Nail Art Tutorial: "Cotton Candy Pink" Nails

Hey everyone!!!
Thanks for my lovely readers who wished me well when King Kong was gone! I'm so happy he's back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had a long week, I was pushed to the limit by work at the start of the week and I needed to de-stress or I'll go crazy!!! :) And that's were Nail Art comes in!

I've decided to play with pinks. And I've decided to play it differently by using 2 kinds of polishes! :) I got a very nice shade of pink that reminded me of a yummy cotton candy :) It's not perfect, it's very amateur-ish, and of course, anyone can do better :D Enjoy

Step 1:

Apply one coat of matte "Neon" pink polish (I use Caress, local brand)

Note: Super bright in person

Step 2:

Using ELF Nail Polish in Coral over the "neon" pink polish. It creates a different shade

Step 3:

Using yellow nail art pen, apply strokes on the upper left hand side and lower right hand side looking like the drawing I did on the photo.

Step 4:

Do the same feather-y stroke this time using white nail art pen

Step 5:

Top it with something glittery, like silver or gold. Whatever you have

Step 6:

Top with a clear top coat. I've used Sally Hansen base and top coat.

A lovely friend whom I got to know because of my blog gave me a nice acetone dispenser for early Christmas gift. We bonded because of our love for nails!!! I'm excited to use this! Don't ask me where she purchased this because....I don't have any idea!!!!

Nancy, thanks so much for this!!! You are right, I feel like a pro!!!

Have a great weekend everyone!
I will definitely sleep like a bear this weekend!
King Kong and Bear together...awwwww LOL

Askmewhats Reviews: Ellana Translucent Mineral Finishing Powder

Shen, a lovely blogger friend, gave me Ellana Translucent Mineral Finishing Powder sample when she last visited me in the office.

It's great timing because I've ordered a couple of foundation samples from different MMU companies and I always manage to forget about finishing powders!

Perfect timing!
Here's how big the sample looks

The color looks shocking but it is sheer
so no worries!

the color came out sheer with hint of yellow/gold tone

Ellana Translucent Mineral Finishing Powder Says ---

Our Mineral Finishing Powders are used to set your foundation.They are extra silky fine face powders that presents a more radiant look and provides more staying power for your make up. It also minimizes the appearance of small imperfections and fine lines and wrinkles.

Our Mineral Finishing Powders come in Oil-Absorbing Finish and Translucent Sheer Finish.

The Oil-Absorbing Finish for oily skin, contains mattifying minerals without weighing down your skin, controlling acne while keeping your skin fresh and shine-free throughout the day. If your skin is extra oily, this powder is best used before applying your foundation.

Our Translucent Sheer Finish for normal to dry skin has light moisturizing minerals. This is a fine, light formula that melts evenly in your skin while giving you a natural finish.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• the finishing powder is finely milled
• easy to blend
• looks too yellow on the package but came out really natural and sheer
• sets the make-up really nicely
• no allergies or itchiness
  

Cons

• since this is not oil control, I find that I got a bit of shine after 2-3 hours, but not so bad! I just need to reapply :D
  

Overall

I've got the translucent formula to test on and it is perfect as the translucent formula is good for people with dry skin. I find the extra step is always important to set your make-up and let it stay longer.

For people who's got oily skin, (I know a lot of you out there are raising your hands lol) you can choose their oil control formula.


Tips

• after you finish your eye, cheek and lip make-up application, dust lightly the finishing powder with a large powder brush.
• do not forget to include the neck area
• if you find the finish a bit unnatural and powder-y, spray with water sprays
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes

Where and how much can I purchase?

Addicted to Minerals Site

sample: 1g - Php80
oil control formula: 2.5 g - Php120
translucent formula: 2.5g - Php120


If you're a Philippine reader, the site would really be super helpful as the seller is based in the Philippines. If you are an international reader, this is their international site. <--- I believe they added a 3rd kind of Finishing powder called Sheer Velvet!

By the way, my King Kong is back!!!!
*whew*
Perfect coz he made it for the weekend!!!
Stay happy everyone!

Askmewhats Reviews: TBS Nature's Minerals Foundation

Part 3 and final part for my TBS Nature's Minerals Review.
I've written the review for the Mineral Foundation last as I've used this mineral for more than a week. Had a query sent to the Body Shop and I got an answer

Read on :)

Let's check out the specs first!
Come follow me
Here's how the packaging looks like
All made from recycled material! (I like)

I love the safety sticker!

My Love/Hate relationship with the Mesh Sifter

Swatched Shade 02 on my hand
Perfect Match
(I'm MAC NC30, I would say this is great for most Asian Skin)

Nature's Minerals Foundation Says ---

Best if you want to: Achieve a healthy, radiant complexion with ultra-fine minerals that blend evenly to protect skin and reduce redness and imperfections.

Best for: suitable for sensitive skin, provides light to medium coverage

How it works:

• Kaolin clay and Mediterranean clay are absorbent minerals that provide long-lasting coverage.
• Mica adds luster and has light-diffusing properties to help disguise fine lines and pores.
• Titanium dioxide and iron oxide protect skin from the sun without clogging pores.
• Dermatologist-tested with no added fillers, preservatives or fragrances.

Askmewhats Says ---

Pros

• very natural, doesn't create a white cast on your skin
• easy to blend
• non-drying
• no allergies
• mesh sifter: the product will come out really fine and easy to blend (love part, read on to the Cons for the hate part)
• has SPF!!!
  

