How I Take And Edit My Blog Photos

Today I'll be sharing with you what I use to take my blog photos and the programmes I use to edit them. I find these posts really interesting so I hope you enjoy this post.

Tripod

Until recently I didn't have a tripod, but after Christmas I decided it was about time I invested in one as I've wanted to for years. This is the one I use and it's only £11.99 which is a bargain. It's sturdy, has a carry bag, spirit level and it's easily adjustable. It's become my new best friend for taking blog photos as it reduces the amount of blurry photos I have, and it makes taking photos a lot easier.

Background

For most of my photos I will use a sheet of wallpaper, yes you read that right wallpaper, as the background for my photos. This ensures a crisp and non cluttered background and I find this really important for photos.

iPhoto

Once I've taken my photos I import them into iPhoto and pop them into my blogging photo. I'll look through all of them, pick the rest and start editing. I don't edit too much on iPhoto, I just adjust the brightness and contrast but this makes a huge difference.

Fotor

Fotor is my favourite tool for editing photos, whether they're for my blog, personal use or Instagram etc, one of the best things is that it's free to use. There's also a Fotor app available which I am addicted to using. I will choose the effect I want to use, usually something from the 'Lomo' effects and I'm ready to save and upload to my blog.

PicMonkey

I use this to add writing to my photos after I've edited them. This is also another free website to use, yet it has so many useful features. 

If you've done a post like this I'd love to see it so be sure to link it below!

Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude Foundation | Review

Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude Foundation | 10 Ivory | £5.99

I picked this up on a whim a few weeks ago (see my haul here) and I hadn't seen any reviews of this foundation, and even now I've only seen 2! I was a little sceptical about this foundation purely because I find Maybelline foundations hit and miss for me, however I'm pleasantly surprised. It's available in 7 different shades, which isn't bad and the shade I have is 10 Ivory which is the lightest shade.

The packaging is unlike any other foundations I have, but the shape of the bottle is interesting and it's compact for travel too. 

Now, this is where the foundation gets interesting. Until I've tried this foundation I've never used an applicator like this. It's a teardrop shape and the idea is you just drop it onto the back of your hand until you have the right amount you need. I personally prefer just swiping it on the back of my hand as I get more product that way. I actually quite like this applicator, even though it's different.

The foundation itself is very lightweight and offers a light coverage, however it is build able to medium coverage. Once applied, I don't even notice I'm wearing foundation which i love for 'no make up make up' kind of days. It blends easily, whether I use a beauty blender sponge, a brush or my fingers however I personally prefer using a brush. The shade itself is a little darker than my trust L'Oreal True Match, but with a little more time blending means it doesn't look too dark for my skin. 

Overall I am really impressed by this foundation and would definitely recommend it if you're looking for a lightweight foundation to try out. It's also only £5.99 at the moment as an introductory offer. 

Have you tried this foundation? If not, do you think you would pick it up?

p.s. I've now made a new instagram account for all things beauty. I just wanted it separate from my personal one, you can view my profile here and follow me if you want to!

Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tanner | Review

Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tan - £5.35

I am a pale gal, and when I say that I mean really pale (NW10-13 in MAC foundation pale) so I like to use gradual moisturiser to ensure I don't look like a ghost. Even through the water months I try and fake tan so I thought I'd share with you what I've been using recently. It had been in my drawer of ra little while as I forgot about it, but now I remember why I loved it.

My favourite feature about this product is that it doesn't have the typical biscuity fake tan smell as it has apricot extract in and so the smell isn't as offensive. It's easy to blend in and dries quickly whilst moisturising as well as giving a little tan. The product itself is white which means it doesn't stain my clothes or sheets if I get it anywhere but myself which is another bonus. 

What's your favourite fake tan?

p.s. I've now made a new instagram account for all things beauty. I just wanted it separate from my personal one, you can view my profile here and follow me if you want to!

Maybelline Dream Smooth Primer | Review

Maybelline Dream Smooth Primer - £8.99

I bought this a few weeks ago when Maybelline had a 2 for £10 offer on as I was in need of a new primer and had wanted to try this one for a while now. I've loved my Rimmel Fix and perfect primer for over 2 years now so I was a little hesitant trying a new primer, but I was pleasantly surprised. 

The texture took some getting used to for me as I haven't used a silicone primer for a while, however it gives my skin a smooth base for my foundation and it's lightweight. I have found it prolonged the wear of my foundation by a few hours and it hasn't irritated my skin in any way. The packaging is a simple glass pot which I like as you can get all of the product, however the glass makes it a little less practical for travelling.

