MONTHLY FAVOURITES | NOVEMBER

It's the end of the month, so it is time to share with you my favourite things from the month of November.

LOVE MOSCHINO BAG - I treated myself to a gorgeous designer bag. It's the quilted logo bag in red. I LOVE it, it's a great size and you can use it day or night.  I'd been looking for one for ages and it's a bag that doesn't break the bank (compared to other designer bags of course).

BLOGGING - I've been super busy at work recently so either on my days off or to relax after work I've loved working on my blog. It's something I'm passionate about and really enjoy doing.

DRIVING TEST - I PASSED my driving test 2nd time within about a week of doing the first one. I couldn't believe it, it feels like forever and I never thought I was ever going to pass but I did and couldn't be happier.

A x

BLOGGING TIPS | FLATLAY

Whether you need advice on blogging photos or maybe for Instagram, I'm going to show you a few tips that might help step up your game. This isn't to say that the way I do things is the right way and everyone should do them, everyone has a different style and different way of doing things. This is just to help those that maybe are a little stuck for ideas.

You don't need a fancy camera or expensive lighting, just use whatever is accessible to you. If you have a camera or a ring light then definitely use them but I'll show you a few cheaper alternatives.


1. LIGHTING
Natural lighting is usually the best way forward, however, sometimes you may not be around in the day to take the photos next best thing, either a ring light, your phone or just the lights in your house. I bought a camera ring light, what I use it for it was a much cheaper alternative than buying a huge stand up one. You can attach it to your camera or simply take photos through the hole with your phone, giving the same affect.

2. USE PROPS
Using props helps your photos look a little more personal and different rather than just a photo of one product every time. You can really use anything as a prop, you probably won't even have to go out and buy anything because most things you'll already have in your home. One prop I do like to use which you would need to buy is a magazine, but you can get them for as little as £1.

3. EDIT PHOTOS
You don't need the latest software or amazing computer skills to edit your photos, there are a lot of apps you can get for free on your phone. Now, the way you edit your photos is completely up to you. Most of the time I only edit my photos by adjusting the contrast and brightness and just have a mess around with it and see what I prefer.

4. COMPOSITIONS
Now what I mean by this is how you layout your individual props/items and the angle in which you take a photo from. Whether it be close up shots and blurred props in the background or a whole shot with everything in frame and focus. Don't be afraid to experiment with it.

5. BACKGROUND
If you would prefer to use a background rather than props, then you can pretty much find any type of pattern/print online. For mine, I bought a roll of marble sticky paper from Wilkos that you use for worktop surfaces. You could even use wallpaper, pieces of paper you've printed out anything really. Have a look on eBay and Amazon. Again it's completely up to you what style you choose.


I hope this helped a few people and gave you some ideas for the future, let me know some of your tips and tricks.

A x

TOP DRUGSTORE AND HIGH END FOUNDATION

I thought I'd share with you my top foundations. One being drugstore and the other being high end. I must admit, foundation is the one makeup product that I don't really tend to change too often. If I find something I like and it works why change it?

Foundation is the base of your makeup, when choosing one you have to consider the texture, durability, colour etc, so it isn't as straightforward as we'd like.

M·A·C STUDIO FACE AND BODY FOUNDATION
This foundation is priced at £29.50 for the 120ml or you can get a 50ml for £23. Now for an extra £6.50, I would definitely recommend getting the bigger bottle, you get another 70ml - it's a no-brainer. However, you can only get the larger bottle online. Now like most things, this foundation does have a downside, it isn't available in many shades, at all. It only has 11, considering how many different skin tones there are as well as different undertones to peoples skin, such as pink, yellow, neutral. It doesn't provide much variety for people. The foundation itself is more watery based than other foundations, meaning that it is a lot more moisturising than other foundations. I have dry skin, so this is good because it doesn't stick to any dry areas.

Online this foundation is said to be a sheer coverage due to its watery base but is 100% buildable. With concealer and powder, near enough full coverage. It does leave a natural-looking finish and isn't heavy on the skin at all which I love.


L'OREAL PARIS TRUE MATCH 
£9.99, that's all this foundation costs. Without a doubt worth every penny. So not only is the price super affordable, but it has 28 shades available. Yes, that's right 28 shades, it's on a much larger scale compared to some other brands both drugstore and high end. Its full coverage doesn't feel heavy, long lasting, flawless dewy finish. What more could you want from a foundation? However, there is one problem I have. If I apply this foundation and then apply powder over it. (more so on my nose rather than any other areas) it goes matte and can look a bit dry. I tend not to put powder on, simply because of that.



I would love to try more high end and drugstore foundations so let me know what your favourites are.

A x