Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Nail Art Tutorial: Zebra Nails... My First Ever

Seeing almost 50 Nail Art Tutorials, you wouldn't find any "zebra" prints, it's funny how I've thought about it but never tried to do it...why?  I am seriously not into zebra prints!  As you all know, my nail art is basically my personality and "feisty-ness" is definitely not Nikki-ness! But recently, I got so many zebra print requests, so I got to do what's challenging right?  Nothing to lose...so much to gain!

This nail art for the week is very special to me because I've done this for you.. my dear readers who are so nice to me!  I've decided to wear this nail art for one week and I am thanking you all for the requests because I am starting to love this!

Here's my first ever zebra nails on hot yellow polish! :)  I wanted it funky yet dainty at the same time so I added some rhinestones...




Step 1:

Apply base coat prior to nail polish application to protect the nails.  Apply 2 coats of Elianto Bright Yellow polish (thanks to my friend Shanna for gifting me this)




Step 2:

Making sure the base polish is dry, use L.A. Colors Art Deco in Black and randomly paint it in different directions.  




Step 3:

Using the same L.A. Colors Art Deco Polish in Black, create zebra stripes.  Always remember to take things slowly but surely, nail art doesn't have to be perfect! My trial and error paid off!  I can draw zebra prints with both hands!






Step 4:

Apply Rhinestones if you want.  This step is optional.




Step 5:

Making sure the black zebra stripes are completly dry.  Top the nail art with a silver polish to create a bit of glitter.  I am using Caronia's Silver Glitter.




Step 6:

Top everything with your favorite top coat to protect the nail art and the rhinestones.


My nails for the week!
Trivia: Guess where I studied in college with my nails! 
*rawr*  



Now I want to know!
Are you a dainty flower girl?
Or are you a fierce zebra print girl?


Keep smilin'
Stay happy!




Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Something New: Malin + Goetz Essentials


I remembered last year, I was googling about the best lip treatment for my super dry lips!  I've seen a lot of brands coming out and a new brand caught my attention called Malin + Goetz.  Judging by the website and product packaging, the whole feel reminded me of Kiehl's.  It screams Professional!

Did you know that?

Matthew Malin overseas global distribution and sales development for family operated Kiehl's.  After Kiehl's sale to L'Oreal, Matthew accepted a position with Prada to develop and manage the Helmut Lang Parfums Division anad licensing agreement with P&G.  Two years later, Matthew and Andrew began developing a business plan for (Malin + Goetz).

As always, I forgot all about this brand as I can't seem to put myself to purchase skincare essentials online.  So, when I learned that Malin + Goetz is finally available down here, after reading this article, my excitement is back!

Malin + Goetz 1oz. Essentials
(Carry-on Approved)
Php1,450 (approx $31.50)

Travel-related products are available for all airline flights and travel needs.  These smaller sized products make great gifts and introductions to key products.  This core range of products can also be found as in-room amenities available at select luxury and boutique hotels worldwide, in addition to salon, gym, and spa amenity services.  And now, I have it, right in front of me... *sigh*


Essential Kit includes : (all in 1oz. 29ml)

Grapefruit Face Cleanser
Our foaming cleansing gel synthesizes natural bergamot with amino acid-based cleansing agents. Gently and effectively purifies and balances all skin types, especially sensitive and eczema prone, unlike traditionally harsh detergents. Blended to hydrate, rinsing free of residue without irritation, drying, or stripping; helping to reduce epidermal stress. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen; cleansers can be blended to create personalized bathing experiences.

Vitamin E Face Moisturizer
Our oil-free, residue-free moisturizer scientifically synthesizes natural anti-oxidants vitamins E and B5 and soothing chamomile with absorbent fatty acids.  Gently and effectively hydrates and ph balances all skin types, unlike traditionally greasy pore-clogging oils, for an intensely nourishing treatment, reducing epidermal irritation for the most sensitive of skin. Perfect foundation for immediate make-up application.  Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen.

Bergamot Body Wash

Our foaming cleansing gel synthesizes natural bergamot with amino acid-based cleansing agents. Gently and effectively purifies and balances all skin types, especially sensitive and eczema prone, unlike traditionally harsh detergents. Blended to hydrate, rinsing free of residue without irritation, drying, or stripping; helping to reduce epidermal stress. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen; cleansers can be blended to create personalized bathing experiences.


B5 Body Moisturizer

Our intensive and oil-free, residue-free body moisturizer scientifically synthesizes natural vitamin b5 and soothing bergamot extract with absorbent fatty acids for performance.  Naturally hydrates and ph balances all skin types, unlike traditionally greasy, pore-clogging oils and wax and silicone fillers.  No slick or slippery false sense of moisturize.  A nourishing treatment that eliminates wait-time for dressing. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance and prevention regimen.

Peppermint Shampoo
Our best selling, gentle, hydrating shampoo synthesizes natural peppermint extract with amino acid-based cleansing agents.  Effectively purifies and balances all hair and scalp types, unlike traditionally harsh detergents.  Blended for frequent use without drying, stripping, irritation, or build-up. Mildly foaming, residue-free formula leaves hair soft and scalp conditioned. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily regimen for color treated and processed hair.

Cilantro Hair Conditioner
Our gentle, daily conditioner scientifically synthesizes natural cilantro with absorbent fatty acids and fatty alcohols.  Effectively hydrates and ph balances all hair and scalp types, unlike traditionally greasy oils that weigh down hair and irritate scalp.  Blended for advanced, residue-free conditioning and detangling. Natural fragrance and color. Easily integrated into daily maintenance regimen for color treated and processed hair.


Now all I need is a good travel plan so I can take this along with me!  But even without travel plans, I am already using this!  Bad bad Nikki!

