Polished to Perfection

I have always been a fan of nail art. My nails are like an extended accessory. I feel bare without nail polish and it’s an easy way to spice up my everyday work wear. There are times when I would get bored with just one plain color on my nails. Here are a few ways to give your plain manicure an instant upgrade.

The Diagonal French Manicure:

The French Manicure has been around since the 70’s. Sometimes it can look old-fashioned if you stick to the usual pink and white combination. Time to modernize it. You can play around with bolder colors.

The traditional French Manicure is usually a thin white line on the tips. With our French Manicure with a modern twist, we used a nude shade for the base and two shades for the diagonal tips.

We used Orly’s Coffee Break for the base and Orly Luxe and Liquid Vinyl for the gold and black diagonal tips.

Half Moon Sparkle:

Another design that’s been around for a while is the “Half Moon”.   Most of the time, sparkly nails are only done during the holidays. But you can create a very subtle nail art design using the glitters only for the half moon.

Just apply your favorite base color and add the glitters to add a little drama.

 

We used Orly’s Mirror Mirror for the base and Orly’s Halo for the half moon.

 

Minimalist Chic:

For this design, I chose colors that aren’t used very often but can look so chic and modern together, black and white. I chose opaque white for the base color and using black nail polish, just drew a line on each nail going in different directions. This is quite easy to do and the lines don’t need to be straight nor perfect. It’s part of that “hand-drawn” kind of look.

We used Orly’s White Tips for the base and Orly’s Liquid Vinyl for the lines.

 

Have fun creating your own nail art designs. They don’t have to be so intricate. Sometimes a simple line or a dot here and there can already create something very chic!

Nails by: Honeyca Obena and Diane Noriel for Belle & Cat Nail and Wax Studio located in 131 Sterling Centre, Esteban Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City.

*Photography by Nico Nuyda

 

The Month of Hearts at B&C

Belle & Cat Nail and Wax Studio is located at:

G/F 131 Sterling Centre, Esteban Street corner Dela Rosa Street, Legazpi Village, Makati City, Manila, Philippines.

You may contact us here 🙂

O tanjō-bi omedetōgozaimasu, Isabel!

Isabel and I LOVE Japanese food 🙂 Isabel is one of my best friends from High School and she’s our head receptionist at our little nail salon. Haha!  She celebrated her birthday last month and I was so glad she picked Mangetsu for her birthday lunch! 🙂

Mangetsu is located at 38 Jupiter Street, Bel-Air, Makati.

Prepping my plate and chopsticks for the awesome lunch ahead.

First things first… The rolls.

Spicy Tuna Maki. My favorite sushi 🙂 (P250/150)

California Maki. (P250/150)

A tall glass of iced tea. That’s Mr. and Mrs. Manguiat in the background enjoying the food 🙂

Check out Isabel’s newly painted nails using Orly’s Naughty or Nice Collection.

(Available at Belle & Cat. LOL!  Shameless plug!)

Gyu-Sara. Simmered beef in soy sauce, mirin and dashi. (P295)

Mozzarella Cheese Risotto. An Italian-inspired rice dish (P260). This is Isabel’s favorite. I wouldn’t have ordered this normally. I found this combi to be a bit strange. But OMG. LOVED IT.

Japanese Fried Rice. My all-time favorite. But the cheese risotto won that day! 🙂

Prawn Tempura with salt and tempura dipping sauce. (P450)

Sauteed Eggplants and Beef. Red Miso Flavor. (P320) I love eggplant and beef together 🙂

Karaage Chicken Thighs with 3 Kinds of Salt. (P380). One of my favorite dishes in Mangetsu 🙂

Pork Tonkatsu. Gosh, I didn’t realize we ordered so much. Haha!

Meet my friends, Claudette, Angela and Bastie 🙂  Love these guys!

They don’t judge me by the amount of food that’s on my plate. LOL!

Every time I eat with these guys, we have a feast!  Always ordering too much but… the more the merrier! 🙂

 Thank you for an awesome lunch, Isabel! ‘Til the next banquet 🙂

Balik High School

About a month ago, my partner and one of my bestfriends, Isabel (The Belle of Belle & Cat, hehe!) asked me if I would be willing to do a workshop with her at Assumption, where we both went to High School! 🙂

“What exactly would we be talking about?”, I asked Isabel.  I couldn’t believe that we were invited to give like a career talk to these High School students.

I remember back in High School, I attended a Hotel and Restaurant Management talk conducted by Miss Liza Chan.  And I was so inspired by her!  That was the course I really wanted to take in college but my dad had other plans for me.  Which was a big fail, by the way. HAHAHA!

