Are You Ready for Summer Nails?

I have been obsessed with Nail Polishes for the past 2 decades!  Yes, I was in-the-know with what's-hot and what's-not for the digits as early as Freshman High!  Of course, we weren't allowed to wear polishes back then but I remembered getting really exciting during summer season as I can freely experiment on different shades of polishes on all 10 fingers!  (Yes, I tried wearing 10 different colors for 10 fingers!)  Who says I am conservative?  :P

One of the first polish brand I've tried is Caronia, and I'm happy to say, they are coming up with better colors and BETTER finish!  The Caronia Popsicle Collection reminds me so much of my favorite ...uhm.. Popsicle!  I may not be off to a beach this summer or enjoy travel with friends like I normally do, that doesn't mean I can't enjoy the heat!  How? By adding a pop of color on my n ails!

L-R Caronia Brain Freeze, Lemon Cool, Peach Perfect and Tequila Sunrise

All four shades are obviously inspired by the shades of summer --- ice cream and happy food!  There are 2 glossy finish and 2 matte finish!  Tequila Sunrise and Brain Freeze are matte finish while the rest are glossy!  I personally love Peach Perfect on days I want to look "chill" while if i want to add a pop of color, I'd go for Brain Freeze!  

Last Minute Christmas Gift-Giving Guide..Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas AMW Friends!  Christmas day today and just like me, some of you are probably  juggling to finish your shopping list!  For the past 2 years, I find myself more productive when I shop during Christmas season!  Imagine the sale (got Christmas Tree for 50% off!), the lesser traffic and lesser mall crowds! 

I realized, I just gave away my secret!  *hahaha*  Sorry godchildren, that's the reason why your ninang is always late in gift-giving!

So because I have a couple of hours left before I need to wrap gifts (again!), I will share some of my instant-gift giving finds that I personally would love to receive!  Are you ready?

Gift Idea #1 Makeup/Skincare Gift Sets

 Estee Lauder brand has always been a WINNER in terms of gift sets!  No matter how much make up I own at the moment, these never fail to make me jump for joy!

Just like this set!

Includes: 

What's New This Week?

So much to talk about, so little time! 

I recently  stayed more than 2 hours inside the Etude House store and guess what I realized?  It wasn't a good idea when you think you're working but you're actually shopping at the back of your head!  Anyone can relate to that?

So when you check out their website (www.etudehouse.ph) and their physical stores, you'll definitely spot what's in and hot as of the moment!

THE WONDER PORE LINE!

Why does this line reminds me so much of the Wonder Girls?

There are a total of 5 products (or 5 steps) + Mask and I got Steps 3 to 5 and a mask!  Keep in mind that I don't need this product FOR NOW as I don't have obvious pores and I obviously need more anti-ageing products than Pore minimizing!  But who cares?  They are cute, I'm keeping these because I will test this out to my willing victims (ahem..my sister-in-law and Mr. AMW!)

Wonder Pore Tightening Essence

Php998.00

This is a pore essence that tightens pores for smooth and firm pores.

 After applying emulsion, dispense a certain amount and spread gently onto face. 

I will actually take this with me on gigs just in case my client is into Korean products.  I love how "handy" this bottle is and how simple yet catchy the color is!

Mid-Year Gift-Giving Ideas

Hi AMW friends!  You are probably surprised seeing this Mid-Year Gift-Giving ideas.  It's not even Christmas and it's not even a countdown to Christmas.

Well, why not?  I realized, we don't need holidays to be generous!  I am a strong believer of making people who matters to you happy anytime of the day!  And of course, doing good deed (non-material thing) is priceless but sometimes, it would help to give some material things that you think would matter to the receiver!  And after looking at the products inside my home, I can't help but think of the people who would appreciate these thus came the blog post: "Mid-Year Gift-Giving Ideas".  

And as always, feel free to add the list so we can all share gift-giving ideas and how it can make anyone's day extra special!

For the Hair Lovers

Me!  And probably you?  My big sister too!  My favorite gift-giving guide for hair loving friends are "Hair Treatment".  Deep conditioning treatment as inexpensive as those from Watson's (Buy 1 Take 1 offer) or as pricey as those from Kerastase.  It really depends on my budget.  But on days you just want to say: "Just because I thought of you", a simple shampoo and conditioner combination could be a deal breaker!  I would happily accept a shampoo and conditioner set just like the ones I recently received.  It actually made my day because I may have bouncy hair every time you see me, it took me some time to reach to that "level of bounciness"!  With the help of my trustee flat iron or curling iron!  

