Tag Archives: beauty blogger

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.

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.

Product Review: The Proactiv Acne Treatment System

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.

Come to Kiehl’s LifeRide for amfAR Wrap Party This Weekend at Fashion Valley!

Kiehl’s is having a wonderful event tomorrow to support the final stretch of LifeRide for amfAR, which is their philanthropic collaboration to ride across the US to raise funds and awareness for AIDS research. This two-week motorcycle ride culminates right here in San Diego at the Kiehl’s location in Fashion Valley from 12pm-1pm. There will be bites and sips courtesy of Soda & Swine and Juice Saves, and you can also meet all the riders!

I’ve always known about Kiehl’s and their wonderful products, but got a chance to know Kiehl’s a little better recently by trying some of their more popular ones. In reading up on their history, I had no idea they started out as a pharmacy back in 1851! That alone lets me know they’re experts in understanding what’s best for my skin and how to take care of it. My immediate favorites were the Ultra Facial Cream and Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado. Both are rich and creamy, so you don’t need much to get what you need out of the product, and my skin just drank it up! My next favorite was their Lip Balm #1. I have incredibly dry lips that are constantly peeling, especially in summer weather. My lips stayed soft and didn’t peel at all the entire day!

My next on the list to try will be the Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate and the Super Fluid UV Defense Sunscreen. I’ll definitely be using the sunscreen at this weekend’s event, as we know it’s going to be a hot one here in San Diego. It’s +50 SPF, so I know I’m going to get the protection I want!

I’m excited for Kiehl’s event with amfAR tomorrow! Be sure to follow along on my Instagram (@any2ndnow) for all the fun, and you can join the conversation by using #LifeRide6. Additionally, Paulina of Lil Bits of Chic and founder of San Diego Style Bloggers will also be on site to cover the celebratory festivities, so please come on by. 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.

(All photos taken by me, except for the flier which was courtesy of Kiehl’s.)

Nail Art: Stamp Collecting

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.

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!

Also, 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

I 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!

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)

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