By: Sarah Estrada Photos by: Lillian Reitz
Wardrobe stylist, body positivity advocate, and lover of fashion are a few things that describe me. I’ve loved fashion and style from an early age, and that is what I attribute to my career to in personal styling. After a couple of years working as a virtual stylist, I took a leap and started StyledxSarah in 2019. This journey has been one I’ve always wanted, and I couldn’t be more proud to call myself a small business owner.
For someone whose livelihood is dependent on helping people look good, I think my thoughts on beauty and self-care are a little different than the norm. To me, loving yourself in your current state is worth far more than the latest beauty trend or treatment. It has taken me years to realize that true beauty comes from self-acceptance and confidence. Don’t get me wrong, there is always room for improvement – but being kind to yourself is the key to a beautiful life. In essence, the most beautiful person emerges when you love yourself the most.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that less is more, and taking care of my well-being is of the utmost importance. A slow start in the morning, endless glasses of water, and random dance breaks are all part of a self-care routine that works for me. And while I do believe true beauty comes from within, here are a couple of my favorite products.
A face mask is a staple in my beauty routine, and once I found a great locally-made product, I fell in love. I have oily skin, which can make me prone to breakouts, but the clay and tea tree oil keeps them at bay. golddustcc.com $15
Blaq Eye Masks
When I turned 30, I became hyper aware of taking care of the skin around my eyes. In addition to daily eye cream, these little masks de-puff my eyes when I’ve had a late night. Plus, they are the perfect little treat on a spa night at home. blaq.co $26/pack of 5
Trader Joe’s Ultra Hydrating Gel Moisturizer
Speaking of oily skin, I always look for a moisturizer that has a gel consistency, and this one does the trick. After using luxury products for years, I found this cost-effective alternative that keeps me hydrated all day without adding bulk. Trader Joe’s $9
Triple Sec 3 in 1 By Drybar
I’ve always had pretty straight hair that never held a curl … until I found this product. The texturizing element adds volume and helps hold any style – and the blanc scent is amazing! Pro tip: A little goes a long way. sephora.com $26
Chanel Chance Eau de Tendre
When I was younger, I loved collecting different fragrances. (Confession: Sometimes I would buy them just because I liked the bottle.) Now, I appreciate having a signature scent, and this delicate fragrance is perfect for everyday wear. chanel.com starting at $62
YSL Rouge Volupte´ Shine Lipstick
I love bold lipsticks, but hate the way most leave my lips feeling. This lipstick is not only aesthetically pleasing, but is comprised of 60 percent oil, which is deeply hydrating. The color is sheer but buildable, which is perfect for creating different looks. yslbeautyus.com $38
Dance Breaks
I listen to music all day long and when I hear a song I like, I get up and dance a little. It brings a smile to my face and gets rid of that pesky little “stand up and move around” reminder on my Apple Watch.