How The 'Selfie Game' Has Reached A Whole New Level
Photo editing causing controversy in the media is by no means a new topic at all. From as young as we can remember us millennial’s have been consistently exposed to images that have been edited, and as a result have been dealing with unrealistic standards our whole lives.
We used to look at models in the magazines and think that we will never look like them, but that was ok because our friends didn't look like them either. We would go onto social media and sure enough the photoshopped models would be there, but they were have broken up by images of our friends and the models in their natural environments, looking a hell of a lot closer to what they actually look like.
It was just standard that your selfie in your bedroom was never going to look like the girl on the magazine cover, but you accepted that. Even though you had access to apps and programs that could edit you, it was a kinda taboo for you to do so. I mean really who would go into that much effort to edit a selfie for Instagram? Or more to the point how humiliating would it be if your followers had even a slight suspicion that you had done so?
I’m not sure when but at some point this line between what celebs do and what we do became seriously blurred. Scrolling down my Instagram feed I am faced with girls skin literally looking the definition of perfection (I know there’s no such thing, but no other word describes what I mean well enough). At first I credited it to the beauty bloggers, and the teaching of how to contour. I would stalk the girls Instagram to find out what products she was using, and if anyone had asked for the technique so I could try and do the same.
Then one day I was scrolling through Cosmo and I saw about this ‘Perfect365’ app, and how it was the secret behind Kim Kardashians flawless selfies. So I thought to myself OK standard celebrity editing, they are so used to their faces being Photoshopped that it’s understandable they want their own selfies to live up. Intrigued I downloaded it and edited by face (it literally took me 2 minutes to transform into someone completely different that I had customised myself) and sure enough I looked like I was incredible at makeup, and I could even edit subtly enough for it to look like just good lighting.
With this new knowledge I took to my Instagram feed again, and sure enough it was now so blatantly obvious that half the girls on my feed had been using this app. Part of me felt better (my contouring skills aren’t horrendous after all, yay) but the other part was a little bit scared. People’s crappy iPhone Instagram selfies looked like they could be placed on the cover of Vouge, and it was so easy for them to get this way.
We’ve grown up in a society where while Photo editing has always existed, it’s not really been something that we could, or we would want, to use. Now the new generation of selife takers have this all at their fingertips, without knowing any different, and to me that’s worrying. We thought that our desire for perfection was bad, but now it’s become frightening. While it was depressing not looking like the girls in the magazines, it was just life. When you come to terms with the fact that you will never look like them, you learn to accept it and then comes the focus of being happy with what you’ve got (what choice do you have!?). But now there’s the whole issue of looking like an entirely different person online, and what’s that going to do to your self-esteem in real life situations?
I get that good lighting, filters and effects have been at our disposable for a long time, and they do seriously help to improve your selife game (urgh I hate it when people say that), but we are talking about a whole transformation of your features that is a) really easy to do and b) now completely accepted within society. It’s not longer about not being able to live up to the standards of the girls in the magazines, but about the standards you have created of yourself.
Spring Saviour - Soap & Glory Hand Care
Spring is finally upon us! There's so many great things about spring and right about now you will probably be planning for your spring clean, and a fresh start for the warmer weather.
It's the perfect opportunity to turn your bedroom upside down, clear out any unwanted goods and have a good old scrub to welcome in the new season.
We absolutely love cleaning (no really, we are a bit OCD), but we aren't a fan of how much it ruins our hands. Exposure to cleaning products can leave your hands feeling dry, flakey and in need of some good old TLC, and we have the perfect solution.
If like us, you moisturise your hands everyday, only to have them feeling dry again within a few hours then you need to purchase this!
Endless Glove (£6.50) is the best hand mask that money can buy and works for up to 12 hours after application. Apply it before bed, and sleep with the gloves on, and you will wake up with what feels like a new set of hands.
However if you do not have this product do not fear, as the good old Soap & Glory Hand Food (£5.50) works just perfectly. Both the products are rich, and intense in the damage repair that they do to your hands.
As for the gloves, Em got these in a Soap & Glory gift set for Christmas last year, and we cannot seem to find them for sale separately. This does not matter at all, as the type of gloves you need are available everywhere. M&S offer manicure gloves for just £4 here and they will do the job just perfectly.
