Nail Art Tutorial: The Jolly-Bee!

Happy Nail Art Day!  

Over the weekend, as I was looking at my nature inspired nails (click HERE to see the previous design), I was again inspired to do another nail art related to things I see in the garden!  Well I don't actually see a lot of bees in person and there's only 1 bee I saw in our garden decades ago!  In my dreams though, my garden will have butterflies, gorgeous colorful flowers, and just ONE bee!  One because I'm scared of the sting!  I'll probably just take care of 1 or 2 just in case the 1 gets lonely!

I know!  I'm blabbering non-stop!  The point is..I've done butterflies and I don't plan to do "caterpillar" or any "worm related" nail art!  So next cutest thing would be Bees!  Think about our local fast food chain Jollibee! :)  That's why I call it the JOLLY BEE!

Step 1:

Protect your nails with your preferred base coat.  I am using ZOYA base coat in this tutorial.  Let dry and apply 2 coats of Caronia Sweet Surprise Frosted Nail Polish.

Step 2:

Once the base color is completely dry, let's go back to gradient nail art steps and used an OPI Dress to Empress or any reddish orange polish with a patting motion using a sponge concentrating at the middle portion of your nail.

Step 3:

Once you're done with step 2, proceed with the third color which is called OPI Electric Eel.  Or much better, you can go for true green polish as "leaves", I don't have a good green polish so I settled on this!

Step 4:

With a brighter colored yellow polish, I dropped an inverted 'almost teardrop' shape in the middle of the nails.  Looks weird for now but you'll understand what's the point of this as read on.

Step 5:

Making sure the yellow inverted teardrop is completely dry, draw 3 lines on it with L.A. Colors Art Deco in black.  This will be the body of the bee!  Yes, you read it right, body of the bee!  Not yellow carrots! :P

  

Step 6:

Using a White 2 Way Nail Art Pen, drop 4 dots beside the "body of the bee".

Do not forget to drop 2 tiny dots on top of the body for the eyes too!

 

With a needle, extend one end like how we do on creating flowers.  This will be the wings! 

 

Step 7:

With a Black 2 Way Nail Art Pen, draw the "eyes" of the bee!

 

And to make the most distinct feature of a bee, use the same black 2 Way Nail Art Pen to create it's "behind"!  Do not forget the sharp, pointed "butt" :P

Step 8: Optional

Because I was born to be "glamorosa", I applied more glitters on the tip of my nails with Chic Gold Glitter polish.

Step 9:

Rest for a bit, stretch your legs and arms and when you are 101% sure that the nail art designs are completely dry, apply your favorite top coat!  I am using ZOYA Anchor Top Coat.

Let' the BUZZ-ing begin!!! :)

I am hoping my nail art design for the week could at least put a huge smile on your face!  Come on...show me some teeth :D

Happy Humpy Wednesday!
Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Version: Toned Down J.Lo

Happy Tuesday everyone!  Did you jump  start your week with a super positive vibe?  I did!  And I am staying positive that the week will go on smoothly because I say so! :)

When it comes to make-up looks, I usually do not get inspired by singers or actresses as I'm always leaning toward to natural look.  When I was watching J.Lo, as a judge, on American Idol plus her recent music video I'm Into You", I'm inspired to use the following J.Lo material --- Silver eyeshadow, False Lashes, Bronzed-cheeks, nude lips plus super glowing skin! 

Note that I won't be ending up  looking like J.Lo as she's the Goddess and I'm her....old shoe?  *laughs*  Seriously,  this is a look inspired by the colors that makes J.Lo who she is now....

Toned Down J.Lo a la AMW :P

Sounds like a new dish right? *laughs*

Zee AMW Diagram

(Still sounding like a dish) :P

Step 1:

Prime your lids first with your favorite shadow primer, I am using Etude House Proof 10 Eyelid Primer.  I took out my Sleek Graphite Palette and used a bright silver shadow and applied on the inner 3/4 of the lid including the inner lower lash line!  Remember to do this with a flat shadow brush on a patting motion.  Add the color as you go on!

Step 2:

J.Lo likes to apply an extra pop of earth toned shadows above the crease on the hollow of the eye socket (if that's the way you call it) *laughs*  You can use any brown shades but I've decided to "girl it up" a bit and used a plum shade eyeshadow from my Victoria Jackson Survival Kit.

Step 3:

Deepen the look of your eyes with matte black eye shadow.  I've used a pencil brush for the colors to show up more.  I also used the same brush and eyeshadow to apply a bit on the outer thirds of the lower lash line.  This gives a nice "shadow" and create bigger looking eyes.

Step 4:

Lined my upper lash line with Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner in Black.  Optional to use pencil liner to line the water line.  Do not forget to fill in your eyebrows but I tried making them look as natural as possible as I want my eyeshadow to be the focal point.

On a regular day, just curl your lashes and apply coats of your favorite mascara.  In this tutorial, I've re-used my GlamBox Mink Fur Lashes.

