Weekly nails: Timeless dots

My nails for this week were partially inspired from a drawing technique called stippling.

"Stippling" is a drawing technique when many dots are used to create a picture. Although I didn't quite create a picture on my nails, I was using the same technique to achieve this look. Several dots to create a semi-solid space, and less dots at a smaller size when I moved down the nail. It was fairly time consuming doing the dots but it worked out in the end since I ended up with such a unique design. I decided to use classic colors like black & white because the combination is timeless and it goes with just about everything. What do you think of this look? Would you like to see a tutorial?

What's on your nails this week? Leave a comment or pic below!

Stay Maganda!<3
-K

Reversing your dry hair just got easier

How many of you have heard of Wen cleansing conditioner? Tried it? Haven't because it's too expensive?

I wanted to try it since I first saw it on the infomercial, but didn't solely because of the commitment I would have to make financially. I also didn't want to get hooked on it and then end up having to shell out $40 a month, especially with my unpredictable income as a new college graduate.

When I heard L'Oreal created their own cleansing conditioner as part of their famous ever care line, I will be honest, I was skeptical. However, I have tried their EverStrong line in the past and it worked well for me, so after reading some reviews I bought the L'Oreal EverCreme Cleansing Conditioner.

Here are some forgotten items that I never wrote blog entries about, but wanted to share with you nonetheless.



This is a nail look I did about two weeks ago, before the nude one. Chanel is my favorite luxury brand. What's yours?



These are my current favorite arm candies. I've been rocking them almost every day, especially the yin yang & flower bracelet as they have special meanings to me. What's your favorite accessory to wear?



This was my outfit of the day two days ago (wednesday) which is a crop top & a high-low skirt + some major arm candy. I'm wearing a button necklace that a friend made for me & my hair is in beachy waves, since it is almost summer!

If you follow me on instagram (@kelx0) then you've already seen these pics. However, I wanted to share them with those who don't follow me or don't have instagram at all.

Stay Maganda on this lovely Friday! <3
-K

Faded Nails

Yesterday I attempted one of the hottest nail trends - "Ombre nails". This gradient/faded effect has been seen all over the beauty world for months, and it's actually not as hard as you may think. My favorite part is the versatility of this look and how it doesn't have to be so perfect, the more blended, the better. You can also use all kinds of colors to create different looks. Next I will try a complementary look using opposite colors.

This is my attempt at the nail trend using dark to light blues. What do you think?

Have you tried the "ombre nails" trend yet? If you would like to see a tutorial on how to get this look leave a comment below.

Stay Maganda!<3
-K

PS. If you follow me on instagr.am then you can keep up with my latest looks/styles/happenings before they hit my blog. Some of my instagram feed doesn't even make my blog until much later. Follow me @kelx0 (thats a zero.)

Back to Basics: Destroyed jeans

Destroyed jeans or shorts basically scream casual. They are also very versatile and you can pair them up with just about anything to achieve all kinds of looks. Here's a look I wore last week during my "back to basics" week.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="270"] back to basics destroyed[/caption]

I toned down the destroyed jeans with a flowy crop top and a black fitted blazer. What do you think?

How do you wear your destroyed jeans?

Stay Maganda! <3
-K

Travel necessities

I've semi-unpacked and here's what I brought. Not included is my face wash, my epilator, my manicure case, and my perfume since they're still sitting in my suitcase. Notice all of the drugstore items!?

Are you a heavy or light traveller?

Stay maganda!<3
-K

Ps. I am currently testing out the Wordpress app on my phone and can't check how the layout is appearing. But I wanted to share my trip with you all and this is as good as I can get to a computer right now. In the words of Tim Gunn, "make it work!"

Vacation time

Hey guys! Sorry for the long break again. I finished my busy finals week and am now a college graduate! It's been a crazy, but fulfilling week and weekend for me between the finals, graduation, packing and unpacking to pack again for vacation! Now its break time...

I'm on vacation right now in Virginia with my family. It's pretty relaxing so far, we just got in last night. Some upcoming posts will be travel related and how I organize myself to travel effectively.

How do you guys organize yourselves when you travel?

Stay maganda!
-K

Back to basics: "Does it all" Nails

Hey everyone! I'm super sorry for my hiatus lately, it's finals week so all my free time has been going to studying and doing projects ;(

As a part of study week I've had almost no time to do anything for myself so I've been pulling together a lot of basic looks lately, which really isn't all that bad with the right accessories!

This week I will be posting my basic looks that are quick and easy, yet still stylish. Cut down on your morning routine once in a while!

Check out these nails. Nude is an IN-color for all seasons and it goes with everything! Have you rocked this color?

[caption id="attachment_420" align="aligncenter" width="300"] essie nail lacquer in "mamba"[/caption]

Nude is another nail trend for this spring/summer, which is a good alternative to neon nail polish or crazy designs, which isn't always appropriate for work. If your job says your can't wear nail polish, a nude polish gives that "barely there" effect, so it's not always noticeable.

When picking a nude color, make sure you opt for a color close to your skin tone. Don't forget to pay attention to undertones as well!

Lighter skin: depending on your skin undertones, try a pink or yellow based nude.
Medium skin: try a nude with gold undertones
Darker skin: try a brown based nude

Remember, you want that "barely there" effect!

What do you think of the nude nail trend?

