Printing Photos with Photobox

The task of printing out photos always cropped up in random conversations with people, 'I really need to print out my photos', I'm definitely going to print them this week'. I kept saying it until one day I thought to myself I actually really do need to print them out. The thought of losing my photos scared me. Imagine one day I lost one of my memory cards that stored all my favourite ones or it just wouldn't open! All those memories gone! I also wasn't sure on where to start. Should I pop into a shop to use one of those photo kiosks or should I do it online?

This is where Photobox comes in. One of my close friends used this online photo printing service and recommended it. The great news is that I really liked it and found it really simple to use. After creating an account, you can upload hundreds of photos into different albums. Your photos will then be saved there, which you can choose to delete if you wish to or you can leave it there as back up. 

There are different print sizes but I wanted a bunch of classic photos so I opted for 6x4 with a glossy finish. You can also choose a matte finish or even add a white border. A majority of the photos were taken with my phone and they still came out really good. The colours came out really vivid and the photos were printed on what feels like good quality paper. There weren't any blurry or misprinted ones. 

They were packed in small cute hard plastic cases which provided great protection. Delivery was great too as it was packed well and arrived on time. I didn't experience anything bad during the numerous occasions I ordered from them so I think I would definitely be ordering more in the future!

A word of warning, as most cameras and phones don't take photos to fit for example a classic 6x4 print, depending on what size you choose, you will have to go through each photo to either crop or shrink it to fit. This can be a long process if you've just added 300 photos into your basket, so try to add one album at a time and work through them. The good thing is that you can leave it saved in your basket, log off and carry on later. 

Tips

Here are some tips that I think might be useful for when you start your mini photo printing project:

* Whether you have your photos on a memory stick or on your laptop, try and organise them into folders (such as Birthdays, New Years) before you start to upload them onto Photobox for printing. This speeds up the process and makes it a whole lot easier when you're choosing ones to print because you'll be going through folder by folder. There'll be a less chance of you uploading certain photos twice or missing out your favourites. It takes time but it'll definitely be worth it.

* I made the mistake of not printing any photos for years so it all built up. When you feel like your collection is getting quite big, print them out. I'm definitely not going to wait for another five years or more again!

* If you're going to print out a few, it would probably be better to pop into a shop. However, if you're going to print out literally hundreds like I did, I think it's best to do it online. That way, you can do it all from the comfort of your own home, in your own time and it works out cheaper anyway.

* Photobox always has good discount codes on their website which saved me a lot of money. So keep a look out for their special deals!

Once you have them printed, you'll know there'll always be there, to flick through whenever you want to whether that be with your siblings, when you're bored or when you're feeling nostalgic. You might even want to go back to an old photo to remind yourself of how dodgy your eyebrows looked (that's me). I've currently got my photos stored in a shoe box, now I need to find some nice photo albums to pop them in but that's another mission for another day!

Lamora Brushes

Here's a little post on an eye brush set by Lamora which I randomly came across when I was on the Amazon website. I hadn't heard of this brand before so after seeing that it had a generous amount of positive reviews, I thought I'd give it a go.

For the price I paid for these brushes (which was a BARGAIN!), I am pleased to say that they are pretty good. Sometimes you expect bad quality brushes when you spend less on them but this is not the case. I have been using them for a few weeks now and they actually do a really good job.

The bristles are super soft and feel amazing when you sweep them over your eyelid. They feel almost as soft as the Real Techniques brushes, which is quite a big statement since the Real Techniques brushes have been my all time favourite. They also pick up a good amount of product which glides nicely onto the eyelid. They don't smell of anything unlike some brushes that have a horrible weird smell that stays even after you've just washed them. They're also lightweight and I haven't experienced any bristles falling out which is great.

The set includes seven brushes where each one is labelled with its purpose. My favourite one is the angled shader which I find great for blending out eye shadow in the crease area due to its soft and fluffy bristles. The classic shader is also a good one for packing on eye shadow. 

I was impressed with the packaging as they arrived in a nice black tube where each brush was individually wrapped. However, one negative is that some of the brushes like the small shader are quite stiff because the bristles are quite dense so there's not much movement.

Overall, I am very happy with this purchase and would definitely recommend it if you are looking for an affordable set of high quality brushes, that look and feel professional. 

You can check them out here on Amazon.

Blistex Lip Balms

It's a dull, gloomy, wet and windy Saturday afternoon in London and I'm in my comfy oversized clothes munching on a Crunchie bar as I type this...

Here's a quick post on two lip balms from Blistex which I have found to be quite amazing when it comes to soothing dry and chapped lips.

