FUJIFILM Instax Mini 7S Polaroid Camera Review

FUJIFILM Instax Mini 7S Polaroid Camera

I love my Canon Rebel (and I love it more than words) but they're is something so exciting about having a physical picture moments after you take a picture. I can't remember the last time I printed a picture that I'd taken but it's been even longer since the last time I used a polaroid camera. This past December I received this little guy from my aunt as a Christmas present. And, even though it is a frustrating piece of equipment at times, I really love it. 

FUJIFILM Instax Mini 7S Polaroid Camera

This particular model comes with four settings--super sunny, sunny, cloudy, and indoors. It's really important to pay attention to these settings because otherwise you'll get a lot of pictures that are washed out or too dark. Unfortunately, even if you pay attention to these settings there is still a learning curve. You want to stand close to the camera but not too close (the camera has no way to zoom in or out). In my experience, pictures taken indoors are less likely to have problems with brightness. So I'd recommend starting there. The pictures will come out of the slit on the top of the camera a few seconds after you've taken the picture. 

FUJIFILM Instax Mini 7S Polaroid Camera

The eyesight is located in the upper right corner of the camera but unfortunately (the first picture displays this problem a little better) the button to take a picture is located right below the eye hole. If you're not careful, you'll get a lot of pictures with a finger in the frame. It isn't too much of a hassle but it can be a bit frustrating if you ask someone who isn't familiar with the camera to take a picture. The size of the camera is about the same size of an old school polaroid. It's a little clunky (especially now that most people are used to super small digital cameras) and given the limitations on the types of pictures you can take, I wouldn't recommend bringing it on a trip. It's really nice to have around the house for those impromptu moments when you want to take a picture but the quality isn't really important.  

Here are two pictures I've taken of my cats with this camera. As you can see from the photo on the left, choosing the proper settings is really important. They're fairly small (smaller than the size of a credit card) but they're great for collages or to keep in your wallet. 

FUJIFILM INstax Mini Film

This is what the film looks like. It comes with two packs and each pack contains 10 sheets. 

POSITIVES

-Comes in multiple colors

-Pictures fit in wallets

-Price ($60)

NEGATIVES

-Bulky 

-Film is expensive

-Low quality photos

-Only four settings for lighting

-No way to zoom in or out

-Learning curve

-Not good for action shots

In conclusion, the FUJIFILM Instax Mini Polaroid Camera would make a great camera gift for young kids or people that want to have fun with photography. It's price is pretty comparable to other cameras but there are a lot of limitations on the types of pictures you can take. It isn't good for action shots and it takes a bit of practice to begin producing good pictures. Unfortunately, that practice can be a bit expensive because you have to keep buying film. But I still love it. It's great for family get-togethers or sleep overs or birthday parties. It's nice to give people a physical memento to take home with them. Although, be forewarned that it can become a fight over who gets what picture. 

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Revlon "Gumdrop" Lip Butter Swatch + Review

Revlon Lip Butter in "Gumdrop"

 My Hawaii time has come to an end. For those of you who didn't know, each year I spend about a month in Hawaii split between my Aunt's house in Honolulu and my Grandma's house on the Big Island. It is one of the highlights of my summer as I get to spend time with my family and work on my tan. To celebrate my time in Hawaii, I thought I would blog about one of my favorite shades to wear while I'm here. I don't know what it is that compels me to reach for "Gumdrop" while I'm here but it's one of those staple summer shades.

Revlon Lip Butter in "Gumdrop"

Unlike many products in my makeup collection, "Gumdrop" is truly unique. I can only think of one product that is anything similar (Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in "Darling") but of the two I prefer to wear "Gumdrop". Like all the other Lip Butters, this one has an easy and smooth application. It isn't moisturizing but it's ultra creamy formula feels lovely on the lips. The packaging is sleek and modern (a signature of Revlon's packaging) but a youthful twist is added with the colorful quilted caps. The caps are a genius idea--they make searching for the perfect color in your disorganized makeup collection or at the bottom of your handbag a breeze. The only noticeable design flaw I've found in the time I've used the Lip Butters is that product will collect on the sides of the tube. It's a bit messy but nothing to be overly concerned about.

Revlon Lip Butter in "Gumdrop" Swatch

Revlon Lip Butter in "Gumdrop" swatched on lips

"Gumdrop" is one of those colors that is hard to appreciate the true beauty until you've seen it swatched on the lips. It gives the subtlest hint of lilac to the lips. Sometimes I wear it on its own but it also looks lovely when applied over other lipsticks to give it a little something extra. "Gumdrop", like "Lollipop", has silver glitter in it but once the product is applied to the lips it is almost near impossible to detect. "Gumdrop" would make a great addiction to any collection.

