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Relaxing Treatment Area at Akin to Skin

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Skin, Hair & Makeup Secrets

Hear From Three Local Gals On How to Look and Feel Your Best in the Warm Months

Creating confidence that shines from the inside out can start by taking time to appreciate and care for oneself. That's where Cindy Santiago, Rachel Magaro and Victoria Jameson come in: three talented, local professionals dedicated to helping clients look and feel their best. Today, they're generously sharing insights not only into their passions but some of their best beauty tips to feeling fresh all summer long.

Cindy Santiago, a licensed esthetician with over 13 years of experience, recently launched her business, Akin To Skin, at Salons by JC in Southlake. With a passion for skincare and a commitment to using high-quality products, Cindy offers customized facials, peels and waxing services. Her go-to product line, Image Skincare, is clinically effective and environmentally conscious, as it is paraben-free, PETA certified, and Reef Safe.

"I personally use Image Skincare myself and can attest to seeing results," says Cindy. "It's important that the products I use on my guests are safe and clinically tested for maximum efficacy."

As the seasons change, Cindy reminds her clients that at-home skincare routines should also adapt. With more hot and humid days approaching, she emphasizes the importance of choosing the right products for one's skin and protecting it from the sun's harmful rays.

"I recommend using at least SPF 15 every single day, even if you aren't planning on going outside or it is a cloudy day," says Cindy. "When it comes to prolonged outdoor activity such as a pool or beach day or afternoon at the soccer game or park, use SPF 50. Additionally, if using any retinoids in your routine, minimize the usage of those if you know you have longer-term sun exposure coming up, like a beach trip, at least 72 hours prior."  

While Cindy excels at making clients feel beautiful for their everyday life, she also provides bridal skincare for the ultimate special occasion. Her Bridal Package includes customized facials and treatments designed to achieve dream wedding skin. 

The Bridal Package, priced at $345, includes: 

  • One Custom 50-minute Facial, Hydrogel Sheet Mask Add on and a 'Ready Set Discover Kit'

  • One Custom 50-min Facial with a Peel Add-On and Post Treatment Kit

  • One Anti-Aging 80-min Facial

"My goal is to help brides achieve their dream wedding skin," says Cindy. "With regular facials three months before the wedding, the skin has a chance to adapt, become conditioned to new products and undergo restoration. It's an investment in both skincare and self-care."

Speaking of self-care, meet hairstylist Rachel. With a career spanning since 2015, Rachel is an Empire Beauty School graduate and a Brazilian Blowout and Leaf & Flower Educator. She has an impressive resume, having worked on fashion show fundraisers benefiting charitable organizations, styled hair for magazine features, and attended hair shows across the country. 

"If you have an event this summer such as a wedding or family photoshoot, the best tip I can give you to ensure that your hair looks its best is to wash and dry your hair the day before the event," says Rachel. "Styles and updos work best on second-day hair. Oh, and wear a button-down shirt while getting ready. There's nothing worse than finishing your hair and makeup, only to realize your cozy t-shirt will ruin everything if you try to pull it off!" 

Rachel's expertise extends to a wide range of services, including creative coloring, updos, chemical texturizing, and extensions. She prides herself on staying up-to-date with the latest trends and techniques through continuing education and attending industry events.

"Being able to express my creativity through hair is truly fulfilling," Rachel expresses. "I love helping clients discover their unique style and feel confident in their own skin."

As established professionals and long-time friends, Cindy and Rachel form a dynamic duo committed to empowering individuals and enhancing their natural beauty through personalized skincare routines, revitalizing facials, or stunning hairstyles.

Completing the trifecta is Victoria Jameson of Lippy Lovers from Dallas, a professional makeup artist with a fascinating journey. As a former professional dancer and social media strategist, Victoria began creating content for her makeup business in 2015, quickly finding enormous success. Her accounts accrued a collective following of more than one million as onlookers fell in love with her DIY, beauty and lifestyle content. She was even a contestant on the 27th season of ABC's reality dating show, "The Bachelor"! 

Today, she not only offers professional makeup services but also assists other creators in building their brands online. Despite her many talents, she maintains a passion for helping clients feel beautiful and regularly styles them for weddings, photoshoots events and much more. 

Her Instagram and TikTok accounts feature everything from spunky tutorials, product reviews, thrifting finds, nail inspiration to funny reactions. 

Cindy, Rachel and Victoria are here to assist for every occasion, from a routine facial and hair trim to bridal facials, wedding makeup and dazzling updos. When it comes to self-care treatments, trust in the person performing them makes the experience 10 times more enjoyable, so stop by Akin to Skin, Rachel's Runway and Victoria's Instagram to get to know these talented local artists providing professional services to the community.