Philippine Independence Day Nails

 

I've always wanted to do Philippine related nail art but I understand how people could get really sensitive nowadays!  So I try my best to do representations instead!  I picked the Philippine Flag colors and drew 3 stars and Sun with 8 rays.

I hope you like this!  

Polishes used:

1. Base and Top Coat by Barry M  All-in-One Nail Hardener
2. Blue shade - Orly It's Britney Bitch
3. Red Shade: Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Red Handed
4. Yellow - GirlStuff Nail Polish in Lemon
5. White - Revlon Gel Envy in Sure Thing

Happy Philippine Independence Day to my fellow Filipinos!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Orly Impressions Collection Nails

 

Dear AMW Friends,

I'm back doing nail art once again because as you all know, I stopped when I turned into a mom!  Taking care after a Baby, then Toddler is NO JOKE!  It is true what most people say, you don't have time for yourself even a single application of nail polish became a chore!

Now that my son is 9 years old!  YES!  Time flew by so fast, I have the option to do some self-care routine even if I have to wait for wee hours of night when he finally fell asleep!  (Not complaining here!)  

A girl who loves nail art by heart.....is finally back and this time using the Orly's Impressions Collection!

I think the collection has a total of 6 shades and I got 4 our of the 6!

L-R Artist's Garden, Bleu Iris, Dance with Me, Golden Afternoon

The ORLY Polishes are know to be silky creme shades, easy to apply with the flat brush and dries up easily!  If applied correctly, you don't have to worry about chip!  

As always, whenever I get a "collection", I try to use all shades proving how a collection really complements each other!  

 

How do you like this look?

ORLY Polishes are available locally at Purebeauty.

(Author got sample sizes but full sized Orly Impressions polishes costs Php395.00 per bottle.)

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

NOTD: Golden Glow Nails

 

The rainy days are really here!  It has been raining nonstop for good 6 days to almost a week and the Philippines is suffering in terms of Flood and extreme traffic.  I wish things will be better soon not only for our nation but also for other countries.  

Since I am still stuck at home - PANDEMIC + STRONG RAIN

I don’t want my home life to be “shi**y” as they say, so I’ve decided to pain my nails quickly and do a simple nail art.  I am inspired by the dainty pieces I own (rings!)  so here you go.

Base Color: GirlStuff nail lacquer in Fresh

Gold tip: Girlstuff Nail Lacquer in Vibe with Me

Sparkles: Orly Kick Glass

Base and top coat: Barry M

I am happy with the result!

What’s your next nail art request?

Any theme in mind?

For other gold nail art designs/tutorials: 

Etude House Party Queen

Classy Nails

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Graffiti Nail Art with Orly Dreamscape Collection

 

Happy February Nails!

Looking back, I used to do nail art on a weekly basis - both finger and toe nails!  Gosh, how busy can motherhood be!!!  VERY!

Fellow moms would understand. 

Now, I have grown, I have matured, my nail art designs are more laidback, casual and not as wild as those that I’ve done in the past but I am not closing my doors.

I hope you like this simple art.  I like using “Collection” in terms of choosing the right colors because 99.9% of the time, they work!  

Video here!  Hope you like and subscribe my simple channel which I dump all my videos there so it isn’t professional looking but I’ve done everything with my heart and soul!

Have a great Tuesday!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Cheerful Nail Art to End 2020

 

Hi Nail Art enthusiasts!

Are there still any?  Please comment below if you still love doing nail art designs or prefer to use nail polishes as is!

As for me, I’ve toned down my nail art designs, not as colorful and cartoon-like as before but that does not mean I won’t go back to that route in the future. 

Since I am mostly busy with housework and work in general, I’ve transitioned to simpler nail art designs that can be done in 15 minutes max!  This is my newest creation to celebrate the holidays!  We are all doing ZOOM celebrations as of the moment but still I want to have gorgeous nails!

My nail art was inspried by this particular polish from Orly available locally via PureBeauty 

Then used various nail polish shades from Girlstuff, Inglot and Barry M!  

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats)

How do you like this simple art?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

 

Nail Art Tutorial: 2020 Ready Nails

Year 2020! I am ready for you!  After keeping my nails low-key for weeks, I am ready to share to you another simple yet really cute Nail Art design that makes me smile whenever I look at them! 

