Askmewhats

Friday, December 12, 2008

Nail Art Tutorial: "Christmas" Nails

*Finally*

A reader requested me to do a Christmas Inspired nails. It took me a bit of time to do this because I've had my nails rested for a week! And I got a bit lazy to do my nails for the past couple of days.

Anyways, I am back!!!

Since I did a Christmas Look with Reds and Greens, I will be sticking to my motiff and my Christmas Nails will go with my Christmas Make-up :)

Note: This may look crazy but just a bit of background, my work does not require me to meet face to face with clients. I do have meetings with the "Big Boss" but it's always on the phone, so he doesn't see my nails! LOL

Another Note: If you want to try this nail art but work or school does not permit you to, well you can go for more conservative colors :) Be creative and do your own mix and match :D

More Note: This tutorial can be done by anyone even if you do not have Nail Art Pens. See how much I love all of you???

Additional Note: Are you guys going to kill me? LOL Ok Ok!!! Let's start my version of "Christmas Nails"!!!!

Step 1:

Apply any base coat you have, especially for colorful polishes to keep your nails from yellowing.
Using a red and green polish (thanks to Aika for mine). Alternately apply the 2 colors to your nails. 2 Coats. Let Dry.

Step 2:

Apply any white polish (thickly) on the tip of your nails, just like you do for French Tip, but you don't have to worry on making it perfect.

Step 3:

Using any brand of Base Coat (I used local brand Caronia in this tutorial, or use any base coat as long as the texture is not too thick), lightly sweet the white colored polish towards yourself. Again, it doesn't have to be perfect. Let Dry.

It will look like this
(not perfect for sure)

Step 4:

Using any glittery polish, I used Elianto's Glitter Polish, apply it lightly with feather-y strokes OUTWARDS (opposite direction of Step 3). Let Dry.

It'll look like this
Look closer, there's a hint of "GLITTER" like snow

Step 5:

Apply a good Top Coat. (I used my newly purchased The Face Shop Top Coat)

And you're ready to go!!!

Shiana, I hope I put justice to your request :)
Everyone can do this!!! :)
Give it a try,
again it's NOT perfect but I can definitely feel the spirit of Christmas
Every time I glance at my nails! :D
Stay pretty, stay happy!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Just Got Lucky!

Just when I thought I ran out of luck until the end of the year. Surprisingly, right before the year 2008 ends, it ended with a BLING!!!

I am happy for a dear blogger friend Toma of the Makeup Masala when she finally launched her own site. She's always been generous with giveaways and contests and I've had my fair share of luck in the past and I can't ask for more.

That's why I can't believe when I got an email from her saying I won Bath & Body Lipglosses! I actually cannot remember joining anything. Well, aside from her monthly giveaways, she does give out cool beauty stuffs for people who sign in her Forum. Hmmm..you've got a great place to hang out and you get a chance to win something? Isn't that cool?

Here are my winnings! :)

Bath & Body Liplicious Double Kiss

Left: Dual - Wang Lip Shimmer
Right: 2-in-1 Lip Stain & Gloss

Here are the swatches
They're not on my lips....YET!

Thanks Masala!
I get to win stuffs I can never purchase!
This is a great early Christmas gift too :D

Askmewhats Reviews: MAC 187 Stippling Brush

Everyone calls this the "magic" brush, everyone raves about the "Airbrushed" look!

Are these true? Or is it just a hype?

I've been lemming for this brush for the LONGEST TIME!!! It took me a whole lot of contemplating as this is the most expensive brush from MAC!

The MAC187 Duo Fiber Brush
*damn you brush! lol*

I actually bought this in HK as it's a couple of hundreds cheaper (in peso), yeah yeah, everybody knows by now that I'm a bargain shopper. :P Again, there are so many dupes but something about this brush hypnotizes me to purchase it....I'm glad I bought this or it'll be haunting me FOREVER!!!

MAC 187 Duo Fiber Brush says ---

A large full circular brush used for lightweight application and blending of face powder or pigments. Use to create soft layers or add textures. Made from a soft blend of goat and synthetic fibers.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

multi-purpose: can be used with liquid, cream and powder foundation, cream blushes
will use lesser product compared to sponges
soft bristles, not scratchy at all
does give out an airbrushed look
foundation blends seamlessly
foundation application cuts half of the time
doesn't smell

Cons

sheds, approximately a hair on 2 on every other usage (will it go bald? lol)
brush isn't perfect, I've got a lot of "flyaways" lol
the price is steep especially for people who aren't earning their own moolah yet.

Overall

I find the raves true, it does give out an "airbrushed" look without the streaks. BUT, I do believe there will be a good dupe out there. Though I haven't tried a lot like some of the beauty bloggers, I am sure there's a comparable one.

Is it worth the price???

It's actually worth it, if you take care of this brush and use it everyday. I would say this brush is very versatile, but if you are only using this brush to apply your blush? Then you are not using this brush to the fullest.

