Category: Beauty & Wellness

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Becoming My Own Girl Boss: A Day in the Life of a Community College Student

Being a community college student is about more than just attending classes. Many students are balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities while also preparing for their future careers. Every day looks different for me, and sometimes unexpected plans can change routines. As a student working toward completing my social media marketing degree, I am constantly learning how to manage my time, stay motivated, and continue building my career at the same time.

This article shares a realistic look at one day in my life as a community college student who is not only completing assignments but also working, creating content, and preparing for life after graduation.

Morning Routine: Resetting After a Busy Weekend

On most Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, my morning starts very early, around 4:30AM, so I can get to the gym before starting the rest of my daily responsibilities. However, this particular Wednesday looked a little different because I had just returned from Coachella Weekend 1, and my body needed a bit more time to recover. So, instead of waking up before sunrise as I usually do, I started my day at around 7:00AM, which gave me a much-needed boost to fulfill the day’s requirements.

My morning routine still focused on getting organized and preparing for the day ahead. I filmed a Get Ready With Me video, which is part of the content I create daily as I continue building my presence in digital media. Creating content has become an important part of my daily routine because it allows me to practice skills related to my future career in social media marketing. In addition, it is just something I enjoy doing on a daily basis.

Even on slower mornings, I remind myself that preparation sets the tone for the rest of the day.

Late Morning: Turning Free Time into Productive Time
@mariahmikaela

spend a realistic day in my life with meeee!🌞🤍 #dayinmylife #Vlog #spendthedaywithme #diml #studentlife @Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai @Nespresso @Califia Farms @Garage Clothing @abercrombie & fitch @Aritzia @Wildflower Cases

♬ Garden party – neo trip

Around 9:00AM, my day officially began moving. I was already dressed and ready, so I filmed the start of my Day in My Life video by showing my outfit for the day. I made coffee at home and ate breakfast, which was leftovers from the night before (a tostada with beans, cheese, ground beef, and salsa). It was a simple meal, but it gave me the energy I needed to keep my focus.

Before heading to study, I made a quick stop at Costco to get gas and a car wash. Small errands like these are part of everyday life, but they still require planning and time management. After finishing my errands, I drove to Palm & Boy Coffee and Acai to study before class. This is one of my favorite cafés (Fun Fact: I used to work here back in 2019!)

I arrived at the café around 10:00AM, ordered an iced dirty chai with almond milk, and settled in to get some work done. This was important because it allowed me to prepare for class while also working on creative projects.

While studying, I filmed and created a short video for TikTok featuring a lip combo using my new Rhode products. Creating content while studying might seem unusual and/or odd, but for me, it is part of building my career. It allows me to practice marketing, filming, editing, and branding skills in real time!

Attending Class: Investing in My Future

After studying at the Palm & Boy, I left to attend my 11:30AM Digital Content Marketing class. Attending class is one of the most important parts of my day because it provides the knowledge and skills I need to succeed in my field. I am enjoying this class because it allows me to connect, in person, to peers with similar interests as me! As a community college student, I have learned that my education is an investment in my future.

Balancing school responsibilities requires a ton discipline and focus. Even on days when I feel tired or busy, I remind myself why I started this journey in the first place and what goal I am working towards.


Afternoon: Working and gaining Real-World Experience

After class, I drove to Thousand Oaks, where I work. Before clocking in for my shift, I picked up lunch from Jersey Mike’s and prepared for the rest of the afternoon. I worked from 1:30PM to 6:00PM,  helping customers and managing various other responsibilities at my job.

Working while attending school has taught me valuable skills such as time management, communication, and responsibility. These skills are just as important as the lessons I am learning in the classroom. Having a job also helps me gain real-world experience that will, hopefully, be useful in my future career.

My workday marked the end of my Day In My Life Vlog, but my responsibilities did not stop there.

Evening Reset: Finishing Responsibilities and Preparing for Tomorrow

After finishing work at 6PM, I drove home and continued organizing my space. I had just returned from a busy weekend at Coachella, so cleaning and resetting my environment was necessary to feel prepared for the upcoming week. Resetting the space is always helpful in creating a more productive environment.

Even after a long day of school and work, my responsibilities were nowhere near completed. I am currently taking Excel and we usually have a variety of assignments due on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Since this was a Wednesday, I still had a full list of assignments to complete. This part of the day requires extreme discipline, especially when I feel tired.

