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

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:
​
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?

Yesterday was my 33rd birthday and I spent it doing what I like to do best: drinking Starbucks, relaxing, and eating good food with my fam.  I started the day by sleeping in--is there anything better than turning off your alarm and waking up naturally?  Once I finished reading my birthday wishes (thanks ya'll!), I headed to Starbucks to redeem my free birthday drink.  We're headed to the beach this weekend, but I thought today would be a good time to splurge.  Cue the Venti Iced Caramel Macchiato.  Worth every calorie.  If you didn't know, there is a Starbucks app that lets you earn points on every purchase to redeem for rewards.  One of them being the free birthday drink--yay!!

I spent the rest of the day browsing houses out of my budget on Zillow, watching Wendy Williams, doing an eye mask and spending extra time on my makeup.  We went to Cellar House for dinner, a wine bar in Oakville, MO that serves farm to fork foods and specialty drinks.  Check out that Sundried Tomato & Artichoke Flatbread.  Not pictured: Sangria & Crab Bisque...because I couldn't be bothered to pause for a photo.

Now onto the pampering.  Here are the eye patches I like to use that can be found on Amazon.  Put them on underneath your eyes and kick back and relax for 20 minutes or so.
​

​For makeup, I went with a neutral look & a bold lip.  Product of choice: stain because ain't nobody got time to worry about lipstick when they plan to EAT.  I'll list the products below, but here was the end result:

FACE
Setting Spray: (used as primer and at the end) http://bit.ly/2KvssVY
Foundation: (Taffeta) http://bit.ly/mineralLF 
Concealer: (Velour) bit.ly/CConcealers
Scultping Stick: bit.ly/2L4X8OY
Setting Powder: bit.ly/setpowder
Bronzer: (Malibu) bit.ly/bronzerduos
Blush: (Spirited) bit.ly/2rJN0U6
Highlighter: shopstyle.it/l/JQlL

EYES
Brow Pencil: (dark)bit.ly/2ioKi0t
Brow Palette: (dark) bit.ly/BrowPAL
Brow Highlight: shopstyle.it/l/JQmu
Shadow Quad: (Timid, Astute, Nonsensical, Antsy) bit.ly/2IlRIS9
Liquid Liner: (Perfect) bit.ly/2GpZCnE
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

LIPS
Prep: http://bit.ly/2L5Vkp7
Lipstain: (Sucker Punched) ​bit.ly/2IjM0jA

**May 2018 you can get 3 of my face products bundled at a 30% savings and free shipping through this link: ​http://bit.ly/2rKyJ9w 

​If you need help selecting products or shades for your skin, comment below and I'd be happy to help!
Color Matching Quiz: ​bit.ly/2IPiAJT

xo Sarah

One low-cost, easy way to freshen up your everyday style is a brand new phone case.  These  are 50%+ off at Nordstrom Rack right now!  Which one is your favorite?

Don't be surprised if you start seeing beauty brands everywhere launching their own take on this innovative product: Lip POWDER.  This specific brand features an encapsulated water technology that transforms from a powder to a luxurious cream once applied.

This line is called "Crush" and offers a weightless yet full coverage finish.  The encapsulated technology provides a moisturized effect that isn't quite matte like a traditional liquid lipstick.  Not completely transfer-proof, it is long-wearing and stains the lips with a beautiful wash of color.  

This is a Limited Edition product and is offered in three shades: Casual, Curvaceous and Captivating.  Here it is swatched on three different skintones.  

Get your hands on this LIMITED EDITION Set (how cute is this packaging?) before it runs out!  And while you're at it, purchase the coordinating lipliners in a set to save money--doing so will also score you FREE SHIPPING!  

Is this a trend you would be willing to try?  

xo Sarah