And on days I don't have time, I may gift this shampoo and conditioner a try from Dove.  

The Dove Oxygen and Nourishment Solutions

This pair is said to address our #FlatHairProblems so I can't wait to give this a try!

Something New: Caronia Art Of Dance Collection

Caronia has been a lot of nail polish fanatics' "First Nail Polish brand", why did I say so?  Because it was my first brand of nail polish when I started out my love for manicure and pedicure during my Freshman year in College.Aside from its affordability, pigmentation is good and you get wide array of shades to choose from.

If only they are safer.....meaning Toluene and Formaldehyde-free...

Well, my wish has been answered!  The first collection called "Art of Dance", aside from it marking the opening of Ballet Philippines 45th season, this collection is also Caronia's FIRST Toluene and Formaldehyde-Free polishes! 

Check out the cute Ballet Shoes I got that could probably fit Baby AMW's small feet!

According to Margie Moran-Floirendo, Ballet Philippines President: "This is the first corporate partnership of Ballet Philippines and we are happy to have Caronia as our partner."

Something New: Caronia and Revlon Brilliant Strength

Hi Nail Polish lovers!
I know I haven't gotten around to create nail art tutorials but trust me, I'm itching to do so when Kyle gets a bit bigger!  Aside from spending most of my free time playing with my little one, I also get to have a little bit of me time by applying nail polish in between work.  I have a bit of trivia about my nails though!  Check out the photo below and tell me if you find anything odd....

French tip using Revlon Brilliant Strength in Dazzle

*Sirit?*

Something New: Summer Nail Polish Collection

Who started their nail polish love with Caronia?

ME!!!  I have a friend who used to distribute Caronia products and each time a new polish collection comes in, we would play each color with our 10 tiny fingernails!  Once we played with bold, wild colors late at night and realized we don't have nail polish remover with us, I nearly fainted as it was Monday the next morning and it was the day were teachers check our nails!  

To keep the long story short, I was able to borrow from a classmate and was saved by the "Flag Ceremony"!  I was literally removing polish while singing the National Anthem! 

Good ol' memories with a brand that has been trusted for years!  Thankfully, Caronia is expanding their nail polish collection and to ready us for summer, they came up with "Expressions" Collection.

Expressing yourself with soft, summer colors and you can use each of them on different nails and they'll still look great together!  It's 2013, we can always be creative as we want and no one will judge you or who cares if we get judged?

L-R Rosy Glow, Fresh Mint and Blue Chill

• Rosy Glow - a soft pink shade with hint of violet for a subtly sexy naugthy-or-nice appeal.
• Fresh Mint - a light green polish that makes you look refreshingly cool and sporty.
• Blue Chill - pale blue shade for that mysterious yet classy look.

I am imagining myself combining all 3 colors for a great summer nail art with probably simple lines or polka-dots!   You'll definitely see me use one of these for some of my nail art tutorials once I'm done giving birth! 

For more selection of Caronia Nail Polish Shades, visit their website www.caronia.com.ph.  Follow them on Facebook and Twitter (@CaroniaPH) for nail care tips, product updates, fashion tips plus chance to win prizes in their contests and promos!

Which among the 3 summer shades is your favorite?
Mine is Rosy Glow as I'm in the mood to be girly!

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter  
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Products received for PR purpose.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

AMW and Vibelle Gives: Caronia and Jergens --- CLOSED!!!

Congratulations to ---

Jenny Ruth Austria

I will email you and will await for your response within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked! 

Happy long weekend to Philippine readers!  To celebrate Bonifacio Day (which is totally unrelated with the prizes to be honest!)  *laughs*  I want to create better vibes by doing a quick contest care of our lovely friends from Vibelle (local distributor for Caronia and Jergens).

What's in store for the winner?

Caronia's New Collection: Miss Mystic

This is the new holiday collection released by Caronia.  The new collection features 3 mystifying shades that works well with any outfit and of course, perfect for the coming holidays!  It's not the usual bright red and bright green combination, these polish shades are perfect for girls who plans to hop from one party to another and yet looks fashionably gorgeous!