Later in the evening, I went to grab dinner at In-N-Out. Taking time to eat and relax is important because it allows me to recharge after a full day of responsibilities.

By the time I finished dinner, it was around 10:00PM, I took a shower, prepared for bed and got ready for my nightly “scroll-time”. Nights are a time for reflection and recovery. Even though the day was super busy, I was proud of everything I accomplished with my time management and organization. Now I am one day closer to building my dream career.

Reflecting: Becoming a Girl Boss One Day at a Time

This day in my life shows that being a community college student involves so much more than just going to class. It requires dedication, organization, and motivation. Everything I do, whether I am studying at the café, working a shift at my 9-5, creating content, or studying and doing homework, plays a role in building my future. 

As the end of the semester approaches, I continue to focus on developing my skills, gaining experience, and preparing myself for my career in digital marketing. And while everyday looks different, one thing remains the same: all of the effort I put into each day helps me shape my opportunities for the next day to come. 

Follow me on TikTok Here!

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Beauty & Wellness Business community Local Business Spotlight

More Than a Workout: The Story Behind The Routine in Ventura

If you’ve ever walked into a workout class and instantly felt out of place, you know how intimidating fitness spaces can be. That’s exactly what Karen, a Ventura College alumna and owner of The Routine in Ventura, wanted to change.

Karen didn’t always plan on opening a Pilates studio. She actually owned a beauty business in downtown Ventura for about 10 years, spending long days doing lash extensions. Over time, the work became physically demanding and pushed her to look for new ways to move and feel better.

So she started trying different ways to move her body going to the gym, taking group classes, doing yoga. But nothing really stuck until she found Pilates. She said she immediately loved it. It didn’t just feel like a workout. It made her feel good, energized, and actually excited to move. The only problem? The closest studios were far away.

So instead of settling for that, she decided to bring Pilates to Ventura herself.

When she first opened The Routine, it wasn’t perfect and she knew it wouldn’t be. Teaching was new, and things didn’t go exactly how she expected. But she leaned on her community, built a team, and now about nine instructors are still with her today. She strongly emphasized how important her team is to her, and how much they’ve helped shape The Routine into what it is today.

What really makes The Routine stand out isn’t just the workouts, it’s the environment. It’s supportive, safe, and welcoming. People start recognizing each other, building real connections, and it begins to feel like a second home.

Now The Routine is expanding to Santa Barbara, something her clients actually pushed for. For Karen, it’s about stepping out of her comfort zone and bringing something new to a different community. She said what excites her most is connecting with new people and making their day better.

At the end of the day, her story is simple: don’t wait for perfect. Believe in your idea, take the risk, and don’t be afraid to fail. Because sometimes the best things start with just trying something new.

Follow her journey here:

Instagram

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Advice Beauty & Wellness reading Social Media Student Life at VC

The Sunday Reset Lie: Soft Aesthetics, Hard Expectations

If you’ve ever opened TikTok or Instagram on a Sunday Morning and suddenly felt the urge to get your life together, you’re not alone. What starts as a quick scroll down your “For You Page” can quickly snowball into watching video after video of perfectly curated influencer routines. You might see freshly cleaned rooms with wrinkle-free bedding and matching pillows, elaborate skincare regimens, an iced matcha in aesthetically designed glasses, or a perfectly planned to-do list for the upcoming week outlining tasks to be done in preparation. Sunday resets have become a trending phenomenon, creating more pressure to do more in preparation for the upcoming week and setting unrealistic expectations for the average college student. As viewers engage with these videos, they may find them calming, yet also subconsciously internalize pressure to complete the same tasks within a day and adopt unrealistic expectations of what their lives should look like. 

These types of short -form videos have taken over our feeds, showcasing a mix of productivity and self-care. As we watch these influencer “resets”, we subtly compare them to our own lack thereof. While they may appear to be simple lifestyle content, there is more happening beneath the surface. This trend has contributed to the inauthenticity surrounding the concept of what it means to be an influencer.

Through visually appealing content, the facade of “relatable” habits, and subtle product placements, these routines do not truly inspire viewers to replicate them— they instead influence consumers to purchase featured products while simultaneously creating pressure for the average person. What were once simple, mundane tasks have been transformed by social media, reshaping the meaning of productivity and giving rise to an unrealistic and unattainable lifestyle over time.

So, why are we addicted to watching this niche genre of videos when there is such an absence of reality?

