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Lace— For Your Face

June 18, 2012 at 12:24 pm
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There’s no more perfect makeup for sticky days than this summer’s whisper-light finishes with lace-inspired details. These delicate, flesh-toned colors are infused with the eensiest illuminating particles that look as gorgeous in the packaging as they do on skin.

The almost too-pretty-to-use, impeccably-detailed Dolce & Gabbana bronzer compact is dressed in lace on the inside and out.

  • More like art than makeup, Dolce & Gabbana Sicilian Lace Bronzing Powder is the star product of the Italian designers’ new Lace Collection, which, as you’d imagine, is inspired by the timeless feminine fabric. With not a hint of orange, it’s one of the more subtle, natural bronzers we’ve seen. Dust it where the light hits for a believable glow.

—By Cody Marick, beauty intern

Get The Safest Gel Manicure

June 14, 2012 at 4:09 pm
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A few preventative meaures will ensure your gel-manicured nails stay healthy.

Ah, the price of beauty: When it’s time to remove our lustrous gel manicure, we’re left with scraggly nail beds. Yikes! Before brittle nails turned us off from gel lacquer for good, we asked Julie Kandalec, a celebrity manicurist in New York City for the 4-1-1 on preventing shredded beds and keeping tips in top shape.

Survey the salon “Going to a reputable salon is most important for a safe gel experience,” she says. “When the product is improperly applied or removed, it can compromise the top layer of the nail.” CND Shellac and GelColor by OPI let you search for a trustworthy location near you.

Remove wisely “Be sure the gel polish is being removed properly to preserve the health of your nails,” Kandalec says. “Most brands should come off with soaking. Never, ever pick it or let someone file gels off!”

Take a break She recommends doing two to three sessions of gel polish for no more than two weeks per manicure (the longer you leave them on, the more time the molecules have to crosslink, making the gel more difficult to remove). Then remove the polish and do regular manicures for at least a month before going back to gels.

Heap on hydration Be sure to properly moisturize nails and cuticles both during and after the removal process. Kandalec recommends applying cuticle oil at least once a day to keep nails strong between appointments.

—By Cody Marick, beauty intern

Travelers’ Guide To Good Hair

June 12, 2012 at 11:27 am
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Good hair days start with packing the right products.

Call us crazy, but there are certain cities that just make our hair look better. Blame the climate, air quality, general energy of the place, but the biggest culprit is the water. Lathering up with H20 that’s foreign to your strands can make them look and feel pretty funky. If you’re racking up travel mileage this summer, you can’t rely on your trusty haircare routine that works at home. Here’s what we stash in our suitcases and how we console our homesick locks:

—By Cody Marick, beauty intern

Staffer Beauty Snoop: Editorial Assistant Samantha Shelton

June 11, 2012 at 2:00 pm
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In this week’s Staffer Beauty Snoop, Editorial Assistant Samantha Shelton gives us a peek at her primping routine and reveals her go-to’s for achieving a fresh-faced look. 

Describe your style in three words or less: Fresh, natural and laid-back.
What are the three beauty products you can’t live without? CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Blasting Mascara, Neutrogena Oil-Free Cleansing Wipes in Pink Grapefruit (perfect for pre- and post-gym!) and no-slip hair ties.
What’s your beauty routine in the morning? If I’m coming back from an A.M. workout, I hop in the shower and make sure to use Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Acne Wash (pink grapefruit is my fave). Then I pop in my contacts, brush my teeth using Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Extra White + Scope Outlast toothpaste and try to remember to floss. I go natural with my makeup, but always make sure to have at least a swipe of mascara on. If I’m looking for a more polished look, I dot on concealer, add some foundation, eye liner and shadow and a tinge of blush.
At night? I really make sure to take care of my skin before I head to bed (and I make sure my pillowcases are washed often!). I’ll take off any residue from the day with the Neutrogena wipes, then use a sudsy face wash. I add on a light night cream, brush my teeth and hit the sheets!
Post-workout? I always try to remember to take off my makeup beforehand, and the Neutrogena wipes are perfect for it. A few quick swipes and I’m done – and they smell so good! If I’m not heading home right after my workout for a shower, I’ll wash my face with an acne wash. Add some deodorant and a spritz of body splash and I’m set to go.
What beauty product or treatment instantly makes you feel good? A manicure and pedicure! My close girlfriends and I make a weekend date out of it – brunch, then mani-pedis to relax, recharge and catch up on each others’ lives. It’s a great way to reconnect and I leave with fun colors and a treatment that makes me feel pampered.
What’s the best beauty tip you’ve ever received (or thought of yourself)? Embrace your curls! I grew up wasting so much time on my hair, trying to make it stick-straight because I was one of the few girls with curly hair. My mom and hair dresser always hated that! I finally got sick of the extra work and realized my curls look amazing when I treat them right. Now I avoid heat-styling as much as possible, and my boyfriend says my curls are one of his favorite things about me.

