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I’m Siobhan and I’m a Cosmetologist with over 20 years of experience in every part of the Aesthetic world. I have made a half dozen transitions big and small and I’ve made a ton of mistakes to get to where I am now. With experience, the Lords guidance and discipline, I am a way more polished version of myself and I’ll love to spend my time in my purpose… teaching and encouraging my community to strive for a better and more polished version of themselves. Welcome, now Let’s Lock in.

Medicube

How to Eat Healthy on a Budget

By Siobhan Brooks

As a young girl—and well into adulthood—I was known for my love of food and my surprisingly sophisticated palate. I still remember being six or seven years old while my father proudly boasted to friends and family that I could finish an entire foot-long sub or cheesesteak on my own. At the time, and even as I grew older, I wore that reputation like a badge of honor. Food wasn’t just fuel—it was identity, pride, and joy.

That early association sparked a deep curiosity for cooking and international cuisine. I didn’t favor just one type of food; I loved everything. It was the excitement of discovering a new tapa in Spain, the comfort of a rich and robust roast pork sandwich in Philadelphia, or the satisfaction of attempting a detailed, multi-step, one-pan side dish that left my kitchen in complete disarray. (Shout out to my mother, who still makes the best lasagna every Christmas.)

I’ve been incredibly fortunate to experience an array of regional staples and global favorites. But as I’ve grown older—and hopefully wiser—I’ve learned that indulgence often comes with a price. Not just financially, but physically and emotionally as well.

While studying journalism in college, I wrote an editorial for my school paper that marked a turning point in my life. For the first time, I examined my eating habits, my money management, and my tendency to overindulge in the name of comfort and convenience. I still loved a good hoagie, of course, and I would never turn down a pork roll, egg, and cheese (if you know, you know). But I began to ask myself: Is it possible to eat smarter—without sacrificing satisfaction—while on a limited budget? Could these choices actually improve my life?

Through research, recognition for that work, countless conversations, and a lot of unintentional experimentation, I discovered that the answer was yes. Navigating health changes, financial limitations, and a demanding lifestyle led me to a more intentional and fulfilling way of eating. What I learned transformed my relationship with food—and I’m honored to share those lessons with you.

Practical Tips for Eating Healthy on a Budget

1. Let Whole Foods Take Center Stage

Aim to have more whole foods—vegetables, fruits, and grains—on your plate than meat or starch. This not only improves nutrition but also stretches your grocery budget further.

2. Remember: Salt Is Not the Only Seasoning

Fresh herbs, garlic, and onions create incredible depth of flavor. Marinades can completely transform simple ingredients with very little effort or cost.

3. Less Is Not More

Healthy eating doesn’t mean tiny portions or deprivation. The goal is balance, nourishment, and satisfaction—not restriction.

4. Buy in Bulk and Mix It Up

Buying staples in bulk allows you to create endless combinations throughout the week without overspending.

5. Invest in a Broad, General Cookbook

A versatile cookbook can teach you techniques rather than just recipes, helping you stretch ingredients across multiple meals.

6. Get Curious About Nutrition

Understanding the health benefits of your favorite foods is empowering. Garlic, for example, has incredible immune-boosting properties, and ginger adds intensity to meals and smoothies while supporting digestion. Both are widely available and often cost less than $2.

7. Reimagine Your Favorite Comfort Foods

Create healthier versions of meals you already love.

8. Choose Oil or Butter—Not Both

Learn proper cooking temperatures and avoid seed oils like vegetable or canola. Opt instead for butter, ghee, or extra virgin olive oil. High-quality options can be found at stores like Costco or Trader Joe’s.

9. Respect Your Vegetables

Don’t overcook produce into mush. Slightly over-season instead. Vegetables should feel exciting—not like an obligation. When done right, they enhance your meal and cost significantly less than most proteins.

10. Be Strategic When Dining Out

Everyone deserves a takeout night or date night. Budget should never be the reason you feel deprived. The key is balance and intention—enjoy indulgences while staying mindful long-term.

