Nail Art Tutorial: "Romper Inspired" Nails

Looking for nail art inspirations isn't that difficult.  I find myself getting amazed with patterns and prints I see everywhere!  A piece of clothing can also be an inspiration to me.  As I was browsing through my dresser, I saw a very eye-catching print which inspired me to create a nail art design.  

I call this my "Romper Inspired" Nails.

Here's a Romper I purchased from Shannaholic Online Store

And here are my nails!

Before I start telling you the steps, first of all, I want to thank my dearest friend Toma!  For being sneaky and sending me a surprise gift!  It's not even my birthday!  She sent it to me "just because..." thank you Toma, you made this nail crazed lady very happy!  This photo is for you

Step 1:

Apply base coat and let dry.  Apply 2 coats of my new ELF polish in Hot Pink.  *raises the polish proudly*.  Let dry completely.

Step 2:

Since I've finished up my ELF polish in black, I am using my Prettynails' 2 way nail art pen and use the thin brush to draw a diagonal line and fill it with black polish.  Again let dry completely.

Step 3:

Drop a any matte white polish in any cardboard or a used CD.  I am using the matte white polish from Elianto.

Use a dotting tool or toothpick to pick up the white polish

And create random dots on the black part of your nails (as shown below)

Step 4:

Do the same step, but this time, use  the ELF Hot Pink polish

Use a smaller dotting tool or lightly tap on the ELF Hot Pink polish on top of the white dots.

Step 5:

Making sure the dots are dry, apply your favorite top coat on top of the nail art.  I have to repeat that you have to make sure the dots are dry as wet dots will ruin all your hard work!

Nails for the week!

Looks very playful, right?

Have a gorgeous day!  Be inspired with so many things out there!
Little things in life count!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

HD Makeup Quick Drying Professional Brush Cleaner Sanitizer Review

Brush cleansing, if I may stress *in preachy voice* is very important.  It's like taking a shower, washing your face, washing your hands!  It's second nature!

Most of the time, I make my own "home made brush cleanser" so you won't hear me complain  about it!  Recently though,  I have stopped making them because I finished up one of the ingredient to make my own brush cleanser, the dish washing liquid with conditioner (which can only be bought at a certain grocery store).  Thank goodness a dear friend Steph told me about this brush cleaner they are carrying and she was raving about it and I told myself I have to check this out and experience this first hand, because, there won't be enough brush cleansers for me!  The OC-me!

HD Makeup Studio, the Philippine Dealer of Graftobian Hi-Definition Cosmetics, Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics (OCC) and NYX cosmetics, also carry their own brush cleanser.  First reaction?  It's pink and it smells great! But let me go beyond that....

HD Makeup Studio

Quick Drying Professional Brush
Cleaner Sanitizer

Promod's "Je Ne Sais Quoi’" style

I was invited recently by Charisse from Stratworks to join a contest related to fashion for Promod.

Promod is today one of France's biggest fashion store chains and the brand enjoys international success with 796 outlets in 46 countries.  Promod collections are aimed at an exclusively female clientele, namely: Modern, active women between 20 and 30 years old, who desire fashionable, reasonably priced, quality articles that are neither too classy nor too "trendy", and that offer the possibility of mixing and matching according to individual tastes , thanks to their variety and frequent renewal.

What I like about Promod is their collection offers a wide range of items and I find it easy to mix and match their clothing and accessories.  Anyone wearing Promod can easily look like they just came out from a French magazine minus the outrageous runway look.

Me, a beauty blogger can invite a stylist friend to mix and match Promod's clothes and accessories and create "je ne sais quoi" that will spell out our own fashion style, our own interpretation of French High-Street Fashion.  Styling will revolve around picking key items from Promod store and create 5 different looks to be worn by a mannequin.

I've invited a dear friend Shanna of Shannaholic to be my partner stylist.  She's always been fashionable and comfortable at the same time which I think works well for Promod's Contest theme.  I have taken a look online for the definition of "je ne sais quoi" and it was defined as "a certain something".  Perfect description!

For both Shanna and myself, French High-Street fashion definitely has a certain something, a certain X-factor that you can't seem to pinpoint.  It's a type of fashion wherein each pieces are unique and yet, when put together, it complements each other, in a very unique and elegant way.

Do you need a new skirt? If so, do you want one you can wear whenever you want? Of course you do. That means your money is well-spent. For the best results when skirt shopping, focus on denim skirt fashion options. A denim skirt can be matched with almost any type of top and even layered with sweaters or jackets. When it comes to footwear and accessories, you also can't go wrong with denim. Wear a denim skirt with keels and makeup for a night out clubbing or slip on some sandals or sneakers for a casual, comfortable outfit. Certain styles of denim skirts, including pencil skirts, can also work when you want something comfortable to wear to the office.


Introducing, the Five "Je Ne Sais Quoi" Look.

Casual Day Straight From the Runway Look

This look was created with a fashionable and modern girl in mind.  A girl who's carefree and does not spend too much time in front of the mirror.  She's born to be a natural head turner, a natural gorgeous gal!

How we created this look:

A faded khaki color block ruffled dress tucked in a cropped trousers matching the look with a snake effect gladiator sandals.  To create a nice "layering" effect without the bulkiness, a printed gray sleeveless cardigan was added to create a more casual and "relaxed" look.

