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By Amy Zhang August 18, 2019 in Beauty 2 Comments

Worth the Hype? An Honest Hydrafacial Review

An Honest Hydrafacial Review | by The Luxi Look

There’s nothing like wedding planning to motivate you to get your sh*t in gear. Now that the clock is ticking, I’ve found myself more conscious and willing to invest more time and money on my appearance (namely – skin) than any other occasion in my life. To be honest, I’ve wanted to try a hydrafacial for some time but have historically been terrible about maintenance (the last facial I received was over a year ago, yikes!). As I’m approaching the age of 30 and have my upcoming nuptials as an excuse to try new skincare treatments, I made the decision to finally get a hydrafacial. I went to Avant Aesthetics in Beverly Hills and loved my experience so much I had to share (and am ready to book my next appointment in a month!). If you’re like me and doing tons of research on the best skincare treatments for natural glowing skin, want to know WTF a hydrafacial is, and if it’s worth the price, keep on reading for my honest review.

What is a hydrafacial?

It’s not your average facial – a hydrafacial is actually a treatment performed by a special device that is actually medical grade. The treatment is patented and consists of three parts – cleansing, exfoliating, and injecting your skin with serums and moisture. Only certified machines and technicians can perform hydrafacials – but don’t worry, you can find this treatment almost anywhere, and it’s for almost anyone!

It’s honestly amazing for all skin types. Whatever your skin type is, you can benefit from a hydrafacial. It is not just for dry skin only. There are benefits to regular facials in general. For example, exfoliating dead skin and clearing out your pores so your skin can absorb product better. Hydrafacials take these benefits to the next level through their special equipment and technology. Their cleansing and exfoliating tool gently cleans your skin. And it eliminates all of the dead skin cells on the surface. Their serum infusing tool is like a surge of moisture to your face. You get all of the benefits of manual extractions, but it’s virtually painless! You can also add on various boosters to address an array of problems – from dark spots to acne.

Now for the cost of a hydrafacial – because it’s a standard treatment that can be done across the country, the pricing and experience is fairly consistent. It will vary a bit by region and practice. You can expect a hydrafacial to cost between $150-$300 depending on where you go. I looked around online and the average price is around $200. The best part of a hydrafacial, in my opinion, is it is an instant gratification treatment. Lasers and peels require a lot of downtime. But the results from a hydrafacial are instant (and they last!).

My Honest Hydrafacial Review

I wasn’t sure what to expect and if the hydrafacial would be worth the price. My verdict? I absolutely loved it. My skin felt incredible after my facial – plump, soft, and smooth. As someone who has chronically dry and sensitive skin, it felt like a much-needed drink of water. The photo below is of my skin after my hydrafacial. I didn’t need to wear any makeup at all, and all of my fine lines were gone. Whether you’re looking for routine maintenance or have a red carpet event in a day, a hydrafacial is a great treatment. Do it on its own or combined with others to give your skin a natural glow that will last for a week. I will definitely be doing this treatment consistently. About once every month or two. I look forward to updating this post with more information and reviews!

By Amy Zhang August 3, 2019 in Beauty 4 Comments

Get That Glow: At Home &Spray Tanning Tips for Your Best {Fake} Tan

Get That Glow, Girl standing with tan skin

For the sake of your skin (and your future self), if you’re going to tan, make it sunless with these sunless tanning tips and products. Fake tans have come a long way over the past decade. There’s absolutely no reason to compromise your future skin anymore by laying out in the sun all of the time or even worse – going to a tanning bed. This is one area I wish I had listened to my elders when I was younger, but it’s fine – you live and you learn. I’m a slave to sunscreen, floppy hats, and minimizing my exposure to sun these days. If I really want some color I will opt to sunless tanning – a good spray tan will make you instantly look five pounds lighter!

No time to make it into a salon or don’t have the budget for an at-home tan?
Quality sunless tanning products are also not to be underestimated.

