Nail Art Tutorial: "The Heat is On" Nails

Happy nail art day!!!  After Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day, I can definitely feel the heat!  Summer's definitely coming!  So my nail art tutorial for this week is inspired by summery colors!  Let's turn on the heat and enjoy the sun!  Don't forget the SPF ok?

Step 1:
Apply base coat prior to 2 coats of your choice of nail polish.  I am using The Nail Fantasy polish no. 66 (glittery peach color)

Step 2:

Create a French tip using Elianto polish in Yellow.

Optional:
You can stop in this step, apply your favorite top coat and enjoy the bright colored Orange and Yellow combination French Tip! :)

 

Step 3:

Using L.A. Colors Art Deco in black, create 3 lines going to the directions you are comfortable with.

Step 4:

Using L.A Art Deco in white, create lines between the black strips you've created on Step  3.

Step 5:

Using the same yellow polish you used as French Tip, I've dotted random dots using nail art dotting tool.  How?

Drop several drops of Elianto's Yellow Polish on a used CD

Using a nail art dotting tool, gently apply dots on areas you prefer
You can always be creative on this step

Step 6:

Protect your nail art with OPI's RapiDry Top Coat or any top coat of your choice.

Wave your hands and enjoy the hot combination!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Something New: Graftobian HD Creme Foundation Temptress (Dish)

The first Graftobian product I own is the Graftobian High Definition Warm Palette #1.  I've been using it on clients on an myself for a while and I found that the small quantity of each color made me finish up the product as fast as a speeding bullet!  It's not bad though because I love mixing and matching shades and the palette is a perfect foundation palette for makeup artists like me.

But what if you're not a make-up artist?  What if  you don't need all the shades?  I've been asked these questions so many times and I'm glad I got an answer!  There is such thing as Graftobian HD Creme Foundation in dish! 

 

I don't need to tackle the pros and cons as the creme foundation is the same as the ones on palette form.  They are indeed very soft, silky and light on skin!  I also use this to spot conceal blemishes or undereye circles.  This is definitely great for everyday use that's why I've decided to re-purchase another one for personal use! 

I wanted to order Vixen as it's closer to my skin color, since the color is out of stock, I ordered the next shade instead which is Temptress.  It's not a biggie as I like my skin tone a bit darker on some days!  And if it doesn't work?  I can always mix and match with my lighter Graftobian Creme Foundation like Graceful Swan or Ingenue! 

Here's Temptress on dish with and without flash 

  

Swatched on hand without base

 

Clean face using Temptress shade, no base, no setting powder

Used with Beauty Blender in application

 

Each dish costs Php900.00/approx $20.00 available at HD Makeup Studio.

I am loving High Definition makeup, I don't need to use a lot and yet it photographs really well!  How say you?  Have you tried any high definition makeup?  

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

AMW Reviews: Mineraux Plum Blush

One Mineraux product that I can't stop raving is their Mineraux Beach Tan bronzer.  It was a Blush for the Week and I even revisited it and it maintained it's HG (holy grail) status for the past months. I am seldom a fan for mineral blushes because it doesn't stay as long as regular blushes!  I'm glad to be introduced again to a Mineraux product.  This time, it's their blush in shade PLUM! 

 

Mineraux Plum Blush says ---

Finely-milled minerals that are highly pigmented and provide a warm, sheer and natural finish

Ingredients: Sericite, Titanium Dioxide, Silk Powder, Magnesium Stearate and Iron Oxides (imported from USA and Canada.  Packaged and perfected in the Philippines)

Plum: Matte plum. Best for medium and fair skin tones.

Available in other shades: Nude, Peach, Pink, Pink-Peach, Raspberry, Auburn, Rose Wine and Cherry Blossom

AMW says ---

Pros

• very pigmented, a little definitely goes a long way
• very natural looking
• stays longer than other mineral blushes I've tried
• inexpensive
• no allergic reactions
• packaging is simple.  Sealed if brand new.
• shipment is quick and packed really well

Cons

• can be a bit messy for non-mineral makeup user
• difficult to take along if you like to travel with cosmetics

Overall

I love matte blushes because of it's natural look!  I can seldom find mineral blushes in matte form and I am glad to have found this!  Plum shade is very pretty and shows up really nice not only in person but also on photographs! 

