Category Archives: The Beauty Aisle

Brushing Up With Beautiac

Believe it or not, I only recently started to realize the importance of ensuring I have clean make-up brushes! I think I just took it for granted that because I’m the only one using my brushes and I use colors so minimally that I don’t need to clean or change them often. Having blogger/vlogger friends who specialize in beauty has really made me aware of not just make-up how-to’s, but maintenance and sanitation.

Enter Beautiac: An ethical and environmentally conscious company who has developed a system where the subscriber will never have to clean any make-up brushes ever again! I was honored to try out their VIP package (pictured below), which includes three disposable brush heads (foundation, powder & blush), three universal handles, a dye-free blur sponge, an antimicrobial safe bag and smart make-up brush stand.

The brush heads snap on and off very easily, which should make monthly maintenance quick and simple. The brushes themselves are soft and holds any foundation or powder very well. The brush stand not only holds all of my new Beautiac brushes, but also fits all of my smaller, finer brushes. I’ve traveled back and forth to San Diego from Chandler in the time I have been trying out these Beautiac brushes, and the antimicrobial safe bag is so handy, and I get peace of mind knowing they’re safe when I’m in hotel rooms.

Finally, Beautiac has incorporated the “4 Quadrants” as a part of their social cause initiative: Environment, Cruelty Free, Women Empowerment and Health & Wellness (which you can read about here). An important aspect to me was the Environment Quadrant, because it explains how they recycle their brush heads through TerraCycle’s Zero Waste Box Program.

For those who want to participate in this wonderful subscription box through Beautiac, you can use the code ANY10 at check out and get 10% off!

Cheers and have a wonderful weekend!

FTC Disclosure: I received the product in exchange for a product review. Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Inspired & Organic: Quench Naturel

At the end of last year, I was introduced to a wonderful line of all natural face, body and hair products called Quench Naturel. The co-founders launched their new Sweet Moringa collaboration at beautiful Singh Meadows in Tempe, and I was invited to preview this new line. It was a lovely evening of sips, eats, and getting to know the Quench Naturel products.

The Sweet Moringa line is a collaboration between Quench Naturel and Singh Meadows, using Singh honey and Moringa powder to create a line that is moisturizing and nourishing.

I have been using the Quench Naturel products since December of last year, and the results have been simply amazing! My favorite products by far are the Get Whipped Body Souffle and the Sweet Moringa Botanical Body Mousse. Both have butters and oils that penetrate dry skin and restore moisture. I had come to my wits end regarding my feet because I have tried everything to moisturize and heal them. In a desperate and last ditch attempt before seeking professional help, I used the Get Whipped Body Souffle on my feet. In the first week of use, the dry skin completely disappeared and the cracks on my heels have completely healed!

Another favorite is the lip balm, and I was given the Sweet Moringa Emerald Honey Lip Quench. In this dry Arizona heat, the Lip Quench is a staple in my everyday make-up routine, whether alone or under a lipsick or gloss. I have also tried the Sweet Lip Scrub, which tastes as good as it works!

Not only is Quench Naturel an ethical company who believes in sustainability, they also do not test on animals. Additionally, their products contain all natural ingredients, and they are very transparent about what they use, listing them all on their site, along with their benefits (here). Being that my skin is very sensitive, I need products that will not cause irritation and I am so happy that I have finally found products that work with my needs!

Clean & Pure at Credo Beauty

Have you heard of the app Think Dirty? One of my co-workers recently turned me on to it, and the concept behind it is that it allows you to scan beauty and personal care products to understand the potentially toxic ingredients in the products we use everyday. Recently, I found out that most of my products rate at a 7 or higher! Products that rate anywhere in the 7-10 range contain ingredients that have potential serious negative long-term health effects.

