Simply Rins

Nail Art Quote Picture No.7

2013-05-20T01:43:00.000+08:00

"Learning nail art requires willingness and persistence."

I never thought the day would come that people would ask me to teach them how to do nail art or give them personal tips. My mother always reminds me to share one's blessings and so I try my best to impart what I love to do -- nail art designing.

In my attempts to help others, I've encountered people that are easily let down by disappointments. I tell them that willingness to learn nail art is the start, but it is not enough. One should also be willing to endure the frustrations that comes with learning. One must have persistence. It's always hard during the first time, right? Your nail art skills will eventually develop through practice, practice, and more practice.

Nail art used in the photo is Counting Sheep

Note: This nail art quote is a personal insight.

Nail Art: Happy Mother's Day

2013-05-12T16:20:00.002+08:00

This freehand nail art is for all the mothers, particularly to my ever supportive and loving mom! So let me start by greeting all moms a very Happy Mother's Day!

Flowers. That is all I can think about when I was brainstorming on what nail art design I should wear for this special occasion. Initially, I wanted to paint daisies but decided on something abstract instead.

Take a look at the result:

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Nail Art: Broken Lines

2013-05-08T02:44:00.000+08:00

This hand-painted nail art was inspired by a color and it all started when I was fixing my closet. Let me tell you its story ...

It's summer here in the Philippines and the heat has made me lazy to do my nails. Aside from that, work has been getting most of my time. The moment I get to my studio for some "me" time, all I want to do is go to bed. But last night was different.

I was arranging my clothes and found a handful of orange shirts. That took me by surprise. As I am not fond of pinks, I am also not fond of orange, especially on my nails. I think it doesn't compliment my skin tone. Anyway, I then thought of doing some nail art inspired by the color. So I stopped what I was doing and began painting my nails.

This was the result:

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Dazzle Dry Loves Moms

2013-05-02T00:22:00.000+08:00

I can still remember the time when I found out that Dazzle Dry made its way here in the Philippines. I knew about this polish before they even brought it here and I was really (!) interested to experience the Dazzle Dry nail system for myself. Needless to say, I got hooked the moment I tested the product. Why wouldn't I be? It is the safest polish out there, the only 100% vegan that will NOT cause stains or yellowing. Oh, and it absolutely dries rock hard in 5 minutes! Wow!

I am a frequent window shopper and I often visit polish stands just to check what brands are up to. I have encountered many women who puts down a good polish because of cost and comment that it is only nail polish. Perhaps what Luke Brandon said in the movie Confessions of a Shopaholic can best say how I view this concern, "Cost and worth are two different things."

Sometimes, we need to experience things for ourselves to appreciate or recognize the worth of something. I say this as Dazzle Dry is having a Mother's Day sale. This may be a good time for you to experience the Dazzle Dry nail system and polish for a discounted price!

Photo grabbed from Dazzle Dry PhilippinesCONTINUE READING ...

A Night With My Yellow Dress

2013-04-29T02:28:00.001+08:00

Another first happened to yours truly. BYS invited me to talk about that one thing I am most passionate about -- nails, nail art in particular.

When I decided to dedicated this blog to nail art, I had quite a difficult time choosing what category this site is supposed to be listed under. Initially, I chose personal blog until friends from blogosphere convinced me it should fall under beauty and fashion. I honestly felt out of place since I haven't really met nail bloggers in any of the events that I have attended. Well, that's probably because there rarely are events specific to nails around here.

And so I bet you can imagine how thrilled I was when BYS decided to celebrate the launch of its Glitter for Nails over dinner with some media friends. I was even more thrilled that they asked me to introduce the collection, give a live demonstration, share personal tips, and suggest a few nail art ideas using the product.

This is me giving insights on nail art.
(Photo courtesy of Nanay.)CONTINUE READING ...

