L.A. Colors Chunky Lip Pencil Review

The first time I saw these L.A. Colors Chunky Lip Pencils, I told myself: "They look like Kyle's jumbo crayons!"  On top of my head, I have this impression that the color will come out chunky, dry and fake-looking.

But looks can really be deceiving!   Well, the look almost fooled me!

Shades: Baby Pink and Deep Red

This is a jumbo pencil that need no sharpening!  It is retractable so it is easy to tote along and use until the end!  The shade Baby Pink look almost too "Teenager" for me and Deep Red seems not deep enough!

Nail Art Tutorial: It's A Baby Boy!

Last weekend, Mr. AMW and I had a Pregnancy Shoot at Blow-Up Babies Inc. located at Serendra.  I'll tell you more about my experience doing a pregnancy pictorial once I get the photos!

To prepare for the shoot, I want baby AMW to know how much excited we are to welcome him!  So I've decided to create a nail art design to welcome him!

"It's a Baby Boy!" Nail Art Design

Nail Art Tutorial: Back to Retro!

When we talk about Retro, I remember 2 things --- Retro inspired dresses....

and the Deee-lite's "Groove is in your heart"..... *laughs* 

There's just so much inspiration during the "Retro-Years" so I've decided to create my own Retro Nail Art design!  Nothing too fancy or complicated as I just cut my nails super short!  If you follow me on  Instagram (AskMeWhats), I did mention that this is my shortest nails ever!  And here's a proof that short nails can still do nail art! :)

Nail Art Tutorial: My 34th Birthday!

Today is my birthday!  Happy Birthday to me! :)

I've celebrated 5 birthdays in this blog!  I can still remember the day I turned 30 and it felt like months ago!  

To celebrate my special day, I'm sharing a kiddie birthday nail art as mid-30s or 40s or 50s, we can always be child-at-heart!

My 24th Birthday Nails!

*ahem*  mistyped, I meant 34th!  *laughs*

Step 1:

Though my doctor gave me a go signal on using nail polishes, I am still very careful with the nail polish brands I use.  I make sure they are free from the Big 3 (toxic chemicals).  I skipped nail polish base and went ahead and apply 2 coats of Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Narcissist.

I wanted to create a girly, candy-like vibe so I applied this shade only on my pinky, middle and pointer fingernails.

Nail Art Tutorial: I Love My Red Plaid Shirt!

Happy Monday AMW Friends!  I had a lovely weekend with the family so I'm energized to get back to work today!  Oh yeah, I forgot to add that I had a wonderful 1 week break for the Chinese New Years so I was able to finish a Korean Series called "Rooftop Prince" (which I LOVE!) and I was able to feel like a grade school kid on vacation after spending most of my nights playing Bubble Mania and Jewel Mania!  (Seriously, can I get more childish than that? Ahem!  I meant, child-like!) :P

One thing I did over the past week is to play with my short nails!  A lot of you wonders if it's possible to create nail art designs with short nails!  Well, it's definitely possible as I recently cut my nails pretty short to prevent myself from getting scars from scratching my allergies!  Here's a simple "I Love My Plaid Shirt" design!  I will explain to you why the title goes like that!

Since February is my birthday month and I looked back at my old photos on how I celebrated my birthday!  Year 2011, I celebrated it with my high school friends (and their kids)!  Looking back, it was a super fun event!  (See how the kids were all excited blowing my candle?)  As I looked at my red plaid shirt which is a favorite of mine!  I bought it in Hong Kong a couple of years ago and I always get compliments every time I wore it!  So today, my nail art design is inspired by this lovely shirt of mine which I missed wearing!  I will definitely wear it again one of these days!  Good luck to me if it still fits though! *crosses fingers* LOL

AMW Reviews: L.A. Colors Mineral Pressed Powder

Happy start of the week AMW friends! 

Today, I will be reviewing my first L.A. Colors makeup product.  I've always been a fan of L.A. colors when it comes to nail polish and long time reader would know how much I hoarded on the L.A. Colors Art Deco polishes for my nail art designs!  

