Celebrating Valentine's day with your loved one doesn't have to be expensive.  As long you get to spend time together, that should be great.  To celebrate Valentine's day, my hubby and I had a simple dinner a local Dimsum Restaurant here in Cebu. We went to "Golden City" located at "The Walk" IT Park.

Here's our dinner in Pictures!

It feels so good to have hit the pan and emptied out some makeup. I've been buying a whole bunch of cosmetics recently and I know for a fact that I can't finish all of them. However, I make sure to show some love to all of them. My make-up collection is just enough for my personal use, so it is much easier for me to hit the pan. If you're curious you can check out my Make Up Loot. I've had a few additions to my makeup but it all still fits in my two make-up organizers.

Anyway, these empty makeup are the ones I carry everyday in my makeup bag.  So, they are the most used makeup products from my collection.

Items Finished:
Garnier Pressed Powder in Ivory
Sophie Martin Lipstick in Velvet Nude
Elf Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara
Elf Natural Radiance Blusher in Glow

I already repurchased the Garnier Pressed Powder and Elf Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara since I consider them the must-haves in my makeup bag.  Although I loved the Elf blush in Glow, I decided not to repurchase since I still have the Elf Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder which I currently use. As for the lipstick, I really liked the Velvet Nude shade so much that I actually finished the whole tube. I decided not to repurchase the lipstick because I still have several lipsticks to choose from.

This is it for now.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

I went to SM City last Monday to buy some stuff for my son. He needed a new pair of sleepers, pajamas and socks. After I bought what I came for, I passed by HBC (Home Beauty Center) and decided to take a quick peek on their items. I couldn't stop myself from buying since everything was so affordable.  I simply grabbed a few things that caught my eye. I was in a hurry since my husband was waiting (he hates to wait).

So here's what I bought, San-San Pressed Powder in 02 (Php 92.00), San-San Age Defense Concealer in 02 (Php126.00) and the San-San Eyeliner Pen in Black (Php 80.00).  I've already used their pressed powder before and I was using it for a long time before I switched to Myra, then Garnier.  I just missed using it because the shade is just perfect for my skin tone.  I only decided to stop using it because the scent was a bit strong and it bothered me.

Swatches and reviews for the eyeliner and concealer will follow. So stay tuned.

This is it for now.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

I was all giddy and happy when I received these gifts from a friend who recently arrived from Florida USA. (Thanks Loien! luv ya!). I also received a couple of chocolates but I forgot to take the photos, I already ate it...lol. She also wanted to give me an elf Beauty Encyclopedia, too bad it was out of stock at Targets and Walgreens when she looked for it. huhu... But oh well, I'm very grateful that she gave me "Pasalubong".

She gave me Maybelline Falsies Mascara, Wet n' Wild coloricon trio palette in Knock on Wood and a Revlon Illuminance Cream eyeshadow in Precious Metals.

I will definitely be using all of these so stay tunned for the swatches and reviews.

This is it for now.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Clinique Happy Heart is my absolute favorite perfume ever! I have been using Clinique Happy (original scent) since 2006 and started using Clinique Happy Heart in 2008. I absolutely love both variants. I can't remember how many times I've repurchased both Clinique Happy and Clinique Happy Heart over the years.

Its fragrance is just so mild, feminine and very elegant.  It stays long and actually lasts through out the day without having to add a few more spritz.  The 100 ml size bottle could last up to 6 months for me, depending on usage.

My brother gave me this Clinique Happy perfume as a gift last Christmas 2010.  It was perfect because I already ran out of perfumes to use. I thought he knew it was my favorite, but he didn't have a clue, it was his fiance who chose this for me.  I couldn't stop smiling when I opened it. (thanks kuya)

This has actually become my signature scent and I have no plans of switching.  On days that I don't wear Clinique Happy, I use local perfume from Scents and Blends specifically "White Ginger" love it!

How bout you ladies, do you have a signature scent?

 This is it for now.


Cheerios!
***Hollie***

- Cuddles cotton squares.  I have been using this since 2007. It's inexpensive, really soft, absorbs liquid quickly and it's square shape is awesome (I can easily fold it). I like it better than the round variant.

- GynePro feminine wash.  This is the first time I will be using GynePro. I'm crossing my fingers and hope that this relieves itchiness well like my Betadine feminine wash.

- Skinwhite body lotion, Papaya variant.  I have been using Skinwhite body lotion for years but I just had to try out their new Papaya variant. I fell in love with the scent when I opened it so I'm sure this is another keeper.

- Garnier bodylight Whitening UV lotion.  I already consumed a whole bottle and decided to repurchase this.  I can't really say that I like this product,  but I do like the fact that its not sticky and it works like a sunblock.  I haven't noticed any lightening effect yet that's why I decided to give it a second try.

- Myra whitening facial lotion.  I just grabbed the sachet to give it a try, I tried it later that night and also in the morning after bath, too bad it felt itchy and it gave me redness and allergies. Whew, I'm so glad I just picked up a sachet. I definitely won't be using this again.

