Nail Art Tutorial: "The Dark and Light Side of It" Nails

I was feeling a bit down the weather lately, well I have been feeling that way for the past weeks!  Blame it on the New Years, blame it on the hormones, in my case, I just blame myself for being a me!  I have been hyper all throughout and I think I think I'm on the tip of the iceberg!  Time to fall down....

Into deep sleep!  *hahaha* I collected a lot of positive energy over the weekend by sleeping more than 10 hours, brisk walking at night to burn up those excess "lazy" calories! Base on psychological thinking, or plain psychotic thinking!  I am feeling a lot better!

To celebrate my "feeling a lot better", I created a nail art tutorial called "The Dark and Light Side of It"!

 The combination of light and dark shades that complements each other is what I used splattered a bit of sparkling happiness!

Step 1:

Apply a coat of your preferred base coat to prevent your nails from yellowing.  I applied one coat of OPI Nail Lacquer in Suzi and the Lifeguard. I actually used the same base for 2 consecutive weeks, which I never do!  You can choose to leave your nails the way it is because the more natural it is the better!

Step 2:

Apply any light colored polish color diagonally as shown on photo below.  You don't have to do different complementary shades per fingernail!

 

Step 3:

Using the darker complementary colors, or whatever colors you think would work well together, apply the darker shade on top of the light diagonal shades!  The tip here is to make sure the polish are dry before you apply another shade on top to prevent polish colors from mixing together!

Step 4:

Using L.A. Art Deco Polish in glittery gold, line the botton part of the light colored polish to make it look "clean" and "polished".

 

Step 5:

To give a nice separation between the dark and light polish, create tiny dots as shown on photo below.

Step 6:

Use any glittery polish and apply it from nail bed upwards!  The style is like that of a gradient nail art.

Step 7:

Making sure everything is COMPLETELY dry, apply a coat of your preferred top coat for protection!

Enjoy your colorful yet simple nails!

What is your favorite light and dark combination out of the 5 I've done?
Mine is the Pink and Red! Oh, the Yellow and Blue..hmm..also the light blue and dark blue?
Can I just say I love all the combination because I did them all? :D

Keep smilin'

Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: HD Makeup Blender

Remember how I found the Beauty Blender to be the cutest makeup sponge around?  There is something cute and sexy available locally called HD Makeup Blender!  People may mistake this for the Sonia Kashuk counterpart, I do not own the Sonia Kashuk one but base on photo, the curves are slightly different.  After receiving this as a Christmas gift from a dear friend, I've road tested this a couple of times and I'm ready to spill the beans...ahmm...sponge I mean! *winks*

Introducing:

HD Makeup Blender

HD Makeup Blender says ---

Blends easily, works great with your foundation, concealers, etc.  This is all you need to apply your makeup flawlessly.  Great for applying cream, mineral and liquid foundation along with cream, and mineral blush.

AMW says ---

Pros

• Cute shape, easy to grip!
• Pink!
• Saves up a lot of liquid or cream foundation.
• Can apply light-heavy coverage foundation minus the cake-y look.
• With the 'bounce' method, creates a nice airbrush finish.
• Multi-functional, can apply liquid or cream foundation, liquid or cream concealer, cream blushes etc..
• Sponge does not feel crumbly after a couple of usage as compared to regular sponges!
• Odor free.
• No bleeding on first up to current washes.
• If you are a makeup sponge user, this saves up a lot of money  because this is wash-able and reusable!

Cons

• Very difficult to wash!  I find washing this even more difficult than my Beauty Blender because this is a bit too firm!
• Does not come with a case which makes it a bit difficult to store.
• Stains a bit! (scroll down on tip area on how to remove hardheaded stains)

Overall

The Beauty blender and HD Makeup Blender are both priced similarly (not unless you buy 2 and above for the HD Makeup Blender, it'll come Php200 cheaper).  If you ask me which one I prefer, here's my simplest answer:

When it comes to washing - I prefer the Beauty Blender because the HD Makeup Blender is a pain to wash!
When it comes to application - I prefer the extra 'stiffness' of HD Makeup Blender because it gives more control over application!

Tips

• HD Makeup Blender must always be damp prior to usage.
• Use the bottom part for the large parts of your face. (ex. cheeks, forehead, neck)

• Use the pointy part around your nose, under the eye area.

