Category Archives: The Beauty Aisle

I’d Rather Be Sleeping: A Guide to a Good Night’s Rest From Casper

Casper_B2

This weekend was quite crazy!  I had my niece over to hang out with me and my son.  After a fun day at the New Children’s Museum (post to come soon), grabbing some ice cream before dinner, followed by a raucous couple hours of playtime, sleep came upon us quite quickly, although very late.  Most nights, it’s hard for me to get to sleep right away, mainly because I’m so worked up from the activities of the day that it takes me awhile to wind down, especially if I blog late into the night.  When I was younger, I used to put on a favorite record before sleeping.  Lately, I put on a favorite movie rather than regular TV or the news because if I know the movie really well, there’s nothing to anticipate and I’ll usually fall asleep during the opening credits.

The folks at Casper, creators of “The Perfect Mattress” have created a wonderful graphic guide below for Any Second Now readers on how to get a great night’s sleep, which I could use right now!

Got any tips of your own?  Share them in the comments!

CAS_CantSleepLRG

Product Review: The Proactiv Acne Treatment System

IMG_0174

As you know, I’m always up for trying products that may enhance or improve my skin care regimen.  My current skin cleansing routine is very simple: I wash my face daily with a cleansing foam and use an exfoliant every other day.  I have been introduced to a few products here on my blog, but I will have to say that this will be the most popular one to date:  I have been asked to try The Proactiv Acne Treatment System, to assist in ensuring my readers are making the right decision for their skin care treatment related to acne.  As we all know, not one solution works for everyone, which is why I have been asked to review Proactiv to find out what will work.  Since I have always wanted to try Proactiv, I was happy to be asked to participate in this review, and I will post my results after trying the product over a period of time.  So stay tuned for my final review of Proactiv!

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

Nail Art: Stamp Collecting

IMG_6953

I made my first attempt at serious nail stamping.  I’ve actually acquired several nail stamping discs over the last couple of years, played with the discs a bit, but that was the extent of it.  Recently, I received some really cute nail stamping discs from Born Pretty with British and French travel themes, so I wanted to try them out.

IMG_6954

I really just jumped right in without thinking about placement, or knowing any kind of technique, which is why they look like a bad photocopy!  Since my first attempt was not what I had hoped, I went on You Tube and found several tutorials and new techniques to try out, which actually made the stamp art look like nail wraps.  I guess this means I’ll need better stampers to make this work.  I’ll definitely post pictures of my new and improved nail stamping art!

Kiss 100 Tips Curve OverlapAlso, I tried another fantastic product from Kiss, which I got for a steal at CVS with a coupon.  I really like the Kiss 100 Tips Curve Overlap nail tips because they are easy to cut & file to the size and shape that I want.  The glue provided is very strong, and I’m currently using the Real Life Brush On nail kit by Broadway nails to smooth out the nail tip.  But soon, I’ll move to Kiss’ acrylic fill kit for a more even surface (all the products I mentioned are available at BeJour.com).

Just a reminder: if you like the Born Pretty nail stamps you see here, or if you are going to make a purchase from their site, Born Pretty has given Any Second Now readers a 10% discount by using CGG10 at check out.  Cheers!

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

(Kiss 100 Tips Curve Overlap picture courtesy of BeJour)

Nail Art: “Real Life” Sparkle

14821432I tried something different than my normal nail care routine for artificial nails:  I did it at home!  I have these great nail wraps and stamp plates from Born Pretty that I would love to try without having to wait until my nails are the right length, or until I go into a salon just to get the acrylics.  So I tried the Real Life Brush-On Gel Nail Kit by Broadway Nails, which I recently purchased from Target.  They are very easy to use, but remember to re-apply the gel and activator once you file the nail seam to smooth out the nail tip.  This will help strengthen your nails for whatever polish or wrap you want to apply.

The result?  I think the pictures speak for themselves!  In fact, it worked out so well that I purchased two more kits.  So for the price of one salon visit, I get four complete nail changes.  But really, how absolutely pretty are these nail wraps from Born Pretty (available here)?  The pictures don’t nearly do these lovely wraps justice, and now I want to try all of the colors!

And remember, if you like the nail wraps you see here, or if you are going to make a purchase from their site, Born Pretty has given Any Second Now readers a 10% discount by using CGG10 at check out.  Cheers!

IMG_6726

IMG_6730

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

(Rings from the WendyB Collection by Wendy Brandes)

Nail Art: Starry Night

IMG_6459

Born Pretty has tons of great nail products, and I recently got to review quite a few new ones!  I’m a big fan of good nail wraps because they’re so easy to apply and in most cases, you can have instant nail art in about an hour!  These nail foil wraps based on Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” were so much fun, I wish my nails were a bit longer to capture the full effect!