Firstly, we've got the Medplus lip balm which contains jojoba oil, cocoa butter and menthol. It has a medicated scent and once applied, it has a slight tingling feel on the lips which shows it's working its magic, transforming your lips from chapped to smooth and hydrated lips. I apply it in the morning and whenever I need to during the day. It also works great when you apply it before bed as it restores your lips overnight making them feel nice and healthy again (sounds like some kind of serious and technical process). 

Secondly, we've got the Daily Lip Conditioner which contains olive oil, grape seed oil and aloe vera. It does the same job in keeping your lips soft and hydrated. It also has a slight tingling feel when you apply it but has a sweeter scent compared to the Medplus. Both lip balms do not feel heavy, greasy or sticky on the lips but feel light and moisturising. They both have SPF 15 which is an added bonus (as you all may know, it can often get extremely hot and sunny (California style) in London, haha!).

Which one do I prefer? 

I do love them both. I normally use the Medplus when my lips are extra dry and need rescuing, but only use the Daily Lip Conditioner when I just want to keep my lips protected and moisturised. However, I don't think I would be able to survive without the Medplus, I feel that it keeps my lips moisturised for longer. I rely on it so much that I have one at home and one in my bag all the time. 

After seeing the word 'lips' floating around in nearly every sentence of this post, the word itself is starting to look weird. Enough of 'lips' for now!

Also, I've just checked online and both lip balms are currently on offer in Boots!

Autumn Favourites

Hello there! I feel like this is kind of a 'late autumn favourites' post because we're already in the month of November and winter is literally around the corner! However, the leaves are still falling off trees and November is technically the last month of autumn, so we're all good! Anyway, here are five things I have been loving this autumn! 

Palmer's Shea Butter Cream

I find it quite embarrassing when I'm on the train and notice how dry my hands are when I'm holding onto the pole. This is particularly in the corners between my fingers as it can get super dry to the level where it becomes ashy which is not pleasant to look at (not that anyone has the time to look at each other's hands on a packed train but you never know).

This cream by Palmer's has saved me. It leaves my hands super smooth and it doesn't feel greasy or heavy. The texture is quite thick at first but when you apply it and work it into your skin, it feels light and moisturising. It keeps my hands feeling nice and soft but most of all, it smells delicious! It has definitely become my handbag essential.

Garnier Ultimate Blends, The Marvellous Glow Oil

The ends of my hair can sometimes get quite dry due to split ends and the cold and windy weather. I have been using this hair oil by Garnier which has argan and camellia oils. After using it for the past few weeks, it has really made a big difference as I have noticed that my hair isn't as dry as before. It feels silky smooth and hydrated and has a nice shine to it. It also smells amazing too!

I normally apply two pumps of it onto the palms of my hands and run it through the lengths of my wet hair after washing it, focusing more on the ends. You can also use it in between washes to add shine and protection which I often do so.

Saffiano Mini Purse, Kurt Geiger

I can literally write a whole page on why I love this Kurt Geiger purse but I won't. I was using one of those normal sized wallets which I soon found to be quite bulky and heavy and found it difficult to fit into my smaller handbags. So I wanted something smaller and more practical but would still be able to hold the same amount of things.

This purse is the perfect size and is nearly half the size of usual wallets. It's lightweight and doesn't take up much space in your bag. It has two zip compartments which gives you easy access to the important things. I use one side for my coins and the other for the cards I regularly use. There are card slots inside which can fit more than one in each as they are quite spacious and there's also a side bit for your notes too.

It is made with saffiano leather which makes it feel like a good quality item. It is made well and feels very durable too. It is also available in other colours but I opted for black as it's a classic colour and I know I wouldn't get bored of it. This is definitely something I'll be using for a very long time! 

Dream a Little Dream by Giovanna Fletcher

When it comes to books, I'm a big fan of sweet and cute romantic novels. I find it really nice and relaxing when you can escape reality by simply just reading a good book that can make you smile. I am currently in the middle of reading Dream a Little Dream by Giovanna Fletcher and I can already tell that it is going to be one of my favourites!

I won't reveal too much of the plot but it follows the story of Sarah who's in her late twenties, her boyfriend dumped her for someone else but that's not the end of it, as she still has to see the happy couple because they're in the same circle of friends. Each chapter begins with Sarah's dreams which include lots of random things and also a stranger called Brett who keeps reappearing. Things take an exciting turn when Brett actually appears in real life...

It sounds good right? I can't wait to carry on reading it!  

Scarf, Primark

I had hoped to find a nice autumnal coloured scarf this year and came across this tan/brown scarf in Primark and immediately grabbed it! It's super soft, warm, it's a good length so you can wrap it around your neck twice, but most of all, it's the perfect colour for autumn and winter. I've been wearing it with my black coat and it just brings a nice cosy and warm feel to an outfit. 

