Memorial Day Sales

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I hope you all are enjoying your Memorial Day weekend! I wanted take a second and express how grateful I am for all the men and women who have died fighting, defending and preserving the many freedoms we enjoy in this wonderful country. To those men and women who are currently serving, or who have ever served in the armed forces, thank you for all you do. You are true heroes!

xoxo, Joanna

Currently Craving: Red && Leopard

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A little inspiration for your Wednesday morning! Thanks for reading.

xoxo, Joanna

Currently Craving: Spring Handbags

I'm definitely a bag lady! Here are a couple ideas to brighten up your wardrobe this spring!

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xx, Joanna

Currently Craving: Color

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A little color for your Thursday morning!

xoxo,

Joanna

Winter Skincare Survival Guide

While winter is coming to an end, there are a couple more weeks until it is actually spring. I thought I would share a couple of my absolute holy grail products for the rest of the winter season!

xx,

Joanna

Currently Craving: Stripes (and Spring!)

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I’ll give you one guess as to what I’m currently craving ;) Stripes have always been one of my favorite patterns to wear but I’m really feeling them right now! They almost give an instant refresher to any look, perfect as we make the transition into spring. Happy Wednesday!!

xx, 

Joanna

MAC Prep+Prime CC Colour Correct Collection

MAC has once again expanded their permanent Prep+Prime line to include three new products in 4 enhancing and perfecting shades.  While I just recently got my hands on these and haven't tried them long-term enough to warrant a good review, these are just "first impressions" and photos of the collection itself.

MAC Prep+Prime CC Colour Correct 

Available in stores and online (here) now

Permanent line

Prep + Prime Powders (available loose and pressed)

These powders "apply transparently, smoothing away the appearance of lines and imperfections."

both $24.

Adjust (peachy beige), Neutralize (yellow), Illuminate (lavender), Recharge (apricot)

(all photos coordinate)

These two formulas swatch almost exactly the same, color-wise. Both are very smooth. The main difference is obviously just the formula and which you prefer, loose or pressed. I personally prefer pressed.

Prep+Prime CC Colour Correcting SPF30

"A creamy, tinted primer that evens skin tone in a multi-tasking formula."

$30.

*Notice, I only swatched 3 of these. MAC sent me two of the same shade, so I don't have the "Recharge" shade.

These are very pigmented and apply very smooth. I've only tried the Illuminate shade so far (as a primer, under foundation), and while I didn't notice any night and day incredible "illuminating" difference, I did notice that it acted as a great non-greasy primer, and my skin did look healthy and glowing throughout the day.

Hope this helps those of you that wanted a few more details about these before you purchase! They're available online now and in stores.

xx,

Joanna 

My Favorite Makeup Brushes

Concealer: After I've applied the rest of my make-up, I finish with concealer. I need it mainly around under my eyes and around my nose, but also for the occasional blemish. Instead of using my fingers, I use this brush and dab it lightly around each area and then finish by using my finger to blend it all in to look most natural.I'm definitely not an expert when it comes to make-up, but what I lack in official training, I compensate with my enthusiasm. I love playing with different products and discovering new techniques along the way. I've had the privilege of working with some wonderful make-up artists over the years and tried to absorb as much information as possible each time they worked their magic. I keep my toolkit relatively streamlined, but these are my five make-up brushes that have become essentials.

Angled Eyeliner: When I'm doing a cat eye that I don't want to look too dramatic, I use an angled brush dipped into a gel eyeliner or an eyeshadow that I've dampened slightly. I prefer this to a gel eyeliner since you can make a really straight line with the angled brush and then go over it a few times at the end to smudge it slightly.

Eyeshadow: I never used to wear that much eyeshadow and I think it was because I didn't have the right brush. With good tools, make-up applies more evenly and the color is distributed where you want it. I dip this brush into my eyeshadow, swirl it around on the mirror (or any hard surface to make sure I don't have too much on the brush) and then apply it to my eyelid, using a bunch of small circular motions. I also keep another one of these brushes on hand that I use just for blending, after I've applied the shadow to my lids. 

Lip: There's something about applying lipstick directly from the tube onto your lips that feels glamorous, but when I'm not in a rush, I prefer to use a lipstick brush. After lining my lips with a pencil, I get a little bit of the lipstick onto the brush and paint it on in several sheer coats.

Bronzer: I used to use a big fluffy brush to apply my bronzer, but now use this exclusively. With the angle, it's easier to get it in the exact spots where I want it (from the top of my ear down to the corner of my lips, along my forehead and down my nose) and since it's so precise, I don't have to use as much bronzer.

xoxo,

Joanna

City Girl Reads: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Happy Monday!

