Picasa Vs. Photoshop

Hey everybody!

Today I'd like to discuss the differences between Picasa and Photoshop. Both are great tools when working with pictures, and both have their advantages and disadvantages.

Photoshop
One of the great things about Photoshop is that a wide variety of edits and manipulations can be made to the pictures. The options are practically limitless! Want brighter eyes? It's easy! Slimmer legs? You've got it! Perfect skin? It's a snap! If you're tech savvy, or willing to spend time learning the software, this is a great option.
However, one of the downfalls is price. It costs hundreds of dollars, and not very many people can shell out that kind of money on something like an editing software. Even I don't own a copy of it! All of the experience I have had with it comes from my time at computer camp. With my time working with photoshop I learned that it's not an easy little project to pick up, it actually takes time and skill to learn how to use it. But once you get the hang of it, using all of the tools becomes second nature.

Picasa
I think the biggest advantage to Picasa is that it's completely free! It's owned by Google, and is available for download at any time. It's also easy to pick up. All of the tools and buttons are labeled, and easy to access. It's also great for beginners or people who don't have enough time to learn a complex editing software. In fact, I edited my new header using Picasa!
One of the downfalls is that the number of editing tricks and fixes is infinitely smaller than on Photoshop. Most of the generic, basic, edits are available, such as cropping, blemish- corrector, and so on. If you wanted to edit your photo to make you look 10 years younger and 20 pounds lighter, Picasa is not for you. But if you just want to have fun and make cute pictures, then Picasa is a fabulous, free, option!

I hope this helped for anybody wanting to try out either of these softwares! Until next time,
<3 Lucero

October Birchbox 2011

Hey everybody!

Today I got my October birch box, and this month's theme is "Prep and Finish". I was really excited to open it, and this month definitely didn't disappoint.

First we have the Clark's Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask. This is a clay mask designed to detoxify pores, clear blemishes, and calm irritations. This sounds perfect for my acne-prone skin! (1.7 fl oz | $72)

Next we have the amika Obliphica Hair Treatment. this is a hair oil infused with argan oil to help smooth tresses, and add glossiness and shine. I love hair oils, and this will definitely be put to good use! (3.38 fl oz| $34)

This is the Laura Geller Spackle Tinted Under Makeup Primer in Bronze. It helps foundation last all day, while adding subtle glow. I love Laura Geller products since I first tried their products in a previous Birchbox! (2 oz | $25)

Here is the Anastasia Beverly Hills HydraFull Gloss in Bellini. It's a plumping lip gloss that adds peachy sheen. I've already tried this one, and really adore the formulation! It's very moisturizing and non-sticky. My only concern is the color, it doesn't seem to work on me. But, I'd definitely give this a shot in a different color! (0.7 fl oz | $21)

Finally, we have the Birchbox extra, which is The Laundress' Wool & Cashmere Shampoo. Yes, that's right, this is a detergent! This will really come in handy when I'm washing my cashmere scarves.

Hope you enjoyed! Until next time,
<3 Lucero