Read more from the Oct Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Pumpkin Beauty in mag.
Featured Beauty
IN OUR BAG | FOR WELCOMING IN OPENING DAY
Read more from the Oct Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Pumpkin Beauty in mag.
Whether you see it on Pinterest, you're following your faves on Instagram, seeing your favorites on the red carpet and of course when you're at the nail salon selecting your favorite hues - the power of the nail is everywhere! From innovative shapes, techniques, nail art and more! We had to sit down and talk with Celebrity Manicurist, Sarah Bland who is also an ambassador of Smith & Cult to get the scoop on what we need to know about what's going on in nails.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What took place in your career that allowed you to include nail art within your portfolio?
SARAH BLAND: I think that most music videos that I have worked on and red carpet manicures that I have done require nail art to make it different from all the other celebrities.
AM: Who are some of your celeb clients that you have done nail art on?
SB: LaLa Anthony, Kelly Rowland, Jessica Alba, Paris Hilton, Zooey Deschanel and a bunch more that I’m not allowed to mention ;-).
AM: Can you share events that your nails have been a part of from Awards Season, NYFW shows and more?
SB: I tend to work on celebrities for different things like lifestyle manicures, red carpet, TV shows, concerts, and press/editorial.
AM: How did you become a nail artist and what inspires you in your work?
SB: I started painting nails when I was five years old, I’ve always had a passion for nails and nail art. I started doing nail art in fourth grade. A lot of natural landscapes and architecture inspire my nail art.
AM: What are your must haves in your nail kit and what do you suggest that we should have at home when we're in between our salon appointments just in case we have to do a touchup?
SB: A few must haves in my nail kit are rhinestones and glitter. I also never forget to have Smith & Cult Nailed Lacquer in 1972 because it is a client favorite. In between appointments to keep your manicure looking fresh, I suggest adding a topcoat 1 to 2 days after you get your manicure to avoid chips and keep it shiny.
AM: We know that you are a Smith & Cult Nail Ambassador, what does this entail and what are your roles/responsibilities there?
SB: As the brand ambassador, I create all of the nail art designs that are seasonal, I travel around the world educating salons and nail artists on nail art and about the product. I also do special events for the brand.
AM: We’re in the thick of wedding season - what 3 nail art designs would you suggest that are perfect for weddings? We’d love to know about looks that play with negative space, nail art for those that are not afraid to be bold as well as for someone who is new to including this within their look and wants to dip a toe in?
SB: I would suggest doing a very neutral hombre French manicure with negative space in the background, I also think very dainty geometric designs look great with neutral colors. For a bride that likes something very blingy, I would suggest adding glitter and/or rhinestones.
AM: In terms of nail care - how can you ensure that you are protecting your nails ESPECIALLY those that are frequent users of gel as we get many questions on the type of gels that should be used as well as how often can one do gels before they need to take a gel break?
SB: Unfortunately, it's impossible to ensure you’re protecting your nails these days because there are a lot of dangerous products out there that uneducated professionals use. Especially when it comes to artificial nails. The biggest piece of advice I can give is to stay away from drilling your natural nails. A lot of salons will even drill the soft gels to remove them which is extremely damaging to your nails and the laziest way of taking them off. I also suggest staying away from hard gel if you want to protect your natural nails. They are only removable with a drill which is very damaging. I tell my clients to take a break from gel every few months and to use Smith & Cult as the in between polish. In my personal experience and my clients’, I’ve seen drastic improvements of the health of my nails since I’ve been wearing Smith & Cult. It literally dries so quickly and lasts over a week without chipping! It is also 8 free so it’s almost like you’re repairing your nails without the nasty chemicals.
AM: Since you're based in LA, where would we find you this summer from grabbing cocktails and dinner with friends, shopping and do you have a fitness studio you like to go into?
SB: Rumble is my new favorite spot after I discovered it for the first time in NYC. Grabbing cocktails & dinner is super fun at Zinc or Gracias Madre on Melrose. Rooftop at the Nomad Hotel in Downtown LA is amazing for a fancy night out of summer cocktails. Shopping is a must downtown at the ROW. It’s a new historical development that has one-off unique shops. LA is always fun in the summer!