• For makeup stains, I suggest you purchase an inexpensive Extra Virgin Olive Oil and gently rub the olive oil on the "stained" area until the stain is gone a bit, continue with regular washing with a mixture of baby shampoo and gentle dish washing liquid.
• Instead of wetting the sponge prior to usage, I prefer to spritz with a bottled facial spray so that the sponge does not get too wet and coverage won't be too light.
• Be careful not to puncture the sponge with any sharp objects or your fingernails.
• Store with a container to prevent dirt from getting absorbed inside the sponge.

Will I repurchase?
No, the Beauty Blender has been with me for a year and it's still working well and looking good as new! I'm sure with proper care and use, this one will last too!

To whom do I recommend this to?

Anyone who wants the non-cake-y no streaks foundation without the airbrush system!  If you also have enough time to bounce or stipple this sponge with your favorite foundation!

Where to purchase and how much?
At HD Makeup Site for Php1,200 (approx $28.00) each.  Php1,000 (approx $23.50) for 2 and above!

Compared to Beauty Blender (BB)

• The texture of BB is more porous as compared to the HD Makeup Blender.
• The BB is easier to wash, because the HD Makeup Blender is denser and thicker, I have to give more effort in washing and I have to wash it twice as much as I wash BB.
• The bounce of BB is better but the coverage of HD Makeup Blender is much better!
• The HD Makeup Blender has a wider base which covers more spaces on your face as compared to the BB.
• The tip of the HD Makeup Blender is stiffer and gives more control.
• The sexy shape of HD Makeup Blender gives a better grip during application.

The Beauty Blender and HD Makeup Blender

Side by side, same size both wet and dry

HD Makeup Blender Size

Dry: 2.3 inches
Wet: 2.8 inches

If you ask me, I'm still a powder user on a daily basis or just a tinted moisturizer or BB cream!  But on days I want more coverage, a look that spells 'flawless', I'd pick this up especially if you want that airbrush finish  minus the airbrush system!

Do you have a lemming for this sponge?  

Keep smilin

Stay happy!

Spreading Love: Kabayanihan Foundation and Team Pinoy Planner

Gosh, there must be something about "organizers" that are close to my heart!  I must be born with a huge word "ORGANIZE" on my forehead! 

Nevertheless, its a blessing from God that I have such good organization skill!  Thanks to God for giving me friends who were there through the years!  True friends are seriously hard to find and I'm glad I got a bunch of them!

The reason why I'm tapping on my sensitivity side (again) is because I had the chance to see my high school friends, in which, some I haven't seen for a decade!  It was a simple dinner, fun night with a lot of laughter and of course, dramatic moments!  :)

One of my friend told me about this foundation that's worth sharing!

Kabayanihan Foundation
Team Pinoy Planner

Kabayanihan foundation believes that every Filipino can be a "Bayani" (Hero) and practice being a hero in their own little way.  How can we help?  

There's "Our Country is in My Planner"

The cost of the planner is only Php399.00 (approx $9.30) and the amount they will raise will be going to building classrooms to different parts of the country.  Aside from that, the foundation also came up with this cool "Cultural Revolution" in which they are hoping to change the mindset and practices of Filipinos everywhere through Alex Lacson's 12 Little Things.

12 Little Things is like my "Doing 1 good deed a Day Task".  This one is even better!
You get to do 12 little things EVERYDAY that can help change and improve the nation!  

So many things we can do to help improve our nation! 

• Not throwing trash anywhere.
• Making sure your car is in good condition to prevent pollution.
• Follow traffic signs and signals.
• If you are a parent, make sure your children gets good clothing, shelter and education.
• If you are a student, study hard!
• If you are working, do your work well and do not sit there wasting your time!
• Turn off water and electricity when not in use.
• Report water leaks or electrical problems immediately!
• Do not spread ill words regarding our country.
• Carry a bag instead of asking for a plastic bag!
• Speak highly on our tourist spots!  Show to the world how beautiful our country is.
• Just be nice to random people you talk to.

Can I add another one?  "If you are a killer, stealer, or whoever bad person --- Just Stop Breathing?"  *lol*

Well, I can go on and on about doing random things to help our nation!  One thing you can do though, is to purchase this Planner and you know the money will be going to the right people!  (The Chairman of this foundation is my friend's dad!  Totally reliable!)