Polishes Used: 

• Girlstuff Nail Hardener
• Orly Breathable Treatment + Color in shade Nail Superfood
• 2-way Nail Art Pen in White
• Girlstuff Polish in Fairy Dust
• Orly Top2 Bottom Basecoat + Topcoat

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐍𝐢𝐤𝐤𝐢 𝐓𝐢𝐮 (@askmewhats) on Jan 12, 2020 at 11:48pm PST

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Nail Art Tutorial: Sparkly Space Gray Nails

Before 2018 ended, Girlstuff revealed their Holiday Collection called Au Naturel (Back to Basics). 
It wasn't the Holiday collection I was expecting but it was definitely one of those pleasant surprises because this turned out to be one of my TOP favorites!  (I mean I love all the collection they released but this one is one of those rare moments I was just staring at all the polish shades wondering which one to use first and mind you, I usually make quick decisions!)

So after making sure my fingers are healed (from allergies), I finally did a very simple nail art inspired by one of my favorite shade from the collection called Exposed. 

Exposed is one of those gray shades you always wanted to sport but can't seem to find the right ones that would work for your skin tone --- well, this is it!  This is a perfect shade for ANY skin tone! 

AMW Version: Sparkly Space Gray Nails

I inserted a sparkly element to celebrate the start of 2019!  Think about fireworks!

Step 1:

Apply a base coat to protect your nails, I used Girlstuff Nail Revive prior to taking photos, let it dry and go ahead and apply your choice of base color.

I picked Expose shade and applied 2 coats.  Wait for it to completely dry which will take approximately 10 minutes max!

Orly The New Neutrals Launch

Nail polish lovers.
You all know Orly.  I don't need to give a long introduction about this brand because we always see them in nail salons and we always get confused on which color to choose for our hands and feet because they always come up with shades that are worthy for our digits!

Then, the decision-making gets even more complicated when they launched The New Neutrals this week!  Held at Kitchenails, Robinsons Galleria, I was pampered not only with a nice Pedi-session but also, I was offered my favorite drink of all time --- COFFEE with the help of Costa Coffee.

The new collection is amazing!  This Fall 2018 collection includes 6 brand new shades:  Cashmere Crisis, Snuggle Up, Fall Into Me, Mauvelous, Seize the Clay and Olive You Kelly (Left to right from photo above)

It was a first for me to try the service at Kitchenails and I love how homey and spacious the place was!  I get to be pampered by them using "kitchen utensils" from spatulo to kitchen brushes.  And of course, with Costa Coffee to serve us snacks, what could go wrong?

Nail Art Tutorial: Bridal Nails for Crystal Fashion Show

You all know by now that I had my runway walk at the Crystal Bridal Fair wearing a Zandra Lim Bridal Gown for a cause last weekend.  

I had my first fitting and I absolutely have NO idea what's in store for me.  I was only told by Zandra that she will be putting gold accents so I just played it by ear and created a very simple nail art design apt for this gorgeous gown.

photo by: Jervy Santiago

Please bear with the uneven application, I usually clean up the cuticles the next day when nail polish is COMPLETELY dry!  

Inspired by the blushing bride, I picked a nice blush pink shade as base topped with gorgeous shimmers and simple rhinestones that fit the color of my Bridal Gown.

Nail Art Tutorial: Sweet Fimo Nails (For Kids and Kids At Heart!)

Fimo nails started in the AMW household quite early!  It was year 2009 when I ordered online and had Mr. AMW manually cut them for me (Read FIMO CLAY HERE)

I've done several nail art designs featuring the Post Cut Fimo Clay here ---

Fruit Salad Nails

Fruity Fimo Nails

Summer with Fimo Nails

And expect me to share more because, Girlstuff came up with pre-cut Fimo Polymer Clay and they are even cuter than ever!  So my nail art design is inspired by the cute clay and Kyle can't get enough of these!

Step 1:
Apply a base coat to protect your nails.  Apply 2 coats of Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in shade Tipsy Gypsy.

5 Healthy Nails Commandment

Search on Google on "Tips on How to Have Healthy Nails", you'll get a long list of articles telling you what you already know.

I know in my heart these tips but there are a few tips that are meant to be repeated because they really matter!  They matter because I forgot about these tips myself and have done some damage to my nails --- so Help Me, Lord..I am sorry my dear nails!

