Fitness Magazine

FITNESS Beauty Intern’s Gym Bag Beauty Must-haves

Written on January 10, 2013 at 11:29 am , by Fitness Magazine

Compiling the ultimate beauty-equipped gym bag can be tricky, especially if you exercise before work or during your lunch break. Here’s a roundup of products that keep my bag light while still meeting all of my beauty needs.

I wash my hair only a few times each week, but sometimes I’m left with no choice (like after Spinning). Bumble and bumble’s Be Color Minded Kit ($28, Sephora) is great for dire-wash situations since the 2-ounce shampoo, conditioner and styling balm are all free of sulfates and harsh chemicals that can dry out hair when used often. And for days when my hair needs a little pick-me-up, dry shampoo is my hero. I keep a mini can of Redken Powder Refresh 01 ($8, redken.com for salons) in my bag at all times. I love that it adds volume with leaving an annoying white residue.

If your gym’s locker room doesn’t provide a blow dryer, look for a lightweight folding one, such as the X5 Superlite Mini Nano Tourmaline & Ionic Dual Voltage Travel Dryer ($49.99, Folica.com). This packs a surprisingly powerful blast despite its small size.

Moisturizing after a shower is an absolute must (especially during the winter months), so I always make sure to keep mini bottles of body lotion on hand. Burt’s Bees Naturally Nourishing Milk & Honey Body Lotion costs only $1.99 (burtsbees.com) for the travel size and leaves skin super soft. It smells fresh, and its lightweight formula won’t leave your skin slick or sticky.

If you don’t want to bring your entire stash of makeup with you, invest in an interchangeable palette, like Bobbi Brown 3-Pan Palette ($10, Bobbibrown.com), which allows you to swap out blush and shadow colors according to your look that day. And, if you have any contact lens cases lying around, here’s a trick: fill one side with your favorite face cream and the other with foundation. This way, you don’t have to miss out on your must-haves in order to downsize.

 

—Jillian Ruffo, beauty intern

A Tribute to the Bubble Bath

Written on January 8, 2013 at 11:15 am , by Fitness Magazine

Today is, well, National Bubble Bath Day. And though you don’t have to celebrate, we encourage you to use it as an excuse to pamper yourself. If your New Year’s resolution was gym-oriented or if it was simply to indulge in a bit of relaxation, a bubble bath is a foolproof way of relieving both muscle aches and stress. For most of us, the issue with this luxurious act: a bath takes much longer than a 10-minute shower. If you don’t have time during the week (we understand), set aside one hour this weekend for some “you” time and run yourself a bubble bath—maybe even slather on a face mask while you’re at it. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.

Here, a few of our favorite bubbles depending on your mood:

An instant tension soother:
L’Occitane Lavander Foaming Bath ($34, Loccitane.com)

A fake spa escape:
Fresh Rice Sake Bath ($80, Sephora.com)

An uplifting energy boost:
Neutrogena Rainbath Revitalizing Grapefruit Shower and Bath Gel ($9, drugstores)

 

—Jillian Ruffo, beauty intern

Favorite Find Friday: Olay Total Effects Lathering Cleansing Cloths

Written on January 4, 2013 at 10:00 am , by Fitness Magazine

After a workout, I refuse to leave the gym without washing my face. Even if I’m going straight home, I make sure to get rid of any dirt or sweat that could potentially seep into my pores and cause a breakout. This habit is helpful, but because my gym’s locker room only provides hand soap and hand-sanitizer (yes, I’ve sanitized my face and lived to talk about it), I worry that my skin will dry out. Then I came across Olay Total Effects Lathering Cleansing Cloths ($6, drugstores) and I’m obsessed. These dry cloths lather up as soon as you wet them, so they’re perfect to keep in your purse or gym bag. They contain salicylic acid to prevent zits, as well as moisturizing ingredients to leave skin soft. Now I no longer have to carry a bottle of face wash with me at all times—my skin’s thrilled!

—Jillian Ruffo, beauty intern

Favorite Find Friday: Lorac Pro Cream Eyeliner

Written on November 16, 2012 at 2:33 pm , by Fitness Magazine

The perfect eyeliner is hard to find. Kohl pencils can smudge easily and liquid—for those of us with a shaky hand—can result in looking like a hot mess. Meet my eyes’ new best friend: Lorac Pro Cream Eyeliner ($19, loraccosmetics.com), available in black, dark brown, navy and plum. It’s a cream liner so it glides on smoother than a pencil but isn’t as slippery or messy as a liquid liner. It’s small and portable—perfect to house in your purse or your gym bag. My favorite part is the tapered eyeliner brush that comes with it. It helps you achieve a neat line plus it fits conveniently inside the cap.

—Daniella Araujo, Beauty Intern

Four Fall Trends To Try Right Now!

Written on November 12, 2012 at 5:14 pm , by Fitness Magazine

Sequin eyebrows, purple lips, crimped hair—some runway trends look like they belong in a circus. We made simple tweaks to a few of our favorite looks so that you can wear them in real life. 

