Nail Art Tutorial: Colors of the Philippine Flag - Gradient Version

Philippine Independence Day --- celebrated last Sunday.  I think the "Nationalistic feel" should not end in a day but prolong it to our whole lifetime!

I want to draw the Philippine Flag on my nails but I don't want to cause issues as you know how sensitive our country is when it comes to using the Philippine Flag!  I don't want to be harassed because the 9 rays of the sun wasn't shown clearly because my nails are too small, or the color blue is not the right shade!  You know what I mean!

In this week's tutorial, I've decided to create a nail art base on the color of the Philippine Flag.  I've done it last year and I'm doing it again --- in the form of Gradient Nails!

Who could have thought that the colors of our Philippine Flag - Red, Blue, Yellow and White can achieve a good, complementing gradient nails?  I was surprised myself!  I had a nail polish remover ready the whole time I was doing this nail art!  Thank goodness I didn't have to use it!

Step 1:

Apply your favorite base coat to protect your nails from dark colored polish.  It's ZOYA Base Coat in this tutorial.  Apply 1 coat of OPI Dominant Jeans (lighter blue) and another coat of OPI Blue My Mind (darker shade).  2 different shades of blue were used to create an iridescent shade of blue.  Not too light nor too dark! 

Step 2:

Making sure the base color is COMPLETELY dry, use an eyeshadow sponge, in my case, I am using a styrofoam to dab on the yellow shade on top of the blue.  Elianto Yellow Nail Color is used.

Step 3:

As soon as the yellow polish is dry, I added up a light orange shade from OPI Totally Tangerine, orange is not part of the Philippine flag, the color won't show up anyways but it gives a nice base for the next color plus it shows a nice 2-3 toned flower.  (You will see this later on.)

Step 4:

Using  Revlon's ALL FIRED UP or any red polish you have available, pat on the top most portion of your nails as shown on photo below.  Try your best not to cover the shades you previously applied.  Try as much as possible not the cover the yellow portion.

Step 5:

With White 2 Way Nail Art Pen, I wanted to draw our local flower Sampaguita but it didn't came out right!  (It helps to at least try if the design you want is feasible or not!)  I ended up with regular flower!  

To create a flat, non-embossed flower, apply any clear polish or top coat like the one I used in this tutorial, OPI's Start to Finish Base and Top Coat.

Immediately drop 5 dots while the clear polish is still wet.

Step 6:

With a needle, drag one part of the dot inwards with a bit of pressure so the base color will show up making it look like 2-toned flower.

Step 7:

Wait for a couple of minutes before you apply your top coat.  I am  using ZOYA Armor Top Coat in this tutorial.

All those crazy colors I thought would end up looking like garbage on my nails actually do not look bad at all!  The shades reminded me of Superman and Wonder Woman as well!  Now, aren't we all heroes in our own tiny ways?

Hope you like my nail art design for the week!
I want to remind Philippine readers to join the Estee Lauder Gives: What's Your Mood Today contest which will be ending....tomorrow! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Nature Republic and Tony Moly Nail Polish Remover

Happy Monday!  How was your weekend?  Mine went 50/50!  50% felt super tired and under the weather while the rest of the 50% was fanTAbulous!  I spend some "me" time eating, watching tv, playing my favorite PSP game, had a drink of coffee made from French Press and a whole lot more!  I'm all charged for the week!  I hope you are too!

I will be reviewing 2 nail polish remover that I bought from Korea last year!  I bought quite a number and would you believe I wish I could have bought MORE?

Tony Moly 

Party Lover Nail Enamel Remover

Price in Korea: approx KRW2000 (Php80.00)

 Nature Republic

Color Day Green Tea Nail Remover

Price in Korea: approx KRW2000 (Php80.00)

I'll give an overall review for both as they work the same as the rest of the Korean Nail Polish removers I've tried!

Pros

• Smells great!
• Though the packaging is made of plastic, the polish does not evaporate.
• Does not create a white film on the nail.
• Removes polish easily.

Cons

• Will take longer time to remove polish with glitters! (Same as the rest of the nail polish removers)

Overall
Really good inexpensive polish remover worth giving a try!

Tips

• Use a cotton pad instead of cotton balls, cotton pad removes polish easily due to its flat surface and it does not absorb a lot of product!
• Make sure to close the cap well to prevent polish remover from evaporating.
• Do not store polish remover under direct sunlight.
• If you are removing hardcore polishes, leave the cotton pad with polish remover on top of the nail for 30 seconds before you start rubbing.

