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By Amy Zhang October 22, 2019 in Beauty 4 Comments

Joanna Vargas Triple Crown Facial Review

The concept of a “skin gym” had never crossed my mind until I visited Joanna Vargas recently for one of her signature treatments, the Triple Crown Facial. You might have heard of Joanna Vargas before. She’s an esthetician known for her celebrity roster (hello Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, and Rachel Weisz!) and holistic approach to skincare. That’s right, she’s responsible for some of Hollywood’s most glowing complexions. AND, she believes in a more natural, non-invasive approach to skincare. Her signature Triple Crown facial is known to contour, lift, and sculpt your face – aka, a gym session for your face. When I was invited to try out the Triple Crown Facial, you bet I booked my appointment immediately!

Triple Crown Facial Review

With home bases in New York and Los Angeles, Joanna’s LA salon is located inside the oh so chic Sunset Tower hotel in West Hollywood. If you haven’t been here for dinner, drinks, or a day by the pool, it’s a must-do in the area! Known for celebrity sightings, the hotel is very private and discreet – perfect for a date or catch up session with girlfriends.

The space was clean, minimalist, and relaxing.

I’ve been using Joanna Vargas’s Super Nova Serum (which I’ve raved about before) for almost a year, so I knew her products were natural and of the highest quality. The spa experience also did not disappointment. Before my facial treatment, I first spent 20 minutes in the LED light bed. It looks like a tanning bed, but doesn’t have any of the harmless UV lights a tanning bed does. Joanna swears by LED light therapy. Some of the purported benefits include lowering your blood pressure, improving burns and acne, and minimizing fine lines. The technology is still new and treatments are expensive, but the sessions have already built a cult following.

Next, we moved to the facial treatment itself.

The treated started with microdermabrasion – a painless process of gently exfoliating your skin with a wand that reduces the appearance of fine lines, sun damage, and light acne scars. Essentially it is next level exfoliating that leaves your skin feeling incredible. It’ll feel noticeably smoother which results in better absorption of your skincare products. What’s the point in buying expensive products if they just sit on the top of your skin? After, they cleansed with Joanna Vargas’s Vitamin C Face Wash, which is now at the top of my to buy list. My esthetician Laura (highly recommend!) then used a series of mask – I loved that they used organic Eminence products in addition to Joanna Vargas products – and then began the microcurrent component of the treatment.

I was a little worried about the term microcurrent facial and wasn’t sure if I would be able to feel electricity pulsing through my face. For the most part, I didn’t feel anything more than light buzzing as Laura sculpted areas of my face with her wand. We finished with an oxygen blast and then I was out the door! The entire facial took a little under an hour.

Afterwards, my skin was so unbelievably glowy and soft, and I could have sworn my cheekbones were more pronounced. I wouldn’t say the results were similar to more invasive treatments. If you are looking for a natural boost before an event or a treatment to incorporate into your skin routine, this would be the facial I recommend. I didn’t have to wear any makeup and my skin just glowed. The results lasted over a week, and I’m already planning my next treatment before an event.

I also went home with several of Joanna’s best products.

My favorite Super Nova Serum, the Glow to Go Mask Set, and the Bright Eye Hydration Mask.

Joanna Vargas is known for her masks and known for traveling with them everywhere. Next on my list to buy are her Vitamin C face wash and her Rescue Face Serum. I love Vitamin C in my skincare products. It’s an active ingredient that will actually make a difference on your skin.

The treatments at Joanna Vargas are expensive, but they do offer discounts if you buy them in packages (think of buying packages of gym sessions as opposed to individual sessions – you’re incentivized to come regularly and consistently to see the best results!). As someone who is super results-oriented, I would rather pay more for a facial that gives me results I can’t get at home. As opposed to paying to have someone wash and moisturize my face. If I’m planning on splurging on a facial, it will definitely be on the Triple Crown Facial. I’m looking forward to incorporating it more regularly into my beauty regimen before the wedding.

