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

Ok, I have a secret to spill.  I intentionally avoid going to Target.  "SAY WHAT?!" you might exclaim.  It's true.  I will literally Amazon Prime dog food and toilet paper to my house to avoid dropping $200 on random items on the weekly.  It's sooo hard because Target is sooo good.  But sometimes you just have to treat yo'self.  So, here is a mini haul that I purchased fairly recently.  Still managed to spend over $200 on my shopping trip (what even did I buy?)

Confession: the Essie Grow Stronger Base Coat actually came from Ross (another fave), but it was purchased on the same shopping trip.  This OPI polish in Bubble Bath is THE BEST NUDE MANI YOU WILL EVER HAVE.  Seriously, it's the shade I selected allll summer at the salon and decided it was time to add it to my personal collection.  I love it so much it was even my pedi color for my wedding.  

I scored this silver statement necklace on clearance!  It's Sugarfix by BaubleBar and unfortunately is sold out online, but maybe you'll find one at your local store.  If not, I'll link similar options below.  I love layering these necklaces over sweaters or graphic tees.

SHOP MY HAUL
Leopard Sweater
OPI Bubble Bath
​Essie Grow Stronger
Necklace Option 1
​Necklace Option 2

Please tell me I'm not the only one who tends to reach for the same items over and over again?  I will usually cycle through my favorites, but the general theme always stays the same.  I love dainty gold jewelry, comfy clothes, and a good nude lip.  Here are some of my current favorites. Enjoy!

SHOP THIS LOOK
LIPS:
http://shopstyle.it/l/mjwk
http://bit.ly/PencilLipLiners (plush)

JEWELRY:
http://shopstyle.it/l/mjvh
http://shopstyle.it/l/mjvl
http://shopstyle.it/l/mjwN

OUTFIT:
http://shopstyle.it/l/mjv1
or http://shopstyle.it/l/mjv5
http://shopstyle.it/l/mjv8 (on sale!)

These earrings are the best I have found for sensitive ears.  I have several variations and highly recommend them!  I typically find mine in the outlet, so I highly recommend that if you have one near by!  And that lip combo is what I wore for my wedding in September.  

What are some of your favorite pieces you wear regularly?

xo Sarah

Today's Sweater Weather outfit inspo is all from American Eagle Outfitters.  I think it's a pretty classic fall/winter outfit with the rose accents to add a feminine touch.  You probably have similar pieces already in your closet, but if not I left links to these items below!

Do you have a white cable knit sweater that you love?  

xo Sarah

I've always loved watching empties videos on YouTube.  Seeing what products people really use & what they think of them...it's a guilty pleasure!  Here are some of the beauty related items I've used up recently:

DRY SHAMPOO (eh): http://shopstyle.it/l/l8PC
DRY SHAMPOO (yasss): http://shopstyle.it/l/l8Pz
HAIRSPRAY: http://shopstyle.it/l/l8PG
PERFUME: http://shopstyle.it/l/l8PM
BODY OIL: http://shopstyle.it/l/l8PW
BODYWASH: http://amzn.to/2xR71ZW
TANNING SPRAY (discontinued ?)
MICELLAR WATER: http://shopstyle.it/l/l8Tf
VITAMIN C BEAUTY OIL: http://amzn.to/2xMSK0e
ROSEWATER: http://bit.ly/2gWU49W
CLEANSER: http://bit.ly/2zrZjtl
NIGHT CREAM: http://bit.ly/2h5ysvM
MASK: http://bit.ly/2zcK8Dw
PRIMER SPRAY: http://shopstyle.it/l/l8Tr
BB CREAM: http://bit.ly/2z72EuR
​BROW LINER: http://bit.ly/2ioKi0t

Click the video above to check out my product empties & review.  Do you like watching these types of videos?

xo Sarah