12/13/2011

Photo Light Box

Photo Light Box P880

I have been frustrated with the way my pictures are turning out for this blog. I've been researching on photography techniques to improve my photos and I came across the photo light box. A photo light box is used for product photography of small items such as jewelry. It is used for close-up photos to capture the details of the product. The light box allows light to be diffused and creates a shadow less background with minimized reflections and glares. There are plenty of tutorials on how to make your own photo light box but since I don't have the time to make one I decided to get one at CD-R-KING. If you are from Manila, CD-R-KING is a store that sells media and technology products at an affordable price. Majority of the products are generic and made in China. I got this light box for only P880 and I think this will go a long way since I am planning to launch an online store in the future. There are two kinds of light box available at CD-R-KING, both selling at the same price but I chose this one since it is much bigger. 
Portable and easily stored away

What I like about this is its portability. It can be easily be folded and stored after every use. If I built myself one, it would just sit around in my already cluttered room and gather dust. Dust may easily be picked up n macro photography so that is a definite no no. It even comes with four background colors: black, white, blue and red. 


All corners of the light box are seamed with Velcro, making it easy to attach and detach the sides. The background is also attached using a Velcro. See how convenient it is? The only thing I am lacking is lamps. Lamps are placed at both sides of the light box. You can even place a lamp on top but most tutorials mention that two are enough. My list of things to buy keeps growing longer, I still have to get myself an eye primer to test out my eyeshadows, lamps and Christmas gifts!  


12/05/2011

Favors

Here are some of the stuff I asked my relatives to buy from abroad (US and Hong Kong). In Hokkien, the favor is known as "ta bwe or kia bwe" and in Tagalog its "pabili". I don't think there is an english translation for this but if there is, let me know :) I had $50 as birthday money given to me over a year ago and I finally decided to use it on..what else, make up! :)

I rarely purchase MAC items in the Philippines since it is always more expensive compared to the ones abroad. So I decided to get myself MAC lipstick in Cremesheen Creme Cup and the Mineralize Skinfinish in Light Plus. Most of my lipsticks are in dark shades so the Creme Cup is breath of fresh air in my lipstick collection. As for the Mineralize Skinfinish, I have one but in a darker shade which doesn't suit my skin tone thus I got myself in a shade lighter (Light Plus).


Creme Cup and Skinfinish in Light Plus
 I've been reading plenty of reviews on the Wet and Wild Eyeshadow palettes being very pigmented and affordable so I added it to my list. I wanted the 8 pc eyeshadow palette but my Aunty couldn't find any so she got me the 6 pc instead in Vanity (left) and Pride (right). Each palette has 3 matte and 3 shimmery shades in the same color tone. I have been using Vanity almost everyday for work. I believe the palette is a great starter kit for eyeshadow applications. The pigmentation is enough to achieve a neutral look.

           Wet and Wild in Vanity (right) and Pride (left)                   


 I also got the Ecotool Bronzer brush and the Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Red Carpet. I am a fan of Ecotools and I actually have the 5 pc set. I love how soft and fluffy the bronzer brush is. I use this to apply my Mineralize Skinfinish. The Red Carpet nail polish is a red glittery polish that reminds me of Dorothy's red ruby shoes. I have always stayed away from glittery nail polishes since its so hard to remove. Now I decided to give it a try, plus I am making this my holiday nail color :)


Ecotools Bronzer Brush and Red Carpet nail polish

Lastly, I ordered the Liese bubble hair dye in Platinum Beige. This came from Hong Kong and costs about HK$79. I can't wait to try this color! I need a new haircut before I use this so that I will have a new look for the new year...or maybe by Christmas! I have used and applied Etude's bubble dye on my own before and the color appeared lighter on the top of my head compared to the end (Booo). I need to ask someone to help me dye my hair this time.
Liese bubble dye in Platinum Beige
 Platinum Beige sounds scary! Sort of like Platinum Blonde but according to the box, dark hairs will appear as below.
Ohh so many new goodies! :D I want to go shopping for Christmas already!