Eating healthy on a budget isn’t about perfection—it’s about awareness, creativity, and respect for what nourishes us. This journey has taught me that fulfillment doesn’t come from excess, but from intention. And I like to think my father would still be proud—just for different reasons now.

How to Appear High Maintenance… on a Low-Maintenance Budget

By Siobhan Brooks | PolishedAesthetic.com

Let’s get one thing straight first: I’m not sure who started the narrative that high-maintenance women are villains society needs to humble—but I’ve never subscribed to it.

How shameful would it be to look at icons like Whitney Houston, Cindy Crawford, or Selma Hayek and say, “If I had the option to look that polished, I’d pass.” I’ve never heard anyone genuinely say that. What I have noticed, however, are two very common realities:

  1. Some women were never taught how to elevate their appearance.
  2. Others believe looking polished is financially out of reach or simply not worth the effort.

Neither of those is true.

A Lesson That Changed Everything

I thank God often for the path He placed me on early in life. I remember being in second grade when our librarian gathered us around a wall of portraits showcasing some of the most accomplished African American figures in U.S. history. That day, purpose was placed directly in my lap.

When I pointed to Madame C.J. Walker, something clicked—and I never looked back.

Fast-forward nearly 30 years. Aesthetics have become more extravagant, red carpets more dazzling, and socialites more accessible thanks to social media. Ironically, the maintenance routines behind those polished looks? They’re often very similar—and no longer secret.

After spending most of my adult life in the beauty industry, I can say this confidently: the biggest obstacle isn’t access—it’s gatekeeping and misinformation.

Looking polished, put-together, and highly favored should never feel unattainable.

High Maintenance Is a Mindset—Not a Price Tag

Over the years, I’ve helped young women, retired grandmothers, business owners, and stay-at-home moms learn how to cut corners strategically—not carelessly. The goal has always been the same: let your outer appearance reflect the beauty already living within you.

Your job is to walk through the door as the light God created you to be.

My job? To give you the aesthetic tools that keep every eye on you—without draining your wallet.

Let’s get into it.

1. Internal Health Always Shows on the Outside

Glow from within, my love.

Hydration and nourishment are the foundation of looking expensive without spending money.

Budget-friendly glow boosters:

These simple additions replenish your body faster than plain bottled water alone—and they help skin, digestion, and energy levels dramatically.

Affiliate-ready ideas: reusable water bottles, electrolyte powders, infused-water pitchers

2. Stop Doom Scrolling—Get Up and MOVE

We’ve all said, “I’ll go to the gym today.” Then today turns into next week… then next month.

Hear me out: movement does not require luxury activewear or expensive sneakers.

Our parents threw on Hanes sweats and Nike Airs, walked the dog, checked the mail, and still stayed fit.

Your energy, confidence, hair, skin, and nails will thank you—or thank me. 😉

Affiliate-ready ideas: affordable walking shoes, step trackers, at-home workout gear

3. Mental Clarity Shows Up in Photos—and Real Life

You are who you believe you are.

Confidence, peace, and clarity translate instantly—in pictures and in person. Confusion, bitterness, insecurity, and doubt? They sit right on the face.

Ask yourself:

Forgive. Release. Move forward.

Let the first thing people notice—and remember—be your unshakable confidence, genuine smile, and the light of God shining through you.

That alone can change any impression worth having.

4. Hair: Salon Results Without Salon Prices

I love a good salon visit—I always have. Even before I knew Madame Walker by name, I knew what a good wash and press felt like.

But let’s be real: it’s 2026. The girls know.

Between blogs, tutorials, social platforms, and community knowledge, you can achieve nearly any look at home with the right tools and techniques.

Sometimes all it takes is one strategic product upgrade to elevate your entire appearance. The right hair can turn a coffee date into a Michelin-star reservation.

I’ll be sharing detailed hair routines, product recommendations, and expert resources soon—so stay tuned for my Best Hair Conversations.