For Gen- Z viewers such as myself, the “Sunday Reset” trend resonates so hard because it hits the holy trifecta of productivity, self-care, and aesthetic lifestyle content— all without feeling overwhelming due to it’s calming combination of visually appealing clips and carefully chosen audio. This draws us in as an audience, creating a sudden urge of motivation as we think, “Hey, if they can do it, so can I!” However, achieving this sense of accomplishment comes with potential downsides when attempting to replicate what these influencers have done. The average college student doesn’t have the luxury of dedicating an entire day to household tasks, a 10-step skincare routine, or purchasing overpriced groceries and meticulously organizing each item. In reality, we can often complete a portion of these activities while juggling the unpredictability that is life. Time and time again, these influencers live up to their title, as their content is primarily meant to be consumed rather than realistically replicated from a college student’s perspective. 

The real kicker of the “Sunday Reset” trend and its high performance on our feeds is the “soft selling” embedded through influencer-generated content and the products they subtly incorporate into their routines. I’ve fallen victim to a few of these products— such as skincare or household gadgets— because I was drawn watching them being used in real time, often paired with a trendy song playing in the background. That combination creates a powerful setup that encourages audiences to purchase without hesitation. It’s easy to see how absorbed we can become, especially given how accessible it is to buy the items featured in these videos. Much of this is driven by features like the TikTok Shop, where a simple tap allows you to continue watching a video while adding items to your cart. Instead of explicitly saying “buy this,” influencers seamlessly embed products into their routine, shifting the message from a clear promotion to something that feels like a natural part of their lives. Gen- Z viewers, who are often wary of traditional advertising, tend to distrust anything that feels overly promotional. As a result, soft selling comes across as more authentic and unscripted, reinforcing trust in the influencers they follow. This relationship- building between influencer and follower creates a domino effect, leading the follower to become a frequent consumer of the promoted brand.

Targeted ad of under eye patches found on the TikTok Shop
Targeted ad of a supplement powder found on the TikTok Shop

To piggyback on the strong effects of “soft selling,” influencers carefully curate their image to align with their niche, aesthetic, and branding. They achieve this through neatly arranged products, cohesive color palettes, minimalist setups, and bright lighting. This visual clarity brings a sense of calm to a chaotic feed, encouraging viewers to stop and watch — often without realizing how much time has passed. Much of “Sunday Reset” content taps into these polished, effortless vibes such as glowing skin (as a result of an elaborate skincare routine), athlesuire outfits for casual outings like getting iced coffee, and ASMR-like clips cleaning and organizing their environment. All of these elements subtly communicate the idea that “this is what having your life together looks like.” That image is then perceived as both inspirational and attractive, while capturing the audience’s attention and keeps them coming back for more. 

Influencer @amandaedins on TikTok
Aesthetic/Inspo account @dollicqte on TikTok

While “Sunday Reset” content is meant to feel calming and productive, it can also set an unspoken standard for what a “successful” day should look like. For majority of viewers, such as community college students, that standard isn’t realistic in a weekly basis. We have to manage our time carefully across multiple responsibilities— completing assignments, working shifts, and maintaining a social life. Instead of feeling motivated, some people end up experiencing guilt, telling themselves, “I didn’t do enough today” or “My life doesn’t look like that.”

This creates a harmful cycle in which content intended to inspire leads to comparison and self-doubt. These influencers “resets” function as highlight reels, presenting a highly curated version of their lives and creating a disconnect from reality. By turning self-care into performative tasks, they can make everyday activities feel like obligations tied to fitting into an idealized lifestyle. Before we know it, rest and relaxation becomes scheduled, and Sundays are filled with stress instead of serving as time to recharge. In this way, even “soft” productivity trends can add to the mental load rather than relieving it. 

After posting an Instagram story questionnaire asking what typical Sundays look like for Gen-Z community college students, these were a few responses I had received. 

“Grabbing a matcha, grocery shopping and finding somewhere to watch a sunset! This is what a Sunday of protecting my peace looks like,” said Julia Lopez, a former graduate of UCI.

Another contributor said “Bedrot,” which is a slang term for spending an extensive amount of time in bed— that involves scrolling on your phone, watching shows, or simply doing nothing. 

Valeria Montes, a community college student attending Ventura College stated how “spending time with relatives,” is a typical Sunday activity she stresses the importance of. 

“Going to the gym, [walking my] dogs, [hanging] out with friends,” was another response submitted by Grace Pacheco, a former graduate of SDSU.

