Nail Art Tutorial: "Dainty Taro" Nails

Good morning everyone!  Missed my nails?  hahaha  I haven't been posting nail art tutorials as I've been busy the couple of weeks!  Now, let's bring back my 10 fingernails!  They are all excited to see you!  My first nail art tutorial for the year 2010 leans on to something dainty as always, and of course, as promised, I've used my mini OPI Polish that I have been keeping for quite some time.  I'm glad I used it, the color is amazing!  Reminded me of "Taro Ice Cream"

Step 1:

Apply a base coat prior to nail polish application.  Apply 2 coats of OPI polish in Done Out in Deco.

Step 2:

Making sure the 2 coats are dry, use a gold glitter polish to apply the tip of the nails with feather-like motion.  I am using Bourjois mini polish.  I am in the mood to use mini polishes! *hahaha*

 

Step 3:

Just like regular flower nail art, drop 5 drops of white polish

 

Use the needle and feather the dots inward just like on photo below

 

Step 4:

Now this is the "new" part, aside from feathering out the inner dot, feather out the outer dot as well to create a different "feel" of flower

 

Step 5:

This is optional, but to fill in the other space, create smaller dots below the flower.

 

Alternate white dots and pink dots

Do the same on other nails, I alternate the flower color

Using White and Pink Prettynails' Art pen

 

 

Step 6:

I used Swarovski flat bed clear stones to create the flower bud, press with a toothpick to make sure it stays.

 

Step 7:

Do not forget to apply top coat to protect your nail art.  Make sure to apply the top coat when the nail art is dry.

 

Here's my very dainty nails to start the year right!

 

I hope you learn something different to create flowers :)

And I do hope you wont' get scared to try nail art!

Practice makes you happy...

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Beauty Blender

The first time I saw the Beauty Blender on various websites, I had my mouth in big "O" and it got me thinking.."What the heck???? That price for a single small sponge?"  When I went back to my makeup school to do a photoshoot (Thanks Jeave and Stef), I borrowed Stef's Beauty Blender which is a good and bad idea.  Great idea because I find it very easy to apply foundation and it looks too cute on my hand!   Bad idea - for my wallet!  I got home thinking about it!  (imagine Beauty Blender with eyes and mouth calling for me!  Sorry my brain could be a bit cartoonish at times hahaha)

Yes people, I can be weak too!  I gave in and bought my very own cute Beauty Blender!  My excuse?  It's available locally!  I don't need to wait for months or pay a lot for shipping!  :P

Beauty Blender says ---

The ultimate make up sponge applicator invented by top Hollywood make up artists Rea Ann Silva and Veronica Lorenz, Beautyblender has been created to leave you with a professional finish and a flawless complexion. Silva and Lorenz know that the key to a perfect face is simple: a perfect blend. So forget your fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges, these application methods waste make up and can leave visible streaks.

Beautyblender’s patent-pending elliptical shape makes application foolproof by allowing you to access hard-to-reach areas with stunning ease. Its suede texture is sensual to the touch and its unique curves fit the contours of your face, leaving your make up dazzling and undetectable. Beautyblender is latex free, non-allergenic and odor free.

Weekend Food Tripping at: Five Cows Resto & Ice Cream Bar

Funny how I forgot to post a weekend food tripping last week!  I guess I lost track of the days and I do miss the weekend food tripping post!  I hope you do too! :)  Now, let's get the groove back!  I got my appetite back as well!  Here's to a cute restaurant that screams "Moooooo!!!!"

Five Cows Resto & Ice Cream Bar

A nice "barnyard" ambiance!

 

Loaded Nachos

Php135.00 (approx $2.94)

Tortilla chips topped with cheese, salsa and pico de gallo

 

Salpicao

Php260.00 (approx $5/65)

Tender US beef chunks with garlic, olive oil, 

buttered vegetables and my favorite garlic rice!

 

Rocky Almond Bars

Php160.00/ slice (approx $3.48)

Php995.00 for whole (approx $21.63)

Chef's heavenly creation of chocolate and vanilla ice cream,

caramel and chocolate sauces, praline, chopped almond over an oreo crust

topped with generous swirl of extra chocolate sauce

A must try for all ice cream cake + chocolate lovers out there!
I swear! You have to order this and share with your loved ones!

awww...isn't that sweet?