Sunless Tanning Products

To begin my sunless tan tips, there are some really good products you can use at home (I love St. Tropez mousse, Isle of Paradise drops, and Tan Luxe tan solution) – but the easiest of all is a good spray tan. Recently I got an at home spray tan with Vita Liberata and now I’m obsessed. One of my favorite blogs, The Skinny Confidential, got into my head years ago and I’ve never forgotten her words – “If you can’t tone it, tan it.” A spray tan does wonders for your skin’s overall appearance and also makes it look like you’ve been putting extra time in the gym, even if you haven’t.

Here are all the sunless tan tips you need to get the best spray tan possible.

The Spray Tan Tips You Need

For fool-proof, streak-free sunless tans, it might be appropriate to enlist a professional. In Los Angeles, I love Heather Tans and Vita Liberata (they come directly to your home!!). You still have to put in a little effort to ensure you get the best spray tan possible, but it’s very minimal. The entire process is easy and quick -which is why I love it so much!! Here’s what you need to do –

Pre Spray Tanning Tips

+ The night before, exfoliate and shave. Now is the time to use a dry brush! You want to avoid doing this after you get your spray tan, otherwise you will essentially be sloughing off your tan. Ideally, you would do this the day of your tan, but the night before is fine as well. Before the spray tan, you want the smoothest possible base to ensure your tan goes on evenly. Afterwards, be sure to moisturize!!

+ Immediately before the tan, make sure to use barrier cream!! Your technician should have to give you, but you will want to put some on your feet and hands so they don’t turn out orange.

+ Make sure your skin is clean before getting a spray tan. Avoid lotion and makeup! You want a clean surface for the product to stick to.

+ Leave your jewelry at home! You don’t want to be wearing any when you get your spray tan.

+ If you’re leaving the house to get a spray tan, wear dark and loose-fitting clothing (you’ll appreciate this afterward when you are especially conscious of rubbing your new tan on anything white or light colored!). For shoes, wear flip flops or rubber slides.

The Spray Tan Process

+ Ask for some light contouring – a really good spray tan will accent and hide the appropriate areas!

+ Every spray tan formula is different. Be sure to ask your technician how long to keep the formula on before showering. For at least the next 4-8 hours, avoid sweating and showering. Some formulas continue to darken over 8+ hours, so how dark you want your spray tan to become will also impact how long to keep the initial formula on.

+ Wear what you feel comfortable in. Everyone is different! Your technician will typically tell you how to stand and adjust to make sure every part of your body is covered evenly.

After Spray Tan Tips

+ Wear loose fitting clothing after spray tanning. The formula should dry quickly but you do want to avoid it rubbing off. Tight or white clothes are a major no no. This is the time to whip out old t shirts and sweatpants.

+ If you’re going to bed, I would recommend laying down sheets you don’t mind getting dirty or sleeping on a towel. For this reason, I recommend getting spray tans at night – that way you can change into loose clothes, sleep, and wake up and rinse.

+ Don’t shower or workout for the next 24 hours. You don’t want your tan to streak or wash off early. Also avoid applying makeup if possible. Again, you] want to prolong your tan as long as possible.

+ Apply moisturizer on your entire body every day. You don’t want dry skin flaking off as this will make your tan look splotchy and uneven. This will keep your tan looking even and fresh as long as possible. Using a light at home tanning formula can also help prolong your color and cover up any streaks if they come up.

More Sunless Tanning Tips

+ To prolong your spray tan, moisturize and avoid over-exfoliating or washing off your tan. A good spray tan will fade evenly over the next week or two.

Are you a fan of spray tans? What has your experience been like? xx

dress: reformation | bag: box of style | sunglasses: raen | shoes: similar

You might also like, At Home Self Tanning Tips and Best Affordable Brands for Summer Style.