At the end of the day, the “Sunday Reset” craze reflects exactly what it is: simply a trend that will pass as the next big thing emerges.  As community college students, we can navigate this tone-deaf phenomena by recognizing its disconnect from reality. We understand that influencers spend hours curating these videos and are not authentically portraying what their lives actually look like. Instead of striving for perfection, the concept of a “reset’ should be tailored to our lives— focusing on how we can take care of ourselves, mentally and physically, to the best of our abilities. 

Check out https://www.instagram.com/calmlivingdiary?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== for a fresh perspective of realistic self-care, reminders for when you need it most, and viewing content that will inspire you to live softly under your own terms 🙂

I decided to give this trend a try and created a TikTok for what a Sunday looks like in my life, filmed clips of the activities I had done, while putting my own flare to the music choice and how I edited it as something others can say “Hey, my days kind of look like that too!”

Next time Sunday rolls around and you find yourself struggling to do a couple errands, household chores, or getting on track before the new week arrives, here’s a playlist to fuel those tasks you’ve been putting off!

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Beauty & Wellness Student Life at VC

 Confident Skin, Confident You, in 4 Easy Steps 

Cleanser. Hydrating Serum. Moisturizer. Sunscreen.

Most people don’t have a skincare routine, but I’m here to tell you the importance and ease of starting yours today! There are four base products everyone should have, which are a cleanser, hydrating serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Skincare is for everyone, whether it’s for acne, preventative care, or corrective care.

Itzel Reyes, a licensed esthetician, says, “This is an effective skincare routine that incorporates all the essentials to bring your skin back to life…they are professional grade, result driven products.”

It is important to have a skincare routine not only to look good but to have healthy skin now and as we get older. Also, if you think it’s too late to start yours, it’s not as long as you start! People usually think skincare is only for people with acne, but they’re wrong. Itzel sees clients who also want to prevent their skin from getting dry during the fall season or who want to protect it from getting sun damage. She also has clients who already have sun damage and hyperpigmentation, which is caused by not using or having the right products to protect their skin.

“Would you believe me if I told you this was 80% home care…”

Ultra Gentle Cleanser

Step 1: start with your cleanser and make sure you fully rinse it off before applying the other products.

Hydrating Serum

Step 2: After you’ll want to add a pea size amount of your hydrating serum.

Moisturizer

Step 3: Add about a nickle size of moisturizer and make sure to wait about 20 seconds before adding your spf!

Sunscreen

Step 4: Lastly don’t forget to put your sunscreen, which should be two finger length amount. Make sure to massage it in to not have a white cast!

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Beauty & Wellness

Natural Skin Care

In this article we will go over and highlight some natural skin care remedies done with plants and herbs. Some of the results from these plants and herbs can yield great results, adding moisture to the skin, helping fine lines and wrinkles, balancing out skin tone, and aiding with acne. Some of these plants and herbs have antibacterial properties that help repair skin that has been damaged by the sun and other external elements.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a succulent plant that helps sooth the skin naturally. Aloe vera can help treat burns, insect bites, wounds, and other skin conditions. Aloe vera is an incredible moisturizer and is found as an ingredient in many skin care products.

Basil

Basil has a great deal of antiseptic properties. Basil can be used to treat skin conditions from acne to parasites. The juice from the leaves can help treat most common fungal infections.

Calendula

Calendula is a flower that contains anti-inflammatory properties. This flower helps with repairing damaged, or irritated skin.

Calendula can be extracted into an oil that also contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. Calendula can help clear up bruises, moreover it can help heal cuts, scars, and sores.

Rose Hips

Rose hips contain vitamin C, which help with immunity and aids with the production of collagen naturally. Rose hips can also be extracted into oil which is found as a ingredient in many common skin care products.

Turmeric

Turmeric is an incredible anti-inflammatory root. You can use tumeric to treat swore and swollen muscles, the root can aid in the healing properties with personal injuries.

When tumeric is eaten it will detoxify the blood system, which improves your overall health.

Nettles

Nettles can be useful useful for clearing up eczema and healing skin wounds. Another way to take nettles is to make a tea or tonic.

Dandelion

Dandelion tea can be a great way to clear acne. The tea can also help eczema. Dandelion can be used on all skin types.

Comfrey

Comfrey’s active medicinal components can be found in the flowers and leaves. Comfrey is an anti-inflammatory. Comfrey is also a great moisturizer, and it can be used for burns, bruises, and eczema.

