It's finally Christmas Eve 2014, Yay! Time for friends get-together and family bonding! With that said, I'd like to extend my Christmas greetings and Holiday Cheers to everyone! ^_^

Anyway, back to business. Remember my old post before about Lip Balms? I posted a mini review of all lip balms that I used about two years ago which you can read HERE. This time I'll be posting reviews on the current lip balms I've been testing out while in search for my HG lip balm. hehe


I got the chance to try out several lip balms for the past couple of years and I've yet to find an all time favorite. I only got about seven that I have in my stash right now coz I gave the rest away.

So, let's start this off with the Mentholatum Lip Ice Lip Balm with SPF 15, the one in the photo is Grape + BlackCurrant. I've already tried the Lemon and Strawberry Flavors as well. It retails for only Php89 at Watsons. I've repurchased this twice already since I love how light this feels on my lips. It is very moisturizing without being waxy and the moisture lasts longer than the average lip balm. I especially like that this leaves a minty tingle to my lips every time I use it. If you prefer minty balms like me, this Lip Ice lip balms should be on top of your list!

Carmex Moisturizing Lip Balm in Strawberry with SPF 15 retails around Php110 (price varies, depending where you purchased it). I've already tried this lip balm twice. The first time was the original unflavored Carmex Lip Balm in a squeeze type tube, then this strawberry variant. For both times I've tried this, I experienced a stinging sensation on my lips, and one that doesn't go away, unless I remove the balm from my lips. I honestly really like that it feels minty on my lips and it moisturizes very well. However, the consistency is a little too thick and sticky for my liking, also I am not sure which ingredient is making my lips sting so bad every single time I use this. So, to put it simply, Carmex is just not for me.

Alba Botanica Terra Tints in Bloom with SPF 15,  I already know a few friends who absolutely love this balm especially the other shade which is Ablaze. It retails for Php159 at Healthy Options. I really want to love this lip balm as well, unfortunately I experienced lip allergies with this. I first tried it earlier this year and I thought it might have been another product causing the itch on my lips. However, the allergies stopped with I stopped using the lip balm. Then, I gave it another chance later this year. Unfortunately, I got the same lip allergy I had when I first tried it.


Both the shade Bloom and Ablaze really look natural and pretty on anyone's lips. So, if you're into tinted lip balms, you might want to give this a try, however this is just not for me.

Alba Botanica Natural Hawaiian Lip Balm in Pineapple Quench. It retails for Php99 at Healthy Options. This one does not have SPF, but I really like the coconut variant of this balm since it smells really good. It has a thicker and waxy texture. It also has a much drier consistency, so it's not that moisturizing.


VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Moisturising Protective Lip Balm with SPF 60, it's the only lip balm I found that has the highest SPF content. This is actually my favorite among the bunch. It moisturizes my lips very well and lasts longer on my lips too. Also, I noticed that ever since I started using this, my upper lip lightened a little bit. It has a thick and slightly sticky consistency, so I only need a tiny amount to apply for my whole lips. Definitely a keeper!

The Body Shop Natural Lip Roll-On in Berry, I was initially excited to try this one out, since it comes in a roll-on and it smells like real berries. However, I got lip allergies with lip balm as well. I used it for three days straight and my lips became super dry, patchy and itchy so I stopped using it.

Burt's Bees Lip Shimmer in Rhubarb. I'm not really a fan of tinted lip balms, but I like this one a lot. It moisturizes well and I feel that I absorbs on my lips a well. I also like that it can pass off as a good lipstick since it has good pigmentation. Plus it smells great too.

So, among these seven lip balms, I only approve of three. First is the VMV Hypoallergenics Protective Lip Balm, then the Mentholatum Lip Ice and lastly the Burst's Bees Lip Shimmer. I will still continue to try out lip balms from different brands. I actually already have the Hurraw lip balms on my list of lip balms to try. hehe

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

It's December! and apart from the Holiday season, it's the month were most weddings are celebrated. Contrary to the "June Brides" that most people know about, I noticed that a lot of weddings happen in December. Since I am freelance Makeup Artist, most of my Wedding gigs happen on December. So for my view of Bridal Beauty I checked out the lovely gowns at Loverly and drew inspiration from it.


This Emma Wedding Dress is made from, layers of silk organza cascade over this modified A-line skirt, and delicately draped pleating covers the bodice. A little sparkle is added by the Emma belt made in French metallic Chantilly lace.

I was instantly drawn to this Bridal gown when I saw it. I just think it's a perfect fit for December brides especially this Autumn season.

As you can see the gown is really beautiful. It is elegant but not stiff and exudes that femininity that every Bride should have, especially on their Wedding day. I actually fell in love with a lot bridal gowns, as I was perusing through the Lover.ly site. However, in my opinion, this is a bridal gown that can be worn either indoor or outdoors. So I've come up with a bridal look that's perfect at any time of the day.


Inspired by the beautiful Emma Wedding Dress from Lover.ly, I picked out these main products that I would use for the lovely bride.

For the face base, I chose to use the Mary Kay CC Cream since, it can cover up most of the blemishes, evens out the skin tone and makes the skin look healthy and glowing. Then I'll use the Sonia Kashuk Concealer Palette in Light to cover up anything on the face that needs covering up.

For the eyes, I want to make it look soft, natural, yet still well defined. So I chose the shades Cream, Nude, Mauve and Sable from the Lorac Pro Palette. Then I'll use the Mac Opulash Mascara to define and lengthen the bride's lashes.

For the brows, I picked the Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow Pomade in Dark Brown, since waterproof brows are much needed during this special occasion.

