Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  Here is a wearable green eye look that I filmed last week:

Very smokey and subtle, with just enough green to save you from a pinch!  If you celebrate this holiday, I hope you get to spend time with family and friends!  I'll be feasting on corned beef and cabbage at my Grandma's.  I'll leave you with this old Irish blessing:

Neutral Eye & Bold Lip Makeup Tutorial

Here is my first makeup tutorial that I uploaded to YouTube:

It's a really simple neutral eye, winged liner, and a bold fuschia lip.

I wore this look in my Collective Haul video and it was requested that I do a tutorial:

Here are the products that I used:

CG 3-in-1 Foundation 

TheBalm Time Balm Concealer 

MUFE HD Powder 

Noir Brow Liner

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

Anastasia Brunette Brow Powder 

Pixi Bronzer in Subtly Suntouched 

Be A Bombshell Blush in Sweet Cheeks 

UD Naked Palette-Naked, Virgin, Buck 

NYX Black Waterproof Liner 

Too Faced Lash Lining Tool 

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara 

CG Clump Crusher Mascara

UD Lipstick in Anarchy 

UD Lipshine in Quickie 

You can also find these products on my LUVOCRACY: http://www.luvocracy.com/xofancy

Let me know if you try this look!

xo Sarah

Oscars 2014 Red Carpet Favorites

I think this year's Oscars had to be my favorite all around!  I loved a lot of the Red Carpet dresses, but these were my 3 favorite looks:

Lupita Nyong'o's Prada dress was a mixture of Cinderella & Marilyn Monroe.

Sandra Bullock looked glamorous with an Old Hollywood-style coif.

Charlize Theron can do no wrong.  Especially in this beautiful Dior dress.

I don't know about you, but I stayed up way too late watching!  Hope you have a great week. 

xo Sarah 

Beauty Rule No. 4

Influenster: Dove VoxBox

If you haven't heard of Influenster yet, you should definitely go check it out!  You can read more about how it works HERE.  If you are interested in signing up, I can send you an invitation.  I have 5 available and I will need your e-mail address to send it to you!  I have received 6 VoxBoxes total, some are dedicated to one brand and others have a theme.  I also recently got the J'Adore VoxBox which I will share soon.  

So this VoxBox included one Dove New Advanced Care Deodorant with NutriumMoisture.  I received "nourished beauty" and it claims to be a 48hour deodorant.  This formula is also supposed to moisturize the underarm area while preventing "odor and wetness".  I have been using it for the last week, and I do feel like it is moisturizing.  

I wore it to work last week, and I would say my job is pretty physical.  I'm often hollering "I'M HOT" and ripping my lab jacket off.  Things can get pretty sweaty.  I am not someone who has excess perspiration, so I can't say if this will cut it for someone who does, but it has worked for me.  The real test will be to wear it to the gym and see how it does during an hour of Zumba.  

I would eventually like to find a deodorant without aluminum in it (that works!), but I was surprised to see that this Dove Advanced Care contains less than the other well-known brands I have in my stockpile.  

Dove Advanced Care: 15.2%

Ban Invisible Solid: 19%

Suave 24hr Protection: 20%

Secret Clinical Strength Invisible Solid: 20%

If you have tried this Dove New Advanced Care Deodorant with NutriumMoisture, let me know!  

xo Sarah

Disclaimer: I received this item complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.  I was not paid for this review, nor is it a requirement to participate in the VoxBox Program.  The only action they require is the completion of a post-survey to provide feedback to the company.  

My Top 3 Most Purchased Makeup Products

Hey guys!  Hope everyone had a LOVELY Valentine's Day.  Today I thought I would share my top 3 makeup loves that I have purchased time and time again.  They are all reasonably priced, in my opinion.  Like any other beauty addict, I enjoy trying new items out, but these are my tried and true, FAVORITES!

1. TheBalm Time Balm Concealer

I have been using this concealer for so long, that I honestly can't even remember what I used before this came into my life!  My eye area is very pigmented, and this definitely brightens my face.  Not only does this conceal, but it also treats dark circles and aging skin. 

 TheBalm Time Balm concealer comes in 9 shades and I wear light/medium.  For $18, this usually lasts me about a year.  I use a concealer brush to apply the product, which also prevents the introduction of bacteria.  Basically, I love this and recommend it to everyone.

2. L'Oreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara

Okay, let me just say that I think mascara is one of those things that can be hard to recommend because not everyone is going for the same look.  My lashes are long, but limp and not very voluminous on their own.  I HAVE to curl them, and most of the time I require a waterproof formula to hold the curl.  Of course, you need the right eye makeup remover if you are wearing a waterproof formula, BUT if you do not have this wimpy lash problem, then give the original one a try!

Alright, here's another thing.  You know how sometimes mid day you take a look in the mirror and discover a black smudge under your eyes where your lashes have been hitting?  I FEEL like the carbon black variety of this mascara does that.  I don't know if it's the extra pigment or what, but that's my field research.  

3. Milani Blush in Luminoso

I came to know Milani when it was going around many years ago that their Luminous blush was a dupe for Nars Orgasm.  They have since discontinued that blush, and created this line of baked blushes in it place.  The shade Luminoso is pretty much the same thing once blended out.  Suitable for most skintones!  Just don't use the brush that comes with this blush.  

Alright, those are my 3 most purchased products!  Let me know down in the comments what your 3 most purchased products are.  :)

xo Sarah

February 2014 ipsy Bag: The Look of Love

Here is what I received in my February ipsy bag!

