Pixi Beauty sent me this vanity set with a giant #GlowTonic right before Christmas & I have been using it ever since!

My skin can be a little sensitive at times, so I started by using it every other night to test the waters since this is a chemical exfoliant.  I have found it to be gentle enough to use every day with no irritation.

If you are still using one of those apricot scrubs to exfoliate your skin, put it down!  They can cause micro-tears in the skin which can invite bacteria to enter.  If you are overwhelmed with AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) this is a great choice because it’s super gentle and alcohol free!

AHAs can penetrate the skin at a deeper level to address oiliness, acne, blackheads, fine lines & dullness.  Pixi GlowTonic includes 5% glycolic acid as the active ingredient.  It also includes aloe vera to soothe irritation and hydrate skin.

Ginseng is the unsung hero in this toner, because it can stimulate the metabolism of your skin (who knew?)  This encourages the production of collagen, which is essentially the fountain of youth.  Ginseng may also treat dark spots and undereye circles.

☀️Make sure you use SPF whenever you are actively using an AHA product.

💡If you are sensitive, try to introduce this toner into your routine gradually instead of  am & pm daily as suggested on the bottle.

Shop here: https://shopstyle.it/l/XU7h
                    https://amzn.to/2u36iEm

Have you ever tried the Pixi Beauty GlowTonic line?

xo Sarah

ＦＯＲＥＮＣＯＳ 
𝘝-𝘙𝘐𝘎𝘏𝘛 𝘕𝘌𝘞 𝘛𝘖𝘕𝘌 𝘊𝘓𝘌𝘈𝘕𝘚𝘐𝘕𝘎 𝘉𝘈𝘓𝘔  #texturetuesday 
I picked this up at either TJ Maxx or Marshall's because the packaging caught my eye. This product is made in Korea, so nothing beyond the front of the package was in English. I could only assume that besides being a cleansing balm, it also included some brightening ingredients. 
For my every day makeup removal, I tend to use a makeup wipe or micellar water; but when I have a full face this is what I use to remove it. I love how a balm melts away hard to remove makeup without having to rub or tug too hard at the delicate skin around my eyes. Although this does not irritate my skin, it does very slightly sting my eyes—I assume because it is not just a basic cleansing balm, but also a brightening product. It also leaves a little bit of a film on my eyes for a little bit, but I tend to use this immediately before bed.

I decided to do a little research & check out their website to see what additional information I could find. Lo and behold, that is also in Korean, short of a few random catch phrases like, “only the most abundant food contains vitamins!” It claims to “gently remove makeup and dead cells without irritation, while brightening your skin.” The active ingredients are Kakadu Plum Extract, Camu Camu Extract, and Acerola Extract. After a little googling, I discovered that these ingredients are very high in vitamin C. Besides it’s work as a brightening agent, Vitamin C also supports the production of collagen. By the looks of the photos on their website, this cleansing balm also includes: cactus, aloe, green tea, pearl, Snow lotus, witch hazel, and rumex crispus root. 
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I’m not sure if I would seek out this exact brand once I run out, but I will definitely be repurchasing a cleansing balm product in the future. 𝕎𝕙𝕚𝕔𝕙 𝕠𝕟𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕗𝕒𝕧𝕖? 

Purchase on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2T3FbDo

xo Sarah

I don't know about you, but 2018 has flown by.  It's hard to believe that another Christmas season is upon us and now more than ever, I'm relying on my Amazon Prime membership.  When I feel overwhelmed with the cooking, cleaning, decorating, hosting, shopping, wrapping, baking, etc it is so nice to be able to order gifts or household items without an additional errand.  I still shop traditional retail stores, but there are always those hard to shop for people or sold out items that can complicate your to do list.  I've shopped from my bed during an insomniac episode, and from the bathtub trying to soak away the stress.  Ya feel me?  

No matter what online shopping you do this season (or ever, really) you must--I repeat, YOU MUST, sign up for Ebates.  It's free and tracks your shopping trips to reimburse you with whatever percentage they are offering for the specific retailer.  Right now, Amazon is up to 10% cashback for example.  Sign up with this link and then make sure to go to ebates, click on the store you want to shop at, and then the cash back will be added to your account.  They send checks out quarterly and I just cashed my most recent one.  