—By Cody Marick, beauty intern

Beauty From The Barre

June 7, 2012 at 1:49 pm
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Up until starting college a few years ago, I was a ballerina. When you’re propped up in pointe shoes for hours at a time, there’s little tolerance for beauty woes. Ballerinas have primping solutions that stand up to the thickest sweat, most unflattering lighting and unruliest hair. And you don’t have to be Natalie Portman to get the in.

Flash-Friendly Makeup:

Take a peek at a principal dancer’s makeup kit and there’s not a speck of glitter or shimmer in sight. Stage lighting makes shimmer look like grease and sweat, and so do the flashes on your best friend’s camera. If you know you’re going to be getting mobile upload notifications throughout the evening, switch out your illuminating foundation for a matte yet hydrating formula, like Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation— you’ll find yourself untagging fewer pictures. Use a highlighter just on cheekbones to catch the light, but be sure to keep blush and bronzer matte.

Topknot 101:

The buns perched on the top of ballerinas’ heads look polished and sophisticated, but when you try the look on yourself it’s more of a Christmas elf situation. Here’s your guide to conquering the bun:

  1. Study your cheekbones: Your ponytail should be gathered at your crown following the angle of your cheekbones to create the most flattering proportions. So, if you were to draw a line from the top of your cheekbone to the base of your pony, the line would be straight.
  2. Don’t twirl too tightly: If you twist your pony too tightly before you wrap it around the base, it’ll create an awkward, lopsided shape. Give it a few twirls, then slowly start your spiral.
  3. Use two hands: As you’re spiraling with one hand, use the other to gently press the bun against your crown. This will prevent the dreaded doorknob shape (FYI: donuts are the ideal shape.)
  4. Tuck and pin: Tuck the tips of your hair underneath your formed donut. Next, grab the hairpins. Note: not bobby pins, hairpins. They’re different. If you have superthick hair, the drugstore hair aisle won’t cut it. Bunheads Hair Pins hold up through 32 fouetté turns—the true test of a hair product’s prowess.
  5. Mess it up: You don’t want your knot to look too perfect. After all pins are secured, lightly pinch little sections of your donut. It’ll make it look effortless—like you didn’t just get a full tricep workout trying to put your hair up.
  6. Spritz, baby, spritz: Mist your ‘do with hairspray. You’ll find Aussie Instant Freeze Hairspray backstage.

—By Cody Marick, beauty intern

Staffer Beauty Snoop: Beauty Intern Cody Marick

June 4, 2012 at 12:52 pm
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This week, the newest addition to the FITNESS Beauty team, Beauty Intern Cody Marick, doles out her beauty routine deets and favorite product picks.

Describe your style in three words or less: Obsessed with skincare.
What are the three beauty products you can’t live without? Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer, EltaMD UV Daily SPF 40 Sheer Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen and Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser.
What’s your beauty routine in the morning? I cleanse with Cetaphil, swipe on Renee Rouleau Revitalizing Ginseng Toner with a toning cloth and then apply a moisturizing sunscreen (above). After that I’ll figure out what I’m going to do with my hair—usually just leave it down and natural or twist it into a bun. Then I’ll do my makeup. It’s different everyday, but always mascara. Always. I often reach for Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies Washable Mascara.
At night?  Remove my makeup with Yes To Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes, cleanse with Cetaphil and my Clarisonic Mia, and swipe on toner (above). Then I apply a dark spot treatment—Kiehl’s, Clinique and Garnier make effective ones free of hydroquinone. Finally, finish with a moisturizer and eye cream.
Post-workout? Shower!
What beauty product or treatment instantly makes you feel good? A really great blowout.
What’s the best beauty tip you’ve ever received (or thought of yourself)? My mom has been dabbing on eye cream (constantly throughout the day) for nearly her entire life—and it shows! She’s completely Botox and filler free. I hope that my adoption of her dedicated eye cream habit will serve me well, too!