Alfalfa

Alfalfa has medicinal properties found in the leaves and seeds. It also contains carotene, which is high in vitamin A, this can help with hair and skin. Also, alfalfa contains amino acids and other trace minerals. These beneficial nutrients make alfalfa a great natural skin care remedy.


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Beauty & Wellness Local Business Spotlight

𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐬, 𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞, & 𝐁𝐞𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐝: 𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐃𝐢𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭

We’ve all had those bad hair days! When no product seems to work, and your hair has a mind of its own. Hair is often seen as a reflection of our identity and health, yet many people don’t truly understand what their hair needs to thrive. Effective hair care starts with knowing your hair type, scalp condition, and the ingredients that actually make a difference. But what if the secret to great hair isn’t in how much you use, but how well you understand your hair’s unique needs?

𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲

Hair porosity refers to how quickly your hair will take in and retain moisture. It is predicated on the well-being of the outer sheath of your hair, which is the cuticle, which opens and shuts to take in or out water. There are three levels of hair porosity:

𝙇𝙤𝙬 𝙋𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮

  • Cuticles are tightly closed.
  • Hair tends to resist moisture, making it harder for water or products to penetrate.
  • It may take a long time for hair to get wet and also to dry.

Signs: Product buildup, water beads on hair, hair feels dry but is hard to moisturize.

Tips: Use lightweight, water-based products. Apply heat (like warm water or a steamer) when deep conditioning to help open the cuticle.

𝙈𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙪𝙢 𝙋𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮 = 𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙢𝙖𝙡 𝙃𝙖𝙞𝙧

  • Cuticles are slightly open, allowing moisture in and out with ease.
  • Hair is generally healthy, manageable, and holds styles well.

Signs: Accepts moisture easily, dries at a normal rate, doesn’t tangle too much.

Tips: Stick to a balanced routine-moisturize regularly, and avoid excessive heat or chemicals to maintain porosity.

𝙃𝙞𝙜𝙝 𝙋𝙤𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙞𝙩𝙮

  • Cuticles are raised or damaged, often due to heat, color treatments, or genetics.
  • Hair absorbs moisture quickly but loses it just as fast.

Signs: Frizz, tangling, dryness, and quick drying time.

Tips: Use heavier products like creams, oils, and protein treatments to seal in moisture and strengthen the hair. Avoid heat and harsh chemicals when possible.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 :

It’s a simple way to figure out how well your hair absorbs and holds moisture. Here’s the most common method:

Important tip: Make sure your hair is freshly washed before testing! Oils and products can mess with the result.

𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐓𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬

Hair type refers to the natural shape or pattern of your hair strands, and it plays a big role in how your hair behaves, what products work best, and how to care for it. Hair types are usually categorized into four main groups (Type 1 to Type 4), with subcategories (A, B, C) to describe the texture more specifically.

Products For Type 1: Garnier Usa Gisou

Products For Type 2: Ouai Briogeo Hair

Products For Type 3: Rizo curls Kerastase

Products For Type 4: Shea Moisture Its a 10 haircare

𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐬 & 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

  1. Hair Loss / Thinning
    Cause: Genetics (male/female pattern baldness), hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, thyroid issues), stress, poor diet, certain medications.

Resolution:
    •    Minoxidil (topical treatments)
    •    Balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins
    •    Stress management (exercise, therapy)
    •    Consult a dermatologist for advanced treatments like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy)

Product recommendation: Lia Organics

  1. Dandruff (Flaky Scalp)
    Cause: Fungal overgrowth (Malassezia), dry skin, sensitivity to hair products (contact dermatitis).

Resolution:
    •    Anti-dandruff shampoos (zinc pyrithione, ketoconazole)
    •    Regular scalp exfoliation
    •    Avoid harsh hair products

Product recommendation: Head & Shoulders

  1. Split Ends
    Cause: Overwashing, heat styling, chemical treatments (bleaching, perming), mechanical damage (rough brushing).

Resolution:
    •    Regular trims (every 6–8 weeks)
    •    Use heat protectant sprays
    •    Deep conditioning treatments
    •    Switch to gentle hair brushes (like boar bristle)

Product Recommendation: K18

  1. Oily Scalp
    Cause: Overactive sebaceous (oil) glands, hormonal changes, and overwashing (triggers more oil production).

