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