Overall I do like this primer and I will finish it, however I don't think I will repurchase it as I don't like it as much as Rimmel's Fix and Perfect.

What's your favourite drugstore primer?

p.s. I've now made a new instagram account for all things beauty. I just wanted it separate from my personal one, you can view my profile here and follow me if you want to!

52 Weeks Project | Week 8 | I Now Have Instagram

8/52

This week has flown by it seems, but I also don't appear to have done much?! Just one of those weeks I guess. I bought some new rings though (both on my left hand and the bottom one on my right hand middle finger). I'm not quite sure why but I've been feeling a little sad recently, so I'm hoping next week is a better week. I also had a cute picnic with my friend yesterday in our garden, wishing for summery weather.

How has your week been?

p.s. I've now made a new instagram account for all things beauty. I just wanted it separate from my personal one, you can view my profile here and follow me if you want to!

Big Maybelline Makeup Haul

Dream Flawless Nude Foundation // Dream Smooth Primer // Colour Show Lipgloss // Colour Drama Lipsticks // Big Eyes Mascara // Eraser Eye Concealer 

A few weeks ago Superdrug had a 2 for £10 Maybelline offer on which I took full advantage of and treated myself to a lot of new products, so I thought I'd share them with you. I will have full reviews of these coming up soon so look out for those.

I will have reviews of all of these products on my blog in the next couple of weeks so look out for those if you're thinking of buying a particular product. So far my favourites are the Colour Drama Lipsticks, I have the shades Minimalist and Berry Much, the Eraser Eye Concealer and finally the Flawless Nude Foundation. 

Have you tried any of these products?

p.s. I've now made a new instagram account for all things beauty. I just wanted it separate from my personal one, you can view my profile here and follow me if you want to!

Travel Tips For The Travel Sick | Advice

This may not seem like a pleasant topic to talk about, but why not? I'm travel sick and knowing it takes me about 4 hours to travel from uni to home if I go home for a weekend is a daunting thought. So, following on from that I thought I'd share some of my tips with you, these may be helpful even if you're not travel sick.

Travel Sick Tablets | These are my first tip and although I know not everyone likes taking tablets, these save me every time. I can't even make it 20 minutes into a journey sometimes without hanging my head out the window and begging my Dad to pull over (beautiful image, I know!). I personally use Stugeron, however I will say speak to your GP/Doctor/Pharmacist before buying any travel tablets as I am not medically trained in any way. 

Headphones | I find listening to music is also something that helps, because it distracts me from thinking 'Am I going to feel sick? Do I feel sick sick or am I just nervous?'. I also can't read anything, or barely go on my phone whilst I'm travelling so headphones and calming music are the next best thing.

Sitting At The Front | Okay, so I know back in school the 'cool kids' sat at the back, but for me this was never possible. The teacher would always save a seat for me right at the front, and even though I'm no longer at school I still sit at the front.

Always Look Forward | This follows on from the two above points. I have to look forward when I travel, or sometimes out the window but no looking down at all. 

Choose Your Travel Method Wisely | This one may not always be possible, for example travelling abroad. However, when I travel home for the weekend I could either go by train or coach and I choose the coach every time. For me, trains makes me anxious anyway so that would add to my fear of being sick but also coach is cheaper for me.

Travel Prepared | I always have a bottle of water and some mints in my bag when I travel, I guess they're just there 'just in case' but it comforts me knowing they're there.

I also find using travel sick bands very helpful if it's a really long journey, even though they're not the most stylish accessory they do work wonders.

I know this may seem a little gross to be posting this, but if you are travel sick I hope these tips help and if you have any other suggestions please leave them below.

What are your travel tips?

52 Weeks Project | Week 7

7/52

This week I celebrated my birthday with my uni friends as I wasn't here for my actual birthday. We also went out last night for valentines day and I've spent most of today watching Grey's Anatomy in bed, feeling a little sorry for myself as I'm hungover. Note to self: don't mix drinks, it only ends badly. I've been attempting to unpack from last week, but I just can't bring myself to do it, I hate unpacking.

How has your week been?

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Lacquer | Review & Swatches

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Lacquer 'Charm Offensive' - £7

This lip lacquer was in the 2014 Soap and Glory Christmas Gift Box which I was recently given as a birthday present from my Mum. This lip lacquer really stood out to me as I'd never even seen it before and I was excited to try it. I've tried the other Sexy Mother Pucker lip glosses and have found them hit and miss, but I really like this lip lacquer.

