Thursday, July 31, 2008

Nail Art Tutorial: "My First Ever!"

When I am post my nail art, a couple of my readers would request for me to do a tutorial for them. And you guys know how much I'll try my best to accommodate the requests of my readers.

Before I continue though, I want to clarify that I am no expert in any way on these, I do this because I want my mom to have a lovely nail art on her nails. There are a lot of lovely bloggers who does nail art too and they're good! Alyssa, Cinthia and Trinh and a lot more other bloggers who definitely have passion for nailsl. Please check them out!

A good nail artist have different tools to create wonderful looks! Since I am only starting up, I've only got nail polishes, nail pens, and A WHOLE LOT OF PATIENCE and CREATIVITY!

Step 1:
Always make sure the pen is not clogged, they have a free needle, use it! It's there for a purpose




Step 2:
Unclog the nail polish pen.




Step 3:
Paint any color you like, depending on what kind of nail art you plan to do.




Step 4:
Press your nail pen and create dots.




Step 5:
Create 5 dots for "petals"




Step 6:
Choose a different color to create a flower "bud". In my case, I got light pink.




Step 7:
Do your own thing, I've decided to create a stem using white dots




Step 8:
Using a dark green color, I drew a leaf shape (came out black on photos lol)




Step 9:
With a cuticle pusher, line the leaf shape in the middle, to create a 3 dimentional leaf look




Step 10:
Top it off with a clear polish to protect the nail art




Ready for Camera!
SMILE!




If you don't have the nail pen,
you can use your nail polishes,
and cut the polish brush to make it shorter and thinner.
Again Practice Practice Practice!

Is this tutorial helpful?
Show me some luvin'!
I have to admit, I didn't have time to complete all 10 fingers!
I have to crop the photos and prepare this post..lol
I dont' want to finish it all and ruin it at the end!


Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Let's all join Clumps of Mascara!





Great news!

The wonderful B of Clumps of Mascara is giving away Stila lipsticks in "Ariel" and "Michaela". If you want to snag 'em. Click on the banner above and read her mechanics!

And the best part? The contest is open for international readers like moi!!!

So what are you waiting for? Smile and click click!

Goodluck!

Home Massage, Anyone?



I remembered 2 years ago, I went to Malaysia with my friends. We walked so much that I lost the feelings on my legs! As I was strolling along the mall, I saw a sales guy coming towards me. The usual "Nikki" instinct would give out this apologetic smile and say "no thanks". But as I was looking at the product on his hand, I was so curious and drawn to it. Well, aside from the fact that I saw a massage chair as well. Who wouldn't want to sit on a massage chair for FREE?

Are we ready for Alien Porn?

Here's such a wonderful side angle... Sexy!



The button you see below that looks like a mouth is the ON/OFF button



Now he's shy, you're staring at his "butt" lol



This will be the exact moment I go:
"ooohh ahhh!"
(I did say PORN right?) lol





Askmewhats says ---

Pros
  • relaxes you
  • affordable
  • durable (I dropped it many times, it's still working lol)
  • comes in cool colors (baby pink, cool blue, mint green)
Cons
  • NONE for now, and for the past 2 years!
Overall

This battery operated Alien-like baby is perfect to be used on your back, your shoulders, your legs! It relaxes you in an instant, and the best thing, it's lightweight!

Tips
  • Use rechargeable batteries to save money
  • Do not use this longer than 15 minutes on each area
  • Do your loved ones a favor by massaging them with this! Who knows? They'll return you the favor! lol

Will I repurchase?

Yes! I actually repurchased 12 pcs of this!!!
Imagine the look on the sales lady?
And I would love to see the looks on your faces! LOL

Let me explain, both me and my hubby love this so much that we repurchased these as wedding favors for our godparents! :) We love something that would be useful and would remind them of us!

Yes to my Philippine readers, they are not only sold in Malaysia, I am happy to announce I've seen them at the Rustan's Malls. And the best part? It's less than Php1,000!! (approx $25.00)


Are you looking for a nice gift for your friends, family
who are always complaining about their back pains?
Leg pains? Headache? Or whatever ache???
Except Heartaches though LOL
This may be something to help ease their mini pains everyday!!!


And before I end this post, let me leave you something to smile or even laugh about :P




Tuesday, July 29, 2008

My Citre Shine Loot Bag

Can I be honest?
Do you know that I am not the type of person who gets stuff without working hard for it?
Everything I own, everything you see in me..
I've worked hard for it.
I'm glad though, coz it made me understand the value of everything I have
Tangible or intangible.

That is why, my jaw nearly dropped...
and my tongue nearly rolled into the Oscars --- as red carpet...
When I won this lovely loot bag
from my favorite magazine!!!
(can you just believe it that I was just talking about them days ago?)
Girlfriend magazine, thank you!
I must be doing something good...

Here's my winnings
Yup, they're all mine!