Positives

-Smooth application

-Subtle lilac color that works on wide range of skin tones

-Sleek, modern, and young packaging

-Moderate Price (around $6.00)

-Easily available at most drugstores

Negatives

-Not long lasting (needs re-application after about an hour or two)

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OPI "Uh-Oh Roll Down the Window" Swatch + Review

OPI "Uh-Oh Roll Down the Window" 

 Summer is all about bright, flashy, look-at-me nail polish but sometimes a girl needs a break. As we get closer and closer to fall, I'm starting to long for the darker nail polishes of the colder months. It's still August and I'm not quite ready for shades like OPI "Here Today...Aragon Tomorrow" or OPI "Lincoln Park After Dark" so I picked a nice transition color. "Uh-Oh Roll Down the Window" is a lovely medium jade green. 

OPI "Uh-Oh Roll Down the WIndow" 

The application, like every OPI nail polish I've ever used, is a dream. The formulation is thick (but not too thick), opaque in two or three coats, and it is almost guaranteed to last for at least a week when worn with a top coat. This shade was a color that I wore a lot during my freshmen year of college. When I wore it I felt sophisticated and modern--except when anyone asked what color I was wearing, then I conveniently "forgot" the name. I think we can all agree that "Uh-Oh Roll Down the Window" is probably one of the worst nail polish names in existence. I understand that the theme of the collection was a road trip around America but I don't want my nail polish to be inspired by flatulence. I'm not sure what OPI officials were thinking when they decided on this name. There must have been better options. Right?

But despite the horrible name (and the name is truly horrible), "Uh-Oh Roll Down the Window" has a special place in my heart and in my nail polish collection. It reminds me of my first year in college when I thought that I knew everything. 

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FTC: This polish was sent to me for review. 

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm Swatches, Photos, + Review

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm: Quenched, Pink Wink, Grape Vine, and Pink Punch

I think I went a little overboard. After I bought (and became obsessed) with the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in "Quenched", I knew I wanted more colors. I've done reviews for "Pink Wink" and "Pink Punch" (go check them out) and my review for "Grape Vine" will be up soon but I really wanted to talk about the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm line as a whole. 

Maybelline Baby Lips: Quenched, Pink Wink, Grape Vine, and Pink Punch

Maybelline Baby Lips

As I have mentioned in all of my past reviews, I think the packaging of the Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balms is fantastic! It's eye-catching, young, bright, playful, and (probably the most significant) it's like nothing else on the market. Each flavor has a different color and they're all so bright (perfect to bright a little light into the upcoming gloomy months as we begin to transition in fall). But my love for the Maybelline Baby Lips isn't pure superficial, I also am in love with the product's formula. Unlike the eos lip balms (which I still use and love), the Baby Lips have a silkier and less waxy consistency. "Quenched", especially, is a chapped lips savior. I need it with me at all times. 

Maybelline Baby Lips: Quenched, Pink Wink, Grape Vine, and Pink Punch

But the Baby Lips aren't just a fantastic lip balm. As you can see from the swatches on my arm, a lot of the flavors are pretty pigmented for a tinted lip balm. "Pink Punch" especially is impressive. It is easily the most pigmented shade I own but "Grape Vine" gives the lips a beautiful, but subtle, purple sheen. "Grape Vine" would easily be my favorite if it didn't have a horrible, horrible medicine grape smell (Maybelline what were you thinking?). It looks gorgeous on the lips and if you can get past the scent, I think it is well worth your money. "Quenched" is another favorite. It doesn't give the lips any color but it is uber moisturizing. If you are looking for a powerful lip balm, pick it up.

Positives
-Bright and youthful packaging
-Price (under $3.00)
-Less waxy than other lip balms
-Wide range of colors

Negatives
-Inversely proportionate relationship between pigmentation and moisturizing power

In conclusion, I think the Baby Lips live up the hype. They're a great tinted lip balm but be aware that the product's pigmentation and moisturizing power are inversely proportionate. If a shade is more pigmented, then they tend to be a little waxier and less moisturizing. The reverse is also true. But, as whole, I was not disappointed with these products. They're a great alternative to eos lip balms (waxier and heavier formulation), softlips (all smell like mint and have tingling sensation), and Burt's Bees (waxier and heavier formulation) with the added bonus of a light wash of color--depending on which flavor you choose.

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My Butter London Nail Polish Collection: Photos + Reviews

My Butter London Nail Polish Collection

 I have done my Essie nail polish collection and my Julep nail polish collection. I thought it was about time I did my Butter London nail polish collection--even if it is terribly tiny. I only own five colors but I figured that five was enough to warrant a blog post. Butter London is a high end brand that can be found at Ulta or Macy's or online at Sephora.com. The glitter polishes are fantastic (the application is opaque and the polishes doesn't try out in the bottle) but I haven't noticed that Butter London polishes last longer or apply easier than nail polishes that are half the price. The only time I buy Butter London polishes is when they go on sale at Ulta. 

My Butter London Collection: "Trout Pout" and "Fruit Machine"

 "Trout Pout" was a recent purchase. It has received quite a bit of hype in the beauty community and I was hoping that it would convert me into a die hard Butter London fan. Unfortunately, I was doomed to be disappointed. "Trout Pout" is a lovely color (but easily dupe-able) and not worth the $15.00 price tag. Application was nice but comparable to OPI or Revlon or Essie. If you can only buy one Butter London polish, I wouldn't recommend that you choose this one. "Fruit Machine" was part of the recent Butter London Sweetie Shop Collection. All of the colors in that collection were drool-worthy but I finally decided on "Fruit Machine" because it was the perfect color for spring/summer. It is a blue-toned pink polish that is lovely but again, like I said with "Trout Pout", it isn't worth the full price. 

