I have just been really loving earthy tones lately and I find that these really lipsticks really suit my brown skin. These three all have brown undertones to them, thus I decided to swatch them together.


The Mac Lipstick in Mocha, has a Satin finish. It is described as a Peachy Brown shade. It has a creamy texture with a soft cushiony feel to it. This has been my new go-to everyday lipstick ever since I finished my Mac Lipstick in Cosmo a few months back.  You can read my full review HERE.


The Mac Lipstick in Whirl has a Matte finish. It is described as a Dirty Rose shade which can be worn any time of the day in my opinion. I think this shade will look great on a white variety of skin tones. I have already featured this lipstick before in my One Brand Makeup using Mac, see HERE.


The Mac Lipstick in Sin comes with a Matte Finish. It is described as a Deep Dark Blue Red. This is by far my favorite dark lipstick to date. I've received endless compliments with this shade every time I wear it and they often ask what shade I'm wearing. I feel like the Mac Sin Lipstick is so underrated.

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

Last September 18, 2017 the Cebu Beauty Bloggers were invited to the Grand Opening of the first branch in Cebu for the SophistiKated Aesthetics and Spa.  They are located at the 2nd Floor of Mabolo Royal Hotel. I got to experience a couple of their services plus munch on some sweets and had fun with my fellow beauty enthusiasts.


We also had a bit of chitchat going on here while choosing what services we want to try. You may already be familiar with some our very own Youtubers like Christian, Philline and Chinky. So it was so much fun to be hanging out with this bunch.


As for me, I decided to try their Hair Mask Treatment. It made my hair super soft, smooth and really shiny, but still with volume and did not look flat at all. I'm really happy with the end result and this service only costs Php 349, awesome deal! Also, after 4 days my hair still remained super soft and shiny. I just used a shampoo that is Sodium Chloride-free, which you can get from them as well.


I also tried their Ear Candling service. I was quite curious how this works and was surprised at how it quick it was, probably took about 15 minutes. Their Ear Candling service only costs Php149, wow! Anyway, I just laid on one side, then they placed some type of candle paper formed into a cylinder, small enough to fit inside my ear. I swear, it does not hurt at all. I actually almost fell as sleep while waiting for it to finish. You almost won't feel a thing, you'll just hear the candle paper burning. When it's done, you'll be surprised how much ear wax got sucked into the candle paper.


Apart from Hair Services, they also offer a lot of Hand and Foot services like Hand Spa with Manicure and Mask for only Php249. They even offer Paraffin Wax.

Other Services include:
Waxing
Facials and other Aesthetics services
Laser Hair Removal
Whitening Treatments
Eyelash Extension
Eyebrow Embroidery

These are just few of their services. It's basically a one stop shop beauty spa. I plan to try more of their other services in the coming weeks since everything is really affordable. Overall, I had a great experience during my visit. So we'll see if the staff will be doing a great job as well on my other visits when I try their aesthetics services.

They are open Daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
located at the 2nd Floor of Mabolo Royal Hotel, just along Mabolo Church
Follow then on Facebook @sophistikatedaestheticsandspa for reservations and price list.


Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

It's been a while since I last reviewed a liquid foundation. However, I really took my time with testing out the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation. I have been using this foundation since summer because I turned one shade darker and this has become my go-to foundation for the last few months.

It retails for Php 2,350 at Sephora.ph. But I was in luck since this was gifted to me by my good friend, fellow beauty addict and enabler MyKym.  😋


I got the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Sand. Which is currently the perfect shade for my medium skin tone.  It comes in a glass bottle with pump and contains 30ml worth of product.


What I like about it...
* can be bought at sephora.ph
* comes in a sturdy glass bottle
* comes with a pump, so it is convenient to use
* beautiful packaging with gold details
* they offer a wide range of shades, about 24 shades to choose from
* has a smooth and creamy texture, so it's easier to build coverage
* very easy to blend with either a kabuki brush or beauty sponge
* has excellent coverage, even with just one layer of application
* a little goes a long way with this foundation since it's very pigmented
* feels very lightweight so its comfortable to wear
* melts into my skin really well, making it look undetectable
* does not cake or sink into fine lines
* lasts all day on me, about 8 hours even without a face primer
* does not have a strong scent, its almost unscented in my opinion
* no irritation or allergies experienced

What I don't like...
* It's not fully waterproof, but it only moves when I sweat a lot. My Finishing Spray normally fixes this though, so I'm all good.
* can be a bit pricey for only one fluid ounce of product

My rating: 5 out of 5


Here's the before and after only one layer application of the foundation on me. I used my phone to take the pictures and did not filter or edit it.  I prefer to use my damp AOA Wonder Blender to apply this since it really makes my foundation look like skin.