That same week, Kali of In Spades mentioned she would be at Credo Beauty in Westfield UTC for a beauty event. “All of the brands we carry at Credo must pass our screening process proving they use only safe ingredients (nothing harmful or toxic), are cruelty-free and committed to ethical sourcing and sustainable production.” What a wonderful coincidence that the day after I discover the Think Dirty app I end up at a beauty event featuring #CleanBeauty products!

One of the lines carried there is called Nu Evolution, which is a green make-up and beauty company owned by two sisters Kali met during NYFW. I received this beautiful lip gloss called “Bliss” in the gift bag from Credo. Their products are gluten and cruelty free, made with all natural and organic ingredients such as Cocoa & Shea Butter, Coconut, Castor & Jojoba Oil. This gloss is rich and non-sticky and “Bliss” is a lovely high-gloss pink, that still appears subtle on the lips.

Innersense is a green hair care line whose products all rate at 0-3 on the Think Dirty app, and I got the chance to chat with one of the founders, Greg Starkman, at the event. My hair is quite thick and coarse, and requires nourishment because it can easily dry out, or overly greasy when unwashed. I purchased their Hairbath (shampoo) and conditioner, and received the leave-in conditioner as a gift. My hair is in dire need of repair, and I already feel the wonderful effect of using an all natural product. My hair is softer and takes product well after use.

Thank you Kali for letting me know about the event, and thanks to Diane, Store Manager at Credo Beauty. She really spent some time with me to explain their concept and product lines, and introduced me to my new favorite deodorant by AER, sold exclusively at Credo. I tend to get irritated under my arms, and I needed a totally clean deodorant that would help to calm the irritation but provide the protection I need. Bonus: it comes in a Blood Orange scent!

Mother & Daughter Spa Day at Nova Nails!

Last week, my sister spent an afternoon at Nova Nails, located at Rancho Carmel Plaza. Since I couldn’t make it up there due to my busy schedule, Rholnna thought it would be great to take her daghter, Mei-Lin, for some after-school pampering!

Mei-Lin mentioned how wonderful it smelled as they entered, like a fruity-citrus scent. They both loved the color selection and how attentive the staff was to their every mani-pedi need! If you are a regular reader of my blog, Rancho Carmel Plaza is just a hop, skip and a jump away from where my sister lives, so they’re both happy to know that Nova Nails is near-by and affordable: both of their manicures and spa pedicures were $72. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon!

Nova Nails is located at 10175 Rancho Carmel Drive, San Diego, CA 92128 and they can be reached at (858) 487-2467. They are open seven days a week and walk-ins are welcome, so please visit Nova Nails for a family-friendly nail spa treatment!

Cheers!

Mom & daughter selfie!

(All photos by Rholnna and Mei-Lin Jiao)

FTC Disclosure: I received compensation to patronize a business at Rancho Carmel Plaza. Although I did receive compensation, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Review: Extreme Coarse Micro-Mineral Rollers for the Emjoi Micro-Pedi

Last year, I reviewed the Emjoi Micro-Pedi as I got my feet ready for summer sandals and strappy heels (post here). Recently, I received an awesome add-on accessory: Extreme Coarse Micro-Mineral Rollers! These rollers are amazing at smoothing out the roughest part of my feet, which are my heels and calluses that develop at the balls of my feet. After working on those parts of my feet, I then switched to the regular rollers to completely smooth out my feet all over. With the Micro-Pedi, I’ve got all I need to give myself a complete pedicure at home!

I also asked my sister to give me her thoughts on the Micro-Pedi, because I’ve been talking it up so much that she wanted to try it herself. But to really test it out, she had her husband try it, and they’re so glad they did!

As I read the instructions on how to use the Micro-Pedi, I asked my husband if I can try it on him, since his feet are a little rougher than mine. I told him that I had to wash and dry his feet first. He was willing and ready to! As I started using the Micro-Pedi on his feet it was very simple and easy to maneuver around. When I finished with both of his feet, I definitely felt the smoothness of his skin. He even said, “Very smooth!”. Once we were done, I read on how to clean the Micro-Pedi. It is very easy to take the roller out with one push of a button, then cleaning it with the brush. Finally placing it back in was also easy and simple. Overall the Micro-Pedi by Emjoi is a very simple little machine to use for both men and women.

