Nail Art Tutorial: V-Day Nails - The Last Hurrah!

Valentine's Day definitely talks about romance, lots of flowers and love!  No wonder I didn't have a hard time doing Valentine's Day inspired nails as I'm in love with the theme!  Well not to forget, I am in love :)

I did promise last week's nail art tutorial that it'll be the final red and pink combination for Valentine's Day, but I did not promise to stop doing Valentine's Day nails!  That's where the name came from --- The Last Hurrah!  Definitely the final V-day nails for the year 2010!

I want to make it easy especially there's 2 days away from Heart's Day!

Here's My V-Day Nails ---

The Last Hurrah!

 

Step 1:

Apply your choice of base coat to protect your nails prior to nail polish application.  Let Dry.
Apply 2 coats of ELF Nail Polish in Champagne. 

 

Step 2:

Making sure the 2 coats of nail polish are dry, create French Tip using L.A. Colors Art Deco in white or any regular matte white polish.

  

Step 3:

Using Elianto's glittery polish, brushed on 1 coat of it to create a bit of shimmer and glitter.  You can skip this step if you don't like the shine.

  

Step 4:

Making sure step 3's polish is dry.  Use a tweezer to stick on the remaining stickers from my previous nail art tutorial, alternating flowers and hearts.

  

  

Step 5:

Protect the stickers with your choice of Top Coat.  I am going back to The Face Shop's Top Coat (I'm on my 3rd bottle baby!)

  

Sit back, relax!  Isn't it nice to have lovely nails with or without a date?

 

Advance Happy Valentine's Day!
What's your prettifying trick for the Heart's Day?
I'd love to know! *winks*

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

I Wonder: "Have You Tried Airbrush Foundation?

Good morning dear friends!  How's the week going?  Me, I find it a bit too slow!  And it's only Humpy Wednesday and it felt like Friday!  Is there a fast forward time machine out there? :)

Speaking of time machine, a lot of my friends are getting married this year and the choices of regular makeup and airbrush makeup are always raised!  I really wish airbrush makeup was readily available back then when I got married!  I've always wanted to try Airbrush makeup myself but since I'm already married and turned out to be a make-up artist, there's no chance for me to try on airbrush makeup let alone have someone apply makeup on me! *self pity*

Not until, one fateful day, when AMW won her own set of Glambox Airbrush Cosmetics Set!

And it has been days I've been testing on Airbrush Foundation.  It is indeed fun!  I'll definitely do an in-depth product review and step-by-step tutorial on how to use GlamBox Airbrush. I have to use this more prior to finalizing my review.  So for now, all I can do is to leave you with a photo, a nude photo *gasp* <--- do not click Report Abuse button please!  hahaha

In the photo below, I've used nothing but GlamBox Foundation in Florence applied using the GlamBox Airbrush.

Which led me to an I Wonder question:
"Have You Tried Airbrush Make-up?"
If yes, do you like it better than regular make-up application?


Oh before I forget, I've had my hair cut shorter months ago by Steph and Jeave *waves hi*  Thanks for my shorter 'do!  I love it! 

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Stila Major Lash Mascara

It felt like forever since my last mascara review!  I have a secret to tell, I don't like wearing mascara!  *gasp* I know I should, but I guess I'm too lazy to remove it at the end of the day.  *sigh*    I know a lot of people have mascaras as their Mariah Carey Belting "Can't Live Without You"!  Definitely not me!  So you'll know the extreme effort I put to review mascaras!  *laughs*  Not that I'm complaining!  *hehehe*

 

 **photo from Stila website

Stila Major Lash Mascara says ---

This luxurious cream-based formula adds instant pigment to shine and define. Can be layered for a more dramatic look, keeps lashes soft, and curls on command. The best part there is no flaking and lashes remain large and in charge throughout the day. This is truely a Stila favorite. 

Size: 0.18 oz 

Shades: Black and Brown

Ingredients: water\aqua\eau, copernicia cerifera (carnauba) wax\cera carnauba\cire de carnauba, stearic acid, glyceryl stearate, polyisobutene, silica, polyvinyl acetate, aminomethyl propanediol, vp/eicosene copolymer, isostearic acid, panthenol, pantethine, sodium hyaluronate, lauroyl lysine, butylene glycol, peg-9 dimethicone, hexylene glycol, caprylyl glycol, simethicone, hydroxyethylcellulose, acrylates copolymer, bht, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, [+/- mica, iron oxides (ci 77491, ci 77492, ci 77499), titanium dioxide (ci 77891), ferric ferrocyanide (ci 77510), ultramarines (ci 77007), blue 1 lake (ci 42090), aluminum powder (ci 77000), bismuth oxychloride (ci 77163), carmine (ci 75470), chromium hydroxide green (ci 77289), chromium oxide greens (ci 77288), yellow 5 lake (ci 19140), manganese violet (ci 77742)] 

AMW says ---

Pros

• no smudging
• does not clump, definitely doesn't build up after several applications
• does not irritate the eye
• lengthens a bit but naturally
• dries easily after application
• brush is not too big or small, just the right size
• I actually like the long wand applicator (some may find this a con)

 

• no horrible scent
• can be easily removed by regular eye makeup remover

Cons

• volume is not enough, my lashes actually looks thinner than usual (photo below on nude lashes eeeekk)

• doesn't hold the curl
• has a tiny bit of fall out if applied too much
• the formula isn't wet even when newly opened, makes the mascara easy to dry up in the long run

Overall

This is a so-so mascara.  Nothing I hate and nothing I love.  It's just a regular mascara that gives out a natural finish.  So why would I put on mascara if it'll end up looking like my regular lashes just a tiny bit darker?  Beats me!  It does not dramatically lengthen or gives volume to your lashes, so this is perfect for people who are born with naturally gorgeous lashes.  For non-existent lashes like mine, time to finish this tube, move on and try other mascaras! 

