AMW Reviews: OPI RapiDry Top Coat

** I used a photo from a site as I own this in mini version

Happy Friday friends! Anyone who reads my blog knew how much I love nail products!  Though I do my nails almost every week, I am not a fan of expensive polishes because I know I can always invest on good top coat to protect my nail polish or nail art.

OPI is a brand that's known for nail addicts out there!  I'm glad I've got the chance to test the mini version of this prior to purchasing a full size.

**photo from company site

OPI RapiDry Top Coat says ---

This quick drying OPI RapiDry Top Coat protects your nails against yellowing, smearing, smudges and streaks.  It gives a perfect finish and ensures that your nail varnish will last.  OPI RapiDry Top Coat has an Extended Wear Technology that helps dry your wet nails quicker for a long lasting, high gloss shine.

Size: 15ml

AMW says ---

Pros

• gives out a shiny finish
• dries the polish quickly, really! 
• my nail polish lasts more than 5 days without chipping
• nail polish remain shiny and new even after a couple of days as compared to other brands
• aside from working as a top coat, its also a rapid dry polish which works great! 2-in-1 product!
• non-oily
• brush is great 
• the polish is not too thick or wet, just the right consistency
  

Cons

• pricey
• its not RAPID as what the name implies, you still have to wait a couple of minutes to make sure its dry
  

Overall

I have been using The Face Shop's Top Coat for the longest time, I am quite loyal with it as I've finish 3 bottles of it.  When I got this mini from a set that I received as a gift from my bestie, I gave it a try right away thinking it's just a Top Coat with an added gimmick of rapid dry factor.  I was quite amazed with how my nail polish dried faster than regular and the added positive factor?  My pinkie nails usually chip on the 4th day due to my crazy typing capability *hahaha* and some parts of my nails do start to fade because I do house chores too!    My nail art and nail polish remain intact and I am starting to like this!!!

If I don't want to pay expensive amount for a top coat and quick dry polish, I can always go back to my first love.

Tips

• to apply, begin at the center of your nail then fan it out gently.
• wait for a minute or two after your final coat before applying this top coat.
• wait for more than 5 minutes before you start moving like your nail polishes are dry.  Though this is quick dry, I strongly suggest to dry your nails with a fan or blow dryer.
• if you're unsure if this works for you or not, try to purchase a "set" or "mini sizes" to see if you'll like it or not
  

Will I repurchase?

YES!

Where to purchase and how much?

Locally at Rustan's Essences for Php495.00 (approx $10.76)

I finished this nail art last Saturday over the weekend

On the fifth day, here's how it looks

My pinkie nail

On the 4th or 5th day, the polish usually chips, around half of the nail

take a look, there's just a bit of fading but not much :)

 

Definitely a nice buy if you have the budget.
Have you used this similar Top Coat and Rapid Dry in one?
I'd love to know how you love or hate this.

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: Oil Blotting Sheets - Vital or a Waste?

You will never see me use an oil blotting sheet on myself.  I have the driest skin and you'd probably see me dab a bit of moisturizer or spritz myself with moisturizing spray instead.  Though there are stuffs I don't use, there are definitely a lot of products out there that can stir my interest and I am sure it will be useful for readers who are on the oilier side.

I have used a couple of oil blotting sheets on clients who have VERY oily skin.  Is it vital for me?  Not for myself but yes, it is vital as a make-up artist!  It helps a lot to have this inside the kit for those makeup and retouch moment, I once had an experience applying light powder on the groom, I spritz water and wiped his face well prior to doing so. I thought I was ready!  But turned out, this guy client have very oily skin so the powder ended up on his face in blotches!  Boy!  Am I glad I was early and I had enough time to ask him to wash his face all over again and thank goodness for oil blotters which are heaven sent on times like these!

One Oil Blotting Sheet I've used is from J&J Clean & Clear, it costs a little bit above Php100 (approx $3.00) for 60 sheets.  I like it that it doesn't tear like other paper blotting sheets.

Now, I Wonder:

"Do You Use Oil Blotting Sheets?  

If Yes, what's your favorite brand?"

Before I end this post, I want to give a shoutout to my wonderful friends for sending me Christmas gifts!  Thank you!  It arrived super late but it gave me a huge smile!  I do have a rough 2009 and 2010 may not be an exception!  But having people who cares from all walks of life can make my life easier! :)

From Plue

From my long time friend Toma

 

And from my angel in Malaysia!

Major hugs for the love! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: BaByliss Mighty Mini 6-inch Straightening Iron

Aside from makeup, I do hair once in awhile and hair tools are very important to me.  That's why I don't mind investing on it as long as my clients get the best!

