haircare

Budget Buys for Your Summer Beauty Routine

July 16, 2012 at 12:50 pm
By Fitness Magazine

Don’t let this hothothot July bring down your beauty routine! Our Fashion Director, Argy Koutsothanasis, highlights some affordable products that will make your primping process a little bit easier…

Cynthia Nixon Talks Rosacea and Her Secrets to Great Skin

April 30, 2012 at 11:41 am
By Fitness Magazine

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

Update Your Hair for Fall

September 24, 2010 at 1:39 pm
By Eleanor Langston

Want a new style to sport this season or simply need to freshen up your hair? We turned to Kimberly Rothamel Morgan at Bob Steele Salon in Atlanta for her top strand secrets:

1. If your hair is straight, have your stylist add some face-framing layers that start above your cheekbone or about an inch above your jawline if you want to be able to tuck your hair behind your ears (crucial for working out!). This will enhance your bone structure and refresh your hair for fall.

2. If your hair is curly, define your ringlets with a moisturizing curl cream, such as Redken Fresh Curls Curl Refiner . You’ll need to adjust the amount of product you need according to your length: chin-length or above = two dime-sized doses, shoulder-length = three dime-sized doses, below your shoulders = three to four dime-sized doses. The key to the smoothest application? Flip your hair over for the first dose and then back up to do the next dose for the most even coverage. Then, blow-dry your hair with a diffuser or air-dry.

3. Healthy hair equals gorgeous hair. After a summer of chlorine, sun, salt and sand, you need to give your hair some TLC. Schedule a trim and use a deep-conditioning treatment or mask once a week to bring your hair back to life.

Give to Charity (For Free!) with göt2b

September 20, 2010 at 3:32 pm
By April Franzino

Haircare brand göt2b is sponsoring Cupcake Week, which raises money for the charity CancerCare for Kids that supports children with cancer. Visit cupcakesforacause.org, send a free e-cupcake, and göt2b will donate $1 to the charity. Want to do more? Simply “Like” göt2b on Facebook, and the brand will donate another dollar to CancerCare for Kids. Sounds like a sweet deal to us!