The Luxi Look | LA based fashion and lifestyle blog

By Amy Zhang March 11, 2019 in Recipes, Wellness 2 Comments

The Best Refreshing, Low-Cal, Vegan Afternoon Snack: Watermelon with Tajin

Every year as the weather gets warmer, I automatically crave lighter and healthier foods. It’s almost as if hibernation is over and my body is naturally telling me to start moving again, get some Vitamin D, and put down the box of Girl Scout Cookies (fun fact; Thin Mints are vegan). Now that I’m looking for healthier and more natural snacks, I’ve started to look for ways to make fruits and vegetables a little more exciting. That’s where watermelon with Tajin comes in. If you’ve never had watermelon with Tajin, you’re honestly missing out.

It’s one of my favorite guilt free snacks for so many reasons. Watermelon is high in fiber and filled with water, which makes it the perfect hydrating summertime snack. Add some Tajin and lime and you have a little salty, a little sweet, and a little eat. The IDEAL healthy and easy snack that you’ll want to eat all the time. I buy this from the fruit carts around LA and make it at home myself. It’s literally the easiest thing to make (my kind of cooking is “non cooking”). And although I crave it even more in the summer, I’ll eat it all year long. I love fruit and vegetables with Tajin so much. Honestly, I travel with a little bottle of Tajin in my bag. No shame there.

What is Tajin?

It’s a popular Mexican seasoning used to give foods a chili lime flavor. Tajin ingredients are simple – chili peppers, salt, dehydrated lime juice, and silicon dioxide. If you’re worried about silicon dioxide, you’ll be relieved to know that it is commonly used in foods without any side effects. According to the EPA, it falls on the second to lowest degree of toxicity rating scale. Tajin has no artificial flavors, no sugar, and no weird ingredients. If you’re worried about the ingredients in Tajin, you can replicate yourself with chili powder, salt, and fresh lime juice. Personally, I can’t get enough of the tangy flavor of Tajin. I want to put it on everything! Which brings me to my next point…

More Tajin Seasoning Uses

Truthfully, you can put Tajin on anything you would put seasoning on. The best part is, it can be used with sweet AND savory foods. It’s slightly salty and spicy, but not so much that it’s overpowering. Also, if you love the chili lime flavor, you will like it on pretty much anything. The most popular use is on fresh fruits and vegetables. I love it with watermelon the most, but it also is amazing with mango, oranges, other melons, jicama, coconut, and cucumber. For my favorite spicy fruit salad with Tajin, check out this post.

Anytime you use chili powder, salt, or lime in a recipe, you can add or substitute Tajin. The spicy seasoning also works as a marinade for seafood or meats. It also works well with Bloody Marys and Micheladas. As far as seasonings go, Tajin is SO versatile. It adds spice and flavor to so many dishes. You can get it at pretty much any grocery store – try it for yourself, and let me know what you think!

By Amy Zhang March 8, 2019 in Beauty 3 Comments

All About AHAs/BHAs

AHAs and BHAs products | by The Luxi Look

If you’re not familiar with Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs), keep reading – incorporating a product with these ingredients could be a game changer for your skin. Essentially, they are different types of acids that exfoliate your skin. Exfoliation is key for skin maintenance as you get older – our cells naturally turnover but this process slows as we get older. It explains why we lose our youthful glow with age since our skin cells are not able to turnover as quickly on their own. AHAs and BHAs usually go hand in hand but they are not the same – AHAs are glycolic or lactic acids and are water-soluble, which BHAs are salicylic acid and are oil-soluble. Together, they create a supercharged product that helps speed up cell turnover and helps maintain a softer, smoother skin texture.

Why You Should Use AHAs and BHAs

AHAs and BHAs are two key ingredients for your skin as you get older – not only do they exfoliate your skin, they also can fade dark spots and minimize wrinkles. Typically, they need to be present in a certain percent before they become more potent. Before using a product with AHAs/BHAs, be sure to check the percentage of concentration. Using a product with AHAs or BHAs is a great way to improve your skin at home before resorting to more professional methods (lasers, peels, more intense facials).

AHAs work to exfoliate the skin

Some people find these acids to be more harsh than others, so be sure to test out a small patch of skin before going all on. I personally love AHAs because I feel like it creates a better canvas for my other skincare products. You know that feeling you have after a deep, cleansing facial? It feels like all of the product is actually sinking into your skin and you’re getting the most out of it, rather than just sitting on the surface of your face. Regular exfoliation is key, and AHAs are a great way to do that.

BHAs are common in acne products.