So I felt quite nervous thinking that I must, in a way, inspire these kids just the way Liza did when I was in High School.  So we decided to do it.  What the hell! Hehe! 🙂 It would be nice to go back to Assumption also.  I haven’t gone back since High School.  Batch ’96 YO! Proud to be part of this batch!

Once we got to AC, this was last October 24, 2012, I suddenly felt like I was transported back in time.  Seriously… There was a Back to the Future moment there…

We were led to the Speaker’s Lounge, which was actually my classroom, freshman year!

We moved on to the third floor where we will be conducting the workshop 🙂

Whoa??? May flat screen na sa classrooms???  At whiteboard na??? Excited pa naman ako to write notes on the blackboard using chalk. Hehe  Wala na bang ganun?!

… at aircon??? Lucky students!!!

Our energetic participants are ready 🙂

It was so much fun talking to the AC students.  Felt like I was in High School again… Same wavelength lang kami 🙂 Haha! I will always be a teen inside!

I had a blast doing the makeup demo because these girls loved doing makeup on themselves!  Love it!!! 🙂  They’re just as kikay as me! Hehe (But believe it or not, I wasn’t into makeup back in High School…)  So children, what you think you want to be when you grow up, may not be what you end up doing!

I see some makeup artists in the making…

The girls really wanted to learn how to do a black smokey eye makeup, one thing almost everyone wants to learn 🙂

That’s Mika below.  Future makeup artist? 🙂

And of course, we brought one of our nail technicians from Belle & Cat Nail and Wax Studio, to do a demo on nail art 🙂  Some of the girls were more excited about nail art! 🙂  So here is Jane, one of our most talented nail artist, doing some color blocking with bright colors for the students 🙂

Check out these cool nail designs!!! 🙂

My students were so happy with how their makeup turned out 🙂  They were all prom-ready! Hehe

Thanks to all the AC students who attended our Makeup and Nail Art Workshop! 🙂  I had so much fun teaching you all how to apply makeup 🙂  I’ve always wanted to have a little sister.  LOL!

And there’s Isabel on the far right, the reason why we were here.  Thanks, Isabel!!!  Glad we did this!

Thanks, AC!!! 🙂 I remembered how much fun High School was!  The friends I’ve made here in Assumption remained the truest of friends, like blood sisters.  One of the best years of my life!

We shall return, AC!  You were my home during my teenage years!  I surely missed you! Thanks for bringing us back!

Belle & Cat’s Pre-Holiday Blowout

Photo taken by Ben Chan 🙂

September is just around the corner! 🙂  I’m sure most of you have all these events to attend!  Weddings, reunions, birthday parties, baptisms and bridal showers! 🙂

You must always look your best during these special events, in person and in photos!  So you won’t kill your friends for posting unflattering photos on Instagram and Facebook, make sure you get glammed up! 🙂

We would like to give you, our dearest friends and clients, a PRE-HOLIDAY BLOWOUT at Belle & Cat! 🙂

For the whole of September!!!

we will be having three different packages to choose from! 🙂

 

“RED CARPET READY!”

Here’s what’s included in the “Red Carpet Ready” Package:

Hairstyling and Makeup by our Belle & Cat Artists

PLUS Luxury Manicure and Pedicure

for only P1,500 🙂

(Original price: P1,950)

 

Photo taken by Steve Tirona 🙂

“GLAM UP!”

This package includes Hairstyling and Makeup by our Belle & Cat Artists

for only P1,050 🙂

(Original price: P1,500)

 

Photo taken by Sara Black 🙂

“PARTY CHIC EXPRESS”

This package includes Eye Makeup Only (inclusive of false eyelashes)

and Blowdry  for only P550 🙂

So bring out those calendars and prepare for your up and coming events! 🙂

You may call us at 02-4806204 to book your Pre-Holiday Blowout appointments today! 🙂

Getaway In The City

Hi there, friends!!! 🙂

There are two long weekends coming up!  Have you already planned out your out-of-town trips? 🙂

For some of us, staycations are the ultimate getaways 🙂

We invite you to spend the long weekend with us at Belle & Cat Nail and Wax Studio for a mini getaway in the city 🙂

From August 18 to 21, 2012 and August 25 to 27, we will be having our special “Getaway” package!  Enjoy 30% off on our Indulgence Package! 🙂

Included in our Indulgence Package is an Ultimate Spa Manicure and an Ultimate Spa Pedicure PLUS Hand and Foot Paraffin Treatments! 🙂  Regular Price is P1,750 but for our “Getaway” promo, it will only be P1,225 🙂  You save P525 🙂

