Nail Art Tutorial: "Summer Time" Nails

Aruba...Jamaica...Ooohh I want to take you to Bermuda, Bahamas...
Come on pretty mama!

Yup, for all you oldies out there! You know that I'm singing the BeachBoys song!!! KOKOMO!

I totally feel summer time!!! And I want to share summertime nails!!! I think a lot of my readers enjoy "gradient" nails as I got a couple of requests over email to do this! Thanks for the request and thanks for liking my hardwork. I know it's not perfect but the hardwork really shows right? :D

Here's my final
"Summer Time" Nails

Step 1:

Apply 2 coats of The Face Shop's BR802 nail polish (or any polish color you want). Let dry.

Step 2:

Create a thick French Tip using my SanSan Orange polish.

Step 3:

While wet, use any "liquid-y" base coat (I use Caronia's) to spread the orange polish color.

Step 4:

You can stop on the above step. But since this is Gradient Nails and I like the colors of summer, I use a yellow polish (from my 2 way nail art pen) and apply another French Tip on top of the orange polish.

Step 5:

Spread the yellow color with the base coat again. Does not have to be perfect.

Step 6:

Drop 4 big dots, creating a flower coming out from the sides, so the petals does not have to be complete.

Step 7:

Using my favorite needle method, spread the dot to make it tear drop shape.

Step 8:

Attach colorful rhinestones to make your nail art colorful!

Step 9:

I love gliters, so I used Elianto's Glitter polish on top of the nail art. Before application, make sure nail art is dry.

Step 10:

Protect your nail design by topping it with your favorite Top Coat. My favorite is still TFS Top Coat.

Final NOTW
Nails of the Week :D

Philippine Holidays starting today til Sunday. Some readers are asking what my plans are! I'm actually not going anywhere! We may, or may not. But this is a perfect time for me to really rest and enjoy quality time with the family and friends (that includes YOU). Yes I'll keep on blogging if I've got nowhere to go, you, my dear, are stuck with me! *evil laugh*

Have a wonderful day!!
Stay Happy!

Askmewhats Reviews: Ecotools Mineral Brush Set

Great day everyone!!!
Today is a humpy Wednesday and also last day of work for the week! Yes, it's the Lenten season, I know a lot of you have to work on holidays (I know how that feels), but cheer up! It won't be long and weekend is crawling around the corner! :)

Today is another review day!!! Everyone's probably raving about the brush sets from Ecotools and I really took time getting to know each one of them before I go on with a review. Do I like them? Are they worth it? Read on please....

Here's the pretty packaging
I love that it's resealable, can reuse!

Aren't they pretty?

Ecotools Mineral Brush Set says ---
* Five piece set
* Handles are made from fast-growing sustainable Bamboo
* Super-soft brush hairs are made of Taklon and are 100% cruelty free
* The sleek ferrules are made from recycled aluminum
* Natural... See more »

• 4 high-quality brushes inside a natural cotton & hemp linen bag
• Soft, cruelty-free bristles
• Natural & recycled materials
  

This earth-friendly brush set is packed with the 4 high-quality brushes you need to look beautiful. And, it shows respect for the planet:

• Bamboo handle has a low impact on the earth’s resources as it is a highly sustainable plant.
• Synthetic taklon bristles are 100% cruelty free.
• Sleek ferrule is made from recycled aluminum.
• Cosmetic case is made from natural cotton and hemp

Askmewhats says ---

Mineral Powder Brush

(length: 5 inches)

Pros

• when washed: No bleeding and shedding
• hair is dense
  

• the size of the brush is perfect for my face, great to apply Mineral foundation and even non-mineral foundation all over the face

• dual purpose: Can also be used to apply blushes
  

Cons

• none

Concealer Brush

(length: 4.5 inches)

Pros

• no bleeding and shedding
  
• very dense, perfect to apply concealer
• if eyes space is big, can also be used as eyeshadow brush
• after washing, no flyaways

Cons

• none

Eye Shading Brush
(length: 4.5 inches)

Pros

• no bleeding or hair fall
• works great as highlighter brush
• very soft

Cons

• because of it's size and fluffiness, I find it hard to use this as a blending brush for my eyes, tends to remove all the hardwork I've done for my eye makeup

Baby Kabuki
(length: 2 inches)

Pros

• no bleeding, shed's a hair or two on first wash
  
• size is perfect to carry along
• hair is soft

Cons

• too soft, no control on the hair
• if you are looking for medium to heavy coverage, this is not a kabuki brush for you
  

Overall

The star brushes in this set is the Mineral Powder Brush and Concealer brush. The other 2 is just "ok". The hemp pouch is good too, but you cannot store your brushes straight, you have to put the brushes in diagonal, which is weird! But since it's free, what more can I ask for? lol

For the price, I am impressed with the quality of the brushes. This is not the best brush set around but not bad at all! I know this has been tagged as Mineral Brush Set but this set works even to non-mineral makeup user. I love that this set is handy. It would be perfect if they included an eyeshadow brush in this set. :D Well, am I asking too much? lol

Handy Dandy!