Ohhh the Peppermint Shampoo is pure love for my scalp!  I love how it gives a cool sensation on my dry, itchy scalp! 

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

 

Monday, November 2, 2009

AMW Reports: "Ang Kiukok Holiday Collection"

Freeway has launched it's second National Artist Collector's Series at The Row, Glorietta 5 last week.  The first sequel was the Nick Joaquin collection.  For this coming Holiday season, a new collection has blossomed, from the National Artist For Visual Arts, Ang Kiukok.


Ang Kiukok was a National Artist that one remembers with not just admiration and respect, but for those who knew him with endearment and affection. A man who was bold in his art but quiet in nature. As he told an interviewer once,


“I am not good at speaking. At school when the teacher asked me to recite, I could not say anything. When I was asked to write a long composition, I would only give a few sentences and the teacher didn’t like that. But in my painting, I feel free.  I can express what I want to say.”
 So true, I've seen the short film shown on the event when he received an award and all he could say was... "Maraming Salamat.....Maraming Salamat....Maraming Salamat.........Maraming Salamat" (Thank you).  It was really touching.

Hosted by Jocas de Leon, Freeway showcased the collection in a fashion show were models wore amazing hat pieces to complement each bold Kiukok outfit. Each model look gorgeous with dramatic lashes and smokey eyes that was done by VMV Hypoallergenics team.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The evening winded down with interviews with passionate Ang Kiukok collectors such as Joey de Leon and experts such as art critic Cid Reyes and prominent collector, Dr. William Chua.



I must not forget to thank Mangan for the wonderful snacks served and definitely service with a smile!  My favorite is the "camote chips" (sweet potato chips) and their iced tea!!!


Ang Kiukok's unfinished painting
his brushes and his Picasso book 
where he gets his inspiration from

 
  
The lovely bunch together with Mr. Joey de Leon 
and Ms. Jocas De Leon

 

Me and Mr. Joey de Leon
such a nice guy!

 

Shen, yours truly together with my friends
Beatrilicious and Shannaholic
can't help but pose and tried to outdo the models!
(I said TRIED...but we failed lol)

 

I will definitely be going back to purchase some tops I've been eyeing during the fashion show!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Weekend Food Tripping at: Asian Twist Fusion Restaurant

First day of November!  I will be off to the Cemetery to visit my loved ones who passed away.  I hope it won't be crowded or even rain!

Sunday Weekend Food Tripping!  It's a "green colored" newly opened restaurant that I've been wanting to try for so many times but it's always crowded!  When we found a parking space, we gave it a go right away and see what the people are buzzing about!



 A lot of dishes to choose from! 



Grilled Squid
Php195 (approx $4.15)
Marinated Big Squid Served with 
BBQ Sauce and Fried Onion Rings



Teppanyaki Fillet Bibimbop
Php175 (approx $3.70)
Korean styled Bibimbop
with Teppanyaki Fish Fillet



Black Gulaman
Php55 (approx $1.00)
Wonderful taste of black gulaman plus small sized sago 
served on a very tall slim glass



Asian Twist
101 N S Amoranto St. (Retiro)
Corner Speaker Perez Street Q.C.
tel no: 632-711-2248/632-749-3878

NO SERVICE CHARGE

By the way, I want to thank the wonderful readers who joined and shared their "Worst Pimple Experience" for the JnJ Active Clear Acne Control Kit giveaway!  Contest is closed and I will announce the winner anytime within the week! :) Stay tuned!



What's your weekend food tripping?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!





Saturday, October 31, 2009

AMW Reviews: L'oreal Colour Riche in Coral

I am not used to wearing bold colored lipsticks!  Why? Because I am conscious of my dry lip!  

When I braved the fear for red lipsticks, I know the rest of the colors will be easier for me to wear!  Next is a "peachy orange reddish" toned lipstick!  I finally realized that its easier to wear Red than Orange, I don't know if you feel the same.

My Aunt from Canada gave me a couple of L'oreal Colour Riche Lipsticks.  One shade caught my eye and I told myself : "It's definitely a sign, I must try this shade!"



L'oreal Colour Riche lipstick says ---

  • Nurtures lips to keep them soft, smooth, and supple with ultra-hydrating Omega 3.
  • Protects against moisture-loss with the conditioning power of Vitamin E.
  • Creamy, anti-feathering lip liners coordinate perfectly with Color Riche lipcolors.

AMW says---

Pros
  • shade: wonderful peachy orange tone that suits both dark and light skin
  • moisturizing
  • very pigmented 
  • applies evenly on lips
  • packaging is quite cute, love the L'oreal etching on the lipstick


Cons
  •  scented, not too strong, but if you hate scents on lipsticks, this is a con then
  • do not expect a super long lasting lipstick, need to reapply every now and then
Overall

This lipstick shade looks very matte on tube but it gives out a pretty sheen when applied on lips.  For a drugstore lipstick, I find the quality of this quite good!  I like it that it doesn't create flakiness on my lips and I've tried using this without lip balm beneath and it didn't create "crocodile lips"!  I can still see the lines on my lips but that can be solved with a clear gloss.

Tips
  • if you have super dry lips like mine, moisturize your lips prior to lipstick application
  • if you find the shade to be overwhelming, blot excess with a paper napkin right after
  • hate the lines created by lipstick on your lips?  Apply clear gloss on top
  • store in cool dry place
  • wait for sales coming up every now and then
Will I repurchase?





Yes


Where to purchase and how much?

I believe these are available at L'oreal counters for Php600+ (approx $12.75)


Shade 431 CORAL


Overall look and feel of the lipstick



Swiped 2x, no base
with and without camera flash



Applied on bare lips
no lip balm or clear gloss




Have you tried any bold colored lipsticks lately?
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!