The Essentials: October 2015

Compared to last month, I basically dove straight into my cabinets (where I keep my secret stash of hair, skin, & beauty products). I also expanded my skincare routine so it's more of a layering routine (if you're curious you can learn more about that here). After a good month of testing these guys (and reading lots of reviews) I bring you my October essentials.

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I can't mention everything otherwise I'd be here forever but maybe it's something I'll explore on YouTube one day. I do wanna chitchat about a few standout products.

Hair: I'm not one for dry shampoo since it never really works well on my curls, but after trying Carol's Daughters Monoi Dry Shampoo I quickly changed my mind. (Make sure you order in a tone close to your hair color). There's no parabens or sulfates and doesn't weigh down the curls just make sure to massage through your roots. Another fave is the Marc Anthony Macadamia Oil Conditioning Treatment. I've only found this in packets at Ulta so it may (??) be sold in a tub, either way, it's super affordable and  made my hair feel super soft and smell great. Pick it up if you're looking to up your hair game.

Skin: I started using First Aid Beauty sometime this past summer and love how gentle but effective the entire line is. I picked up the Facial Radiance Pads to help dimish dark spots and brighten my skin and have been so amazed by the results. A little pricey but a great BHA for those in need. I've also upped my mask game with dermae's charcoal mask. I'm trying to mask twice a week; one that is moisturizing and another that keeps my face free & clear. The dermae mask has been great for removing toxins from my face without leaving my skin tight - it's also all natural.

Body: Molton Brown will always be a star in my eyes. The smell from the eucalyptus line is so invigorating in the AM or PM - it just makes me feel so chill after. It's a little pricey but it's how I've been treating myself (i.e. worth it). I've also been pleasantly surprised my the MoroccanOil hand cream - this is going to be a lifesaver once the temps drop.

Shop my essentials below:
one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten
eleven // twelve // thirteen // fourteen // fifteen

Anything you loved last month? Tell me about it!

The Essentials: September 2015

Happy September!! Before we know it, we'll be flying into the holidays. With that in mind I've kept my essentials short & sweet and highlighted what I loved last month and can't wait to use all this month. I'm also foraying into shoppable images so feel free to "click to shop" the collage down below. Or let me know if you hate it - your feedback is important to me.

This might be the first essential that I have without any clothing pieces - not a bad thing necessarily since there are still a few standouts you should know about. The FEED Pouch helps feed people around the world, the products are also really well made. I got the FEED pouch 50 and signed up for the RUN 10 FEED 10 race later this month - it's feels great to give back!

I am an Etsy junkie and discovered Thyme & Honey through another blogger - you guys the notebooks are so cute and can help organize any hot mess days.

Also, Glossier's Balm Dotcom is a must-have for your beauty bag. The skin salve helps soothe rough skin and contains natural emollients to seal in moisture.

Shop my essentials below:
one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten

Any essentials you're absolutely loving? Let me know down below!

P.s. I want to enjoy every bit of my trip so posting will continue on the 15th. Make sure to keep up with me here!

The Essentials: August 2015

Last month I went a little nuts trying out lots & lots of hair care products. Can you blame me? We're having a major natural haircare moment and the aisles are stocked with the most curly hair products I've ever seen - YAY!

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Still working on my YouTube skincare video - I seriously need to get faster at it - but I've slowed down on making any purchases pertaining to my face. 

Hair on the other hand... Basically I went crazy. Here are a few standouts I absolutely loved:
Terax Hair Conditioner, the difference is noticeable after one wash - like mind-blowing noticeable. Worth the price!
Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk works great with the conditioner as its styling partner. Curls feel soft and look defined without that dreaded crunch.

Shop my essentials below:
1. Terax Hair Care Crema + Keratin Conditioner, 2. Swedish Hasbeens Lacy Super High 3. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, 4. Covergirl Intensify Me! Liquid Liner, 5. Coola Face Mineral Sunscreen Matte Tint SPF30, 6. Shea Moisture African Black Soap Bar, 7. Number 4 Volume Travel Sac, 8. Garance DorĂ© Greeting Cards, 9. HASK Macadamia Oil Moisturizing Deep Conditioner, 10. Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioner, 11. Colgate Total Daily Repair Toothpaste, 12. Cree Lightbulbs, 13. Mizon Trouble Acence Blemish Out Pink Spot, 14. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream, 15. Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion, 16. Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk, 17. Vasanti Brighten Up! Enzymatic Face Rejuvenator

Anything new you want to try this month? Tell me in the comments below.