And not only that, if you bring a friend and you both will be getting the Indulgence Package, it will only be P1,000/head and you save a total of P1,500! 🙂

All you have to do are these four simple steps:

1.  Call us 02-4806204 to make an appointment on the following dates:  August 18-21 or August 25-27, 2012.

2.  Inform the therapist that you will be booking for our “Getaway” flight.

3. Come over on the desired date.

4.  Lastly, just enjoy your mini getaway in the city! 🙂

Below is the map to your destination! 🙂  I hope to see you all at Belle & Cat during these long weekends 🙂

Relax and enjoy your staycation!!! You all deserve a break.  See you there! 🙂

Magnetize Your Nails!

So happy to announce that Nails Inc. London Magnetic Polish has landed in Belle & Cat Nail and Wax Studio!!! 🙂 But what exactly is Magnetic Polish??? 🙂

“Magnetic Polish is a revolutionary magnetic nail lacquer used to create stunning 3D nail art designs in chic metallic shades.”

“Magnetic polish is the most exciting nail polish you have ever seen. This amazing nail polish will give instant WOW factor and ensure that you are miles ahead of the fashion game. You can create a gorgeous nail art effect in just a few minutes using these unique magnetic polishes.
This unique formula has been specially developed with metallic particles to create a pattern on the nail using magnetic forces. As the magnet is held over the nail, the iron powder in the formulation gravitates toward the magnet forming the pattern/design secretly hidden in the magnet for an astonishing finish!” – Nails Inc. London

Magnetic Polish can create a whole new unique nail design in just seconds! See what exciting patterns it will create! 🙂

This magnetic polish creates a 3D fishnet pattern. This metallic gold shade is called “Piccadilly”.

This metallic rasberry shade is called, “Kensington Palace”.

This metallic chrome shade is called “Trafalgar Square”. That’s my dear friend, Dominique, in the background 🙂 hehe

This teal color is called “White Hall”.

This purple shade is called “Houses of Parliament”. This is what I chose! 🙂

I chose “Houses of Parliament” for my nails!  I never had long nails only because I play the guitar. (hehe, yes I do.)  And also I have a hard time maintaining long nails.  I always end up biting them. LOL! 🙂  The magnetic polish still looked good on my short nails though and the design still really came out.

I love the unique swirly 3D effect the magnet created!!! How interesting… Kind of looks marbled, too.  Love it! 🙂

All five shades are available at Belle & Cat Nail and Wax Studio.  These are not for sale but you can have our nail technicians “magnetize” your nails! 🙂 Hope you could drop by soon! 🙂

Belle & Cat is located at 131 Sterling Centre, Ground Floor, Dela Rosa Street Corner Esteban Street, Legaspi Village, Makati or call us at 02-4806204 to make an appointment! 🙂  Be the first to have magnetic nails! 🙂

The New French Tip

So proud of my girl, Nerrisa Justo, one of our talented nail technicians at Belle & Cat Nail and Wax Studio 🙂  Her nail art was featured in one of our favorite magazines, Meg 🙂  This post is quite delayed, I apologize.  This came out during the February 2012 issue, hopefully still available in news stands out there 🙂

Matte purple nails with silver tips 🙂

Silver nails with black lacy tips 🙂

Nude nails with leopard print tips 🙂

Try out these contemporary French Tip designs at Belle & Cat! 🙂  Special thanks to Ning Hilario for writing this wonderful article and to Ron Mendoza for the beautiful photos 🙂

Celestial Garden by Shu Uemura

I am loving Shu Uemura’s Summer 2012 Collection called Celestial Garden 🙂

"The world above the clouds, surrounded by overflowing positive energy, full of colors and full of light.
The same scenery, the same world can look so different, if seen with all your senses full open.
Unchain yourself, play with the colors, enjoy make-up, and above all enjoy precious moments that exist in your life."

