Welcome to Beauty Notes

Hi, I’m Isabela, an esthetician student and beauty writer. Since 2019, I’ve been writing and editing in the beauty industry, diving deep into the latest trends, testing products, and studying the science behind glowing skin. My mission? To uncover what works, no fluff, just results.

You may have seen my work on StyldLife, where I’ve written about hair, fashion, and beauty alongside their team and a talented roster of celebrity stylists. But here on Beauty Notes, we’re going beyond the surface. This blog is your skincare cheat sheet, curated by someone who’s obsessed with beauty, loves a good before-and-after, and isn’t afraid to try (almost) everything.

Whether you’re a skincare newbie, a seasoned pro, or just in it for the vibes, you’re in the right place. Think of this as your go-to guide for all things skin.

Stay tuned,
Isabela ✨

P.S. Got a skincare question? Drop a comment or DM me @SkinByIsabela. I’d love to hear from you!

Browse Blog Categories ✨

All Education 📚 Skincare 🧴 Beauty 💄 Seasonal 🍂

Isabela Cordero 9/10/25 Isabela Cordero 9/10/25

Waiting for My State Board Exams: What’s Next?

I’m thrilled to share I’ve officially completed my esthetics course, and now, I’m waiting to take my written and practical exams required to become a licensed esthetician in New York. This is the home stretch, and it’s both nerve-wracking and exciting!

Isabela Cordero 8/27/25 Isabela Cordero 8/27/25

The Power of LED Light Therapy: What Each Color Does for Your Skin

LED (light-emitting diode) therapy has become a staple in modern skincare thanks to its ability to treat an array of skin concerns without any downtime and discomfort. From acne to hyperpigmentation to signs of aging, here’s your guide to understanding what light therapy can do for your skin.

Isabela Cordero 8/20/25 Isabela Cordero 8/20/25

Slugging: the Good, the Bad, & the Greasy

It’s time for a mini blog. Today, we’re talking about slugging. Slugging is a K-Beauty-inspired skincare trend where you apply an occlusive product as the last step in your nighttime routine.

Isabela Cordero 8/4/25 Isabela Cordero 8/4/25

How I Balance School, Work, & Life as a Beauty Student

Let’s be real, being a beauty student is no joke. Between long hours at school, studying for state board exams, practicing services, working part-time, and still trying to have a life, it can feel like you’re being pulled in a million directions. If you’re juggling it all, you’re not alone, but trust me, it is possible to find a balance, even if some days are a little hectic.

Isabela Cordero 7/31/25 Isabela Cordero 7/31/25

How to Build Your Portfolio as a Student Esthetician

Whether you’re in school or just beginning your journey in esthetics, building a strong portfolio is on of the smartest moves you can make.Here’s how to build a portfolio that reflects your skills, passion, and progress before you’re even licensed!

Isabela Cordero 7/2/25 Isabela Cordero 7/2/25

Massage Techniques I Learned in School & The Benefits of Massage

In esthetics, massage is more than just feeling good. It’s a key part of maintaining healthy, glowing skin. Today, I’m sharing a bit about what I’ve learned and how these techniques can make a real difference in your skincare routine.

Isabela Cordero 6/26/25 Isabela Cordero 6/26/25

My First Facial: What I Learned

There’s something exciting and nerve-wrecking about doing something for the first time. This can be especially true for something you’ve studied and practiced for months. As a student esthetician, giving my very first facial for a client wasn’t just a requirement for my studies, but a milestone. And like all “firsts,” I learned along the way.

Isabela Cordero 6/18/25 Isabela Cordero 6/18/25

Day in the Life of an Esthetician Student

I started beauty school in February 2025 online. For about three months, I learned the theory part-time from the comfort of my house. But in May, I began going in person and switched to full-time. I began doing clinical hours. I learned to wax, do facials, and do makeup.

Isabela Cordero 5/15/25 Isabela Cordero 5/15/25

Top 5 Things I’ve Learned From Esthetics School

This February, I began my journey to become a licensed esthetician. While I’ve only been in school for about three months, I’ve still learned so much already. I’m excited to share the five top things I’ve learned from esthetics school so far.

Isabela Cordero 4/24/25 Isabela Cordero 4/24/25

Why I Chose to Become an Esthetician

After five years of writing about beauty and skincare, I realized I didn’t just want to write about it. I wanted to be hands-on in helping people feel confident and beautiful in their skin.