Shades:

• Rouge - your basic red in a not-so-usual elegant shade.
• Taupe - a great nude shade to complement this season's hottest colors and trends.
• Moss - a deep green shade with a hint of frost.

Jergens Collection of Moisturizers

It's never too late to start moisturizing your skin anywhere and anytime with the new 100ml tubes Jergens imported from Australia.  

Variants:

• Ultra Healing Extra Dry Skin Moisturizer: penetrates through 5 layers of your skin's surface to start healing at the source.
• Soothing Aloe Relief Skin Cooling Moisturizer: instantly revives and refreshes skin after prolonged sun exposure.
• Age Defying Multi-Vitamin Moisturizer: rejunenates skin and minimize the effects of skin aging.

Mechanics:

• LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook.
• Comment in this blog post together with your name and email address and answer this question: "How old were you when you learned about Jergens and Caronia?" (As for me, it was around 15 years old!)
• ONE Comment per person only.
• Contest is open for Philippine Residents.  Contest starts today ends December 9, 2012.
• 1 winner will receive both Caronia (including the super cute red pouch!) and Jergens gift pack.  Winner will be picked via Fruit Machine and name will be announced in this post and email notification will be sent.  Winner must answer the email within 48 hours or a new winner will be picked.

The Miss Mystic Collection is available in all leading supermarkets, department stores and drugstores nationwide.  For more nail styling tips, like Caronia on Facebook and check out www.caronia.com.ph.

Jergens moisturizers are available in selected health and beauty store, department stores and supermarkets nationwide.

Please LIKE AskMeWhats on Facebook 
Follow AskMeWhats on Twitter 
Get "photo-updated" on Instagram (search "AskMeWhats")

Goodluck!
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Products received for PR.)

Nail Art Tutorial: Dots, Sparkles & Colors

I've had my Aztec print inspired nails for more than a week and I found myself checking them out once in awhile for inspiration and probably just to uplift my mood!  For such a quick glance, it does give me the sense of colors and happiness and I find it a bit difficult on my part to remove it after both nails on the pinky fingers have already chipped!

Instead of gloating on losing colorful prints, why not create another one that's even brighter and more colorful?  This nail art suits the dark, gloomy weather over the weekend!

Step 1:

Apply your preferred base coat prior to any nail polish application, as soon as the base coat is completely dry, apply 2 coats of a neutral, peachy-nude polish shade and let dry.  In this tutorial, I am using BW Nail Polish gifted to me by my friend.

Nail Art Tutorial: DC Superheroes

Hi! Happy Saturday!!!  I finally found the time to fix my Nail Art Tutorial Photos!  Since my last "The Avengers" Nails, Mr. AMW requested I continue the Superhero-inspired nail art!  As we looked at our tiny collection, I saw a very cute mug that I bought for Mr. AMW from a Bazaar at the World Trade Center. 

DC Superheros in Chibi form :)

As I applied a good base coat to protect my nails (from Zoya), I looked for a nice color for the faces of the characters, since I can't find one, I've decided to mix GirlStuff Nail Polish in Machiatto and Caronia Regular Polish in White Satin.

Nail Art Tutorial: The Avengers Nails

Good morning universe!  I am telling the world that today will be a good one!  :)  I hope the world agrees! :P

Over dinner with friends, one of my college friend was requesting for The Avengers nail art.  Both Keith and I have thought about doing this nail art after watching the movie but I was so lazy for the last few months!  We've seen The Avengers posters and I know how they look like either on Mighty Mugg or Hasbrow so I have a couple in mind!  Too many things in mind I can't decide what to do!  So thanks to Rina for the request as I was pushed to finally create one!

Here you go, my version of The Avengers Nails

Black Widow

Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) doesn't have a particular face or mask that would make people recognize her easily so I've decided to draw her Character Icon instead.

Something New: Caronia Tropical Doll Collection

Happy Saturday friends!  Are you excited for the weekend?  What will you be doing?

Me, I'm off for a busy weekend (again) after a much deserved weekend-rests for the month of May!  June is the month for Wedding so I will be a bit busy over bridal clients!  I'm not complaining though!  I'm quite pleased with the trust clients have in me!  

