I tried to be as frugal as possible in the month of March. I am usually not the best with spending money, which was one of my New Year’s resolutions in order to save for my semester abroad. However, things catch my eye and I cannot help but treat myself every once in a while. I am here to share with you some of my favorite purchases, with links, from the past month!
UGG Super Fluff Slipper
Slippers are an easy essential to wear whether you are walking to the bathroom, going to Kimball, or just lounging around. I could not stop thinking about these slippers after I saw them on Instagram and had to try them for myself. This is one of my favorite purchases that I made this month because of how much use I get out of them. I love the color and the comfort, and they are on sale right now if you are interested!
Ellis Brooklyn Vanilla Milk Perfume
When I tell you I have been obsessed with this perfume since I received it in the mail, I have gone through two bottles. I quite literally drench myself in it before leaving my dorm for anything. I am usually pretty picky with my perfumes because I get headaches easily, but this scent is the perfect blend of sweet and fresh and I cannot get enough of it! I’ve never really liked sweet scents, but this one checks off all of my boxes when looking for perfume. The best way to describe it is identical to vanilla extract with a mix of floral notes. I am fully addicted!
Abercrombie Crossed Jeans
Abercrombie Kids had me in a choke hold in middle school, but I started to grow out of it after discovering other brands in high school. Abercrombie started to show up in my feed, with influencers raving about the fit and quality of their jeans. I obviously had to try them for myself and I immediately fell in love with this specific pair. The cross of the waistband is a game-changer and adds a unique touch to any basic outfit. It is extremely flattering and makes me feel so confident and comfortable. There are a wide variety of washes and styles, so they probably have whatever you are looking for. I would wear these on a daily basis if I could!
Elta MD Tinted Moisturizer with SPF
This was not a purchase I specifically made in March, but it didn’t feel right not to include it in my favorites. I have been using this since high school and I swear by it. I highly recommend it if you have sensitive, acne-prone skin and are looking for an oil-free moisturizer. For me, this acts as a great base for my makeup, or if I’m feeling lazy, I throw it on to add a bit of glow to my face as I’m running out the door. Elta MD works to soothe sensitive skin that may be prone to acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, with SPF 46 to keep you protected from the sun. This sunscreen is my OG favorite and anyone who knows me knows I have it on every single day.
Foldable, Rechargeable, Portable, Light-Up Mirror
As you can tell from the name of this mirror, it checks off all of the boxes I look for in a good makeup mirror. This is perfect for a dorm where you may not have much space, but still need to see yourself as you get ready for the day! No need to worry about batteries in this mirror, as it comes with a charger for when you run out of juice. My personal one is pink for a pop on my desk, but there are several other colors to choose from.
REAL Plants/Flowers
This one is clearly very different from my other favorites. My parents came to visit and brought me a few plants to spice up my dorm, and I was shocked at how much it made my dorm feel like home. It completely changed the vibe and the space became so much more inviting. I felt like I was breathing the cleanest air and it smelt beautiful every time I opened the door. I recommend tulips, orchids, or any other flower that is low-maintenance. I have a history of killing plants so I try to get the ones that last the longest and require the least amount of care. I linked the plant store “Seed to Stem” in Worcester, but you can obviously get plants anywhere you want.
Acne-Prone Skin Supplement
I was struggling with my skin at the beginning of the year and was trying anything that I could find in order to counter whatever was going on with my face. While visiting my best friend at college, her roommate mentioned this supplement to me, which is a drug-free capsule “formulated with vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and fatty acids”. It helps to “minimize skin issues by regulating oil levels and balancing gut health” from the inside out. This supplement is dermatogically formulated and I have truly seen a difference in my skin since starting to take it. If you are struggling with acne and looking for a natural supplement to try out, I would definitely recommend this one.
Patagonia Duffel Bag
For those of you who have trouble with luggage and would rather not check bags, this is my #1 suggestion. This fits perfectly in the overhead bin on the plane, and fits way more than you would expect. Not to brag, but I used this alone for a two-week long vacation. The handles can be used as backpack straps, so you can comfortably go hands-free while finding the nearest Starbucks in the airport. It is the perfect bag to bring with you on any trip. 100% worth it!
Trader Joe’s Ginger Shots
This is another product that I am known for having 24/7. I keep at least ten in my dorm refrigerator at all times in case anyone starts feeling sick. I SWEAR by these! Any time I have felt a cold coming on, whether it be in my throat or my nose, I start taking ginger shots every morning, and although it burns like no other, I can always feel it working to kill the germs in my body. Before I come back to school after a break, I make it a priority to stock up on them. You never know when you might need a quick immunity boost.
Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask
I included this lip mask in my clean beauty article as it is vegan, cruelty free, and part of “Clean at Sephora”. I just restocked after using it for about a year, which says a lot about how long it lasts! I wear it every night, as well as during the day when I feel like my lips need it. This is a wonderful alternative to the viral Laneige lip mask. I can feel it working immediately after application. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a lip mask to add to their collection.