Overall, it's a really awesome liquid foundation and currently one of my favorites. I now understand why I a lot of the beauty gurus on youtube were raving about this foundation. Definitely highly recommended and Hollie approved.

Until next time.

Cheerios!

***Hollie***

Yes, I got another Althea Box. If you ladies aren't aware. My favorite shop for all things Korean Beauty, Althea Korea occasionally releases various themed beauty boxes.

This time I got the Althea Beauty Lifeguard Box. It is a beauty box curated especially for the summer to Keep your makeup on through all the Splashing, hot fun!

Whats inside the Althea Beauty Lifeguard Box ?


Tony Moly BCDATION OiOi Waterproof Cushion in 02 Warm Beige.  It is a waterproof cushion that has SPF 50+ PA+++ for Suncare, Anti-Aging, and Skin Brightening at the same time.

It claims to provide great coverage that adheres to skin all day. Also, contains sebum controlling powder to keep you oil-free.

I have been testing out everything in the box for the past week and I must say I'm really impressed with this cushion. I have combination skin with oily T-Zone and so far this is the longest lasting cushion I've tried.

What I like about it...
- long lasting, it lasts about 6 hours on me before it starts to fade
- gives out a semi-matte finish, which makes my skin look really smooth
- has awesome medium to full coverage, since it easily covers my blemishes
- I can honestly say that this is waterproof, since I did sweat a lot when I was running errands and this cushion, really behaved and didn't make me look greasy
- did not experience any allergies or irritation, when wearing this consecutively for 5 days

What I don't like...
- like all other Korean cushions this is one shade lighter on me. I think Warm Beige is the darkest one they have. So, I just thin this out when applying. It eventually blends in my skin tone after an hour or so.

My rating: 4 out of 5


VDL Expert Color Primer for Eyes in Serenity.  This eye primer is meant to correct any redness on the lids for a flawless canvas. It locks the eye shadows without needing to apply excess product or pressure and allows the eye shadows to show up vividly onto the lids.

So far, it really stayed true to it's claims. It works the way it is described. It made my eyeshadow look more vivid, did not crease and definitely stayed all day. The packaging is sturdy and really reminds me of the lip gloss packing for my Laura Mercier Lip Glace.

My rating: 4 out of 5


Milky Dress Barbie Make Mascara. Is an all-in-one mascara that claims to provides curling, volume and long lashes. It comes with a very pretty rose gold packaging that is lightweight. The applicator comes in a semi-elliptical brush, a C-Curl a brush the offers perfect curl and volume for eyelashes.

What I like about it...
- very affordable mascara that works
- pretty rose gold packaging
- love the thin curved applicator, which makes it easier for me to start on the roots of my lashes
- long-lasting, smudge-proof and does not flake
- definitely holds up a curl and gives excellent length and volume
- very easy to remove even with a cleansing water
- does not have a strong chemically scent

What I don't like...
- can be a bit clumpy and does not layer well. I would recommend this to those who have very sparse and short lashes since it really lifts the lashes well.

My rating: 3 out of 5


Wangskin Lip Tattoo Tint Pack in Pink.  Claims to keep your lips looking juicy and tinted all day. Best used when lips are looking too pale, lips need a moisture boost and when you need a long-lasting lip colour.

This product is actually very straight forward. You apply and leave it on your lips for about 15 minutes depending on how much you want for your lip color to look deeper. The consistency feels very similar to a normal glue, only thinner.

I used this twice already. I left it to dry for about 15 minutes on my lips then peeled it off. I was left with a beautiful pink tint and it definitely lasted all day. It did not even come off while I was eating or drinking and did not transfer onto my glass as well.

It does not leave my lips feeling dry but does not feel like it's giving my lips moisture either. Also, this did not sting my lips, which I'm very happy about. I like that it came with a squeeze type tube since I find that more hygienic.