Let's talk about local nail polish brand!  I've been a Caronia user for as long as I remember, I used to complain how "glossy" their finishes are and how less pigmented most of them are.  Fast forward to a decade later, I'm glad the company is coming up with matte polishes, better pigmentation and unique colors that (personally speaking), quite comparable with international brands!

A couple of weeks ago, I was sent a cute box including 3 newest shades called Tropical Doll Collection.  I believe this collection is inspired by summer --- beach, tropical fruits and drinks, the works!

L-R Kiwi (lime green)

Blueberry (true blue)

Tangerine (red orange)

Because I can't remove my nail art to swatch, and I can't pull out Mr. AMW's cute fingers and apply polish on him *laughs*, thank goodness for fake nails that I bought from Daiso!  I can show you how lovely the colors are!

Top: 1 coat

Bottom: 2 coats

These are applied without base and top coat

One Coat

As seen on swatch below, the polish isn't streaky and pigmentation is very good! 

One coat is best done for people who aren't comfortable wearing bright polish shades but wants to start somewhere!  Don't forget to finish with your choice of top coat for a nice shine and protection!

Two Coats

For that ultimate tropical experience!

Tangerine is a perfect reddish orange shade, most of the girls are scared to use red polishes as it may make them look mature or vamp-y.  Using a reddish orange polish shade shows a fun, sexy and YOUNG attitude!

Blueberry shade screams summer!  I can't say it reminded me of a blueberry (the fruit) but this calls for "young vibe"!  If you find this shade too much for you, apply this shade on your toes!

Kiwi, my favorite among the bunch, is a unique apple green shade!  I can't wait to use this for my next nail art tutorial! 

Caronia is available in all leading department stores, supermarkets, drug stores, and health & beauty shops nationwide for Php33.25 (approx $0.80)

Please keep in mind that it is best to invest on a good base coat to protect your nails from yellowing!  My favorite is the ZOYA base coat.

What's your favorite shade out of the bunch?
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product sent for PR purposes.  Opinions 100% mine.  Please purchase at your own discretion.)

Nail Art Tutorial: Sunkist Nails

Happy Thursday!  Good morning! Good afternoon!  Good evening! :)

Wherever you are in the world, I hope my simple nail art tutorial gives you the boost of "Vitamin C"!  I did not intend to create a "Sunkist" inspired nail art!  I was just swiping on a nice orange shade from Color Combo (thanks Bee!) then it all turned out perfect for the summer!

My Sunkist Nails

Step 1:
Apply a base coat prior to nail polish application for the protection of your nails.  Apply 2 coats of Color Combo Nail Color in CBL10 or any orange shade available!

Nail Art Tutorial: Daisies To Cool Me Down This Summer

In the middle of ANY stressful day, I have this secret that keeps me cheerful and positive!  Yes, I will share it to you today because it works for me and MAY work for you! :)

I like going to Google Images and search for random photos from "Cute Dogs", "Cute Cats", "Cartoons", "Flowers" or simply typing "Funny Photos".  There's one photo that totally brightened my day and I've come to realize I haven't drawn this on my nails!  

**photo from Source

And here's another one that gave me the total inspiration....

**photo from Source

Eureka Moment: Inexpensive Summer Collection Polishes

Our dear local brand Caronia came up with a Summer 2011 Collection called Sweet Bliss.  Sweet Bliss is composed of six vibrant colors to match the summer groove!

This, I consider a Eureka Moment, as this is the best collection I've seen to date from Caronia!  All the shades are pigmented, colors are unique and gorgeous!  I can't help but flaunt it by creating a colorful Nail Art Tutorial (say..M&M nails?) 

First Crush (Rich Lilac)

Baby Pink (Salmon Pink)

Summer Fling (Coral Red)

Sweet Surprise (lemon yellow)

Sun Kissed (Pumpkin Orange)

On-the-Go (Aqua Green)

All shades above were applied once without base coat or top coat!  8ml bottle costs Php30.00 (approx $0.70) while Sweet Surprise is Php32.00 (approx $0.76).  Caronia's Sweet Bliss collection is now available in all leading department stores, supermarkets, drug stores and health & beauty shops nationwide.

Check them out on their website

Add them up on Facebook for more details on their new collections!

What's your favorite shade in this collection?
I honestly can't choose one!  Love them all!