Resolution:
    •    Mild, sulfate-free shampoos
    •    Washing hair every other day (not daily)
    •    Scalp balancing treatments (like tea tree oil products)

Product Recommendation: The Ouai

  1. Frizz
    Cause: Lack of moisture, humidity, heat damage, and rough towel drying.

Resolution:
    •    Use leave-in conditioners or serums
    •    Dry hair with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt
    •    Hydrating hair masks weekly

Product Recommendation: Color WOW

  1. Breakage / Weak Hair
    Cause: Excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, rough handling, lack of protein.

Resolution:
    •    Protein treatments (keratin masks)
    •    Limit heat styling
    •    Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction

Products Recommendation: Kerastase & 8hr magic

𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐫 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬

Hair color analysis is the method of determining the colors and tones that most suit your natural coloring- such as your skin tone, eye color, and natural hair color. It assists individuals in selecting hair colors (and sometimes makeup or attire) that improve their overall appearance. This is sometimes associated with the idea of seasonal color analysis, which categorizes individuals as spring, summer, autumn, or winter.

  1. Determine Your Skin Tone:
  • Cool undertones: Pink, red, or bluish hues.
Veins may appear blue. Skin burns easily.
  • Warm undertones: Golden, peachy, or yellow hues. Veins may look green. Skin tans easily.
  • Neutral undertones: A mix of warm and cool.

2. Match Hair Color to Undertones:

  • Cool undertones: Look best with ashy blondes, cool browns, jet black, or cool reds like burgundy.
  • Warm undertones: Look good with golden blondes, honey browns, copper, and warm reds.
  • Neutral undertones: Can wear a wide range of colors, both warm and cool.

3. Consider Eye Color:

  • Cool-toned eyes: Icy blue, grey, deep brown.
  • Warm-toned eyes: Amber, hazel with gold or green, light brown.

4. Seasonal Analysis:

  • Spring: Light eyes, fair warm skin. Best with warm blondes, strawberry blondes, and light golden browns.
  • Summer: Cool undertones, soft features. Best with ash blondes, cool browns, and rose golds.
  • Autumn: Warm undertones, deep eye color. Best with rich auburn, copper, and chestnut browns.
  • Winter: Cool undertones, high contrast (pale skin/dark hair). Best with deep blacks, cool browns, and icy blondes.

Why is a Hair Color Analysis Important?

It prevents the use of colors that don’t go well with your skin tone (which would leave your complexion dull or pale) and instead enhances your own natural glow. It’s particularly helpful before significant color transitions or lightening/darkening (or vice versa).

Hair Color try-on/analysis virtual tools:

Redken Loreal Paris Madison Reed

𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝟓 𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬✨

Ritual Salon: Instagram & Beauty by Jossilynn
Address: 2546 E Vineyard Ave, Oxnard, CA 93036

Luxury Beauty Pro: Instagram

Address: 180 W Fourth St Oxnard, CA  93030

Salon Illum: Instagram

Address:421 S Ventura Rd, Oxnard, CA

Lavish Hair salon: Instagram

Address: 3631 W. Fifth St Oxnard 93030

The Cove at the Lighthouse: Instagram

Address: 30750 Russell Ranch Rd suite d,
Westlake Village, CA 91362

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Arts & Entertainment Beauty & Wellness

3 Interesting stores to visit in LA

This past week I went to Fairfax and Melrose in LA just to visit a few stores that I enjoy going to when I’m out there. Melrose and Fairfax or streets in Los Angeles, that are known to have many fashion retailer stores on the streets whether its secondhand designer, buy, sell, trade stores, independent fashion companies, or just designer retailers. Wherever you go on Melrose and Fairfax you are bound to find something new and unique whether it’s a food place, record shop, or even a clothing store.

1. Brain Dead Studios

if you enjoy high-quality fabrics and unique designs, then you might want to go check out Brain Dead Studios. They are located on Fairfax and their shop is very unique. Not only is it a showroom for their product but it also has a theater in the building where they hold movie nights. You can visit their website to see what movies they are going to be showing how much tickets cost. With having the movie theater in the same building, they also own their own concession stand where customers can buy drinks, food, and Eivan shirts that are specifically designed for Brain Dead Studio’s movie theater. In addition to the movie theater, they also have their own café outside in the back of the building. Brain Dead Studios is a store that has more to offer than just clothes.