Affiliate-ready ideas: styling tools, heat protectants, professional-grade hair products

5. Skincare: Less Is More

I’ve tried it all—luxury brands, miracle serums, high-end promises—hoping for skin like Meagan Good, Miranda Kerr, or Salma Hayek.

The truth?

They keep it simple—and so should we.

Gentle formulations with high-quality ingredients outperform complicated routines every time. Consistency beats excess.

Simple skincare works for:

Healthy skin doesn’t need clutter—it needs care.

Affiliate-ready ideas: gentle cleansers, moisturizers, sunscreen, minimal skincare kits

6. Makeup Advice from a Former Regional Artist

Drama is out.

Enhancing your natural features will open more doors than a $35 lipstick ever could. Polished makeup gets you the job, the opportunity, and the attention you deserve.

Drugstore makeup has come a long way—some formulas perform just as well (if not better) than luxury brands.

I’ve tested products that last through weddings and evening receptions—and I’ll happily share the tried-and-true winners.

Affiliate-ready ideas: complexion products, lip essentials, everyday makeup kits

Final Thoughts

Looking high maintenance doesn’t mean being high effort—or high cost.

It means being intentional, informed, and confident. There is more than one way to get polished—and I’m here to show you how to make it work for your lifestyle.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Polished Aesthetic may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on professional experience and personal use.

Want more beauty, wellness, and lifestyle gems?
Visit PolishedAesthetic.com for expert tips designed to help you look polished, confident, and favored—every day.

How I Went From That to This

There was a time when I barely recognized myself.

At my heaviest, I was around 210 pounds and still gaining. I was relying on prescription medications, overwhelmed by stress, grieving personal loss, and doing my best just to keep up with everyday life. I was functioning—but not truly living.

And then… something shifted.

Not overnight. Not magically.
But intentionally.

My transformation didn’t start with a diet or a scale. It started with decision, discipline, and grace.

What Changed Everything for Me

I began addressing my life holistically—mind, body, and spirit. These were the intentional steps that helped move me from survival mode into alignment:

The Real Transformation

This journey wasn’t about perfection.
It was about alignment, awareness, and accountability.

I didn’t just lose weight—I gained clarity, confidence, and compassion for myself. And most importantly, I learned that transformation happens when you stop fighting yourself and start caring for yourself.

If you’re in a season where you feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from who you know you’re meant to be—know this:

“That” doesn’t have to be your forever.

Sometimes, “this” begins with one small, faithful step.

3 Things I Wish My Generation Knew Sooner About Hairstyling

By Siobhan Brooks for PolishedAesthetic.com

In an era of instant inspiration and constant trends,
we learned how to want hair—
but not always how to understand it.

With time, experience, and years behind the chair,
these are the lessons I wish were common knowledge sooner—
quiet truths that make all the difference.

1. A Proper Consultation Is the Foundation of Polished Results

A thorough consultation with an experienced professional
is not a luxury—it’s a strategy.

When your hair is assessed with intention,
your lifestyle considered,
and your long-term goals respected,
you discover your personal style faster
and with far less trial and error.

2. Quality Over Quantity Will Always Win

True polish doesn’t come from excess.

Investing in one or two high-quality tools and products
protects your hair, saves time,
and teaches patience and resourcefulness—
two qualities every well-maintained look requires.

Minimalism, when done right, is powerful.

3. Patience Is What Turns Maintenance Into Mastery

Hair responds to consistency, not urgency.

Patience creates precision.
Precision inspires confidence.
And confidence opens the door
to upgrades, innovation,
and elevated results over time.

Hairstyling is not just about how you look today—
it’s about how you care for yourself long-term.
That is where true polish begins.

Product Spotlight: Top 10 Essentials for Healthy, Clear & Glowing Skin

(With an Anti-Aging Bonus….thats not Tretinoin)

By Siobhan Brooks for Polished Suites & Aesthetics

Achieving healthy, radiant skin isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about consistency, intention, and choosing products that truly support your skin barrier. As a licensed cosmetologist and aesthetics professional, I often remind clients that glowing skin begins with the right foundation. Below are my top 10 skin essentials that deliver long-term results, clarity, and age-supportive benefits.