I've read good reviews on the brand's eye shadows, lipsticks, etc...  Now, I'm glad to get the chance to try their Mineral Pressed Powder!  This was gifted to me by my friends from Sprint Asia early this year but I only get to try this recently as the shade I got was way too dark for me!  I'm lucky that I have enough light colored liquid foundation and BB cream so I can use this on top to match up the color of my neck!  And oh, I've found the best function for this!  This product works as my daily contouring powder as its not too dark and unnatural but it gives my skin a healthy amount of color instead! 

L.A. Colors Mineral Pressed Powder 

in Classic Tan

L.A. Colors says ---

Mineral pressed powder is a whisper light powder that allows the skin to breathe.  Use it to bring life to bare skin or to extend the life of foundation.  Mineral Pressed Powder is talc-free and fragrance free for a natural coverage with velvety smooth finish.  Includes compact case with mirror and applicator!


Available shades: Lightest Ivory, Fair, Creamy Natural, Soft Honey, Natural Beige, True Beige, Classic Tan, Warm Caramel, Sand, Toasted Almond, Nutmeg, Toffee, Creamy Cocoa, Mocha and Ebony. (Shades taken from L.A. Colors website)

Ingredients:

AMW says ---
Pros

• Packaging comes with a good quality mirror and sponge.
• No fragrance.
• Light weight mineral powder that feels light on skin.
• Powder is finely milled and smooth to touch.
• Can control a certain amount of oil on your skin.  (Very oily skin may need some retouch within the day.)
• Doesn't cake up no matter how much you apply.
• Looks natural in person and on photos.
• Good range of shades available.
• Animal cruelty-free.
• Price.

Cons

• Clear plastic packaging is a great idea but it's a bit flimsy.
• Coverage is light to medium.  Will not cover blemishes or marks.
  

Overall
Light weight, has moderate oil control properties.  Very natural effect and inexpensive.

Tips

• Purchasing online could be challenging, be ready to pick a wrong shade and deal with it.  One way to go is to research on beauty bloggers with your same skin tone who uses this product.  
• For medium coverage, use the sponge that comes with the product.
• As a setting powder on top of your favorite liquid/cream foundation or BB creams, use a fluffy powder brush or kabuki brush for a more natural coverage.
• Retouch is best done with a fluffy brush and apply lightly only on areas needed to prevent product from caking up.
• DO NOT drop the product as the plastic packaging gets cracked easily.
• Conceal blemishes with your favorite concealer prior to using this product.
• If you purchased a wrong shade, you can always fix it by using a lighter or darker foundation underneath.  Practice makes perfect!
• For a more natural contour, pick 2-3 shades darker than your original skin tone and use it as a contouring powder.  I love using mine as a contouring powder as it doesn't have any sparkles or shimmers plus it's not too orange against my skin!

Will I repurchase?
Not for myself but will recommend to girls on a budget.

To whom do I recommend this to?
Girls on a budget looking for pressed mineral powders!  The product works best for normal to oily skin.

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally priced at Php249.00 (approx $5.90) available at Purebeauty Store at Serendra.  Sprint Asia is the local distributor of L.A. Colors makeup.

Photos

Shade: Classic Tan on pan

Mirror and Sponge that comes with the packaging

Closer look upon application

Since Classic Tan is 2 shades darker than my regular foundation shade, I used Bobbi Brown Brown Illuminating Base Cream underneath (which is a base cream yet it has a brightening and light effect) and applied L.A. Colors Mineral Pressed Powder with a fluffy kabuki brush.  

Full face application with a K-Brush

Used as a daily contouring powder

Using  Charm Angled Kabuki Buffer Brush  I picked up a bit more product and contoured areas that I want to contour.  (Ex. cheekbones, nose bridge, etc...)

 Effect after a bit of contouring using Classic Tan

Left: Classic tan applied all over face with K-Brush

Right: Classic tan applied all over face plus used as contouring powder. 

 (Look ma, my nose looks more defined!) :P

The effect is very natural even in person!  There wasn't any sharp edges made due to its finely milled powders!