PHOTO COURTESY | via Sarah Bland's Instagram
IG @SarahBland
Read more from the Oct Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | The Scoop on Nail Art.
On Nov 9th, Daylight Savings Time will make its way back into our calendars again. In order to be prepared, we sat down with Beautyrest Sleep Expert, Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep researcher at the NYU School of Medicine. We talked with her about getting a full night of sleep (even when we lose an hour in our day due to the change), how we can get into a proper sleep routine, meditation and how much sleep we honestly need.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Why is Daylight Savings time such a shift for us as we experience it every year?
DR. REBECCA ROBBINS: Human beings are creatures of habit, particularly when it comes to sleep. Our sleep is largely governed by a 24-hour cycle, or circadian rhythm. Small changes to this schedule, such as ‘sleeping in’ on the weekends, but also daylight savings time of even one hour can have a dramatic effect upon our sleep schedule, and subsequently our mood, alertness, energy, and health. For instance, workplace research shows employee performance declines significantly in the week after daylight savings time while employees adjust to a new sleep schedule.
AM: How can we prepare or Daylight Savings Time?
DR. RR: The transition to a new time and improved waking success can be eased with a few key strategies:
-Start going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night leading up to daylight savings time
-Practice good sleep hygiene (e.g., avoid caffeine after 2pm, keep your bedtime and rising time as consistent as possible)
-Make exercise a priority, this can help you adjust to your new sleep schedule
-Get as much blue light to boost your alertness during the day as possible, even on a cloudy day, walking outside in the morning and afternoon can help your body adjust to the time change
-Avoid light at night close to bed, including cell phones, as this can trigger our alertness when our bodies need to power down
AM: How can we create a successful sleep environment at home and when we travel?
DR. RR: Our bedrooms must be a sanctuary for rest, relaxation, and sleep. The best bedroom design features neutral tones and optimally, is devoid of technology such as cell phones or cable boxes. Most important, the mattress is the foundation to a good night’s sleep. I recommend the Beautyrest Black line, which features individually pocketed coils for low-motion transfer and optimal airflow, as well as memory foam on top for support and comfort.
AM: How important and linked are meditation and sleep?
DR. RR: Meditation is the practice of quieting the mind and focusing on the breath. It is a deep form of relaxation. Individuals who practice meditation frequently can reap many benefits, including improved sleep. Also, the strategies of medication (e.g., quieting the mind, slowing the breath) are tools that can help with sleep onset (i.e., the process of falling asleep), so meditation and sleep are indeed linked! To showcase this correlation, I recently led an in-bed meditation session for 150 attendees after an overnight Max Richter concert in New York City.
AM: How much sleep do we really need?
DR. RR: The duration of sleep we need to perform at our peak when we are awake changes over the lifespan. Children need almost as much sleep as they can get to support healthy development, teenagers actually need between 8 and 9 hours and adults typically require between 7 and 8 hours for optimal health, well-being, and cognitive performance. Many people tell me they need only 5-hours of sleep, but odds are they don’t even realize how much better they would feel if they slept for a few more hours.
AM: Are power naps beneficial?
DR. RR: Absolutely! A ‘power nap’ is a nap of 20 minutes. This is a great way to recover if you have to stay up late or have a hard time sleeping. Make sure to get up after 20 minutes or you may wake up groggy. One exception to this, however, is that power naps or naps of any kind are discouraged for individuals suffering from insomnia.
AM: What happens while we sleep beyond getting a good night's rest?
DR. RR: During sleep our brains, body, and skin go into deep repair mode. Sleep plays an important role in removing toxins from the brain and body. Sleep is also the time during the day when our blood pressure and body temperature, for instance, dip to their lowest points. Allowing our bodies to process through this complete and total repair and is what allows us to be optimally awake. This is actually something Beautyrest is focused on with the development of its mattresses. The brand believes that a great night’s rest can help you reach your full potential the next day which is why they are dedicated to using the latest in sleep technology and innovation.
