• how to become an esthetician in California
    Blog

    How To Become an Esthetician in California

    So you want to become an esthetician? That’s not surprising, especially with more and more emphasis on the importance of skincare. After watching countless videos on products, extractions, skin types, and maybe even other specialties like hair removal, you’re now an aspiring esthetician looking into esthetician schools. Don’t know where to start your esthetics career journey? I can help! My name is Adriana and I’ve been a California-licensed esthetician since 2010. And in this post, I’m going to go over how to become an esthetician in California. Jump To The Basics of Becoming an Esthetician in California What Is an Esthetician? What Does an Esthetician Do? How Long Does It…

  • natural looking eyelash extensions
    Blog,  Lash Extensions,  Lashes

    All About Natural Looking Eyelash Extensions

    I’ve been a lash artist since 2013. For the past decade, I’ve paid close attention to the evolution of eyelash extension styles. Classic lashes were EVERYWHERE when I first started and every year since then lashes have gotten bigger and bolder. From volume eyelash extensions to mega volume, big lashes have run their course. Now, makeup (and even skincare) trends are leaning more toward natural looks. People want a no makeup, makeup look–and natural looking eyelash extensions are back. I personally love classics–they’re my fav sets to do! And while I don’t think volume lashes are going anywhere, I do think that more people are going to appreciate classic lashes…

  • Lash Lift Service
    Blog,  Lashes

    Lash Lift 101: Everything You Need to Know

    If you are into beauty in any way, you’ve probably noticed the lash lift is having a moment. They’re a low maintenance service and I personally love them. I have been getting them done for many years–for so long, in fact, that back then they were still referred to as a lash perm. I’m a lash artist and when I still saw clients I focused on lash extensions. I never got into performing lifts so I don’t feel comfortable sharing only what I know about them. So, I interviewed licensed beauty pro, Ilene Avila of The Arch & Lash Room in Ventura, CA to get some more information for you.…

  • Blog

    4 Helpful Ways to Prepare For Eyelash Extensions

    Expect to spend 1.5-3ish hours getting your full set of eyelash extensions done. Timing depends on the type of lashes you’re getting and speed of the lash artist working on you. It’s also going to take longer (or it might take the same amount of time, you just won’t get a complete set) if you’re fidgeting too much, your eyelids are fluttering, you’re talking a lot, trying to answer or talk on your phone, or need to get up to use the restroom during your appointment. To maximize your appointment time, I suggest: Avoiding coffee Using the restroom immediately before Putting your phone away Taking a nap (you’ll wake up…

  • Blog

    What Causes Dark Circles Under Eyes?

    Dark under eye circles making you look tired? If you’ve ever wondered what causes dark circles under eyes you’re not alone. Dark circles are the result of a myriad of issues: some are easy fixes, others not so much. However, I’m going to do my best to address some that are more common and have easy(ish) solutions that may help, then introduce you to a new under eye product that I am loving right now.  What causes dark circles under eyes? (This list is nowhere near exhaustive.) Hyperpigmentation (darkening of the skin) Allergies Lack of sleep (affects circulation around the eyes) Dehydration (can cause hollowing around the eyes, which can…

  • skin cancer survivor_melanoma
    Blog

    A Skin Cancer Survivor’s Story

    My friend Amanda is one of the nicest, kindest people I know. She grew up in Southern California in a small beach community and loves the beach, traveling, yoga, reading, learning other languages, and just enjoying her life. At only 34 years old she was diagnosed with skin cancer, and she has graciously agreed to share her story. She hopes it can help at least one person avoid what she has had to go through.  A History of Tanning Amanda always wore sunscreen, especially on her face, but when she was in her early 20s she used tanning beds and laid out during the summers and baked. In fact, there…

  • Blog

    How does a spray tan work?

    Did you know that we offer spray tanning? Have you ever wondered how a spray tan works? Dihydroxyacetone (DHA) The color from a spray tan comes from the chemical Dihydroxyacetone (DHA).  DHA is often derived from plant sources like sugar beets and sugar cane, and works by interacting with the amino acids in dead skin cells to produce a brown color change. Maillard Reaction This color change occurs via the Maillard reaction – the same type of reaction that occurs in baking and roasting of foods (yes, you read that right). In turn, this reaction leads to the production of melanoidins which create the appearance of a tan. Kind of…

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    New Product: PREVENTION+ LIP ENHANCER SPF 15

    By now you know you should be using some type of daily sun protection on your body and that is great! But do you think to apply something daily to your lips for protection as well? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the leading risk factor for lip cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Interestingly, men get more lip cancers than women, perhaps because they work outdoors more and don’t use lip balms with SPF protection as often as women do. “the leading risk factor for lip cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Interestingly, men get more lip cancers than women, perhaps because they work outdoors…

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    Dream Feet Exfoliating Foot Mask Review

    I’ve been in the skincare business for over a decade now, and even before that I bought almost any skincare product that I could get my hands on. I’ve seen a lot of products and I like many of them, but it’s kind of rare for me to be really impressed with something. And you know what? The results I got from this Dream Feet Exfoliating Foot Mask have been beyond impressive. If you’re missing your pedicures like I am (I have two kids, it’s hard to get away), and your feet are sad and in need of some love because they’ve got 2+ month’s worth of dead, dry skin…

  • Image Skincare ORMEDIC balancing gel polisher
    Blog

    Image Skincare ORMEDIC Balancing Gel Polisher Review

    I love a good exfoliator – especially one that combines both chemical and physical exfoliants. Many exfoliators on the market are either chemical or physical, and sometimes it’s a little confusing when trying to decide which type is best for you if you don’t understand the difference. What exactly makes them different? Let’s take a look at the Image Skincare Ormedic Balancing Gel Polisher and find out. The difference between a chemical and physical exfoliator A chemical exfoliator is something that is going to exfoliate your skin by loosening the bonds that hold skin cells together, causing them to shed. Some examples of chemical exfoliants are: AHAs (glycolic acid, lactic…