Tips

Mineral Powder Brush

• use this to apply mineral foundation all over face in a circular, buffing motion.
• can also use this to apply powdered blushes
  

Concealer Brush

• you can use this for both cream, liquid concealer , to conceal blemishes and under eye circles
• this brush can also be used to apply eyeshadows or pigments if you have larger eye space
  

Eye Shading Brush (looks like blending brush)

• used to blend eyeshadow to remove harsh lines
• can also use this to apply shimmer powders areas you want to enhance (cheekbones, nose bridge, browbone, temple, etc...)

Baby Kabuki

• can be used to apply blush
• this brush can be used to apply setting powder
• you can use this brush to apply mineral foundation or regular foundation if you want light coverage
• if you want heavier coverage, squeeze the brushes closely together during application
  

Will I repurchase?

Not this set, but for other Ecotools brushes, yes.....

Where did I purchase and how much?

At the Makeup Mix Shop for $11.75 (approx Php576.00) <-- sad to say out of stock already

Do you own a brush set?
What's your "must bring" brush set when you travel?
Let me know!
Stay happy!

Askmewhats Version: "Wispy Look"

Back to work! I'll be going to work for 2 days this week then off for holidays again. For the rest of you who doesn't know, it's the Lenten season! A lot of people will be off to their hometown or off for vacation so Manila will be "surprisingly" quiet! It's the best play to drive around Manila this time of the year.

I have done a look using MAC pigment. Yes, I am not a pigment user but if I want a look that has impact, I do go for pigments because it always comes out vibrant and lively! :)

Here's my final version :D

And of course
The Askmewhats Diagram

I've primed my lids with Too Faced Shadow Insurance (thanks Shen), then use CS White Gel Liner all over lids as the base for pigments. Apply the white gel liner with a taklon brush then spread the gel liner all over lids with fingers to even it out.

Step 1:

Using MAC242 brush or any flat shader brush that's made of taklon, pat on MAC pigment in Vintage Gold on lid area going right above the crease. Use patting motion.

Step 2:

Using MAC 217 brush or any blending brush, I applied Ulta's e/s in Galaxy (thanks Toma), or any glittery black e/s on the outer v. Blending inward.

Step 3:

Pat on Makeup Masala Mineral in Tuta, a bright goldish yellow color) on the center of the lid with patting motion. Blend all 3 colors together, adding the colors as you go on depending on your preference.

Step 4:

Using my Digital Angel's palette, I applied the matte nude e/s color on the browbone going to the inner corner of the eye sweeping as I go on making sure there's no harsh lines.

Step 5:

Using CS White Angled Liner, or any liner brush you're comfortable with, apply a black gel liner all over the upper lashline going for the lower lash line. I am using CS True Black gel liner on this look.

Step 6:

Apply MAC pigment in Vintage gold on the lower lashline. Using CS White Gel Liner, apply it on the inner V of the eye to make the eyes pop.

Apply falsies if desired!
I am using 017 falsies bought from Landmark
Used Ardell Lash glue
with my tweezer
Applied P&J curly mascara in Black


Fill in your brows!
Voila!
Final "wispy" look



And of course...
what's on the rest of my face?

For the Face

Paul & Joe Creamy Foundation no. 30
Paul & Joe Dual Powder Foundation no. 30

For the Cheeks

Contour and highlight
with MAC Grand Duo in Light over Dark
78pcs palette 2nd blush color in Pink
on the apples of the cheeks

For the Lips



Line the lips with MAC Ginger Root
MAC Viva Glam V

To make the lips pop


I applied a bit on the gold color
of Bath & Body Lip gloss
on the center of the lips
for 3D effect


And I'm saying HELLO to everyone!

And before I end this post, I want to add that on my CS Gel Liner in White post, some commented on wanting me to show them how to use the white gel liners for the eyes. I don't use them to line them all over my eyes. I use the White Gel Liner as ---

1. creamy base
2. line the waterline then top with eyeliner to make it last longer
3. use it on the inner corner of the eye for a wide awake look (just like photo below)

See how obvious the effect is?
It's even more effective
if you top it with a white e/s!