There really is nothing worse than having dry hands, so make sure you take some time to treat them this spring. A mask is the perfect solution for intensive repair, and the Soap & Glory products are definite winners in doing so.
Time to stop moaning about those dry hands and give them a good pamper!
Best Of Benefit - Our Top 5
Between us we probably own near to everything that Benefit sell (we really are useless at a student budget). With all the hype around the new Benefit releases we thought that it would be good to pick our top 5 that we couldn't live without.
First up is "that gal". At £22.50 this is pretty pricey for what it is, but once again we were tempted by a free sample, and once it ran out it just had to go on the Christmas list. This product is used in between moisturising and applying foundation, and acts as a prep for the skin. It is silky, spreads easily and helps give your skin a fresh looking flow. The bottle has a bottom that twists and the primer then appears on the top, and then you apply with your fingers. It is worth the money? Hmm this is debatable, while we absolutely love it, on a student budget it does seem a lot to pay despite it being better than any others we have previously used.
When you're a student the late nights really do catch up on you, and no amount of RedBull seems to work on the tiredness of your under eyes. Ooh La Lift comes in at £17, and works as an instant eye lift. You simply apply three dots under the eye, smooth it into the skin and the whole area is instantly brightened. It can be used in the morning, and re-applied throughout the day as you get more tired. As far as eye-brightening products go this is definitely the best we have come across (lecturers have no idea we've been partying all night).
This choice was tricky as between us we own both Hervana and Hoopla. At £23 the price is standard for a Benefit bronzer/blusher making the decision between the two even harder. While Hoopla is highly rated in the blogger world Hervana just got the edge with it's mix of colours. Each of the shades compliment each other and give your cheek the perfect blush.
Finding the right concealer must be one of the hardest parts about buying make up. We can't even begin to count how many we have been through before finding one that is perfect for both coverage, and colour. Benefit Boi ing (£16.50) fits the best of both, providing a decent coverage without looking cakey or as if the skin is obviously concealed. It works well when applied to areas of the face that should be highlighted, removing any unwanted shine or blemishes.
With the new release of the Benefit Roller Lash we wanted to make sure an old favourite isn't forgotten. Coming in at £19.50 this Mascara is pricey, but we've lost count of how many we have gone through (it's that good). It separates the lashes perfectly, and creates a long lashes that provide a length that creates a false effect. The brush is firm, and easy to apply and the results last all throughout the day. It can also be easily built up depending on the reason for the use, making it a staple in all looks.
Best Budget Buys
Is it just us or do all bloggers seem to be rich? Don't get us wrong we are guilty of splashing out, but is it always necessary? As much as we would love to, we can't always afford to buy the best of everything, and actually don't believe that you always have to spend a fortune to get a good quality product.
To make your living on a budget easy, we've got our favourite budget buys that will make it feel like you haven't had to make a compromise.
Obviously everyone has a different interpretation of 'budget', so there's a mixture of cheap, a bit of a treat and products that only really seem good value when you compare them to their up market versions.
First up is the Pro Formula make up Wipes from Tesco (£2). We have no idea why make up wipes are so expensive but most are on average around £3, ouch! These wipes are cleansing wipes with Green Tea and Vitamin E and are one of the only range of wipes that actually leave our skin feeling clean. They have a fresh smell, not fragranced like most, and are perfect for sensitive skin and removing impurities.
Contouring has gone absolutely crazy in the Blogger world, and so many paint it to be a pretty pricey task. This kit by Sleek comes in at £6.50, which is relatively cheap in comparison to so many on the market. The shadow side is a perfect matte, and can be built up to achieve the level of darkness that you desire. The highlight then has the perfect shimmer, and again starts relatively light, allowing you to create the right build up for the look you want to achieve.
Some of the face masks currently popular are extortionate. £45 for a tiny bottle!? Even if it's a miracle worker not many of us can justify spending that much on a mask, so here's an alternative. The Mudd range are such trusty products, and buying the masks in bulk is much cheaper than buying the individual packets. While this one does not appear to be on the market currently, the same product is available in different packaging. You can get 10 masks for £3.99 at Fragrance Direct http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/mudd/mudd-original-mask-100ml/invt/0043442.
The product is heavy, and thick leaving your skin completely revitalised and cleansed after just 10-15 minutes. Perfect little weekly pick-me-up for you skin.