This is it for now.


Cheerios!
***Hollie***

This is it for now.

Happy Thursday everyone! simply another busy day for me at the office.  I just wanted to share with you this picture my colleague took last December 2010. I was cleaning and organizing the files on my office computer and I stumbled on this photo. 

If you noticed I'm the only girl there. That's me in the center with absolutely no makeup.  In fact, I'm really the only female on the Technical Support Specialist Team.  There are 3 more guys who were not included in this photo since they are on a different shift.  Our Systems department is composed of only two sections, the technical support staff and the systems administrators.  There is also only one female systems administrator, so there are only 2 girls under the Systems department. (now you know why I blog...lol)

This photo was taken at our "Data Center" that's where all the company servers are stored.  In case you're wondering, I work for iComm International.  I'm really glad to be working with these guys, it is always fun everyday. Not only do they treat me as one of the boys, they also teach me a whole bunch of technical stuff.  So, I'm on the verge of "information overload"!

I'm an IT graduate, so my interest in technology and computers will always be a part of me.

I hope you weren't bored with my ramblings. I just decided to share a tinsy bit about me for a change. I'm planning to make more posts on other categories and not just make-up, so as to give my blog a little spunk.

Have a great day.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

* stays long, it lasted for more than 5 hours. Even though I ate and drink it still looked just as great as when it  was first applied.
* the color is not bright. It's not fuchsia nor orange,
it's just a perfect deep matte red 

* absolutely nothing!

My rating: 5 / 5

This "In the Red" shade is just wearable. Really works great for my skin tone. For reference, I am Asian - Filipino with yellow / golden undertones.  The Revlon matte lipstick collection also has another red shade called "Really Red" but that's the kind of red lipstick I stay away from. It's a super bright red shade which is scary...lol

TIPS: Wear neutral eye make-up for an elegant look.  I don't apply any eyeshadow when I'm wearing red lipstick. I simply line my upper lash line with a black eyeliner and apply a touch of matte blush on my cheeks for a natural pinched cheek look.

I only wear this lipstick when I'm wearing a black blouse or shirt. I think it makes the red color stand out.

How about you ladies, have you found the perfect Red Lipstick yet?

This is it for now.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

My fellow beauties, I simply wanted to share with you this make-up brush holder that I found.  It's very cheap, I bought it for only Php 69.00 around $1.55... I accidentally found this at Robinson's Cybergate here in Cebu while I was searching for beautiful living room curtains. Too bad though, it only comes in one design.

I think this will definitely come in handy during travels. You can just simply roll it and save so much space in your bag . In addition to that, it's easier to pick the brushes. I won't have to keep on searching through my brushes like I used to, when I placed them in a make-up bag before. And Oh, one more thing, this holder kind of also works as a brush guard. It does protect my brush from dust and dirt.

Just out of curiosity...
Do you own a make-up brush holder similar to this?
How do you store your make-up brushes?

that's it for now.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

I have been using the Celeteque facial moisturizer for 3 weeks now and I'm very happy with it.  I already have the Celeteque facial wash and have been using it for months so I figured, why not try their moisturizer as well.  You can check out my detailed review on the facial wash HERE.

* inexpensive
* fragrance-free
* little amount goes a long way
* does not feel greasy
* didn't have any irritation or allergies
* no breakouts
* can be used day and night
* it has a squeeze type tube with flip cap which makes it much easier to use

* I have dry skin, so it's not as moisturizing as my Cetaphil moisturizer which I love to use at night before bedtime.  But I would really recommend this to anyone.

My Rating: 4 / 5

Overall I can say that this is a good everyday moisturizer.  I will probably repurchase this.

Before I tried this product, I was using the Myra E facial moisturizer and have been using it for years.  I just thought I'd try something new and I'm glad that I found another product with similar quality. There is just one thing that I noticed though, this is much milder than Myra E which makes it even better.

Cheerios!
***Hollie***

Product Claims

Oil-free,  Non-irritating, dermatologist-tested, 100% natural exfoliants,

100% natural extracts, Formulated without parabens and phthalates,

Made without animal ingredients, Not tested on animals  

Retail Price: PHP 68.00 for 28g tube

I bought this at Watson's Ayala Center Cebu

I have dry and sensitive skin and some parts of my face feels rough so I though of trying out this product, hoping it would help. I have been using this facial scrub for more than 2 weeks now and I think it's about time to speak my mind.

* inexpensive
* didn't experience any irritation or allergies
* no break outs, I haven't had any pimple since I started using this
* got immediate results, face feels soft and smooth after first wash
* no dry or tight feeling after washing
* has mild scent
* only needs a tiny amount to scrub the whole face
* awesome squeeze type tube packaging

* absolutely nothing!

My Rating: 5 / 5

This is the first St. Ives product I've ever used and I'm very satisfied with it. My face looks cleaner, it's not greasy, and it got rid of some bumps that comes every now and then. I will probably be buying more St. Ives products from now on. I would definitely recommend this to everyone!


Cheerios!
***Hollie***