It would be rude not to, wouldn't it? The plan is to play this repeatedly throughout the next few weeks, and I'm hoping you guys do too. Whatever you are up to this December, I hope you are safe, happy and ideally with people you love!
Friday, 12 December 2014
Wednesday, 10 December 2014
A Makeup Storage Upgrade
So a few weeks ago, I took a cheeky trip to IKEA with my lovely friend Emily (she has a gorgeous DIY blog here!) and besides having a hoot and a half, we also managed to pick up some "necessities".
One of these necessities was this wooden drawer set... For some reason they don't have them online - they are about £17 in-store. I'd had my eye on this bad boy as a way of storing my makeup for a good while. The inspiration for this storage system? My mum, who's been storing her stash like this for as long as I can remember!
Since moving my entire collection, which is visible in video form here, into these little drawers my life has been about a million times easier, as everything has its own little place.
But I decided I needed an equally fitting place for my everyday makeup (rather than a freebie makeup bag)... enter this lovely glass box by Nkuku, and its sister - now home to my jewellery stash. I have been trying to mix up its contents on a weekly basis, and storing these two on top of my chest of drawers has kept my desk so much clearer.
I'm super happy with these guys - hopefully Momma B's storage solutions may inspire you too!
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Monday, 8 December 2014
My Photography "Kit"
I've got very into photography this year... Still not gonna set the world on fire with my photo taking skills but I clearly don't care that much as I'm doing it anyway. I use three cameras and my phone to take pictures, and the love I have for each is real... I know this post isn't for everyone, but I thought it would be great for those of you looking for some reviews of what's out there!
Cameras
I bought my Canon 600D last year with a really great offer - I managed to swindle a free prime lens as well as the body itself and the standard kit lens... I would seriously keep an eye out to see if you can get something similar! This camera is my babe, I love it - so far I've had no complaints and think it's a great first DSLR, if you have the cash.My Canon EOS M is a mirrorless DSLR that I bought as a lightweight option for the times when I really don't feel like taking my 600D with me. This is great but I will say that the fact it has a touch screen focus, coupled a lack of flip screen, means that it is a little bit of a pain for vlogging yourself. I do still like it, but there may be better options out there in all honesty!
Last of the actual camera cameras is my newest purchase, the Canon AE-1. I bought this through Gum Tree and got an incredible deal, so take your time buying this and really shop around. I've not had a chance to fill my film yet (don't worry, you guys will be the first to know when it's developed) but I suggest looking here and here for an idea of what kind of photos you can hopefully get with this!
Lenses
For my Canon 600D I have the 18-55mm kit lens, which is an okay piece of kit and great for learning the ropes with. I tend to travel with this one as it's super versatile and there's not too much of a noticeable crop factor!I take most of my photos and film with the 40mm f2.8 pancake lens , which is the lens I got for free with the camera. This is good value and I think pretty well made, with none of the tackiness that people have mentioned about the 50mm f1.8 lens. I am super curious as to how the two compare, not least because the 40mm is only really good for close up shots - landscapes tend to get a bit soft and blurry (and not in a good way).
Extras
I take loads of photos with my phone (a Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini for reference) and while it has its limitations (have you seen photos taken on an iPhone?? the envy) it does the job. I swear by VSCOCam for editing and getting the most out of this.My tripod is the Hama Star 61, which is cheap but functional and has lasted well given its price! I know I will be replacing this at some point, but for the moment I am very happy with it.
Some other bits that are not very exciting but I own and rate are listed here for you - figured I'd save you the boredom of going in-depth!
Lowepro Nova 160 AW All Weather Shoulder Bag for Digital SLR
Lens Pen
Walimex 75 Watt Ring Light
Canon Remote Control RC-06
I hope you guys enjoyed this post, and if you have any recommendations for what you use in your kit then please comment down below because I would LURVE to hear about them!
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Sunday, 7 December 2014
VIDEO: Vlogmas Week One
It is Vlogmas guys! This week involved a lil bit of essays, some of the most budget but heartfelt Christmas decorations on the planet and a trip to a Christmas market... Enjoy!
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Friday, 5 December 2014
Wednesday, 3 December 2014
BEST & WORST: Matte Lip Creams
This was the year of the matte lip cream for me - so many came out and I was overwhelming excited to get my hands on each of them. There have been some serious highs and lows however, and having tried a fairly huge amount by now I thought it was time to share my thoughts!
MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer
This was a big ole hit for me - I own the shades Reckless and Kooky and love both. They're insanely good value (in surprisingly good packaging for the price) and I'm a big fan of the formula... They get some bonus points for their fab shade range too!