Will I repurchase?
YES!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who are into nail polish application and hates the regular acetone scent!  This one smells good!

Where to purchase similar nail polish removers and how much?

The Face Shop, Skin Food, Etude House and Tony Moly are available locally!  If I may add Elianto also sells good quality polish removers!  The price range goes approximatelyl Php100.00-Php150.00 (approx $2.30-$3.50) Don't take my word for it! I could be wrong! :P

What's your favorite nail polish remover:?
My bet is on Korean Nail Polish removers plus the ORLY Nail Lacquer Remover!

Have a great start of the week!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Jay-J's Inasal

Happy Independence Day to all Filipinos! 

**photo taken from Google Image

Since we're talking about Philippine Independence, I might as well talk about Filipino food for weekend food tripping!  We had this mid-week actually and I cheated and had Chinese and Korean dishes over the weekend! 

Jay-J's Inasal branch that we visited is the one near Mr. AMW's office, Macapagal Avenue!  I went for what I was craving for that night.  

Beef Tapa

Served with garlic rice, egg and atchara

Php155.00 (approx $3.60)

I am very happy with this order of mine because the beef tapa was served without those extra fats that some has!  It's very tasty and easy to chew!  The dish is actually part of "Breakfast All Day" and I wouldn't mine going back for this.  Actually I'm salivating right this very moment...want to catch? :P

Pork Sisig

Php170.00 (approx $3.95)

You can also choose between Chicken, Bangus or Pusit for Php190.00 (approx $4.40) per order.  I am disappointed because the dish came out super oily!  It would be better if they add more "chicharon"/cracklings.  I only had 1 spoonful of this and went back to my Beef Tapa!

Bibingka (Filipino Rice Cake)

Php60.00 (approx $1.40)

I am not a fan of Bibingka but Mr. AMW is, I asked for his opinion and he told me the price came out a bit too expensive for such tiny Bibingka!  We will go for Quattro's Bibingka anytime of the day!

 

No service charge and 12% VAT inclusive, the restaurant accepts both cash and credit card and there are ample parking spaces right outside the restaurant.  

Jay-J's Inasal

Hobbies of Asia

8 Pres. D. Macapagal Ave.

Pasay City

Tel no: (632) 556-1308

Oh! Before I forget, I FINALLY tried BonChon Chicken!  The verdict?  Well, I was super hungry and I had this for "to-go".  I actually like it!  The chicken itself doesn't have much taste but I love the crunchiness of the skin and the taste!  Considering I'm not a fan of anything with "skin"!  My best is on the Hot & Spicy while Mr. AMW likes the Soy Garlic flavor!  Thank goodness, we don't have to fight for it! :P

It was almost closing so we ended up with Wings! 

6pcs Wings

Php185.00 (approx $4.30)

My husband starts to call me the "Tazmanian BonChon" as I was eating inside the car, in the dark, in the middle of traffic like someone's gonig to take the chicken away from me!  I took an anti-histamine after... :P

BonChon Chicken

Ayala Triangle Gardens,

Paseo de Roxas, Makati City

How are you spending your weekend?
I'll spend it with food, with family and with nail art! :)

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil

Cleansing Oil --- an integral part of my skin care regimen because I use BB cream on a daily basis.

After I finished the Etude House Cleansing Dream Light Cleansing Oil (which I wouldn't mind repurchasing by the way), I searched for my "cleansing oil" backups and found the next in line!

Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil

Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil says ---

Designed for all skin types, this lightweight, emollient oil effectively removes all traces of makeup and cleanses skin while maintaining natural moisture levels. Skin feels smooth to the touch - and is perfectly prepared for the skincare treatments that follow.

Size: 200ml
Main Ingredients: olive and jojoba oils, ginger root

AMW says ---

Pros

• Cute simple packaging with twist open/close pump.

• Has a nice herbal smell that's relaxing as you massage.
• Can remove hard-headed mascaras even the one from Majolica Majorca!  
• Does not blur out my vision.
• No oily after-feel.
• The consistency feels light, almost water-like!
• Skin feels clean and soft right after cleansing.
• Will work for all types of skin.
• No allergies or skin irritations.

