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!

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Divine Divine | The Spring Lip

It's officially time to swap out our plum and berry go-to lip hues for something a little light. I for one have been going HAM on the light pink swatches.

My recent re-dive into the world of Pinterest has me obsessing over light and easy looks. And by light and easy I mean the no-makeup makeup look and a posh pink pout.

via intothegloss.com

via intothegloss.com

To get one-on-one expert advice I've been heading over to my favorite store in New York City, Bloomingdales. I find that their beauty advisors are more available to talk you through an application, and if you can't head into your local Bloomies you can chat to one online.

Right now, by using ShopatHome.com (or their app when on the go) you can get up to 6% cash back on your entire purchase. If you're not familiar with them, their site is dedicated to helping you shop smarter and save more (think coupons and cashback deals).

Alright, now for the good stuff. After testing a few these at the counter and in my personal routine I wanted to share my favorite products for the no-makeup makeup spring look.

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Base
Although it's called the no-makeup makeup look, you'll still need a few products to pull off a bare-faced base. One thing that helps tremendously is having hydrated skin and well-rested peepers (or at least, disguising them as so). Clinique's 3 step system is a such an easy way to kick-start your skin regimen and Kiehl's Avocado Eye Treatment keeps the delicate skin around your eye looking well rested. After that don't forget a swipe of your favorite CC cream or tinted moisturizer, such as Laura Mercier's best-selling tinted moisturizer.

Define
The eyes are the gateway to your soul so keep them defined with a few intentional steps. MAC's clear brow gel is great for defining brows and lashes. FYI, if you can't go clear they also come in color. I didn't list mascara but if you need that - feel free to add a light layer as well. Next should be a light swipe of Bobbi Brown's Cream Shadow in Shore and cat-eye liner. Notice the theme of going light on the makeup which is key when going for the no-makeup makeup look.

Pop
Next, you're going to give your cheeks a tint of color by using NARS' Multiple in Orgasm using a light hand. I'm a huge fan of the Multiple since you can use it on your eyes, lips, body, but for today, we'll stick to cheeks. Blend it out if you didn't use a light hand applying. For the final step apply MAC's liquid lipcolor in Divine Divine to your lips. It's a matte finish which I absolutely love, but if you're looking for a gloss finish feel free to swipe on lip balm. 

Shop the Look:
Clinique 3 Step Skin Care System // Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado // Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer // Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow // Estée Lauder Liquid Eyeliner // MAC Brows Set, Brows Are It! // NARS The Multiple // MAC Retro Matte Liquid Lipcolor

Today's post is sponsored by ShopAtHome.com + Bloomingdales - thank you for supporting the brands that make this blog possible! And as always, all opinions are my own.

Must Try: Dry Salt Therapy

Ever have one of those days where everything and anything goes completely wrong. Well, that's me 8 times out of 10 basically every day. Sometimes the stress really starts to pile on, adding weight to my lower back - pretty sure that's not healthy.

I've mentioned my ongoing struggle with anxiety before and found holistic relief in a few ways: exercise (via Classpass + running), facials (take advantage of those Gilt & Groupon deals), and massages (the Soothe app makes this super easy - get $30 off with code HYBUE). My mom, an avid aromatherapy enthusiast, made me curious about what else is out there. And, you guys, there's a lot out there for us to explore.

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One new-to-me approach is Dry Salt Therapy which I got learn more about at Breathe Easy, New York City's only Dry Salt Therapy Center. They graciously offered me a session to experience it firsthand and I happily obliged. One cold day I walked over to their location, conveniently located near Grand Central for all you commuters. Inside I was greeted by the front desk and directed to the lockers where I could change into something a little more comfortable or simply store my things. FYI, it's totally ok to come in your street clothes if you're not partaking in their Salty Yoga class.

After leaving the locker rooms I entered this heavenly light pink room which I later learned were blocks of Himalayan Salt. In fact, the entire room, top to bottom, is covered in Himalayan Salt. I then went over to a chair, took a few deep breaths, and felt myself slowly de-stressing from the day's events.

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If you're wondering, what exactly are the benefits of salt therapy - don't worry, I got the full scoop. By spending, at least, half an hour in one of Breathe Easy's rooms you'll inhale micro-particles of pure Himalayan salt which in turn will help you breathe better (say goodbye to snoring), alleviate symptoms of major respiratory illness (such as asthma), allergies, as well as help you relax.

images via Breathe Easy

images via Breathe Easy

After one session, I felt so at peace and am definitely going to include Breathe Easy as a must-do when needing a moment to myself. (Fun fact: because of the micro-particles of salt floating in the air my lips did taste a little salty, similar to eating a bag of potato chips). If you're in NYC, definitely check them out if you're ever feeling stressed, dealing with allergies, or asthma. They have an awesome intro package ($50 for 5 sessions) and have four locations in New York.

Wellness Center Hours & Tidbits:
1 Park Avenue (in their lower level)
Hours: M-F 9a-9p, Sa-Su 9a-6p

www.breathesaltrooms.com