It's such a common perception that the most expensive perfume is best. We have a large proportion of the Marc Jacobs range (and don't get us wrong, we love it), but it does feel pretty pricey to be wearing everyday. We like to have a less expensive perfume for everyday wear, and the Zara range is absolutely perfect. Starting at £9.99 the price allows for a quality product that lasts, and smells absolutely amazing.
With Benefits release of a new mascara, the hype around expensive mascara is pretty high. We absolutely love Benefit mascara, but like to have cheaper alternatives that we can combine. Here are two options depending on how much you need to budget.
On the left is Bourjois Paris Volume Glam Ultra Curl mascara. At £7.99 (in Boots) its not too cheap, but in comparison to the Benefit ones it really is a budget one! It really work and elongates eyelashes, the brush is not too bold and stumpy and allows for build-up with each stroke. Great for everyday make-up or to use on top of others.
On the right is Collection 2000 Volumising mascara, and at just £3.99 (currently on offer, £2.99 at Boots). This mascara perfectly separates lashes and really does create good volume. This is an absolute essential if you're on a budget.
Above are Boots Botanics Day and Night Creams. The Botanics selection comes in six different ranges, all designed for different skin types and vary in price. Kirsti is currently using the Radiant Youth range, which is typically for women looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Recently, her skin became stressed and appeared run-down so she tried this range and it has really improved the quality of her skin. Previously, she's used the Organic range which is best for all skin types, so if you aren't specific or suffering from anything it's a good place to start!
Boots Botanics are a great range to use and their products can be used by all different skin types. The Day and Night creams vary in price depending on the range you buy, The Radiant Youth ones come in at £7.99 each, the other ranges are from £4.99-£7.99 - a bargain compared to some of the larger brands! A real good quality product, too.
And off the subject of beauty, this is an absolute Gem. The new Cristalinas range is available at Asda, and this diffuser comes in at £4. Since having our own house we are constantly looking at ways to make a lovely home, whilst sticking to our budget. Who knew how expensive diffusers are!? Well this one isn't in compassion to most, and honestly works so much better. This particular fragrance is Cherry Blossom and it honestly smells good enough to eat (please don't eat it though). It's the first thing you smell when you enter the room, and it really does last. Probably the best £4 we've spent on our home (well technically the best £12 as we've brought three!).
So there you have it, living on a budget doesn't have to be so bad after all! Do you use any products that are a bargain? We'd love to know! Hopefully these products will give you a few less things to moan about.
Why We Will Never Leave No7 Foundation
All we ever see is bloggers blogging about Mac, Benefit and heaps of other expensive designer foundations. There's no denying they are probably good, but we can't help feel that with make up you are often just buying the brand.
No7 is not really a brand that is considered by the blogger world, but we have used the foundation for years, and can't see ourselves leaving it anytime soon.
The first thing that drew us to No7 was the colour match. There is nothing worse than going into each room, looking in a mirror with a different light, paranoid that the colour of your foundation isn't right. The colour match completely eliminates this worry, as it gets your complete natural skin tone, and matches you to an exact colour within the No7 range.
Another major benefit is the selection of ranges that are on offer. We both use foundations from different ranges, as we use it for different reasons and are skin types are not the same.
First up: Stay Perfect.
Emma uses Stay Perfect in Warm Ivory (£14.50). One of the main problems I had with foundation was making it last throughout the day. By mid-afternoon it would look patchy, and the coverage was beginning to fade away. If ever I was able to find a foundation that would stay all day, I found it to be far too thick and it would often look too much. The Stay Perfect range promises 24 hour coverage, but is lightweight and breathable. It will last all day, whilst barely feeling like I have anything on. It is also so easy to build up, it can be layered well depending on how much coverage you want.
It comes in a glass bottle, with a pump and the one big criticism is that you never get to use the whole bottle. Once it reaches a certain level the pump no longer works, and taking the lid off only allows you to reach some of the remaining content.
Kirsti uses the Instant Radiance in Vanilla Rose (£12.50). No7 say this range is best for tired and stressed skin, which perfectly sums up my skin prior to using No7. If I had even just one spot, my face would appear red and angry looking. My skin tended to dry out around my T-Zone and I was constantly switching brands every time I bought a new foundation. I would get through 3/4's of a bottle and suddenly my skin would break out, dry out and whichever foundation it was, just clogged up my skin and it ended up looking like I'd put waaaaay too many layers on.
