If you’re struggling with oily skin and acne there’s a misconception that your skincare routine should skip on hydrating products. Well, I’m here to break the news for those also struggling with oily skin and acne, your skin is thirsty for a great moisturizer! After a week of trying out the brand-new Summer Fridays Cloud Dew Oil-Free Gel Cream Moisturizer I have seen a noticeable improvement in my skin’s appearance and glow. Like all my blog posts, if I’m writing about a product it usually means I overall enjoy it. And the latest and greatest product from Summer Fridays is no different!
Full disclaimer, this product was gifted but I am honest about my usage and opinion.

After the iconic Kim Kardashian leaked a sneak peek on her Instagram stories of Summer Friday’s brand-new Cloud Dew, I knew I had to have it! Marketing and packaging is imperative. The millennial pink of this new oil-free moisturizer gained acclaim. When I unboxed this package from Summer Fridays it was shoot time. Not only did this brand-new moisturizer photograph well, but Cloud Dew made me selfie ready.  
 
The Summer Friday’s website describes Cloud Dew as an, “ultra lightweight gel cream moisturizer infuses thirsty skin with three types of hyaluronic acid for non-stop, skin-plumping hydration.” What makes this oil-free moisturizer one of my new favorite skincare products is the all-day hydration it provides. I need a cream that can combat those cold L.A. mornings when I’m up working before the sun rises.

​Cloud Dew has been my daily moisturizer for a week now giving me a good first impression of the gel’s effect. Prior to using Summer Friday’s new oil-free moisturizer I was using the cult favorite Jet Lag Mask as my daily cream. While I still love Jet Lag, I appreciate Cloud Dew’s lightweight texture. This new moisturizer is gel based, almost instantly dissolving into the skin. As someone whose skin concerns include oily skin and acne, I have oily combination skin, I’m always looking for products that curb excess sebum.

As a Summer Fridays fan, I approached this product with the honest intent of seeing if it held up to the rest of the collection. I’m happy to report that Cloud Dew is a win in my book! One thing to note is that as the name implies it leaves a dewy complexion. Personally, it’s taking me a moment to adjust to dew. I prefer a matte look since I have oily skin, but you can tell the difference between a healthy glow and sebum. That being said I’m glad Kim K gave us a sneak peek because I was excited for my own mailer!

Every year, Apple promises an iPhone that’s bigger (or in some cases smaller with the brand-new iPhone mini), better, and the “best iPhone ever made.” Honestly, it’s hard for even us full-time marketers to deny the appeal of Apple’s captivating ad campaigns. In case you don’t know me, hello I work full-time in entertainment public relations and part-time I am a lifestyle blogger and vlogger.

​I started my YouTube journey in 2020. And I started on YouTube with an iPhone camera. I wanted to do the ultimate iPhone 12 Pro Max camera test and review by putting this brand-new device to the test for my profession and passion of working in social media marketing.

​There are dozens, if not hundreds, of YouTube videos and tech reviews dropping jargon as they write about the iPhone 12 Pro Max’s new camera. As someone whose job is creating media, I do understand the importance of understanding technology. However, I and many others use the iPhone camera for social media purposes.
 
Whether we are creating content or editing, the bigger than life display and specked out camera makes the pro models of iPhone a great investment. In my mission to review the iPhone 12 Pro Max and its camera I wanted to test this new device in the same manner I’d use it most.
 
I conducted the ultimate iPhone 12 Pro Max camera test by filming an entire vlog for my YouTube channel. ​I brought along the most recommended camera for starting a YouTube in 2020, the Canon M50 as a backup. I admit – the results of a full day of filming on the brand-new iPhone were interesting.

The photos taken on the iPhone 12 Pro Max camera looked brighter, sharper, and offered more information perfect for editing. A big part of my work in social media is content capturing. Most social media professionals will share this sentiment, we never post in real time. The new iPhone’s improved lenses, software, and sensors gave me richer photos. Again, the details like the color and lighting were on par with that of my Canon camera.
 
One feature of the iPhone 12 generation that coincides with this new camera is the 5G capabilities. I live in an area where 5G is available for the most part. While at home I rely on my WiFi when I’m out I find myself often sharing videos and photos with clients or my own cloud storage. The influencer in me will take 50 photos, only to find 1 that I want to present for a brand partnership.

​Having this new iPhone’s 5G speeds means being able to send this in on location and get my media approved in a timely fashion. While 5G is yet to be widely available, I think that the potential this iPhone presents makes it a sound investment.

My initial impression is that I honestly loved my upgrade to the iPhone 12 Pro Max. This brand-new iPhone lived up to Apple’s promise of delivering better, bolder, and the best experience yet. As a full-time marketer I understand these tech giants and their tactics like planned obsoleteness and proposed value. But the thing about these advertising tactics that makes Apple stand apart – is that they deliver.