Oxblood Nails: This vampy red hue is popping up everywhere in the fashion world. Think it’s too bold for your wardrobe? Test-drive it on your nails first (the dark shade looks best on short, squoval-shaped tips). Our top picks: CND Nail Colour in Dark Ruby ($9, cnd.com) and Zoya Nail Polish in Oxblood Red ($8, zoya.com).

Messy Topknot: Tired of your ponytail whipping your neck while you log miles on the treadmill? Meet the topknot. It’s just as easy to do but looks cooler. Secure a high ponytail then wrap the tail around the base, creating a knot—it doesn’t have to be perfect; the more casual, the better. Leave the bejeweled headband at home.

Shimmery Green Eyes: Update your typical smoky eyes with green shadow. Tip: Snag trendy colors (like green!) at the drugstore. Sweep a wash over your lids or rim your upper lash lines for a toned down version of the winged green shadow below.

Sheer Red Lips: Rushing from a workout to the office? Save time by swiping on a tinted red lip balm and keeping the rest of your face natural. You’ll look pulled together but by swapping a balm for the lipstick version, you won’t need a lip brush or a ton of mirror time.

Photo Credits: Catherine Malandrino New York Fashion Week/Courtesy of CND;  Katya Leonovich New York Fashion Week /Courtesy of Beautypress.com;  Jason Wu New York Fashion Week /Courtesy of MAC Cosmetics;  Nina Ricci Paris Fashion Week/Courtesy of Beautypress.com

—By Daniella Araujo, beauty intern

Laila Ali on Boxing and Beauty

Written on November 9, 2012 at 10:49 am , by Fitness Magazine

Laila Ali has a reputation for being tough in the boxing ring, but lately she’s been showing off her softer side by promoting—wait for it—hair tools. Turns out, Ali actually has a beauty background. Before entering the boxing world, she owned a nail salon. She’s now the face of a new line of Gold N Hot hair styling tools (look for her in online how-to hair videos here!). Read on for my chat with Laila on hair and workout tricks.

What made you decide to work with Gold N Hot?
“I’ve been a fan of Gold N Hot for many years now and I have used their tools for a long time. It’s a highly recognized brand, especially in the African American community. I chose to work with them because I have first hand experience.”

What’s your favorite styling tool in the new line?
“My favorite is the flat iron. It’s a great tool because it straightens out your hair, flattens out frizz, and even curls your hair if you use it properly. To make sure you’re using it correctly, you can launch the how-to videos with your smart phones just by scanning the tags right off the box!”

Do you style your own hair or do you have a stylist?
“I do my own hair on regular days and I like to use my flat iron. If I could only have one styling tool in the world, it would be a flat iron. I just can’t live without it! But on days that I have an event or a shoot, I call my stylist.”

I’m sure you’ve used many blow dryers in the past, what makes yours different?
“The ion technology really makes a difference; it helps smooth down your hair in less time with less heat. It cuts time because you don’t have to keep going over and over it again. It’s really a good product for its price range.”

What do you use before and after you style your hair?
“I use a heat protectant spray before I use any heat styling tool—it protects and adds sheen. I like to use a light hairspray after using a curling iron to help hold my curls.”

How do you keep your hair looking good after a tough workout?
“I try to workout by a fan to keep my hair from getting sweaty. I use a cap instead of a headband and I go back around my edges (hairline around the face) with a flat iron when I get home.”

What’s your favorite on-the-go easy hairstyle?
“I’m a ponytail girl.”

What’s your favorite beauty product?
“Tinted moisturizer by Laura Mercier: it’s lightweight, protects me from the sun, evens out my skin, and gives me a natural looking finish.”

In the battle between chapstick vs lipstick, who wins?
“Chapstick!”

What’s your favorite healthy snack?
“Non-fat Greek yogurt, apples, almonds, dry fruit like apricots, and fresh baby carrots with low fat French onion dip.”

Do you have any quick fitness tips?
“Try to stay consistent. Workout first thing in the morning, this way you get it done and out of the way. Make short term and long term goals, and don’t beat yourself up if you miss a workout.”

What is your favorite spa treatment after a long day of training?
“A nice massage. I always ask for an extra half hour on my feet.”

—By Daniella Araujo, beauty intern

Treat Yourself: Your Guide to Some of Spa Week’s Hottest Deals!

Written on October 15, 2012 at 11:00 am , by Fitness Magazine

It’s one of my favorite times of the year—no, not Halloween—it’s Spa Week! And you don’t have to live in New York City to experience it. Spas across the country are offering full-service treatments for discounted rates (think $50!) from October 15th through the 21st. Indulge in a massage, facial and even a yoga class. Here are some of the highlights:

Where: Fresh, New York City
1367 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10021
212.585.3400
http://www.fresh.com
What: 60 Minute Correct & Protect Facial Experience

Where: Exhale, Miami
270 Biscayne Boulevard Way
Miami, FL 33131
305.423.3900
http://www.exhalespa.com 
What: 5 Pack of Mind Body Classes: Transform your body with your choice of 5 of Exhale’s Award-Winning Core Fusion and Yoga Classes.