By Amy Zhang October 11, 2019 in Beauty 4 Comments

New Beauty Products I Love

It’s been a while since I did a beauty roundup! I am constantly testing new products and lines (sometimes my skin loves this, other times it freaks out – all for the sake of research, am I right?) and have to filter out a lot of mediocre or downright bad products to get to the good stuff. Authenticity and transparency are key when you’re giving product recommendations, and I take this very seriously!

With that said, I totally understand skincare is such a personal thing and varies from person to person. But every now and then you come across products that really do work and are worth the price. So today, I wanted to share the ones that are new to me that I absolutely LOVE. See my favorite new beauty products from the past few months below. If you’ve come across anything lately that has been a game-changer, please share! I’m all about helping each other out here.

New Beauty Products I Love

Cle Cosmetics CCC Cream

Although I generally avoid wearing too much makeup during the week (my skin behaves much more when it’s clean), I have found myself reaching for this CCC cream more often lately when I want to even out my skin tone or give the appearance of a slightly more natural glow. I wear the shade “warm medium” and find this formula to be smoothing and hydrating, while providing medium coverage. It also has added SPF, which is a must for me. I think the finish is very natural, but you can definitely layer on if you want more coverage.

Eve Lom Radiance Antioxidant Eye Cream

My love for eye cream is a recent development (thank you, late 20s). I never understood the purpose of eye cream until I met this one by Eve Lom (which is probably my favorite new skin care brand of the year!!). It’s so luxurious and thick, a little really does go a long way. My fine lines and puffiness are dramatically reduced after I use this. This will definitely be a repeat purchase for me.

Innis Free Orchid Youth-Enriched Cream

I love how lightweight yet moisturizing this cream is. It has almost a jelly like consistency that makes it feel incredibly light and fluffy, but doesn’t just sit on top of your skin. I learned that Innis Free is the top selling skincare brand in South Korea (part of the AmorePacific family) and I can see why – their products are geared towards younger women who may not be able to afford a high end 10 step skincare routine, but still want quality products they can use daily to maintain their skin.

Drunk Elephant C-Firma Vitamin C Serum

If you aren’t using a vitamin C serum yet you really need to be. Vitamin C is an active ingredient (meaning it will actually do something to your skin) that hydrates and brightens the skin. This particular product is fairly concentrated and does oxidize after 6 months or so. I don’t usually use up full size products this quickly so a small tip: I actually buy the smaller travel size to ensure I use up all of the product before it oxidizes.

Eve Lom Cleansing Oil Capsules

A lot of people have issues with cleansing oil. I traditionally have in the past despite having the driest, most dehydrated skin ever. However, this Eve Lom cleansing oil is gold (consistently shows up in “Best of Beauty” lists) and the capsules are perfect for traveling or if you don’t know how much to use.

Joanna Vargas Supernova Serum

Yes, this is pricey, but if you’re looking for a quality retinol product, I really can’t recommend it enough. The nice thing about high-end serums is they actually last forever. If you’re going to spend on one thing, I would start with your face. If you’re new to retinol, you won’t even need to use it every night, which will further help extend its shelf life. Start with once a week and work your way up to every other night if you aren’t sure how your skin will react to retinol. I see a noticeable difference in my skin when I use this consistently.

Hum Nutrition Red Carpet Supplement

Not a skincare product per se, but vitamins are technically part of a beauty regimen! I am really terrible at taking vitamins but have noticed a difference in my hair and nails when I actively take these. Being a very results driven person, that is enough motivation to keep going!

By Amy Zhang September 5, 2019 in Lifestyle, Style 1 Comment

3 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Footprint on the Environment

With everything that is going on in the news now, I wanted to take a minute to address sustainability and influencer marketing. I think the environment is a really important topic on a lot of our minds. We could all do more to reduce our footprint that we are leaving on this planet. When it comes to being green and an influencer, it can get a little tricky. Of course it is possible to care about the environment and be an influencer for a living. But I couldn’t help but notice how many aspects of influencer marketing are wasteful. And probably not so great for the environment.