AM: With Awards Season, how can we get great sleep and is there such a thing as a sleeping plan to ensure you are at your best?
DR. RR: A healthy sleep routine is a great idea all year long, but especially when you have an event and want to be fully awake and at your best. Unfortunately, we often make exercise and nutrition a priority during these periods but ignore sleep. You can certainly create a sleeping plan similar to a pre-event workout or nutrition plan to help you stay on-track. The best practices for maintaining any healthy habit, such as keeping a journal or schedule, apply here as well.
AM: What are 3 things that we can do to be mindful of getting good sleep?
DR. RR: Tracking sleep is increasingly common among the population! According to our research, as many as 80% of people use a mobile or wearable device to track their sleep. A new, low profile way to track your sleep (which is a great way to increase your mindfulness) is with the Beautyrest Sleeptracker monitor, which lies seamlessly under your pillow, allowing you to wake up to a breadth of data and insights about your sleep!
Another way to be more mindful about sleep is to set a gentle alarm at night for your bedtime routine. Optimally, we all take time to unwind and unplug with a routine that is relaxing. Set a gentle alarm to go off about 30 minutes before you want to be slipping into bed as a peaceful cue to you that it is time to start to unplug from electronics, take a bath or do some reading.
Finally, enhanced mindfulness about sleep can be achieved with simple journaling about your alertness level the next day in a notebook or word document.
AM: What yoga moves are conducive to sleep?
DR. RR: Exercise that is high intensity is undesirable before bed, but restorative yoga or a gentle flow from up dog to down dog are optimal for relaxing and softening any tense muscles before bed.
AM: Is there such a thing that people can work on projects in their sleep and if so, is it healthy?
DR. RR: Sleep is a time when we actually rehearse events and things we learned from the day before, making sleep an essential component of ability to remember and recall. Thus, healthy sleep is a critical part of memory and cognition.
AM: How important is it to dream and to remember them?
DR. RR: Dreaming largely takes place during Rapid Eye Movement sleep. It is neither important or unimportant to remember dreams, but we do find that if you start to talk about dreams with a spouse or friend, or journal about them, your ability to recall dreams is enhanced.
Read more from the Sep Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Getting a Good Night’s Rest in mag.
Read more from the Sep Issue and see Cupuacu Beauty in mag.
Read more from the Sept Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag.
Read more from the Sept Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure Beauty | Fall Prep Skincare in mag.
Read more from the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Argan Beauty in mag.
We happened to be on our IG feed and saw Sol De Janeiro’s most excited video! We have been fans of all the products for years and we religiously use their Bum Bum Cream which makes your skin feel so soft, has a bit of shimmer and of course, the smell is amazing with the mixture of Cupuacu, Acai and Coconut Oil. We’re obsessed with the scents of Pistachio and Salted Caramel which just a yummie combination.
The large Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream that we have come to love has just gotten better with their newest size and limited edition - dropping today, you can get the supersize version for $75 which is 500/ml. It’s kind of like Christmas coming early and your skin will thank you for it!
Read more from the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag.
Read more from the Aug issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure Beauty | Your Day to Night Must Haves in mag.
Supplements You Should Take To Stay Fit and Healthy
Supplements and vitamins have been excluded in the discussion of quite some time in people diet. The most affected gender is the men who do not consider discussing the useful supplements and vitamins to use. The ladies have a wide variety of probiotics to choose from supporting their health concerns. There are very minimal probiotics available in the market today available for men to use.
In case you are suffering from digestive problems, or other irregularities consider using the supplements daily since they will be of great help. The shops and other online platforms can be very useful to access the supplements but choosing the supplements to help you can be very challenging.
BioSchwartz Advanced Strength Probiotics
It was formulated by doctors who wanted to build a perfect combination of strains and active cultures. It is an excellent choice in case you have all round digestive issues. The probiotic has been advanced and features innovative formulas to resists stomach acidity. No refrigeration is needed when storing the probiotic; it is straightforward to store the probiotics in a cool and dry place. There are many health benefits enjoyed including the certain potency that is set up to the expiry date, and it is more effective than other probiotics in the market.