—By Cody Marick, beauty intern

Favorite Find Friday: MAC Cosmetics Paint Pot in Groundwork

June 1, 2012 at 10:31 am
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Our summer makeup bags house only the toughest humidity defenders— think mattifying primers, cheek stains, and tubing mascara. MAC Cosmetics Paint Pot in Groundwork is sure to maintain its makeup bag real estate through Labor Day. The double-duty eye primer/eye shadow combo doesn’t budge: Not even a hot yoga class can make it crease (we’ve tried!). The taupey-nude creates a veil of subtle definition over our lids while the slightest hint of shimmer brings out the tiny flecks of color in our irises. Best of all, our 6PM touch-up ritual is no longer needed.

—By Cody Marick, Beauty Intern

Create The Perfect Ballerina Bun

May 23, 2012 at 12:31 pm
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This simple, chic style looks great both at the gym and on the town. As the warm weather approaches, it’s an easy way to keep your hair out of your face while still looking fresh and glam.  All you need is a hair donut, two ponytail elastics and bobby pins to create the perfect bun.

  • First, wrap your hair into a pony, securing it with an elastic. Go higher to create a ballerina-esque bun.
  • Next, pull your hair through the donut. Tip: Choose one that’s close to your hair color.
  • Then spread your hair evenly around the donut, covering it completely with your strands, and place the second elastic over the hair.
  • For the final touch, lock any loose ends in place with bobby pins.

—By Wanda Rosa, beauty intern

Olympic Silver Medal-Winning Swimmer Maritza Correia “Makes a Splash” and Dishes Her Look-Fab Secrets

May 21, 2012 at 11:09 am
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As the first African American woman to earn a place on the U.S Olympic Swim Team, Maritza Correia knows a lot about staying fit, accomplishing your goals, and of course, how to stay gorgeous in harsh, wet elements. Here are her secrets— and why she’s signed on with the USA Swimming Foundation’s “Make a Splash” initiative.

FITNESS: How did you get involved with the “Make a Splash” program?
Maritza Correia: I actually just signed on with “Make a Splash” in March. As a competitor and the first African American woman on the U.S Olympics Swim Team, I want to get kids, especially minorities, involved in swimming and teach them the importance of water safety.

FITNESS: You’re constantly in the water. How do you keep your hair from drying out and protected?
MC: I really take care of it. I only wash it two to three times a week because shampoo can really dry out your hair. I condition it often, using the Pantene Pro-V line.

FITNESS: What’s your haircare, makeup and skincare routine like on a typical day?
MC: After practice, as I mentioned, I condition my hair. I use a lot of lotion for my body: I love Jergens Shea Butter. I don’t use the same lotion on my face because it’s more sensitive, so I stick with Aveeno for that. I have to admit, I’m a total girly-girl and I love makeup. I always wear MAC products. After practice my hair tends to be a bit frizzy, so I apply my favorite gel, L.A. Looks.

FITNESS: What does your training consist of?
MC: I am currently not training full time, but I do like to engage in a lot of clinics. I’m actually hosting one at the YMCA in Mount Vernon, New York on May 26th from 10AM to 4PM, “Make a Splash: Mount Vernon”, to kick off Memorial Day weekend. I’ll be speaking to elementary school kids on the benefits of swimming to stay fit, water safety education and about the learn-to-swim programs.

FITNESS: What’s your biggest beauty indulgence? 
MC: Being such a girly-girl I have a routine of getting a manicure and pedicure every two weeks. I’ll leave the kid with my husband and take that time for myself. It’s actually really relaxing and I love that I can be creative and change the color of my nails every two weeks.

FITNESS: What are the beauty products you can’t live without?
MC: I’m addicted to lip gloss and Lip Smackers. You can probably find purple, pink and beige tubes all over the house!