Have you tried any L.A. Colors makeup?
Any other makeup recommendations from the brand?

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Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product received as gift.  Opnions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Nail Art Tutorial: Big vs Small Game

Happy Friday guys!  The week went by pretty quickly, I guess it's because my brother is here for a short visit and he's leaving on Sunday!  

Anyways, on to the good-but-useless news!  *hahaha*  I got my own Resort's World Card! *yay*  Hey, don't give me that shocked look lady!  I'm not a gambler and will never be, but I won't be a party pooper inside a casino!  I'm scared of losing huge amount of money so I always set a side a very small budget just for the experience and fun!

And one game I would totally try aside from the Roulette?  It's the Big vs. Small game!  My brother and I played the game once inside a hotel in Macau and my bet was multiplied by 2 and I immediately cashed out!  (I'm a sissie that way!)  hehehe  My brother, on the other hand, has the luck, his bet was multiplied by 16 but he continued to play and before we get to zero, I asked him to leave!  So yes, I'm nagging gambling partner!

Today, I've created a nail art design to celebrate the game I can play at the casino.

My Big vs. Small Game Nails

Step 1:

Apply coat of your favorite base coat to protect your nails from chipping and yellowing.  I used ZOYA Base Coat. 

Nail Art Tutorial: Dots, Sparkles & Colors

I've had my Aztec print inspired nails for more than a week and I found myself checking them out once in awhile for inspiration and probably just to uplift my mood!  For such a quick glance, it does give me the sense of colors and happiness and I find it a bit difficult on my part to remove it after both nails on the pinky fingers have already chipped!

Instead of gloating on losing colorful prints, why not create another one that's even brighter and more colorful?  This nail art suits the dark, gloomy weather over the weekend!

Step 1:

Apply your preferred base coat prior to any nail polish application, as soon as the base coat is completely dry, apply 2 coats of a neutral, peachy-nude polish shade and let dry.  In this tutorial, I am using BW Nail Polish gifted to me by my friend.

Nail Art Tutorial: Aztec Print Inspired

I got inspired by the clothing piece I saw during the Roxy Let the Sea Set You Free event last week!  Both Earth and I were in love with the Aztec print top which, unfortunately, doesn't not have our sizes anymore!  

If I can't wear it, I'll draw it instead!  Not on my body you silly!  *winks*  It was my nail art inspiration for the week!  Hope you like it!

Relax!  It's not as difficult as it looks!  It's actually one of the easiest nail art to do since you don't need to do a lot of strokes but lines and dots!  The only hassle would probably be the changing of nail polish shades!

Nail Art Tutorial: Pow! Bam! Boom!

Happy Friday and it's Nail Art Tutorial Day!  

How's everyone?  I'm sure we're all in high spirits because weekend is within our reach!  As for me, it'll be a very busy day of errands plus, I get to meet my past colleagues for catch up tonight!  

As for my nails, I've done The Avengers and DC characters and while I was looking at my nail polish collection, I've thought of creating another colorful nail art to brighten up the rainy season but I want to veer away from the usual Superheroes' Chibi faces!  

Yeah, I think a lot!  *laughs*

Anyways, back to the story, I've decided to re-create how Superheroes would react on a fight scene!  Yes, I know some of you weren't even born yet! :P

Here's the famous Crash! Kapow! Zlonk! from Batman and Robin circa 19-forgotten! :P

Nail Art Tutorial: DC Superheroes

Hi! Happy Saturday!!!  I finally found the time to fix my Nail Art Tutorial Photos!  Since my last "The Avengers" Nails, Mr. AMW requested I continue the Superhero-inspired nail art!  As we looked at our tiny collection, I saw a very cute mug that I bought for Mr. AMW from a Bazaar at the World Trade Center. 

DC Superheros in Chibi form :)

As I applied a good base coat to protect my nails (from Zoya), I looked for a nice color for the faces of the characters, since I can't find one, I've decided to mix GirlStuff Nail Polish in Machiatto and Caronia Regular Polish in White Satin.