If you’re familiar with salicylic acid, you’ll know it’s a popular ingredient in skincare products that treat acne. Typically BHAs are used to treat oily skin to keep your pores clean and bacteria free.

My favorite products with AHAs/BHAs

+ Glossier Solution

I’ve raved about this product before and it’s one of my favorites in the Glossier line. I just finished my bottle and repurchased it – which is something I do very rarely. I found this formula to be gentle enough (10% blend of AHAs/BHAs) to use every day and my skin honestly feels so clean and smooth after I use it. If you’re interested in trying, here’s 10% off your first order.

+ Farmacy Honeymoon Glow

A nighttime serum that helps exfoliate skin while you sleep! This is slightly stronger at a 14% AHA/BHA blend. Do not use more than one product with AHAs/BHAs! You do not need to layer them. I keep this in my suitcase and use it during the week when I am traveling for work. This one also smells amazing!

+ Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos

I wasn’t sure if I liked this when I first started using it as I did have some very minor irritation, but after a couple weeks my skin became more used to the formula and I feel like I am absolutely glowing when I wake up. I’m obsessed with everything Drunk Elephant and this night serum is no exception! I will use this one every other night as that seems to be the frequency my skin agrees with the most.

+ REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

I started using this recently and love this as a gentle exfoliating daily toner. I also love that REN is a clean beauty brand.

Something to keep in mind when you are using a product with AHAs/BHAs – the chemicals can make your skin more sensitive to the sun than usual, so be sure to wear sunscreen during the day when using them (which you should be doing anyway, duh!). Your skin may also be very sensitive to the acids, especially if you’ve never used them before. I would recommend using a product once a week and working your way up to every day. I never had any skin sensitivity with my products, and typically use them every other day or every day. I’ve noticed a definite difference in my skin tone and texture, especially when I go a few days without product. Always follow up with a hydrating serum, moisturizer, or facial oil after using a product with AHAs/BHAs. Once you find the right one, your skin will be absolutely glowing! xx

You might also like … The Best Plant Based Substitutes For Whatever You’re Craving and Switching Up Your AM Caffeine Boost: Yerba Mate vs. Coffee.

By Amy Zhang March 6, 2019 in Wellness 4 Comments

The Best Plant Based Substitutes For Whatever You’re Craving

Working on transitioning to a primarily plant-based diet has meant finding substitutes for things that were once staples in my diet. While I initially thought the switch would be difficult, it’s actually been surprisingly easier than I anticipated. Fortunately for me, plant-based food has come a LONG way and there are so many easy, healthy plant-based swaps for pretty much anything you are craving. Gone are the days of relying on french fries and Oreos as a vegan option in the grocery store or at restaurants. If you’re looking to incorporate more plant-based foods in your diet and don’t know where to begin, read on for easy plant-based swaps for common foods and cravings.

The Best Plant Based Substitutes for Common Foods & Cravings

+ Eggs

This one is hard for me and I’ll admit I haven’t cut out eggs entirely. I have always loved the convenience of eggs for a protein packed meal or snack. They are on pretty much every menu and usually a safe bet for a healthy breakfast. If you’re used to having scrambled eggs for breakfast, try scrambled tofu as an easy swap. I’m still working on perfecting my own recipe, but this one has been an easy one to follow on the weekends.

+ Chocolate

I am obsessed with Hu Chocolate, which is vegan and paleo but doesn’t taste like any of those things. In fact, everyone that has tried it becomes instantly obsessed and has remarked how it “doesn’t even taste vegan.” The cashew butter + vanilla bean dark chocolate is my favorite, and I always keep some on hand, especially for *that* time of month. To be honest, I like it better than normal chocolate. Hershey’s tastes gross in comparison.

+ Burgers

Veggie burgers don’t have to taste like cardboard. If you’re feeling up for it, you can make a pretty tasty and easy version at home – we’ve made black bean and quinoa burgers at home and really liked them. I tend to buy frozen patties to keep in the freezer and cook when I’m in a bind – I love stocking up on ones from Trader Joe’s or a Beyond Meat burger if I want something heartier. If you’re trying to avoid carbs, you can throw a patty over a bed of lettuce and add sliced avocado and you have a healthy meal with a balance of good fats and protein. If veggie burgers freak you out, I can tell you a portobello mushroom cap makes a killer substitute as well.

+ Store Bought Dressings & Sauces

Homemade is best, but for the convenience factor we keep some pre made ones on hand. Follow Your Heart makes some of my favorites – they have a killer ranch dressing that I put on everything. I’m also obsessed with B*tchin’ Sauce – it’s a hummus like sauce made out of almonds and it tastes so good with everything. The spicy version is my favorite with raw veggies or as a marinade for tofu (perfect for stir fry!). YUM.