FITNESS: What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?
MC: Making the Olympic team in 2004. The first time I had ever seen the games was in 1996, when they were in Atlanta. Then I became an Olympian in 2004.

FITNESS: How can readers get involved with “Make a Splash” and its lifesaving programs?
MC: They can log onto  Swimtoday.org to get information on free or discounted swim lessons. Also, If you’re more competitive, you can find a team to join, or you can just a find a pool near you to have fun, stay healthy and be fit.

—By Wanda Rosa, beauty intern

Cynthia Nixon Talks Rosacea and Her Secrets to Great Skin

April 30, 2012 at 11:41 am
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She spiced up the small screen as Miranda Hobbes on the cult TV series Sex and the City, and now actress Cynthia Nixon is speaking out about her experience with the chronic inflammatory skin condition rosacea. Read on as she dishes about the foods she loves, her biggest beauty indulgence and her secrets to embracing that natural flush.

FITNESS: What made you start working with the National Rosacea Society?
Cynthia Nixon: I first started working with the National Rosacea Society because 16 million people have the condition, but not many know about it, so I wanted to raise awareness. When you have it, it can be awful to treat it yourself. The first thing you have to do is speak to a dermatologist and get a treatment plan. You can’t cure rosacea, but you can control it. I had acne in my teens and early 20s, and then developed rosacea in my 30s. So many people think of it as acne, then use scrubs and masks and don’t realize they are only making the problem worse. You need to know what to do and what to avoid. Rosacea is a condition that can cause embarrassment and discomfort.
FITNESS: What’s been your experience with rosacea, and how have you managed it?
CN: I cannot stress enough the importance of seeing a dermatologist because everybody’s skin is different. After I found out what the dermatologist recommended and he prescribed me medicine, I have managed to keep it under control.  I also got information about things that I was eating that were triggering the rosacea.
FITNESS: What specific foods trigger rosacea?
CN: Spicy foods trigger it, like tabasco and jalapeño peppers. I still eat those things, but I stay away from them when I know I have important events coming up. Other things that can trigger it are red wine and too much sun exposure.
FITNESS: What have you learned from working with the National Rosacea Society?
CN: I’ve learned that rosacea is much more common than we think. Also, if you don’t treat it, it can get worse. There are four different kinds of rosacea: redness, pimples, eye irritation and thickening of the skin. Your face gets red and blotchy and it’s not fun. You have to tend to it so it doesn’t get worse.
FITNESS: Moving on to beauty: What’s one product that never leaves your bag?
CN: Undereye cream for sure. I find myself applying some too many times per day!
FITNESS: What are your haircare, makeup and skincare routines like on a typical day?
CN: My hair tends to be oily so I wash it two to three times a week. I wake up in the morning and wash my face, then apply some toner, moisturizer with SPF, and undereye cream.
FITNESS: What are your secrets for looking great anytime, anywhere?
CN: I make sure to maintain a gentle regimen. I don’t use many products because they can be too harsh on my skin and can cause my rosacea to flare up. Also, I wear SPF all the time.
FITNESS: What’s your diet like? Are there certain foods or snacks that are your go-tos?
CN: I’m a big fan of cheese! (Editor’s note: Woman after our own heart!) I also eat a lot of salads. I keep celery, carrots and almonds in my house. I also keep protein bars around because those things can really help sustain you through the day.
FITNESS: What’s your biggest beauty indulgence? 
CN: Facial acupuncture for sure. It keeps my blood flowing.  With rosacea, my skin can get very inflamed so the circulation boost is helpful.
FITNESS: How do you stay in shape when you’re on the go?
CN: I work out mostly when I’m at home. When I’m away for a couple of days, I’ll use the hotel gym. I try to eat well; I’m a vegetarian. Also, as I mentioned, I make sure protein bars are always around.
FITNESS: What’s the best tip you’ve picked up from the makeup, hair and skincare experts you’ve worked with?
CN: I actually received the best tip while filming Sex and the City and that is “put as little foundation on as possible.” Maintain a good skincare routine. A ton of foundation only ages you!

Visit rosaceafacts.com to view Cynthia’s iPSA and take a self-screening quiz.

—By Wanda Rosa, beauty intern

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