For the cheeks,  I chose The Balm Cabana Boy for that perfect flush and The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer to highlight certain parts of the brides's face. 

Lastly, for the lips I picked out this Mary Kay lipstick in Pink Melon, since it looks great on most skin tones.


I was a bride once too. So, I know that I would prefer to look naturally glowing on that day. This photo was taken during our wedding day Last 2007. hehe

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Hello Tuesday! I know that some of you might still have a weekend hang over since most of the classes and work were suspended the past few days due to Typhoon Ruby. I just want to say... Thank  you Lord for keeping everyone safe and sound!

So back to our topic; you may or may not be familiar with CC Creams, but CC stands for Complexion Corrector or Color Correct, which is very straightforward. Like the name suggests, it's main function is to even out your skin tone.


The Mary Kay Complexion Corrector (CC) Cream Sunscreen SPF 15, acts like makeup that instantly correct complexion imperfections while formulated like skin care to help nurture the skin.

It has 8 Benefits:

Protects - helps protect skin from sunburn and damage with broad-spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen
Brightens - It is formulated with the key ingredient Niacinamide, which is for skin lightening
Corrects with lightweight coverage - made from mineral-based pigments
Minimizes redness - covers to provide visible relief to skin redness
Conceals - instantly conceals the appearance of blemishes and marks from past breakouts
Hydrates - instantly amplifies skin luminosity
Reduces visible signs of aging - contains Vitamin E and Silymarin Extract
Defends - contains powerful antioxidants to help defend against skin-damaging free radicals

There are only 2 shades available here in PH. I use the Mary Kay CC Cream in Very Light. The other shade available is Light-to-Medium. The shade Very Light, is actually about 2 shades lighter than my natural skin tone. However, I was amazed that it actually blended on my skin, though it still looks a tad bit lighter on me. I don't use this on it's own since I have combination skin, so I like to set it with my Mac Studio Fix Powder in NC35.


I am happy to report that this come with a pump. I find it very easy to control when pumping out product. One pump is all it takes for my entire face and neck. However, I only apply this on my T-Zone and Under eye area so I just half a pump on most days.


I also would like to point out that the expiry date is written at that bottom of the tube. I appreciate makeup products that indicated the expiry date, since it's fairly helpful for their consumers.

What I like about it...
* affordable at Php825 since most CC creams cost more than a thousand pesos
* very convenient packaging that comes with a pump
* has a really smooth and creamy texture, kinda gel-like
* feels very light on my face, something comparable to a water-based moisturizer
* hydrates my face well, does not leave my skin dry at all
* has light coverage, but can cover minor blemishes
* stays a good 5 hours on me before it starts to fade (in an office environment)
* does not settle on fine lines and does not cake
* definitely helps even out my skin tone
* gives my face a natural and healthy glow
* no allergies or irritation experienced

What I don't like...
* it is not fragrance-free, it has a scent similar to a sunscreen, but nothing overwhelming
* very limited shades available

My rating: 4/5

I've been using this CC Cream for the past 3 months and I must say that I really like it. I usually stay away from BB Creams since I've had no luck with them, I've tried 3 brands of BB cream before and all three broke me out. I'm just glad that the Mary Kay CC Cream worked really well for me.

Would I recommend this? Yes, definitely. Especially if you are looking for a base that gives light coverage just enough to achieve that natural and healthy look you prefer.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Happy Tuesday ladies! I'm back with another review, but this time it's about nail polishes. I honestly haven't been this excited about a nail polish brand for a very long time. Fairly recently, GirlStuff Nail Polish Bar finally opened in Cebu! They are now available at Paseo Ciudad, 2nd Level Ayala Center Cebu (near WAGW) With that said, I had the chance to grab mynail polish of choice and I went crazy! LOL



Girl Stuff Nail Polish Bar gives women across all ages the opportunity to indulge in more colors, textures, and finishes for their tip and toes with nail polishes that are trendy and affordable, and do not compromise quality.

Imported from France, GirlStuff is "5-free" -- free from the five harmful chemicals usually found in nail polish: Toluene, Formaldehyde, Dibutyl Phthalate, Camphor, and Formaldehyde Resin. Thus, these are safe, even for children.

These nail lacquers are available in over 70 fun and stylish colors that have vibrant hues and shine, allow for a streak-free applicaton, dry quickly and last a long time.


I've been rotating these nail lacquers all month long and I'm totally in love with them. I liked them so much that I ditched the other nail polishes that I already have in my stash. Seriously! I'm not exaggerating. hehe


So here's the line up for the nail lacquers of my choice. I first got 10 nail lacquers then I realized that I had to get "Matte Magic" so I came back the next day. LOL

What I like about it...
* inexpensive, they retail for Php120 - Php150 each
* has excellent color pigmentation, I can get them to look opaque with just 2 layers of application
* has a mild nail polish scent, it's not overwhelming compared to other brands that smell like paint
* has a convenient packaging, since they are shaped in a certain way, it's easier to store them together

* does not make my nails turn yellow, I tested wearing these without a base coat for two weeks
* their gel-type nail lacquers can be worn without a top coat since it has a shiny finish
* lasted a good 10 days on my nails without chipping (that is without a base coat and top coat)
* lasts even longer if applied with a base coat and top coat
* very easy to remove and doesn't leave a stain on my nails

What I don't like...
* none that I can think of

My rating: 5 / 5


I also forgot to mention something, I like the fact that each bottle has a complete label of their manufacturing and expiry date at the bottom. thumbs up!

Now you get to see the nail polishes that I chose at the bar.  I got....