I’ll be posting more reviews in the days to come as I try out more products, and I’ll even have my niece join in on the fun as well (she’ll be very excited)!  If you like any of the products you see here, or if you are going to make a purchase from their site, Born Pretty has given Any Second Now readers a 10% discount by using CGG10 at check out.  Enjoy!

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

The Loft Hair Design & Skin Care Grand Opening

IMG_5929 (2) (1280x1280)

The Loft Grand Opening Collage 3

At the beginning of June, I had a whirlwind night of TWO events in one evening!  The first was the “Night of Beauty” grand opening of The Loft Hair Design & Skin Care in Carlsbad (first posted about here).  This award winning salon was located in Escondido, but relocated and reopened in a 3,700 square foot space in the La Costa Town Square shopping center.  The salon is large, spacious and beautifully decorated.  They offer a very large variety of services including a full hair care salon, skin & body care, massage therapy, spa packages, facial treatments, peels and microdermabrasions.

The night was fun and extremely interactive, with experiences spread throughout the salon.  From what I saw, there was a DJ, Braid & Brow Bars, Sensory Experiences (head, neck & shoulder massage or hot hand towel treatment), a massage chair, a “Tattoo” Station (decorative), wet bar, food, coffee and even shopping!  It was also nice to know that 10% of the product sales and all of the raffle ticket sales benefitted Dress for Success San Diego.  I’ve included lots of photos from the evening, and I was glad to get pictures of the beautiful salon prior to the public showing because it got crowded very quickly!  Congratulations to Heather & Shawna on the grand re-opening of The Loft Hair Design & Skin Care at their new location in Carlsbad, cheers!

The Loft Grand Opening Collage 1

“We’ve loved being in Escondido, but we’re excited for our growth into this blossoming area of Carlsbad,” said Shawna Cruise, founder of The Loft Hair Design & Skin Care. “Guests will find that our team has remained the same and still offers the amazing care we’ve always prided ourselves on – just now in a new, larger space that we can’t wait to reveal.”

IMG_5943 (2) (1280x1280)

IMG_5932 (2) (1280x1280)

IMG_5935 (2) (1280x1280)

IMG_5962 (2) (1280x1280)

Co-owner Heather Wilder and founder Shawna Cruise

IMG_5939 (2) (1280x1280)DJ Engage

IMG_5940 (2) (1280x1280)

The Loft Grand Opening Collage 2Braid Bar; Sensory Experience; Brow Bar

IMG_5955 (2) (1280x1280)My decorative tattoo for the night!

The Loft Grand Opening Collage 4Delicious bites by Bushfire Grill & yummy mini-cupcakes by SusieCakes

IMG_5947 (2) (1280x1280)A bar featuring Stone Brewing Co. & St. Petersburg Vodka

IMG_5968 (2) (1280x1280)Cold Brew and hot coffee by one of my favorite coffee companies, Mostra Coffee!

The Loft Grand Opening Collage 5Models wearing clothing from Boho Boutique

IMG_6122 (2) (1280x1280)My VIP gift bag goodies!  Thank you Colette of Contour PR + Social and The Loft Hair Design & Skin Care for inviting me!

Upcoming Events: Poshmark & Bare Elegance

In addition to the a “Night of Beauty” celebration at The Loft Hair & Skin Care Thursday night (original post here), here are a couple of other events you may want to check out to take you into the weekend!  Maybe I’ll see some of you there at one or two…or all of these events, cheers!

(Click the pictures for more details)


 Summer Style #PoshParty – Poshmark

Celebrate with some three San Diego Style Bloggers at the W Hotel!

SanDiegoPoshPartyInvite2015


Hot Fun In The Summertime Event – Bare Elegance

Bare Elegance Flier June 5 6 2015

Bare Elegance Waxing | 8650 Genesee Ave. San Diego CA 92122 | (858) 412-5392 | [email protected]

“50% OFF ALL WAXING SERVICES
$40 OFF LASH EXTENSIONS
Boozy Ice-Cream & Boudoir Accessories

Friday June 5th
Saturday June 6th

Celebrate the beginning of summer with Bare Elegance. We’re helping you get ready for summer with 50% off of all waxing services on Friday June 5th and Saturday June 6th.  Celebrate the beginning of summer with Bare Elegance.

50% off all waxing services

Complimentary liquor-infused ice-cream from Tipsy Scoop of NYC

15% off all boudoir accessories to turn up the temperature on romance

What could be better than lingerie, boozy ice-cream & boudoir accessories? How about a drawing to win our “Hot Fun In The Summertime” gift tower?