2. Heaven by Marc Jacobs

Heaven by Marc Jacobs is a very unique and store that I always enjoy visiting. They have such unique designs when it comes to their jewelry. Their clothes are very eye catching and their other accessories such as their bags are so pretty. I personally love going to this store not only for their products but also to see the other brands they carry. Instead of only selling their products they also sell different brand’s items as well. One of my favorite smaller brands that they carry is Gen 2. Gen 2 is ran by one of the employees who works at Heaven by Marc Jacobs. During my visit, I got to talk to Julia and Shannon, who are employees at the store. I asked them a few questions such as what made them want to work at Heaven. Julia replied, “ I had previous experience in high retail in the environment seemed pretty laid-back. I also really like the customers in the type of customers that come in. I like that the store attracts a more younger crowd.” Shannon said, “ I used to come to the store a lot when I first moved here and I wanted to work somewhere that was more fun and also somewhere I actually want to be at. I came in one day and asked if they were hiring. It was just the right place right time.” I also asked which item in the store is their personal favorite item. Julia responded, “ A few of my favorite items in the store right now is our D squared vintage hat and the Heaven camo dress. It’s funny because when I first started here, I wanted that camo dress so bad that after I started, I ended up getting that as my first purchase.” Shannon said, “ My favorite item in the store are the brown Margaret boots. I really like those boots because they kind of remind me more of a cowboy style. I wanted them so bad when I was living in Texas.” I enjoyed talking to the employees every time I come in because they’re so friendly and helpful when it comes to finding the right pieces to buy.

3. 2nd Street

2nd Street is a store that buys from people who come in and sell their clothes and either offers them a percentage back in trade or cash. 2nd Street specializes in streetwear, high end designer brands, and vintage. The store has an item for everybody, whether a person is looking for something cheap and up to trend or a little on the pricier side for higher name brand items. I enjoyed looking through their vintage section because they have a good variety of different T-shirts, hats, outerwear, and jeans for a decent price. I’ve seen their other sections such as their designated racks for their higher and items, like Balenciaga and they have a great variety that’s not priced too bad. You could find items from all over at 2nd Street. Pieces from the last two stores I talked about will sometimes pop up here. This is a great store to go to when you’re looking for something that you don’t know what that something is yet because you can get lost in the items this store has curated.

These are just three stores that I mentioned you can find on Melrose and Fairfax. There are so many other shops out there that I could talk about, but I really enjoy going to these three. I have picked up pieces from these stores that caught my eye and I’ve gone to events at these stores and enjoyed myself during that time.

If you would like to see my last experience, going to these stores feel free to click here to watch my review of these stores.

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Beauty & Wellness

The Benefits of Getting a Facial

We all love our self care/ love days after a long week of stress, but sometimes we don’t know where to start. Well let me tell you that getting a facial is the best thing to try for you and your skin.  A facial is a skin treatment that improves your skin health and overall well being. Facials are also known for relaxation which everyone needs, due to the gentle massages they incorporate to target facial muscles and help to release tension.  It also increases blood flow to the skin which brings nutrients and oxygen to reduce stress and promote a healthy, radiant complexion. Stress damages our skin by acne outbreaks, as well as dehydration. 

What’s include in a Facial

There are 5 steps that a facial includes in your appointment

  • Cleansing: Helps remove dirt and makeup away from your skin before starting the process of your treatment 
  • Exfoliation: Exfoliants are used with scrubs or gloves to exfoliate your skin with circle motion. To help remove dead skin cells and unclogging pores.
  • Extract: Extraction is for blackheads, white heads, and other dirtiness of pores. In my opinion this is my least favorite part of a facial but it is worth the pain. 
  • Massage: Warm body wraps, rubbing tools in your head, massage in your neck, arms, and back help reduce stress and relax tense facial muscles.
  •   Hydrate: At the end of the treatment they finish it up with serums and moisturizers to deeply hydrate your skin. As well sunscreen to prevent any damage after exfoliating or hyperpigmentation. 

Types of facials 

Hydrafacial- One of the most popular treatments there is in esthetician. It’s very helpful for those who suffer from dry skin, this treatment is a deep cleanse that hydrates your skin and gives the glow right away. It reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and clears clogged prove, lastly it improves skin tones.

Chemical Peel- A way to exfoliate the skin and promotes a new skin growth which by the ways this helps remove dead skin cells, plus it leads you for a smooth and more even tone skin

Microneedling- A procedure that is more a medical service that includes a pen with multiple mini needles which helps with the appearance of line, wrinkles, and acne scars. This facial boosts your collagen system which helps your skin look smooth. 