+ Milk

I’m not the biggest dairy fan, so I was happy to find out that pretty much all grocery stores carry decent dairy replacements. There are so many non dairy milk alternatives available – almond, cashew, oat, soy milk, etc. Oat milk is super trendy right now and it’s for good reason – if you like the thickness of dairy milk in your coffee you will love oat milk. For smoothies and protein shakes at home, I usually use almond milk.

+ Cheese

Vegan cheeses have come a long way but they still aren’t as close to the real thing. That said, I’ve had some amazing vegan mac & cheese over the past year so I am convinced they will get there! There are some nut based cheese substitutes that are creamy and delicious, but keep in mind these are very calorically dense from all of the ground nuts. Not a reason to avoid them, but just keep that in mind – remember, eating plant based foods does not give you a free pass to eat whatever you want!! Nutritional yeast is also a vegan pantry essential for giving a rich umami flavor to plant-based dishes.

+ Ice cream

if you like coconut you are in luck. Coconut ice cream is delicious – the texture is as creamy as dairy based ice cream. Of course, even vegan ice cream is still ice cream, so this is better consumed in moderation.

+ Ground Meat

If you like to cook at home, you will want some convincing meat substitutes. A lot of recipes call for ground meat, and we have been experimenting with lentils, chopped mushrooms, and crumbled tempeh and other meat substitutes. Trader Joe’s has a surprisingly delicious soyrizo (meatless chorizo) that is amazing in breakfast wraps and vegan chili.

+ Seafood

Coconut makes a very convincing seafood substitute. I’ve made coconut ceviche at home before – perfect for the summer – but I recently also had coconut calamari at Cafe Gratitude in Los Angeles, and it was honestly some of the best calamari I’ve ever had.

+ Butter

Coconut oil is your best friend for cooking or baking. If you want more a butter taste and texture, Earth Balance also comes in handy when you want to bake.

For the times when we don’t feel like cooking at home, we also have some go-to spots for a plant based meal. Here are some of my favorite plant-based restaurants in Los Angeles.

Favorite Restaurants in Los Angeles for Plant-Based Options

+ The Butcher’s Daughter

My go-to pick for breakfast or lunch in Venice. Not only is the restaurant super Instagram worthy, the coffee is strong and the food is healthy and delicious. Also great for people watching on Abbot Kinney.

+ Cafe Gratitude

With locations all around LA, Cafe Gratitude is a vegan staple. Some of my favorite dishes – the salads, pad thai, coconut ceviche, and smoothies. The location in Beverly Hills has a “chicken” and waffles that is to DIE for.

+ Gracias Madre

From the same owners as Cafe Gratitude but with a Mexican menu. I’ve always found the food to be slightly overpriced and mediocre (sorry!!), but their spicy margaritas are some of my favorite and the patio is a great spot to catch up with friends over a drink and some chips and guacamole.

+ Monty’s Good Burger

Basically vegan In-n-Out. This burger is legit vegan fast food at its finest. It’s almost freaky how much this burger tastes like the real thing, but everything on the menu is 100% vegan. If you’re looking for a vegan cheat meal, this is it.

+ Green Table Cafe

Just discovered this cute cafe on Pico and it might be one of my new favorite spots to work and hang out for the day. Their smoothie bowls (pictured above) are filling and the salads are vibrant and fresh. Everything you would want in a neighborhood cafe.

+ Vegan Glory

When my boyfriend and I are craving Asian food, this is our go-to. The food comes out quickly and you leave without the greasy feeling of Chinese food. The menu is massive and slightly overwhelming, but you can’t go wrong with one of the rice or noodle dishes.

+ Araya’s

Comforting vegan Thai food. This cozy neighborhood spot makes the best Tom Yum soup, curries, and stir fried noodles,

+ Erewhon

Not technically a restaurant but I frequent this place more than I care to admit. The hot food bar is my go-to, you can pick from a variety of salads and entrees, but the most notable vegan options are the buffalo cauliflower (I could eat this every damn day) and the vegan lasagna. Wander the store for every vegan snack and ingredient imaginable – it is a wellness junkie’s heaven.

+ Van Leeuwen

Can’t forget about dessert!! Most ice cream shops in Los Angeles will have a vegan option, these are usually coconut cream based. Van Leeuwen has my favorite flavors that don’t all seem to have the same coconut base but you should not have too hard of a time finding a sweet vegan treat in this city.