I know it's a bit late, a month is almost over, but I don't mind having an extra organizer to write down my daily thoughts!

It's worth it!  It's great to know you're helping as well!

How to order and help?
Smile and click THIS LINK to order Team Pinoy Planners!

Add Team Pinoy on Facebook
For more information about Kabayanihan Foundation, click HERE

Helping is beautiful!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Weekend Food Tripping at: Sandy's Pizza + Strawberry Ice Cream Cake!

 Are you ready to Grumble?

Weekend food tripping is Pizza Time!  I had boring Chinese Hot Pot dishes in which I've already talked about over past weekend food trippings!  So today, I will be posting the mid-week food trip me and the husband did after my Tek Tok TV shoot!  We passed by Katipunan and for me, when I hear the word Katipunan, I go flapping my arms like chicken wings because it sounded like a place so far away!  It's actually not especially on traffic-less hours!  

After the fun shoot, we passed by Sandy's Pizza, I read so much positive reviews about this Pizza Place owned by the mom-preneur Sandy Arellano!  She brings New York Pizza plus Pinoy-American Fusion Pizzas right in front of us!

Mr. AMW had to take a U-turn because we are both intrigued with the taste of this pizza everyone's been talking about.

 The scent of freshly baked crust greeted us as we got in their Katipunan branch which can sit approximately up to 15 people.  We were given 2 choices of pizza sizes!  18" Large and 14" Small thin crust pizza!  We opted for 18" Large  and plan to take home the rest of it!

18" Large

The Sampler

(Choose 4 flavors of your Choice)

Php670.00 (approx $16.00)

The 4 flavors we chose!

(photo organized from least favorite to gastronomical experience)

Combination

A little bit of everything with a lot of Flavors

This is our least favorite because it does have a little bit of everything which makes it overpowering to our sense of taste! 

 

Meatzarella

Bacon, Pepperoni and Italian Sausages

Wherever "pizza" place we go, we have to try their ALL MEAT special!  It must be because I am with a carnivorous Mr. AMW?  He knows his sausages, bacon and pepperoni!  It passed his standards!  Bacon lovers may find it disappointing that their lovely bacon are served in tiny bits instead of the usual bacon strips!  I like it that it has a hint of bacon minus the guilt!

Thai Curry Chicken

A melange of wonderful and unique spices

We actually chose this over the Indian Curry Chicken.  We asked the waitress to help us choose which one is better and she told us to try this first!  Great decision to listen to her!  I actually like the taste of the sweet tasting Thai Curry Chicken.  No weird curry taste on pizza!  I promise you that!

 White Pizza

Kesong Puti, Mozzarella and Parmesan

I am actually a fan of a very simple pizza flavor - 4 cheese pizzas.  This may not be 4 types of cheese but the three-cheeses' very unique Kesong Puti (Filipino's White Cheese) included is enough to satisfy my need for "mouse food" *lol*  This is my favorite among the 4 flavors we chose!  I agree with Sandy, start by trying the simplest pizza they offer first before you go experimental!

Overall, the experience was great!  What's unique with Sandy's Pizza as compared to the rest of the Pizza's I've tried?  Super crunchy, thin crusted pizza that's quite chewy in between! It is obvious in one bite that it is freshly made and baked!  Best of all, not oily!  I am not a fan of those oil-drenched pizzas!

Keep in mind that we tasted this pizza fresh from the oven!  I am not sure if the quality will be the same if you have these delivered!

Sandy's Pizza, Katipunan

154 Katipunan Ave. Brgy. St. Ignatius,

Hernandez Bldg., White Plains Q.C.

Tel. no: (632) 721-8329

Before I end this post, thanks to my dearest Sister-in-law for this wonderful Haagan Dazs Strawberry Ice Cream Cake.  Generous amount of strawberries nestled on top of cream and strawberry ice cream cake!  White chocolate sheets on the sides for extra calories! I want to say its perfect as it looks but the strawberries are not in season so its a bit too sour to taste!

Top View

Gorgeous right?  The strawberries are HUGE!

