What really works when it comes to skincare—and what is just hype?

In this episode, LeAura Luciano sits down with Rachel Lozina, licensed esthetician, oncology esthetician, laser technician, and founder of Blue Water Spa. With more than two decades in aesthetics, Rachel shares her grounded, results-driven approach to non-invasive skincare.

Rachel explains why she created an “in-between” spa experience: more effective than a traditional relaxation facial, without relying on invasive procedures or lengthy downtime. She breaks down the role of microcurrent, CollagenWave radio-frequency treatments, JetPeel, BioRePeel, microneedling, chemical peels, hydration, exfoliation, and long-term collagen support.

They also talk about why skincare routines need consistency, how to approach vitamin A and retinoids, the importance of sunscreen, what to consider before trying a trending device or treatment, and why finding an esthetician you trust can make a real difference.

In this episode:

• Microcurrent and facial muscle support

• Radio frequency and collagen-focused treatments

• JetPeel, BioRePeel, microneedling, and chemical peels

• Skin cycling, vitamin A, vitamin C, sunscreen, and brightening ingredients

• Realistic expectations for professional treatments

• The difference between skincare trends and a sustainable routine

• Rachel’s skincare routine and her no-hype philosophy

Connect with Rachel and Blue Water Spa:

Website: https://bluewaterspany.com/

Book: https://blue-water-spa-booking.withcherry.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blue_water_spa/

Rachel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelleeloz/

Follow LeAura:

YouTube: http://youtube.com/leauraluciano

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uEHRXSqia81dkZZq5bdSD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaura

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical, dermatologic, or individualized skincare advice. Consult a qualified licensed professional or board-certified dermatologist before changing your skincare routine or pursuing products or treatments, especially if you have a medical condition, use prescription skincare, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a history of sensitivity or pigmentation concerns.

What does it really mean to “know who you know”?

In this episode, LeAura Luciano speaks with entrepreneur, investor, author, and Strategic Forum founder Jeffrey Meshel about his book, Know Who You Know: Connect Deeply, Succeed Fully.

This is not a conventional conversation about networking. Jeffrey challenges the idea that success comes from collecting contacts, business cards, followers, or LinkedIn connections. Instead, he shares a more human approach: listen closely, remember what matters to people, look for ways to be helpful, and build relationships rooted in genuine care rather than immediate personal gain.

Jeffrey shares moving stories about the individuals who have shaped his life, the importance of reaching out during difficult seasons, and the unexpected ways one act of generosity can create a lasting ripple effect. He also offers practical advice for using technology thoughtfully—such as documenting where you met someone, what you discussed, and the shared connections that can deepen a new relationship.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Why “How can I help you?” is a more powerful question than “What’s in it for me?”

• The difference between knowing people and simply having a large network

• How personal relationships can be just as important as professional ones

• Building meaningful common ground through LinkedIn and shared connections

• What to do after meeting someone at an event or conference

• The value of documenting conversations and following up with intention

• How a single email can build community and create opportunity

• Service, trust, empathy, and the long-term value of showing up for others

• Skincare, wellness, and the unexpected connections that can emerge from simple curiosity

This episode is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with the people already in your life, and approach new relationships with more attention, generosity, and care.

Guest: Jeffrey Meshel
Book: Know Who You Know: Connect Deeply, Succeed Fully

📘 Get 'Know Who You Know: Connect Deeply, Succeed Fully' on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UJ0D6c

💼 Connect with Jeffrey on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-meshel-59843a18/Connect with LeAura:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaura

In part two of our Emmy-season streaming guide, LeAura breaks down what's actually worth watching on Netflix, Peacock, ABC, and CBS.

