If there’s one thing Millennials aren’t shy about its self-care. For me self-care and skin care are intertwined. During this time, I’ve been excited to see content creators of all generations and influencer sizes embrace the practice of developing skincare routines. I’m excited writing this post because I recently discovered a perfect skincare brand for those who want to know how to build a skincare routine. In this post, I’ll share the essentials in any skincare routine and introduce you to Versed skincare, a non-toxic, cruelty-free, and vegan skincare brand that delivers high quality products that affordable prices. I’m enthusiastic to discover a brand like Versed that breaks the mold and makes skincare accessible to everyday people. I work in public relations in entertainment, and for far too long I broke my bank trying to purchase the products I saw on-set used on my celebrity and influencer clients. A little-known secret, your favorite stars all have skincare routines that don’t cost thousands of dollars. The beauty of Versed skincare is that whether you want to add a new skincare product or develop a full routine, you can find these products at your favorite retailer like Target. Millennials Review of Versed Skincare - How to build a skincare routineThese are the essential steps in any skincare routine: 1. Oil based cleanser/balm (1st step in double cleansing) 2. Gel based cleanser (2nd cleanser, gentler) 3. Serums 4. Moisturizer 5. Sunscreen Double Cleansing in a skincare routine Double cleanses are an important step for everyone because we all build up dirt, grim, and oil throughout the day. Many of us have a new skincare concern and that is irritation from face masks and maskne. Double cleanses are vital in breaking down the pollution that our skin produces and is exposed to. I used the Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm and loved how it was gentle and not stripping on my skin. I started carrying this balm with me when I went to my local gym open near me. Not only have I noticed my recent breakouts go down, but I also saw my skin’s texture start to smooth where my face mask acne had started. As for gel-based cleansers, the beauty of Versed and your skincare routine is that you have options in this step. If you go onto the Versed website, you can see brand’s legend on picking products based off your skin care concerns or skin type. Serums & TreatmentsTreat your skin with serums after you cleanse, and before you moisturize. Like your cleanse, you should pick serums that treat specific skincare concerns you have. Personally, I use retinol serums and clarifying serums. In a gift from Versed, I received the Nix It Complexion Solution treatment and I’ve used it as a spot treatment. As someone who spends all day in front of a camera, this stuff has been a lifesaver! I have combination oily skin, and occasionally I have sensitive moments. One thing I learned in my skincare routine and clear skin journey is that it’s important to have options and rotate through products. Most people are unaware, but your skincare routine has to change because your skin changes as well. The serums you pick will be specific to whatever skin type you are at this moment. And skincare can get expensive, but again shoutout to Versed for offering serums and treatments that you can buy at a great price. Moisturizer In building a skincare routine, a moisturizer is that penultimate step where you can splurge. Moisturizers in skincare routines help lock in the treatments and serums that you’ve placed on your skin. Whether you want a thinner one or a thicker one, there’s nothing like a good moisturizer sitting on your face. That feeling of hydration soaking in – so good! When I discovered skincare, I thought that treating my acne would require stripping my face bone-dry. The key to combatting oily and problem skin is proper hydration. When your skin is properly hydrated, it’s less likely to produce sebum and oils. Again, Versed has got you covered here. Sunscreen We need to talk about the importance of wearing sunscreen! SPFs are probably the most important part of any skincare routine. Besides protecting your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays that cause dark spots and sun burn, SPF helps protect you from more serious issues like skin cancer. Since my days working on sets, like America’s Got Talent, I’ve learned of the importance of wearing sunscreen under the most unlikely of lights. Yes, you should still wear sunscreen indoors because whether you’re looking at a screen or sitting by a window, that light can still be damaging to your skin’s health and complexion. When building my skincare routine, I discovered that I loved mineral based sunscreens. Mineral based SPFs, like Guards Up from Versed, are often better for people with sensitive skin. I recently used Guards Up for an on-camera interview, ring light and all, and wow I was glowing on screen! Again, I can’t stress enough finding a good SPF for everyday wear and for your skincare routine. As a skincare addict, I’m enthusiastic seeing Gen Y and Z invest in building their skin care beauty routines. An important thing to note is that skincare routines and products take time to show their impact. Any product that seems to have a magical relief, is probably doing more harm than good in the long run. Whether you’re looking for an everyday skincare routine or dealing with newer skincare concerns like face mask acne, aka maskne, a proper regimen takes time and testing. Versed Skincare was kind enough to send me some gifts that I mentioned to test a month ago (this post is just going up as I wanted ample time to test the products). And after testing these products, I’ve just been so impressed by how much I’ve loved my Versed skincare products that I had to share this amazing brand. These vegan and clean skincare products have had a positive impact on my skin’s health and glow. I hope this review of Versed skincare and guide on how to build a skincare routine helps you build a regimen to treat yourself and your skin. Thanks for reading these Words by Will! Make sure to follow me on Instagram @Willsshowem and on YouTube @William Samayoa for more!
