Welcome to Beauty Notes
Hi, I’m Isabela, a licensed esthetician 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 now brings the perspective of a licensed esthetician to every post.
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, from at-home routines to professional treatments.
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 ✨
K-Beauty Must Haves That Changed My Skincare Game
Korean Beauty, or K-Beauty, has completely re-shaped the skincare world, and for a good reason! It’s rooted in prevention, gentle formulations, and a deep understanding of skin health. Here are 5 Korean skincare staples that made a major difference, plus the product recommendations I swear by.
Top Viral Skincare Hacks (and What Actually Works)
The skincare side of TikTok and Instagram is full of viral hacks. Some are genius, while others aren’t. As a student esthetician, I’ve tested out, researched, and seen firsthand what works, what’s best left for the professionals, and what you should just skip. Let’s break down a few of the biggest trends and whether they deserve a spot in your routine.
Professional Grade vs OTC: What is the Real Difference
Whether you walk through any skincare aisle or scroll through your favorite beauty website, you’ll see shelves of over-the-counter (OTC) products claiming to clear acne, erase wrinkles, and brighten skin overnight. As an esthetician student, I’ve learned there are a few differences between what you can grab at Sephora and what is used in a treatment room.
The Rise of Skinimalism & Why it’s Great for Beginners
It’s time again for a mini blog. Today’s topic: skinimalism. Skinimalism is all about simplifying your skincare routine. Think fewer steps, smarter ingredients, and products that do more with less. It’s the opposite of the 10-step routine era.
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.
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.
Basic Skincare Routine for Beginners
If you’re new to skincare, welcome! Whether you’re just starting your skincare journey or you’re trying to get more consistent with your current routine, this guide is for you! 💖
Skincare & Beauty Product Reviews from a Student Esthetician 🧖♀️✨
As an esthetician student, beauty product junkie, and beauty writer, I’m always trying new products. I’m sharing my review of a couple of my favorite products.
Top 5 Summer Facial Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
We’re breaking down the Top 5 Summer Facial Mistakes & How to Avoid Them all season long. As a student esthetician, I see so many people unknowingly sabotaging their skin during the summer months.
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.
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.
How to Keep Your Skin Glowy & Not Greasy in the Heat ☀️
Warm weather is officially here, and while we love the sunshine and bronzed glow, the humidity and heat can leave skin looking more greasy than dewy. If your face turns into an oil slick by midday, don’t worry. You’re not alone, and you don’t need to sacrifice glow for control.
Refresh Your Skincare Routine For Spring
Spring has sprung, and with spring comes time to refresh your skincare routine. From adapting to the change in weather, to combating seasonal allergies, refreshing your routine for the change in season is a game changer.
Debunking Common Skincare Myths
When it comes to skincare, I’m sure we’ve all heard the myths. ✋ Spoiler, but you’re being misled. I’m doing a mini deep dive on some of the most common myths I’ve seen in my esthetician training and over five years of covering the latest beauty trends.