Sydney Loethen

I’ve been making gel press on nails and doing my own manicures for over 4 years now. Here are the essentials I recommend to get started and save yourself some moolah in the long run!

I love a fragrance that smells and looks like it should cost way more than it does. This list contains only full sizes, many of these are under or around $30 and often go on sale. It shouldn’t cost an arm and leg to smell soft, welcoming, cozy, airy, and sophisticated.

As a former makeup artist and beauty associate, I have tried more skincare products of every price point than I could count. I have acne-prone, combo to oily skin even in my 30s, and this routine is why I still get carded when I order a drink!

I have been focused on building a versatile, elevated but affordable wardrobe that has an effortlessly chic, modern bohemian, and grounded vintage vibe. These are pieces I’ve added to my closet that are worth checking out!

Bringing out my fall fragrances has made the shorter days a tad more enjoyable. These are cozy, elevated, and sometimes sultry scents that span your entire day - from work to date night to snuggling up and getting ready for bed.

I’ve worked in cosmetics and tried hundreds of products in search of what works well for my neutral, fair, olive skin and dark brown features. Here are the products that have withstood the test of time and remained in my daily rotation.

I get asked about my rings constantly, and people can’t believe it when I show them that the cool stone they’ve complimented is part of an interchangeable fidget ring system! Here are my tried and true favorites.

These are my go-to summer perfumes that hold up in the heat and won’t overwhelm anyone in a shared office space. Whether you’re commuting under the sun or working from a cozy AC-cooled cubicle, these scents are light, wearable, and still bring a summery vibe. I’ve organized them into categories depending on your summer mood and preferences: 🌊 Salty Skin – Think beachy breezes, skin-warmed musk, and the feeling of salt lingering on your skin after a swim. 🧴 Sunkissed – Creamy, nostalgic blends that smell like SPF, coconut lotion, or sun-warmed skin. 💧 Fresh & Airy – Crisp, clean, shower-fresh fragrances that cut through the heat without being harsh or overly soapy. 🍋 Zesty Citrus – Zesty and juicy picks that feel like an instant mood boost and keep you feeling energized throughout the day. 🪵 Soft Woods - Light, smooth woods with a clean edge — think cedar, sandalwood, or ISO E Super in sheer, polished blends. Each one is office-appropriate: no loud sillage, just subtle, close-to-skin magic that feels personal and polished.

Craving that sweet, airy, “can’t stop sniffing myself” energy? This list is packed with Baccarat Rouge 540 adjacent picks to keep you glowing head to toe (and even your whole house). From body mists and perfumes to candles and laundry care, these give major sugar-dusted woods, fluffy amber, and luxe skin scent feels.

Layering can be overwhelming to perfume newbies, but it’s essential to making your fragrance last and making minor customizations. This list is packed with layering essentials that work beautifully with a wide variety of other scents and balance them out, add that extra X factor, or ensure longevity. ✨ Perfume Oils – These are the base of my layering routine. They sink into the skin and provide a long-lasting, rich foundation — whether I want something soft and musky or sweet and gourmand. ☁️ Hair & Body Mists – Lightweight and versatile, these add a quick refresh and help create a diffused aura of scent. I use them on hair, clothes, or even as a final step to bring everything together and amplify particular notes. 💫 Perfumes – These are more neutral, versatile scents that act like amplifiers. They don’t steal the spotlight — instead, they enhance whatever they’re layered with, adding lift, depth, or softness depending on the combo. 🧴 Body Care – The secret to long-lasting fragrance is clean, moisturized, prepped skin. I’ve included my tried and true, holy grail both favorites for you here!