And let me show it to you one by one. Can I just squeal and say..
"It looks soooo lovely!!!! I just want to hug them to sleep" LOL


Citre Shine Fresh Fusion Shampoo and Conditioner

I actually just finished up my HG shampoo and conditioner to give these babies a try
I am always open to set aside my HG shampoo and conditioner just to try out other stuffs



Citre Shine Anti-Frizz Serum

Good for days that my hair just goes crazy!



Citre Shine Curl Booster

This would be great for my sister-in-law who loves to curl her hair



Citre Shine Glossing Pomade

did I hear shiny hair??? I want!



I will do a separate review on each one of them when I get the chance. I have to give them all the proper time to test them. Just so you guys know, they are not too expensive.

Nose test: Smells HEAVENLY!!! <--- not because it's free ok? lol


Have you had any winnings lately?
What are your winnings?
Spill!



Monday, July 28, 2008

Askmewhats Reviews: The Body Shop Mini Brush Kit

As you all know, I love to do make up on other people and I don't want to take along with me all the long handled brushes, I thought of buying a mini brush set. And I gave in with the Body Shop Mini Brush Kit. They cost around Php1,000 (approx $22.00).

I gave in because it is so small and compact and I can just bring it anywhere!

Here's how the set looks like




When opened, you find a small mirror
and 4 mini pockets to put in your brushes




Each of them are approximately a size of a PINKY finger!

Yup, very SMALL




The Body Shop Says ---

A portable, stylish-looking pouch containing miniature versions of The Body Shop make-up Blusher Brush, Eye Shadow Brush, Slanted Brush and Lipstick/Concealer Brush.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros
  • indeed very portable
  • the brushes are very soft (because it's synthetic)
  • since it is quite small, easy to pack on eyeshadow colors to my "small eyes"
Cons
  • the handle is too short, difficult to apply make-up

Overall




1. Lipstick/Concealer Brush

I like it that they have a cap to make it hygienic. I think this is better used as a lipstick brush rather than a concealer brush.

2. Eyeshadow Brush

This is my favorite among the 4 brushes! I like it that I can easily pack on colors with this brush. Again, because this is quite small, it is easier to apply with my smaller eye area!

3. Slanted brush

I tried using this as an eyeliner brush, it just won't work as the brush is quite long and it tends to be soft so it bends a bit more making my eyeliner smudge. So this is the best to be used as an eyebrow brush.

4. Cheek Blush/Blusher Brush

I find this is a bit too small to be a cheek brush. I wanted my cheek brush to be fluffy. I use this brush though to remove the excess make-up below my eyes!


Will I repurchase?
No, again, I take care of my brushes and I won't need this til after 10years? lol


Let me leave you guys a question,
I want to know...
What's your travel brushes?

Sunday, July 27, 2008

And the Revlon Giveaway Goes To...

Hey all!!! Here's the best part. I will be announcing the winner for my first contest. The Revlon's Limited Edition as seen in this post

I have downloaded an online random number generator and each one of you who joined this contest was numbered. (ex. First commenter will be no. 1, next would be no. 2 and so on...) Only those commenter who answered the make-up related question would be numbered.

And here's the result!!!





SUEWIN

And here's her thoughts on make-up rules:

"hm...I for one never really follow most of the rules when it comes to makeup application, because it might be the right method for some people, but not for others. people have different skintones, skin texture, different sizes of nose eyes and mouth, i doubt you can re-create the same look on everyone with the same makeup techniques, if that's the case, where's the fun in experimenting? makeup techniques should be unique for each and everyone, but of course the basic fundamentals like choosing the right foundation colour and stuff are a guideline, but seriously, i think if u do a lot of testing and a lot of searching, you can find something that suits you. makeup is all about trial and error and getting the right stuff/technique for yourself, and then transform yourself into someone who's totally herself!"

Congratulations Sue, I will send you an email to get your mailing address.
I want to personally Thank everyone who has shared their thoughts on the topic given. I appreciate all your wonderful thoughts and responses. I am sure a lot of readers learn a lot from all of the beauty bloggers!!! I will try to do more contests soon!!!



Weekend Food Tripping at: Heaven n' Eggs

WARNING: Food porn again! lol

Heaven & Eggs, got famous because of their pancakes! But do not expect us just to eat pancakes! Me and my hubby are quite adventurous and we always dine in this restaurant and would order different dishes!

We were greeted with a lovely Heavenly Ambience.... Let me show you a photo of this lovely place when we were still dating!

This photo was taken at the Timog branch year 2006...
we were still BF and GF then




And now that we're married, nothing will change. We will find time once or twice a week to dine out and enjoy dishes we had and reminisce.... (60's music on the background lol)

Here's a freebie that greeted us if we use our Metrobank Credit Card
Pinoy Nacho

(tip: Always check with the waiter if there are some good freebies for certain credit card companies, they ALWAYS have something up to their sleeves and you won't know unless you ASK)



I love the crispiness of the nacho topped with cheese, tomatoes, mangoes and pork

Our all-time favorite
Asian Chicken Salad
(Php 200 something approx $5.00)



This is one of our favorite salad because the sauce is totally different. They use "Hoissen" sauce <-- Chinese sauce , instead of the usual Caesar salad. I love the crispy noodle with cabbage and the best part is the Roasted Chicken! YUMMMM BUT, today, it was a bit disappointing. Since we had this salad for more than 10x in our lifetime, that can make us an expert on this dish. The salad tastes so bitter we just have to drown the salad with water! After several bites, I told my hubby we have to tell the staffs it doesn't taste good so they won't serve it to other customers. (Yup, we do care) We told the staffs nicely and they willingly gave us back a menu and told us to order something else.

