The Essentials: August 2016

Sometimes things are so out of your control you just gotta step back and let it pass. That's basically what I did the last three months - wait for it to pass, heal some more, and take care of my pup (who is also healing from an emergency surgery).

Instead of stressing over my blog and lack of posts, I decided to take a hiatus from all things blog-related. Honestly, it was the best thing to do mentally and physically. And yes, I burned so many bridges but I finally feel stable enough. (Which is way better than half-assing my content).

It's been a while and I have so MUCH to tell you!! Let's get started with my monthly faves.

Hair: Last month, I went blonde. Very blonde. Change is good and sometimes necessary after having a few rugged months. No regrets at all. Surprisingly, my curls came out unscathed but they are a little on the dry side more than ever. I've been on the Olaplex diet ever since but have found a pretty close alternative for those weeks I can't afford to splurge. The StriVectin Hair Ultimate Restore Deep Repair Mask is gentle on my colored hair but strong enough to give it vibrancy and increased softness.

Face: Skinn, a skincare line started by an industry veteran, is one of my favorite go-to brands when traveling abroad. I also implement a few of their pieces into my day-to-day as needed. The ones shown in images 7-9 above are my current favorites - especially their Hylighten Under-Eye Treatment. The cool to touch feeling is welcomed during these dog days of summer. Another favorite when it concerns the eyes is the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer. The sponge applicator mimics the BeautyBlender so it's incredibly easy to blend and quickly hides late-night adventures.

Misc: I started my NYC Marathon training last month (crazy - right?) but before that, I wanted to train in a new pair of sneakers. You know, just to see if I should stick with what works or go with something new. I have heard of the Brooks GTS and finally got to test them out at an event. My flat feet were delighted by the support the lightweight sneakers gave. It's been three weeks so far and I haven't looked back.

Another great essential, the Krazy Coupon Lady app. Alright, hear me out because I know this sounds totally random. Ever since my move and the addition of two insane medical bills, I've been pinching pennies however and whenever. The more I pinch, the more I can pay towards the bills, and of course the more can go towards my "summer weekend funds". This is where the Krazy Coupon Lady app comes into play. It's run by a community and a great team of savvy savers and they give ALL of the hacks. I'm talking coupons and loyalty cards cocktails which make for incredible savings.

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

The Essentials: April 2015

Well, daddy was right. Never move in with your honey until you're married or truly en route to getting married.

These past few months have been so incredibly stressful, crazy, and annoying. I'll elaborate more in the next Breaking the Fourth Wall post, but for now, things are starting to settle down (by a smidge). That also means I have more time, or, at least, feel organized enough, to come back to blogging.

I got April all figured out (when it comes to the blog not my living situation) and expect to see new posts on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Don't forget you can also find me on Instagram or Snapchat (search thestyleboro).

One thing, I've really missed doing has been my Monthly Essentials. However, since my last Essentials post, I've come across so many amazing brands and an awesome subscription box called Pearlesque (perfect for the natural skincare junkie). I honestly can not wait to share all of my discoveries with y'all. You're going to love all of it - get your shopping carts ready! Pearlesque (perfect for the natural skincare junkie). I honestly can not wait to share all of my discoveries with y'all. You're going to love all of it - get your shopping carts ready!

Hair: It's pretty apparent how much I love Carol's Daughter and their Leave-In Conditioner is no exception. I use it to freshen up styles and right before styling fresh hair for extra hydration and frizz control. They started selling the line at Target so it's even easier to find in-store.

Skin: Aside from the Pearlesque Box, I've been living for Skinn's Olive & Enzyme Makeup Wipes. They smell amazing, have this great texture that takes everything off, and leaves my skin feeling so smooth. I've mentioned before my love for matte lip color, unfortunately, they make my lips super dry. After a lot of googling and testing, I've fallen for Bite's Lip Mask. They return my lips to a more supple state. I use it once a week and during the week I layer on the Vaseline at night.

Body: I never thought I'd write about a razor on here but then I used the Gillette Venus Swirl. The Flexiball on the razor makes shaving more seamless and faster since it contours to your body more easily.

Misc.: Listen up bauble lovers, I found a way to conveniently clean our jewels and restore their shine. The product is called Shine by Collé and found it randomly after stressing out over my pieces looking lackluster. Easy to use and store.