One reason I started this blog was because of my passion for storytelling and sharing products I love. If you know me then you know I enjoy the experience of investing and shopping luxury fashion. As an L.A. native, I visit Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, CA whenever I need a pick me up. But like many of us, I've limited my outings to do my part to flatten the curve. That being said, as shopping in California has begun to slowly open I recently decided to visit Beverly Hills to have an in-store luxury shopping experience. In case you are curious about the coronavirus safety procedures in places like luxury fashion boutiques, then this blog is perfect for you. Since quarantine started in Los Angeles, I have not visited the iconic luxury fashion strip that i Rodeo Drive . Instead of doing in-person shopping I pivoted to online luxury shopping. I admit, this shift to digital shopping for luxury fashion has had its blips. Doing my designer shopping online not only resulted in some sizing and style mistakes. While I was excited when my online luxury order arrived, it couldn’t compare to that in-person experience of knowing what I got and knowing how it looked on me. Unboxing luxury online shopping items like my Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Accessoires, which I wrote about in another post here, lacked that excitement of touring and testing items within a boutique. (I’m also not complaining about how many of us have had to pivot to online luxury shopping. I understand these are first world problems.) Because I felt comfortable, and I know that my recent COVID-19 test provided me a negative result, I thought I thought to take a quick visit to this part of Los Angeles. Socially Distant Luxury Shopping in Beverly Hills - Fall 2020 in Los AngelesOn a sunny Monday, I called the Prada boutique in Rodeo Drive and boldly asked, “Do you have the Prada combat boots?” I was unsure if this local Prada would have these trendy boots. Not only did this Beverly Hills Prada have the trendy chunky combat boots, but they had multiple sizes. I grabbed a face mask, threw on my Louis Vuitton crossbody bag, and I made my first luxury shopping trip to Beverly Hills during quarantine. For those familiar with shopping in Rodeo Drive, you won’t be surprised that even during quarantine the fashion on sight is on-point. In Beverly Hills, like many parts of L.A., face masks are required in almost all public settings. And face masks are also required when entering any of the stores located on Rodeo Drive. I highly recommend making an appointment or showing up early when planning luxury shopping in general. Most, if not all boutiques, only allow a small number of patrons in at any given time. I arrived in Beverly Hills for my shopping appointment in the afternoon. Luckily, I avoided any morning or pre-evening rush. I was greeted into the store with a quick temperature check and a squirt of hand sanitizer for good measure. The Prada boutique in Beverly Hills was not only gorgeous but it had great measures for maintaining social distancing. Guests were hosted at least six feet apart from other shoppers. For example, I was trying on the Prada brushed leather nylon boots while two other people were also trying shoes. We were sat a good distance apart inside the boutique’s luxury shoe section. When I asked if I could try on the boots, to ensure the sizing was right, my sales associate said, “Of course!” She shared with me how all products handled by clients were disinfected and set aside for several days before returning to the inventory. It’s also worth noting that all of the sales associates in the boutiques wear gloves and change them after each visit. While some muffling happened because of the masks, I still was able to have a rich conversation and luxury shopping experience with my sales associate. I tried on multiple pairs of the Prada combat boots before I found my right size. Being able to try on different styles and sizes until I found the perfect pair is something I’ve missed in my shopping experience. For me, it’s not just about buying designer. For me, shopping luxury fashion is about the atmosphere of treating yourself to a gift. From the warm demeanor of the staff to the gorgeous edifices, shopping luxury fashion in-person cannot be compared. Thanks for reading my come shopping with me in Beverly Hills blog! Let me know in the comments below if you’ve recently visited a boutique for in-person luxury shopping or if you’ve done any online luxury shopping recently. Thanks for reading these Words by Will! Make sure to follow me on Instagram @Willsshowem and on YouTube @William Samayoa for more!