– Rholnna Jiao

If you would like to purchase the Micro-Pedi and the Extreme Coarse Micro-Mineral Rollers, click on the links below:

The Micro-Pedi by Emjoi – https://emjoi.com/Store/Products/AP-3RP ($39.95)

The Extreme Coarse Micro-Mineral Rollers – https://emjoi.com/Store/Products/AP-3RPX/ ($19.95 for a two-pack)

FTC Disclosure: I received product from Lipton Publicity and was asked to review the product in return. Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Like They Do It In The Factory

As a blogger, we are dared to try new things and new experiences because of the nature of what we do. I have discovered new restaurants, new shops and boutiques, we well as new hair salons through this blogging experience. I discovered Kelly Cardenas Salon because they contacted me to try out their new location in Hillcrest. After they consolidated locations and when my main stylist, Salvador, moved to Las Vegas, I decided to try out a new place through a recent contact in the blogging world. Aaron Lacy is a stylist at theFactory, located in Downtown San Diego. I swear it was Kismet when I walked in and Music For the Masses was playing in its entirety!

Immediately, I loved the industrial-style space of theFactory. It’s very clean, modern and stylish. Once I got settled into the chair, Aaron explained what he had planned for my haircut that day: a simple and sleek bob cut, my favorite hairstyle. Aaron suggested we take my hair back to basics, and took great care to even out any odd layers. Without a doubt, this cut was one of the most precise bobs I’ve ever had. It’s been about a month since I’ve gotten my hair cut, and it’s growing out beautifully!

Thank you Aaron for the amazing cut and the fantastic pictures!

theFactory is located at 1025 F Street, San Diego, CA 92101. Contact them at (619) 255-6338 to schedule an appointment and please be sure to ask for Aaron!

Outfit: Unknown brand jacket from Wysh Boutique; Mossimo sweater from Target; Free People jeans; Jeffrey Campbell shoes; “Mason” necklace c/o Kendra Scott; rings by Wendy Brandes and Suki Bijoux; Leather jacket pin by Bananna Bones (from Gypsy Warrior), “Space Punk” pin by Major Crimes Division & “It Wasn’t Just A Phase” pin by Punky Moms UK; “Ceremony” Matte Lip Veil by Cryptic Cosmetics

(FTC Disclosure: I was offered a service free of charge as a courtesy, but not necessarily for the purposes of a review. Although I did receive a service free of charge, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.)

(All photos of me were taken by Aaron Lacy. Post title: Lyrics from “Lie To Me” by Depeche Mode.)

Getting Pampered at French Nails & Spa at Sabre Springs Plaza!

I love getting pampered, but I love it even more when it’s at a great price! Earlier this month, my sister and I found a lovely little nail spa tucked away on Poway Road. It’s called French Nails & Spa at Sabre Springs Plaza, which just ten minutes from my sister’s condo in Rancho Bernardo (much to her delight). It is a quaint salon, with cute details throughout, like the cosmic painted ceiling fan and opaque ceiling tiles with pictures of clouds and aquariums. They have a whole menu of services, including acrylic nails, gel color, waxing, sugar waxing & facials and are open 7 days a week. I had the manicure and spa pedicure for just $35, and my sister had the spa pedicure as a standalone service for just $23!

French Nails & Spa is located at Sabre Springs Plaza, 11385 & 11395 Poway Road, San Diego, CA 92128. They take walk-ins, but they can be reached at (858) 679-6729 for appointments as needed.

Cheers and have a great weekend!

I fell in love with the cosmic ceiling fan (above) and decorative ceiling tiles (below)!

FTC Disclosure: I received compensation to patronize a business at Sabre Springs Plaza. Although I did receive compensation, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

(All photos by Rholnna Jiao)

How I Got My Feet Summer Ready With The Emjoi Micro-Pedi!

