The holiday season is upon us and with it comes joyful Christmas carols and happy reunions with loved ones. It also marks the end of another year. As we ink the final pages of 2016, we look forward to the possibilities that lay ahead of us.

As the Christmas season approaches and a new year draws near, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® reminds us that life is not about what we amass for ourselves, but about how we can share our gifts, talents, and time with others. There is no better way to share the warmth of the season than by generously pouring into the cups of others, especially the cups of those in need.


The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® hopes to remind everyone that life is about what we can contribute to the world during this #SeasonOfGiving. It’s what we share from our genuine hearts to make a difference in other people’s lives. With the 2017 Giving Journal,  we hope to inspire you to begin writing your Giving Journey.


From October 22 onward, customers can already begin their Giving Journey as the collecting of stamps for the 2017 Giving Journal commences in all The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® stores.

Each stamp card consists of 12 circles with corresponding purchased drink assignments. All 12 stamps must be accumulated in one stamp card to claim the journal. A box of CBTL™ capsules earns the customer two stamps, while any CBTL™ Single Serve Beverage System purchase automatically allows a customer to claim the 2017 Giving Journal.

Available in 4 colors—rose, turquoise, purple and gray, the Giving Journal is a useful planner and a medium for generosity where you can begin writing the beautiful story of your own Giving Journey.


Throughout the pages of the 2017 Giving Journal, every individual will find inspiration to brew their best year yet by becoming the best version of themselves, by making a positive difference in the world and living a life full of love and service for others.

The Real LIFE Foundation, an organization committed to serving the poor through education, character development, and community service. Centered on supporting Real LIFE’s hopeful mission, every Giving Journal redeemed throughout the holiday season will enable the dreams of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®’s scholars to take flight. By supporting their educational needs, you bring them one step closer to achieving their goals, enabling their dreams to take flight.

Finally! This swatch fest is way long overdue. (I know, but hey its here. LOL) I've had this palette for over a year now and it has been my go-to eyeshadow palette for any occasion. Whether its for a glam look for an evening night out or a simple day time makeup for the office. This palette just does it for me and has never failed to amaze me, it's just so practical and versatile at the same time.


Here is a look on the palette up close. You may have noticed that the photos are a bit gloomy, I adjusted it so the colors in the palette would show like how they look like in real life.



What I like about it...
* affordable for a high end brand
* extremely pigmented, I swear!
* has a mix of both matte, satin and shimmer eye shadows
* has buttery smooth texture
* no eyeshadow fallout
* the color lasts all day long even without an eye primer
* contains a good amount of product per pan
* has an elegant and sleek packaging

What I don't like...
* can't think of any, I just love this palette and the eye primer is a plus!

My rating: 5 / 5

and Oh before I forgot, since this is not available locally here in the Philippines. I pre-ordered this from one of my trusted Cebu-based sellers, you can find them on Instagram @cebumakeuponline. It retails for $42 in the US and I got it for Php 2,300 at the time.


I have already mentioned the Lorac Unzipped Eyeshadow Palette a couple of times before and I have also featured this on my Makeup Favorites 2015 at the start of this year. I still feel the same way about this palette and I guess this will be my favorite for years to come. It is the only eyeshadow palette I own, where I have used every single one of the colors in the palette. (it is that versatile!)

I also mentioned that it is extremely pigmented. Which explains why my photos of palette still looks like it is brand new when in fact I have been using it several times already. Just because, I only need to use a tiny amount with a light hand when dipping my brushes in the eye shadow pan.


So if you ladies, do come across this palette. I would highly recommend it. I swear you won't regret it. Also, please let me know if you want me to make a tutorial or create different looks with this palette. I'd love to know what kind of look you want to see.

Until next time.

Cherrios!
***Hollie***

I finally had a chance to shop at Beautymnl.com for the first time. And it simply was a terrific experience. I've been stalking their site ever since it went online. However, initially when they just started on their first year, they were only shipping products in Manila area. (that was a bummer!) So, I moved on and but still browse their website once in a while, just to check out what products they currently offer.

Anyway, I'd like to talk a little bit more about my shopping experience at Beautymnl. When I found out that they already offer shipping nationwide, I immediately registered and created an account and the rest is history...lol


The site is very easy to navigate and the products are categorised properly. It has a search tool as well. I also appreciate that, when I visit the site I can see right away their current sales, promotions and featured products. Aside from drugstore skin care and makeup, they also offer a lot of products from mid-range to high-end brands.

When I find that product I wanted, for example a lipstick. All the details I need to know are there. This includes the product description, how to use, reviews and even swatches for the lipsticks. Which is actually quite helpful in picking out shades.