Prada’s new collection of chunky boots is the pinnacle of the phrase, “Boots the house down boots” (an exclamation from the drag community meaning that something is amazing) and are in this Los Angeles blogger’s opinion, a luxury fashion shoe worth every penny. After buying and wearing these new Prada boots for a few days, I thought it was time to write a new fashion post highlighting my brand-new favorite boots. Welcome to my first impression and review of the Prada Brushed leather and nylon combat boots! In short, these Prada boots are not a toot, they are an absolute shoot! (Meaning these Prada boots are absolutely amazing.) However, for those interested in a longer review, just keep scrolling to read about my first impressions on these Prada combat boots, and why I think they’re a perfect addition for any 2020 fall fashion closet. 2020 Fall Fashion Review: Men’s Prada Brushed Leather and Nylon combat bootsI’ve always been a lover of boots. While I live in always-sunny Los Angeles, CA, as a fashion enthusiast and blogger I’ve never been shy of wearing what I want, even if the climate doesn’t agree with my decision. Wearing boots and tracking the growing popularity of Prada’s chunky boots and the combat boot trend is just my style. Maybe it’s because fall fashion is on the horizon or it’s the specific allure of Prada Brushed leather and technical fabric booties (the boots with Prada’s signature nylon pouch aside the boot) but Prada’s boots have never seemed to be bigger. And after wearing these boots, I admit that these Prada boots are big in both their price tag and size! At the time that I bought these boots, in-store at the Rodeo Drive Prada store, the Prada Brushed leather and nylon combat boots retail for $1,050. The boots are a standard combat boot style with Prada’ signature nylon inserts on both the inside and outside. Prada’s logo adorns the ankle of the combat boot in an enameled metal logo triangle that matches the metal eyelets and hook closures. The heel of these chunky Prada boots measures 40 mm and the boots come in EU sizing. While I measure a size 9 in US, my Prada size conversation was a 7.5. (Thanks to the SA who took the time to let me try on a few pairs to find my right size.) One thing that I commend Prada for on these boots is the level of comfort. I was able to walk in my Prada combat boots comfortably. And like all boots, after too long thought it does start to strain your ankle and foot. While I never wore the influencer-and-fashionista-favorite Prada Monolith leather boots, I’m sure they would still be comfortable! The chunky boots I bought are absent of the now signature Prada nylon coin purse, but that did not deter me from how much I love these boots. When you shop Prada, you are shopping for quality and classic pieces. The Prada Brushed leather and nylon combat boots, in my opinion are the best boots for those wanting a staple luxury fashion piece, but something that’s versatile with many outfits. When I visited the Rodeo Drive Prada store I went in distressed black jean-shorts, a plain white t shirt, and a distressed denim jacket. As you’ve seen in some of my photos, the men’s Prada combat boots truly tie together any outfit. Whether you’re channeling a punk-rock moment, or you want to create a juxtaposition like a blazer and shorts, these Prada combat boots have earned their place in your influencers and stylists fall fashion hauls and fall fashion must-have lists. What you think of the Prada chunky boot collection/trend?
Thanks for reading these Words by Will! If I have one guilty pleasure, it’s collecting designer and luxury sunglasses. One of the many reasons I love living in sunny Los Angeles, CA is that I have an excuse to always strut around with some new sunnies. From shield sunglasses helping me channel my inner Kardashian to some retro skinny cat eye sunglasses I believe that this fashion accessory should be a staple in every person’s wardrobe. If eyes are the window to the soul, then sunglasses are the storefront to attract and tell a story to the world. As part of the new fall fashion blogs and videos I wanted to contribute to the conversation by sharing my list of top 5 sunglasses styles to wear in fall 2020. Whether you’re graced by sunny days or you just need a pair of sunglasses to love, check out my favorite styles below (in no particular order). Fall Fashion 2020 Trends - 5 Sunglasses and Styles to Have In Your Fashion ClosetSkinny Statement Glasses – Retro Rectangular FramesWhile I’ve yet to own a pair, I’ve definitely ordered myself, a pair of retro-inspired skinny sunglasses. The style that’s definitely going to be a fall fashion trend includes skinny rectangular frame sunglasses. Thanks to Fashion TikTok, the 80s are back in full swing and so it’s time to either bring out your mom’s vintage sunglasses or grab a pair before they’re sold out. The pair above is the one's I ordered from sunglass company Quay Australia. To shop them click here. Classic and Cool – Aviator SunglassesA classic and I believe universally flattering style, aviator sunglasses should be a staple in every person’s fashion closet. This fall, aviators will of course be in style, but the twist is that statement piece aviators will be key. My favorite pair are the High Key Contrast from Quay Australia (again another Quay, and not the last. I swear this isn't a sponsored post but I wish