Nail Art Tutorial: The Avengers Nails

Good morning universe!  I am telling the world that today will be a good one!  :)  I hope the world agrees! :P

Over dinner with friends, one of my college friend was requesting for The Avengers nail art.  Both Keith and I have thought about doing this nail art after watching the movie but I was so lazy for the last few months!  We've seen The Avengers posters and I know how they look like either on Mighty Mugg or Hasbrow so I have a couple in mind!  Too many things in mind I can't decide what to do!  So thanks to Rina for the request as I was pushed to finally create one!

Here you go, my version of The Avengers Nails

Black Widow

Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) doesn't have a particular face or mask that would make people recognize her easily so I've decided to draw her Character Icon instead.

Nail Art Tutorial: Sunkist Nails

Happy Thursday!  Good morning! Good afternoon!  Good evening! :)

Wherever you are in the world, I hope my simple nail art tutorial gives you the boost of "Vitamin C"!  I did not intend to create a "Sunkist" inspired nail art!  I was just swiping on a nice orange shade from Color Combo (thanks Bee!) then it all turned out perfect for the summer!

My Sunkist Nails

Step 1:
Apply a base coat prior to nail polish application for the protection of your nails.  Apply 2 coats of Color Combo Nail Color in CBL10 or any orange shade available!

Nail Art Tutorial: Daisies To Cool Me Down This Summer

In the middle of ANY stressful day, I have this secret that keeps me cheerful and positive!  Yes, I will share it to you today because it works for me and MAY work for you! :)

I like going to Google Images and search for random photos from "Cute Dogs", "Cute Cats", "Cartoons", "Flowers" or simply typing "Funny Photos".  There's one photo that totally brightened my day and I've come to realize I haven't drawn this on my nails!  

**photo from Source

And here's another one that gave me the total inspiration....

**photo from Source

Eureka Moment: "Organization-On-Sale" plus L.A. Art Deco Polishes!

Don't you just hate it when you try to get organized but you have to spend a lot just to be one?  I don't know about you but I feel that way! 

Over the weekend, we went to Trinoma Mall and look the Eureka Moments I've had?  I know some of you  have been there back and forth so you probably knew about these, I'm too late at times but it doesn't hurt to share...even when I'm late :)

Remember the Eureka Moments HERE and HERE?

Well, good news to start off Year of the Dragon!  These lovelies are FINALLY on sale!

The pastel colored ones (in the middle) is on 30% off while the darker colored ones (right side) were on 20% off!  The price range is about Php2,500 so you do your Math!  I didn't, I just got too excited to calculate!  Did I buy it?  No, as I already have a good storage system at home but I'm sure a lot of you will be happy to know these gorgeous drawers are on sale! 

Aside from makeup organization, I'm sure most of you are into accessories like me!  The Foldable Earring Screen which I blogged about a year or 2 years ago is on sale! 

50% off from Php899.75  (approx $20.90)

to Php450.00 (approx $10.50)

30% off for Necklace Stand

around Php450.00 (approx $10.45) 

to Php315.00 (approx $7.30)

**All of the products mentioned above are sighted at True Value, Trinoma.

I have to be honest with you, I'm not sure until when the SALE will run so do give them a call to check or head on to True Value, Trinoma or other branches as early as TODAY! 

Now, on to the thin brushed Nail Art Pens from L.A. Colors!  Since THIS blog post, a lot of you have been emailing me telling me they can't seem to find them at Market! Market! So what does AMW do?  Search like a "hawk" on various malls to help you guys find the next target to hoard the gorgeous L.A. Colors Art Deco Pens which I use a lot on my Nail Art Tutorials!

Located at Landmark, Trinoma Mall

for Php99.75 (approx $2.00)

Hope this post is helpful to some of you looking for ways to save up!!! :)
Cheers to more Eureka Moments!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: Fruit Salad Nails

Happy Thursday gorgeous people!  I know a lot of local readers are jumping for joy as it's Thursday!  Because....after a long weekend holiday last week, tomorrow is another National Holiday!  To the rest of the world?  No worries, Friday is just one sleep away!  My weekend will be very busy, nothing much to say but it covers me doing what I love...prettifying people!  So excited!