Now back to my tips!  Let's do this by number so it'll be easier for you to read okay?

Let's call these my version of a 5 Healthy Nails Commandment!

1. No need to cut your cuticles.

Top 1 commandment because I have been making the mistake of cutting my cuticles as early as highschool days!  And true enough, I am suffering from ugly cuticles (which you can see on most of my nail photos!).  My cuticles are dry and it looks thick and uneven whenever I missed a trip to the salon.  How to deal with thick and dry cuticles, go for my 2nd commandment.

2. Apply Cuticle cream or gel.

Once your cuticle is soft, gently push your cuticles with a cuticle stick and apply cuticle remover gel or cream and gently push your cuticles with a cuticle stick.  Most articles would stop from there, as for me, invest on a good hand and nail cream, yes I am highlighting nail creams because regular hand creams won't be enough!  Your cuticle needs extra pampering and that skin tends to be thicker than the rest of your body so you need an emollient cuticle product.

Nail Art Tutorial: Medal Nails

I wasn't really aiming to create "Medal-Like" nails.  But it was late at night before my big day of Hosting Duty.  I looked at my nails at exactly 12mn and my eyes grew wide --- I had to do something about my nails!  

Pulling myself apart from my son's comforting hug (Most difficult thing to do!), I motioned Mr. AMW to follow me (because he is supportive like that!) hahahah 

I promised myself I won't go overboard with my nail art, I just needed a couple of minutes to make my nails look decent for the next day's shoot and I understood very well I had to wake up early!

TADA!

Medal Nails using Orly Nail Lacquer, Nail Art Brush, 

Girlstuff Fast Dry Top Coat and Rhinestones

Step 1: 
Apply 2 Coats of Orly Nail Lacquer in Prelude to A Kiss.  Let Dry.

Nail Art Tutorial: Love My Nails

After FIVE LONG years, I've finally posted a decent Nail Art Tutorial post again!

I can't promise this to be a regular thing but for sure, I'm getting my "mojo" back as I'm loving my nails every single time I look at it!  (Iba ang good vibes ng naka nail art!  In My case!)

It was one unexpected evening that Kyle got tired and slept earlier than usual.  I've decided to clean my toe nails and finger nails!  Since they are clean na, I looked into my nail polish collection and decided to create a quick and very simple Nail Art Design that represents me the most --- DOTS!

My friend Janina told me she tends to wear Polka-dotted outfit when she knew she's meeting me --- so I must be a DOT to her?  :P  

I picked a polish from the Orly Breathable Treatment + Color Collection and I picked the bright red shade called LOVE MY NAILS as base --- that explains the title of this nail art tutorial!

Step 1:
Apply 2 coats of Orly Breathable Treatment + Color in Love My Nails.  Wait for it to completely dry before you apply the design.

Note: There are some nail art designs that need a wet polish base, not this one though.

ORLY Nail Lacquer Ice Cream Art

Since I turn into an AskMeMom, nail art designs on my short fingernails are almost non-existent!  As much as I want to get my jam back, weekends (which are usually my nail art moments) are turned into Family bonding dates!  It's not because I turned into a mom that Nail Art Tutorials are lesser, it was because I have more jobs to handle and I'm thankful for that!  But again, to be able to finish my tasks, I have to set priorities and unfortunately, nail art isn't a priority as of the moment!  But if there were nights I have enough energy to create a simple nail art once the angel goes to sleep, I create THIS!

My super easy Ice Cream Art which puts a huge smile to Kyle's face in the morning!

Products used: 

Base: Orly Cotton Candy

Middle Ice Cream: Pink Chocolate

Topmost tip: Prelude to a Kiss

I was inspired to create a simple nail art design because I got these colorful ORLY Lacquers for Christmas!

Left to Right: Prelude to A Kiss, Cotton Candy, Pink Chocolate, 

Gumdrop, Blue Collar and Haute Red

Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas: Take A Peek On What Makes Me Happy!

