip gloss I carry everyday since I'm trying to use up this huge tube. This lip gloss retails for Php575 at local Revlon counters. You can read the full review HERE.

The Prestige Classic Lipstick in Madrid, is my go to pink lipstick. I switch up lipsticks for my personal makeup kit from time to time but this is my most worn pink lipstick for 2012. Since I don't wear eyeshadow everyday, I like using this lipstick to give color to my face. Prestige Cosmetics are available at Beauty Bar.


The Etude House 66 Big Eye Vitacara Mascara, was one of the things I bought at Etude House during their 50% off sale early last year. It bought it for only Php 224 (sale price). I wanted to try it out because of the unique comb wand it has. (see photo below).


I love using this mascara for everyday use especially on my lower lash line as it is very easy to use. Unfortunately, this particular mascara is already discontinued. I still haven't checked if Etude came out with a similar replacement for this.

The Etude House Oh m'Eye Lash Petticoat, is the very first eyelash primer I tried. I already repurchased this product because apart from being super affordable at only Php198, it really works. I use this most of the time for my lower lashes because it is very sparse. This Lash Petticoat, helps lengthen and add a couple of strands to my lower lashes. You can read the full review HERE.
 

The Etude House Easy Brow Pencil in No. 1, is my favorite eyebrow pencil ever. I have tried brow pencils both from local and international brands with the likes of Fanny Serrano, Nichido, Styli Style, Prestige, and Wet n Wild. For that price range, only the Etude House Easy Brow Pencil worked well for me. I haven't tried brow pencils from High End brands since I find it unpractical to spend Php800 or more for just one brow pencil. The best part is, this only costs Php128 at local Etude House stores. You can read my full review HERE.

The Nichido Mineral Spot Concealer Pencil in Natural, is what I normally use to highlight and cleanup my brow bone area after I fill in my brows. It just gives my brows that clean look.

The Prestige Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil in Black, is one of my best finds for 2012. I was searching for best drugstore waterproof eyeliner pencils online and stumbled on Barry M and Milani Liquif'Eye. However, they costs around Php350 - Php500 if bought on local online shops. Then I found this Prestige waterproof eyeliner pencil on Ebay.ph. I bought it right away since it was so affordable. I'm glad I did, this is the best black eyeliner pencil I've used to date. It stays all day and it doesn't budge, smudge or flake. It applies smoothly too. ^_^

This is probably the longest post I've written yet. I guess this time I blabbed to much.^_^

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Happy New Year my lovely readers! Despite the many challenges we faced in the past year, let us all be thankful for the blessings we have received from God and look forward to a better 2013!

Many things kept me busy over the past couple of months, which explains why I haven't been doing blog posts as much as I want to.

If you are not aware, apart from being an IT Analyst for iComm International, I am a freelance makeup artist and I was literally fully booked last December for Weddings and Christmas Party celebrations.

As Christmas Day was coming, I spent my spare time shopping for Christmas presents at nearby malls. I also wrapped the gifts myself since I just don't have the patience to wait in long lines for the free gift wrap section. hehe


This photo was taken during our Company's Christmas Party 2012 held at Quest Hotel. I was one of the Hosts for the night and our theme was Color Blocking Style, which explains the bright outfit.

News Flash: As of this writing, I am currently 11 weeks pregnant and counting ^_^
This is my second pregnancy, so I'm praying that this time it will be a normal delivery. My first born who is now turning 5 yrs old by March 2013, was delivered thru C-Section. It is such a pain not only physically but also pains my wallet. LOL!

This 2013, I hope that I can organize my time well so that I can upload new blog posts more often. Also, I would like to say thank you for the support and for always coming back to read my posts, whether they make sense or not...hehehe

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***