The Look of Love

City Color Be Matte Blush in Fresh Melon $2.99

Zoya Nail Polish in Odette $9

Tini Beauty Shadow Tint in Spiced Rum $18

Nume Intense Renewal Mask $29.99 for FULL size

Pop Beauty Plump Pout Mini in Peony Petal $16 for FULL size

Ipsy is a $10/month beauty subscription.  It includes 4-6 full or deluxe sized samples inside of a makeup bag.  Shipping is included in the price if you live in the US and it is a great way to try new products!  You will fill out a quiz so that they can customize products to your taste.  You can also retake the quiz and indicate what products you do and do not like to receive.  

To earn ipsypoints, make sure you review your products every month.  You will also earn points when someone signs up with your unique link.  I redeemed the beauty blender for 1,000 ipsy points and I have only had 2 people sign up through my link!  

>>>You can sign up for ipsy here.<<<

xo Sarah

Beauty Rule No. 3

Valentine's Day Nail Polish Picks

It's that time of year again..Valentine's Day is Friday!  I pulled three nail polishes from my collection that I think are perfect for V Day.  All three can be found at any drugstore and are very affordable.  

1. L'Oreal Colour Riche in Rendezvous This is perfect for a hot date!

2. Cover Girl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Peek a boo Pink This mid tone pink would         work for any age.

3. L'Oreal Colour Riche in How Romantic This pink hued neutral is just right for someone           who has to meet their valentine right after work.

Happy Valentine's Day!

xo Sarah

Get Ready With Me: Basic Makeup

Products that I used:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Yaby Natural Finish Liquid Foundation

TheBalm Time Balm Concealer in Light/Medium

Make Up For Ever HD MicroFinish Powder

Pixi Beauty Bronzer in Subtly Suntouched

Milani Blush in Luminoso

Noir Pefect Brow Definer in Brunette

Benefit Gimme Brow in Med/Deep

Urban Decay Original Naked Palette

Milani Easyliner Eye Liner in Charcoal

L'Oreal Eye Shadow Single in Lush Raven

Tarte Picture Perfect Eyelash Curler

Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara

Jouer Lip Gloss in Nude

Eyes: From the UD Naked Palette I used a mix of Virgin & Naked all over the eye.  Buck in and slightly above the crease, and Darkhorse in the outer V.  I also used Buck to line my lower lashline.  After lining my top lashline with the Milani eyeliner, I set it with the L'Oreal eyeshadow in Lush Raven using an angled brush.

This is just a basic look that I often go to on weekends.  Let me know if you try any of these products.  :)

xo Sarah

Beauty Rule No. 2

Drugstore Makeup: e.l.f.

If you are wanting to branch out and try new makeup, but don't want to spend a bunch of money, e.l.f. has got you covered!  I have tried a ton of their products over the years to practice different techniques before dropping a bunch of money on a high-end brand.  These are some of the items I have used and STILL use today.  

The Daily Brush Cleaner is a great product to disinfect your brushes for only $3!  After applying my makeup, I give my brushes a spritz and wipe them off on a towel.  I keep a white towel on my vanity, but you could even use a paper towel or tissue.  And don't be intimidated by the "Daily" part.  I am so guilty of not doing this everyday!  Just keepin' it real.

When I first started learning about contouring, this is the product that I used!  I tried it out because many people were saying that it was a dupe for Nars, and for $3 I couldn't pass it up.  This Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder comes in sturdy packaging and includes a mirror.  The blush is a peachy pink and the bronzer is a nice medium brown.  

There isn't much to say about the Professional Eyelash & Brow Wand other than I use it every day and it's only $1!

I have this Concealer Pencil & Brush and it is perfect to keep in your purse for touchups!  The formula contains salicylic acid and tea tree oil to help treat acne while concealing.  There is also a brush on one end to help blend it in.  Also $3.

The Essential 5-pc Shimmer Eyeliner Set is an award-winning and super inexpensive formula!  $1 a piece AND the cap includes a pencil sharpener.  Genius.

I have a whole pile of e.l.f. makeup sitting here that I could continue to share with you, but I think I will save that for another day.  These products are great, especially for beginners!  Let me know in the comments if you try any of these items OR if you have any recommendations.  :) 

xo Sarah

One Brand Outfit: Old Navy

If I weren't snowed in (again), I'd like to think I'd be hanging out with my friends wearing something like this:

Old Navy Jacket

Old Navy Tee

Old Navy Jeans

Old Navy Boots

Old Navy Belt

But, I'd probably just be wearing yoga pants.  

xo Sarah

What's in My Bag

I wanted to play around with filming in different rooms to see where I can get the best lighting, since I do not have studio lights yet.  So, I decided to do an old school tag: What's in My Bag.  I'm not feeling well, so you won't be seeing me, but I will give you a tour of my purse!

Some of the products that I mention:
Nourish Organic Lotion
TheBalm Time Balm Concealer
Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner
Burt's Bees Mini Hand Salve
Burt's Bees Honey Lip Balm
Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment

My Coach bag is no longer made, but here is a similar style.

{sign up for ipsy here}

I always like watching these types of videos, so I hope you enjoy!  

xo Sarah

Beauty Rule No. 1

My Winter Skincare Routine

Here is my winter skincare routine:

Products mentioned:

*PCA Skin

    - Creamy Cleanser

    - Hydrating Serum

    - Anti-redness Serum

    - Brightening Therapy w/ TrueTone

    - Peptide Lip Therapy

*Olay Regenerist

    - Micro-sculpting Cream

    - Micro-sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum Duo

*Mario Badescu

    - Hyaluronic Eye Cream

    - Orange Tonic Mask

*Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser
*AHAVA Advanced Gentle Mud Exfoliator

*Tea Tree Oil

I have dry skin that is sensitive at times.  Hope this helps!  Leave a comment if you have any dry skin recommendations.  :)

This is NOT a sponsored post.