I love when a product review falls in line with something I’ve been wanting to try! As I’ve gotten older, I find that the heels of my feet tend to get dry and become calloused more quickly than when I was younger. I used to get pedicures at least twice a month, but our family weekends have been so busy lately and I know Dominic would rather watch a movie or go do something other than wait for mama at a nail salon. I have been giving myself pedicures at home in the evening, but in order to continue to get that just-from-the-salon feel for my feet, I really needed something between the “egg-shaped” foot file I already had and a pricey electronic one. So of course I was delighted when I received the opportunity to review the Emjoi Micro-Pedi!

The Emjoi Micro-Pedi is battery operated (takes two AA batteries). I’m only showing my use of it on one side of my foot for this review because it truly has been awhile since I’ve taken care of my feet properly, so they are not in the best condition to photograph. But it definitely does what it’s supposed to do and because the rollers spin 360 degrees, it gets to all the places I just couldn’t get to with my manual foot file, especially the callous on the balls of my feet. Since it’s so easy to use and take care of (it comes with a little cleaning brush), I can use it often and get my feet back to where I want them to be, especially with sandal season coming up this summer!

Click this link to purchase your own Emjoi Micro-Pedi at $39.95 (batteries not included). Be sure to check out Emjoi’s other great products to help you build your own salon at home!

FTC Disclosure: I received product from Lipton Publicity and was asked to review the product in return. Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.

Spring Fling x Love Tatum This Weekend!

Love Tatum Jewelry will have a pop-up shop at the Girl on The Go Spring Fling Event this Saturday April 23rd! There will be a lot of fun things happening, including free swag bags for the first 25 attendees. What a great way to end a Saturday night!

(From the Girl on the Go website)

RETAIL POP-UP SHOPS

Love Tatum | One of a kind jewelry, including necklaces, rings, earrings and cuffs

Style on the Go | The latest fashion and accessories for women and men

Good Life | Nutrition expert passionate about clean beauty products, self-care, and holistic healing

AsiiaByCara | Made by scratch soy-wax candles, body oils, and room mists

DELICIOUS FOOD & DRINK

Open bar with season cocktails, wine, and local beer

Marcel Belgium Waffle Truck | For purchase, delicious waffle goodness

COMPLIMENTARY SPA SERVICES

Enjoy a free polish change (must not have shellac or acrylics on), chair massage, skincare consultation, and live massage demo

Learn about and try our skincare and make-up product lines

MORE FUN STUFF

Photo Booth!

Music!

Raffle & Giveaways!

FREE SWAG BAG FULL OF GOODIES FOR THE FIRST 25 ATTENDEES!!

Kelly Cardenas San Diego Celebrates 1 Year!

Happy 1 year anniversary to the Kelly Cardenas Salon in Hillcrest! Can you believe I’ve been going there for a little over a year (posts here and here)? I practically celebrated with them throughout the day by first getting my hair styled and colored earlier in the morning (by Salvador of course), then going their anniversary party that night.

Congratulations to everyone at Kelly Cardenas, and cheers to many more years to come!

My haircut and color from earlier that day. Back to purple!

(Wearing “Keiko” Bon Look prescription sunglasses; Forever 21 dress; Zara long bomber jacket; La Vidriola Cassette necklace)

With my hubby at the anniversary party

With the stylist who works all of his magic on my hair, Salvador!

I got to pose with Kelly himself!

The Kelly Cardenas staff, from all of their locations: San Diego, Carlsbad, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Chicago

My outfit for the evening: Lucy Paris jacket (bought second hand at Lost & Found for $20!); Forever 21 shirt; SOHO Apparel leggings; BCBGeneration shoes; Kate Spade bracelet and clutch; La Vidriola Cassette earrings; Lookmatic glasses

(Pictures 1, 3, 4 and 5 courtesy of the Kelly Cardenas Instagram and Facebook pages)