My rating: 4 out of 5


What I like about it...
- it stayed true to its claims
- the sprayer gives off a really fine mist, making it easier to apply all over the face
- if used as a primer, it helps me apply my foundation smoothly
- does not feel sticky at all
- when I used it as a setting spray, it definitely helped my makeup last longer.
My makeup just stayed in place all day with no smudging even when I was already sweating.
- has a very mild fresh scent
- did not experience any allergies or irritation

What I don't like...
- can't think of any

My rating: 5 out of 5

Last August 4, 2017, I was invited to the the Launch of the Crystal Moist Skincare Line brought to us exclusively by Rose Pharmacy. This brand is created for the Asian Women aged 24-35 years old, who are beauty conscious, confident and who aspire to indulge in quality skincare products with promising efficacy to bring them youthful and healthy skin.

Crystal Moist is developed and made in Korea. It was first launched last September 2015 under the holding company of Guardian Malaysia.

Crystal Moist brings us two skincare range. Both of which are formulated with 3 key proprietary ingredients to help replenish and retain moisture and essential minerals required by our skin to maintain a healthy complexion.


The Crystal Moist Hydra ION+ range, brings perfect skin hydration. The moisturizing range is the essential hydrating skin care regime. It is aimed to replenish moisture to keep your skin refreshed and hydrated, leaving skin with crystal-moist complexion.


The Crystal Moist Bright ION+ range, brings perfect skin radiance. Empowered with Sea Shine from France and Floral-Bright Complex, this brightening range enhances skin tone and helps reduce the appearance of dark spots. Ideal for a crystal-bright complexion.


I was able to try out the Crystal Moist Hydra ION+ Moisturizing Travel Set. It came with the basic skincare needs for moisture. Moisturising Facial Cleanser, Moisturising Facial Toner-Balancing and the Moisturising Face Essence Milk.


The Hydra ION+ Moisturising Travel Set smells really nice. It is has a fresh mild scent.
The Facial Cleanser, foams up real nicely. It cleans very well and it does not leave my face feeling dry and tight.
The Moisturising Facial Toner, feels very mild as well. It does not sting and does a good job of keeping my skin well hydrated.
The Moisturising Face Essence Milk gets absorbed on my skin quickly. It has a light watery light texture leaving my skin well moisturized. It does not feel sticky as well.


Overall, it was a pleasant experience. I would definitely recommend this set for all skin types, especially if you are just starting out with your skincare routine. It's practical and basically what your skin needs.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Lamp Berger Paris is now in Cebu. Like my title says, it is a french brand. I was lucky enough to have been invited recently to the Lampe Berger Bloggers Conference held at The Pyramid, Cebu IT Park. I got to know more about the product and see a demo on how it actually works.

What is Lampe Berger?
The Lampe Berger is an innovative system that cleanses the air in your home and provides a long-lasting fragrance. The Lampe Berger features the AIR PR System 3C(R) burner which diffuses fragrances throughout the room.

It is one of the few technologies to offer real improvement in the quality of air in the room always attentive to quality in all its forms. Lampe Berger Oil Lamps started its history in Paris, France in 1898 in the dispensary of pharmacist, Maurice Berger. It is the first product ever invented to purity the air (with over 115 years of innovation).


Benefits of Lampe Berger
The Lampe Berger has an unrivaled purifying and fragrancing power. The Lampe Berger actually eliminates odor-causing molecules in the air through the process of catalytic oxidation. Increase oxygen level.

Eliminate bacteria, unpleasant odors of any kind such as cooking odors, decomposes second hand smoke and improve the overall air quality, leaving you refreshed and rejuvenated; effective insect repellent such as dust mites, mosquitoes, fleas, ants and other insects.


Not only does it purify air, Lampe Berger also decorates the home with exquisite designs to complement any decor. They also provide an array of purifying scents, each with unique aromachological advantages that improves health and well-being.

I have personally used Lampe Berger at my home, I got the Coffret Bingo Taupe lamp and the scent called Amber Elegance and it smells divine and very calming. Plus their elegantly designed lamps are eye catching. Definitely would recommend Lampe Berger to everyone, it's perfect for any room.

You can visit their online shop for more information http://lampeberger.ph/

follow them on Facebook - @lampebergerphilippines
Twitter and Instagram - @lampebergerph

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

If you ladies have been following me on Instagram, you'd know that I got this product last week and have been trying it out for the past few days. Althea Korea just released their very own product range, and they're starting off strong with the Petal Velvet Powder!