I have used this foundation for over 3 years now and it would take a lot for me to look elsewhere. I love how this foundation can be built up, I could put 3 layers on for a night out and it still wouldn't create a fake and over-done look. Sorry to the Mac lovers, but this is exactly what the Mac foundation did to me.
Both foundations are a really good price for a good quality foundation and with Boots handing out No7 vouchers almost every time you purchase anything, it is often that you don't pay full price for a bottle anyway.
Now we know we haven't had a lot of experience in the foundation department, and we haven't tried a lot of the brands out there but it's important to not feel like you have to jump straight to the £29.99 ones. Make-up is totally individual, just because it works for your best friend does not mean it will be perfect for you.
How The 'Selfie Game' Has Reached A Whole New Level
Photo editing causing controversy in the media is by no means a new topic at all. From as young as we can remember us millennial’s have been consistently exposed to images that have been edited, and as a result have been dealing with unrealistic standards our whole lives.
We used to look at models in the magazines and think that we will never look like them, but that was ok because our friends didn't look like them either. We would go onto social media and sure enough the photoshopped models would be there, but they were have broken up by images of our friends and the models in their natural environments, looking a hell of a lot closer to what they actually look like.
It was just standard that your selfie in your bedroom was never going to look like the girl on the magazine cover, but you accepted that. Even though you had access to apps and programs that could edit you, it was a kinda taboo for you to do so. I mean really who would go into that much effort to edit a selfie for Instagram? Or more to the point how humiliating would it be if your followers had even a slight suspicion that you had done so?
I’m not sure when but at some point this line between what celebs do and what we do became seriously blurred. Scrolling down my Instagram feed I am faced with girls skin literally looking the definition of perfection (I know there’s no such thing, but no other word describes what I mean well enough). At first I credited it to the beauty bloggers, and the teaching of how to contour. I would stalk the girls Instagram to find out what products she was using, and if anyone had asked for the technique so I could try and do the same.
Then one day I was scrolling through Cosmo and I saw about this ‘Perfect365’ app, and how it was the secret behind Kim Kardashians flawless selfies. So I thought to myself OK standard celebrity editing, they are so used to their faces being Photoshopped that it’s understandable they want their own selfies to live up. Intrigued I downloaded it and edited by face (it literally took me 2 minutes to transform into someone completely different that I had customised myself) and sure enough I looked like I was incredible at makeup, and I could even edit subtly enough for it to look like just good lighting.
With this new knowledge I took to my Instagram feed again, and sure enough it was now so blatantly obvious that half the girls on my feed had been using this app. Part of me felt better (my contouring skills aren’t horrendous after all, yay) but the other part was a little bit scared. People’s crappy iPhone Instagram selfies looked like they could be placed on the cover of Vouge, and it was so easy for them to get this way.
We’ve grown up in a society where while Photo editing has always existed, it’s not really been something that we could, or we would want, to use. Now the new generation of selife takers have this all at their fingertips, without knowing any different, and to me that’s worrying. We thought that our desire for perfection was bad, but now it’s become frightening. While it was depressing not looking like the girls in the magazines, it was just life. When you come to terms with the fact that you will never look like them, you learn to accept it and then comes the focus of being happy with what you’ve got (what choice do you have!?). But now there’s the whole issue of looking like an entirely different person online, and what’s that going to do to your self-esteem in real life situations?
I get that good lighting, filters and effects have been at our disposable for a long time, and they do seriously help to improve your selife game (urgh I hate it when people say that), but we are talking about a whole transformation of your features that is a) really easy to do and b) now completely accepted within society. It’s not longer about not being able to live up to the standards of the girls in the magazines, but about the standards you have created of yourself.
Spring Saviour - Soap & Glory Hand Care
Spring is finally upon us! There's so many great things about spring and right about now you will probably be planning for your spring clean, and a fresh start for the warmer weather.
It's the perfect opportunity to turn your bedroom upside down, clear out any unwanted goods and have a good old scrub to welcome in the new season.
We absolutely love cleaning (no really, we are a bit OCD), but we aren't a fan of how much it ruins our hands. Exposure to cleaning products can leave your hands feeling dry, flakey and in need of some good old TLC, and we have the perfect solution.