​Thus, like many who rushed to buy this new iPhone I too made it a point to jump on the bandwagon. The difference is that I don’t see the iPhone 12 Pro Max as just another fancy smartphone – I see it as an investment in my career and my passion.

As holiday gift sets and best gift-guide posts come up there’s growing allure for finding the best gifts for everyone in your life who deserves your hard-earned coin. I won’t pretend like my cart isn’t always full of gifts for myself - a certified primma uomo. But I mean everyone knows someone with expensive tastes in their life. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or the prima donna/uomo in your life (which could also be you) this 2020 holiday gift guide is for all those who want creative and bougie gifts that will make everyone smile. (As for the affordable, many of these gifts currently have great deals and sets in time for the holidays.)
 
I’ve grouped this holiday gift guide for 2020 below in several categories to easily help you find inspiration and shop the items as well. (There will be some affiliate links below, meaning I will make a small commission. However, this comes at no additional cost to you. These items are also items that I’ve bought with my own money.)

For many of us, the charm of working from home has worn off, and these gifts are for those trying to stay motivated and get their grind living that #WFH life. From creative-inducing gifts like the Tezza Collage kit to the opulent Swarovski pen, these gifts are sure to keep the aspiring CEO inspired. 

Clear skin is a perfect gift to give this holiday season and these skincare gift sets deliver relief for even the most troubled skin. Whether you're suffering from face mask acne, maskne, or simply want to elevate your skincare then these skincare gift ideas from influencer approved Summer Fridays to the Target available Versed Skincare  are perfect for novices and newcomers. 

For those looking to elevate their quality of life or Instagram, these luxury fashion and style gift ideas are sure to turn heads 365 days a year. This holiday season - the category is making jaws drop with stunning sunglasses from Quay Australia and boots like the Prada combat boots to make the house scream, "Boots!"

​Staying fit and working out while wearing a face mask is not impossible nor does it lessen the effectiveness of your exercise. Wearing a face covering when outside and around others is a part of our new normal. In this new normal, I’ve embraced my face mask as part of my outfits and as a key accessory in my everyday carry items. As I share my fitness/weight loss journey in quarantine I’ve gotten the question of what are the best masks for working out.
 
I’ve tried different masks for different reasons, and these are the masks I recommend for those wanting to workout in style and comfort. From finding masks that prevent face mask acne to finding stylish masks worthy of the ‘gram, I believe that like shoes you need a face mask for every occasion. If you choose to workout please be mindful of maintaining social distance, wash your hands between sets, and please, please, please, disinfect and wipe down your weights! (If you choose to workout outside of a gym setting, remember to still be mindful of keeping your mask on when outside.)
 
Everyone’s skin reacts differently to different mask materials, and if it’s useful for anyone I have combination oily skin. Most of my workouts are also HIIT based with some strength training elements in. With this important PSA out of the way, let’s talk about the best face masks to wear when working out.

The first type of mask ideal of working out are face coverings specifically made for athletic activity. Whether you’re more of an Under Armour or Athleta type of person, many athletic apparel brands have launched their own face masks with exercise in mind. In my experience, I use multi-layered cotton masks which as you can imagine get very sweaty very fast. But one trick I learned from a Soul Cycle instructor is to change out your mask during workouts. (If you find that to be a hassle, consider shopping the masks linked in this section.)
 
While I have not tried these masks, the product description for masks like the Under Armour designed UA Sportsmask tout their fabrics made from breathable and sweat wicking materials. I’m the person that when I feel good working out, I feel my performance is better. If you like the feel of an active wear brand’s apparel, you’ll most likely like the face masks they offer for working out.

Finding the best face mask for working out, going back to my previous metaphor, is like trying on different shoes. The fit of the mask is key in both your comfort and the effectiveness of the mask. In my high intensity interval training, I do a lot of jumping around and nothing is more irritating then constantly having to adjust my mask. Not only am I taken out of the zone, but I pose a risk to my health and others. Finding a face mask that’s adjustable with more structure is key when working out.
 
One material that’s moldable and great for different face shapes and styles is nylon. Yes, you read that right, nylon face masks are a thing and they’re great masks for working out. FYI, spandex is also a great and moldable material. The face masks that are on my mind are the Carbon38 The Mask Kit set for those brisk walk and lower intensity type of workouts. These masks have adjustable loops and a structured nose bridge helping your mask remain in place.