Tips

• to increase volume, you can apply a mascara primer prior to mascara application
• if this clumps your lashes, use a spoolie or mascara wand to brush the lashes gently after application
• remove all traces of mascara before going to sleep to prevent eye allergies

Will I repurchase?

No

Where to purchase and how much?
I got this from Stila's Ulta Mate set at Strawberrynet.com 

$8.50 (approx Php391.00) at Stila Cosmetics website

Close up look on the mascara wand

  

Side view isn't that bad, but doesn't looks quite natural and can't really tell I have mascara on.  This can be good or bad, it really depends on your preference.

  

I'm still on the search for THE MASCARA 2010! 

I'll keep you posted for more mascara reviews!  I promise I won't be lazy! hahaha

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Eureka Moment: Inexpensive Foundation that Works!

"What Inexpensive Powder Foundation works that isn't too pricey?" --- I have been asked this question so many times!  I'm glad to finally share this "Eureka Moment" and I hope this helps especially those who aren't earning their own money yet.  Please note though that these are my opinions and different individuals do have different skin reactions, so practice safe usage! <--- you think I'm going to say otherwise? *hahaha*!!!!

One brand that I've tried and surprised me is the Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Powder Foundation.  My dear friend Beatrilicious have used this herself and I've seen how it works on her oily skin too!  (Note: She is a MAC Powder Foundation user and she repurchased this after finishing one!)

 

The great thing about this mineral powder foundation is that this contains no preservatives, oils or fragrances and has SPF25/PA++.   It uses triple refined micro-minerals which have been specially selected to their purity and quality to improve affinity to skin.  Coverage will always be gentle and the skin is allowed to breathe. Skin that breathes means there's lesser chances for breakouts due to clogged pores.

In my experience, this works really well with normal to oily skin!  Dry skin individuals like myself can still use this but preparing the skin with moisturizer prior to usage is still needed as to any powder foundation.  This blends in your skin well and doesn't look cakey.  Retouching may be needed but not as much.

Does not cause breakouts!  I'm glad it's dermatology-tested and says to be safe for sensitive skin!    The promise on improvement of the skin condition, I haven't seen it yet, but as long as there's no negative reaction on my skin?  I'm okay with that!

It doesn't hurt that this comes with a cute K-Brush that's made in Japan, as I was told!  Personally, it's not a bad "free K-brush" as it's non-scratchy and does not shed much.  I find it just a bit too small though :)  But for it's price, it doesn't matter.

How much is this foundation you ask?  It's priced at Php599.00 (approx $13.00).  If you plan to purchase, wait for Maybelline sales every now and then!  Less 10%-20% will make your pocket happy!  The happier your pocket, the happier your skin, the lesser the wrinkles! :)  And the world works that way and you know that! *winks*

Here's Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Powder Foundation in Buff applied using free k-brush on a swirling motion.

No Flash

  

With Flash

  

Have you tried this?

I'll share more Eureka Moments with you guys for sure!
But you have to promise to keep that smile coming and be positive! :)

Keep smilin'

Stay Happy!

 

Weekend Food Tripping at: Mesa Greenbelt 5

Happy weekend everyone!  I've missed last weekend's food tripping so I'll bring it back with vengeance!  More exciting food to share!  Mesa is a Filipino Moderne restaurant that serves Filipino dishes with a twist! 

 

  

Sisig* in a Pouch

Php180.00 (appprox $3.91)

*Sisig  is a Filipino dish made from parts of pig's head and liver, 

usually seasoned with kalamansi and chili peppers

I am crazy about Sisig and I love the new concept of sisig wrapped in a crunchy flour wrapper.  Very pretty and new concept but I prefer my sisig sizzling in a grill!  But such a nice experience tasting this!  Too cute!

Laing* 2 Way

Php120.00 (appprox $2.61)

*Laing  made of taro/gabi leaves cooked in coconut milk

 

This is my first tim eto eat Laing, because I am never a fan of it's appearance!  Since I was told this is 2 way, meaning served plain and the other one is spicey!  I gave spicey a try and this, I tell you, is my favorite dish for the night!!!  

  

Pochero*

Sorry forgot the price :(

*Pochero can be stewed pork or beef on tomato sauce, a dish influenced by the Spanish

I am not an expert Pochero eater but I can definitely say that this lacks the taste, the sauce is a bit bland and it didn't leave a mark on my tastebuds

  

Crispy Boneless Tilapia served with 4 sauces

Php290.00 (approx $6.30)

I love it when you have choices for sauce.  I love the presentation and of course, who doesn't like boneless fish???  I did not ask them the kinds of sauces served but I do like all of them!

  

CrispChon 1/6

Php799 (approx $17.37)

They offer 1/6 as the smallest, 1/4, 1/2 and 1 whole

  

And they help you cut it and serve it with wrap.  This reminded me of 2 way Peking Duck dish Filipino version!  There's also 3 sauces to choose from.  My favorite is the "Hoisin' sauce.

  

And the rest, they cooked it Chili Garlic style, now I wish I have my dogs with me! hahaha

  

For drinks, they serve Iced tea and Lemonade, both are ok, I don't find anything exciting about it as they taste like most Iced Teas and Lemonade from other restaurants!  These are bottomless by the way, so..bottom's Up!

Wonderful dining experience with good service!  Though I can't say this is my most favorite Filipino Restaurant, but this is definitely a nice place with good price to hang out with friends or family!  Great date place for the coming Valentine's Day too! *winks* 

The restaurant accepts cash and credit card transactions!

MESA, Filipino Moderne

Ground Level Greenbelt 5

Makati

tel no: 632-728-0886

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!
Happy weekend food tripping!