Where: Jurlique, Santa Monica
1230 Montana Avenue, Suite 105,
Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.899.1923
http://www.jurlique.com
What: 50 Minute Signature Revitalizing Facial

Where: Stript Wax Bar, Los Angeles
8218 West 3rd Street,
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323.951.9517
http://www.striptwaxbar.com
What: 60 Minute Plant Stem Cell Glycolic Facial

Where: Eshe Day Spa and Salon, Chicago
633 South Plymouth Court, Unit 1,
Chicago, IL 60605
312.675.0200
http://www.eshedayspa.com
What: 55 Minute Aveda Signature Organic Facial

Where: The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel, Houston
1300 Lamar Street,
Houston, TX 77010
713.652.6219
http://www.fourseasons.com
What: 60 Minute Specialty Pedicure with Foot Massage

Where:Nurture Spa & Salon at Luxor, Las Vegas
3900 South Las Vegas Boulevard
Las Vegas, NV 89119
702.730.5720
http://www.luxor.com
What: 50 Minute Nurture Swedish Massage

Where: Red Door Spa, Seattle
700 110th Avenue Northeast, Suite 290
Bellevue, WA 98004
425.455.3700
http://www.reddoorspas.com
What: 50 Minute Spa Week Stress Melter Body Treatment, includes Exfoliation, Aroma Therapeutic Body Wrap and Scalp Massage

—By Daniella Araujo, beauty intern

Favorite Find Friday: Revision Retinol Facial Repair

Written on October 12, 2012 at 11:00 am , by Fitness Magazine

One of the top ingredients on my skincare list is retinol. Often referred to as the gold standard anti-aging ingredient, it plumps skin, exfoliates dead cells and best of all, helps fight fine lines and wrinkles. Revision Skincare Retinol Facial Repair ($55, revisionskincare.com) is loaded with high levels of pure retinol. I like how the lightweight formula doesn’t leave my skin feeling smothered or greasy (or irritated!) and I love waking up to a brighter, healthier looking complexion.

 —By Daniella Araujo, beauty intern

How I Beat Those Annoying Bumps On My Arms

Written on September 14, 2012 at 2:12 pm , by Fitness Magazine

By Daniella Araujo, beauty intern
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had little red bumps on the backs of my upper arms. During the winter, they would also pop up on my thighs. I didn’t know what caused them or what they were, but I wanted to get rid of them. I googled “small bumps on my arms” and results for Keratosis Pilaris— a common genetic follicular disorder manifested by the appearance of rough bumps on the skin—came up. Luckily, it’s not a serious condition, but it’s an eyesore. Though there is no cure, there are ways to treat it. After trial and error, I finally found the perfect KP skincare regime that helped me get rid of the bumps and patches of rough skin:

• Soap swap. Harsh sulfates in soap dry out your skin and cause further irritation if you’re prone to KP. I switched out my go-to bar soap for a moisturizing body wash. Look for one that’s fragrance-free and infused with lotion. I like Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash ($8, drugstores); it’s soap-free and contains shea butter for extra moisture.

• Scrub and hydrate.Exfoliation and hydration are the keys to getting rid of those icky bumps. Giving your skin a good scrub removes the excess keratin buildup, but it’s important to replenish your skin with a rich body lotion to keep it from drying out. My routine started with DERMAdoctor KP Duty Body Scrub ($44, dermadoctor.com), which has glycolic and lactic acids to slough away the top layer of dead skin. Then I applied DERMAdoctor KP Duty Dermatologist Moisturizing Therapy ($36, dermadoctor.com) to my arms and thighs twice a day.

• Consistency is key. After two months, my bumps began to disappear and I simplified my regimen so that it was easier to commit long-term. I still start with Olay body wash but I only exfoliate once a week. I follow that with Amlactin Moisturizing Body Lotion ($15, drugstores), which keeps my skin soft and smooth.

Hair Models Needed in NYC

Written on August 29, 2012 at 2:46 pm , by Fitness Magazine

Written by Daniella Araujo, beauty intern

Do you love products from L’Oréal Professional, Redken, Matrix, and Shu Uemura, and enjoy getting your hair done, but dread footing the bill? Well, then, being a hair model, might be the right gig for you. The style team at L’Oréal Professional Product Academy is looking for women (and men) of all ethnicities and ages to test hair color, hair care products, styling products, relaxers, and other hair treatments.

What’s in it for you: Models receive a free salon service, a gift bag loaded with hair products, and a complimentary pass to the private L’Oréal Employee Company Store where you can buy beauty products (including makeup, fragrance, hair and skin products) at 75 percent off.

All of the hairstylists are licensed professionals with years of industry experience, and during your consultation, you get to choose what hairstyle and/or treatment you want, plus get expert suggestions based on your features.

To book an appointment or for more information, contact Ashley McGinnis at 917.606.9563 or send an email to amcginnis@us.loreal.com.

You can also come in for a 15-minute evaluation at the L’Oréal testing center located at 435 Hudson Street in the West Village. Evaluations are held Tuesday through Friday from 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm. Here’s to happy hair days!