To accessorize, a soft scarf with metal-like fringes was tied around the neck together with a star necklace.

AMW Reviews: MAC Fix+

Happy 'Minus-the-Blues' Monday everyone!  It was a very fruitful weekend for me!  And I'm ready to face this week as  I look forward to a well deserved vacation with my mom this coming May!  So excited to spend quality time with her!  

As a makeup artist and beauty blogger, you have to be "in the know" on the most coveted products out there.  I've talked a couple of them here and I have to include this one --- MAC's Fix+.  Bear in mind, I just gave MAC Makati a call and this is OOS (Out of Stock)!  I asked them when they will restock and I was told they don't have a timeline yet!  See how in-demand this product is?

But is it really worth the purchase?  You tell me!  I'll tell you my thoughts!

MAC Fix+ says ---

An aqua-spritz of vitamin and minerals, infused with a calm-the-skin blend of green tea, chamomile, cucumber, topped off with the fresh, natural, energizing scent of Sugi. Adds radiance, finishes makeup. Spray it on. Skin drinks it up!

 

AMW says ---

Pros

• non-sticky
• sets makeup in a flash, no powdery look
• wonderful packaging with twist open and close cap

• great as mixing medium for loose eyeshadow
• reduce fallout on loose pigments or mineral eyeshadows
• smells nice
• refreshing
• hydrates the skin anytime
• easy to tote around

Cons

• pricey
• oily skinned individuals may find adding this extra step sticky and oily
• can cause breakout to others

Overall

I purchased MAC Fix+ and MAC Charged water the  same time.  I've used up MAC's Charged Water and I'm quite excited about it because I can move on to MAC's Fix+ which I heard nothing but raves!  For someone who finished up Charged Water and is halfway Fix+, seriously? I can't tell the difference between these two.  And I can't make up my mind which one I like better  Both products work well to "set" the makeup and to lessen the powdery look. With this function in mind, there are a lot more cheaper alternatives out there that does the same!

This is not a bad product but it's not a "must have" product.  I will repurchase this for the sake of my clients.  You know how brand conscious most clients are right?  But personally...I don't use this because my skin does not need this extra step.

Tips

• spritz a little amount on a big face brush/skunk brush and gently stipple the Fix+ on your face to "set" the makeup and prevent wastage
• on spritzing straight on the face, spray at least 6 inches away from your face to prevent makeup melt down

• if you have very sensitive skin, use with caution
• this does not replace your regular moisturizer

Will I repurchase?

Not for myself, for clients

Where to purchase and how much?

At local MAC store for Php850.00 (approx $18.50)

Have you tried both MAC Fix+ and Charged Water?
Which among the two do you prefer?  
Click click and let me know!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Asian Twist Fusion restaurant (the Return)

Happy weekend food tripping!  I had a lovely weekend spending time prettifying a mannequin with friends and fellow bloggers.  I will tell you more about it soon!  For now, let's keep our tummy rumbling and let's feast on food!  It's weekend!  There's no such thing as DIET.

I went to Asian Twist Fusion Restaurant last year, I enjoyed my  experience there and told myself I'll go back to try on their other dishes!  My second time experience is as great as the first one!  It's funny though how both times, the photos came out green on both posts!  You have to bear with me though, this was shot using a cellphone camera!  When I'm hungry, there's no such thing as good camera! :P

Are we all  ready to explore?  I know I am!

Sesame Rice Tuna Tataki

Php175.00 (approx $3.80)

4pcs sushi coated with toasted sesame seeds

topped with fresh, spicy tuna and mango sliced

I am no way a fan of sesame seeds!  I am a bit wary on trying this, but spicy tuna and mangoes?  What can go wrong?  I'm glad I tried this dish because the crunchiness of sesame seed blended well with the softness of mangoes.  I like!

Classic Bibimbap

Php195.00 (approx $4.25)

Ground meat, beansprouts, spinach, 

eggplant kimchi and egg

I love bibimbap!  I can eat as much rice as I can ONLY if it's bibimbap!  Served in "fushion", I'm sure original bibimbap in Korea does not taste this way, but it suits my taste and don't forget to ask for extra tomato paste!

Korean Barbecue

Php225.00 (approx $4.90)

Sliced beef grilled and served with bbq sauce,

sliced garlic, beansprouts, spinach and kimchi

sliced beef grilled to perfection, its soft to bite and tastes perfectly wrapped in fresh lettuce.  I like wrapping it together with kimchi, call me weird, but it'll all combine inside your tummy, right? *laughs*

This time, I settled for  Jasmine tea instead of cold drink.  I like drinking warm tea after a nice, fulfilling meal! 

Asian Twist

101 N S Amoranto St. (Retiro)

Corner Speaker Perez Street Q.C.

tel no: 632-711-2248/632-749-3878

They are currently giving out cards wherein customers get a stamp on every Php500 (approx $10.00) food purchase.  Each stamp contains freebies like free iced tea, free slice of cake, etc..  

The restaurant accepts both cash and credit card transaction!  No service charge.

Enjoy your weekend food tripping.   What dish are you craving for?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!