National Pampering Day 2017 at Nailaholics Gateway

As much as we've love to save and do our own mani-pedi, nothing is more relaxing than to have a professional do it for you. I always end up having to cut mine too short because I did them unevenly. Imagine how fulfilling it is to just sit back and enjoy having them filed to your ideal nail shape without any care in the world. The best part? I had my manicure done for FREE during the National Pampering Day at the top nail salon, Nailaholics!

Yup, I didn't let the transport strike and my dental appointment hold me down from missing out on this annual event!

Freebie Alert: #NationalPamperingDay

Okay! Now that I got your attention, it's that awaited time of the year again! Mark your calendars as Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa will be pampering everyone on a national scale on October 17, 2017! We all knew how grand the nationwide celebration of relaxation was last year so they'll be bringing it back bigger and better this year!

Last year, The National Pampering Day was a huge hit as everyone was treated to a manicure service and a stress relieving hand massage from 10 AM to 12 NN on all Nailaholics branches nationwide. This year will be different as everyone will be treated to a free service of their choice: a soothing manicure, calming foot spa or a relaxing foot massage.

According to the Marketing Head of Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa, Arvin Amaro he believes that "We Filipinos are very hardworking in any given aspect of our lives and a nation of energetic and industrious people best deserves real pampering once in a while. This year, as Nailaholics celebrates the 2nd National Pampering Day, we go deeper and dedicate this to everyone and remind them to take it slow, take it easy, zone out and relax for a while."

He also added that "With last year's success of the National Pampering Day, we are back this year with a bigger and much more enjoyable day of pampering. In partnership with the number one salon brand and most beloved nail lacquer brand in the world, O.P.I, National Pampering Day 2017 will accommodate more guests with the extension of pampering time until 1 PM. Also, the best thing about this year's National Pampering Day is that it will be in support to World Vision, The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), and Save Philippine Seas."

Help save the world while getting your nails done? Totally awesome. Save the date and get ready to relax! Head down and unwind at any Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa brand on October 17, 2017 (Tuesday) from 10 AM to 1 PM and get yourself a free relaxing manicure, foot spa or foot massage.

I've been there last year and I really think you shouldn't miss out on this once a year only treat at the country's top destination or relaxation and real pampering! Let Nailaholics' skilled nail technicians take care of you for a little while and walk out of this Hamptons-inspired nail salon feeling refreshed and ready to bring it on again. See you there!

For more information on Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa's services and nearest branches, you may visit their website at www.nailaholics.com. Want to stay updated on their latest promos? Follow their Facebook Page at Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa, Twitter @_nailaholics and Instagram @_nailaholics.

-------------------------------------------------

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google+

Nailaholics Opens at Unimart Greenhills + Tips To Make Your Manicure & Pedicure Last Longer

I don't know about you girls but whenever I see a set of hands with a great manicure, the first thing that comes to mind is "I bet this girl has the luxury of time AND money!" Time because whether if it's done in a salon or DIY, not everyone can drop what they're doing to have their digits painted on. Money because a good manicure doesn't come cheap. As the phrase goes, "time is money". For me, having control of both leaves a good impression. Now that's letting your hands do the talking!

So earlier, my boyfriend's cousin Jam just got a mani-pedi amidst the upcoming storm. Worried that her foot got wet from the rain because of the possible germs that could get infected with. I told her, "What else should you get worried about other than leptospirosis?". Then she proceeds to tell me that you could get ingrown nails. Or worse -- hepatitis or HIV if the tools their used aren't properly cleaned and sanitized. Crazy right? That's why I don't like anyone touching my nails for that matter.

I'm very particular with my nails, I don't like my cuticles getting bled or merthiolate staining my tips. Seriously, I'd rather do my own nails than risk getting a botched mani from an unknown place.

PRESS RELEASE: London at Your Fingertips with Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa

I'm sure most of us who grew up in the Pacific will agree that getting to travel the Western World is on everyone's bucket list. Where do I even start? There's a lot of beautiful cities in Europe waiting to be explored, a top European destination seems to be on everyone's mind is no other than the beautiful city of London.