As you can see it has a doe foot applicator and it's super glossy, however not the kind of gloss that your hair gets stuck in thankfully. I've been wearing this as my go to daily lip product and I've got it in my handbag at all times. I love the formulation, the packaging is simple yet chic and the shade is perfect for everyday or nighttime if paired with a smokey eye.

I'm definitely going to picking up more shades, I've been eyeing up Riot.

Have you tried the Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Lacquers?

Top 3 ELF Blushes

Blushing Rose // Twinkle Pink // Fuchsia Fusion - £3.95

I love ELF and some of my favourite products of theirs are the blushes from the studio line. They're affordable, so pigmented and have a little mirror which is always handy. I think I own every single blush from the studio range, but these 3 are my favourite.

Blushing rose is the perfect shade for Autumn/Winter as it's a warm rose colour with shimmer running through it. Luckily, the shimmer isn't OTT and you won't look like a disco ball once applied to your face. This has been my go to blush these past few months.

Twinkle Pink is a peachy pink shade with a lot of shimmer. I've heard that it's a dupe for NARS Orgasm, but since I don't own it I can't be 100% sure, either way it is a gorgeous blush. I find it a little too shimmery for everyday wear, but if you can always powder over the top to dampen down the shimmer. 

Fuchsia Fusion looks a little daunting in the pan, however it's easily blended out and if applied with a light hand it gives your cheeks the perfect pop of colour. I like wearing this if I'm going out in the evenings however you have to be light handed with this as it's so pigmented. Once again this has glitter running through it, so if that's not your thing don't go for this blush!

(From left to right)

Blushing Rose // Twinkle Pink // Fuchsia Fusion

Have you tried any ELF blushes? If so, which is your favourite?

EcoTools Fresh & Flawless Brush Set | Review

EcoTools Fresh & Flawless Brushset - £11.99

I recently bought myself my first set of EcoTools brushes and I'm so impressed. When I ordered these I'll be honest, I didn't realise they were travel sized brushes but that's no problem for me as they'll come in handy when I have weekends at home. 

This set includes 5 brushes. A flat concealer brush, buffing concealer brush, precision foundation brush, complexion blending brush and full powder brush. I've used all of these and my favourites are the blending brush and powder brush, although I use them for different things than as the name suggests. I find the blending brush perfect for contouring as it's tapered and fits perfectly in the hollows of my cheeks and I use the powder brush for blush. The other brushes are great too don't get me wrong, I just haven't got as much use out of them as of yet.

I love the detailing on the handles of all these brushes, that's what first attracted me to them. Having pretty brushes just makes putting my make up on so much more enjoyable (maybe that's sad, I don't know!). 

The brushes are also really well made, wash well and are really good quality especially for the price. EcoTools are definitely a company I'll be buying more brushes from soon as I love these.

Have you tried EcoTools brushes? If so, what brushes would you recommend for me to try next?

52 Weeks Project | Week 6

This week has consisted of me recovering from the flu and it was also my birthday. It's been nice to have been at home, however I'm now on my way back to uni and I'm excited as I've missed everyone. Whilst I was ill I managed to plan a lot of blog posts so I'm excited to finalise writing those and post them for you all.

I've also updated my blog layout, courtesy of the lovely Zoe Sweet Electric as she was kind enough to put up a free blog template for anyone. I think it's made a huge difference to how my blog looks, as I hadn't been happy with it for a while. 

I also went for coffee with one of my best friends yesterday which was so lovely as we don't usually get to see each other during term time as we're 5 hours (and £75 train journey) apart. 

How has your week been?

Looking After Yourself

Source

We all know looking after ourselves is vital, although we sometimes overlook the simple things such as an early night, removing all of our make up or lighting a few candles and relaxing. All of these are easy to forget to do, but they make such a huge difference in how we feel. 

I was emailed by a lovely girl called Alice asking if I'd like to feature the above image on my blog and I really wanted to as it reminded me how the little things can make a huge difference, such as wearing the correct sized bra. Sometimes we all need to take a little break and look after ourselves a little better, even if it's just lighting a candle, changing your bed sheets and having a bath.

Do you set yourself a little me time often?

The Netflix Tag

Alice from Annie Writes Beauty started this tag and I think it's a brilliant idea. If you want to check out her answers, click here. I'm obsessed with Netflix and I'm sure most of you are too, it's the perfect procrastination activity!

