One of my favorite topics of conversation is self love--which can take on many forms. Whether it’s monthly facials, exercising daily, practicing meditation, or getting a manicure, self care/love looks different for everyone.
For many, self care is more internal such as meditation, reiki, or even therapy. Others take to physical activities such as hiking, walking, or even weight lifting (like me!).
Maybe your self care routine consists of monthly facials or getting your hair and makeup done. Personally, my own routine is a morning meditation, going to my CrossFit gym, bi-monthly facials, and bi-weekly eyelash extensions. Those combined, make me feel like a million bucks and an unstoppable force--but hey that’s just me.
One thing's for certain is do what makes you happy! Here are places in Claremont and the surrounding areas you may consider adding to your self care routine.
Skin Care and Enhancement
My Last Artist. Claribel is the owner and talent behind My Lash Artist. Located on Bonita Ave inside Harvard Square (above Bardot), she does microblading and luxury lash extensions that are reasonably priced. The eyelash extensions range from a subtle classic look all the way to mega hybrid volume. She can even customize a lash set that works best for you and the look you want to go for. She is professional, responsive, and just an overall sweet person who goes above and beyond for her clients. You can book directly here or DM her on Instagram @mylashartist.
“For me it's so much more than eyelashes and eyebrows. It’s truly an honor to make meaningful connections with each and every one of my clients while I help them to feel their best and most beautiful self. It makes my career that much more fulfilling to be a part of their self love journey and be there to put a smile on their face. ” --Claribel, My Lash Artist, Owner
Photo credit: My Lash Artist Instagram
Skin Control. Cassie is a phenomenal Esthetician and owner of Skin Control located in a top floor suite in Harvard Square. She offers services such as Dermaplane facials, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, customized back treatments, waxing (brazilian, underarm, lip, chin, and brow), and more! Check out her Instagram @skincintrol for a full list of services, before and after photos, hours, policies, and DM her for questions or to book an appointment.
The Treatment Skin Boutique. Located on 4th Street off and Indian Hill Blvd, The Treatment Skin Boutique offers injectable services like Botox, Dysort, Kybella, and dermal fillers. What I especially like is how committed they are in achieving natural looking results (Yeah...I woke up like this). Their PA’s are incredibly knowledgeable, professional, and will answer all of your questions so you feel comfortable and confident with the treatment you’re seeking. Appointments can be booked on their website.
Their second location in Claremont is off 4th Street and Yale Avenue called The Treatment Facial Bar where they offer esthetician services like facials, chemical peels, skin blading, dermasweeps, and more. They also offer their own line of skin care products. They just opened up a new location in Redlands and another in Newport Beach. Follow their Instagram for before and after photos.
Makeup by Daniela. Daniela is a talented licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist for over 10 years, and the owner of Makeup by Daniela. She offers mobile makeup services, consultations, and private makeup lessons at clients’ homes. She has a 5-star rating on Yelp and does makeup for all occasions or no occasions at all!
She’s passionate about enhancing her clients' natural beauty and a strong believer in "less is more" and I am so here for that! Take a look at before and after photos on her Yelp and Instagram page.
Email makeupbydaniela83@gmail.com for general inquiries or to book an appointment.
Photo credit: Makeup by Daniela Yelp and Instagram
Harvard Garden Day Spa. Jessica Guild is the owner of Harvard Garden Day Spa and provides top notch esthetician services. I’ve been a patron since 2012 which is a testament to their customer service, quality products, and relaxing/welcoming atmosphere.
Located on Harvard Ave (off Foothill Blvd), they offer massages, facials, customizable botanical facials (I always get the Pumpkin facial), waxing, and an Acne maintenance program with a 90% success rate. They sell skin products such as PCA Skin and you can buy gift certificates. I get my dad a gift certificate each year on Father’s Day and he loves it!
You can book an appointment on their website, follow their Instagram, or email harvardgardendayspa@yahoo.com for general inquiries.
Aromatique. What would I do without Aromatique?! Located on First Street in the heart of Claremont Village, Aromatique is both a retail shop and esthetician services.
In their boutique they sell Dermalogica, SkinCeuticals, Eminence Organics, Jan Marini Skin Research, Fleur’s, and even Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics. Their services include facials, massages, lash extensions, lash lifts, reiki energy healing, reflexology sessions, and so much more!
You can book an appointment online or just stop by their storefront.
Dr. Dev Wali. The office of Dr. Dev Wali holds a very special place in my heart because I had a procedure done by him this year that was life changing. Dr. Dev Wali is a board certified plastic surgeon and specializes in body transforming cosmetic surgeries such as tummy tucks, liposuction, reconstructive surgery and so much more.
His office offers a plethora of other services like carboxy therapy, cellulite reduction, facials/peels, Radio Frequency treatment for face/neck lift, injections (botox, fillers), and so much more. Their office staff is incredibly attentive, professional, and knowledgeable.
His office is located on First Street in Claremont Village and you can follow their Instagram to see before and after photos/videos.
Hebe Skin Health. Located off of Foothill Ave, Hebe’s mission is to “build self-confidence in women of all ages by providing anti-aging regimes through facial sculpting and specialized skin care.”