If like us, you moisturise your hands everyday, only to have them feeling dry again within a few hours then you need to purchase this!
Endless Glove (£6.50) is the best hand mask that money can buy and works for up to 12 hours after application. Apply it before bed, and sleep with the gloves on, and you will wake up with what feels like a new set of hands.
However if you do not have this product do not fear, as the good old Soap & Glory Hand Food (£5.50) works just perfectly. Both the products are rich, and intense in the damage repair that they do to your hands.
As for the gloves, Em got these in a Soap & Glory gift set for Christmas last year, and we cannot seem to find them for sale separately. This does not matter at all, as the type of gloves you need are available everywhere. M&S offer manicure gloves for just £4 here and they will do the job just perfectly.
There really is nothing worse than having dry hands, so make sure you take some time to treat them this spring. A mask is the perfect solution for intensive repair, and the Soap & Glory products are definite winners in doing so.
Time to stop moaning about those dry hands and give them a good pamper!
Best Of Benefit - Our Top 5
Between us we probably own near to everything that Benefit sell (we really are useless at a student budget). With all the hype around the new Benefit releases we thought that it would be good to pick our top 5 that we couldn't live without.
First up is "that gal". At £22.50 this is pretty pricey for what it is, but once again we were tempted by a free sample, and once it ran out it just had to go on the Christmas list. This product is used in between moisturising and applying foundation, and acts as a prep for the skin. It is silky, spreads easily and helps give your skin a fresh looking flow. The bottle has a bottom that twists and the primer then appears on the top, and then you apply with your fingers. It is worth the money? Hmm this is debatable, while we absolutely love it, on a student budget it does seem a lot to pay despite it being better than any others we have previously used.
When you're a student the late nights really do catch up on you, and no amount of RedBull seems to work on the tiredness of your under eyes. Ooh La Lift comes in at £17, and works as an instant eye lift. You simply apply three dots under the eye, smooth it into the skin and the whole area is instantly brightened. It can be used in the morning, and re-applied throughout the day as you get more tired. As far as eye-brightening products go this is definitely the best we have come across (lecturers have no idea we've been partying all night).
This choice was tricky as between us we own both Hervana and Hoopla. At £23 the price is standard for a Benefit bronzer/blusher making the decision between the two even harder. While Hoopla is highly rated in the blogger world Hervana just got the edge with it's mix of colours. Each of the shades compliment each other and give your cheek the perfect blush.
Finding the right concealer must be one of the hardest parts about buying make up. We can't even begin to count how many we have been through before finding one that is perfect for both coverage, and colour. Benefit Boi ing (£16.50) fits the best of both, providing a decent coverage without looking cakey or as if the skin is obviously concealed. It works well when applied to areas of the face that should be highlighted, removing any unwanted shine or blemishes.
Best Budget Buys
Is it just us or do all bloggers seem to be rich? Don't get us wrong we are guilty of splashing out, but is it always necessary? As much as we would love to, we can't always afford to buy the best of everything, and actually don't believe that you always have to spend a fortune to get a good quality product.
To make your living on a budget easy, we've got our favourite budget buys that will make it feel like you haven't had to make a compromise.
Obviously everyone has a different interpretation of 'budget', so there's a mixture of cheap, a bit of a treat and products that only really seem good value when you compare them to their up market versions.
First up is the Pro Formula make up Wipes from Tesco (£2). We have no idea why make up wipes are so expensive but most are on average around £3, ouch! These wipes are cleansing wipes with Green Tea and Vitamin E and are one of the only range of wipes that actually leave our skin feeling clean. They have a fresh smell, not fragranced like most, and are perfect for sensitive skin and removing impurities.
Contouring has gone absolutely crazy in the Blogger world, and so many paint it to be a pretty pricey task. This kit by Sleek comes in at £6.50, which is relatively cheap in comparison to so many on the market. The shadow side is a perfect matte, and can be built up to achieve the level of darkness that you desire. The highlight then has the perfect shimmer, and again starts relatively light, allowing you to create the right build up for the look you want to achieve.