it was). These trendy sunglasses live up to their name in the mirror lenses that Quay offers for this classic sunglass style. All the drama – oversized square sunglasses Similar to my love for shield sunglasses, and echoing my affinity for classic silhouettes, oversized square sunglasses are in my opinion a staple for any fall fashion 2020 closet. The sunglasses I’ve selected are another pair from my Macy’s Style Crew board, click here to shop them (affiliate link). These Prada Linea Rossa Sunglasses offer a universally flattering square lens, that works great for everyday wear. Show up and show out – shield sunglasses Shield sunglasses are always a statement piece, and every fall fashion closet needs a good pair of statement fashion accessories. My trendy fall fashion sunglasses are from Versace and they scream opulence with the gold bar on top. I'm so excited to share that not only did I recently join the Macy's Style Crew, but I found the exact pair of Versace shield sunglasses that I was talking about! You can buy them by clicking here, and note please note this is an affiliate link that supports me and the blog with no additional cost to you ever! Classy and cool – club master sunglasses/ cat eye sunglasses There is something to say about how much of a boss you feel when wearing cat eye or clubmaster sunglasses. These glasses are staples in fashion closets for the hustlers out there, and I think in fall fashion 2020 trends, these angular frames are going to pop. Because of their exaggerated shapes, they always draw attention to your eyes in the most understated way. My current favorite cat eye sunglasses were inspired by Alex Cooper’s and the Call Her Daddy podcast where she always dons a cool pair of cat eye sunglasses. The pair I’m rocking is the Mosanana Square Cateye Sunglasses available on Amazon here. What are your favorite sunglasses or fall fashion 2020 closet staples?
Thanks for reading these Words by Will! When the clean skincare brand Summer Fridays first released its now iconic Jet Lag Mask, beauty influencers and Instagram were quick to share how much they loved this multi-use moisturizer. Since its initial launch, Summer Fridays continues to grow with new products filling up our skincare fridges and our Instagrammable shelves. The brand recently launched a brand-new product. I got to try Summer Fridays new Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution ($54) after ordering it on its launch day. After just a few uses, I'm glad to report that the Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution has quickly become the crown jewel of my nighttime skincare routine. Founded by beauty and lifestyle influencers Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Ireland, Summer Fridays remains one of Instagram’s favorite skincare brands- and with good reason. Upon opening the package, which like all Summer Fridays products feels and looks luxurious, I implemented the solution into my nighttime skincare routine. Because of my oily-combination skin, I’m always looking for products that exfoliate my skin while tackling my skin concerns include mild acne and some scarring. And Soft Reset by Summer Fridays is that AHA solution that has not only cleared my skin but proved gentle enough to use every night this past week. As a skincare enthusiast, I had to try out this brand-new Summer Fridays product and give my honest first impressions on this nighttime skincare solution. In my opinion, the Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution is a perfect nighttime AHA solution for many, if not all, skin types and concerns. Used after I cleanse my skin with the Summer Fridays Super Gel Amino Cleanser, I swipe Soft Reset across my face with reusable cotton rounds. I’ll finish off my nighttime skincare routine by moisturizing with a staple Summer Fridays product, the Jet Lag Mask. I also finish my skincare routine with a swipe of the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm for a sweet and non-sticky overnight lip mask This review of Summer Fridays Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution comes a week after using the product and posting my updated nighttime skincare routine on my Instagram. It’s worth noting that the same night I used Soft Reset for the first time I came home after traveling by plane. This AHA exfoliating solution had a lot it had to smooth out. From wearing face masks for hours at a time to the constant reapplying of products like sunscreen and make up, Soft Reset by Summer Fridays not only worked while I slept, but it did more work than any skincare product in my fridge could! The next morning, I woke up with visibly smaller pores and a natural glow! And this was all before I used my favorite vitamin C serum, the Summer Fridays CC me serum. Like all my Summer Fridays products, the brand-new Soft Reset AHA Exfoliating Solution did not disappoint. As the product's tagline says, Summer Fridays Soft Reset is truly, "your only solution." Have you tried Summer Fridays Soft Reset yet? What are your thoughts on Summer Fridays's brand-new product? Comment below or tag me with your answer on social media Instagram/Twitter @ Willsshowem
Thanks for reading these Words by Will! See you in the next post! |
Author William SamayoaMarketer by profession and storyteller by passion. L.A. raised, proud Latino, and pop culture enthusiast. Categories
All
|