Now, back to Amazon.  Here are some of my handpicked items that I think anyone who likes rose gold glam would love.  A charging cable to keep your phone selfie-ready, a portable speaker to jam to while getting ready with the super cute makeup brush set and a coffee travel mug to keep you fueled up through all of the holiday craziness.  Click each photo to be redirected to each specific item.  I know I personally would love to receive any of these items as gifts, and already own several of them.  

Do you want to see more gift ideas?  Different retailers?  Let me know below!  Cheers to another holiday season. 

xo Sarah

Thanks to my Eastern & Southern European heritage, I have quite thick and coarse eyebrows.  And thanks to the fact that I started hardcore tweezing my brows in the early 2000s, I also have some sparse areas.  This is how I like to groom my brows: trimming, tweezing and even a brow mask to tame those pesky hairs!

Make sure to watch my short video to see all of the details!

The biggest tip I have learned is to apply a deep conditioning hair mask to my eyebrows at least once a week.  If I have time, I will leave it on overnight while I sleep; but I often just leave it on about 15-20 minutes before removing it in the shower.  This will make the hair softer and lay flatter for those of us with coarse or curly brow hairs.

​Here is a general guideline for shaping your brows.  Removing too much hair at the inner corner of your eyebrows can make your face appear wider.  You will see some people say to never tweeze above the brow, but it might be necessary--just remove a little at a time.  

Have you ever tried putting a hair mask on your eyebrows?  Let me know below!

xo Sarah

Summer is the perfect time to get your sun-kissed glow on.  Younique has released a limited edition collection of products that you can purchase separately or together in a bundle to save 15%.  

The product I am most excited about is this Liquid Eyeshadow.  And apparently, so is everyone else because two shades are already sold out!  Here are four shades you can still purchase for yourself!  (Redondo, Baja, Waikiki, Santa Monica)

Younique also launched three Lip Oils which leave a non-sticky glossy finish.

Next up is a brand new gold highlighter.  It's also in a glamorous metallic compact.  Apply with a fan brush to the high points of your face and glisten like a goddess.

 And lastly, this golden shimmering non-greasy body oil.

shopstyle.it/l/LI2UHere are some of the beauty related items I've used up recently:
LIQUID FOUNDATION: http://bit.ly/mineralLF
CONCEALER: http://shopstyle.it/l/LIYb
BRONZER: http://bit.ly/bronzerduos
BROW LINER: http://bit.ly/2ioKi0t
LIPLINER: http://bit.ly/PencilLipLiners
MASCARAS: http://shopstyle.it/l/LIYB
http://shopstyle.it/l/LIXk
http://shopstyle.it/l/LIXo
CLEANSER: http://bit.ly/2HnCu9T
ROSEWATER: http://bit.ly/2gWU49W
HA SERUM: https://amzn.to/2Jg49v8
NIGHT CREAM: http://bit.ly/2h5ysvM
RETINOL: https://amzn.to/2JbskyM
EYE CREAM: Discontinued
FACE CREAM: http://shopstyle.it/l/LI1d
BRUSH HEAD: http://shopstyle.it/l/LI1g
MAKEUP WIPES: Bolero (DOLLAR TREE!)
LASH SERUM: http://bit.ly/2JksDTW
LIP EXFOLIATOR: http://bit.ly/2L5Vkp7
FACE POWDER: http://shopstyle.it/l/LI2U
HAND CREAM: Queen Bee
​

Click the video above to check out my product empties & review.  

xo Sarah

I am not one of those women who uses the same products 24/7, 365, and stores them in a little makeup bag somewhere in the bathroom.  I could blame this on the fact that I get my makeup deeply discounted or free, but I have been this way long before going into the makeup business.  I like trying new things.  I like knowing what works well together to make recommendations to other people.  So when I have a client ask me what I use in my routine, the answer really depends on the day.    When I am short on time, pressed powder is my go to.  It's quick and doesn't take much effort to blend.  Lately, I have fallen back in love with liquid foundation.  Here is what I have been wearing recently:

​

FACE
Setting Spray: (used as primer and at the end) http://bit.ly/2KvssVY
Foundation: (Chiffon) http://bit.ly/mineralLF 
Concealer: (Velour) bit.ly/CConcealers
Scultping Stick: bit.ly/2L4X8OY
Setting Powder: bit.ly/setpowder
Bronzer: (Malibu) bit.ly/bronzerduos

