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 ✨
6 Skincare Tips to Live By
When it comes to skincare, consistency matters more than perfection. Glowing, healthy skin is about building simple, effectivehabits that keep your skin feeling happy and balanced. Here are six skincare tips to live by, straight from the treatment room to your daily routine. 💖
A Beginner’s Guide to Dermaplaning
For those deep into skincare TikTok or have ever had a facial, you’ve probably heard of dermaplaning. This trend exfoliation technique that leaves your skin instantly smoother and glowier. But what exactly is dermaplaning, how does it work, and is it right for you?
Top 5 Winter Facial Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Winter can be tough on your skin, but with a few changes, your skincare routine can prevent any winter skin woes. Here are the top five winter facial mistakes and tips on how to avoid them.
Is Skin Cycling Really Worth The Hype?
If you’ve been on skincare TikTok or follow trending routines on Instagram, you’ve probably heard of skin cycling. Popularized by dermatologist Dr. Whitney Bowe, skin cycling promises to simplify your skincare routine while maximizing results. But is it just another passing trend, or is it actually worth the hype?
How to Choose the Right Cleanser for Your Skin Type
Cleansing is the first step to every skincare routine, and possibly the most underrated. It’s where everything begins. If your cleanser is too harsh, rich, or just not right for your skin, you’re sabotaging your glow before the rest of your products even touch your face.
The Importance of Daily SPF
When people think of sunscreen, they usually think of beach days and summer heat, but sunscreen isn’t seasonal. SPF isn’t just for sunny days; it’s all year long.
How Tech is Changing the Skin Game
Beauty and skincare are ever-evolving fields. With more advanced technology and even AI technology, tech is changing how we treat, understand, and care for skin. As an esthetician-in-training, I’ve been diving into the latest tools and innovations. The future of skincare is here, and it’s glowing!
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.
Sweat, Sunscreen, & Breakouts: Let’s Talk Summer Skin Issues
Between sunshine, beach days, and heatwaves, summer brings out the glow, but also the grime. If your summer skincare feels like a never-ending battle with breakouts, clogged pores, and irritation, don’t worry. You’re not alone.