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and have seen something you may also be interested in! 

Until next time!

Columbia Road Flower Market

I recently went to East London's flower market on Columbia Road, which I think is the perfect place to spend your Sunday morning if you're obsessed with flowers like I am! As soon as I arrived, I didn't know where to look, it was like a sea of flowers. It was quite overwhelming because everything was so bright and colourful! Being surrounded by such beautiful things, I obviously had to bring out my phone to take a few snaps!

There were so many different types of flowers which included hydrangeas (my all time favourite!), peonies, sunflowers (which I find look quite scary for some reason), cyclamens, kalanchoes, even banana plants (quite interesting!) and so much more!

The East End banter between the market traders created a lively and loud atmosphere which made the experience of being there even more enjoyable. You could hear them chant 'two for a fiver!' as you squeeze through the crowds.

It was quite hard deciding what to buy! I was so tempted to leave with a few bunches of flowers but I managed to control myself and only bought pink cyclamens and an orchid! I've been wanting an orchid for ages! 

The flower market is open every Sunday between 8am to 2pm. If you want to avoid huge crowds and grab the nicest and most fresh looking bunch of flowers, get there early! However, you can hang around until closing time to grab the best bargains!  

As August is coming to an end, I hope you have had a nice summer! Now bring on autumn and winter! 

 

How to make your nail polish last longer! Tips!

Wouldn't it be nice if your nail polish could last up to at least a week? Here are some useful and easy tips to follow in order to achieve long lasting glossy nails. I'm not a professional nail person or nail technician, these tips are just based on my own experience.

What products am I currently using?

Sally Hansen- Hard as Nails, Rimmel- Soul Sessions, Barry M- All in One Clear

I have been wearing different nude shades for a while now and I don't think I'll ever get bored of them! Firstly, I apply one coat of Sally Hansen's Hard as Nails as a base coat and let that fully dry. I then apply one coat of my favourite colour which at the moment is Rimmel's Soul Session from Kate Moss' collection. You can apply two coats of colour but one coat is usually enough for me especially if it's a nude shade and I want that natural look. To finish off, I then apply one coat of Barry M's All In One clear nail polish as a top coat

You're probably thinking this is such a long process and three coats of nail polish is a lot, but using a top coat and base coat really makes a big difference! The base coat protects your nails and creates a nice even foundation and the top coat locks everything in, preventing any chipping or wearing. 

Tips:

*Ensure your nails are clean of any previous nail polish. I use an acetone free nail polish remover as it is less drying and less harsh on the nails.

*Don't mess around with your cuticles. I don't really do anything to mine as I feel that playing around with them makes things worse. 

*Apply a base coat

*For a smoother application, avoid putting too much product onto the brush as this will result in a blobby thick layer. Three thin coats of nail polish is going to last longer than two thick layers which will easily peel off. 

*3-4 strokes are usually enough! Too many strokes will make things look messy and lumpy and you'll end up with streaks.

*The most important thing is that you have to be patient and allow each layer to fully dry before you apply the next. Do things in between, read another chapter of your book or go on YouTube. Nail polish always goes on better on a fully dried surface and that results in a smoother finish, you don't want to ruin the first coat by dragging that brush through a wet surface! Sometimes I apply the second coat an hour or two later, after having dinner or something and then I'll apply the topcoat before I get into bed. I try to spread it out. This might sound like a long process but the wait is definitely worth it when you end up with smooth glossy nails as if you've just got them done at the nail salon!  

*Avoid those evil bubbles! Don't shake your nail polish, instead, gently roll it in between the palms of your hands. Shaking it will create bubbles which will then be transferred onto your nails and you will end up with a bubbly lumpy effect. The annoying thing is that the bubbles appear after the polish dries so it makes you think you've done a good job until you look closely at your nails and see them! If you forget and end up shaking your nail polish, don't apply it straight away, give it a few minutes for the bubbles to settle down, if you have time, give it 30 mins!

*Apply a top coat

My nails usually last for a week and sometimes even longer with some wearing or peeling around the edges depending on what I do and how rough I am with my nails. I would highly recommend the products I have mentioned for stronger long lasting nails! I don't need to worry about them when I am doing some cleaning or washing up...without wearing washing up gloves! Yes that's a brave move!

Some of you will probably already know some of these tips but I hope this post helps at least one person in one way or another!

(The flowers bloomed and looked lovely so I thought I'd share with you a pic of them!)

Enjoy painting your nails!

Hard as Nails by Sally Hansen

I know there are a thousand things that are more important in life but sometimes a chipped nail is pretty depressing, especially for someone who enjoys painting their nails. It's annoying when that one nail decides to chip and break off making everything look odd.