Dr.Formulated Probiotics
The probiotics support immune and digestive system health in a significant way. Also, it is straightforward to store it since it does not require any refrigeration. The probiotics are created explicitly for men specific health and colon benefits. It is considered to shelf stable since it is packed in a pack of thirty capsules to be taken daily. Many people can use the probiotics since it is soy free, gluten free and dairy free; a vegetarian can also use the probiotic as it will have no side effects. It is straightforward to use the probiotic since you can follow the usage directions as they are written on the label. OGLF have performed in-depth research on probiotics and used all of the supplements mentioned, to see what they recommend for men, see their editor's choice here.
Dr.Tobias Deep Immune Probiotics
It is primarily designed to boost the immune system health. It is very essential for any person who wants to know if the probiotics they are consuming is safe to use. The acting formula is very effective, and it is created with the high quality ingredients. The healthy immune system is boosted by the probiotics giving essential bacteria in the immune system. It is tested by the medical researchers globally and proven very fit for consumption. Any person can use the probiotics since they have no side effects on the user.
Garden Of Life Raw Probiotics
There are specifically made for men health benefits in both the digestive system and overall prostate. It has a very comprehensive formula of minerals, vitamins to promote the wellness of the body. It is comfortable to use to avoid the risk of having constipation. The main vitamins supply is provided by raw fruits and vegetables which are very rich in vitamin content.
Read more from Athleisure Mag's Aug. Issue and see How to Dress | For Labor Day Weekend.
Read more from the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag and see In Our Bag | Summer's Last Hurrah in mag.
Read more from the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Eight Best in mag.
We've been enjoying a number of red carpet looks that showcase Glass Skin which presents perfectly glossy, poreless complexions. This fall, beauty experts are noting that it’s all about Glass Hair: a smooth, ultra-shiny lob made popular by on-trend celebs including The Kardashian-Jenners, Lucy Hale, Vanessa Hudgens, Olivia Culpo and more. Although the name is a perfect companion to Glass Skin, the concept of this hairstyle is better and originally known as The Silk Press (a la Kelly Rowland, Rhianna etc). Regardless of the name or when you have been looped into it, you can get this look with tips from IGK’s co-founder Leo Izquierdo.
1. Cleanse and condition with IGK BAD & BOUGIE Amla Oil Deep Repair Shampoo & Conditioner ($25 each) to revitalize the scalp and add moisture and enhanced shine. The restorative formula contains Amla Oil, Coconut Oil and a Patented Vegetable Protein Complex.
2. Prep your locks with a leave in conditioner, we suggest Oribe Supershine Light Moisturizing Cream ($52) mixed with the new Oribe Power Drops Damage Repair Booster ($58). Just a few drops of the powerful elixir improves hair health and combability by smoothing the cuticle to enhance softness and restore elasticity.
3. “For a super sleek, high-shine look spray GOOD BEHAVIOR Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray ($32) in sections on damp hair and blow dry in. The product is heat-activated and uses spirulina and keratin proteins and innovative bonding polymers to mimic the very shiny, smooth look of a keratin treatment.” – Leo Izquierdo, Co-founder of IGK Hair Care
4. “To maximize glassy results, spray again on dry hair (the product has 450*F heat protection) and flat iron in. Do small sections for best results.” – Leo Izquierdo, Co-founder of IGK Hair Care
Haven Spa's creators are Gabrielle Ophals and Audra Senkus the business-savvy dream team behind Haven Spa and Eve Salon, and have made a name for themselves in the spa industry
among New Yorkers, athletes and celebrities. As local New Yorkers, they started working in the spa industry in New York City at a young age because of their love for making people
feel and look gorgeous in a relaxed luxe environment. They teamed up over twenty years ago to expand and open Haven Spa in 1998.
When it's time to relax, guests can enjoy a number of treatments at Haven Spa which includes waxing, facials, body wraps, massages, nail services, hair blowouts, hair trims and hair treat- ments.
On days when you don't have as much time to enjoy a full service, but you still want to enjoy spa features, they offer - Haven's Mini Escape menu. It still allows you to take a little time for yourself. Haven's Mini Escape treatments focus in on the bottom line and give you the results
you want in the time that you have.