Cons

• as the product specs goes, it is for light to medium coverage and I agree with it, I have a couple of red spots on my skin and it isn't completely covered, for people who needed heavy coverage, need to use a concealer first
• Mesh Sifter: no matter how careful I am in tapping the product, since the mesh made the powder super fine, it's too messy! Every time I open the jar, foundation flew from all direction! I suggest the company make the foundation mesh sifter "smaller" <--- just for the foundation line as I don't have problems with the blush and eye color packaging.
• Compared to regular MMU, this has expiration. BUT!!!! It's not as CON as it has SPF! (as confirmed by Lisa, in the US, anything that has an SPF has to have an expiration date due to FDA) <-- everyone should take note on this :)
• need to reapply after 2-3 hours

Overall

The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Foundation works best for anyone who doesn't need a lot of coverage and who doesn't like the heavy feeling of foundation. I find that their product are very natural and caring for the skin and would suit anyone from all ages! I can imagine my mom using this!

True, as compared to other MMU companies, this is pricier compared to others but I won't say they are overpriced. I guess because most MMU companies do not have a lot of operational expenses as compared to The Body Shop because they sell it online.

Tips

• I use a spoon and transfer the "sifted" foundation to another jar with a regular sifter. Works better this way
• If you want coverage on spots, use a concealer brush, foil the foundation and apply it on areas that needed more coverage OR, use your favorite concealer before you use TBS foundation.
• always tap the cap before you open the jar, so that not a lot of product flies out if you twist open the cap.
  

Will I repurchase?

I would say, yes, because there are days I am longing for a light coverage (on good skin days)

How much?

At the local Body Shop, costs Php1,499.00 on US Body Shop website $25.00

And before I finish this review,
here's a visual on how I apply my TBS Minerals
Of course you have to shake your booty while you do these steps! :P

Well...that's it!
I hope you guys find my 3-parts Nature's Minerals Review helpful :)
Feel free to ask me if you have any questions!

Want to look back on the other TBS Nature's Minerals Reviews?
Smile and Click
Part 1 Cheek Color
Part 2 Eye Color

Stuff I Hauled Over the Weekend

Finally took shots on what I hauled over the weekend at the Duty Free Shop :)
I only planned to buy my Clinique's Skincare as I've used up my Moisture Surge Moisturizer and Mild Facial Wash. But Christmas is in the air and I saw bundled Shu Uemura item!!!! Hubby enabled me!!!!

One cleansing oil priced $92.00 was sold in twos for $125.00!!! Isn't that a great deal??? I can finally try the Cleansing Water!!! But I have to finish up my current cleansing oils before I get into these LOL So reviews will definitely take some time :)

And I HAVE to ask for freebies!
Tsk tsk tsk!
Last 2 and glad I was able to get one~~~~

Shu Uemura Leather Case
What's inside? Scroll down please!



Shu Uemura White Recovery FX+ moisturizing Lotion and serum!
And a face brush! :)




And here's what I originally planned to spend my money on!

Clinique's Mild Facial Wash
and
Clinique's Moisture Surge EXTENDED Thirsty Skin Relief



And again, I HAVE TO ASK for the Samples!
They told me they don't have any...
and what are these??????



A sample of Clinique Lip Balam
Clinique Mild Facial Wash
and
Clinique's Moisture Surge Extended Skin Relief

I was asking for eye cream samples!
But better than nothing right? LOL

Philippine Readers:

Moral lesson, if you are spending your money on products, do check if they have samples! Most companies usually do have samples but I don't know why but they don't give it out! Well as if I am just "ASKING" right? I do purchase!

Use your purchasing power people!

*raise arms*

YEAH?
YEAH!!!!

People Power! LOL

Askmewhats Version: "Under the Sea" Look

As promised, I've created a look as inspired by my Body Shop Nature's Minerals Eye Color. I've always wanted a look using silver! As it is quite challenging for me as my skin tone leans toward Gold rather than silver! Oh well, it's not too late to try!

A teaser photo was up yesterday so here's the full on LOOK!

Diagram Time!!!

1. Using my Smashbox no. 26 e/s brush or any e/s brush available, I pat on PAC Pearly Blue eyeshadow in the inner corner of the eye concentrating on the center

2. Use any blending brush, in my case, I've used Prestige #103 Shadow crease brush and grab a bit of MAC Carbon and lightly swipe through the crease area.

3. Using my MAC 217 or any smaller blending brush, use the The Body Shop Nature's Minerals in Platinum Shimmer and lightly sweep on the crease area to blend in the PAC Pearly Blue eyeshadow and lighten the harsh lines. Also apply it below the lash line.

4. Using the same Prestige #103 blending brush, apply Bourjois Rose Beige or any highlighting eyeshadow to highlight the brow bone area and the inner corner of the eyes.

5. Apply Fashion 21 Stick Eyeshadow/Liner in Lagoon 3/4 area of the waterline.

6. Apply Fashion 21 Stict Eyeshadow/Liner in Pearl on the inner 1/4 corner of the waterline

And the rest of the face?

Use Nars Orgasm on the cheeks
NYX Herades and top with Shawill Gloss


VOILA!






Hoping to make you smile Photo Time!!!

Hubby's going out-of-town (work related) and probably be back 2-3 days after, depending on how fast the project will be over :( :( :( This will be the first time after I got married that I'll be away from my hubby/photographer/King Kong!!! :(

Oh well, I'll be keeping myself busy doing more product reviews so I won't miss him so much!!!!

Send me some smiles!
I needed that! :D