People who are into liquid/cream foundation, this will definitely be an answer to your prayers as you save more of your foundation with this brush, using this brush cuts your foundation application time in half. If you are a powder foundation user, you can skip this, save the money and buy EDM Flat Top brush (in my opinion)

Tips

some people thinks the coverage is sheer if you use this brush. In my opinion, you can always layer the foundation with this brush and it always gives out a soft, natural coverage.
if you are using this brush for your powder foundation, spritz on mists or sprays on the brush for the powder to "stick" to the brush

Will I repurchase?

Maybe not, I will take care of this brush and use it for decades! LOL

Where to buy and how much?

MAC store for approx Php2,400 ($45.00) <--- not sure

VISUAL TIME!

Here's how the MAC187 Duo Fiber Brush looks like
Top view

Here's a photo I've posted 2 months ago,
using MAC187 brush to apply my liquid foundation

Speaking of Dupes
I got a CHARM Duo Fiber Brush from
Beauty & Minerals

I will be testing it and I will definitely report back if this is a good dupe or not!

Have you tried MAC187 or any dupes?
What's the best dupe in your opinion?
Let's do the battle of the Duo Fiber Brush....NOW!
:D
But let's not get toooo competitive ok?
Have a great day!!!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Reader's Corner: Questions Answered and a New Traincase!

Hello pretties! Thanks for the wonderful comments for the makeover I did yesterday!!!

I've been super tired and busy the past few days and I do apologize for not getting back to some queries at once. These are some questions on the comment section that I wanted to answer in a new post for everyone to be able to read it as well. Thanks ladies for asking these questions! *hugs*

Question:

Nikki! I'd like to ask what you used for each of the two girls .

Askmewhats Answers:Thanks for liking the makeover and thanks for the interest. I've re-edit the post I did yesterday and added the products used (as I remember) . Smile and click HERE

Question:

Hi Nikki! I've been curious about Clinique All About Eyes for the longest time. What changes have you noticed on your eye area ever since you started using it?

Askmewhats Answers:

I've got a couple of queries about my eye cream. I would say the best I've tried is Clinique's All About Eyes. Though I've only used a sample jar, which lasts me more than a months of daily usage. I didn't see any drastic change, (same as all eye creams), but my eye area doesn't get as dry as before. The darkness of my eye didn't lighten up but the puffiness definitely lessened. I'm never consistent on my eye cream as I always felt eye creams never give out "obvious" result due to the small area it covers. But with patience and consistent usage, you will definitely reap what you sow.

Question:

I want your brushes!!! What are they??? (Referring to my post yesterday)

Askmewhats Answers:The brush set I am using is from a local distributor called SUESH. They're quite famous in terms of having a lot of exposure on magazines, newspapers as they're known for selling good quality brushes at an affordable price. I would say they are not comparable to MAC or those high end brushes brand but for starters, they are really good, I love their eye brushes!

If you're wondering, I own the 28pcs brushes set for Php4,500 (approx $90.00). NOT BAD.

Question:

I am beginning to wonder why aren't you in this professionally? (referring to being a make-up artist) Or are you? :)

Askmewhats Answers:Great question, thanks for asking! I guess I've been doing a lot of makeovers for a lot of my friends and family that people would think it's just a past time. Well it started out to be, but I am leaning into this as a profession. And those makeovers I've done recently, well they are clients. I don't know them personally, I was just referred to them by a friend and I got paid!!! :D

That's why being a professional make-up artist means, I needed more space for make-up I have to bring as I have to be ready on whatever foundation shades, eyeshadow colors, blushes etc... that clients would need. So, I will now present to you my new "Trolley Traincase" !!!

Sorry I haven't had the chance to take a shot of it beside me, if you want to know the height, it's up to my knees :) A size of a regular luggage that can pass as handcarry.

This is available in ONE SINGLE SHADE!
I wanted something black or just plain silver, but they don't have any
and I love the size of this, so I gave in and bought this!
Now, as I look at it more, I am starting to love to color...
Hip!!!

Back Side
I love that the handle is sturdy

Side View

When fully opened

Spacious inside
I love that I can put my brush set and palettes in here

And the best part?
I can lock it!!!

**Bought at Quiapo Seller for Php5,000 (approx $100)

Isn't it pretty?
I can't believe I upgraded from a semi-pro traincase to a PRO!!!
I've seen the ones with BULBS...lol
Next time...next time...
One wish at a time right?
Have a great humpy Wednesday!!!!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

AMW Makeover: "Attending a Wedding Event" Look

** EDIT: Added products used

Hey everyone!!! I guess you read what kept me busy last weekend. I've had the chance to do a makeover for 2 lovely ladies who will be attending a wedding of their friend. It was funny because they thought the wedding would start at 4:00pm but at the last minute realized the wedding starts at 2:30pm!!!

Can you believe the rush??? One thing I can pride myself of, is my ability to be "poised under pressure" lol Though I looked really calm, my heart is pounding as the minute passed by! The funny thing is, even though everything is on a rush, we still got the chance to mingle and get to know more of each other LOL I do chat while I work ya know <--- Multi-tasking is one talent too! They're nice ladies and I do wish to work on their faces more in the future. Too bad I didn't get the chance to fix up their hair as we're pressed for time! This is how I like to organize my stuffs, everything laid neatly for easy access. I do look serious no?