A vegetarian or plant-based diet does not have to be difficult! You can still eat a balanced, satisfying diet without having any cravings. Whether you are looking for store bought options or want to enjoy a nice meal out of the home, eating a plant-based diet has never been easier or tastier. What are some of your go-to restaurants or cooking tips for a plant-based meal?

By Amy Zhang March 4, 2019 in Style 4 Comments

Trend I’m Loving: Snakeskin

Move over leopard print, you’ve had your moment. This season is all about SNAKESKIN. If you’re a fan of animal prints you will love this season’s snakeskin trend. If you love wearing neutrals, you will find this trend to be extremely adaptable with your current wardrobe. There are so many ways to add this print to your wardrobe – from small details to full on looks featuring snakeskin, you can’t go wrong with this trend. See some of my favorite pieces highlighting this spring trend below.

Snakeskin Styles

+ Bodysuit – talk about making a statement! I love how this top looks with a leather skirt or pants.

+ Blouse – love this for after work drinks or weekend wear. Dress it up with a skirt or down with vintage denim.

+ Boots – with festival around the season, these will go with any festival outfit and are perfect for walking around in.

+ Cropped jacket + mini skirt – for the girl who’s obsessed with snakeskin. Matching set not required, but how cute is this combo? Think this would be adorable for Coachella.

+ Pants – obsessed with these pants – how chic would this be with a silk blouse for work?

+ Belt Bag – fanny packs are still trending this season – combine too trends in one with this style.

+ T-Shirt – Z Supply makes some of my absolute favorite tees. Love that it comes in this fun print for spring! More often than not, you’ll see me wearing jeans and a t-shirt, so I’ll take any chance I can get to mix it up!

+ Loafers – easy way to rock this trend without going all in. Bonus – it’s work appropriate too.

Shop the Trend

By Amy Zhang March 2, 2019 in Wellness 31 Comments

Switching Up Your AM Caffeine Boost: Yerba Mate vs. Coffee

Yerba Mate vs. Coffee | by The Luxi Look

Guys. Caffeine addictions are real. Some days I wake up and feel refreshed and ready to tackle the new day, other times I just want to lay in bed all day. While it’s true that most of us get use a little more sleep and self-care in our lives, the reality is a lot of us are overworked and overcommitted. Most days, the first thing I usually reach for Monday morning is a giant cup of coffee.

I was never a huge coffee drinker for the majority of my life, I’ve developed quite the coffee addiction over the past few years. I guess that happens when you’re trying to juggle all these different projects and tasks. Needless to say, I’ve found caffeine to be my BFF. Lately though, I’ve been going for yerba mate in the morning. Same boost of caffeine but different source. Let’s talk yerba mate vs. coffee.

What is yerba mate?

Yerba mate is a popular South American tea that is described as having “the strength of coffee, the health benefits of tea, and the euphoria of chocolate.” In fact, it is significantly more popular than coffee in several South American countries. The reason for this? Yerba mate not only gives an energy boost from caffeine, it also has tons of other health benefits. In addition, Yerba mate is claimed to give a better energy boost, enhance mental clarity and alertness, and overall improve your health.

Yerba mate vs. coffee

Yerba mate is not only claimed to be better for you than coffee, it’s also been proven to be healthier than green tea. Also, Yerba mate is filled with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Turns out this little beverage is a nutritional powerhouse! A couple reasons why yerba mate is better for you than coffee:

+ A smoother, calmer caffeine boost. Ever feel jittery from drinking coffee? Yerba mate doesn’t cause this. You’ll get the energy boost without the negative side effects that can come from drinking coffee.

+ Easier on the digestive system than coffee.

+ Yerba mate can boost your immune system.

+ Can help with weight loss.

My experience with yerba mate

I’ve been drinking yerba mate (but still having coffee occasionally) for the past few months. My verdict? Yerba mate is an easy drinking tea that provides a gentle boost of energy (and somehow doesn’t keep me up at night) and helps me focus at work. I love sipping on the tea throughout the day – it’s become a bit of a workday ritual. I don’t have a caffeine crash and because each cup of mate has less caffeine than a cup of coffee (80 mg in mate vs. 100+ in a cup of coffee) I don’t get caffeine jitters.

Not only is the tea cheap, it’s super easy to brew. I use a loose leaf tea infuser and steep the leaves in hot water for 3 minutes before drinking. Much easier than the process of hand grinding coffee beans and making coffee in the morning on those days when I just need some caffeine as soon as I wake up. In fact, going to brew a cup right now ; ).

xx, Amy

You might also like … How to Stay Grounded, Long Weekend Detox: What to Drink and The Ingredients You Should Look For, and Boosting Your Immunity.