Enjoy your weekend food tripping!
What are you eating this weekend?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

Readers' Corner: What are the Pros of Airbrush Makeup?

Aside from the rates of my Bridal Makeup packages, the next "most asked" question is about the pros of Airbrush Makeup.  After emailing back my readers a couple of times, I feel that its high time I write a special post about it for everyone to read!  Aside from that, a lot of my readers are professional makeup artists as well and they can easily click comment and expand our knowledge!  Learning is fun fun fun!

 **photo taken from source

What is airbrush makeup?

Airbrush makeup is a process of makeup application wherein an airbrush system is used.  Part of an airbrush system is a compressor, an airbrush gun, airbrush friendly cosmetics and of course... a lot of practice and even training!

Why do people choose airbrush makeup over traditional makeup?

Airbrush makeup has been known to actors/actresses as early as the 80's.  Here are some of the benefits of airbrush makeup that makes people want this over traditional ones.

• Can easily custom blend foundation shades by mixing drops of dark and light airbrush foundation.
• Creates a very natural, flawless complexion.
• As the airbrush foundation is sprayed on face, it comes out as mists so it allows the skin to breathe without the cake-y look and feel.
• Airbrush makeup are known to last all day with lesser retouch as compared to traditional makeup.
• Can be applied on both men and women and men would probably feel "cool" about it as compared to makeup sponges!
• Can be easily used on face and body.
• Application cuts in half or even more.
• Water-based airbrush foundation is hypo-allergenic.
• Very hygienic even if you share this with a friend as the gun does not touch anyone's faces!
• Does not transfer on clothing as much as traditional makeup.

If airbrush makeup is that great, why can't everyone just use the airbrush system?

One huge reason is time consuming!  I myself would want to apply airbrush foundation on a daily basis but installing the system, dropping in airbrush foundation, spraying it all over my face, then clean the tool is time consuming!  I choose to use airbrush makeup ONLY on special occasions or if I know there will be a lot of photography as it looks very natural on photos and videos!  

Another reason is, not everyone can afford the airbrush system.  Although a lot of inexpensive brands like Glambox has open its doors to regular consumers, it is still pricier as compared to buying a foundation sponge or brush and a regular foundation!

Should I choose airbrush makeup or traditional makeup on my Wedding Day?

Whoever asks me this question over email, I will always ask them to check on their budget.  Airbrush makeup is more expensive because the products used for airbrush makeup are pricier than regular makeup!  Here are the rest of the list you should keep in mind..

• How comfortable are you with traditional makeup?  Do you have this heavy, uncomfortable feel with it?
• Is your wedding outdoor?  Are you exposed under the sun and wind?
• Do you have any skin allergies or irritations on regular makeup?
• Are you a crybaby?  Will you cry a lot on your wedding day? :P
• Do you have spots on your body that you would want to conceal?  (back, legs, etc...?)

If you said yes to any one of the questions above, then you can opt for airbrush makeup.  A lot of people reacts positively to airbrush makeup because it feels light on skin!  That does not mean traditional makeup will always be cake-y though!  Generations ago - Yes!  High Teach Generation today? - No!  Traditional cosmetics companies are coming up with better makeup lines from heavy coverage-light feel to High Definition line! 

My best advise?  When in doubt... go for a trial makeup!

Sample photo of an airbrush client:

My client is celebrating her baby boy's Baptismal and Birthday Party all on the same day!  The reason why I chose to give her an Airbrush Makeup because she will be under stress from the moment she wakes up until the end of the party!  She advised me that she needs to leave at 7:00am to check out the party location.  Head to the Church for Baptismal Ceremony, then straight to lunch party for her baby's kiddie party!  Aside from all those stress, she needs to carry her baby and definitely will give her baby his well deserved hugs and kisses!

Hypo-allergenic makeup is very important especially the baby's skin is quite sensitive.  And after considering all those, I have to remind myself that I want her to be beautiful on both photos and videos! 

Mir requested for a very light, natural makeup

Makeup and hair by: Nikki Tiu

Her skin condition: dryness, a bit of redness and a bit of under eye circles.  

But overall?  She's gorgeous!

Have you tried airbrush makeup?
Can you see the difference on traditional and airbrush makeup?
Any other tips worth sharing to our dearest AMW readers?

Happy Weekend!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!