Smoked Bacon and Sausage Pasta

(for Php279.00 approx $6.00)



The garlic bread tastes wonderful. I love pastas that are of different shapes! (childish I know). You can taste the herbs every bite. This is delicious. It's good for sharing and I just love that it can tingle your tastebuds.

And since we were full with some salad we ate and the pasta, we had the Roast Beef Sandwhich order to go in exchange for the Salad that tastes "BLAH"

Roast Beef Sandwhich
(Php295.00 approx $6.50)







I can't explain how yummy it is eventhough we ate this the next day. Strips of roast beef topped with gravy and onions with my ultimate favorite food...POTATOES! I forgot the bitterness of the salad with this wonderful sandwhich!


Have you had any bad dish that you have to return?
where they nice to you?


Saturday, July 26, 2008

Eureka Moment : Ardell Brow & Lash Growth Accelerator


** photo from website


Hey sweeties!

Just a quick update! I went to the mall guess what I saw?

Ardell Brow & Lash Growth Accelerator!!! It's not available in the past and I even have to order mine in the States. I saw it! I looked at it closely! hahaha just to make sure!!!

CONFIRMED!!! We have it available at SM health & beauty and Watson's stores. I've seen them exactly at SM Megamall! They didn't stock on a lot as the price doesn't come cheap. It's sold for Php550.00 (approx $12.25)

If you guys have short, non-existent lashes like mine? We may have hope! LOL but I haven't use this product yet. So please do your own research before purchasing!!!

Happy lash-accelerating!
LOL



Askmewhats Reviews: Bare Escentuals Flawless Face Brush


(this review is based on my own experience of using this product, again, different users have different opinions)

Anybody who reads my blog would know that I am not a loyal MMU user. I do use mineral e/s, foundation but not all over.

The first MMU brand that I got addicted to is the Bare Escentuals MMU. I ordered a full size foundation and a flawless face brush to start up my MMU addiction. I don't have problems with the foundie but I got super disappointed with my BE Flawless face brush.

Here's how the FF brush looks like





Bare Escentuals FF Brush says (from Sephora site) ---

With a short handle and its bristles made of ultra soft goat hair, this Flawless Application face brush will evenly distribute your bareMinerals Foundation, All-Over face color, and blush, leaving a flawless finish every time.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros
  • definitely does pick up the minerals better than ordinary brushes
  • I like the length, not too long and not too short, easy to use
  • look quite professional and cute!
  • doesn't shed too much
  • when newly purchased, it does smell but nothing too bad

Cons
  • SOFT at the start, but after several uses, it HURTS my face too much!
  • Price : with it's price, you can buy better brushes
Will I repurchase?

sorry but NO

Overall?

The first time I used this brush, I was so happy and this was my favorite brush. After several washes (take note: I wash this once or twice a week with Johnson's baby shampoo) and as seen on photo above, I took care of it and it's still in good condition. When you use your finger to test the brush, it is SOFT! But when you use this brush on your face, something just ain't right. It is harsh on your face and I honestly can't pinpoint what is the problem with this. It could be the shape of the brush. I have tested this to all my family members! Even brushing this to their faces just to have the "feel" test and they all said the same thing... "OUCH!"

I have taken care of this brush,
using baby shampoo
and spritz it with leave-in conditioner after every wash
I have done my part right?
So this is a YAY or NAY?
(I go NAY)


Friday, July 25, 2008

Askmewhats Version: "Together in Electric Dreams" Look

I am so stuck with the 80's song "We're always be together...together in Electric Dreams"....

Let me go back to the purpose of this blog...
Not singing of course , but hey, I can be a good singer :P (no violent reactions ok)

After my review on the PAC e/s that I bought recently, I've used this for a couple of days and so far, I am very happy with the quality and pigmentation and not to forget, the staying power! From morning til nighttime! <-- NO CREASING!
Here's a look that I came up with I've used as minimal eye product as possible for you guys to see the "effect" of the e/s itself











Products Used ---

Eyes
  • L'oreal HIP Cream(as base)
  • PAC e/s (Applied 2x: First applied lightly all over the lids, Second, applied with a small shadow brush and pack on the colors on the lid area)
  • MAC Black Carbon (Outer v)
  • Stila Smudgepots in Black
  • P&J Curly Mascara in Black

I am very happy with the quality! I just wish they have more colors available for me to fill up my blank palette :D And before I end this post.... Here's what I MUST do...


Smile at you guys and wish everyone a wonderful day! :D