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: Be My Valentine + Karat World's The Forever My Love Collection

Ah, my first nail art of the year was done last month and I'm glad I have at least one for the month of February!  It was one fine Friday evening as I was looking at my boring (equivalent to no polish) nails, I've decided to pull out my nail polish box and play with the "safe" nail polish for pregnant women!  Who would've thought playing could be fun?  I ended up with a very simple (promise, it really is!) and playful nails that I would like to call "Be My Valentine".

"Be My Valentine" is an interpretation done by yours truly as this cute, matchstick boy and girl reminded me so much of the couple pillow case we have which I bought from Bangkok Thailand years ago!  I'm sure some of you probably have the same pillowcase too!

Step 1:

Since I do not own any "safe for pregnant women" base coat and top coat, I've decided to give this step a skip and went ahead and applied 2 coats of Girl Stuff Polish in Flirt.  Wait until polish is completely dry.

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.

AMW Reviews: OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat

Ah, after my loyalty to The Face Shop's Top Coat and The Face Shop's Base Coat,  it's high time I try other brands!  And I guess that's what my dear friend Frances had in mind when we gifted me OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat last Christmas! (thanks girlfriend!)

After using this a couple of months and testing through nail art after nail art, you will finally hear my say....

OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat says ---

The OPI Start To Finish Base & Top Coat is a breakthrough, three-in-one nail treatment that combines a base coat, top coat and natural nail strengthener in one high performance product. As a base coat, it can be applied before nail lacquer to prevent staining and to strengthen the natural nail. Also provides a smooth base for the application of OPI Nail Lacquer. 

As a top coat, the OPI Start To Finish dries quickly to give a high gloss shine. As a nail strengthener, it helps to bond nail protein fibres, a process which hardens nails and prevents moisture loss.
The result - stronger, more flexible nails.



Ingredients:

Butyl acetate, ethyl acetate, alcohol denat. (SD alcohol 40B), nitrocellulose, propyl acetate, heptane, tosylamide/epoxy resin, isopropyl alcohol, dibutyl phthalate, camphor, formaldehyde, etocrylene, polyvinyl butyral, Cl 60725 (Violet 2).

AMW says ---

Pros

• The brush is flat and easy to use!

• As base coat, it dries quickly and serves as a nice base prior to polish application.
• As top coat, the polish lasts more than a week with a lot of typing jobs, I also wash dishes and likes to wash my hands a lot of times a day!
• So far, it does not cause further yellowing, the yellowing of my nails actually decreased as compared to using other brands!
• As a top coat, it does not dry quickly but it doesn't dry slowly as well.  Just right!
• I will have to repeat, the brush shape, size is just a dream to apply!  So quick and easy!

Cons

• The brush part gets stuck into the cap a lot of times! 

• Not as shiny as other top coats in the market.
• Pricier as compared to other brands.
• Thanks to reader "L O" she wanted to add that the ingredients "Camphor and Formaldehyde" are not good.  (Do your own research and use at your own discretion).

Overall

When it comes to preventing nails from further yellowing and longevity of the nail polish, the OPI Start to Finish Base & Top Coat passed with flying colors!  You just don't get the extra "ooomph" or "shine" that you may get from other top coat which I don't mind much as I am more into anti-yellowing!

Tips

• Apply one coat and let dry as base coat.
• As top coat, apply 2 coats.  
• Use the "wrapping method" to prevent nail polish from chipping.

• If you plan to make your polish/nail art lasts longer, apply the OPI as Top Coat again midweek with wrapping method, the nail polish will last longer.
• Always close cap tight when not in use and store in cool, dry place to prevent polish from drying up easily.
• Do not apply any polish in front of an electric fan as it will cause bubbles!

Will I repurchase?
Yes, will use this as base coat more than top coat.

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who's dead serious with nail polish application and wants to protect nails from further yellowing.  If you do have "resting time" for nails, then it's ok to stick to more inexpensive base and top coat!

Where to purchase and how much?

I actually will check to make sure but I believe this is around Php400.00++

Here's a good test on my OPI Start to Finish Base and Top Coat

I applied 1 coat as base and 2 coats as Top coat.  PVZ nails after 2 weeks, no chipping and obviously, it has been weeks as my nails are starting to grow.  Oh, I also applied another coat before the start of the 2nd week thus the lifespan of my nail art extends!  I think I can even go further to 3rd week if not only I'm itching for new nail art design!

A photo of my bare nails leaving Tall Nut (My fave)

As seen on photo, there are still slight yellowing on my nails which is actually not bad considering I have nail polish on for good 3-4 years!  I know, its not healthy but I can't help it!  With a good base coat, it really helps maintain at least ...close to ...healthy looking nails plus my nails are still strong as ever! *knocks on wood*

What's your weapon in preventing your nails from ---
Turning yellow?
Weakening?
Chipping? 
I'd love to hear your secret!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: OPI RapiDry Top Coat

** I used a photo from a site as I own this in mini version

Happy Friday friends! Anyone who reads my blog knew how much I love nail products!  Though I do my nails almost every week, I am not a fan of expensive polishes because I know I can always invest on good top coat to protect my nail polish or nail art.

OPI is a brand that's known for nail addicts out there!  I'm glad I've got the chance to test the mini version of this prior to purchasing a full size.

**photo from company site

OPI RapiDry Top Coat says ---

This quick drying OPI RapiDry Top Coat protects your nails against yellowing, smearing, smudges and streaks.  It gives a perfect finish and ensures that your nail varnish will last.  OPI RapiDry Top Coat has an Extended Wear Technology that helps dry your wet nails quicker for a long lasting, high gloss shine.

Size: 15ml

AMW says ---

Pros

• gives out a shiny finish
• dries the polish quickly, really! 
• my nail polish lasts more than 5 days without chipping
• nail polish remain shiny and new even after a couple of days as compared to other brands
• aside from working as a top coat, its also a rapid dry polish which works great! 2-in-1 product!
• non-oily
• brush is great 
• the polish is not too thick or wet, just the right consistency
  

Cons

• pricey
• its not RAPID as what the name implies, you still have to wait a couple of minutes to make sure its dry
  

Overall

I have been using The Face Shop's Top Coat for the longest time, I am quite loyal with it as I've finish 3 bottles of it.  When I got this mini from a set that I received as a gift from my bestie, I gave it a try right away thinking it's just a Top Coat with an added gimmick of rapid dry factor.  I was quite amazed with how my nail polish dried faster than regular and the added positive factor?  My pinkie nails usually chip on the 4th day due to my crazy typing capability *hahaha* and some parts of my nails do start to fade because I do house chores too!    My nail art and nail polish remain intact and I am starting to like this!!!

If I don't want to pay expensive amount for a top coat and quick dry polish, I can always go back to my first love.

Tips

• to apply, begin at the center of your nail then fan it out gently.
• wait for a minute or two after your final coat before applying this top coat.
• wait for more than 5 minutes before you start moving like your nail polishes are dry.  Though this is quick dry, I strongly suggest to dry your nails with a fan or blow dryer.
• if you're unsure if this works for you or not, try to purchase a "set" or "mini sizes" to see if you'll like it or not
  

Will I repurchase?

YES!

Where to purchase and how much?

Locally at Rustan's Essences for Php495.00 (approx $10.76)

I finished this nail art last Saturday over the weekend

On the fifth day, here's how it looks

My pinkie nail

On the 4th or 5th day, the polish usually chips, around half of the nail

take a look, there's just a bit of fading but not much :)

 

Definitely a nice buy if you have the budget.
Have you used this similar Top Coat and Rapid Dry in one?
I'd love to know how you love or hate this.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!