My Butter London Collection: "The Black Knight", "Henley Regatta", and "Wallis" 

 I'm not a huge fan of the cream finish polishes, but it seems that I am a bit obsessed with Butter London's glitter and foil finish polishes. "The Black Knight" was the first Butter London polish I ever bought and I was thrilled with the product. It's a semi sheer glitter (you could use it as a top coat) but it's completely opaque in three or four coats. Want easy to achieve galazy nails? Layer "The Black Knight" over OPI "My Private Jet". It looks flawless whether layered or on its own. While "The Black Knight" was my first Butter London polish, "Henley Regatta" is my most used polish. It is a beautiful  teal blue glitter polish. It's a bit hard to capture on camera but if you get the chance to see it in person, I would highly recommend it. This one is a bit harder to work with than "The Black Knight". It normally takes about five coats until I'm happy with the opacity. And finally, "Wallis". It is by far the most unique Butter London polish. It's an olive green/ golden foil polish. It is one of my most recent purchases and I don't regret buying it for a second. This is another polish that I bought on the recommendation of Allison from amarixe.com and youtube.com/amarixe. Like I've said before, she has excellent taste in nail polish and this time is no different. "Wallis" does have a problem with chipping but add a coat of your favorite top coat and that problem should be solved. 

Butter London  polishes are known for their sleek rectangular packaging but some people don't know that the black rectangle lid is only a cap. Underneath is the regular cap with the Butter London mascot printed on the top. Although I will admit that the additional rectangle lid is a bit of a nuisance, I love the little details that Butter London puts into the packaging. 

Positives

-Glitter polishes are semi-opaque (can be top coats or applied on their own)

-Glitter polishes don't dry out easily

-Cream formula is opaque and easy to apply

-Packaging is luxurious, sleek, and elegant

Negatives

-Expensive ($15.00)

In the end, I don't think that most Butter London polishes are worth the money. The cream finishes are nice but nothing special and most are colors that can be found for a cheaper price from other brands. The glitter polishes, on the other hand, are another story. They don't dry out quickly (unlike many of my chunky OPI glitter polishes) and I love how they're sheer enough to use as a top coat but opaque enough to be worn on their own. If you want to buy a Butter London polish, I would recommend checking out the glitter polishes or "Wallis". They're totally unique and worth the higher price tag. 

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Victoria's Secret "Pure Daydream" Fragrance, Lotion, + Shower Gel Review

Victoria's Secret "Pure Daydream" Fragrance

A few months ago I was in Victoria's Secret with my sister shopping for a bathing suit when I wandered into the beauty section.*Danger. Danger. Danger.* I started smelling all of Victoria Secret's new fragrances (again danger) when I stumbled across this one--"Pure Daydream". It was love at first smell. I needed a new makeup bag for my trip to Hawaii and when I saw that an adorable naval seafoam makeup bag came with the "Pure Daydream" fragrance, lotion, and shower gel, I knew tat it was fate. I haven't been this obsessed with a Victoria's Secret fragrance since I discovered "Pure Seduction" in high school. 

Victoria's Secret Fragrance, Lotion, + Shower Gel in "Pure Daydream"

To me, "Pure Daydream" is a young, sweet floral and citrus smell. Which is a semi-accurate description because according to Victoria's Secret, "Pure Daydream" is smells like pearl orchid and pink currant. "Pure Daydream" is not going to be the perfect scent for everyone. Like most Victoria's Secret fragrances, it extremely sweet and potent when first sprayed (but the scent will fade quickly). For the past month or two, I've been wearing nothing but Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh and this fragrance. Daisy Eau So Fresh is light and clean which is the opposite of "Pure Daydream".

 The "Pure Daydream" lotion does a decent job of moisturizing but there are tons of other lotions that do a much better job. It isn't designed for the face and can leave a lightly greasy film on the skin if applied to thickly. However, the lotion outperforms both the fragrance and the shower gel in terms of the lasting power of the scent on your skin. If you want a more potent scent try layering the lotion and the fragrance (although I found that the combo is a bit too strong for me and I prefer to layer the shower gel with the fragrance). I doubt that I'll be repurchasing the lotion in the future but it's something that would be nice to give or receive as a gift.

And finally, the shower gel. I love the Victoria's Secrets shower gels. They're a luxury--they lather extremely well and is a cool and soothing when applied to the skin. I have the shower gel in "Endless Love" and I love it! Like the lotion, I doubt that I would repurchase the shower gel anytime soon. It only takes a month or two to use up the entire bottle (there is a reason why everyone seems to have a shower gel in their empty products videos) and I can't justify buying a new bottle at $10 each month. It's a luxury but not a necessity. But it's a very, very good smelling luxury.

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