One item has been in my Watch Item for the longest time! When I finally clicked BUY NOW, I was having mix emotions as I have never purchased any electrical products online!  What if it gets lost?  What if I get charged for taxes?  Worst?  What if I receive a defective item?

Well, all the worries disappeared the moment I had it on the palm of my hand...literally...and it's almost the same size as my tiny hand!! :)

 

BaByliss Pro Mighty Mini says ---

The Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium Mighty Mini Flat Iron is the perfect size for your travel needs.

• high heat levels up to 430 degrees F
• measures 6" in length
• Nano Titanium plates conduct heat and maintain stability in ultra high temperatures
• digital ionic technology emits negative ions
• slim design
• ultra light weight
• easily fits in most purses
• 1/2" ceramic plates
• dual voltage, works worldwide!
  

AMW says ---

Pros

• tiny enough to easily fix bangs
• perfect size for short hair
• dual purpose - can straighten and curl
  
• easy to straighten hair close to scalp without burning
  
• plate is smooth and doesn't tug hair

• Nano titanium technology which heats up easily, combined with ceramic plate which protects the hair while heating
  
• can easily straighten or volumize roots if needed
  
• I can take it along with no problem due to its size
• nice design, comfortable enough to use, has a comfortable grip so it does not slip
  
• the edge is not sharp so I can easily wave the bottom part of my hair with  no "kinks"

• on/off switch works really good, no accident on shutting it off during usage

• dual voltage!  I love it that I don't need transformer or adapter
• I believe this cutey comes in different colors!  I chose white as its the safest color! :)
• the product has enough safety precautions

Cons (not much)

• cord does not swirl

• a free pouch will be appreciated :)
  
• heat settings are not specified as compared to other tools
  

Overall

No regrets in purchasing this even though my hair is long, there are some bad hair days that I need this mini flat iron to flip my hair inwards or outwards depending my mood.  I like how I can easily lift the hair on my root area or fix my bangs!  This is one MIGHTY mini product indeed! 

Tips

• do not throw away the "tie" wire to keep the cords organized at all times (you can tell in this photo how tiny the flat iron is, the cord is almost bigger than the flat iron itself)
  

• when plates are cool, wipe the plates with a clean damp cloth to prevent product build up
• for rebonded hair: if you have regrowth, section hair and gently iron the regrowth area
• if you think the iron gets too hot, you can turn off the switch and continue to use the remaining heat, this helps save electricity and your hair!
• use heat protecting product on your hair prior to ironing
• do not press the plates hard, love your hair ok? :)
• always turn off switch and unplug after EVERY use
  

Will I repurchase?

I certainly hope not!!!

Where to purchase and how much?
I purchased mine on Ebay for $22.95 + $9.00 shipping = $31.95 (approx Php1,500).
If you don't want to order online or wait for shipping, I am starting to see mini flat iron available locally for approximately the same price but not the same brand :)

If you cannot visualize the size of this iron,

here's a comparison with my regular flat iron

I guess everyone has seen enough of this iron!  hahaha You do know when I sing praises for a certain product!  Certified product camwhoring! :)

Have a wonderful day ahead!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

 

Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop

 **photo from Dollface Cosmetics

Dear Philippine Readers:

I am honored to be invited to teach for Dollface Personal Makeup Workshop this coming February 20, 2010.  I had fun on my last "Seminar for a cause" workshop and I am excited to meet more people and share what I learned! 

You can click photos above to enlarge and head on HERE for more details on how to reserve your slot!  Only 10 slots are available!!!

thanks!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!!!

Nail Art Tutorial: "Valentine- Ready" nails

Good morning!!!  Nail art tutorial for the week is inspired by Valentines.  I know it's a month away til the day of hearts but who cares?  Love is love... I've created a very simple, non floral nail art :)  Inspired by 2 color combination I love, reds and pinks!

 

Step 1:

As usual, apply your favorite base coat and two coats of OPI Nail Polish in Suzi & the Lifeguard.  (see? I am mature enough to use this cutey)

Step 2:

Apply The Face Shop Red polish diagonally.

 

Step 3:

Using LA Colors Art Deco in black, create lines.

 

Step 4:

Using LA Colors Art Deco in white, create a line between the 2 black lines I've created.

 

Step 5:

Using Prettynails' Art Pen in black to create  dots.

 

Step 6:

Create white dots using white nail art pen.

 

Step 7:

To create a nice glitter, apply 1 coat of glitter polish from Elianto.

 

Step 8:

Top with OPI RaPi Dry Top Coat to protect the nail art.

 

Here's my final nails ready for the Heart's Day :)

I hope my simple nail art would make people who are in love with life to go on and enjoy it!  Life is really difficult and there's a lot of trying times, but there's always simple things in life that makes us happy :)  Seize it!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!