1. What are you favourite series' to watch on Netflix?

Prison Break, hands down is my absolute favourite. I also love Orange Is The New Black and Grey's Anatomy. 

2. What are you currently watching on Netflix?

I'm currently on season 3 of Grey's Anatomy, but I've also just started Cupcake Wars and Once Upon A Time.

3. If you could have any series, old or new put on Netflix, what would it be? 

Modern Family and Teen Mom. I love both of these. I know a few seasons of Modern Family used to be on Netflix, but sadly they removed it.

4. What is your one peeve about Netflix?

That for some reason (it might just be me) it only works on Google Chrome and no other browser.

5. What are your essentials for a perfect night in with Netflix?

A blanket, fluffy socks, hot chocolate and some snacks, (preferably chocolate) and a candle too. 

6. Recommend one series or film for someone else.

Prison Break as a series and 10 Things I Hate About You as a film.

I tag:

• Sailorjennie (Jennie)
• VVNightingale (Vicky)
• Lux Rose (Lizzie)
• Beyond The Velvet (Leah and Rachel)

Are you addicted to Netflix like me?

Snow, Bridget Jones & I'm 20 Today! | Life

Today is my 20th birthday which is a little bittersweet as I now feel old because I'm no longer a teenager, however it is kind of exciting. I'm spending today in bed, ill at home watching Bridget Jones on Netflix and feeling slightly very sorry for myself. I originally came home for the weekend, but I then had the flu and today is the first day I've spent slightly normal so I'm ordering a Chinese takeaway tonight and spending the night in with my parents.

On the plus side though, we had snow yesterday and snow is my favourite so I took a few photos I thought I'd share with you.

Have you had snow where you live?

Things I've Learnt As A Teenager

I decided instead of using a photo of awkward 13 year old me, I decided I'd go for one of me when I was about 5/6, because let's be honest that's a little cuter!

As of tomorrow I will no longer be a teenager and that's a scary thought, I feel so old! I'll no longer have the 'but it's fine I'm a teenager' excuse and I'm one step closer to being a responsible adult which is an even scarier thought. Here are a few things I've learnt throughout my teenage years and I wish I knew these things before.

1 | You will make it through high school

High school can be one of the most challenging things to go through as a teenager but you will make it through, and you will be an even stronger person for it. Yes, you may fall out with your friends, teachers and parents but you will get through it.

2 | You will drink too much and regret it the next day

This may not apply to everyone, but I know most people drink and a lot of people drink before the legal age too which I don't condone at all. Learning your limits with alcohol may take some trial and error but you will drink too much and feel rough the next day and swear you'll 'never drink again'. I will say don't drink until you're legally allowed to and drink responsibly.

3 | You will become closer to your parents

I found throughout my teenage years my relationship with my parents really was a roller coaster of emotions. There were many arguments (mainly on my part), there will be tears but there will be a lot of laughs. You'll realise that although they may not be always right (sorry Mum!) they want the best for you and they'll support you and still love you despite your rebellious stage.

4 | You will doubt yourself but you need to believe in yourself

It's so easy to doubt yourself when you're constantly comparing yourself to others but try not to. You need to believe in yourself instead and I know that's more easily said than done but please try to believe in yourself more.

5 | You will have nights that you feel like you're breaking

Throughout my teenage years there were a lot of things that I thought were 'the end of the world' and looking back, they weren't. I still had every right to feel how I did, but just remember whenever you feel like you're breaking, tomorrow is a new day.

6 | You will be okay

This is the most important one, you will be okay. You will make it through, I promise. Life may throw some difficult things at you but you will make it through.

Monthly Photo Roundup | January

First ever MAC foundation // New Maybelline lipsticks // Weekly brush cleaning

Sensationail // Short hair // White hot chocolate (aka my new favourite thing)

Goodbye coffee with my friend // Sunset over the city // Early mornings

I've decided that every month I'm going to post a collage of some photos from that month. It's fairly similar to my 52 Weeks Project but I've been seeing other bloggers doing monthly photo collages and I thought I'd do this instead of my 52 Weeks Project. I'm quite nosy and want to see what other people ave been up to so I really enjoy these posts and I hope you do too.

I'm really missing doing 'proper' photography at the moment as whilst I'm at uni I only have my iPhone for photos and not my DSLR. 

What's been the highlight of your month?