I know my Christmas Shopping Ideas pop in and out like a mushroom!  I'm so sorry for that!  As you can obviously see and feel, I am on a panic mode, most of the gifts have been wrapped and sent but I still have a long way to go!  Relatives, friends and more gatherings are still pouring in!  This made me realize, I have good amount of friends!  #hahahaha

Anyways, I've been receiving gifts here and there too!  I want to thank friends and companies whom I met through years of blogging for spoiling me with gifts!  And even though I have enough makeup , skincare products and just ENOUGH GIFTS in general, I still find myself opening up each gift like a kid!  And you may want to take a peek on what made me happy and giddy this season and maybe, you can look at this list as a cheat sheet for your last minute Christmas Gift Ideas.

Photo taken from Strip Ministry of Waxing

Laneige Milky Way Fantasy Holiday Collection

(IG: @laneigeph FB: https://www.facebook.com/laneigephilippines)

The best-selling Water Sleeping Mask is housed in a limited edition holiday packaging!  You may have friends who are a fan of this sleeping mask and he/she will definitely appreciate the new packaging!  Aside from that, you may include Two Tone Shadow Bars which are mostly "holiday colors", shimmery without the glitters!  Will definitely share more looks and photos of these Two Tone Shadow Bars soon!

Last Minute Christmas Gift-Giving Guide..Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas AMW Friends!  Christmas day today and just like me, some of you are probably  juggling to finish your shopping list!  For the past 2 years, I find myself more productive when I shop during Christmas season!  Imagine the sale (got Christmas Tree for 50% off!), the lesser traffic and lesser mall crowds! 

I realized, I just gave away my secret!  *hahaha*  Sorry godchildren, that's the reason why your ninang is always late in gift-giving!

So because I have a couple of hours left before I need to wrap gifts (again!), I will share some of my instant-gift giving finds that I personally would love to receive!  Are you ready?

Gift Idea #1 Makeup/Skincare Gift Sets

 Estee Lauder brand has always been a WINNER in terms of gift sets!  No matter how much make up I own at the moment, these never fail to make me jump for joy!

Just like this set!

Includes: 

Recent New Product Discoveries

Happy Saturday!
I'm off to a mall today for a quick event then I'm definitely heading to National Bookstore to buy Kyle a new book!  Yes, my son is a bookworm and I'm proud of him!  So yes, I'm a type of mom who can't come home without buying even the smallest thing for my family so I guess that means...I have to work hard because I have to have the budget to buy!  *hahaha*  

But on to a serious note, my son really loves books and he chooses them over any toy anyday!  So I'm so happy when I received a package from Scholastica telling me how you can purchase books up to 80% off!  Seriously, full-priced books are so expensive so I'm happy to share this discovery!

I haven't been to the warehouse yet as the place is quite far from where I live, but to those of you who frequent around Pasig area, do take a look and share the gift of learning to your kids!

Something New: Wet n' Wild and Orly Products!

I recently got a cute package from my friends from Sprint Asia Beauty!  A little tidbit from me:  The owner of Sprint Asia Beauty is my schoolmate and I'm proud of her for venturing into this industry and they are carrying products that makeup mavens like myself go ga-ga for!

Example: Temptu, L.A. Colors, Wet n' Wild, Orly, Make-Up Designory, Beautyblender, VOV, Airstocking, Remington & Denco. 

I SUPPORT!!!

 I don't have the heart to open the cute packaging because it reminded me so much of "Aruba, Jamaica, oohh I wanna take you to Bermuda, Bahama...come on pretty momma!"  *le sigh*  The beautiful "sea sells seashells by the seashore"  I don't miss the intense heat but I definitely miss the fun and colors of summer!

Newest products from Wet n' Wild to take note of!

Nail Art Tutorial: Colorful Leopard Prints

Happy Tuesday AMW friends!  Today, I will be sharing another very simple nail art design good for short nails and even better for first time nail art designers!  As my tummy is growing bigger and bigger each week, I've decided to keep my nail art designs as simple as possible as I'm getting ready to be the busy "mom" I'll soon be!  

Animal prints have alway been an easy yet "head turner" type of nail art design.  This time, to create a lively vibe on the usual Leopard Print, I've decided to make it colorful!  Of course, there's no such Leopard in this world with such colorful prints but we can always bend rules and create nail art designs we like!

Step 1:

Apply 2 coats of your preferred base.  Since I want to make the colorful prints pop, I've decided to use a matte white polish from Orly Nail Lacquer called Day Glow.  Let dry.

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.