Hope i was able to answer the query of my readers!
and I hope this EOTD and FOTD brighten up your day! :)
Enjoy your day!
Keep smiling!
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Pepper Lunch

Hello everyone!!!

I want to say HUGE THANKS everyone for all the recommendation for making my dry skin better!!!! I have noted down all the products that you have recommended and I will definitely give them a try, well one at a time! I'll go bankrupt buying all of them! LOL
THANK YOU!!!!

Anyways, back to the reason for this post!
Weekend food tripping time!!! I'm probably late in posting about this wonderful restaurant everyone's been buzzing about for the past months! Shen talked about this restaurant too!

My Stewardess friend came back home for a short visit and we've decided to meet up at Shangri-La Mall, Ortigas for a nice dinner with the rest of the college gang! :)

Here's the restaurant that's usually jampacked
and a lot of people lining up outside
We arrived really early to make sure to have our seats

These are the locations of Pepper Lunch
for the rest of Asia

Here's a cute menu
located outside the restaurant

They serve all the dishes on a very hot sizzling plate and you can see the meat or steak gets cooked right in front of you! Freshness!!!!

Combo 11
Combo Cut Steak and Burger
Php280 (approx $5.72) a la carte
Php380 (approx $7.75) set menu

For extra egg?
So cute



Pepper Rice



Combo 10
Burger Steak with Fried Egg
Php285 (approx $5.82) a la carte
Php360 (approx $7.35) set meal



Combo 6
Cut Steak
Php270 (approx $5.51) a la carte
Php345 (approx $7.41) set meal



Molten Milk Chocolate Cake
Php120 (approx $2.45)

Everything look scrumptious right?
The taste is even better than the photos :P
Have a wonderful week ahead everyone!
Stay happy!
Stay full!!!

Askmewhats Reviews: Ecotools Bamboo Eyeliner Brush

Hello everyone!!!

I'm alive and kicking because I had a good sleep yesterday! :) I am happy because I don't have work on Monday!!! I did say that right? But I want to shout it to the world!!! NO WORK ON A MONDAY!!!! Weeeeeeee!!!! lol

Before I go ballistic on a no work on Monday mode... let me proceed with my usual product reviews! :)

I have 2 reviews for Ecotools, one for the 5pcs brush set and the other one for the eyeliner brush. I will start with the Ecotools Eyeliner Brush because I am taking more time to "get to know" my 5-pcs brush set :)

This is what I got from MakeupMix Shop.

Ecotools Bamboo Eyeliner brush says ---

• Earth-friendly beauty.
• Cruelty free hair.
• Natural & recycled materials.
• This earth-friendly brush shows respect for the planet.
• Bamboo handle has a low impact on the earth's resources as it is a highly sustainable plant.
• Synthetic Taklon bristles are 100% cruelty free.
• Sleek ferrule is made of recycled aluminum.
• Reusable cosmetic pouch.
• Made in China.

Askmewhats says ---

Pros

• Each product are packed well! So professional looking!
  
• Earth friendly, made of natural and recycled material!
• 1% of the sales proceed goes to the Planet :)
• brush is perfectly shaped, not too thin or thick, just the right shape and size to line your eyes!
• handle length is perfect
• no shedding
  

Cons

• not available locally

Overall

I love this brush! I did say my HG brush is my Smashbox Eyeliner brush, but my smashbox isn't angled. The Ecotools Bamboo eyeliner brush is angled perfectly and applying gel liner or e/s as liner is a breeze. So easy to use, it's definitely fool proof!

Seeing "Made In China" could make people react, but this is definitely made with great quality control. I love how it looks so expensive but the price is so affordable. Recently a reader left a comment on my cbox asking for a great gel liner brush, I would say this is the best especially if you're just starting to apply gel liner!

I love this brush!

Tips

• wipe or wash your brushes gently
• if you use this brush for gel liners, clean the brush hairs with oil first before you proceed with regular brush cleanser.
• you can also use this brush to apply liner using your eyeshadows!
  

Will I repurchase?

If needed, YES!

Where can I purchase and how much?

At the Makeup Mix Shop for $3.75 (approx Php 185.00)

Here's a close up shot of the brush
to show how perfect it is

The bristles are perfect!
No flyaways!

Handle is made of bamboo
well printed
Long Handled
(6 inches)



And here's why I love
Ecotools product
1% of the sales
goes to the Planet!

And this was the swatch I did
for the CS White Gel Liner
using the Ecotools Bamboo Eyeliner brush

Hope this review helps for people out there
who's looking for a great eyeliner brush!
You can't go wrong with the price too!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Stay Happy!!!!