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Caronia Nail Care

My love for nails has been forever!  It started when my best friend showed me gazillion shades of nail polishes and I swatched all 10 shades in each finger and found out I don't have a nail polish remover and have to go to school with my hands on "fist form" the whole day!  I guess if you ask me, that's when my love for nail polish started.

As soon as I graduated high school and college permits us to use nail polish on toe nails, I was all out!  No make up on face, but toenails could go as wild as shades of Black, Blue, Green and Purples, whatever shades you can think of!  

People do ask, how do I take care of my nails?  How do I clean them?  I have to admit, I do go to nail salons every now and then when I'm lazy to clean my own nails, but I do know how to do pedicure and manicure, and you know what?  I go back to simple nail care stuffs from the first nail care brand I was introduced to many years ago, Caronia!

Caronia Nail Polish Remover

Removes nail polish fast without drying.

AMW says ---

Pros

• If newly purchased, has this really tight seal to prevent product from evaporation which is good! 

• Has a nice hint of purple color.  Cute

• Does not create white "film" after nail polish removal.
• Does not dry out the cuticle and nails.
• Does not have a strong scent!
• Removes regular polish easily and without much effort.
• A few drops can remove polish.

• Inexpensive

Cons

• Can be easily spilled if not handled properly.
• Just like other makeup removers, it is difficult to remove glitter polish.

Overall

I can say, after years of trying out Caronia Nail Polish Remover, the formulation definitely has improved through the years!  I can definitely tell!  With the old formulation, I need to use a lot of drops to be able to remove polish on ONE nail, with the new formulation, I don't need to use a lot!

Tips

• In nail polish removal, using a "cotton pad" is better than cotton balls, you use lesser polish and lesser cotton pad!  One pad can remove nail polish of 5 fingers as you can fold it and reuse the areas that are clean as opposed to cotton balls.
• If you have glitter polish on or wild nail polish shades that are hard to remove, leave the cotton pad on top of the nails for a couple of seconds before you start massaging the cotton pad to remove nail polish.

• Always close cap tightly to present polish from drying out.
• Instead of removing the "foil" protection, create a "hole" with a ballpen or cutter instead to prevent accidental spillage!

• Do not throw the plastic bottle as you can always refill when you need to carry this around. 
• Do not use on broken skin.
  

Will I repurchase?

Yes

Caronia Cuticle Remover

Softens and helps remove overgrown cuticles, giving you a gentle manicure experience!

AMW says ---

Pros

• Comes with a brush which makes it easy to use!
• Does soften the cuticle which makes it easy to "cut" it or "push it" (depending on your preference)
• No weird scent.
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Some of the brush that comes with the packaging is too stiff!

 

Overall
I have been using the Cuticle Remover as long as I can remember!  I don't think I have tried using other brands!  This works!


Tips

• If you're not comfortable using a brush, you can transfer the content in a tiny spritz bottle and spritz the Cuticle Remover which makes life easier!
• Apply a generous amount Cuticle Remover on the "cuticle" area and leave it for a couple of seconds to allow cuticles to get soaked and soften before pushing. 
• After pushing, brush away excess.
• If you're not comfortable touching your cuticles, you can apply this all over your nails and use a "nail brush' to brush it just to have a "clean" look.
• Close cap tightly to prevent spillage.
• Keep bottle for refills and you can easily take this along.
• Do not apply on broken skin or skin with open wound.

Will I repurchase?Yes

Caronia Cuticle Sanitizer
Cleans, disinfects and sanitizes your nails while it keeps your cuticle healthy-looking!

AMW says ---

Pros

• Comes with a brush!
• Does not stain your nails as compared to other brands.
• Gives a light "color" which make your nails look clean but does not stay for long.
• Does not sting.
• Inexpensive.

Cons

• Brush that comes with the packaging could get a bit too stiff. 

Overall
Also a good product to own.  A lot of people skip this step but I have to say, this is very important to keep your fingernails clean and free from bacteria.


Tips

• Apply this after cleaning and pushing the cuticles.
• Gently brush on top of nails and distribute tint evenly for a healthy-looking cuticle.
• Allow to dry before you proceed on polish application.
• If not comfortable using the brush, same with Cuticle remover, you can choose to transfer the content on a spritz bottle for good distribution.
• Close cap tightly to prevent evaporation.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!