When I got my collection, I immediately fell in love with these creamy dome blushers!  They are so easy to apply.  I literally just color them on my cheeks for an instant rosy glow 🙂

Check out these two pretty shades perfect for the summer!  Fairy Pink and Sunlight Peach 🙂

There are three different palettes in the collection.  I love them all 🙂 Don’t be afraid to use some pop of color in the eyes. They’re very subtle 🙂

Love the packaging 🙂

Eyeshadow Trio Scent 🙂 The color code from top to bottom is S1, S2 and S3 🙂 I'll be using S2 (orange) for highlighting on Isabel. You'll see the photos later on 🙂

This palette is called Eyeshadow Trio Air. The color code for this palette from top to bottom is A1, A2 and A3. A2 will be my main color for Isabel's eyes 🙂

The third palette is called Eyeshadow Trio Light. Color code from top to bottom is L1, L2 and L3. I will be using L3 on Isabel's inner corner of the eyes 🙂

Here's the jumbo eye crayon in Misty Brown (left) and Earthy Brown (right). This may be used as an eyeshadow or eyeliner on the lower lash line for a subtle smokey eye 🙂

Ultimate Natural Mascara in Dark Brown.

Lippies in Angelic Pink (left) and Darling Beige (right).

Lovely lip glosses in Corona Orange (top) and Blooming Pink (bottom).

Angel Wink for the lower lashes 🙂

I love doing makeovers on my friends. hehe And one Sunday afternoon, I decided to try out these great products on one of my best friends and partner-in-crime, Isabel 🙂  She hardly wears makeup so I was careful to make this summer look on her as subtle and light as possible 🙂

Here is Isabel with absolutely no makeup on 🙂 She's beautiful as it is! Lucky Isabel 🙂 I will never have my photo taken without makeup 🙂 Haha!

I just applied a little concealer under Isabel's eyes and a thin layer of liquid foundation to even out the skin tone 🙂 Also applied some lip balm to prep for the lippie 🙂

Applied the Fairy Pink Creamy Dome Blusher on Isabel's cheeks. This is best applied directly on the skin without any powder or foundation.

I used three different colors on Isabel's eyes. I applied the purple eyeshadow (A2) from Palette Air all over the lid. Used the glittery green shade (L3) from Palette Light for the inner corners of the eyes and the orange shade (S2) from Palette Scent 🙂 Then I used the Darling Beige lippie and the Blooming Pink lip gloss over it.

Here is Isabel with a fresh summery face and loving it! 🙂

So many possibilities using the Celestial Garden collection! 🙂 Have fun with it! Enjoy wherever you’ll be this summer, guys!

Another Dream Job Fulfilled: Barista

I’ve always wanted to be a Barista 🙂  First of all, I love coffee, the smell and taste of a good cup.  Secondly, it’s also a way for me to “kidnap” my husband or friends for about an hour or so to just catch up.  I’ve had some of the best conversations over a cup of coffee.

Our very own Saeco coffee machine! (Well, it's on loan...)

When I am not busy with makeup gigs or mommy duties, I am usually at my office. hehe Belle & Cat Nail and Wax Studio has become a second home to me and I am here almost everyday.  It’s always nice seeing our regular clients and meeting new ones 🙂 When I am craving for a cup of coffee, I would walk to either Blenz or Starbucks.  But not anymore… 🙂

Coffee in minutes! 🙂

Recently, I met with Jason, the brother of a good friend of mine, Tessa 🙂 I recently did her makeup for her wedding.  hehe Anyway, going back to the coffee.  Jason is from this company called Best Brew Coffee Solutions, Inc.  They provide “coffee solutions” for your office or shop or salon! 🙂 For me, coffee is the solution to everything! And yoga.  Jason provided us with everything that we needed to be able to give our clients a great cup of coffee while getting their nails done 🙂  You don’t get that in Starbucks! haha!

Love the smell of these local coffee beans. They're called Rocky Mountain Cafe Organic Mountain Blend Coffee.

Okay, so this is where my Barista skills come in.  First I choose the coffee that I am making 🙂 Made this cup for my friend, Angela, after she got her eyelashes permed.  She wanted a latte.  For a cup of latte, I just need a shot of espresso.

So below is the cup with a shot of espresso.

I then prepare the milk.  I place the milk in another cup.

I place the tube in the cup with the milk and with just one press of a button, there is my latte!

Since my friend, Angela, was watching me show off my Barista skills, I got too excited and pressed the button a second too late. Haha! OOOOPS…. too much milk! Sorry!!! 🙂 FAIL.

Angela's Latte 🙂 Almost perfect.

Okay, let me try this again.  Angela suggested to put the milk first then the shot of espresso… Could be. Could be 🙂

Best Brew Coffee Solutions, Inc, also provides the sugar and the creamer 🙂

Ever since we got this coffee machine,  B&C became an even happier place to be in 🙂  So to my dear friends, anytime you need a pick-me-up, you know where to go! Let’s catch up! 🙂

Thanks, Jason!

If you’re interested to provide excellent coffee in your office or shop, you may call 0917-846-BREW 🙂