BYS Glitter for Nails (Part 2): Tutorial and Tips

2013-04-24T02:26:00.002+08:00

It is always exciting (at least to me) to discover new ways on how to dress our nails. Before, there were only the regular polishes. Today, we can find several nail polish collections that give nail enthusiasts interesting results! Nail art is becoming more exciting everyday. It's not only for those who can paint nail designs because now, brands have been introducing alternative ways to spice up the regular manicure. And BYS has been a frontliner in terms of nail creativity.

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Nail Art Quote Picture No.6

2013-04-22T02:43:00.001+08:00

"Nail art is a vacation for plain nails."

Polished nails were not allowed in any of the schools that I attended. Even when I was in college, having colored nails were a no-no. This is probably one of the reasons why I developed my passion for nails and eventually nail art. Now, I've come to realize that doing nail art is like treating my nails to a vacation for wearing them so plainly for many many years. And perhaps many ladies out there can relate to this statement, too. How about sharing with us your story? :)

Nail art used in the photo is Here Comes the Sun.

Note: This nail art quote is a personal insight.

Nail Art: Purple Bricks

2013-04-16T00:05:00.000+08:00

I was having an early dinner last weekend when I received a text message from a friend who asked me how I was. I wanted to reply that I was feeling lonely but said I was fine instead. I've realized that no matter how used I am to being alone, one can sometimes be a lonely number. And even though I have met some that showed interest, I can't seem to bring down the wall I have put up. Can I blame the number of times I've been broken?

My best friend these days has been unavailable so I decided to channel my feelings the best way I know how -- through nail art.

Wall was the idea. The question is how I'd be able to convey that in a nail design. I figured a brick wall inspired design would do the job. The concept is not original as there have been several nail art bloggers who have done their version of the bricks nails. So in order to put some personal flair into this design, I decided to use a purple palette and alter the brick placements.

I simply called this Purple Bricks Nail Art Design. Take a look:

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BYS Glitter for Nails (Part 1)

2013-04-13T05:52:00.000+08:00

People (friends and strangers alike) always notice how I light up whenever the topic of discussion is on anything that pertains to nails. It's a subject I can talk about endlessly. I guess the people from BYS noticed the same after a brief conversation one fine afternoon. Amidst all the make-up surrounding us that day, I couldn't resist not inquiring about their nail polish line.

A few weeks after, I sat down with them again to receive some exciting news. There's a new nail kit in town and I can't wait any longer to share this with you!

BYS has officially launched its latest nail polish collection called Glitter for Nails here in the Philippines! It is texture and glitter at the same time. BYS does not claim that the concept is theirs but you'd probably agree with me after I show you a few swatches that BYS have taken the glitter manicure to the next level. This is definitely NOT your usual glitter nail polish and I haven't seen one that comes close.

BYS Glitter for Nails KitCONTINUE READING ...

Nail Art Quote Picture No.5

2013-04-12T00:17:00.000+08:00

"Nail art is a learning process."

I look at nail art designing like going to school because I think it is a learning process. Would you agree? A nail artist can only discover his/her personal style and the techniques that would work for him/her in time, through experience. Honestly, I am still learning a lot as I do nail art. I hope nail art beginners would realize this and be more patient when they stumble into difficulties along the way. Like going to school, everyone starts from first grade. And even after graduation, we don't stop learning to better ourselves. The same holds true with nail art.

Nail art used for photo is Blue Wave.

Note: This nail art quote is a personal insight.

Review: VB Cosmetics Cuticle Oil

2013-04-08T03:31:00.000+08:00

I love getting my nails pampered in a nail salon. It's one of the things I really look forward to. But as much as I would like to have my nails done regularly, a trip to the salon can sometimes be a hassle. This drove me to pay extra attention to my nails, particularly on how to keep my cuticles healthy so I could minimize nail salon visits. We should remember that the way to healthy nails is through the cuticles, the so-called nail protector.

When you look back when I was starting as a nail art blogger, I had very dry cuticles and the same goes with the skin around my nails. I even received a few negative comments saying my designs were good but I had ugly hands. In truth, I was hurt. But I also know that presentation counts. As a nail art blogger, I realized there's more to just sharing nail designs. I (we) am presenting my hand, not just my nails.