Cons

•  If you are not used to spending much on make-up removal, this may put a big hole inside your pocket!
• Will not remove all traces of hardcore gel liners! When I say hardcore, its HARDCORE plus all the tight line!

Overall

I have used a good chunk of cleansing oils!  I have been a loyal Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil user and have gulped finished 4 huge bottles!  After my Korea trip, I've been testing a lot of Korean Cleansing Oils and I am quite impressed with them which opened up the door to try out other cleansing oils.  

The Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil works just like what cleansing oils are supposed to do!  It removes make-up, it feels light, it makes my skin soft and bright right after cleansing and best of all, it has a lovely scent which other cleansing oils out there do not have.

A perfect indulgence, but if you're on a tight budget, there are cheaper alternatives out there that may take a longer time to work but still, a saving is A SAVING!

Tips
from Bobbi Brown

• Pump a liberal amount into your hands. 
• Gently apply to your dry face, lightly rubbing lashes into the oil to remove eye makeup.
• Massage your face with wet hands. 
• Rinse with warm water. 

from AMW

• Keep in mind to always apply this with DRY skin.
• If I may add, pump 2-3 times if you wear less makeup.
• Pump3-5 times if you're wearing heavy makeup.
• Do not be in a hurry when it comes to cleansing, I've read somewhere that it takes the same amount of time you put makeup on to remove them!
• Close your eyes all throughout and gently massage the oil on your lids, the lashes, and gently feel the mascara slide off, keep on massaging until you feel your "original" lashes, emulsify, continue massaging then gently wash off with water. 

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who wants to indulge on a Cleansing Oil.  All skin types.

Where to purchase and how much?

Available locally at Rustan's Makati and Rustan's Shangri-la Mall for Php1,850.00  (approx $43.00).

You can check out reviews and comparisons from other bloggers
Lipglosseater
Prettybeautiful
My Women Stuff


Are you a cleansing oil user?
What's your favorite brand to date?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Readers' Corner: Q&A from Ask AMW!

Hi AMW Readers!
If you notice, I tweaked my blog a bit, nothing huge but there's a page called Ask AMW located at the upper portion below the banner, a lot of you noticed the additional page and have sent me various queries which made me happy because I'm not called AskMeWhats for nothing right?

Since I find myself answering the same queries over and over again through email, I guess it's time I put back this Q&A portion so everyone can join in!  Think of it as.....a coffee break!  We're talking about the things we love! 

Of course, only valid questions can be posted here, if you ask for my credit card information or ATM pin number, I may send you the answer....only if I go crazy! :P

Are you ready?  I'm excited!  Oh, the questions are copied straight from the reader.  There may be grammatical errors or spelling mistakes but I hope you understand that this space is for us to learn tips, tricks and product information.  Be nice okay?

Ask AMW #1

Hi. I was so glad to hear positive comments about Revlon Colorstay Aqua mineral foundation. I just love the product! I heard about Revlon's PhotoReady and I was wondering which to purchase- compact or make up.

Also what brand of Colorstay lipstick would you recommend?

How can i achieve / how to do a natural look? I have a few blemishes and oily skin. Still I really love to wear make up (looking very natural) everyday at work and in going to malls / church.

Thanks so much!

AMW says 

When you say compact or make-up, are you referring to purchasing the Revlon PhotoReady in Liquid or Revlon PhotoReady Compact Makeup?  (You can click both links for past reviews).

**photo taken from Revlon website

Since you stated that you have oily and blemished skin, I suggest you go for the Revlon PhotReady Compact Makeup (cream version) as it has lesser sparkles.  The liquid version has more shimmer which will make you look oilier!

For a natural-looking makeup, apply a thin layer all over your face adding more on areas you need coverage.  With a foundation brush, use the same cream foundation to spot conceal areas like your blemishes!  Always set with an oil-control setting powder or powder foundation. 

Ask AMW #2

I've been wanting to buy a BB cream, but I don't know what brand will look good on me. I would like to purchase one of the Face Shop's BB cream (since it's inexpensive,around 400 ) but I don't know which of which of their BB creams because they have 4 different kinds. Can you help me choose one? Thanks a lot in advance:)

AMW says 

**photo taken from Google Images

When it comes to BB cream, sad to say, no one can dictate which one works for you but you have to try them yourself .