Photo courtesy of visitlondon.com

London is the third biggest city in Europe and is the home to some of the world's best attractions and activities. It can't be helped not to gush in awe and admiration when you're able to wander through one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world.

Here's some of the fun activities to add on your London tour checklist:

1.) Experience a place that is sprawling with enriching galleries and museums which everyone can visit for free.

2.) Hop on London’s famous double-decker bus for an effortless sight-seeing tour and for a more thrilling way to view this splendid city, hover above while in the London Eye.

3.) With all that there is to see in this majestic city, one cannot miss out the striking Big Ben and Nelson’s Column – landmarks that almost complete a London trip but there is still so much more to discover.

These and more are in store for the loyal customers of the country’s number one nail salon and pampering destination. Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa chose London as the perfect destination for relaxation and pampering with their “Escape to London” promo.

According to the Brand Manager of Nailaholics, Ms. Lorraine Baterina: “It is our top priority to provide the best and real pampering experience to our customers. We want to show how we value them and in an effort to show our appreciation and gratitude for their support and loyalty. Last year we gave out a Maldives getaway and this year, we are going further and treat them with a chance to win a free trip to the enchanting city of London”

It’s time to grab the chance to walk the streets of London with your mate in exchange of a genuine pampering experience. How? By simply availing any of Nailaholics’ pampering packages starting from June 1 to September 30, 2017, a customer is entitled to a raffle entry for a chance to win a getaway vacation of 5 days and 4 nights to London for two!

Stay tuned to find out more exciting and rewarding promotions from Nailaholics by visiting its website at http://nailaholics.com/ and Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/nailaholics/.

Era Of Chromatics: Weens Cosmetics Philippines Launches Their Holiday Collection

So I finally decided that I'll put down those nail clippers and stop cutting my nails very short. I'm kind of tired hearing the same remarks that I always get when I'm having my manicure done. So what's the perfect way to show off my "claws"?

Get these babies coated with anything shiny! Fortunately, this season keeps on giving! One of my favorite local brand Weens Cosmetics launches their Holiday Collection. And trust me, the entire collection would put your Christmas decors to shame once you see how spectacularly glam and sparkly they look!

So what's their theme for this collection? Due to popular demand, they came up with QT's "Era of Chromatics" and it's all about Holo or Duo-Chromes!

Weens Cosmetics Philippines Launches QT Nail Magic Collection

I like wearing nail polish even if my nails aren't the ideal "canvas" when it comes to most nail art. I don't normally wear them before since I usually get my hands dirty when I was a Fine Arts student back then. Every time I do plates I always end up getting whatever gunk and goo on my hands so I figured it wasn't really practical to have my nails done in the first place. Another thing I don't like is when they also tend to leave annoying yellow stains that can't easily be removed by acetone. Ugh.

Luckily now, we have more choices in the market so we don't have to settle with cheap toxic nail polishes anymore. Last May 13, I got introduced to the QT Nail Magic Collection by Weens Cosmetics Philippines at Tra Vinh Authentic Vietnamese Noodles.

Weens Cosmetics is a local brand by Armadale Manufacturing Corp. that also carries different beauty products like nail polish, nail polish, colognes, skin care, hair care, bath / shower, baby care and medicated oil / balms.

What makes it so different is that this brand in particular is the first and only FDA approved brand that manufactures cruelty-free and vegan nail polish locally with the 5-Free Formula. The 5-Free Formula means it's free from the top 5 most harmful carcinogenic chemicals found on most nail polish brands.

December 2014 Empties & Quick Reviews

Sometimes, I think I really suck at trying to be a beauty blogger. The products I always use up, I tend to throw away involuntarily. Ugh.. Some of the products you'll get to see here are "survivors".

I'm not a fan of hanging on to things so maybe next time I'll try my best not to throw away stuff. Lol

I may or may not have given some updates on certain products that I've promised to review since they are indeed a handful. However, these are some of the products I do have tried and tested to the point of emptying the whole product, some even repurchased. Armed with full honesty, here are my product empties for the month of December. Hope you guys could check it out!