It's no surprise that I have an EXTREMELY busy schedule, as I'm sure most of you do as well! Despite my hectic schedule, I still find time to read, whether it's by the pool on the weekends or when I'm taking a relaxing bubble bath. Penguin Books just released their new collection of F. Scott Fitzgerald (one of my favorite modern English writers) books with absolutely gorgeous covers. I kind of justified buying the entire collection, and am currently reading my favorites and discovering new reads as well! Not only are these books wonderfully written, they also have pretty covers so that I can display them in my room as decor!

The Beautiful and Damned

This Side of Paradise

Last Tycoon

Flappers and Philosophers

The Great Gatsby

Tender is the Night

xx,

Joanna

3 Wardrobe Basics, 3 Ways

Striped Tee: Look 1- Tee, Skirt, Bag, Booties/ Look 2- Tee, Pants, Clutch, Sneakers/ Look 3- Tee, Skirt, Flats

Boyfriend Jeans: Look 1- Jeans, Sweater, Backpack, Hat/ Look 2- Jeans, Top, Necklace,Loafers/ Look 3- Jeans, Top, Sandals, Bag

Converse: Look 1- Sneakers, Jacket, Shorts/ Look 2- Sneakers, Sunglasses, Jumpsuit,Bag/ Look 3- Sneakers, Sweatshirt, Skirt, Beanie

I often get asked “what my can’t-live-without wardrobe basics are”. They’re all simple, neutral pieces that get the most wear because you can style them so many ways. My top three being: A striped tee, boyfriend jeans and my converse. I live for striped tees. I have way too many and never enough. Boyfriend jeans are my favorite because they’re relaxed but you can dress them up with an amazing pair of heels. My converse are a must because I walk everywhere, but I still want a cute pair of sneakers to go with my outfits.

xx,

Joanna

Foundation Round Up

As I am constantly cleaning out my makeup collection and weeding out my (many) foundations, I'm pretty on top of my collection. But after counting my foundations, I was shocked at the sheer amount of foundation I have and haven't used. Embarrassing. So, I decided to write about each one and give/throw away the ones that I dislike to make way for new foundations to try this year! 

Find below embarrassing collection picture. We will work from left to right and for reference my skin can be described as satin in the morning and shiny like the stars in the sky by the afternoon - AKA Combination/Oily.

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint 
Overhyped and over here. I don't get it. People rave about this stuff but the real question is why. Okay, so the concept of a light base being matte is interesting, it applies nicely and provides a pretty, light coverage but it doesn't "wow". Am I missing something?
Repurchase? No

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet +
This is one foundation I need to bin. It's been hanging around a while and is definitely ready for retirement. Having said that I really enjoyed using this. The coverage is fantastic - a medium finish that looks natural - and the velvet finish is a flattering one.
Repurchase? Yes.

Estee Lauder Double Wear
There is something really unsophisticated about Double Wear - it's a standard full coverage finish. Nothing more, nothing less. Having said that there is something quite appealing about it. You know where you stand. You are going to get a mask-like skin, with no imperfections on show, and once slapped on it will remain until you decide the party's over.
Repurchase? Possibly.

Illamasqua Skin Base
I don't love the packaging but I do love the product. I think it gives a medium-full coverage but one that looks quite natural. It lasts well during the day and I don't have any real complaints about it. I believe that the colour range is a decent one as well.
Repurchase? Yes.

Giorgio Armani Maestro
Mmm. The texture. It's that oil-like finish that creates a natural foundation base. They call it a complexion perfector. I call it that product that fails to cover and makes me look like cack by lunchtime.
Repurchase? No.

Tom Ford Traceless Foundation
I hated this on first application. It gives a matte/satin finish but whilst that in itself isn't bad it feels heavy on the skin and yet doesn't give you that flawless coverage. I mean, what's the point? I can happily cake it on if I am going to look flawless. In it's defense, dry skins tend to give it rave reviews so who am I to judge?
Repurchase? No.

Chanel Mat Lumiere 
Oh I love this one. And it's a bit odd. In some ways the finish is similar to Tom Ford but it's one of those foundations that looks better as the day goes on. It reminds me of that fantastic clay based foundation NARS used to make - pre Sheer Glow era. Sadly, I think this is discontinued in a lot of markets.
Repurchase? Yes.

MAC Studio Fix
I have this in my fake tan shade and in a very light NC25. I love the NC25 because it's a great one to mix with other darker products to bring it down to something natural. I know Studio Fix stinks. I know that there are superior formulas out there. But it was the first foundation that really made me feel fantastic so for nostalgia's sake I will always have it in my possession.
Repurchase? Yes.