If you notice, the lipsticks have been swatched using different skin tones, so you'll immediately get a good idea on how your lipstick would look like. I frequently shop online, and a lot of the beauty sites normally do not provide very detailed information about their products. So I really appreciate little things like this.

The ordering process was quite simple. I can remove items in my cart if I want to change something. Once I checked out, I was relieved that they also accept paypal, which a really big plus for me.

I then received an email confirmation regarding my order. Once processed, I received another email when it was shipped, including the tracking number. It arrived in 3 working days for me ( which is actually good and pretty normal) since I live in Cebu.


I had my orders delivered to my office address and didn't have problems with the package. It was bubbled wrapped neatly inside a zip-lock type of plastic that has the site logo on it.


I just bought, products that I actually needed at the time. I got my go to everyday toner, the Celeteque Hydration Alcohol-free toner. I just ran out of my body lotion, so I got the Celeteque Brightening Radiance Body Cream.

I have been wanting to try a couple of products from Maybelline as well, so I got the Maybelline Rocket Mascara and the Maybelline Fit Me Concelaer in Medium.

The Beautymnl website often offers sales and discounts, so you'd really save more plus you can get free shipping for orders Php2,000 and above.


If you like taking selfies (hihi we looove selfies!), join their #selfieMNL contest! Get a chance to win a Printster polaroid of your pretty face and a PHP200 BeautyMNL GC. Click here for the complete details.

So, overall I would highly recommend this website for all pinay beauty fanatics. They sell 100% authentic products, hassle-free transaction and fast shipping. Definitely Hollie approved!

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Yes ladies and gents, Mcdo McSpicy Burger is back! for a limited time only. Never thought I'd be this excited for a fast food burger. LOL (but for a chicken lover like me, it's probably normal).

Anyway, I've had the chance to join the Cebu Bloggers Society Basic SEO minitalk last October 15 at McDonald's IT Park Teleperformance Branch. I've learned so much within a few hours of that event and enjoyed it even more while munching on my Mcspicy Burger. hahaha


What I really enjoyed the most about the Mcspicy, is it does not heat up my tongue. The spice is just enough to make the deep fried chicken really flavourful. So, if you're not a fan of hot and spicy food, you might like this. It's really mild, I swear.


It is best paired with a McFloat and their Shake Shake Fries! I was honestly surprised with the Garlic Butter flavor, never thought it'd be really tasty. Made me look forward to try other flavors as well.

During our short discussion over SEO, I've learned so many tips from Ian of Freedom Wall to help my blog become more optimised. That includes learning some free tools to use. Like Google Analytics, Google Webmasters, Google Pagespeed Insights and a lot more.


We also had a chance to learn more about Branding from the ever fabulous Ukay Ukay Diva, Alem. He shared with us he experience and how he started his blog which inspired me to think of new ideas for the growth of my own blog.


Do try McSpicy Sandwich/Burger if you happen to drop by McDonald's, you'll love it.

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

It's been a while since I posted a perfume round up. Just really wanted to share with you what my current perfume choices are for this year. I don't wear them for a specific season, I simply rotate them depending on my mood. And yes, I do wear perfume everyday...hehe

I am a fan of light scented fragrances. Normally, my perfume choices have fresh, citrus, floral and a hint of fruity notes. I'm always drawn this kind of scents, so basically others would refer to them as summer fragrances. However, I use them all year long. hahaha

I've posted some perfume empties before, you can check it out HERE. However, I haven't had the chance to post all of my perfume empties though. I really wanted to, so you'll have an idea on what perfumes and fragrances I've tried before. I used to just stick with Clinique Happy and repurchased the same scent over and over, until I finally decided to try other brands. I then became hooked with trying out new fragrances every time I ran out of perfume.


I'll start from left to right based on the photo above.

First is the DKNY Be Delicious (original). This is a bright, fresh and energetic fragrance. The top features green notes, violet leaf, apple, grapefruit and magnolia. You can read my full review HERE. I really like that this lasts the whole day on me.

Next is the Victoria's Secret Dream Angels Kiss. I got this as my birthday present last April 2016 from my Husband. I'm actually surprised that I fell in love with the scent so much, that I wore it straight for the whole month. It's a very refreshing scent that is perfect for summer. It's a feminine fragrance composed of pink floral petals, mint leaves and osmanthus. The only downside to this scent is the longevity. Only lasts 4 to 5 hours on me.