Step back, remove fall outs or clean excess shadows with cotton bud

Scroll down to know what's on the rest of my face

For the Face:
INuovi Litebase 3Y
Kate Mineral Powder OC-C

For the Cheeks:

L'Oreal True Match Blush in Apricot Kiss

For the Lips:

Awake Lipstick in Apricot Cream

I forgot to take a pix but I used some of my favorite highlighters on my face!  

Move on J.Lo! I'm the new Asian J.Lo!!!  *JUST JOKING!* :P

Who's your icon for the  moment?

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

Readers' Corner: Ask AMW

Happy Monday!  I've been lagged with questions and I answer most of them directly!  There are 2 questions that deserves a space here because I've been asked multiple times for the same questions!  These are my opinions and you can share yours in comment box! :) 

Ask AMW#1

Hi Sis Nikki!

Could u tell me the best way to keep nail polish bottles for long lasting storage. Is that true that if we keep them in the fridge, it will be the best? Coz I have lots of nail polish bottles but rarely use them.That's why I afraid to become spoil.  Thanks.

AMW says ---

 **photo from Source

You will get various answers from nail polish addicts out there.  Personally, I own a good number of polish for more than 4 years!  Most of them are dried out because I'm almost done with it while some that I bought more than 5 years ago works just as fine right this very moment!

Putting polish inside the fridge is good but it depends on the temperature of your fridge, I would suggest to put it at the side racks and put it out 30 minutes before you plan to use it as the polish tends to thicken a bit in consistency!

I would say, the best advise that I can give (base on experience) is to store your polish inside a box or traincase, include Silica Gel (which you can find at hardware store) the polish box in a dark place without direct sunlight!

Added tips:  Do not shake your nail polish but roll the polish bottle between your hands to warm up the polish!  Never apply polish in front of a fan and always close the cap tightly!

Ask AMW#2

Dear Ms. AMW,  

I am also a make-up artist like you but I'm just starting up.  I will be having my first gig soon and I am getting nervous and excited.  What do I need to bring and how do you organize them when you're at the make-up location.  Thanks and more power to you and your blog!

AMW says ---

Okay, here's a photo of how I "fix" the make-up station if I'm on a make-up gig!  Sorry I didn't have a good photo of my "set up" without the distracting photo of me stooping to get alcohol!  (Blame it on the photographer, I didn't know I was included on his test shot :P)

No matter how big or small the make-up area given to you, you have to be flexible and creative enough to put each tiny space to use!

1. The Mirror - usually, there's a mirror available for you to use so you don't need to bring your own!  In my case, I've done make-up inside a room without ample sunlight which makes it difficult for me to apply make-up on other people thus matching their shade will be a huge challenge.

2. The Makeup Brushes - I lay down my make-up brushes between the client and the mirror, easier for me to get the right brush as I need and put the "used" brush on my brush "tool belt".  If you have enough space on the table, you can opt to put a mug or cup where you can set your used brushes aside!

3. Various Liquid/Cream/Powder Foundation - I have a separate bag for all my foundation as I don't want to lug a super heavy train case!  The blue rectangular-shaped pouch was made with "insulating foil" (not sure how do I call it!  LOL)  to prevent the foundation from getting too warm or cold!  You can also add up a face mist to keep clients awake (just joking), the facial mist is used to prepare the skin for foundation application!

4. Various Sponges, Cotton Pad, Cotton Buds, Mascara Brushes and Lip applicators - All of these are housed on a clear case for me to see right away where I can get the right tools I need!  Clients not used to eyeliner application on tears?  You have a cotton bud right in front of you ready!

5. Make-up Train case - If I was given a huge table, I wouldn't worry putting this beside number 4, but since the table is small and space is limited, I used a chair instead to keep my train case close to me! If I may add, it's a MOVING train case table! *laughs*

6. Alcohol/Alcogel - Before you touch the faces of your client, it is very important to spritz your hands with alcohol just for hygiene purposes.  Clients will appreciate the extra mile!

Additional tips?  Information worth sharing?
Do share and we're all excited to read what you have to say!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

 

Weekend Food Tripping at: Chelsea with the Girls

Thank goodness Typhoon Falcon left our country!  I know there's another one coming but this is one of the scariest typhoon after Ondoy!  I just realized how powerless we are when it comes to natural disasters.  I hope everyone stays safe and dry ok?  

The dinner for Sophie's Birthday finally pushed through!  We were messaging each other wondering if we should go ahead or not!  And I'm glad we did!  I'm thanking the Rain Gods for making the rain stop just for everyone to enjoy such a lovely weather with friends and family!

We had the post birthday celebration of Sophie spent inside Chelsea, Serendra.

 Free bread to munch on while you wait for your food

 Bottomless Iced Tea

I love the iced tea served at Chelsea!  Not too sweet, just right!

Single Serving Iced Tea

I have to add this because of the cute glass!  Phoebe said she'll gift me one on my birthday!
*lol* I'm waiting for it Phoebe!

Grilled-Roasted Herb Chicken

and Crispy Bacon

Baby Romaine Lettuce with toasted almonds, very crispy bacon on Caesar dressing!

Very filling and tasty!

