We asked our 2024 Best of the County Readers’ Choice beauty businesses for their best tips going into the new year. Here’s what they said.
Bare Skin Marin
TIP: Stick to the ABC’s of skincare and make sure you’re using the following. And make sure it’s medical grade.
A = Vitamin A (aka Retinol)
Avoid over the counter products as they can be 20x weaker than medical grade options like Obagi Tretinoin. Remember you have to build up a tolerance to medical grade retinol so start by using 2-3 nights per week and build up to nightly.
What it does:
- Speeds up natural exfoliation process; reveals fresher, smoother skin
- Stimulates collagen production; improves skin elasticity and reduces appearance of aging signs
B = Sun Block
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days. The brand doesn’t matter, just find one you like to use. Bare Skin Marin loves Elta MD Clear and Alastin Hydratint.
- Reapply every two hours if outdoors
- Wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat
- Protect your neck and décolleté.
C = Vitamin C
A powerful antioxidant with numerous benefits for your skin. Use every morning. We love Obagi’s C-Clarifying with Hydroquinone or SkinBetter’s Alto Advanced.
What it does:
- Reduces the appearance of dark spots
- Helps increase the production of collagen
- Helps calm redness and irritation
TIP: Incorporate Professional Treatments.
Options include: Chemical peels, microneedling or laser therapy to address specific concerns like acne scars, hyperpigmentation or fine lines. Our most popular treatment for skin health optimization is called Mox/BBL HEROic which diminishes pore size, corrects brown pigmentation, erases broken capillaries, and improves luminosity. (See attached photo)
Tip: Protect your investment with maintenance!
Maintaining optimized skin health is like working out, it is not one and done. You must protect your results with maintenance.
Aubree Hill’s Business of Beautiful
Who’s the ideal candidate for extensions? Who can benefit the most?
When it comes to hair extensions, there are two main types of clients I work with. The first group includes women who are dealing with thinning or loss, whether from hormonal changes or health-related challenges like surgery, chemo, or even post-COVID recovery. These women often have less density at the scalp and are looking for a boost to restore their hair’s fullness.
Then, we have the second group — women who are just in it for the fun of it! They want to add length or volume for a special event, a seasonal change or even to grow out a bad haircut or color mishap. These clients typically have plenty of natural density at the scalp and simply crave to feel sexier and more youthful with shinier, thicker, longer hair.
How long does the process take?
The application process varies based on the transformation you’re after, but expect it to take anywhere from 2 to 6 hours. If you’re after a subtle, shorter change, the process is quicker. However, if you’re looking for dramatic length and volume, especially with thicker natural hair, we’ll be in the longer end of the time frame. Think of it as the ultimate hair makeover — worth every minute!
How long do they last?
Great Lengths Strand by Strand Keratin Extensions are built to last, with no maintenance required for up to 6 months. Your wear time depends on your natural hair: the finer your hair, the sooner you might need a replacement, but with thicker hair, you’ll enjoy longer-lasting extensions. Either way, you’re investing in a quality product that delivers beautiful, lasting results without constant upkeep.
Anything else people should know before getting extensions?
The Great Lengths method is by far the healthiest and most natural-looking extension technique available today. It’s comfortable, virtually undetectable, and — let’s be honest — makes you feel like the baddie you’ve always known you could be. What’s more, Great Lengths is the only extension brand with B Corp certification, which guarantees that their sourcing and trading practices are ethical and sustainable. It’s an extra layer of peace of mind knowing you’re not only enhancing your beauty, but you’re also supporting a company committed to making a positive impact.
Aubree’s bottom line:
I’m all about powering women’s confidence through Good F*cking Hair. Honoring her unique beauty. Every one of us knows the impact of good hair — it shapes how we present ourselves to the world. When our hair feels right, we feel more confident, focused, and connected. Bad hair, on the other hand, can affect our mood, self-esteem, and even our relationships. I believe that when women feel confident in their appearance, they show up more powerfully in all areas of their lives, and that confidence ripples outward, affecting everyone they encounter.
Glow Skin Marin
This is your year to start focusing on self-care!
We achieve our healthiest skin through professional facials, which give you clean and luminous skin. Additionally, regular proper facials help you determine exactly what your skin does and does not need, in order to help create a unique home-care program.
The below “Core 4” as I have dubbed this list is a great place to start if you cannot decide which products to use at home in the new year:
- Cleanser
- Treatment Serum
- Moisturizer
- SPF
Lastly, one of the most important items to invest in is a good wide brimmed hat for protecting year-round against sun exposure. SPF is not enough; we need full protection from all angles.
Zand Dermatology
“The post-holiday season can leave skin red and irritated from indulgent foods, stress, or weather changes. To calm redness, reach for products with soothing ingredients like niacinamide, aloe vera, or anti-inflammatory ingredients like green tea or tea tree oil. Keep your skincare routine simple and avoid over-exfoliating — your skin needs rest, too!”
– Dr. Sarv Zand, Board-Certified Dermatologist
“Embracing a ‘New Year, New Me’ mindset is the perfect time to prioritize your skin’s health. Focus on consistency over complexity: cleanse gently, hydrate deeply, and always protect your skin with sunscreen, even in winter. Remember, healthy skin is a journey, not a sprint — commit to small, sustainable habits for glowing results all year long.”
– Dr. Sarv Zand, Board-Certified Dermatologist
EVO Spa
Build a moisturizing layer with hydrating serums, nourishing oils, and rich moisturizers, while switching to a creamier cleanser to have that radiant glow! Treat yourself to a professional facial to exfoliate, hydrate, and refresh your skin for a rejuvenated, radiant NEW YOU 2025!