EYES
Brow Pencil: (dark)bit.ly/2ioKi0t
Pencil Liner: (Perfect to tightline) bit.ly/PencilEyeLiners
Lash Curler: shopstyle.it/l/JQru
Waterproof Base Mascara: shopstyle.it/l/JQpB
Mascara: bit.ly/2ys1Keu
Bronzer: (Malibu) bit.ly/bronzerduos *in crease and at lower lashline

LIPS
Prep: http://bit.ly/2L5Vkp7
Pencil (Pouty--all over): bit.ly/PencilLipLiners

THE HOW TO:
I spray my face with setting spray and let dry down before applying other makeup.  Empty the dropper and shake my liquid foundation before applying desired amount directly to my face.  Use THIS SPONGE (omg it's so good!) damp--use rose water or setting spray, to press the foundation into my skin.  Then I apply a thin layer of my concealer under my eyes in a triangular shape to do double duty as a highlighter.  Apply setting powder under eyes.  Use the contour end of my medium sculpting stick and apply directly in the hollows of my cheeks.  Blend in with my RT sponge.  Lightly dust setting powder all over while also brushing away any excess product under my eyes.  Bronze my cheekbones, forehead, jawline and neck. 

Then I take a blending brush and work bronzer into the crease of my eyes as well as my lower lashline.  Apply brow liner lightly to even out brows (do NOT hold this like a pencil!).  Heat lash curler, test to make sure it's not too hot and then curl my stick straight lashes.  Tightline my upper lashline.  Apply a THIN coat of waterproof mascara and then once that has dried, finish it off with my epic mascara.  Line lips and then fill in with pouty lipliner.  SPRAY THAT FACE!  Take a selfie.

I hope that helps anyone who is unsure of application or order of products.  If you want a specific tutorial, please comment below!  This is a good base for whatever look you want to do--add blush or eyeshadow of your choice.

xo Sarah

Ahh, summer is finally here.  Well, not in technicality but in temperature if you live in St. Louis.  It's what most of us look forward to all year.  But there's one little problem...

I'm here to save the day & share my tips.  You're welcome.

1. Prime Yo Face
​>>If you are on the dry side, I really like to use this primer.
>>If you are on the oily side, I would look for a primer that is specifically marketed as mattifying.   Here are a few options: this one, or this, and another.
And a money & space saving hack is to use your setting spray as a primer!  If you're into double duty beauty, you need to try this one.
PRO TIP: Apply your primer and let it set for about 5-10 minutes while you're doing other things. 

2. Limit Your Use of Liquids & Creams
​If you are a liquid foundation girl, then you HAVE to try this foundation.  While it goes on as a liquid, it dries to a powder finish.  
You will also want to apply concealer a little more sparingly and only on areas you need--like those designer bags (helllurrrr).  This is my concealer of choice and a little bit goes a long way.  It is VERY pigmented!  
And this is the perfect time to just stick to powders (compact or loose--your choice).  

3. Set Yo Makeup
I typically like to pair both of these products, ESPECIALLY in warmer months.  But if you can only afford one--go with the powder.
​>>Setting Powder: Dust this all over your face after applying foundation and concealer.  
PRO TIP: You can "bake" the areas you've applied cream concealers to (under the eyes) but be careful if you have dry or aging skin.  Baking simply means applying a LOT of setting powder to these specified areas and letting it sit for a few minutes before dusting it away.  
​>>Setting Spray: This is the final act.  Once you have applied all of the above, extend your arm out at least a foot away from your face and spritz while making either an x or + motion.  Or do both if you're extra like me.  

My best-sellers are on sale, but only for a limited time.  During the month of May, you can purchase a Trio for up to 30% off!  That's up to $38 savings!  Here's how it works:
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Pick either a Face Primer or Skin Perfecting Concealer (in your shade)

Whether you stick with the classic corals or try a new trendy shade, there is a polish for every budget and mood!  I've been rocking nude nails (when I actually do them) for awhile now & I'm ready to switch it up to something bright for the beach.  

Neon yellow is trending right now, but I think I'll save that for an at-home mani.  I currently have a poll over on my Facebook right now, and so far coral is in the lead.  

Which polish would you choose?