 

Five Cows Resto and Ice Cream Bar

located at 4th Floor Trinoma mall EDSA 

tel no: 632-901-3748/ 632-901-3948

Great service, the restaurant accepts cash and all major credit cards!

The restaurant is packed most of the time, both food and dessert are a winner for me!

Enjoy chowtime! 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

I Wonder: "....it's too darn cute!"

How's everybody doing?  Well, I'm still an "energizer bunny"!  Like I said, it will be a very busy weekend but here I am, I still want to catch up with everyone!  As I was organizing my stuffs.. AGAIN  (nothing's new)!  I found an OPI Teeny Bikinis set given to me by my bestfriend as a gift.

As a nail addict like yours truly, its quite surprising to think that I didn't use this the moment I receive this!!!  That got me thinking, I love polishes and each and every polish I have, I can't leave it more than a week not trying or using it.  What stopped me???

 Who could resist using them?  They're super cute!

The set was available Spring of 2009 (Around February) in the US, I believe it's not available locally! This is the mini version of the regular sized OPI and they are packed in a cute pouch which is great for gifting or a perfect size if you want to test the brand without spending too much!

 

The OPI South Beach Teeny Bikinis mini nail lacquer set includes: (left to right)

• Done Out in Deco
• Suzi & the Lifeguard
• Overexposed in South Beach
• RapiDry Top Coat
  

That got me thinking and I want to hear from all of you.

"What new product you have that you just don't have the heart to use because...

.... it's too darn cute?"

Yes, I promise I'll try to use this, on my next nail art tutorial,
even if it breaks my heart!
I'll probably play "Achy Breaky Heart" while I use this no? *hahahahaha*

Keep smilin!
Stay happy!

Readers' Corner: How Nikki Organize Her Traincase

Happy Friday everyone! :)  Now, aren't you feeling the weekend excitement?  Come on, give out a smile =)  See? It's easy to be happy eh?

Anyways, Friday, I dedicate this to a reader query that I wasn't able to answer for quite some time.  I apologize!  But hey, I will finally answer it!  That counts right? *pats myself on the back*

I was once asked to show my make-up collection and how I pack for makeup gigs!  As organized as I am, I do not have everything in one place, I have a place for makeups that are used often and a "storage" area for backups.   I don't use as much makeup as you expect me to be.  If you ask me, my "daily used" makeup will be packed in one medium sized pouch and that's it :)

Since I will be off for a wedding gig today!  Let me show you how I pack my stuffs.  I guess I pack the same as others but what the heck?  If you're intrigued, you can see how boring I could be!  *laughs*

Here's my traincase in wheels

As you open the cover I like to see eye products

 

Let me break it down for you :)

 

1. Single Eyeshadows, Concealer Palette and Foundation palette - I like to bring some single shadows that could get useful, especially on the more colorful shades.

2. Eyeshadow palettes - the quads, the mini palettes etc...

3. Eyebrow powder, falsies, tools like mini scissors, tweezers, shaver, etc..

 

4. Blushes and contouring powder - both in cream and powder form

5. Lipsticks and lipglosses

6. Random concealer pots, primers, eyebrow pencils, eyeliner pencils, etc...

and for the huge storage space

 

7.  Eyeshadow palettes, concealer palette, blush palette, brush cleansers, facial mists, make-up removers and brush brushes protected in brush rolls

 

I also include the clear plastic case that includes my sponges, velour puffs, cotton buds, cotton pads and random clips for hair!

I also have this tiny sticker with my name on the traincase...out of topic!  I know! *smiles*

Anyways, if you  notice, I don't have any foundation or setting powders in the huge traincase because I like it separated.  I don't like digging deep.  I put all my foundation and powders in a separate case.

A Lancome case that was gifted to me by my Aunt

Thanks Aunt! :D

I include random shades of powder/cream/liquid foundations. Also, I make sure to bring moisturizer for clients who haven't had the chance to moisturize their skin!

Did You Know That?

I usually ask the skin color of my clients prior to organizing my make-up so I don't have to lug everything!  That saves space, time and energy!  Smart eh? :P

 

 I hope seeing the way I organize my make-up for gigs doesn't give you an "eye sore"!

Don't blame me!  Blame the reader who requested for this!  :P  Don't worry, I'll keep you anonymous! *winks*  Well I'm off to rest now!  I must be ready for a busy weekend!!!

Happy weekend everyone!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!
Thank goodness it's FRIDAY!!!