By Amy Zhang July 8, 2019 in Beauty, Lifestyle 2 Comments

Worth the Hype? Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask Review

As a longtime fan and follower of Marianna Hewitt, I was super stoked when she launched her skincare line “Summer Fridays” – simple, clean beauty that promised glowing skin and natural ingredients. Oh, and can we take a second to talk about how cute the name and branding is?! Of course, anytime a product is launched by an influencer or on social media, it’s natural to be slightly skeptical. I knew I wanted to try this mask out for myself and see if it was more than just an Instagrammable brand and packaging.

My Honest Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask Review

This mask promises to be a powerful skincare tool – on the website, the product description reads:

You don’t have to be a jetsetter to have that lag.

Upgrade your skin to a business-class complexion—no matter what time your red-eye gets in, or what time your head hits the pillow. This uber-dewy, hydrating mask soothes thirsty, stressed-out skin by steeping cells in a nourishing mix of vitamins, ceramides, antioxidants and gently exfoliating extracts. Skin looks instantly renewed, radiant and ready for anything!

Non-comedogenic, no phthalates, surfactants, petrolatums, BHT, BHA, or silicones

It’s vegan, paraben free, sulfate free, does not contain any synthetic dyes or fragrances, and is not tested on animals.

“Jet Lag” Mask Ingredients

The primary ingredients in the mask are chestnut extract, vitamin C, and niacinamide. These ingredients claim to polish and exfoliate dead skin, brighten skin tone, and improve skin tone and fine lines.

Overall, I love how natural the ingredients are. My skin also tends to be on the drier side, so I love anything that promises hydration and moisturizing benefits.

As far as the benefits of the mask go, it’s exactly what I was looking for in terms of a moisturizing and overnight mask. I also travel often (and frequently take red eyes!), so an easy to pack mask that I can wear on long haul flights is also important to keep my skin healthy and glowing.

How to Use

I’ve worn this as an overnight mask (applied a thin layer before bed and rinsed my face in the morning) and loved how plump and dewy my skin looks and feels in the morning. I’ve also used it as a deep moisturizing mask after an exfoliating mask – I have Summer Fridays “Overtime” mask as well, which they suggest to use before Jet Lag. I also love my weekly date with Drunk Elephant’s Baby Facial, which leaves my skin incredibly thirsty – Jet Lag is the perfect follow up!

I also like it as an extra layer of hydration to plump up the skin before makeup application. The website suggests using as a primer (avoiding the area around the eyes) before foundation, and it definitely helps create a smoother canvas if you are doing your makeup.

The tube is also easy to use and transport, and fits easily in my toiletry bag for when I travel. It works perfectly for what it’s named after!

Results

Overall, I loved this mask. It works well on flights (short or long haul) and I love waking up to soft, glowing skin. But I do want to say, I don’t think this mask is for everyone. I’ve read my fair share of mixed reviews online, so I was initially hesitant to try it out for myself. And at almost $50, it definitely isn’t the most affordable mask out there. However, I do recommend this mask for drier skin types that could use the extra hydration. If your skin breaks out easily, you may want to avoid.

Personally, I found “Overtime” to be a little too harsh for my skin, but Jet Lag was a welcome addition to my skincare routine. I’ll be bringing this on all LAX – NYC red eyes from now on.

Have you tried any of Summer Friday’s products? Do you have any favorite sleep masks?

If you like this Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask review, also, check out Bali Body Review, An Honest Glossier Review and I Tried Rent the Runway Unlimited. Here’s My Honest, Unbiased Review.

By Amy Zhang July 7, 2019 in Beauty 2 Comments

Color Camp

I’m all about simplifying my beauty routine. I like to keep things relatively low maintenance and minimal. But one thing I cannot give up is a good manicure. I feel like having well groomed nails makes you look instantly more put together. As far as where to go for a manicure, I have my favorites in Los Angeles. When I really want to spice up my manicure, I go to Color Camp.