Make up for Ever HD
I love this. Then I hate it. Then I love it.....I mainly like mixing it with another foundation. In fact I like mixing foundations full stop. You get the best of both worlds in terms of both coverage and longevity. You might even call it a hobby! Anyway, the HD...I like the fact that it doesn't have a scent and that it does look natural but I like a bit more glow so I tend to mix with Chantecaille Just Skin.
Repurchase? Yes.

By Terry Or de Rose
I am a mug. This cost well over $100 and you know what? NOT WORTH IT. Nothing special. Gives a satin finish but also sometimes has a tendency to cling on to dry skin.
Repurchase? No.

Benefit Hello Flawless
I like this. It looks natural but gives a medium coverage that has a decent staying power. I don't reach for this enough but this exercise has made me appreciate it's presence in the collection. The price is reasonable and the brand accessible. What's not to like really?
Repurchase? Yes.

Laura Mercier Silk Creme
If Chantecaille Just Skin had a full coverage sister, Silk Creme would be it. This spreads on like a thick cream. It's delightful. Double Wear and Studio Fix take note - you can be full coverage and a) not stink b) draw attention to every single hair on the face. The only caveat is that it needs to be set with a powder of some sort. A formula this creamy will rub on anything your face comes into contact with.
Repurchase? Yes.

By Terry Cover Expert
I see people give this quite bitchy reviews because it's not as full coverage as they were led to believe. I can see how they were led on - the packaging talks about "ultra-correcting". Terry is just a tease. This is a mere medium coverage. But I like it. The scent of the product is really quite nice - not YSL overpowering but pleasant all the same - and it just glides on, giving an excellent natural, satin finish. My only hesitation is that it doesn't wear well during the day for me. If I was judging this based on the first 60 minutes of wear then it's fantastic - otherwise: "meh".
Repurchase? No.

Rachel K CC Cream
I have worn it on it's own on those ultra-confident skin days but otherwise it's typically mixed with a heavier formula foundation. I don't have anything negative to say but by the same token there is no way I would make any effort to buy it again.
Repurchase? No.

Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish
I feel like this is the same product as By Terry Cover Expert - but without the light floral scent. Finish wise it has that medium coverage, satin look. I have a soft spot for Becca. When they first hit the market the ethos of the brand was so unique and compelling but even if I take that into consideration I can't deny that this is a standard boring foundation.
Repurchase? No.

Diorskin Nude BB Creme
The whole BB/CC creme marketing business annoys me no end - talk about jumping on a bandwagon - but out of the ones I have tried there is no question, Diorskin is the best. It covers what you need it to and it looks so incredibly natural. I would describe the finish as "pretty satin". Your face isn't flat or lacking in dimension but neither is it overly shiny. I think it makes the skin look younger and fresher. I love it so much I have it in number 2 and 3.
Repurchase? Yes.

Guerlain Lingerie de Peau BB Beauty Booster
Confession: I haven't actually tried this yet as the colour transforms me into an oompa loompa.

MAC Studio Sculpt
Once upon a time I liked this. The texture was creamy and easy to apply with a finish that was that covetable mix of satin and glow. These days though, I always ignore it. I am not sure why because it's one of those formulas that looks good on tired skin like Silk Creme/Just Skin.
Repurchase? Maybe.

Clarins Extra Comfort
This was one of the best products of 2013 for me. It's a fabulous foundation. Similar in finish to Silk Creme but possibly more natural. It definitely errs on the side of full coverage but gives you a beautiful, glowing complexion.  There are some downers: a) the packaging looks nice but that whole dipping into a pot scenario just doesn't appeal and b) it's developing a bit of a whiff. It's a good job that the end result can make me look past that.
Repurchase? Yes

May the odds be ever in your favor this 2014 in finding the perfect foundation! (hehe sorry, I had to)

xx,

Joanna

Washi Tape Tea Lights

Candlelight is one of the easiest ways to add a warm and festive ambiance to your home. It’s a simple touch that can really transform a whole room and give your space a glow. I was inspired to share a favorite candle décor idea of my own: washi tape tea lights. If you’re not already familiar with washi tape, it’s a type of decorative Japanese masking tape made of rice paper. It’s sold at most stationary stores, including Paper Source, Poketo, and Wishy Washi. I keep a few rolls of washi tape on hand and end up using it for everything: sealing letters, wrapping presents—you name it. It’s easy to peel off, which also makes it ideal for nail art. But wrapping washi tape around tea lights is one of my favorite chic and simple uses. 

Since washi tape comes in all sorts of adorable prints and patterns, it’s easy to use it to customize your tea lights. I chose gold stripes and polka dots, but you can find the washi tape that best matches your own decorating style or holiday tablescape!

xoxo, Joanna