Dermaplaning- Removes the outermost layer of dead skin which allows better product penetration especially when applying active ingredients and moisturizers 

Addressing Specific Skin Concerns:

Estheticians recommend getting a facial every 4-6 weeks for better results. This may depend on your skin concerns, type, and goals. I personally usually get it once done every month, so it helps me stay within my budget. Oily, Acne-prone, and dry skin is recommended to receive a facial every 4 weeks to manage any type of concerns and stay consistent with the progress. It’s totally normal that after receiving your facial treatment, your skin will be red and become inflamed due to removing all the toxins & bacteria from your skin. It is key to prevent sun exposure after your treatment. It is a must to have a hat to block the sun and depending on the treatment received to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.

Results

As you can see I’m a girl that suffers from acne, I completely understand how that might feel. From my experience, it was really hard at first to find a solution, but after having that door open where it lead me to a new beginning for my skin. I discovered the treatments of facials and took it as a beautiful opportunity to instead in my skincare. Hydrafacial is one of my favorite treatment at the moment which completely improved and restored my skin hydration while helping me control and prevents future breakouts. So don’t put off getting a facial, Trust me you and your skin will thank me later !:)



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Beauty & Wellness Local Business Spotlight

Small Business Spotlight – Ventura Pilates Lab

Ventura Pilates Lab

With summer quickly approaching, it is the perfect time to begin prioritizing health, fitness, and most importantly… YOU. With this in mind, I took my first-ever Pilates class at the Pilates Lab in Ventura.

The studio, located at 2415 E Main St in Ventura, is nestled above an OBGYN office. Pilates Lab is a woman-owned business that opened its doors in February of 2024 by owner Shannon Barbaro.

Let’s be honest, the hashtag # PilatesPrincess circulating on my Instagram feed inspired me to take a Pilates class. After careful research on the Pilates studios Ventura has to offer, I finalized my decision on Pilates Lab.

With this in mind, I reached out to my cousin Cheri Hays, who is an instructor at the studio. This studio has all glowing 5-star reviews from customers who rave about the offered classes, amenities, and instructors.

My cousin Cheri and I took Jaime’s 8:30am class on Saturday, and let me tell you, the reviews were right! After my 50-minute class, thanks to the controlled movements and deep body alignment my body felt powerful. Mentally, I felt a sense of calmness and mindfulness.

Pictured on the left is Jaime Clark, in the middle is Cheri Hays, and on the right is owner, Shannon Barbaro.

I’d like to point out that I am not the kind of girl who is ready to slay the day at 8:30am. However, afterwards I felt uplifted inside and out, feeling good about myself. You know what they say, look good, feel good.

How my 8:30AM class looked

The studio is beautifully decorated with greenery and fosters a relaxing environment as soon as you step through the doors. In the picture above is an iconic piece of Pilates equipment known as the Reformer. During our class, we used the reformers to engage our quads, core, and arms. It was unlike any workout I have experienced before.

What sets Pilates Lab apart from other studios in Ventura? Shannon Barbaro focuses on biohacking, which she describes as the “full body, anything done to improve the qualities and capabilities of a living organism” (Barbaro). The studio uses “Theralight 360 whole-body light therapy, NuCalm sound healing, and Power Plate to help you achieve your best possible results” (Barbaro). Follow this link to their website to learn more about their class offerings and how these therapeutic machines transform your body.

For anyone like me, who was curious to learn more about Pilates or even take their first class, I recommend trying Pilates Lab in Ventura! Click here to find Pilates Lab via Instagram, or click this to visit instructor Cheri’s Instagram page. Now, stop pilating around and book a class!

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Beauty & Wellness Business Podcasts

Glow Up Diaries

Curious about skincare and want to support a local esthetician? Whether you’re building a new routine, refreshing your current one, or just want glowing skin for the summer, this episode is for you! Tune in as Itzel, Jaydin, and Joselyn sit down with Stephanie, a local esthetician, to chat about skincare trends, helpful advice, and tips you can start using today.

Where to Find Us:

Itzel Solorio

-Social: About Me

-Instagram:@itzel.solorio.a

Jaydin Antill

-Social: About Me

-Instagram: @jaydin.lizz

Joselyn Xicohtencatl

-Social: About Me

-Instagram: @josss.xicohtencatl_