Netflix (111 Emmy nominations):

• The Diplomat – polished, grown-up political drama with real relationship stakes
• Nobody Wants This – adult romance that's lighter but still thoughtful
• Beef – prestige limited series with big performances and dark humor
• The Beast in Me – dark psychological thriller led by Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys
• Quick mentions: Black Rabbit, Monster: The Ed Gein Story

Peacock:

• All Her Fault – tense, twisty thriller starring Sarah Snook and Dakota Fanning (7 Emmy nominations)

ABC:

• Abbott Elementary – warm, funny comfort-watch comedy

CBS:

• Matlock – Kathy Bates delivers a performance that deserved more Emmy recognition

Cheat sheet by mood: romance → Nobody Wants This; dark thriller → All Her Fault; political drama → The Diplomat; comfort comedy → Abbott Elementary; prestige binge → Beef; performance-driven drama → The Beast in Me; underrated performance → Matlock.

I watched 20 of the 21 shows nominated in the major Emmy series categories—drama, comedy, and limited or anthology series—so you do not have to. In Part 1 of my Emmy Watch Guide, I share what is actually worth watching on HBO Max, Apple TV, FX, and Hulu, including The Pitt, Hacks, Pluribus, The Gilded Age, Paradise, and The Bear.

Plus, I share my overlooked and “deserved more” picks—Industry, The Testaments, and Rooster—and explain why Heated Rivalry was not eligible in this Emmy cycle. This is your curated guide to what is worth the commitment, not Emmy homework.

KUSSHI Founder Jessica Parker on Turning a Travel Frustration Into a Beauty Brand

Show Notes:

In today's episode, host Leora Luciano sits down with Jessica Parker, founder and CEO of KUSSHI — the machine-washable, travel-ready beauty bag brand that was named one of Oprah's Favorite Things.

Jessica shares how a move to Germany, a lot of travel, and one very frustrating Ziploc bag led her to design her own makeup organizer. What started as a personal solution for herself and her New York girlfriends became a full-fledged brand with manufacturing operations in Turkey and China, a growing product line, and retail placement in over 500 boutique stores, Nordstrom, Revolve, and Dillard's.

In this episode:

• Jessica's background in hospitality and what led her to move abroad

• How she found her first manufacturers and moved to China to oversee production

• The origin of the KUSSHI makeup bags, brush organizers, and neoprene train cases

• The hair tools bag story — designed for Dyson owners and named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things

• Why machine washability is a core brand principle

• Jessica's own minimal skincare and makeup routine

• What's always in her KUSSHI bag

• Advice for early entrepreneurs: proof of concept first, spend as little as possible

• Upcoming launches: a flat beauty organizer (October) and a carry-on tote (Q1 next year)

• Travel hacks: capsule wardrobes, overpacking, and the shower cap shoe trick

Shop KUSSHI:

Website: KUSSHI.com

Amazon, Revolve, Nordstrom, Dillard's & 500+ boutique retailers

How much can a 30-second voice clip tell you about your sleep, hydration, and stress levels? Today, I’m joined by Alex Fredericks, the founder of Tonewell, an innovative platform that analyzes the complex waveform and timbre of your voice to deliver highly accurate, actionable wellness reports.

Alex breaks down the hard science behind frequency mapping, his transition from the music industry to high-tech wellness, and the hard-hitting entrepreneurial lessons he’s learned protecting his peace. We have a refreshing conversation about escaping the data-tracking hamster wheel, setting unapologetic boundaries, and his daily non-negotiables: from daily BJJ and getting his hands in the garden dirt, to his remarkably basic (and hilarious) skincare routine.

In this episode, we cover:

• The jump from music-industry oscilloscopes to wellness frequency.

• How Tonewell uses Fast Fourier Transfer (FFT) technology to map thousands of biomarkers in five minutes.

• Escaping data overload: Why choices are more powerful than data.

• The true definition of success: Time ownership and protecting your boundaries.

• Non-negotiables for grounding: Barefoot in the garden, daily BJJ, and the ultimate minimalist skincare.

  
  

  Check out Tonewell: tonewell.co

  Connect with Alex: alexfredericks.com

  Follow my day-to-day as an NYC creator: https://www.instagram.com/leaura

I’m in Mexico with Santu Beauty co‑founders Alicia and Angelique to explore how they built a bodycare brand rooted in Mexican heritage, copal, and hand‑harvested sea salt rituals. We talk self‑love as a birthright, turning your bathroom into a sanctuary, and the story behind their award‑winning salt scrubs and lotions.

