Snob Diaries: Cetaphil SkinLABS with Tashi Rodriguez
Snob Diaries is a personal recap of seasonal events around the world, told through the lens of our staff and close friends. Model and emerging voice in the beauty space, Tashi Rodriguez, takes us along as she checks into Cetaphil’s Los Angeles SkinLABS pop-up event.
Skin has always been important to me. It’s almost like a birthright; I grew up in a house full of women who stressed the importance of caring for yourself. My grandmother always had beautiful skin—and despite the trendy ten-step K-beauty routines on TikTok that suggest you need a ton of products—she only used three products religiously. I would say that was my first exposure to a healthy relationship with skincare.
That philosophy of simplicity later came in handy as my relationship with my skin evolved. I didn’t really deal with traditional pubescent acne growing up (thank you, skin gods), but I’ve always had sensitive skin, so learning what works for me and what doesn’t has been a journey in itself. I can describe it almost as a never-ending trek, where along the way, you pick up tips and tricks you’ve witnessed.
It wasn’t until I turned 24 that I learned that daily SPF is essential. At 26, I discovered the difference between chemical exfoliants and how often I should use them. At 28, I became familiar with the anti-aging effects of retinol and retinoids. Now, at 30, I am looking to unlock some new skincare secrets, and it seems my friends over at Cetaphil will be the guiding light.
On October 3rd, it was a bit of a gloomy day with an overcast, but the sun peeked through, offering some warmth. Perfect conditions for a dip in the pool? Possibly. Even better conditions to check out Cetaphil’s SkinLABS event? Definitely!
Upon arriving at the exclusive event situated on a sprawling beachside estate, I was greeted by a huge Cetaphil backdrop that immediately let me know I was in the right place. As I inched closer to where the action was taking place, a photographer stopped me in my tracks for a photo-op. After a few quick flashes, he reassured me that I was doing amazing and that I was a natural. Looks like the past ten years of modeling are really paying off.
I didn’t know what to expect, but I have to admit I was a bit nervous. I was there alone, without a sidekick or any backup. My nerves began to subside as I traversed the impeccably decorated Malibu mansion and witnessed fellow attendees indulging in light bites, experimenting with the Cetaphil moisturizers on display, and watching the huge screens showcasing the latest campaign. It almost felt like…dare I say. Home? Jokes aside, the space was teeming with some of the most influential faces in the beauty and skincare realm. Every corner of the space had a crowd of people huddled together, immersed in the experiential (and informational) labs that Cetaphil had to offer.
To my left, there was a skin consultation lab where attendees could get their faces scanned by this Back To The Future-looking machine. Following the scan, a dermatologist would review the high-definition image captured—almost like a tarot card reader examining what the future holds—and inform you of the state of your skin. This high-definition scan went beyond the surface and was able to indicate dry areas, among several other points of concern.
To my right, I observed a skincare professional (dressed in a Cetaphil-branded lab coat, of course) detailing the brand’s 70-year history. I had no idea the brand had been around for such a long time, but they say that with age comes wisdom, so that makes perfect sense, right? He continued to walk us through the company’s innovation over the years and gave us the Cetaphil 101 breakdown on how to properly use each product based on your skin's needs. In true fashion, I opted to take home a few of the newer arrivals, the Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser and the Gentle Exfoliating SA lotion. With a unique blend of Salicylic Acid, Mandelic Acid and Gluconolactone, the products gently promote surface skin cell renewal, chemically exfoliating to remove dead skin cells and refine texture.
As the day began to wind down, we all gathered for an informative presentation that spoke to how what we put in our bodies affects the quality of our skin. Following that, everyone slowly trickled over to the outdoor area. We mingled, played pickleball, traded beauty secrets, and talked all things Cetaphil while DJ Griffin Maxwell Brooks soundtracked the rest of the evening. Just before sunset, Tinashe took to the stage for a surprise performance of “Nasty,” prompting the crowd to chant the song’s lyrics in unison. “Is somebody Gonna Match Cetaphil’s Freak?”
Cetaphil’s SkinLABS created a community where like-minded individuals could connect and learn about the science behind their products. I not only left the experience with Tinashe’s record stuck in my head but also with a well-informed perspective of how stress, eating habits, and the right mix of products can make all the difference when it comes to healthy skin. Considered me enlightened!
To learn more about Cetaphil and its new sensitive skin exfoliating line, click here.