Then there's the Tory Burch, The First Fragrance. This is her first perfume, launched along with a make-up line last September 2013. Top notes are grapefruit, pink pepper, currant buds and leaves, mandarin and neroli. The middle notes blooms with peony, tuberose, mimosa, jasmine, carrot seed and sweet alyssum, on a base composed of vetiver, cedar, sandalwood and white musk. It's a really light scent that I like to wear on chill days (days that I have no work, no errands, and just hang out with friends over coffee...hahaha). I got this last 2015 when they launched here in Cebu. You can check my post about the Tory Burch beauty and fragrance collection HERE. This lasts for only 5 hours on me.

Followed by Versace Yellow Diamond. I first got a whiff of this scent from one of my Besties. I asked her what she was wearing, and I was sold. I always get compliments every single time I wear this scent (seriously, for reals, no BS). Some of my friends even remembers the scent the next time I see them. The top notes, opens with luminous freshness of lemon, bergamot, neroli and pear sorbet. The middle notes features airy orange blossom, freesia, mimosa and water lily. The base notes are made of amber, precious musk and guaiac wood. This is actually my favourite scent among the bunch. In addition to that, the longevity is superb. It actually lasts the whole day on me and sometimes for a couple of days especially on my clothes.

Lastly, it's the Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh. I've been so curious about the Daisy fragrance for some time because of the really cute perfume bottle. Plus, I keep seeing it on my fellow beauty blogger's photos on Instagram. So, I finally tested the scents in the perfume counter and fell in love with the Daisy Eau So Fresh variant. It is a whole lot milder than the original Marc Jacobs Daisy and it's my first perfume that has more of the sweet floral notes on it. Top notes are grapefruit, green notes, raspberry and pear; middle notes are jasmine, rose, violet, lychee and apple blossom; base notes are musk, virginia cedar and plum. I normally wear this scent on Sundays, because it's so feminine and elegant, perfect for going to church...hehe

I would be delighted if you ladies share with me your favourite fragrances.

Source for the perfume description: http://www.fragrantica.com/

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Ever wondered, why I like shopping for beauty products online? Apart from the obvious reason, which is for convenience. I find that I can save more online since it normally has lower prices compared to malls. It always has sales, promos and coupons which I can use. And it almost always comes with samples or freebies. However, I recently found another way to save money while shopping for beauty products through ShopBack.

Why use ShopBack? 

Simple, EXTRA SAVINGS! They source the best deals and discounts for you, on fashion, travel, lifestyle and more! What’s more, they give you cashback on top of existing discounts and voucher codes – this means extra savings when you shop online through them at any of their merchant stores!

Some of the online stores like Althea (5% cashback), Sephora (up to 5% cashback) and StrawberryNET (4% cashback) are just few of the popular beauty merchants that are included in their list. So, you can just imagine how ecstatic I was when I saw Althea among the list since I love shopping for Korean beauty products at that website. SephoraPH, carries some of the most popular mid-range to high-end makeup brands which are really hard to find locally. Apart from skin care and makeup products, StrawberryNET also carries Perfume and Fragrances.

How does it work?

After registering and logging in to Shopback.ph, you just need to click on the merchant you want to shop with. If you can't find it, you can use the Search option on top to see if your online store is included in the list of Merchants.


After you've clicked on your preferred online store, you will then see a small window. You just need to click on the Shop Now button, which will then redirect you to the online store. You will see a similar screen on the photo above, while it is loading and preparing to redirect you to the site.


When you arrive in the site you will then see this small pop- up that says Cashback Activated. This will signify that your transaction, after checkout on this website will be credited with cashback.

Once your purchase is completed, you will then receive an email telling you how much cashback you've earned with your recent transaction and will also note how many days it will take to be credited to your ShopBack account. When your cashback reaches a minimum of P300, you can then request a payout. In my case I have set it to be deposited on my paypal account. So, I can use that money for even more makeup... LOL

I have already shopped a couple of times using my shopback account and currenty have P251.79 pesos worth of redeemable cashback. So, I am already getting close to the minimum threshold then I can request payout. woohoo!

If you want find out more about how ShopBack works, you may refer to this link https://www.shopback.ph/how-it-works.

Other Perks and Rewards

Shopback continuously provides coupons codes for their merchants, so you can use those codes to get discounts and get cashback on top of that! Excellent deal right!?!

Want your friends to love you? Another way to earn cashback points is by referring your friends. Simply share your ShopBack link on your social medai. Your friend will get P100 cashback and you also get P100 cashback on their first purchase. Cool Huh...


If you have understood how awesome ShopBack really is, you may use my REFERAL LINK if you wish to sign up now.

Happy Shopping ladies!

Until next time.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

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***