This debuting beauty is a translucent loose powder made from natural ingredients. It sets makeup and leaves behind a silky finish to the touch. Infused with oil from Althea seeds, this powder works to keep sebum production at bay without drying out the skin for a radiant, fresh look, all while giving out a gentle scent.


Inspired by Korean Althea petal, this petal velvet powder offers the skin a silky smooth finish. Its main ingredient comes from the Althea flower seed extract which is full of antioxidants that protect the skin's barrier from dehydration and invigorate the skin for a beautiful and flawless complexion.

It is made with micro-fine particles that minimize the appearance of pores and fine lines to reveal a flawless complexion. Its translucent qualities create a satin finish that mattifies without dehydration

What I like about it...

* very affordable, priced at Php210 only
* pretty packaging that every lady wants
* convenient for travel since it only contains 3grams of product
* the packaging comes with a puff and sifter for ease of use
* definitely feels super smooth on skin so it's very easy to apply
* It beautifully mattifies my skin, but does not leave my face completely matte
* feels very lightweight on my skin and  does not sit on my fine lines
* has a very subtle floral scent, it's almost unnoticeable
* does not leave a white cast in my skin
* did not experience any allergies or irritation.

What I don't like...
* does not have that much oil control, my skin easily oils up after 3 hours of wearing it on my t-zone. However, I would like to note that it did set my under eye are really well and it stayed longer on the under eye as well.

My rating: 4 out of 5


Overall, it's are a really good translucent loose powder for the price. It's great for setting my liquid foundation and locking it in place. I would recommend this to anyone who's looking for a smooth and lightweight setting powder without looking too matte, since this one gives out a really subtle glow.

You can buy this online at ph.althea.kr 

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

After sooo long of having these pretty blushes in my stash, I finally had time to take photos and swatches of my favorite cheek products from theBalm Cosmetics.

I've had these for a couple of years now and it still remains to be my favorite blush and bronzer to date. So, it's high time you find out why.

To those who are not aware, theBalm Cosmetics is a mid-range brand that carries a complete line of makeup, skin care, hair care and nail polish. All their products are cruelty-free and made in the USA.


Apart from the really eye-catching and beautiful packaging, what made me fell in love with theBalm Blushes is their formula and pigmentation. I've tried a lot of blushes from other brands but I always keep coming back to these products.

What I like about it...
* affordable, costs around Php900 per blush
* available at Beauty Bar and Sephora.ph
* really attractive designs for their packaging
* comes in a magnetic, lightweight cardboard material with mirror
* has a super smooth and fine texture which makes it very easy to blend
* has excellent color payoff so a little amount of product goes a long way
* can be used either as an eye shadow or blush
* stays long on my face, around 5 hours before it starts to fade
* unscented, at least none that I noticed
* no irritation or allergies experienced

What I don't like...
* it has fall outs but nothing too crazy

My rating: 5 out of 5


theBalm Bahama Mama is a matte bronzer that does not have any orange undertones. It also doubles as a perfect contour powder, neutral brow-filler and matte brown eyeshadow. I personally enjoy using this as a contour powder since it looks great on my NC35 skin tone. Nothing too warm and it does not look muddy on me.

theBalm Hot Mama is one of my favorite blush to date. It can be used as an eye shadow, blush and subtle highlighter. It has a pinky-peach hue with golden undertones that looks beautiful on a wide range of skin tones. I normally skip using a separate highlighter every time I use this since it gives off a pretty glow on my skin.


Both the Bahama Mama and Hot Mama have the same size and the same price. These two are a tad bit smaller, containing around 7 grams of product which is why they cost a little less compared to the other blushers.


theBalm CabanaBoy is a dusty-rose blush which I love to wear at night time. Its subtle shimmer catches the eye while plum undertones provide a glow that is oh-so-natural.


theBalm FratBoy is my all time favorite blush. It is also my most used blush among the three. This matte peachy-pink shade just gives the right flush on my cheeks making it perfect for everyday use.


Both CabanaBoy and FratBoy have the same size and price as well. It costs a little higher than the Bahama Mama and the Hot Mama since it contains about 8 grams of product. There is also DownBoy, however I didn't buy it cause it comes in a baby pink shade which does not suite my skin tone.


Here are the swatches of the three blushes side by side, so you ladies can see the difference. If you notice all of them are pretty and very wearable.

These are my favorite products from theBalm Cosmetics and I highly recommend them. I swear you wont' regret it.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***