Tips

• I am a pro-cream blush user prior to powder blush application
• for natural flush: swirl, tap and apply using a bigger blush blush on the apples of your cheeks
• for a more dramatic blush: use a smaller blush brush or angled brush to apply this
• applied too much? Apply more setting powder or powder foundation on top of the blush to lessen the blush pigmentation

Will I repurchase?

Yes!  In other shades!

Where to purchase and how much?

At Mineraux Skin Perfecting Minerals website in ---

30g sifter jar (approximate net weight of 10g): Php650/approx $14.13

20g sifter jar (approximate net weight of 7g): Php500/approx $10.87

10g sifter jar (approximate net weight of 3g) : Php350/approx $7.60
5g sampler jar (approximate net weight of 1g, without sifter): Php180/approx $3.90

 
 

Plum Blush on pot

  

Swatched on hand no base

Anyone who's on my Facebook friends know this photo, this is my profile picture as shot by  my dearest brother who came home for a vacation.  I've got queries over email on my makeup.  I don't have much on but a powder foundation, a blush and a lipstick!  And the blush I've used is.... you guessed it right --- Mineraux's Plum Blush!  I like how natural it looks and never over the top :)

Hope you had a wonderful Chinese New Year's and Valentine's Day celebration!
Enjoy this week and have a wonderful day!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Year of the Tiger!

Good Sunday morning everyone!!!  Today is a special day for everyone!  Such a wonderful Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year rolled in one!  I know a lot of you will go on Weekend Love and Luck food tripping!  I can't wait to hear all your celebration stories!  I went for a short day trip with my family yesterday and my dearest brother (the same brother who gives me cool stuffs) came home for a visit!  Such a wonderful day of relaxation!  Here's a shot he made for everyone!

 

And of course, Year of the Tiger, I wish I was sitting on a tiger instead of a lion *hahaha*, but I think it's still ok, both are from the same family!  Your AskMeWhats wants to thank everyone  for such a wonderful readership and friendship!  I've gone through a super challenging time and I know it will always be there, for this coming year of the Tiger, I am wishing not only myself or my family great health and luck, I am sending my positivity and well wishes to everyone!!!!

  

Keep the smile coming not only this special day! 

Keep it there for the rest of your life!!!

Happy Heart's Day and

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

 

Something New: The Body Shop Releases the Force of Love

Isn't love the happiest feeling?  

This Valentine's Day, whether you're in love or looking for love, it's definitely felt around you!  I love the feeling of love and to be loved whether by your special someone, family or even friends!  And it's even better when love can be felt by all 5 senses...

 

 It's happy.  Fullfilling.  Intoxicating.  Exhilirating.  It's Love Etc...!

Fall in love this season with a whiff of The Body Shop's newest fragrance --- Love Etc...  With a sensuous union of iconic feminine jasmine, with indulgent notes of vanilla, sandalwood and musk cream, it's sure to get you high on love!

Layer on the happy notes of love with the Love Etc... 30 ml Eau de Parfum (Php 1,495.00/ $32.50) or 50 ml (Php 1,995.00/ $43.37) or the Love Etc... 50 ml Eau de Toilette (Php 1,495.00/ $32.50) with the Love Etc...Body Lotion (Php 895.00/ $19.45), Love Etc... Body Butter (Php 895.00/ $19.45) and Love Etc... Body Wash (Php 795.00/ $17.28)

What's the scent of love without the look of love?  Find your perfect love match with The Body Shop's Love Gloss (Php 650.00/$14.13) and create alluring lips with a hint of sparkle!  Pucker up your lips with high shine and shimmer this Valentine's season with subtly-colored gloss!

I am in love with Love Etc... Eau de Parfum!  I used it today and I smell and feel oh so romantic!  Ready for Valentine's Day!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!