It seems like these days everyone is trying to do a million things at once – but there’s something to be said for sticking to one thing and doing it well. That’s where Color Camp comes into play. It’s not your typical mom and pop nail salon – it’s a place where you go to get your nails done if you’re serious about nail art and design.

Think of Color Camp as a “Drybar for nails”

Color Camp is currently in Los Angeles only. They only do one thing (manicures) and they do them extremely well. I’ve only gone for gel manicures, but their regular polish manicures are worth the wait and advance reservation as well. My gel nails easily lasted 3 weeks and still looked brand new (with the exception of my nail growth). Sorry ladies, they don’t do acrylics – natural nails only!

The first thing you notice when you walk in is the magnetic wall of nail polish colors. They have every color you can imagine, as well as suggestions for nail art. If you don’t like one of their seasonal designs, that’s ok too. Bring in a photo of a design and chances are one of their nail artists will be able to recreate it for you. Think foil, delicate designs, prints, dried flowers, etc.

Where Color Camp really shines is their nail art on gel manicures.

If you have to remove gel, they steam the gel off, which is much less harsh on your nails. Afterwards, the polish is meticulously applied. The type of gel polish and the way they apply it makes the gel incredibly durable and long lasting. On top of that, I swear it helps your nails grow (and they never break!). I always go for the Super Gel, which is $10 extra and worth the splurge. I swear it makes your nails grow like crazy and keeps them healthy, even if you’re a gel manicure addict like me.

They have a menu of nail art – including a constantly changing seasonal menu.

Nail art ranges from $1-5 per nail. I always get so many compliments on my nails when I come here.

Currently Color Camp only has one location in Los Angeles – but I hear they’re expanding! Make sure you book your appointments in advance – they book up and cancellations are rare. If you want a fun manicure that lasts, I highly recommend Color Camp. Perfect for those days when you just want to treat yourself! xx

Color Camp – 7607 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

For more beauty, see what happened when I removed my eyelash extensions & why you should brush your lips.

By Amy Zhang June 26, 2019 in Lifestyle 12 Comments

Part Time Blogger Tips

It’s hard to believe I’ve been blogging for almost four years. My blog has always been a balancing act with a full-time job, including some internal role changes and moving to a new company a year ago. As tough as it’s been, it’s also incredibly rewarding.

It has not always been easy balancing the two, as blogging is incredibly time-consuming and a very real career on its own! But I’ve found a balance that works (for me) and learned a lot along the way on how to manage it all. I wanted to share my experience because I know there are a lot of other people doing the same (juggling a “side hustle” or multiple side projects with their 9 to 5 jobs) and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. From how I schedule my shoots to tools and resources you should invest in (whether it’s doing outreach to brands using cold call email or a scheduling tool for your social media accounts)

Since I started my blog I’ve watched so many girls make the transition from working full time to being a full-time blogger. I’ve also met countless others who dived straight in without any hesitation. The truth is, it doesn’t have to be – you just have to figure out what works for you.

Part Time Blogger Tips

+ Prioritize

This is the most important thing by far. We all have the same 24 hours in a day. As much as I wish I could do it all (aka have my cake and eat it too), the reality is I can only do so much in a day without completely sacrificing sleep and burning out completely. Personally, I have always prioritized my career first. Blogging is a priority as well, but only after I finish everything in the office.

If I do plan on working on my blog during the week, it happens in the morning before I leave for the office or in the evening, typically after 8pm. On the weekends I try to make a very targeted plan of attack and tackle high priority blog items (shoots, campaigns, and writing blog posts), typically at the expense of social plans. I don’t do this every week, but making lists and prioritizing the 1 or 2 things that have to get done every day makes it feel much more manageable than trying to handle an overly ambitious to-do list. Then there are days, and even weeks, that the blog ends up on the back burner. I try not to beat myself up over it and be too hard on myself.

Working full time and blogging is not for everyone but it’s what works for me

Having your own blog or side project is such a wonderful outlet and the skills you learn through building something on your own are transferable to anything you choose to do next.