Good luck & Stay Maganda! <3
-K

Accessory obsession

For those who don't already know, I go through phases with my jewelry obsessions. First it was earrings, then it was necklaces, then bracelets (which I haven't really outgrown), and now rings. I think the obsession started sometime last summer because out of nowhere my ring collection just skyrocketed!

I wanted to share with you all my latest purchase which I've been dying to have for quite some time now. If you follow me on instagr.am then you've seen these babies already.



I was shopping for my graduation outfits in Forever 21 and (as always) I ended up in the jewelry section to see what new things they have and there they were! Two gorgeous rings that are total statement pieces. I've been looking for rings like this for a while, but could never find one that suited me properly. These are by far my new favorite rings & I've been rocking them almost everyday. I'm a big supporter of statement pieces because I believe it's good to stand out in all the right ways, so why not stand out with an awesome fashion piece? :)

What are your favorite accessories to rock? Any obsessions with a certain kind?

Stay Maganda!<3
-K

My recent stress reliever

I've been pretty overwhelmingly stressed lately due to it being the end of the semester, finals, graduation, you name it! To keep myself from getting TOO stressed, I've found something that really calms me down - painting my nails.

I've always been "that girl" who never has her nails not painted, but this time it's different. I've been trying to get more and more creative with what's on my nails and attempting techniques and using colors I don't normally use.

Check them out!

Look 1:

I call this "zig-zag" because I couldn't think of anything...What would you call it?
As you can see, I tried a little step-by-step thing here to show you how easy it is! Play around with different colors & designs. Tell me or send me pictures of what you did, I'd like to see!
*Tip* make sure the base color is completely dry. I waited overnight before I painted the top colors. 

 Look 2:

This is what's currently on my nails.
It's a simple french manicure but with different colorful colors. I wanted to do neon colors but my selection isn't that great so I opted for just bright colors. I did this by hand with no guides because I've developed a very steady hand over the years of painting and drawing. However, if you don't have a very steady hand I recommend getting French manicure guides, which can be purchased at any drug store. Again, see what variations you can come up with.

How do you deal with stress? Have you tried these looks before? Love? Hate? Leave me a comment (or pics) of what's on your nails this week!

Stay Maganda! <3
-K

All-nighters. Many of us have pulled one at least once, if not many more times. Being a college student, all-nighters are necessary to complete projects, papers, studying - you name it. The time that all-nighters tend to sky-rocket is during midterms and finals week.

For those of you following me on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram (@kelx0) - you know I've been pulling all-nighters this past week. However, you probably couldn't tell because of the tricks I use to look awake with little sleep. There really is an art to dealing with late nights/all-nighters.

These types of nights don't discriminate. You can encounter them in high school and as an adult with a career as well. So how do you handle them?

How to: Hair oils

The latest trend within the beauty world is putting oils in your hair. I know I'm guilty of taking part in it since I started my new hair care regimen last year. However, if you want it to be effective, there's a certain way you need to use these new (or not so new) hair oils.

These popular oils include: Moroccan/Argan oil, Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, etc.

Truth is, you can use any oil in your hair because these products contain Vitamin E, an essential vitamin needed to replenish your hair. Coconut oil doesn't have Vitamin E, but has other properties that help bind and protect the protein in your hair so that stays in your hair and keeps it from breaking. No oil is "better" than the other one.

People use oils essentially because of too much hair processing or excessive heat damage. It's true, these oils can replenish what was lost from your hair, but only if used properly.

Mini-Haul

The other day I made a few purchases on Amazon.com for items I've been eyeing for a while. Let me just say that I love Amazon because they have such a wide selection of items available and have trustworthy sellers for the most part. Also, investing in AmazonPrime is AMAZING because it's guaranteed FREE 2-DAY SHIPPING! 

I ordered this Tuesday night and got it Thursday (today) afternoon :)

With that being said here's my purchase:

Sunshine Award

I am honored to receive a nomination for the Sunshine Award from Whitney (Wands & Pliers)! I started this blog in December, went away, and really kicked it up in March. I want to thank all of my supporters for your ideas, support, and kind words. It's feels good to share my knowledge with people and I'm glad I've been helpful to most! You are all my inspiration :)



My nomination came from Whitney who runs her blog Wands & Pliers. She is an awesome blogger who shares her everyday life with readers of all kinds. Anything from hauls, to food, product reviews, and anything in-between. She's also a sweetheart so check her out!

Now to the instructions:

• Include the award’s logo in a post on your blog


• Answer 1o questions about yourself


• Nominate 10 other bloggers


• Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs, letting them know they have been nominated


• Share the love and link the person who nominated you

Here’s my q&a:

1. My favourite color: PINK


2. My favourite animal: PANDAS


3. My favourite number: 15 or 7


4. My favourite drink: GREEN TEA


5. Facebook or Twitter: FB: facebook.com/magandapanda // TWEET ME: @kelx0


6. My passion: ART & DESIGN


7. Prefer giving or getting presents: GETTING >.< I DO LIKE GIVING PRESENTS TO THOSE DEARLY SPECIAL TO ME


8. My favorite pattern: ARGYLE


9. My favorite day of the week: FRIDAY OR SATURDAY


10. My favorite flower: LILIES

Here’s 10 other bloggers you guys should check out =)

1. eyemasq


2. pearlessence


3. themakeupnerd


4. makeupbyleelee


5. blissno.9


6. lilmissshanghai


7. fancieland


8. productjunkiegirl


9. sleepingbootay


10. smokeyeyesmua

Stay Maganda!<3
-K