Have you ever thought about what is actually in your shower routine, not just your products, but the tools, materials, and where it all ends up? This episode features Phoebe Yu, founder of Floofah, a plastic-free, fully compostable shower loofah brand that is reimagining one of the most overlooked tools in our daily lives.We explore her journey from Silicon Valley and the recycling industry to launching Floofah after realizing that her own plastic shower poufs were non-recyclable, shedding microplastics, and adding to long-term landfill waste. We also break down what greenwashing actually looks like in real life, from plant-based and recyclable products where facilities exist, to products that are still mostly plastic, and why consumer trust in sustainable branding is so fragile.We also get into what composting actually means in practice, including the difference between industrial and backyard composting, why some compostable plastics like PLA are considered junk food for compost systems, and how to read labels without feeling like you need to throw everything out and start overIf trying to live more sustainably has ever left you feeling overwhelmed, this conversation will help you spot greenwashing, zoom out, and make more mindful choices that fit into real life, not a perfect oneYou will hearThe moment Phoebe realized her plastic loofah was part of the microplastics problemWhat most people misunderstand about recyclable and compostable labelsWhy oral care and kitchen tools might matter even more than what is on your bathroom shelfHow looking to nature and time-tested materials can upgrade your routine without a full lifestyle overhaulMentionedFloofah: www.floofah.comFloofah on Instagram and TikTok @tryfloofah

If you’ve ever skipped a workout because of your hair, this episode is for you. I’m chatting with SWAIR co-founders Carrie Sporer and Meredith Krill about how marathon training, Equinox classes, and years of ducking out early for the showers led them to invent Showerless Shampoo—a non-aerosol, alcohol-free alternative to dry shampoo that actually cleans sweaty hair in minutes.

We get into their founder story, how two industry outsiders used Google and contract labs to build a beauty brand, and why SWAIR’s time-saving, multitasking formulas are a game-changer for active women. They also break down their personal skincare routines, wellness habits, and how they balance fitness with beauty without sacrificing healthy hair.

How Carrie & Meredith met marathon training

The “sweaty hair” pain point and Equinox shower line

From idea to lab: creating Showerless Shampoo

Bootstrapping, PR, and getting into Vogue, Glamour & Allure

How SWAIR changed their relationship with fitness and beauty

Learn more & shop: SWAIR

SWAIR Hair (Showerless Shampoo, Sweat Shield, Speed Mask)

Follow

@swairhair

@leaura & @whatsyourskincareroutine

Subscribe for more skincare, haircare, and wellness conversations with founders, experts, and creators.

In this episode of What’s Your Skincare Routine? with LeAura Luciano, I’m joined by talent agent Tina Rattigan for a real, unfiltered conversation about the modeling and acting industry, what has changed, what matters now, and how to actually get signed.We cover everything from building confidence and developing your unique look, to navigating castings, contracts, and avoiding common scams in the industry. Tina shares her journey from aspiring model to agency owner, along with the exact advice she gives her talent today.We also talk about skincare from a model’s perspective, why protecting your skin is essential, and how lifestyle habits like hydration, vitamins, and consistency play a major role.If you have ever dreamed of modeling or acting, or simply want a behind the scenes look at the industry, this episode is packed with insight.In this episode, we discuss:

• How Tina transitioned from modeling to talent management

• The biggest confidence shifts you need to succeed

• What inner beauty really means in a visual industry

• Simple skincare habits every model should follow

• What to do before your first casting or audition

• Common mistakes to avoid at castings• How to find legitimate agencies and avoid scams

• What questions to ask before signing a contract

• How the industry has evolved, including AI and technology

• Why there is growing demand for models over 50

Learn more and connect:Website: www.propelmodels.com

Instagram and TikTok: @propelmodels