I know a lot of girls thinking about starting a blog have a clear goal of making it their full time job and make money blogging. If that is your vision, by all means make a plan and prioritize the steps that it will take you to get there! If you work full time but want to make the transition to working for yourself as a blogger, it will take extra work and sacrifice, but it is totally doable if you stay laser focused and constantly remind yourself of your goal.

+ Schedule time to write regularly

Even though many bloggers don’t even have a website anymore, writing has always been important to me. I’m a firm believer that you only get better at a task if you dedicate time and focus to improving. It’s an easy thing to let fall to the wayside, but blocking in my calendar to write, even if it is only in 20 minute increments, makes a huge difference in helping me push content out on my page. Even if the internet says blogs are dead, I beg to differ – search engines are still key, and I’ve seen my traffic to my blog grow consistently over the past few years.

+ Be efficient at shoots

Because I cannot shoot every day or at the drop of a hat, preparation is everything. Efficiency is of the upmost importance when it comes to content creation if you are working full time – I like to batch my looks and create mood boards and shot lists in advance of shoots so I make sure I do not miss anything and can meet campaign requirements and deadlines. If deadlines are tight I make sure to communicate dates and expectations in advance – brands understand that not everyone is a full time blogger or works from home and has the flexibility to shoot anytime.

+ Spend time on your blog every day

Whether your goal is to be a full time blogger or not, this is very important. The most well intentioned goals won’t be met if you do not dedicate time towards reaching them! Inaction is one of my absolute biggest pet peeves. Spending time, even if it’s just a little, on your blog every day will pay off in dividends. It can be hard to stay motivated to shoot content, post on social media, edit photos, and write blog posts when you are already juggling so many other things. But if you commit even 15 minutes a day to a small tasks or research, you will see growth and success over time. You can absolutely monetize your blog over time; reading up on affiliate marketing and other social media platforms is still productive over the long run.

+ Collaborate with other bloggers

If you are looking to grow, networking and collaboration is a great way to do so. I saw tremendous growth when I was attending events regularly and meeting other girls. Over time I made friends in the industry as well – it is always worth investing in yourself and network.t

+ Outsource important tasks

I highly recommend doing this! As much as I would love to do everything myself, I have to prioritize (see the first point above) where I spend my time. For example, one very time-consuming piece I often outsource is photography. I would much rather invest my time and money on a good photographer who understands my vision and can shoot efficiently, than spend all weekend taking photos and editing them less well. This doesn’t mean I don’t think creative direction and photography are important – they so are! – but if you are pressed for time, I encourage thinking of various tasks that may be better to outsource.

+ Put yourself first

Again, it is important to practice self love and self care. At the end of the day, you are no good for anything if you are completely burned out and miserable. If I am exhausted after work or not feeling super social, I will not attend events. Now that I am in busy mode at work, I RSVP “no” from the get go often. I also will try to only have plans 2 nights during the week so I can save time for myself. If I know I have a busy week of work, I will schedule shoots and campaign deadlines later. Burning the candle at both ends is not sustainable. I’ve learned over time that it simply isn’t possible to say “yes” to everything. It all comes down to prioritization and your goals.

+ Don’t be afraid to ask or pay for help!

When it comes to being efficient, at some point you have to outsource some tasks. It’s not about working harder, but smarter. Invest in your mental health and business by identifying areas you don’t love doing (whether it’s graphic design, video editing, etc.) and outsource it! As your side hustle grows, you’ll also want to start paying for some tools to make things easier on yourself. If you’re an e-comm business, investing in good email marketing is key. Maybe you want to do outreach to promote yourself or your product. The key is to identify your weak areas and find someone who does them well so you can free up time to do what you’re best at.

Any other girls balancing a full time job and a blog or side hustle? What does “balance” look like for you?

Outfit is from Princess Polly – check out their site for the cutest stuff!

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