In addition to your selected treatment, guests can enjoy additional ammenities which includes a steam room, lounge area with tea and snacks, rain showers and a full locker room.
There are also plans to expand Haven Spa as well as currently creating new spa treatments and experiences at this spa. In addition, they have a skincare line called, Plum that is sold here as well.
We also suggest that you should try a recent launch, the Mermaid Pedi, which has seaweed products and a Mermaid Life package, which includes their Makizushi Wrap and the Mermaid
Pedicure.
HAVEN SPA
250 Mercer St.
NY, NY 10012
www.HavenSpa.nyc
IG @havenspanyc
Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Haven Spa in mag.
We're in the thick of enjoying the sun safely and for those that enjoy embracing the sun or looking like they have been out for awhile, we had to find out more about Bali Body, a vegan friendly company from Australia. From skincare to tanning, we talked with the Co-Founders to find out more about their line, its ingredients and more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Laura and David tell us about your background and how Bali Body came about?
DAVID OOSTERLOO: Bali Body was born in the tropics - Canggu, Bali. We wanted to create sun-care and skincare that could be used on sensitive skin, so we began playing with formulas and created our first product, our Tanning and Body Oil. Bali Body was born! I come from a background in construction.
LAURA FOLEY: I was in Insurance prior to starting the business. We had no prior experience in running a business, but we took every challenge head on and never let anything stand in the way of our goals.
AM: What is the ethos of Bali Body and tell us a bit about the product offerings.
LF + DO: At Bali Body we are all about glowing skin. We are a vegan friendly company, and use natural ingredients as much as possible when formulating our products. We have a range of natural sun-care, including Tanning Oils, Sunscreens and Lip Balms. We also have a growing range of skin-care, featuring our best selling product our BB Cream, Shimmering Body Oil and Bronzing Lotion, just to name a few.
AM: Why is the brand named, Bali Body?
LF + DO: We started the brand while we were living in Bali on a career break. We love how the name sounds, and feel that it is the perfect fit for our brand and what we stand for.
AM: As a brand that is based in Australia - how does Australia influence the products?
LF + DO: The brand is based in Melbourne, and all our products and packaging are Australian made. Australia has an enormous influence on our brand - the summer days, beautiful beaches, bronzed skin and outdoors lifestyle is all an intricate part of our brand.
AM: As a Vegan friendly brand, what are the ingredients that one can find within your product offerings?
LF + DO: We have a lot of different ingredients across our product range - but some of our key ingredients which we find ourselves using again are:
- coconut oil
- grape seed oil
- jojoba oil
- we use soy wax instead of beeswax - this makes product development much more difficult but we strongly believe in vegan friendly beauty products.
AM: Are there additional products that are coming to market soon that we should keep an eye out for?
LF + DO: Yes most definitely! I can’t say much about what they are just yet - but they will be very popular.
AM: Your skincare brand tends to focus on suncare, will you incorporate other categories within your offerings?
LF + DO: Definitely, we have a growing range of skin-care, and also have another category in the works which we are really excited about, stay tuned!
AM: Why do you offer tanning oils in cacao, pineapple and watermelon and why would one use one over the other?
LF + DO: We offer them in those variants as they are each amazing products, and each individual and much loved by our customers.
Choosing between them can be personal preference, or people prefer certain ingredients over others. For example the Watermelon Tanning Oil gives the deepest tan out of our range due to the presence of Watermelon Seed Extract - which naturally boosts melanin production in the skin.
AM: We know that you aren't in your summer season in Australia, but how can we get great glowing skin by using your tanning products - walk us through the process?
LF + DO: Apply one of our tanning oils (use and SPF product or apply our sunscreen first for protection) then lay out in the sun - the combination of natural oils will have your skin glowing in no time! After tanning we recommend applying our Luxe Moisturising Lotion to keep your skin hydrated through the night. For extra deep hydration, apply our Tanning and Body Oil after you shower.