I am currently in this phase where I am obsessed with my nails and want them to be perfect. Now that they are healthy and long, I want them to last and not chip or split. So I thought I'd find something that would strengthen them and keep them in good condition. 

I heard that Sally Hansen did a good selection of nail strengthening products so I thought I'd try the 'Hard as Nails' one. I have tried various base coats and this is by far the best! After using it for nearly a month, it has made a massive difference! My nails definitely feel harder and much more stronger than before. They just feel healthier in general.

The special nylon and retinol formula prevents your nails from chipping and splitting. My nails usually start to chip and split when they get to a certain length so I always have to cut them so they're all even, and then wait ages for them to grow back again. However, after using this product, they have definitely stopped chipping and splitting and I have noticed that they are growing longer and stronger than before. I don't need to worry about accidentally bending them or being a bit rough. Yes, I have been trying to bend them to see how hard they really have become! 

The consistency is really nice and thin so it goes on your nails like a dream. The brush is a nice flat shape making it easy to apply. It also dries super quick too, literally in five mins! You can use it on its own with two coats but I have been applying one layer as a base coat. I have also noticed that by using it as a base coat, it has made my nail polish last longer too! You can also use it as a top coat as it has a nice glossy finish. 

It is available in two shades, nude/clear (which is the one that I got) and natural. I purchased mine from Boots for £4.75 and they're currently on offer too!

Les Délices de Nina, Nina Ricci

Hi there! I thought I'd do a little post on this beautiful looking perfume that I have been loving. The limited edition perfume called Les Délices de Nina by Nina Ricci. I'm not too sure on how to pronounce the name of it so I've just been calling it the Pink Apple perfume (it doesn't smell like apples).

Firstly, I have to ramble on about how lovely the bottle looks! It is shaped as a bright bubble gum pink apple with the top part covered in gold which represents caramel melting on the apple. It looks so delicious, it almost looks edible! 

Ok, on to what it actually smells like. From the bottle itself, you can probably guess that it has a sweet and fruity scent. Once you spray it, it's like an explosion of candy. It opens with fresh citrus notes which include lemon, tangerine and raspberry. Once it settles, the hints of strawberry and caramel comes through which is what I love most about this fragrance. The base notes are praline and white musk.  

With your eyes closed, it almost makes you feel like you've just entered a huge candy store, full of colourful boiled sweets, striped candy canes, lollipops and all the different types of candy you can imagine! It does last for a good few hours and by the end of the day, I can still smell the strawberry and caramel notes that linger nicely on my skin. 

I have to be honest here, I am more obsessed with the actual bottle rather than the scent itself! It looks like something out of a fairy tale. It's as if I have taken it from Cinderella's dressing table and have placed it on mine! I love it!

Soap & Glory: One Heck of a Blot

Could this possibly be the best powder ever?

Don't you just hate oily skin? I mean of course I like radiant dewy skin that looks healthy and glowy but it's a different story when your face just looks greasy, as if you've just moisturised it with cooking oil. Well, I think I may have just found the best powder! Soap and Glory's One Heck of a Blot!

I have been using Rimmel's Stay Matte powder for ages and don't get me wrong, I still love it and occasionally use it, but there's just something about One Heck of a Blot! I have been using it for around four months now after my friend recommended it (thank you, you know who you are!) and it has become one of those products I can't live without!

I have an oily t-zone and my face tends to get quite shiny during the day especially during the summer. It's quite frustrating when you think your make-up looks fine but then a few hours later (sometimes even less than that!) it starts to slip and slide. I have to say this powder is truly amazing as it really does the job of controlling shine and absorbing oil. 

It really does give your skin a 'traceless, smooth velvety finish'. It is a very lightweight powder so you can't feel it on your skin. It doesn't settle into dry patches and pores so it doesn't make you look cakey. The worst thing is when you have dry skin and an oily t-zone so you apply powder to take away the shine but you later end up with cakey patches on your face!

It comes with a small sponge applicator which I find useful so you can press the powder on to lock in your makeup. However, I also like to use my Real Techniques powder brush which also does a great job.

The lasting power is really good, I usually just have a touch up or two during a long day. What's great is that it doesn't build up and go cakey even after a few touch ups.

There is no need to worry about which shade to choose as it is translucent so it would suit all skin types. 

I think the packaging is cute and the mirror is the perfect size too. It is something that I definitely need to keep in my handbag! I have enjoyed using it so much that I recently bought a second one as a back up so I always have one in my handbag as I sometimes tend to leave it at home.

Overall I guess at £12, it is quite an expensive powder considering it is a drugstore product but from my point of view, it is definitely worth it! The good news is that it is often on offer in Boots, either on the 3 for 2 offer or the buy one get second half price offer so definitely check it out!