To begin with, influencers are essentially promoting consumerism all the time. By definition, brands utilize influencers to “influence” their target audience to purchase and consume certain products. The downside of our convenience driven, on-demand culture is starting to show in our environment. The reality is, having everything available to buy at the click of a button, with 2 day shipping and free returns, is not great for our planet. I am someone who straddles the line between consumer and influencer. Blogging on the side while maintaining a full time job gives me insight into a few different perspectives I might not otherwise have. I do feel guilt when I receive elaborate boxes of gifted products. Or when I only wear something once before giving it away.

As a disclaimer, this is not to bash on influencers in any way! I understand the market behind influencers, PR packages, gifted clothing, sponsored content – maybe a topic for another post – and am not implying in any way that it is bad or should not exist. I really wanted to take a moment and reflect on many of our purchase and consumption habits, and offer up simple ways to be less wasteful and a little more green. Some of my thoughts are more geared towards influencer marketing, but I think a more thoughtful approach to consumption is something we could all benefit from!

3 Easy Ways to Reduce Your Footprint As An Influencer

1. Say no to unnecessary gifted product

Yes, unboxing videos are fun, and who doesn’t love receiving presents in the mail? But at a certain point (you’ll know when your house starts to look like a UPS center), there is such a thing as too much product. Working with brands and sharing your favorite products is great and all. But if you’re not using all of your beauty and skincare products, and you’re not even wearing everything you receive, it might be time to start cutting back and telling brands to limit the PR packages. It also feels wasteful when a brand sends their entire line of foundation or concealer. Obviously, one person cannot have every skin tone! Some brands have recently started including options for recycling unused product with their PR packages. This is a move I love and can certainly get behind.

2. Conscious consumption

On a similar note, we all stand to benefit from looking at our closets and bathrooms. Let’s examine what we actually use and wear on a regular basis. By only buying items and clothing we actually use and practicing more conscious purchasing behaviors, we’ll be gentler on both our wallets and the environment. Eliminating or reducing your purchases at fast fashion retailers is a simple step as well you can take.

3. Consider renting clothing

Hey, there is absolutely zero shame in the rental game. I wrote a review about Rent the Runway’s Unlimited service a while back. After taking a break and trying it out again, I have to say it has become greatly improved! The selection of designers and items on the platform continue to get better. If the chance of wearing the same dress as your coworker or best friend doesn’t sound so fun to you, never fear! A whole slew of new high-end rental companies are popping up. Check out Fashaholic, Armarium, and Novo Octo. I’ve been using the Unlimited service for the last month and already rented some items I absolutely love – including this Ulla Johnson maxi dress that is wearable for both work and play.

What are your thoughts on incorporating more sustainability into your everyday life as a fashion girl?

By Amy Zhang August 20, 2019 in Lifestyle, Style 2 Comments

What I Want to Workout In – Alo Yoga & More

Aside from being motivated to work out more when wearing cute clothes, new workout gear is actually functional as well. If you workout on the reg and have been wearing the same clothes for a few years, chances are it’s time to toss your old leggings and tank and invest in some new gear. Believe it or not, the fabric in most workout clothes won’t hold up past a year (high quality brands such as Lululemon and Alo hold up for much longer, in my experience) before you notice threads coming loose and hems fraying. Quality doesn’t always equal price, but with workout clothes you get what you pay for. I’ve had Lululemon leggings from 6+ years ago that look better than brands that shall not be named after 6 months. If you’re looking for some stylish new clothes to sweat or lounge in, look no further for inspiration.

I’m wearing this tank, these leggings (highly recommend the high waisted version over the regular!!), and these sneakers.

What I Want: Workout Clothes

Shop the items by clicking directly on the image

+ Nike Zoom Vista Grind

These have been on my wishlist for a while. The neon color is so fun. They also come in slightly more muted hues if you want something a little more low key. These can be styled to be a little more uptown as well by pairing a biker shorts with a blazer.

+ Tie-dye hoodie

Perfect layering piece for the summer. Wear this to and from the gym, running errands, laying around doing nothing…

+ Alo sports bra

Not the most supportive bras (I would not recommend doing any sort of cardio or HIIT in most Alo bras). But this fabric is so incredibly comfortable.