AM: For those that may be darker skinned for our natural brown beauties, what products do you suggest that they can use to have an amazing glow?
LF + DO: If you already have a natural tan or darker skin, for glowing skin without the sun-tanning we always recommend our tanning and body oil - use it as a daily body oil for seriously smooth and hydrated skin. Pair with our Coconut Lip Balm and BB Cream also!
AM: Tell us about where we can find you guys going out to stay fit (we just got a Humming Puppy here in NYC which we know has its original locations in Sydney and Melbourne), where do you shop and where can we catch you getting a bite and a cocktail?
LF + DO: haha we know Humming Puppy! But we usually stay in shape by walking our dog or going to the gym. We get Uber Eats a lot as we are tired after work haha - but we love the amazing cafe culture Melbourne has to offer, you will not find better food anywhere else in the world!
IG @BaliBody
PHOTO CREDITS | Bali Body
Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Give That Glow an Assist in Mag.
Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure Beauty | Your Travel Must Haves in mag.
Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see How to Dress | For the Tennis Courts in mag.
It’s true that not everyone is blessed with naturally smooth skin and gorgeous looks. For most of us, we need to spend a lot of time and effort in order to look our best. While SK II products can help in defying skin aging, a whole range of cosmetic and beauty items could cost more than we are willing to spend on our appearances.
For days when natural beauty just won’t cut it, women turn to makeup. Considered to be one of the secret weapons of women from all walks of life, cosmetics can make your skin look better and bright even on days when you lack rest or nutrition. While cosmetic products often allow us to transform into a person we prefer, too much of it will make you look unnatural and fake.
The function of makeup has evolved to suit the modern woman’s needs. Centuries ago, face makeup was intentionally white and colourful to create a distinction that the person was not in his or her bare face. In recent years, people have been looking for ways to blur the line between the bare and made up faces. Korean cosmetic products have coverage yet with enough translucence to look like you’re not wearing any makeup. As time passes, people have been looking for more ways to look makeup-less even when they are wearing cosmetics.
Here are some ways to create a natural look without overspending:
1. Skincare based on your personal needs and preferences.
Everyone is different. This is true not only with appearances but also with physiological needs. Everyone’s skin has different types, problems, and needs, and it’s important that you know what your skin should have. Some people make the mistake of trusting a product or brand based on someone else’s review; and while that may be useful to some extent, it’s important to remember that your skin could be different from theirs.
You can save a lot of money when you buy drugstore cosmetic products that suit your skin, instead of the expensive ones that celebrities endorse.
2. Plan your makeup products.
In order to avoid overspending, just try to buy 1 brand for 1 purpose for the entire year. Most makeup products have an expiry (usually 10-12 months after being opened), so having too many products of the same kind could prove to be problematic since you only have one face and 365 days to finish them all. While lipsticks are usually the exception to the case, you’d be surprised how many makeup products are thrown away because of poor planning.
In order to avoid wasteful spending, always check for the expiration date which can be found at the back of the product before purchase. Also, ask yourself if you’re going to finish the entire bottle in 365 days; if the answer is no then find a product that is suitable for daily use.
3. Buy products based on your skin tone.
You makeup base should be 1 shade lighter than your complexion since cosmetics have the tendency to oxidize when combined with sweat. The concealer should be 2 shades lighter than your complexion because you’re going to blend it with your foundation afterward. A concealer could also serve as a subtle highlighter.
Some people prefer a certain type of product over the rest. If you’re confident about your skin care, opt for lighter coverage products like BB creams, tints, and translucent powders. However, if you have existing skin problems that you want to cover up but still have a bare-faced effect, then go for pigmented products like foundation, cream-type products and the like.
It’s important to take note that having a more pigmented base means that your skin’s pores may get blocked so when you’re choosing thick makeup, make sure that you use at least 2 types of cleansers nightly. Also, having thick makeup doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s no longer a natural look.
4. Accentuate your face’s features instead of going against them.
Women have beauty standards that they like to chase, even if those standards don’t go with their natural and inborn features. When they force their face to look a certain way, it becomes unnatural. Appreciate your own unique features and accentuate them to achieve a natural look.