The power of photoshopping

This isn't a long post, just an example of photo manipulation. I used Picnik.com, which anyone can access and the tools are easy to use. No professional work and look at this:

Ignore my hair and eye make-up, it's a mess!

So what have I done?

Whitened my teeth.

Blemish fixed my dark under eye circles.

Airbrushed my skin.

If I can do that, think of how much manipulation can be done to media texts!

No wonder our perception of beauty is distorted.

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ELF Goodies and Mini Reviews

ELF are currently offering free delivery on orders over £10 (Ends midnight 6th January, code: newyearuk) so I thought I'd make an order. Delivery was super fast! I ordered yesterday afternoon and my package arrived this morning.

I thought I would include some mini reviews. I know I only received the products this morning but I already have some Studio brushes and have had them for a year so can review them. The other product I will be reviewing is something I haven't tried before but I really don't like.

Studio Powder brush, Studio Complexion brush, Studio Small Angled brush, Eyelash and Brow Wand, Natural Lash Kit and Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal.

Studio products were £3.50 each and the normal line products were £1.50 each.

I love the Studio brushes. I already have the Complexion, Blush and Eyeshadow brushes and have been using them for a year. They are extremely soft, do not shed and do not bleed. I like to use the complexion brush for blushes and bronzers so thought I'd get the powder brush for my powders. This brush looks just as promising and I don't see why it wouldn't perform just as well! I will be using the Small Angled brush for my brows and again, so far the brush looks good. If it doesn't perform well, I will update this post.

I also already have an Eyelash and Brow Wand but thought I would get another as I use my current one everyday for both lashes and brows. I haven't tried any of the other brushes from the normal line as they don't look promising but you cannot go wrong with this. Doesn't matter if it's from an expensive or inexpensive brand, a product like this will perform the same!

I haven't used the false lashes yet so cannot comment on them, but I thought they would come in handy.

Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal... I really do not like. I love the All Over Colour Sticks so thought I would try the more liquidy version. Every time I go to use it, loads of water comes out. Example:

Once I've squeezed the water out and get to the 'cream', it's really hard to blend. The finished result looks like this:

Not bad, but it's not something I'm blown away by. I know it's only £1.50 but that is £1.50 that could have gone towards something else!

UPDATE: I contacted ELF about this because people told me it isn't normal and they are sending me a replacement. Great customer services and lets hope this one will work better!

Oh and also, I love the Studio Small Angled brush. I use it for my eyebrows and it's perfect for the part after the arch (Whatever it is called). I also use it to line my lower lash line with eyeshadow. Going to get another!

UPDATE 2: Received my placement Shimmering Facial Whip today and this one isn't watery, yay!

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Nails Of The Week!

Hello my lovelies!

Not the most exciting colour this week but still gorgeous.

This is Miss Sporty's Electric Beige.

I've filed my nails down! They're still long(ish) but so much shorter than they were. I've done this because they were catching on things and it flippin' hurt!

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My Room

I've been painting my room and a few people wanted to see it so here you go!

I know my room isn't classy or sophisticated but in fact a little childish. The furniture is old and falling apart (& is what makes my room look childish!) so I'm saving up to get a new bed, desk and chest of drawers.

Here's what you see when you walk in my room and turn to the left.

Clockwise is my desk. You can see the colour this wall is painted, the rest are painted white.

To the right is my window (& my 9 plants!)

A closer look at what is in the corner of the above photo. This is the first thing you see when you walk into my room. Top is make-up and nail stuff, middle is skincare (Left to right is facial wash/scrubs, cleansers, toners, moisturisers, eye care and random.) and bottom is body and hair products.

Clockwise again is my wardrobe. I painted the border with the turquoise paint too.

I told you it isn't modern or classy! But I like my room and will like it even more when I get rid of the hideous furniture!

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Accessorize Make-up

I finally bought some Accessorize make-up! I was a bit apprehensive as when non-make-up related stores bring out their own range of products, they can be a little shoddy. I LOVE the two products I picked up and am definitely going to be purchasing more!

Blush in Pretty Pink £5

Eyeshadow in Champagne £4

Swatches:

You get a whopping 8g of blush and 2.5g of eyeshadow which is great value for money. The blush is a blush and highlight in one and gives the most beautiful glow. I haven't seen many reviews on the eyeshadow which is surprising as it's the perfect highlight. Champagne is very pigmented and again, gives a lovely glow. Both products feel creamy and blend easily.

I'm definitely going to be purchasing a few more products; Starlet blush, High Maintenance duo eyeshadow and Golden Sands bronzer (This is also a fantastic highlight, I cannot get enough of them!)

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One extra purchase

I went in town this morning and what I bought is in the previous post but I had to go back in. My sister wanted to return the coat she bought and being the good sister I am (:P), went in with her. I popped into Accessorize and saw this purse, but left without it. At the bus stop I regretted not buying it so we quickly went back. It was £7.50 down from £15.

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Shop!

WHSmith:

2011 Diary £8.49.

I've been looking for a diary for weeks! I'm so fussy. Finally found this one and I love it :)

Boots:

Botanics Golden Glow Body Lotion £2.99 (Free as it was 3 for 2), Botanics Pore Perfecting Toner £2.99, Botanics Pore Perfecting Deep Clean Mousse £3.99, Palmers Cocoa Butter Stick £2.69.

I have quite a lot of skincare products but I thought I'd try the Botanics range out as I've read tons of amazing reviews. The Palmers stick was just something I wanted!

Superdrug:

Nail Varnish Remover £1.99, Accessorize Eyeshadow in Champagne £4, Accessorize Blush in Pretty Pink £5.50, GOSH Effect Powders in Gold Dust and Satin £1 each in sale, Collection 2000 Base Coat £2.49 (Free as it was 3 for 2).

The Accessorize eyeshadow and blush give an amazing glow. The eyeshadow is the perfect highlight.

Wilkinsons:

Cotton Pads 50p each, White shower thingy 84p, Pink shower thingy 45p, Palmers Lip Balm 97p.

The shower thingy's (Bath lilies, body mops or whatever) have 'suckers' on them which come in very handy!

Online I've ordered a Boots Extracts gift set containing 5 yummy 50ml body butters. This was half price, £5.

And from The Body Shop, I've ordered the large strawberry holdall which was £14 down from £35.

I need a coat, cardigans, shoes and camera, but they're for another day!

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