Nail Art Tutorial: "Girly Gradient" Nails

I find myself getting excited every weekend because it's my "me" moment. It's me and my nails moment! :)

How do I come up with nail art designs? I honestly don't have a clue! I am not like most of the nail art beauties out there who knows what they want and just do it! Me, I don't have a clue on what I plan to do, I always start by choosing a base color then I'll go from there!

My inspiration this week is a frosty pink polish from The Face Shop. I've done gradient nails int he past and I know a lot of you uses sponge, but I am too lazy to do so, this is my own version of Gradient Nails with simple flower. I know a lot of you love dainty designs :) I hope you like this!

Step 1:

Apply a base coat. I am using The Face Shop's Base Coat (yes, due to some requests on how this works, I bought this and will give a good review soon)

Step 2:

Apply 2 coats of any platinum pink polish, I am using The Face Shop's PK101. Let dry.

Step 3:

After the base polish is dry, apply a violet/purple polish in the middle part of the nails. I am using my 2 way nail art pen in Violet/Purple.

Step 4:

While wet, use any base coat that's runny in consistency (I am using Caronia's Base Coat, a local brand), slowly brush the violet/purple polish going inward. Doesn't have to be perfect.

Step 5:

Using the same method as Steps 3-4, apply a pink polish at the tips of the nails... I am still using the 2 Way nail art pen, color is reddish orange.

Using the same Caronia base coat,
brush inward covering a bit of the violet/purple polish.
Again, the more inconsistent, the better.

Step 6:

Making sure the gradient colors are dry, using a white nail art pen, apply dots to create flowers. (Feel free to look back on the right side bar tagged under NAIL ART TUTORIAL on how to create flowers)

Using the needle method to create a more natural looking petals.

Step 7:

Use a yellow nail art pen to create a flower bud. (or any color that suits your taste)

Step 8: (optional)

When nail art is dry, apply a coat of any glittery polish, making sure to apply thinly so that the nail art designs won't be covered. I am using my favorite Elianto Glitter polish.

Step 9:

Apply any TOP COAT of your choice. As usual, I use my HG The Face Shop's Top Coat.

My Girly Nails of the week! :)

Hubby likes to stare at this nail art!
Mom complimented this before she complimented my newly treated hair
So I must be doing something right :)
Stay happy and girly!

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**please click photo to enlarge

Smile and click here to shop!

Askmewhats Reviews: MAC 226 Brush

A couple of weeks ago, I gave MAC from Rustan's Shangri-la a call regarding the MAC226 brush. I was expecting them to say it's out of stock. I was surprised when the SA told me they have it! And he only got 4 brushes left. I immediately reserved one! Screw the LAW OF SUPPLY AND DEMAND! lol Anything that's limited and almost out of stock makes us want the product more right? hahaha

So, I finally got my hands on this famous brush that's been out of stock in the US for weeks! What's the buzz all about this brush? It all started because it has LE labeled to it! (Limited Edition)

MAC 226 says ---

Short, tapered blending brush with ultrasoft, natural bristles that is used for application and blending of shadow on the lid, and perfect for working the crease.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• can easily apply e/s on the outer V
  
• if you don't have a lot of eyelid space, like me, this is a great blending brush
  
• because of it's pointed tip, you can apply e/s with precision at the crease area

• great length, same as other MAC brushes
• deposits e/s really well as I find the bristles are dense
  
• did not bleed or shed when I washed it
• it's bristles are black, I like black bristles more as I hate the stain the white ones get LOL (it's just my personal opinion)
  

Cons

• a bit scratchy as compared to other MAC brushes
• limited edition, this is part of the BBR (Brunette Blonde Redhead) Collection
  

Overall

I still love my MAC217 brush to create a wonderful smokey-eyed look. People with smaller lid space like mine find that it is hard to use a MAC217 to create smokey eyes as they'll end up with a "muddy look". This is true with constant practice and using light-handed application, MAC217 can create a wonderful smokey eyed look.

But I am talking too much about MAC217 and this is a review on MAC226 LOL Sorry

I find that using the MAC226 still requires me to use a blending brush to blend the harsh lines that MAC226 creates. This brush is perfect to apply e/s on the outer v though and it does give out a deeper eye look :)

You ask if I can survive without this brush? YES

Tips

• after applying an e/s using this brush, use a bigger and fluffier blending brush and brush it with a wiper motion all over your lid to lessen the harsh lines
  
• do not give up about the scratchiness, try to wash this brush with a conditioner and after several washings, the bristles goes softer
• use this brush to apply highlighting powder on the brow bone and the cheekbones! Works perfectly!
• this brush can deposit A LOT of color, so if you're using this for dark e/s, be careful on tapping the extra e/s before applying it on your lids

Will I repurchase?

No, one is enough to last me for long! Same with all my other MAC brushes :)

Where did I purchase an how much?

At local MAC store for Php1,490 (approx $30.40)

Do you have this brush?
Do you plan to purchase this?
What brushes do you use for blending?
Share your thoughts!
Stay happy!

Clinique Bonus for Philippine Readers

Dear Philippine Readers:

Clinique Bonus ---
yours free with any single minimum purchase of Php3,500.

Bonus includes:

Repairwear Intensive Eye Cream
High Impact Mascara in Black
High Impact Lipstick in Extreme Pink
Color Surge Single Eyeshadow in Frosted Bloom
Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser
Clarifying Moisture Lotion no. 2
Cosmetic Bag

This offer runs from March 1-17, 2009!

All About BB Creams

Hello AMW friends!

How's the weekend? I had a wonderful weekend, I made sure I'm well rested to be charged for the whole week! But I'm still not over my Monday blues :P

I know BB creams has been out there, since I'm on the topic of BB creams over the weekend, let me sum up the BB creams I've used and let you gals know what my favorite BB Cream is. Gale from My Wonderful World of Colors, messaged me and asked me if using BB cream over time does help improve my skin as promised, well read on! You'll know the answer at the end of this post! Excited? I hope so!!!

First BB Cream:
BRTC Cover BB Cream

I will be honest to say I bought this BB Cream because I thought this was the cheapest for USD20.00 (approx Php980) including shipping via ebay. I've done research and I know that the company BRTC is trusted in Korea based on my research.

This came in super small and I would say I wasn't disappointed with this product. As the name says, COVER BB Cream, this is the thickest BB cream I've tried and this works really well as a concealer. I first used this all over the face applying thinly and I've realized I can use this on particular spots that has redness or breakout.