I am being good as I've done nail art tutorial once a week!  Oooohhh give me a pat on my shoulder!  :D  Thank you!  I've been a bit in a mood to use my Fimo clay.  I have reader request asking me to create Fimo nails, but the thing is...I've purchased my Fimo Clay on stick so we have to cut it on our own, and...I got lazy in slicing them so bear with me if I use the same Fimo Fruits that Keith sliced!  :)

Since my nails are fruity, I created a Fruit Salad Nails!  I hope you like it!

AMW Reviews: L.A. Colors Color Craze Polish

I've recently purchased a L.A. Colors Color Craze Polish when I found it being sold locally at Market! Market! Mall.  I've done a nail art tutorial inspired by this shade and I'm ready to talk about this polish!  

L.A. Colors Color Craze Nail Polish says ---

Color Craze is an exciting new collection of vivid, bright colors for fingers and toes! Brilliant colors intantly add character to any style. No matter what your mood is - these playful, dazzling, flirty shades will surely brighten your day & nails! 

Available shades in L.A. Colors website  
*sigh* I wish all the shades are available locally

** Base on the bottle shades, I think the one I own is in NP421 Static Electricity

AMW says ---

Pros

• cruelty-free, meaning, not tested on animals!
• shiny colors 
• very pigmented shades
• does not turn my nails yellow, could be because of the base coat I've applied
• lasts more than 1 week no chipping!
• brush does not shed and easy to maneuver
• very cute packaging, the cap is removable, for a more precise application

Cons

• locally, not a lot of shades available

Overall

I love this polish, I've used OPI polish and the quality reminded me of the said polish!  I wouldn't mind spending a bit more (compared to local brands) as one swipe is even enough to cover my nails!  I love this polish!

Tips

• in any nail polish application, always remember to apply a base coat to protect your nails
• protect your polish with your favorite top coat, apply the tips as well
• store your polishes in a cool, dry place
• 
  

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

Where to purchase and how much?
Locally at Market! Market! for Php85.00 (approx $2.00).
International readers, you can purchase this at Nonpareil Boutique for $2.50 or Cherry Culture for $1.99 

This is how gorgeous L.A. Color Color Craze in Static Electricity, gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous!

Have a wonderful day!
I can't help but sing the song "Electric Youth" from Debbie Gibson each I see this polish!  Must be the name!  Gosh, I am so stuck in the 80's!

Keep smilin'

Stay Happy!

Eureka Moment: L.A. Colors Art Deco Available Locally!

Dear Philippine Readers:

I have so many queries on the L.A. Colors Art Deco Nail Lacquer.  I always tell my readers that they are available online, which disappointed them because a lot of them are not into online shopping!  Well, that's the only advise I could give at that time as that is where I purchase mine!

EUREKA MOMENT!

I went to Market! Market! mall recently and it was a pleasant surprise to see an area for L.A. products!  (I could be late in reporting this as some of you may have seen this already).  From cosmetics to Art Deco nail polishes to LA Colors Nail polishes!  The downside is, it's mostly sold out, the basic colors like white, black, red, green aren't available anymore.  But I was able to grab 2 shades.  The gold one which is a repurchase and a new shade to add up my nail art collection, matte blue!

Priced at Php65.00 (approx $1.40) locally, NOT BAD!!!

Definitely a Eureka moment!  This is a perfect polish with the perfect thin brush to create French Tip or simple lines on your nails.  Photo samples below...

Local distributor of L.A. Colors?  Please replenish your stuffs!!!  I am sure your sales will shoot up!

Have a wonderful day!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Nail Art Tutorial: Fruity Fimo Nails

Happy Monday everyone!!!  I've decided to do a new kind of nail art this week and thanks to my dear beautiful friend eBeautyblog for sharing her FIMO nails which inspired me to purchase one and do the same! :)

Here's how it looks like