From L-R: Celeteque Advanced Anti-Aging Cleansing Oil, Bath and Body Works Pleasures Mango Mandarin Body Lotion, Fashion 21 Perfect Stick, Cetaphil DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion, The Cream Factory SCRUB-in-a-TUB, Syoss Airy Curl Cream, Snoe Body Ritual Recipes Honey Bath Syrup, Celeteque Brightening Tri-Benefit Power Cream, Snoe Magic Apple Whitening S-Rub, Opti-Free Replenish, Candii Nail Polish Remover Wipes and Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15

1.) Celeteque Advanced Anti-Aging Cleansing Oil - Ever since I started wearing waterproof make up, oil based makeup removers have always been a staple. I'm currently using the full-sized version since I have already finished a lot of these sample sized version. Check out how it easily melts off my eye makeup here.

2.) Bath and Body Works Pleasures Mango Mandarin Body Lotion - I got this from my grandma. It's a thick scented lotion that does the job at moisturizing the skin. However, I only get to wear this at night because it doesn't have any SPF on it. You can't have it all, right?

3.) Fashion 21 Perfect Stick in Almond - I loooooooove this! This was one of those impulse buys that I didn't regret having! Although it tends to crease when concealing the under-eye area, it does a marvelous job at concealing my pimple scars. Plus, it is difficult to find something close to my skintone. I love yellow undertones on my concealers since it blends well on most asian skin, like mine. I would repurchase this as soon as I get to finish up my current BB cream.

4.) Cetaphil DailyAdvance Ultra Hydrating Lotion - Staying in air-conditioned room for hours tend to dry my skin. This lotion is very hydrating without that greasy feel. However, like the Bath and Body Works Lotion... I only get to wear this at night due to the lack of SPF.

5.) The Cream Factory SCRUB-in-a-TUB - This is indeed a dessert for the skin. If you haven't seen my full review of this, check it out here.

6.) Syoss Airy Curl Cream - WHYYYYYYYYY. WHY DO THEY HAVE TO PHASE THIS OUT?!?!?! If I were to recommend a great and affordable styling product to everyone with curly or wavy hair. THIS IS THE HOLY GRAIL. Even better than everyone's HG product, the Monea's Curling Defining Milk Lotion. Trust me. Tough luck finding this as I've been searching EVERYWHERE for more than 6 months for this. (UPDATE: Finally, they already have these on stock! However, I find the P120 to P160 price increase a little bit steep. Because of this, I might try to find a more affordable curling cream in the future...)

7.) Snoe Body Ritual Recipes Honey Bath Syrup in Strawberry Smoothie - It a fruity scented body wash with bits of strawberry seeds to keep you smelling great while exfoliating the skin. Best paired with the Scrumptious Body Spritz.

8.) Celeteque Brightening Tri-Benefit Power Cream - I don't know if my skin brightened because of this, but I like this as my moisturizer because it doesn't leave my skin looking shiny. However, I will not commit to the full sized one because I might consider trying out their Celeteque Sun Care Matte Moisturizer soon.

9.) Snoe Magic Apple Whitening S-Rub - My elbows and knees lightened a little bit when I started using this product. If you like products that would last you forever, this is it! I remembered I bought this way back when I was an intern.

10.) OptiFree Replenish - Sadly, my eyes doesn't like every other contact lens solution brand out there. ReNu, Septocare, Lens Care, etc.You name it. If you haven't seen my detailed blog post about my very sensitive eyes. Check it out here.

11.) Candii Nail Polish Remover Wipes - I got this from my mom. It smells good and it's non-drying. I'd say this is a good idea when you're always on the go. However, it dries out if left unused for too long.

12.) Cetaphil Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 15 - I'm not sure if I got a bad stock but sometimes this product irritates my skin a little, which is weird because the samples I've tried before didn't do the same. I like this product especially on the holidays because it really moisturizes the skin well.

There you go! A quick rundown on some quality products I have tried till the last drop!
Hope you guys could check out my next batch of empties soon!