+ Alo jacket

It’s hard to imagine wearing a black jacket outside right now. But trust me when I say that in a month or two you will be happy to have one. A zip up is ideal for running around and walking outside. Plus, you have the added bonus of actually looking cute enough to swing by a coffee or brunch date after your workout.

+ All Access Biker Shorts

I bought a matching set from All Access earlier this year. It’s possibly my favorite fitness purchase of the year to date. The fabric is moisture wicking and cooling, and the waistband on the leggings is so flattering. I’m a recent convert to biker shorts (so late to the trend, I know) – this pair from All Access works on the street and in the gym.

+ Alo lounge pants

I live in lounge pants over the weekend. I wish I could say I looked put together walking my dog or running errands, but I’m really all about comfort over fashion 90% of the time. These are perfect for travel as well.

By Amy Zhang August 19, 2019 in Lifestyle, Style 13 Comments

My Favorite Weekend Getaway Destinations in California

My Favorite Roadtrip Destinations in California | by The Luxi Look

I love where I live, but I also love getting away for the weekend. One of the best parts of living in California is the number of amazing weekend getaways that are only a quick drive away. No flight necessary! Maybe I’ve been living in cities for too long, but a smooth ride with no stop and go traffic feels like a breath of fresh air. As much as I love keeping a travel bucket list and bookmarking new destinations to visit, a quick roadtrip is sometimes all you need to come back feeling refreshed. Here are some of my favorite roadtrip destinations in California, and ones that are on my bucket list.

My favorite weekend roadtrips from LA

+ San Diego

I visited San Diego last year and had an absolute blast. It definitely became one of my favorite SoCal cities – read more about my trip and itinerary here.

+ Palm Springs

Palm Springs is really one of my homes away from home. I love the desert, any time of year, no matter how hot it is. I’ve loved every place I’ve stayed at, but my favorites are Korakia Pensione and the Parker. Once you visit Palm Springs, you’ll know why.

+ Joshua Tree

Technically less than an hour from Palm Springs, but I typically visit the two separately. While Palm Springs is wonderful for food and laying by a pool, Joshua Tree feels more spiritual and down to earth. Not to mention, it’s just incredibly beautiful.

+ Big Sur

The road to Big Sur is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful drives in the entire country. Make sure to take the route along the ocean, and not the one that goes through farmlands in Central California : ).

+ San Francisco

Technically too far for my liking from Los Angeles, but I couldn’t leave SF out. The drive is doable and better with friends – but to be honest, a plane ticket is around the same price and much more convenient (IMO).

+ Napa Valley

Again, too far to drive to from Los Angeles – I’ve flown from LAX to Sonoma County and the flight was cheap and fast. I’d highly recommend. If you haven’t visited wine country in Northern California yet, it’s a lot of fun with your girlfriends or significant other.

+ Solvang / Santa Ynez

I loved visiting Santa Ynez for wine tasting and staying at nearby Solvang (definitely check out The Landsby if you can!).

Roadtrip Destinations in California Wishlist

+ Ojai

I’ve been wanting to visit Ojai and stay at the Ojai Valley Inn for years. Only a couple hours out of the city, Ojai is a peaceful wellness sanctuary to recharge and unwind.

+ Yosemite

The natural beauty in Yosemite National Park is unparalleled – I’m not usually the type of person to camp, but I would make an exception when visiting the park.

+ Tahoe

The beauty of California is in how many different types of climates and land there are across the state. Tahoe is beautiful in winter and summer, depending on what you are looking for. It’s a little too far for driving from LA for my liking, so I may choose to fly into San Francisco and then drive for a ski weekend next winter .

Stay tuned for travel diaries and itineraries from upcoming roadtrips. If you have any questions at all about any of the destinations, please leave them below.

matching set: spell | hat: lack of color | boots: marc fisher

bag: saint laurent from tradesy (get $50 off your first purchase with my code AMYZ50)

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