Shop my essentials below:
one (use AILEEN15 for 15% off) // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten
eleven // twelve // thirteen

Now, let's talk about this Pearlesque Box - it's a new semi-new subscription service that focuses on introducing and educating us on all-natural and non-toxic skincare brands found around the world. Every month, they'll focus on one region + brand and send 1-2 full-size + 1-3 travel size products. Sample sizes are great, but at the same time, they don't allow you ample time to determine its effectiveness in your routine. Shipping is always free and those outside of the States can also get in the on the subscription (shipping rates do apply for international addresses). As far as pricing goes, you're paying $39.99 per box however the value is over $120. Sign up before April 5th with my discount code AILEEN15 to pay 15% less.

This month their focus is OSEA Malibu and after a few weeks of trying out their bestsellers - I'm falling in love with the vegan line. What makes this line different from the rest is how their history and formulas always traces them back to the ocean - which is why they always Ocean preservation as a brand.

OSEA Ocean Cleanser: A classic from their line and my absolute favorite from the box. It has this amazing scent, easily removed my makeup (didn't take my mascara off completely), and didn't strip my skin of moisture. Instead my skin felt hydrated and refreshed by the minerals, algae, and vitamins in the formula. The glass bottle was easy on the eyes too.

OSEA Sea Minerals Mist: After we cleanse, we mist. I found this mist to be refreshing and hydrating due to its nutrient-packed ingredient list. Although I wouldn't carry this in my purse I would definitely make the exception once summer hits. I could only imagine how soothing this feels on sun-kissed skin.

OSEA Ocean Lotion: This daily fragrance-free moisturizer loaded with good for your ingredients (Macadmaia, Rosehip, Red Algae Gel & more) left my body silky to the touch. It also left my skin feeling hydrated for a longer length of time and without that greasy residue.

There's an Atmosphere Protection Cream included as well, but sadly mine broke in transit (sad face). Besides that, I've been introduced to a brand I would've never known about and basically fell in love with their line. I already have their Sea Vitamin Boost on the way to me thanks to the free shipping code inside the Pearlesque Box. If you want to indulge in this month's box don't forget to use my promo code AILEEN15 for 15% off your first box!

For more info visit Pearlesque.com.

The Essentials: November 2015

Well, this is a first - completely forgot to include clothing, shoes, or activewear/fitness faves. At the same time this month is all about giving thanks and eating, lots of it too. Sooo... let's focus our efforts elsewhere shall we?

Some of these products are repeat offenders but can't help but mention them again. Lots of big-name brands and a few indy brands new to the beauty game. Also, if you're on Periscope, add me! I do lots of reviews on-the-fly there. My username is @thestyleboro.

Lots of hair and skin faves this month - partially due to experimenting with new hairstyles + skin solutions.

Hair: Now that my hair is a bit shorter I've been able to experiment with braids (which I love!). I've been using Redken's Braid Aid 03 to help make my hair more pliable/manageable. Another standout fave is Eva NYC's Forget Me Knot Dry Conditioner. This is basically the best "dry shampoo" for curly-haired girls. It doesn't leave a white residue, makes it easy to detangle those danced-all-night knots, and easily refreshes my curls for another night out. Absolutely love!

Skin:  I discovered Simple at a pop-up inside Flywheel. They encouraged me to wipe off the day's grime before class with one of their makeup wipes - which I did - and I loved how easily it took everything off. It uses micellar water which is amazing and super gentle on your skin. Two other faves are AMG's Hydrating Mist and Toner & NYX Be Gone! Lip Color Remover. AMG's Mist is on the pricey end of the spectrum but I love how it's made with all natural botanical ingredients, chemical free, and vegan. If you need something similar tryout Botanics Organic Rosewater Toning Spritz or dermae Hydrating Mist with Hyaluronic Acid. As for the NYX lip color remover - it gets the toughest color off while moisturizing your lips. Affordable and works!

Body: Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex Body Lotion is my absolute favorite right now. It's a great thick cream that helps repair hydrated skin. It also smells amazing. Another fave is the Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense SPF. Before heading out on my outdoor runs I make sure to apply this to my neck and shoulders. It gets the job done regardless of how sweaty I get.

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

What are you loving this month? Tell me about it!