 Chelsea's Oven Roasted Clam 

and Sundried Tomato "Vongole"

Various seafood on creamy tomato based pasta sauce

Truffled 3 Mushroom Cream Fettucine

Double smoked bacon "lardons" with fresh basil and Parmesan shavings

The scent itself is worth it!  I like this pasta and will definitely order again!  I may have to add that I love mushrooms!  If you're not a fan of the said ingredient?  Skip this :)

1/2 Roasted Prawns & Prosciutto, 1/2 Duck Confit & Chorizo Bilbao

 16" pizza in which you can choose 2 flavors to try out which one you like best!

Out of the 2, I prefer the Duck Confit & Chorizo Bilbao, unique and tastes good!

1/2 Duck Confit & Chorizo Bilbao, 1/2 All Meat

We had another round of Duck Confit & Chorizo Bilbao because it was a hit, the All Meat tastes good as well.  Pizzas here are served thin-crusted and very crunchy.

  Roasted Whole Garlic-Rosemary-Lemon Chicken

Wild rice pilaf, olives and roasted organic vegetables are all present in this lovely plate!

The chicken is cooked perfectly with a hint of rosemary spice!

Definitely good for sharing!

It was a very fun weekend full of stories, laughter and a lot of crazy antics!  Missed Dang and Tara, but I'm sure we'll see each other again for another food fest!

L-R Shen, Jheng, Sophie, Me, Phoebe, Liz and Jamie

I hope you guys are safe from the Typhoon!
How are you spending your weekend?
Thanks Shobe Sophie for the wonderful dinner!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reports: Dove Event

Good day everyone!  Over the rainy week, I was invited by Franco from Bridges PR for an intimate dinner with the rest of the bloggers and the people from DOVE. 

Sophie and I were one of the first to arrive at around 7pm and we were greeted with the friendly people from Dove Philippines and Bridges PR.  As bloggers are starting to pour in, we enjoyed lovely dinner at the Ascott Japan Room.  We also have a Dermatologist guest from Aesthetic Science Ms. Yanee Vasquez-Santos, MD.

The event started with a talk about The Magnitude of Moisture by LCA Tiongson, MD, DPDS.

 

When it comes to skin talks,   Skin Types are usually present on slides!  It proves how important it is to know your skin type as a key to better looking skin!

Okay, can I claim that I'm combination skin now?  When I saw "Over 50 years of age" under Dry Skin, I mentally changed my skin type!  *laughs*

Why are Moisturizers important to ALL skin types?

• With the harmful rays of the sun or the strong wind, our skin's natural moisture gets to strip off in the middle of the day and moisturizers can actually replace natural skin oils.
• Moisturizer can cover tiny fissures in the skin.
• It can provide soothing protective film.
• Slows down evaporation of water on skin.  Dehydrated skin can make your skin look older than it is.

You can click photo to enlarge and read the types of moisturizers

After the short yet informative talk about Moisture, we were given a short quiz to get to know the real age of our skin!  I scored "21 years old!!!"  --- no violent reactions ok? :P

After the quiz, we were asked to go to the washroom to have our skin moisture level checked with the Skin Moisture Tester.  Before I washed my face with Dove, my skin's moisture level is 34.6%.  After a quick wash on the face with DOVE White Beauty Bar Moisturizing Milk, my skin's moisture level jumped up to 51%  IMPRESSIVE!

To finish off the educational yet fun event, we were introduced to well-known makeup artist Ms. Xeng Zulueta to teach us the "No Make-up Look".  She stressed out that creating a good no makeup look, a good, well-moisturized skin is one basic requirement. 

Hannah of Flaircandy modeled for the no make up look!  Here are the steps done in which I took a mental note to share to all of you!

Spots, Marks and Undereye Circles
Conceal the areas of your faces that you want to hide.  Most concealed areas like under eye circles, sides of the nose, corner of the  mouth and pimples if you have any.  Choosing the right shade of concealer is very important, never go for lighter-than-your-skin-tone concealer as it will enhance your flaws instead of hiding it!

Cheeks

A cream blush is best used for normal, dry and combination skin.  It's best applied under powder foundation so the glow gets to show up from within.  If you have oily skin, then go for powder foundation.

Face

Set the concealer and cream blush with your favorite powder foundation.  Powder foundation has a bit more coverage as compared to setting powders.  

The Pout
Use a natural looking gloss or moisturizing lipstick and gently apply all over lips with a lip brush.

 

Brows and Lashes

On natural looking makeup, filling the brows with your choice of brow gel, brow powder or eyebrow pencil helps in making a person look younger and fresh!  

You can skip eye-lining when you try to create the "No Make-Up" look, curl your lashes and apply coats and coats of your favorite mascara!

It was a super fun night!  I want to thank, again people from Bridges PR, Dove Philippines, Aesthetic Science and of course Ms. Xeng Zulueta for the successful event.

A photo of me with Ms. Xeng Zulueta, if you want to ask make-up advise from her, you can follow her on Twitter, she said she answers each query as much as she can! :)

 

AMW reporting...signing off! :)
Hope you learn something from my post!

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!