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April Favorites 2016

muffinchanel april 2016 favorites

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

This year is flying by! April is already over and I’ve been loving a few new things this month that I wanted to share. Here are my April Favorites 2016:

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Blog Lifestyle

Fujifilm Instax 210 Instant Camera | REVIEW

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

There is something special about an instant photo camera. I have the Polaroid 600 and was so disappointed when the film was discontinued. I recently used the last pack of film I had and sadly, it must have expired because each picture had blotchy areas that wouldn’t develop. fujifilm instax 210 polaroid 600 compare contrast film review muffinchanel

fujifilm instax 210 polaroid 600 compare contrast film review muffinchanel 2

fujifilm instax 210 polaroid 600 compare contrast film review muffinchanel 3

I started researching the Polaroid 600 film which led me to Amazon and to a whole new generation of instant photo cameras. I then discovered the Fujifilm Instax 210 which takes “wide” photos. The reviews were good and the colors looked so vibrant compared to the Polaroid 600.




fujifilm instax 210 polaroid 600 compare contrast film review muffinchanel camera instant photoThe Fujifilm INSTAX 210 Instant wide Photo Camera is pretty large but really very similar to the Polaroid 600. It comes with 4 AA batteries, a shoulder strap, and a pop on lens to help focus for close up images (it even has a mini mirror so you can see if your selfie is centered).fujifilm instax 210 polaroid 600 compare contrast film review muffinchanel side control panel

The side has the Power button and controls to set the focus (3m to infinity or .9m – 3m). There are also controls to Lighten and Darken the exposure. And of course, the flash button — The flash seems to always go with every photo, even when I turn it off.

fujifilm instax 210 polaroid 600 compare contrast film review muffinchanel battery

The side battery compartment holds 4 AA batteries that are included with the camera .The closure feels a little cheaply made. I haven’t lost any batteries yet, but I could see the case becoming loose if the camera was dropped or mishandled even a little.




fujifilm instax 210 polaroid 600 compare contrast film review muffinchanel camera back film insertThe back of the camera is pretty basic. There is a pull down flap that houses the wide film.

Once your film is in the camera, you’re ready to point & shoot. The camera is super easy to use and the pictures come out so vibrant and clear with a slight retro feel. fujifilm instax 210 polaroid 600 compare contrast film review muffinchanel pictures

I really like having a “one of a kind” image that you can take with you. A lot of times, I’ll take pictures with my phone or regular camera and I end up having 20 of the same picture. I get to pick my favorites from the photo shoot and that’s nice too, but I’m not going to waste tons of film on the same picture with the Instax 210. It makes each picture seem more special even if it is just of an everyday thing.

fujifilm instax 210 polaroid 600 compare contrast film review muffinchanel picture example

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Blog Health + Beauty

Tarte Amazonian Clay CC Primer + Airbrush Foundation | Review

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I picked up some Tarte goodies during the VIB Rouge Spring Social at Sephora and I’ve had some time to use the products to give a proper review. I purchased the Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation in the shade Light-Medium Neutral, the CC Primer in the shade Light, and the Airbuki brush.

Routine

I have been using the CC Primer and the Airbrush Foundation everyday I wear makeup since I purchased them. I start by prepping my face with sunscreen (usually the Josie Maran Daily Argan Moisturizer) and then I’ll use the Tarte CC Primer as a base for the powder foundation. I lightly buff on 1-2 layers of the Airbrush Foundation and I’m out the door. It’s all really fast and easy.

CC Primer

muffinchanel tarte cosmetics review Amazonian Clay Foundation Airbrush Airbuki CC Primer Review

This primer is different than others I’ve used. It comes in a chubby tube and twists up like a lipstick. It’s more like a light foundation/cover stick than a silky primer. The POREfessional by Benefit, for example, is super silky and blurs away the appearance of pores. The Tarte CC Primer is divided into four sections, two with the “foundation” color, one with a green color corrector, and one with a pinkish purple color corrector. I just apply the CC Primer directly to my face and blend it out with my fingers.




The CC Primer evens out your complexion, neutralizes hyper pigmentation and gives sheer/light coverage. The CC Primer is perfect alone for running a quick trip to the grocery store, yoga day, or just a “no-makeup” makeup look. The primer makes a perfect base for the Airbrush Foundation.

Airbrush Foundation + Airbuki Brush

muffinchanel tarte cosmetics review Amazonian Clay Foundation Airbrush Airbuki CC Primer Review

First off, the Airbuki brush is super soft! It’s amazing and I haven’t seen any hairs falling out or anything. It’s the perfect applicator for this Airbrush foundation but probably would work well with other types of mineral foundations as well.muffinchanel tarte cosmetics review Amazonian Clay Foundation Airbrush Airbuki CC Primer Review

The Airbrush Foundation comes in a sleek container with a bamboo screw off lid. What is unique about this powder foundation is the mesh liner/netting between the mouth of the jar and the product.

muffinchanel tarte cosmetics review Amazonian Clay Foundation Airbrush Airbuki CC Primer ReviewThe lid actually has a little knob that, when screwed closed, keeps the mineral powder from escaping the netting. It’s great because it really helps control how much powder comes out and prevents you from wasting. Unlike other mineral foundations, you don’t need to invert the powder through the sifter and swirl/tap your brush to load the powder. The Tarte Airbuki is made to fit perfectly over the mesh lining. You simply press your brush into the net and get the perfect amount of powder on your brush; not swirling or tapping needed.

muffinchanel tarte cosmetics review Amazonian Clay Foundation Airbrush Airbuki CC Primer Review reviewThis design is awesome, especially for travel since you won’t have to worry about all the powder getting out from under the liner. I like to gently press the powder into my face and then buff it out to blend. The mineral powder gives a beautiful airbrushed finish and feels lightweight.




muffinchanel tarte cosmetics review Amazonian Clay Foundation Airbrush Airbuki CC Primer ReviewMy skin is dry/normal and when I first used the Airbrush Foundation, I noticed that the powder clung to the drier parts of my face and made the area look flaky and bad. That’s where the CC Primer really helps me — the Primer either makes those areas less dry or creates such a smooth base that I haven’t had that problem since targeted those dry areas more with the Primer.

The Airbrush Foundation is long-wearing although I haven’t won it more than 10 hours. I do find though, that it starts to look even better as the day goes on. I love the fresh-faced airbrushed look it gives after first application, but as the day wears on, it seems to really melt into your skin and gives me a clean, healthy glow. I love it.

The foundation is build able up to medium coverage, but even at that medium level, your skin still looks like skin and not a cake mask. I have freckles and I really want my foundation to even out my complexion and make me look radiant but not cover my freckles and make me look unnatural. This Tarte Airbrush Foundation does just that! I definitely recommend this to everyone!

Categories
Blog Health + Beauty

Fitbit Flex

This post may contain affiliate links; all opinions are my own. See Disclosures here

I first heard about the Fitbit Flex in April and was excited for it to be released on May 1st. I signed up for the email announcement so I would be reminded to order mine. Only, I never got an email…. I went to the website during the middle of May to order one, but apparently they are on back order for 6-8weeks 8-10 weeks. I checked back recently and they’re still backordered.

muffinchanel fitbit flexDoes anyone know what’s going on? Target, Amazon, and Bestbuy are all out as well. Does anyone have the Fitbit Flex? Where did you get yours and how do you like it?