​Finding a face mask with antimicrobial coating or filters is paramount in protecting your health, preventing maskne, and ensuring an effective workout. Just remember that face masks with these bacteria barriers doesn’t excuse you washing your masks or using clean hands when touching them. As written previously, I try to wash my hands in between sets and especially before adjusting my face mask when working out. I also keep my used face masks in a plastic bag in my gym bag. (Pro tip, you’re welcome.)
 
If you are in the market for a face mask with an antimicrobial features, I recommend either the Copper Infused Face Mask- 2 Pack or the Buck Mason M1 All-Day Anti-Microbial Face Mask 5 Pack. While these masks, and many others on the market, include antimicrobial features, I want to stress that the World Health Organization reports that these features or masks do not prevent the spread of COVID-19.

​Some of our most important moments as people are defined by the meals we share – and as the living embodiment of the word opulence, when I had the opportunity to say I had dinner at Gucci I had to break this bread. Yes, in case you were wondering, Gucci does indeed have a restaurant. Gucci Osteria Beverly Hills da Massimo Bottura is an intimate rooftop restaurant located atop the luxury houses Rodeo Drive flagship store. With a deeply Italian menu, welcoming open terrace, and décor paying homage to the first Gucci Osteria in Florence, this is one-of-a-kind dining experience for those who love good food and all things opulent.
 
As extraordinary as the idea of dining dripping in brand’s the eponymous apparel and luxury accessories, this blog will focus on the dining experience and what we ordered at Gucci’s Beverly Hills restaurant. For those interested, check out my full get ready with me vlog linked here.

​The first thing that shines about Gucci Osteria is the grade A service my friend and I received. When sat in our gorgeous wooden chairs and surrounded by Gucci Décor wallpaper, you’re almost distracted as the servers elegantly drape your napkin on you. I believe it’s important to share that like all open-dining restaurants open in Los Angeles, Gucci Osteria is following COVID-19 safety guidelines in requiring face masks when not eating, offering only limited seating, and checking temperatures of patrons and staff. With that out of the way, let’s talk about the appetizers and the Gucci bread we broke.
 
The first plate we had were bite-size dumplings, wrapped in a flower printed paper, primed for dipping in a truffle mayonnaise blend. Inspired by the chefs of Gucci Osteria with a diverse cultural makeup, I could taste the harmonization of this Asian-Italian fusion. Our server invited us to follow these dumplings with the aforementioned Gucci bread. A basket that included 72-hour aged sourdough bread rested in the middle of the table. The bread was not the star – the real star of this pre-entrée experience was the Gucci Osteria butter! I don’t know many who rave about butter, expect when it’s the iconic, “I can’t believe it’s not butter!” tagline. But when I tell you this Gucci better was delicious – it was decadent. This butter molded in the shape of a Gucci flower was well loved by our table.

​If you come to the Gucci restaurant, you must try the signature cocktails. I had the Gucci Spritz and my friend had the Gimme More. The spritz like any good Aperol spritz was fresh, crisp, and aromatic. The gimme more was described by my friend as tangy, sweet, but not too sweet, and rich in a passionfruit flavor. After a few bites of the bread, we ordered our food. My friend and I each got two plates. (It’s worth mentioning that my dining partner is vegetarian. While she could find dining options, as the menu is Italian inspired for those mindful of cheese and gluten, I wouldn’t say you have too many options at Gucci Osteria.)
 
This was more than a good cheat day; this was an iconic day of indulgence. Our dining experience included: Tortellini (Parmigiano Reggiano sauce); Flying Buffalos (Organic buffalo, carrots, labneh); the iconic Emilia Burger, in a mini (Beef sirloin, cotechino, salsa verde, balsamic mayonnaise); and Eggplant Parmigiana (Tomato, mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano); for the dessert we had the choclate dessert Charlie Goes to Hollywood (Chocolate, miso, lemon jam).

​Honestly, I loved every bite that I had of the Flying Buffalos dish. The buffalo meat was so tender – it practically fell apart as I poked it with my fork. The carrot on top added a nice crunch to juxtapose the buttery smooth meat. The chef added a balsamic glaze to the meat and this added bit elevated every bite. While the meat was rich, the controlled portion helped me from feeling heavy after finishing the Flying Buffalos. My second dish was the Emilia burger aka the Gucci burger and along with being photogenic it was delicious. I had the mini size and wow do I wish I had opted in for the full size! The bread was soft and the sirloin meat and salsa verde combination was it for me.
 
I got a small bite of the tortellini and eggplant plates as well. The eggplant dish was good, but I am not someone who normally opts in for this kind of dish. The star of these plates ordered by Maia, my friend, was the Tortellini. My friend and I both wondered if this dish had meat (FYI it doesn’t) because of how rich and savory it was! Pro tip order the truffle on this plate to really blow your mind and tastebuds.