The Weekly Guide V.3
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Time to read 4 min
©doranpoma
Hey There!
This time of year always gets me a little sentimental: the last days of summer and the start of the school year, with sunsets that somehow get even prettier, and the start of peel season prep. Most evenings this week I've been walking the beach looking for shells and little treasures to photograph, then attempt (attempt being the key word) to watercolor. Between that, a few new treatments, and some very good new food finds, here's what's been going on.
Treatments I Got This Week
Microneedling with Vamp
Game changer. I walked out less red and way more comfortable than I expected. No huge visible collagen boost yet — even checked on the Aura Scan — but I'm going back next month, so we'll see how it builds over time. Stay tuned.
Speaking of the Aura Scan: the Aura Reality 3D Scanner is officially available in Marina now! It's the device I used to check my own results above, and it's been eye-opening even after 20 years as an esthetician. Book a scan or your next facial to see what's really going on under your skin.
©doranpoma
©doranpoma
My New Power Couple: Plated + CO2 Lift Pro Mask
This combo has become my new skincare ride-or-die. Plated Intense morning and night, and the CO2 Lift Pro Mask once a week, and my skin has never been more hydrated or glowy. Highly recommend if you're looking to level up your routine.
What's In My Cart This Week
Book Club
What I read this week.
©onceuponabookclub
©Ashley Poston
Graceless Heart by Isabel Ibañez
- Genre: Fantasy Romance
- Key Themes: Enemies-to-lovers, magical creatures, sacrifice, history-inspired world
- Vibe: Dark, romantic, twisty
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
- Perfect For: Fans of a fast, spicy romantasy with real historical texture
Loved this one. A magical tale set in the Medici era with a twist that was pure perfection such a fresh take on magical creatures. The glimpses of real history woven into the dark romance made it feel extra rich. A fast, addictive read.
The Someday Garden by Ashley Poston
- Genre: Magical Realism Romance
- Key Themes: Grief, healing, self-discovery, found purpose
- Vibe: Tender, soft, quietly magical
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Perfect For: Anyone who feels a little lost and needs a book that meets them there
This one found me exactly when I needed it. Sophie Drear takes a summer job reviving the grounds of historic Lilymoor House in coastal Maine, still carrying grief for her late best friend — and discovers a door that opens into a hidden, unfinished garden where a man is trapped. It's a mystery with real heart, and Ashley Poston's magical realism is as tender and soul-deep as ever. I finished it in a few days and already know it's going on my reread shelf.
©doranpoma
©doranpoma
It's Not Her by Mary Kubica
- Genre: Thriller
- Key Themes: Suspense, twisty plotting
- Vibe: Gripping, edge-of-your-seat
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Perfect For: A great weekend binge read
Just finished this one! So good — had me hooked the entire way through. A great weekend read if you want something that pulls you in fast. This was a SCARY psychological ride; the ending was sad and realistic.
Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke
- Genre: Fiction
- Key Themes: Nostalgia, self-reflection, emotional range
- Vibe: Funny, moving, a little chaotic (in the best way)
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Perfect For: The best summer read of the season.
The best summer read — I laughed, rolled my eyes, cried, and cheered. A total roller coaster of emotions and genuinely entertaining from start to finish. I LOVED the ending.
From the Blog This Week
A few posts I shared on Haute Beauty Guide.
- Find the Best Facial Near Me: Your Ultimate Guide to Achieving Glowing Skin — everything to look for (and ask about) before booking your next facial.
- Your Skincare Routine, Packed and Ready: New Travel Sizes Have Landed — the travel-size lineup now in the shop, perfect for your next trip.
- Unlock the Secret to Youthful, Hydrated Skin with a Humidifier: Your Skin's New Best Friend! — why a humidifier belongs in your skincare routine, not just your nightstand.
- Perioral Dermatitis: The Annoying Little Rash That Makes You Question Your Entire Skincare Routine — what causes POD, why perimenopause can trigger it, and the simplified AM/PM routine I recommend to calm it down.
Shop The Weekly Curation
From the Substack
This week on Post Treatment.
Your Skin Barrier Is Mad at You. Here's How to Fix It. That specific panic when your toner starts to sting — this week's Post Treatment breaks down redness, tightness, and itchiness, and how to calm an angry barrier back down.
Around Monterey
Fun things happening in the neighborhood — two new eating spots at the Dunes in Marina.
Crust Sourdough Deli
We've eaten here three times in one week! It's that good. My go-to is the roast beef with cheddar, double meat, and garlic mayo (yum). Olivia swears by the veggie sandwich with spicy mustard and Hawaiian sweet onion chips. If you're around the Dunes, this one's a must-try.
Indus Indian Kitchen
We also tried the new Indus Indian Kitchen — it's build-your-own-bowl style, Chipotle/Sweetgreen model, and we loved getting to customize. I went with butter chicken and their corn (so good, I need to find out what's in it). Olivia had samosas and a mango lassi — which, thanks to her being obsessed with Mira, Royal Detective talking about both dishes nonstop, was a very requested order. The mango lassi is officially a household favorite now. Both spots are at the Dunes in Marina — go check them out.
Popular in the Shop
Let's chat again next week!
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doran poma
I'm Doran Poma, a licensed esthetician and skincare specialist dedicated to helping you achieve healthy, radiant skin. At Haute Beauty Guide, you'll find expert skincare advice, product reviews, facial treatment insights, anti-aging tips, and beauty recommendations backed by professional experience. Whether you're building a skincare routine or exploring the latest treatments, I'm here to guide your journey to your best skin.