What you can do is to look for the specific requirements your skin needs: Is it brightening? Moisturizing? Oil control?  From there, you can trim down types of BB creams you can try!  If you are living in the Philippines, there are some re-sellers selling BB cream samples at an affordable price!

Ask AMW#3

Hi Nikki!  Can you share to me your Michael Antonio shoes?  I plan to buy and I hope the sale is still there!  Oh, and is it only at Resort's World?  Thanks and more power to your blog!

AMW says 

Oh, you must have read my tweet about the 2 pairs of Michael Antonio shoes I bought 2 weeks ago at the 3rd floor Newport Mall, Resort's World.  They also have brances at 2nd Floor SM Annex North EDSA, 2nd Floor Archeology Section, Powerplant Mall and 3rd Floor Trinoma.  I have to admit, I'm not sure if SALE is still ongoing, you can always call in the branch to check!

 

The branch at Newport Mall is not that big but I was lucky enough to see the red tag SALE! (Thanks to Mr. AMW for taking this shot while he waits)

I bought 2 pairs of shoes on sale.  Each pair originally costs Php1,120 (approx $26.00) and I bought them for Php699.00 (approx $16.25).  Great deal!

Danielle (Blue Shoes)

Naomi (nude pink shoes)

Ask AMW#4

Dear Nikki,
Super love your blog!  By the way, I have read that you purchase from Strawberrynet.com.  Can I know how long did you receive your package?  Are they safe?

Thanks!

AMW says 

**photo taken from Strawberrynet.com

I have been a Strawberrynet.com customer for years!  I do not order from them frequently but when I see good deals or if I need to replenish my make-up kit, I am very confident in ordering from them.

How long will you receive your item?  We can never tell.  Most of the time, Strawberrynet ships order approximately 3-4 days upon receipt of payment.  I tracked the packages before and so far, the package leaves Hong Kong promptly.  I think it's our local customs and postal office that's taking time. 

A quick tip, I have purchased a couple of mascaras from the site and found them to be old or drying, so I steer clear from buying mascaras there!

Ask AMW#5

Hi! My name is *****. I’m 19 years old, currently studying Culinary Arts in Benilde.

I just want to ask you a few questions about HD Makeup Studio and Academy. I’m really, really interested to enroll in a Makeup School. And from all the different schools offering different makeup courses, HD Makeup Studio is by far my first choice. What do I need to have in my Makeup kit when I enroll? Can you please guide me in buying stuff that I need to be able to start my dreams of becoming a make-up artist? J I don’t know what stuff to buy. I want to buy stuff that are appropriate for makeup school but affordable at the same time. And what do I need to know prior to our first class?

Thank you!! Hope to hear from you soon!

PS: I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!

AMW says 

I am such a late bloomer, I've been applying make-up on my friends forever but I never thought of doing it professionally!  So kudos to you for realizing your dream as early as 19!


Here's the thing about makeup school, before you start buying products, I suggest you visit the school .  Visiting the school gives you a chance to check out their facilities, see if you have a good "rapport" with the teacher, and you can even get to have trial class!

Things to ask or keep in mind ---

• What are the classes available?  Do you prefer whole daytime classes or nighttime classes? Maybe, you want them over the weekend?
• Does the school provide models or do you have to bring your own?  You have to take this into consideration.  It's better to work on different faces than just 1 or 2 faces for the whole curriculum.
• If the school does not provide models, call your friends and set up a schedule with them.  As much as possible, use different models on EACH lesson.  Working on different faces makes you feel more confident with your skills after you graduate.
• Does the school invite you for make-up gigs after graduation?  You can ask for the list of events the school have sponsored.
• Get the list of products needed for you to jump-start make-up learning.  Ask suggestions on which brands to use or what shades to purchase.
• If you are on a budget, you can share with your classmates products that you know you won't use much!  I remember sharing the DARK COCOA foundation with my classmate because I don't want to spend full price and not use it much!  Purchase good quality containers.
• Do not pressure yourself into buying just because "your classmates have it", buy because you needed it and you will be using it at least 5 times!  That's my benchmark by the way!
• Be friendly!  Learning make-up with people who have same interest as you is FUN!

I hope you're not bored with my Q&A portion!  My apologies for cutting this short!  I have more questions left unanswered on my email box!  Give me time and I'll try to answer them as much as I can!  Thanks for the trust!

Have a wonderful Friday!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(All answers are 100% my personal opinion.)