Revlon Nail Expressionist Review + Quick Nail Art Tutorial

One thing I'm proud of as an artist is I have no problems dealing with fine brushes. Whether it's an eyeliner brush or nail art brushes, it doesn't really matter as long as I could express myself.

This was taken 4 days after I've applied it. I apologize for my not so photogenic hand since I have no hand model at the moment. Jk. I think this photo doesn't do this justice. Lol. Anyway the product that I've used for this nail art is the Revlon Nail Art Expressionist in Night and Degas. I'm sure it looks familiar to you guys because I got this during the BDJ BOX Beauty Soiree: Nail Art Party with Revlon.

I tried and tested it out. And here's how I did this chic nail art. It's really simple and it only takes two steps. I find it weird that most people thought it takes a special skill to do this yourself or I had this nail art done at the salon.

First, put on a black base coat. I love how this one is so opaque and has a matte finish to it. However as much as I'd like to keep it matte... based on my experience, you still have to put a top coat to protect your nail art and make it last longer. You could be messy as you want since the mistakes could be easily removed with a Q-tip and nail polish remover after.

Then you make straight and diagonal lines in pairs. Avoid intersecting the other pair of lines. The white end of this has a slightly glossy finish compared to the black one which makes the designs stand out more. I know that this end is specialized for drawing because this one has a long thin brush compared to the black end that has a thicker brush for easier base coverage. If you have a steady hand, you might be capable of drawing Chinese characters with this. So awesome.
 

Pros: 

• It doesn't take too much time for it to dry.
• It doesn't smell bad.
• It's very opaque, 1-2 coats would be enough.
• It's long lasting with a top coat.
• Compared to using nail art pens, I must say that these are much more easier to apply especially when executing straight fine lines. 
• Quite handy because it doesn't take up much space since it's a 2-in-1 product.

Cons:

• Provided that I'm a cheapskate, it's quite pricey for P375. 
• Since it dries quickly, mine already dried out after a few usage. I don't know if it's the product or I didn't close it tight enough.which isn't really much of an issue.
  

 

All in all, I believe it's a great product for people who wants to get into nail art.
Hope you guys enjoyed this review and quick nail art tutorial.

Hope you guys follow me too on Instagram so I could keep you posted on some of my nail creations! :D

BDJ BOX Beauty Soiree: Revlon Nail Art Party

I know a lot of my readers are nail art experts. I took a shot at trying it out. It wasn't easy as it looks. Lol.

This weekend, BDJ BOX along with Revlon got to host their first Nail Art Party Series

exclusive to BDJ Box subscribers and BDJ Bellas here at The Podium.

BDJ Box Beauty Social: Primp and Prettify

This is the 2nd BDJ Box Beauty Social for this year! Primp and Prettify was held at the SM Skydome!
The event was bigger and better compared to the 1st BDJ Box Beauty Social held last March.
During the event we got to explore some of the newest products that premium skincare, makeup and hair care brands had to offer! Glad I bought Ash and my mom along. :D

Blue Cheetah Nails!

It's that time of the year where they'll say animal prints are in.

I'm not a fan of clothings with animal prints so i've decided to design my nails instead.

Here's the result:

How to do it:

1.) Prepare a light base color for your nails. This one I used Chic Classic's Love Orchid in Glaze.

2.) Choose another color and add blobs to your nails. I used Caronia's Blue Chill in Frosted.

It doesn't have to be perfect. You won't need a dotting tool for this. But if you are having trouble with adding them i'd suggest you use chopsticks or toothpicks. In my case I just used the brush itself. Make sure it is thin enough so it would dry easily. Concentrate on a side and leave a blank space for the base to peep.

3.) Here's where the fun part begins. Outline the sides of the blobs. My tip is don't make it too perfect. It's best when you make the corners a little bit thicker on the other side. I used a nail pen for this but a nail art brush is also good.

4.) Lastly, protect your design by using a clear nail polish. Any brand would do.

Optional: Taking long to dry your nails? Try Bobbie's Quickdry!

I hope you enjoyed this post and have fun painting your nails!