Collection Cream Puff in Cotton Candy
These are another budget beauty and I love, love the formula of these too. For just £2.99 I think these are a great cheap and cheerful option - I remember buying mine in an impoverished slump in second year when I just wanted a pick-me-up. My only complaint? A super limited shade range - four ain't cuttin' it, Collection!
Nyx Matte Lip Cream
Yet another budget buy, these are actually spookily similar to the Collection Cream Puffs, but with a far larger shade range and they are goood. I've found the Nyx UK website, at last, and I'm into the shades San Paolo and Monte Carlo. (Also if anyone feels like sending me the shade Transylvania I will die of joy).
Sleek Matte Me in Party Pink
I am gonna cut to the chase and say I don't love this one. I possess neither the patience nor the even lip shape to work this one - streakiness is not cute and streakiness is all this has to offer me. Sorry guys. Also not mad on the packaging either.
Hourglass Opaque Rouge
Another fail, and an expensive one at that... I've got two shades, because I'm an idiot, and they're both SO HARD TO APPLY. We are talking one layer only, no lip smacking, and a finish that isn't even that matte. I know some people swear by them but again, I haven't got the skill required to make these work for me.
Rimmel Apocalips Matte in Meteoric Matte
I have the same issue with this matte version as I did with the regular one... The whole not setting thing drives me mad and this is just a whole lipstick-on-teeth-nightmare waiting to happen. A shame as the shade is beautiful...
Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet
This would have been my favourite, had it not been for the fact that there are a few shockingly bad formulas in the mix - in particular, Grand Cru was so disappointing I threw it in the bin within about a month of owning it - unheard of, for a hoarder such as myself. My standout shades are however Peach Club, Pink Pong and Ole Flamingo.
And that's it... I'm thinking of making this a regular thing, would you guys be interested in that? Also, while we are here, are there any matte liquid lippies that you think I need??
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Monday, 1 December 2014
My Favourite Android Apps
At times, life as an Android user does sort of feels like you're using a typewriter when everyone else is clicking away on their computers... The amount of awesome apps out there that are Apple only is genuinely frustrating to me. I care far too much guys.
Today's post is a round-up for my fellow Android users - let us unite!
Instagram - free
Not a surprising one as my old blog design (do you like the new one by the way??) featured a ginormous Instagram bar, which was retired as I felt he was too distracting. I'm obsessed. Chances are, you are too. I've done two Insta Spotlights of my fave users (here and here) if you're after a little insight into my favourite users and SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT my account is here should you wish to follow (currently obsessed with taking photos of strangers' houses. Just fair warning.)
Blue Light Filter - free (I think!)
I really like this guy for the evenings - apparently the blue light emitted by screens is majorly disruptive for your body's melanin levels, aka the chemical that helps you fall asleep.* This app makes your screen yellowy, weird at first, but I am forever forgetting that I've switched it on as you definitely get used to it. Well worth a look if you spend all day err day with screens like I do!
VSCO Cam - free
This is the best photo editing app for Android. Period. I've heard a lot of people love Afterlight, but until they bring that to Android, I can't really compare the two! I adore this app; I edit some of my blog pictures with it, and it's packed with some great, subtle and beautiful filters that will make your pics pop. What's more, the VSCO Grids are one of my go-to places for photography inspiration - free from all the "like for like" hype on Instagram too, which is super cool! (My grid is here, but this one and this one are far more representative of the talent on VSCO!)
Sleep for Android - free, but full app is more
I've just been playing with the free trial version of this and finding it hysterical and fascinating. For 14 days you get to try all the app options, including sleep tracking, lullabies, snoring/sleep talking recording... It's mesmerising stuff, let me tell you. Never before have I been so concerned about my lack of REM sleep... It is all kindsa fun.
Viber - free
I thought everyone had heard of Viber, but a chat with a couple of pals over the last six months has shown that a heck of a lot of people have yet to experience its majesty. This was life-saving for my year abroad. Whereas WhatsApp has to be paid for and is only for texting, Viber is free and you can send messages AND RING PEOPLE. Incredible. I love this app. Too much.
App of the Day - free
For 24 hours, this app will let you download an app for free, changing its selection every day. There are lots of duff ones out there - I don't like having games on my phone, for example - but occasionally a winner comes along and it's all worth it. I have it for the bants to be honest!
These are my Android picks - are there any apps you think I need? Let me know down below!
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*not a scientist so don't take this as gospel
