If you've been to my blog before, then you might know that I am an Ambassador for Topfoxx.  I wrote a blog post and filmed a try-on haul this summer.  I'll link it here if you are interested in checking out some other styles.

First, let me tell you WHY I love Topfoxx so much.  In a sea of beautiful & talented people, it is really difficult to get noticed these days.  Almost everyone has an Instagram account, and our lives are flooded with people sharing their experiences with us.  I am what they call a "micro Influencer".  Just a little tiny content creator sharing what I love.  But when Topfoxx reached out to me, I felt like THE REAL DEAL.  It was the first time that a legit brand reached out to me through one of my social media channels and wanted to take a chance on little ole me.  And for that, I will always be grateful.  It is also an all female run brand based in NYC.  And I can stand behind that!  

Second, these sunglasses are FIERCE!  Even if you are not a content creator, you will feel like an Instagram model when you have a pair on your face.  You might be toting a cart full of kids through Target, but people will take notice.  Their slogan is "not for your average girl."  

So, when their PR manager e-mailed me to say they were launching a new line and I got to choose a pair to receive, it made my day all over again!  An updated take on the classic aviator, they are available in three shades.  

Cue me falling in love all over again when I was told that the style would be called AMELIA!  After THE Amelia Earhart, the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic.  I don't know about you, but I was obsessed with Amelia when I was a kid and watched in awe every time her story was aired on something like Unsolved Mysteries.  

I, of course, chose black.  But the Amelias are also available in silver & rose gold.

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

I looked to social media for inspiration on this galaxy makeup look.  The variations are endless.  To create this look, I used loose pigments and blended them in a mask-like pattern in the center of my face.  I chose to use purple, pink, blue and green but you can use whatever it is that you have on hand.  The pigments I used are no longer available for sale, but I will list the other products below.

White Liquid Liner: shopstyle.it/l/UpW2
Highlighter: ​bit.ly/2qoZDCO
​

Did you do any Halloween makeup this year?

xo Sarah

I have a pretty extensive sunglasses collection.  I have a pair in my car, my purse, my beach bag, and about 8 other pairs scattered through my house.  But they're all pretty... #basic.

Let me introduce you to TOPFOXX.  Their slogan is "Not For Your Average Girl" and I'm sure you can see why.  Put a pair of these on and you'll feel like a CEO or at least like an Instagram model.  

TOPFOXX sent these sunglasses to me to check out and I must say my drive to the grocery store has never been so glamorous.  My favorite tip is to get yourself a pair of their BIG sunglasses (I recommend the Candy or Chloe styles), throw on some lipgloss and look like you have your shit together even when you don't.  
​

They also gave me a special coupon code to save you money!  For the first 40 customers who use it, you can save 20% on your entire order with the code>> FANCY20
If you missed out on that code, you can still save 15% with code>> FANCY15
SHOP HERE: http://bit.ly/2MVNj74
​
I filmed a try on haul over on my YouTube channel if you're interested!

​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

By David Howells/Corbis/Getty Images

Kate Spade has been my favorite designer for many years now.  I have always admired their fun & feminine brand and updated classics.  From jewelry and handbags, PJs and planners, notebooks and tumblers--I have become an avid collector.

If you've never purchased Kate Spade before, I highly recommend their earrings.  They're very gentle on my sensitive ears.

I was stunned when I heard the news that the woman that started it all, Kate Spade herself, took her life today.  I think as "regular" people, we often assume that fame and fortune equates to a carefree life.  I can't imagine the agony she must have felt to make that decision.  When it comes to mental health, we have a broken system.  One option we DO have is the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, please share this number.  You never know when someone may need it.

1-800-273-8255 

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

We all know how important it is to drink plenty of water, right?  It keeps all of your body's systems working in tip top shape and makes your skin look more youthful and plump as an added bonus.  I have made drinking more water an important goal in my daily routine and there is one simple hack that has made it easier for me to do.  Buy yourself a cute tumbler or water bottle.  At home I prefer to use a tumbler with a lid and straw, but if I am on the go or at work, I like to use a bottle with a screw-top.  Here are some super cute options that would definitely motivate me to drink my H2O.

Here is the tumbler I am using today, and as you can see I am ready for my third refill.  Even though St. Louis easily has the best water, I still prefer the taste of it filtered.  I used to use a Brita pitcher, but found that I would dread having to refill it every day or more.  I decided to purchase this Ultramax version which I typically have to refill every 2-3 days.  You can get your own Brita system HERE.

BUT HOW MUCH WATER AM I SUPPOSED TO DRINK?!  At minimum, you should drink about half your weight in ounces each day, and I know for some people they find it difficult to even accomplish that.  Ideally, you should drink about 2/3 of your weight.  For someone who is 125 lbs, they should be consuming about 84 oz each day.  

If you are someone who does not enjoy the taste of water, try adding fruit.  I wrote a blog about 2 years ago about the benefits of drinking lemon water.  You can check it out here: ​www.xofancy.com/blog/benefits-of-drinking-lemon-water

I'm curious to know if you have any hacks that help you consume your water for the day.  Share them below!

xo Sarah