On a random note, I like storing my needles "to create flower petals" and also the "needle" of my 2-Way Nail Art Pens as I always tend to lose them if not kept properly!  This works! 

Where to purchase all these and how much?

Available in supermarkets, department stores, drugstores and health and beauty shops nationwide.
Nail polish remover - Php17.00 (approx $0.30) for 30ml
Cuticle remover - Php12.00 (approx $0.27) for 30ml
Cuticle sanitizer - Php13.00 (approx $0.29) for 30ml

Do you clean your own nails or do you leave it to the professionals?
If you do, what products do you use?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

AMW Reviews: Caronia Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer

I always tote an alcohol spray inside my bag!  I have 2 small spray bottles that I carry all the time!  I include them in my "Unsung Heroes" list!  Here are 2 mini spray bottles I own that you can find inside my bag organizer...

A random small spritzer bottle with commercial Isopropyl Alcohol, the right one has scent from Amu'in.

Here's the thing though, when I do makeup on clients,I can easily spritz alcohol with tools like the "mixing palette", the mirror, tweezers, scissors, etc...  Would you believe I steer away from spritzing regular alcohol on my hand prior to makeup application?  Most of you probably know why.

My hands are on clients' face at all times during make-up application, most of the time, my hands are near their nose area which is quite embarrassing to have a heavy scent of rubbing alcohol right under their noses!  That's why I invested for sweet smelling hand sanitizer which led me to purchasing a couple from Bath & Body Works because they smell so good.  

It wouldn't hurt if I can find a less expensive version right?  I actually did, I found one locally at Rustan's for approximately Php45.00 (approx $1.00) as seen on photo above right beside Bath & Body Works.  Huge bottle, nice and simple packaging, it must be a Eureka Moment right?  Hmm, I can't seem to put it on that list because the scent of Tenderly brand is too strong it lingers until I finish make-up application.  If clients do not complain, well, the make-up artist (me) is definitely complaining!  I have a dog's sniffer so this one does come out too strong and it hurts my head!  *laughs*  Why would make my clients and my own nose suffer just to save up right?

(Note from author:  The strong scent is my personal opinion, I have friends who are using the Tenderly brand and felt ok with it) 

So I went back to Bath & Body Works and thought my hunt for good smelling + inexpensive hand sanitizer is over.  Well, according to Justin Bieber: "Never Say Never!"

A local nail polish brand Caronia, came up with their Hand & Foot Care range of products which includes Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer!   Is it a good and inexpensive alternative for pricey hand sanitizers out there?

Caronia Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer says ---

Keep your hands clean and hygienic all the time with Caronia Hand Sanitizer’s alcohol-based formulation fortified with germ killing agent, triclosan. Infused with Vitamin E beads which act as moisturizers, it keeps your hands soft to the touch. With its green tea scent, it leaves you feeling relaxed taking away worries of being infected with bacteria. Caronia Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer comes in handy in a 50ml tube that you can easily slide inside your pouch and use when soap and water are not available. 

Ingredients: Ethyl Alcohol, Water, Fragrance, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Triclosan, Lactose, Cellulose, Hydroxypropyl, Methycellulose, C.I. 77289, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E).

AMW says ---
Pros

• Simple clear packaging which makes it easy to see how much product you have left.]

• A small amount is enough for both hands.
• No need to rinse with water and you can use this anytime, anywhere to disinfect.
• The hint of green tea scent is perfect!  I actually love it!
• The scent does not linger for more than 5 minutes!
• Hands do not feel rough or dry even after constant application.
• Contains Vitamin E which does not dry up your skin.
• Proudly Philippine Made!

Cons

• Not readily available worldwide.
• A bit watery or runny in texture which can be quite messy if you accidentally open up your cap when product are all accumulated near the opening.

Overall

I am quite impressed with this product!  Hand feels clean and there's no weird scent that lingers all throughout!  

Tips

• Please keep out of reach for children.
• If you plan to eat with your hands or lick your hands, it is better to wash off your hands with soap and running water!
• Stop usage when allergies or skin irritations occur.
• Not to use directly on open wounds or cuts.
• Try to tap the product prior to opening to cap to keep from messy overflow.

Will I repurchase?
Yes!


To whom do I recommend this to?
Anyone who prefers Gel formulated alcohol.  Though I prefer Alcohol in liquid form, I love to use this prior to make-up application to keep my client's face free from dirt transferring from my hands to their faces!

