Sunday, March 9, 2008

Nail Art: Sunny Inspired Nail Art

It has been some time since I last updated my nails. Because of busy schedule, I wasn't able to take some time just to sit down, relax and have someone do my nails.

I've been sporting a clear polish for the past weeks, giving my nails a breather as well.

Now, my nails are back with vengeance! :D Here's how my nails look like, LOVE IT!

(photographed by Keith Tiu)


(photographed by Keith Tiu)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Saturday, March 8, 2008

Tip for the Day: 5 Beauty Tips Every Women Should Know!

I am not an actress, a model, a beauty queen, or a SOMEBODY. I am a NOBODY, and I am proud of it! That is why I think a nobody like me, can write something about tips and feeling good about oneself, as I've been through those "ugly moments" "duh" moments everyday of my life since I was born! hehehe (a li'l bit of exaggeration going on here, but you guys understand).

There are some girls who aren't pretty/beautiful but there's something in them, that we want to know why she looks so damn hot! The X-factor!

Beauty tip # 1 Never underestimate the power of your make-up tools

As you can see, I didn't put make-up as the most important beauty tip as this is already a given FACT everybody knows! :P But to some of us who spends a lot on cosmetic products, we should know that make-up tools are equally as important as make-up.

Brushes are getting famous nowadays, and brushes aren't created differently just to confuse consumers. Different brushes have different purpose and using the tools correctly would make our make-up application stress free and more beautiful.

A tip, if you dip a brush in shadow or blush and the color falls off before you make it to your face, that's a bad brush.

Beauty Tip #2 Never underestimate the power of body lotions/creams

No matter what type of skin, or in what age level you are, your body needs the added moisture especially after we take a shower/bath. We moisturize our faces and I believe our body needed the same attention. Just make sure to use the correct type of moisturizers for each skin type and needs.

I moisturize my body every morning and during nighttime (before I go to bed). I've been doing that for more than 5 years now and I'm seeing the results as I grow older. Friends tell me I've got soft skin and my hubby loves to touch my skin! That, enough said , is already a PLUS!


Beauty Tip #3 Never underestimate the power of sunscreen

Aside from reducing the risk of skin cancer, sunscreen is the BEST anti-aging product. The reason for this is that sunscreen blocks the harmful and damaging rays of the sun, thus can block it's speedy-aging effects. (wrinkles, age spots, fine lines)



Beauty Tip #4 Never underestimate the power of your hair

A healthy shiny hair attracts both male and female, we all know that. But a good haircut can also be a powerful secret to be beautiful!

Update your "do" at least once every 2 years. If you see your high school friends and they say "You look exactly the same" --- run to your nearest salon to have your hair updated! A nice, updated cut that frames your face can make a person look 10x more beautiful!!!

Beauty Tip #5 Never underestimate the power of smiling

I almost wanted to kill myself when I was in those teeny-bobby years when your confidence level is way down the drain and you have your relatives tell you "Your sister is more beautiful than you are, but you've got a better smile!" For me, it was like saying "you're ugly" in a nice way. But you know what? This SMILE is my secret tool for being unique and beautiful! (well it's not a secret no more!)

I was traveling alone and I was on my way back to Manila, the plane just landed and I stood up to get my stuff. This really nice lady in her late 40s smiled at me and said: "Keep smiling, I really love the way you smile, makes me happy". I was surprised! And you know what? I made a stranger happy! I felt like a million bucks richer!!! So start the smiling people!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Friday, March 7, 2008

AMW Review: Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer

Finding the right concealer is always a challenge for me, same with finding the right mascara. I've always been wanting to conceal my undereye circles as I've been a nerd all my school years so now, I'm paying the price.

As seen from my Sunday haul. I've bought Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer and as promised, I'll do a review on this based on my own experience.

Here's what Smashbox says ---

Dark circles and blotchy spots are a thing of the past with our fabulous new concealer that contains a soft focus powder to brighten skin and help minimize imperfections. The innovative formula contains Vitamin C to fight free radicals which age the skin. Provides natural yet buildable coverage on any area of the face.

(photographed by Keith Tiu)

Here's me trying out the concealer --

Pardon my eyes, I just came back from work with a remnants of e/s 12hrs ago, I cleaned the undereye area and here's how my bags and undereye circles look like


I applied this Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer no. 3 (a.k.a. Medium Vanilla) directly to my skin under the eyes





I used a concealer brush to blend GENTLY making sure not to pull my skin


Then, I pat the area with a powder to set



Finished look!



Here's how it looks like for easier comparison



My Verdict?
Pros --
  • it did lighten up my dark circles (of course the puff is still there, that's a job of a cucumber and sleeping early! hehehe)
  • it is indeed easy to blend and I left it that way for more than 30 minutes and I didn't have any allergic reaction (FYI, I had a very bad eye allergy last year and my eyes got SWOLLEN not from cosmetics but from an eye drop)
Cons --
For now, I found none, I'll give it a more detailed investigation (ahem, CSI) hahaha and if I have any changes or any updates, I'll let you guys know

Will I purchase again?

maybe, give me some try to use it more :D

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!


Thursday, March 6, 2008

You want Skincare and make up products REVIEW?

Sometimes, searching for make-up or skincare products review can be a drag. When you type in the product name in "any" search engines, you'll find a lot of places to SHOP for that product and maybe, have a li'l bit of review on those products that you want and they're mostly positive as it is always link to sellers.

I am a BORN RESEARCHER! Trust me, I never buy a product I didn't researched about. That's how "nerdy" I am. Well I'm into smart buying and that's where I thought of giving a special post for this special website I've always been visiting for ALMOST all beauty products.

THE MAKE UP ALLEY


You can read product reviews without signing up but if you want to leave your own reviews, you have to sign up for a membership and it's absolutely free. You'll get mostly reviews and a lot of tips from people all across the globe with different skin types, skin color and ethnicity. There are almost 90,000 products to date and more than 1million reviews.

Tip from me, like I said, different people have their different opinions and different reactions to products, so take some time to read and do your own decision making on buying a product or not. I sometimes, read this just for fun! It's just enlightening to know how a "great" product could be the worst for some people.

Enjoy review readings!!! Hope this helps.

Your askmewhats,
Nikki

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

Urban Decay Potion Primer (UDPP)

My Urban Decay Potion Primer (UDPP) arrived Monday night! I can't believe I am now a proud owner this product!!! I honestly don't have oily lids and my eyeshadow lasts at least half a day! The reason why I've been wanting this so badly is because (1) I am a make up junkie (2) I am a frustrated make up collector (3) I am planning to be a professional make-up artist someday and (4) I am VERY curious with what people are gushing about this product...and CURIOSITY in my dictionary makes the CAT HAPPY hehehe

I am so lucky to have found a nice seller over Ebay...and this is my first time to pay via paypal and this is my first time to order via Ebay! I am so lucky that I found a good seller and I got my UDPP on time and stress free!!!

Here's how the package looks like, and I've got free DOVE chocolate!!!! (not in the picture, inside my stomach already *winks*)




My hubby enjoyed taking a photo on this primer..so I let him be



another shot, looks professional right? *grins*



I did a simple swatch and why I LOVE UDPP! I used Kanebo purple e/s. The shadow applied 2x each side. The left side is applied with UDPP and the right side without.



See the difference???

All the gushes are true! I've made the right decision ordering UDPP!!! I just wish they sell it here again in Manila. I've read from Kikay Exchange that they did sell Urban Decay here in Manila early 2000 but it was discontinued.


Anyways....any e/s primers that works for you guys???

Your askmewhats,
Nikki