My hand and nail care regimen is simple -- no cutting of cuticles and moisturize. I am a consistent user of hand creams, cuticle creams, and cuticle oil. And today, I'll be sharing with you that cuticle oil that works for me -- VB Cosmetics Cuticle Oil with Shea Butter.

VB Cosmetics Cuticle Oil with Shea ButterCONTINUE READING ...

Nail Art: Colored Stripes

2013-03-31T23:46:00.000+08:00

It has been almost 3 weeks since I've last painted my nails ... and blogged, too. At first, I got depressed by a series of copyright infringement. No matter how hard I try to set aside how I feel about people stealing designs and photos, I always find myself deeply attached to my craft. It is never overacting for an artist to ask for respect. Anyway, I had a minor accident when I finally got an inspiration. I fell down a stairs and used my right hand to break my fall. I didn't have a sprain but my right wrist was slightly hurt.

I took my blogging absence as a breather and it actually allowed to me to take a step back and reevaluate my blog. For my comeback, I decided on something simple to do as I didn't want to strain my right hand just yet. It was a battle between polka dots and stripes. Well, the latter won.

I simply called this Colored Stripes because it is simply that.

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Nail Art Quote Picture No.4

2013-03-07T12:11:00.001+08:00

"Imagination is the only limitation of nail art."

I always mention this to nail art enthusiasts who asks me what they need to come up with nail art ideas. I know that there are a lot of amazing nail artists that share with us their stunning works. I believe that it is meant to give us inspiration and to encourage us to stretch our imagination to come up with our own original nail art designs.

Nail art used for photo is Dripping Rainbow

Note: This nail art quote is a personal insight.

Nail Art: Floral Pastel

2013-03-04T23:40:00.001+08:00

I decided to do a nail art that is simple and dainty. I was feeling a little under the weather so I painted a simple floral pattern on my nails and hoped that it would turn out good. Honestly, I am not really sure what to feel about this nail art that I called Floral Pastel. Perhaps, I should let you judge for yourself.

Take a look:

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Behind the Scenes

2013-03-02T02:29:00.000+08:00

I have been getting a few requests to write a post on how I take photos of my nail art. I have been setting aside writing this until Kelly of Devilish Designs published a comment requesting the same. I took it as a wake-up call to finally answer that inquiry.

Before anything else, I'd like to impart the story how I came up with this setup. When I redirected the focus of this blog to sharing my nail art designs, I realized that presentation mattered. I received a few nasty comments on how my pictures/hands looked and took it as a challenge to be better. I have friends which embraces photography as a hobby. They made me understand that good pictures are essential to a nail art blog. To date, I've invested in 2 cameras. Thanks to my mom who helped me buy the one that I am currently using. And thanks to friends who have been giving me photography tips.

I am not claiming that I am an expert on taking nail art photos. Perhaps this has been one of the reasons why I keep setting aside this post. But I'd like you all to know that I've taken inspiration from how other nail bloggers take photos.

Without further ado, this is my current photography setup:

Explaining the setup:
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Nail Art Quote Picture No.3

2013-02-28T00:50:00.001+08:00

"Nail art is choosing to be different."

I am often asked why I am passionate about my nails, particularly nail art. I have always been in love with art and including my nails as canvas came as no surprise to me and to those who knows me well. Painting my nails is my way of expressing myself and I admire all the ladies out there that does the same regardless of what others might think. Having beautiful nails is always a plus in my book. ;)

Nail art used in photo is Colorful Abstract

Note: This nail art quote is a personal insight.

BYS Cosmetics and a Makeover

2013-02-26T08:02:00.000+08:00

It is quite embarrassing to admit that I do not know how to put on make-up. Except for blush and lipstick, I always seek professional help whenever I need some color on my face. Having a highly sensitive skin did not help at all to motivate me to learn how to put on make-up by myself. But after a recent makeover and being introduced to BYS Cosmetics that offers a wide array of make-up essentials without overpricing, I have reconsidered learning how to apply make-up.