Some of the face masks currently popular are extortionate. £45 for a tiny bottle!? Even if it's a miracle worker not many of us can justify spending that much on a mask, so here's an alternative. The Mudd range are such trusty products, and buying the masks in bulk is much cheaper than buying the individual packets. While this one does not appear to be on the market currently, the same product is available in different packaging. You can get 10 masks for £3.99 at Fragrance Direct http://www.fragrancedirect.co.uk/mudd/mudd-original-mask-100ml/invt/0043442.
The product is heavy, and thick leaving your skin completely revitalised and cleansed after just 10-15 minutes. Perfect little weekly pick-me-up for you skin.
It's such a common perception that the most expensive perfume is best. We have a large proportion of the Marc Jacobs range (and don't get us wrong, we love it), but it does feel pretty pricey to be wearing everyday. We like to have a less expensive perfume for everyday wear, and the Zara range is absolutely perfect. Starting at £9.99 the price allows for a quality product that lasts, and smells absolutely amazing.
With Benefits release of a new mascara, the hype around expensive mascara is pretty high. We absolutely love Benefit mascara, but like to have cheaper alternatives that we can combine. Here are two options depending on how much you need to budget.
On the left is Bourjois Paris Volume Glam Ultra Curl mascara. At £7.99 (in Boots) its not too cheap, but in comparison to the Benefit ones it really is a budget one! It really work and elongates eyelashes, the brush is not too bold and stumpy and allows for build-up with each stroke. Great for everyday make-up or to use on top of others.
On the right is Collection 2000 Volumising mascara, and at just £3.99 (currently on offer, £2.99 at Boots). This mascara perfectly separates lashes and really does create good volume. This is an absolute essential if you're on a budget.
Above are Boots Botanics Day and Night Creams. The Botanics selection comes in six different ranges, all designed for different skin types and vary in price. Kirsti is currently using the Radiant Youth range, which is typically for women looking to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Recently, her skin became stressed and appeared run-down so she tried this range and it has really improved the quality of her skin. Previously, she's used the Organic range which is best for all skin types, so if you aren't specific or suffering from anything it's a good place to start!
Boots Botanics are a great range to use and their products can be used by all different skin types. The Day and Night creams vary in price depending on the range you buy, The Radiant Youth ones come in at £7.99 each, the other ranges are from £4.99-£7.99 - a bargain compared to some of the larger brands! A real good quality product, too.
And off the subject of beauty, this is an absolute Gem. The new Cristalinas range is available at Asda, and this diffuser comes in at £4. Since having our own house we are constantly looking at ways to make a lovely home, whilst sticking to our budget. Who knew how expensive diffusers are!? Well this one isn't in compassion to most, and honestly works so much better. This particular fragrance is Cherry Blossom and it honestly smells good enough to eat (please don't eat it though). It's the first thing you smell when you enter the room, and it really does last. Probably the best £4 we've spent on our home (well technically the best £12 as we've brought three!).
So there you have it, living on a budget doesn't have to be so bad after all! Do you use any products that are a bargain? We'd love to know! Hopefully these products will give you a few less things to moan about.
Kerastase Review
I literally have the worst hair. It's fine, it's dry and it never ever styles. All high street products create a really bad build up, and I found that I had a new shampoo every month, with practically a full bottle of the previous one left.
Now I study advertising so I know I'm guilty of just paying for the brand, but in my head it works! Like all other girls who despise their hair I spent hours reading blogs, reviews and asking anyone with fab hair what their secret is and was constantly recommended Kerestase.
The first thing to note is that they offer a number of different ranges, and each is suited to a different hair type.
The shampoo and conditioner I use are from the Cristalliste range, suited to young women with long hair that is prone to dry ends and feeling weighed down.
The shampoo is light, and doesn't really create much of a lather. You literally need a 20p size, and I mean it, anymore and you can feel that it's too much. I wash my hair with it every 2-3 days and the more I use, the more likely my hair is to become greasy so, you have to make sure you don't use too much (added bonus is that this saves money, it lasts). It comes in at around £15, but lasts me on average 3-4 months.
I have tried every hair care range from designer to budget and have never found one that has my hair glossy, and easy to style like this range has. I have been using it for over a year now and don't plan on changing anytime in the near future.
You can pick up the range online, and in most hairdressers but I get mine from Feel Unique.
Sorry to disappoint with such a lack of moaning in this post, but these products just have to be praised i'm afraid!
Emma
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