Where to purchase and how much?
At Watson's, local drugstores and supermarkets for Php54.00/50ml (approx $1.20).  Exact price will be written after I double check. 

Here's a photo to show the 'runny' texture of the hand sanitizer.  Has tiny Vitamin E blue beads which is really a few compared to the Bath & Body Works one. 

Thanks Caronia for coming up with a good and inexpensive hand sanitizer!
And I am glad they are coming up with more products and the Hand & Foot Care line sounds promising!  Will try them and give a review in the future!


What's your choice of hand sanitizer? Regular alcohol or the alco-gel version?

Keep smilin'
Stay happy!

(Product provided as gift, this post was written base on author's personal experiences, please purchase at your discretion)

Nail Art Tutorial: "Christmas Ornaments Inspired" Nails

Happy Monday!!!  Today's nail art, well I wanted to put this on December 1, 2010 for that really nice kick-off for Christmas celebration!  But you know me, I've done it, and I want to share it ASAP!

I actually do have an inspiration for this week's nail art tutorial!  I was on a date with my mom and dad at the SM Mall of Asia and I can't help but stare at the gorgeous looking Christmas trees on display!  From green Christmas trees to white, gold and silver!  What drew me closer to a certain Christmas tree are the sparkly Christmas balls!  I was looking closely at its texture and I told myself it is a project I will be doing once I get home!  A nail art inspired by the metallic Christmas balls!  

**photo taken from Google images

This is my version in which I will show you step by step on how to achieve!  It's so funny how I finally decided to come up with these three colors by using hubby's fingernails to sample the color combination first before I decided with these 3....

Step 1:

As usual, apply your preferred Base Coat as this lessen the yellowing of your nails or even protect it from getting brittle and weak.  In using glittery polishes, the white base underneath is very important for the "glittery shades" to pop up.  I am using 1 coat of ELF Matte White polish topped with Caronia's Frosted Polish in Crystal. 

Step 2:

This is the trick to create a "texture" with your nail polish.  When your base polish is approximately 90% dry, meaning, its not too wet and yet its not on its driest stage, I would say approximately 5 minutes, do the sponge method not to create gradient nails but to create both texture and "airbrush" finish.

Apply Skin Food Nail Vita polish in metallic green directly onto a sponge

You can remove excess by blotting the sponge first onto a sheet of paper then gently tap it on the lower half of your nails.  Do not worry about the excess as you can clean them off later on.

Step 3:

Do the same step as above this time using Caronia Polish in Gold Rush or any gold polish of your choice. 

Directly press the gold polish in the middle part of your nails overlapping the Skin Food polish in Metallic green.  You can redo the steps above until you are happy with the pigmentation of the gold polish.  Again, do not worry about the mess!

Step 4:

To complete the 3 Christmas Balls color that I've been aiming for --- Green, Gold and Red.  I used Caronia Polish in Stellar and brush the polish directly onto the sponge.

Gently dab it on the outermost part or the tip of your nails.  Try not to create an obvious "line" that separates each color, try to create gradient in each shade!

Step 5:

While waiting for the polish to further dry up.  This is the perfect time to clean up the mess!  Dip your cotton bud with a polish remover and gently wipe off excess.  Be very cautious at this point as you don't want to mess up! 

You can choose to be happy with your nail art, apply a coat of Top coat and let dry.  In my case, I wanted to move further and do a bit of drawing.

Step 6:

Using Prettynails' 2 Way Nail Art Pen in White (my favorite), draw a tiny star.

Step 7:

I added some dots for that "shooting star" effect.  You can choose to draw my stars but I find it a bit tiresome to do so, so I opted for dots!  *lol*

Step 8:

Very important to wait at this point to make sure the stars and dots are COMPLETELY dry.  Apply your favorite top coat to protect the nail art design you worked hard for. 

My Christmas Ornaments Inspired Nails

So ready to party!!! :)

I know this may look "stressful" to some of you but here's in all honesty, using sponge as nail art is one of the easiest that I've done!  You don't have to have steady hands to dab the sponge!  Give it a try and you can always add up stickers or rhinestones instead of drawing! :)

Give it a try!  Life is too short to worry :)
Keep smilin'
Stay happy!