Some BYS cosmetics awaiting to be tested.CONTINUE READING ...

Nail Art: Little Things

2013-02-22T05:59:00.001+08:00

Have you ever had that feeling of having too many ideas that you can't decide on what do first? Well, this what happened when I was trying to make up my mind on what nail art I wanted to do.

Patterns was the direction I wanted to take. Floral pattern? Geometric maybe? Play with shapes or dots? After awhile, I started doodling and hoped that it would help with the decision. It did! Since I couldn't decide on one particular pattern, I decided to use all the little ideas to create a nail design. Hence, the title -- Little Things!

Behold, the results:

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Nail Art Quote Picture No.2

2013-02-18T04:26:00.000+08:00

Nail Art used in photo is Bunch of Flowers

Note: This nail art quote is a personal insight.

OPI Can't Let Go (Liquid Sand)

2013-02-16T18:15:00.000+08:00

If you don't like texture on your nails, you may like OPI's liquid sand from the Mariah Carey Collection. It was launched for spring 2013. I've seen a lot of nail bloggers' review on this collection and it got me curious. I hope I could share with you all the colors from the entire set but I decided to feature one color -- OPI Can't Let Go Liquid Sand.

Aside from texture, OPI Liquid Sand line was intended to be worn without top coat and dries glittered matte.

Here is OPI Can't Let Go without top coat:

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Nail Art: Love

2013-02-15T01:54:00.003+08:00

Some people believe that Valentine's Day is only associated with romantic love. But love comes in different forms and I'd like to believe that Valentine's Day is a celebration of love, in any form. And so, I'd like to send that message across through a very straightforward and simple Valentine's nail art design.

Take a look:

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Nail Art Tutorial: Cupcakes for Valentine's

2013-02-11T23:37:00.000+08:00

The cupcake nail art design will always have a special place in my heart and I will probably be emotional about it everytime I wear it or see other nail art enthusiast recreate the design. It was my first freehand nail art that paved the way for my nail art blog to be recognized.

My version of the cupcake nail art has been revived countless time and it made me a proud mama! I published the design on August 2010 that I simply titled Nail Art: Cupcakes. The idea was to come up with a method that would make painting cupcakes on nails easy. Reading the post brought back a lot of memories and it made me realize how much I've grown as a nail artist / blogger.

Let me share with you once more the cupcake nail art with a little twist:

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Nail Art Quote Picture No.1

2013-02-07T02:08:00.000+08:00

If you have been following me on Twitter or on Facebook, you might have noticed how fond I am of coming up with nail art quotes. Recently, I've decided to transform them into nail art quote pictures by using my previous nail designs. In a funny way, I sometimes think of it as a way of recycling old photos. :)

I used to just upload the photo quotes on Facebook and I decided to post them here, too.

Nail art used in photo is Keroppi Wannabes.

Note: This nail art quote picture is a personal insight.

Nail Art: Vintage Pink Roses

2013-02-06T00:30:00.000+08:00

It's no secret that I am not a pink gal. But I've always wanted to create a nail art with the gray and pink combo. And I think I found a good excuse since it's Valentine's season!

I decided to paint pink roses with a vintage feel. I have done something similar a few months back that I called Bunch of Flowers. Usually, I don't really post nail art that I have previously done. But I'm starting to think that I should because I think different color palettes will yield different results to the same nail design. Do you think so, too?

First, let me show you the outcome:

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Nail Art: Planted Hearts

2013-02-03T03:02:00.002+08:00

First of all, I think my title sounds weird. Perhaps when you see this Valentine's nail art, you'll be able to understand why I think so.

A month of 2013 has gone by so fast! It is officially the month of love! I am quite sure that a lot of women all over the world will be celebrating Valentine's with a fabulous nail art design. Single or unattached, it really doesn't matter. I think that Valentine's is a celebration of love ... in any way.

Here's another nail art idea for the month of hearts:

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