Hot Fun In The Summertime Gift Tower Drawing

Knead Me Massage Kit…for warm or cold massage
Sunset Glow Wild Strawberry & Honey…shimmering massage oil
Poeme Frozen Yogurt Body Paint…a delicious treat
Tantra Feather Teaser…to set the mood

Make an Appointment Online for June 5 or June 6 by filling out this form &
put “Hot Fun” in the Comment section to receive 50% off waxing services
or give us a call at 858.412.5392.”

A “Night of Beauty” Celebration on June 4, Hosted by The Loft Hair Design & Skin Care!

Next Thursday, The Loft Hair Design & Skin Care will be unveiling a new location at La Costa Town Square and hosting a “Night of Beauty” for their grand opening (please see all of the details and flier below).

I’ll be there, so come celebrate and say hi!

“To celebrate the salon’s opening, The Loft is inviting the public to a “Night of Beauty,” a Grand Opening bash on Thursday, June 4 between 6 and 9 p.m. The first 50 to arrive will receive swag bags stuffed with premium products and lifestyle gear, while all in attendance can enjoy complimentary cocktails and appetizers, raffle prizes, a live DJ and models, and beauty stations including a how-to selfie station, stress relieving treatments, Medi-Spa demonstrations, tutorials on summer’s hottest hair and makeup trends and more. Ten percent of product sales and all raffle ticket sales will benefit Dress for Success San Diego.”

Night Of Beauty 2015

There's Another Color Waiting On Me

KCS Hair Color Collage

I’m finally catching up on some past events I attended this year.  In this post, I decided to include my most recent hair color treatments, since both involve the Kelly Cardenas Salon in Hillcrest.  I got the fuchsia/purple color during the weekend of their grand opening celebration back in February.  I took my hubby with me, and we had a great time.  Kelly has great employees, and you can tell they all love working for him.  The second color treatment I got this past weekend, and decided to go blue again.  My stylist, Salvador, did an amazing job with creating depth, richness and texture in both the color and the cut of each style.  I guess I’m never going back to just one color for a long time!

KCS Grand Opening

IMG_4721

KCS Grand Opening 2

IMG_4735

All pictures above were taken by me at the Kelly Cardenas Grand Opening party.  The last picture courtesy of the Kelly Cardenas Salon Instagram account from this past weekend.

KCS Blue 4.25.2015

(Title of this post is a lyric from “Queen of California” by John Mayer.)

Review: SEVEN Luxury Haircare

7 Hair Care 1

With my new hair color addiction, I’m all for trying out products that will keep my hair looking good through coloring process.  As much as I love it, coloring is not easy on hair.  Ideally, I want and need products that minimize fading, but also keep it conditioned and healthy.

Last month, I posted that local premier San Diego salons were partnering with SEVEN Luxury Haircare to give back to the community (original post here).  During that time, I was afforded the opportunity to review some of their products, and a couple of them were specific for color treated hair, which was great timing because I have had my hair colored twice since then.

Let me first say that I have altered my hair washing routine:  I have reduced my hair washing to twice a week, rather than every other day.  This has significantly increased the life of the color in my hair.  Since I’m only washing my hair twice a week, I want to make sure the products I use are of higher quality.  I find that over-the-counter products can be too light and don’t provide enough cleansing for my scalp, or end up too strong, stripping my hair completely of natural oils.

SEVEN’S COLOR Shampoo and COLOR Conditioner both felt completely luxurious, and they didn’t dry out my hair.  The PENETRATE Conditioning Treatment is the first deep conditioning treatment I have tried, and I can see and feel the difference in my hair when I use it once a week. My hair doesn’t break as much as it used when I used over-the-counter products.

By far, my two favorite products are the SEAL Lotion and DRY Dry Shampoo.  I use the SEAL Lotion after every hair washing.  Firstly, this product smells amazing, almost like delicious candy.  I also like how more manageable my hair feels while styling, which is important because I blow dry and straighten my hair after every wash.  Between washes, I use the Dry Shampoo to absorb any excess oils and to keep my hair looking fresh.  Unlike over-the-counter brands, it doesn’t leave a lasting white residue once you comb the product through your hair after application.

Overall, the SEVEN Luxury Haircare products definitely live up to its name.  Each product is quite luxurious and has allowed me to keep my color longer than I thought possible!  SEVEN Luxury Haircare products can be found at participating the salons below and also for online purchase at http://shop.kuthaus.com/Seven.  If you purchase SEVEN products and love them as much as I do, let me know your favorite product in the comments, cheers!

Hairdrezzers on Fire

Disconnected

The Swank Studio

7 Hair Care 2FTC Disclosure:  I received product and was asked to review the product in return.  Although I did receive product, the opinions in this post are strictly my own.