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!  

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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!

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Weekeend Haul

I joined a garage sale this weekend. I've been joining garage sales at my cousin's village for the past 3 years and I find it as the best way of disposing old items, plus earning a little money. Garage sales made me realize how impractical it is to buy expensive items since one day I will be no longer liking it. The target market of the garage sales are mostly maids, drivers and blue-collared workers. I sell my shirts at P50 each and sometime even lower if they haggle or buy a lot from me. I was also able to grab these cute Old Navy Owl baby shoes for P200, it's brand new by the way, there was a booth selling brand new baby items. It's for my future niece :)

Old Navy Owl Baby Shoes P200

I came home from the garage sale feeling very tired and I was so happy to find that my package finally arrived! I ordered make-up palettes thru multiply since I've been wanting them for so long. I ordered an 88 pc Prism Eyeshadow palette, a shimmer and matte, nude to neons palette and a 10 pc Blush Palette with 6 matte and 4 shimmer blushes :) I paid around a total of P1600 including shipping. These palettes are exactly the same as the coastal scents palettes and the seller gets it directly from the manufacturer. This is my first step to learning make-up. I plan to take make-up classes next year :)

88 pc Prism Eyeshadow Palette

10 pc Blush Palette

I couldn't wait to try out my new buys but I couldn't since I didn't have any eyeshadow brushes which is why I headed to Watsons to get these.

Grapefruit Oil Control Film, Marionnaud blending brush and ELF eyeshadow brush

close-up

I love the grapefruit oil control film! I just love the scent even though it's a bit more expensive. I have a very oily complexion and this is a must-have in my purse. I have read plenty of reviews about the ELF studio line brushes so I got the eyeshadow brush for P249. The tip is full and sturdy, a characteristic I look for in brushes. The Marionnaud pointed eyeshadow brush was only P89 and has a soft pointed tip. I just washed my brushes hopefully I can make swatches tomorrow :) 

Ohh what a happy weekend. Hope you had a great one as well :)

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DIY: Party Pompoms

Pink Pompoms (from the net)

When throwing a party on a tight budget, a great way to decorate is by making party pompoms! Party pompoms are made with Japanese paper, wire and nylon. The other tools you will be needing are scissors and paper clips. The best way to decorate using these pompoms is by hanging it from the ceiling. I have seen these used even in weddings.

 I bought materials from Divisoria. A roll of Japanese paper cost P25 for 24 pcs (one color). I use around 8-10 pcs per pompom so make sure you determine ahead how many you will be needing.

My first DIY post comes with my first Youtube video! Pardon the bad angle and poor editing!



On a totally random note, I bought Mr. Brown's Milk Tea from an Asian Grocery store. Mr. Brown is a popular coffee line in Taiwan and around Asia. I love their iced coffees and this will be my first time try their Milk Tea.

Mr. Brown Milk Tea (P145 for 12 packs)

 I can't wait to try one tom. :)

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Saizen buy: Brush Cleaner

I cleaned my make up brushes today! Its been a while since I last washed it, probably a month ago so it was quite dirty. I used to wash my brushes using baby shampoo since I read that it was an alternative to brush cleaners. However, I did not like the smell it left on my brushes whenever I used it, plus it doesn't thoroughly clean all of the make up off. Brush cleaners tend to be expensive (MAC) which is why I am so happy to have found a much cheaper and effective brush cleaner from Saizen.

Saizen is a Japanese dollar store in the Philippines, only everything costs P88 (almost $2). It is also under the Daiso industries. I love shopping in Saizen because they have really cute stuff! Some may not be the most practical product such as a banana case holder and some may be expensive for the price. It really depends on item. I also like their pet products, my dogs uses their shampoo and comb.  

I bought this brush cleaner a few months ago and I absolutely love it! Every girl needs this! Because dirty make up brushes are full of bacteria and can cause warts or breakouts to your skin. So keep your brushes clean by washing it at least every two weeks-month. 

According to the Label:

Detergent for puff and sponge

      -removes remaining foundation quickly

      -safe cleaner mostly composed of detergent kind to the skin and sponges

      -disinfecting and fragrant-free and contains no pigment

      -apply an appropriate amount to product, wash by hand and rinse thoroughly under      running water

      -80ml

I love this product so much that I recommended it my aunt who loves make-up. She uses high-end make up brands only and I was surprised that she loved this as well. She loved it so much that she hoarded a bunch of it! hahaha! Even though it was marked for puff and sponges, it worked just as well for brushes.

I was not able to take a before pic but just imagine a really dirty foundation-filled brush. I find foundation brushes the hardest to clean and also the one that must be cleaned more often! See how white it is? Looks as good as new, plus there is no strong smell left in the brush. I only had to wash with just a few drops of detergent, a little rub and running water. I also use baby oil to clean the handle of the brush.

Saizen is available at Robinsons Galleria and Robinsons Place Manila.

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Dapitan Arcade: Home and Decor Finds at Low Prices

Dapitan Arcade, located right beside Suki Market (wet market) in Quezon City, carries 'export overrun' plates, ceramics and other home decors. This small flea market area is jam-packed with all sorts of kitchen and home decors. Each store is displayed with items from floor to ceiling. You have to be careful entering each store since all of the items are fragile and I would suggest taking a small purse with you just to avoid any breakage.

Right before you enter the arcade, plenty of Christmas items are displayed along the streets. As you enter, you will instantly feel the Christmas spirit with all the Christmas displays and ornaments. Look at all the Christmas plates and cookie jars! Some plates and dishes cost as low as P50 (just over 1$) to P300. I flipped over one of the items and the price tag was at $6 when they were selling it at just P50! A Great Bargain indeed! The picture above shows some of the things I found really cute, like the snowman wine gift bag (P120), waving Santa, Snowman pitcher P250, Ornament cookie jar (P250) and the Snowman candy plate. 

Lighted Christmas village for P500 and above.

Some Halloween items, ghost candy dish and pumpkin mug (P50).

Aside from the Christmas items, there are also home decor items such as vases, tiffany chairs (P500-600), rod iron candle holders, lamps and birdcages.

Vintage inspired bird cages are priced at P80-P1200.

 I ended up getting this minnie mouse inspired bowl, originally priced at P50 but since it had a tiny crack I was able to get it at P20!!! Now that is the best bargain ever! 

My sister on the other hand, bought this giant white pawn (P850) and a vintage inspired floral vase (P350)

If you are thinking of decorating your home or hosting a dinner party, try stopping by Dapitan Arcade for dinner wares and decors! Located beside Suki market along Mayon Ave. Quezon City.

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First Entry: About My Blog

I wish to share the world my great bargain finds in fashion, beauty, food and travel. 

I have always loved bargain buys! I love the thrill of searching for similar designer items at low prices. Having a limited amount of money to spend, I am always searching for alternatives and replicas of expensive items. So far I think I have managed to make inexpensive items look more than its actual worth. My friends and relatives are always surprised of where I buy my items and how much I got it for. 

This blog will contain the following topics: fashion, beauty, food and travel, occasionally I guess other miscellaneous subjects could be included. My blog may be updated weekly only though since I work on the weekdays and I am always tired by the time I get home. This will be my first time to blog and I hope that I will be able share useful information. 

Stay tuned :)

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