1. Simple Double Cleanse System

A proper cleanse sets the tone for your entire routine.

Why it matters: Clean skin absorbs treatments more effectively and stays balanced.

2. Targeted Serums

Serums are your skin’s treatment powerhouse.
Look for formulas with Vitamin C for brightness and Hyaluronic Acid for hydration.

Pro Tip: Well-hydrated skin allows sunscreen and active treatments to perform at their best year-round.

3. Chemical Exfoliants

Chemical exfoliants gently dissolve dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing.

Benefits include:

4. Disposable Cleansing Cloths

Using disposable cloths after cleansing helps minimize bacteria transfer from body towels and washcloths.

Best for: Acne-prone, sensitive, or post-treatment skin.

5. Satin Pillowcases

Satin allows the skin to glide smoothly overnight, reducing friction and unnecessary tugging.

Bonus: Helps preserve moisture and protects lashes and brows.

6. Azelaic Acid 15% (Prescription Grade)

A true multitasker for skin correction.

Supports:

7. Niacinamide

A skin barrier essential that strengthens, repairs, and balances.

Ideal for:

8. High-Frequency Wand

An advanced at-home or professional tool that uses oxygenation to support clearer skin.

Benefits:

9. Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

Sunscreen is non-negotiable.

Look for: Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher to protect against UVA and UVB damage—your best defense against premature aging and discoloration.

10. Consistency Over Perfection

The most powerful “product” in skincare is commitment. Even the best products only perform when used consistently and correctly.

Final Polished Thought

Healthy, glowing skin is not accidental—it’s cultivated. When you invest in quality products and pair them with professional guidance, your skin rewards you with clarity, resilience, and timeless beauty.

For personalized skincare consultations and professional-grade recommendations, visit Polished Suites & Aesthetics—where results meet refinement.

Product Spotlight: Top Hair Products for Soft, Healthy Hair & a Balanced Scalp

By Siobhan Brooks for PolishedAesthetic.com

Healthy hair begins at the scalp—and maintaining softness, shine, and strength requires intentional product choices and mindful care. Whether your goal is length retention, scalp balance, or overall hair vitality, these essential products create a strong foundation for beautiful, resilient hair.

1. Scalp Exfoliant

A healthy scalp is non-negotiable. Scalp exfoliants gently remove product buildup, excess oil, and dead skin cells that can clog follicles and slow hair growth. Regular exfoliation helps prevent scalp inflammation, improves circulation, and creates a clean, balanced environment where hair can thrive.

2. Hot Oil Treatment

This pre-shampoo treatment deeply nourishes both the scalp and hair. Hot oil treatments strengthen the hair shaft, replenish moisture, and improve elasticity while soothing dryness or irritation at the scalp. Ideal for restoring hydration and preventing breakage, especially for textured or chemically treated hair.

3. Shampoo & Conditioner Duo

Your cleansing system should do more than just clean. Look for formulas infused with Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides, which help attract moisture, support the hair’s internal structure, and reinforce weakened follicles. A balanced duo cleanses without stripping while rebuilding strength from root to tip.

4. Leave-In Conditioner

Leave-in conditioners provide continuous hydration between wash days. An ultra-moisturizing formula helps seal in moisture, improve manageability, reduce frizz, and maintain softness—especially important for clients extending time between washes.

5. Heat Protectant

Heat styling without protection compromises the integrity of the hair over time. A quality heat protectant shields strands from thermal damage caused by blow dryers, flat irons, and curling tools, preserving strength, elasticity, and long-term hair health.

Polished Hair Care Tips

At Polished Suites & Aesthetics, we believe hair care is a blend of science, consistency, and self-care. Choosing the right products—and using them intentionally—makes all the difference in achieving soft, healthy hair and a balanced scalp.

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