Some services offered are laser treatments, hair restoration, CoolSculpting, Laser hair removal, tattoo removal, dermal fillers and injections, acne treatment, and so much more! They even have their own product line of skin treatment.
You can shop, view services, get beauty tips, and book an appointment all on their website.
Maintain a Healthy Body and Mind
Yoga at California Botanic Gardens. What is better than Yoga? How about Yoga in a beautiful botanical garden surrounded by California native plants.
Fortunately, The Yoga Stream with Sarah Sawyer currently offers yoga classes at the California Botanic Gardens, located on Foothill Ave in Claremont. You’ll need to register through their website and the schedule is every other alternating Tuesday and Thursday.
Additionally, Sarah provides Yoga classes virtually and virtual private sessions. Follow @theyogastream.online on Instagram for updates.
“The Botanic Gardens in Claremont is the perfect space to practice yoga; you have the opportunity to bring your awareness beyond your personal experiences as you immerse yourself in the beauty and life that surrounds you in the gardens. It helps us to connect with the world beyond us and appreciate the beauty in what we as humans can do.” -Sarah Sawyer, Owner and Instructor of The Yoga Stream
Photo cred: The Yoga Stream Instagram
Hiking & Walking Trails. Going for a hike or even a walk is therapeutic in itself. Luckily, Claremont is home to many scenic trails for all levels of difficulty. Take a scenic walk or run along Thompson Creek Trail, hike up to the waterfall at San Antonio Falls, or hike to the top of Potato Mountain to get a gorgeous view of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline.
Read Best Hiking and Walking Trails in Claremont: A Community Blog Post for more hiking options.
Photo taken at the top of Potato Mountain in Claremont
Meditation & Mindfulness. Meditating is one of the best things you can do to ground/center yourself, find inner peace, and quiet your mind from life’s distractions. There are plenty of scenic places in Claremont to clear your mind and have a meditation session.
Buddamouse Emporium on Yale Ave offers weekly mindfulness classes with Dr. Ali. Kindred Spirits on Foothill Blvd offers classes on meditation, chakra balancing, yoga, reiki, and more.
Another option is to have a custom meditation session that is an hour long with Cyndi Taylor, Certified Meditation and Breathwork Facilitator. Check out her Instagram @ascending_mama for inspirational messages.
CrossFit. If you want to kick your cardio and weight lifting workout into high gear in a group setting with coaches cheering you on, try doing a CrossFit class.
Cable CrossFit in Upland is a great option although I may be a tad biased since I’ve been a member for 3 years and for good reason. Their coaches are very knowledgeable and professional and also offer a bible study group and events that bring all gym members together (i.e., Luau, kayaking, hiking).
Follow them on Instagram at @cablecrossfit to check out some of the workouts.
Labor Day 2021 hero workout at Cable CrossFit in Upland
Reiki Energy Healing. Reiki is a spiritual healing technique where a practitioner helps your body heal itself through touch. Reiki comes with a laundry list of benefits such as inner balance and harmony, release of tension from the body, breakdown of energy blocks, spiritual growth, improved immune system, and so much more.
Having personally experienced reiki sessions myself, I can confidently say it’s a powerful, soothing, and healing experience. Connie Patitucci from Window of the Soul is a gifted intuitive healer who is a Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner. Her services include reiki healing sessions, reiki certification classes, a mentorship program, and reiki practitioner training and support. Check out her Instagram @luva_healing for inspirational content.
Thai Massage. Who doesn’t love a good massage? Even better is a Thai massage! Check out Mint Leaf located on First Street in the heart of Claremont Village. This time I turned to a Claremont local @dywong to give us a review of Mint Leaf since he is a frequent visitor.
“The massage at Mint Leaf is not your typical Swedish deep tissue or Western style massage, but rather the Thai technique that is a lot of stretching, twisting and, my personal favorite, stepping on the body by a professionally trained masseuse. The atmosphere is serene, private and relaxing where they lay me down on a floor mat and my tension and stress fades away for 60 or 90 minutes. I always leave feeling rejuvenated. Be sure to enjoy a cup of their hot tea before you step out the door.” -Daniel, Claremont Resident
Local residents enjoying tea before a Thai Message at Mint Leaf
Therapy. Sometimes it’s just nice to talk to someone who is unbiased and this is why I love therapy. Compassionate Therapy, located on First Avenue in Claremont Village, is an excellent option as they offer in person or virtual sessions. Their website is incredibly helpful and informative which provides blogs, recommended books to read, resources for mental health, and FAQs.
Arc Counseling and Wellness, located on Indian Hill Blvd, is another great option offering various services such as individual therapy, family counseling, student support groups, corporate wellness training, couples therapy, dietetics and nutrition support, and so much more!
The list can go on with self care places to add to your routine that were not touched on like nutrition, church, or support groups to name a few. The point is, do what makes you happy and that is all that matters at the end of the day ;)
Drop a line to to tell us what your self care routine looks like!
Thanks for reading and don't forget to say hi if you see me around the City of Trees and PhDs.