PAPAYA BEAUTY

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THE PICK ME UP

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CHARCOAL BEAUTY

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ATHLEISURE LIST | BARBA MEN'S GROOMING BOUTIQUE QUARANCUTS

Barba Men's Grooming Boutique Quarancuts' Virtual Hair School emerged as a way to challenge the issue of grooming that have been caused by COVID-19 due to NYC salons being closed to the public. With many being selected as amateur barbers, the need to teach them to do a proper cut was clear to Barba's Owner and Master Stylist, Xavier Cruz. He guides interested "stylists" through the techniques of men's haircuts online via Zoom. Simply DM Barba on Instagram and Quarancuts sessions air simultaneously on IGTV so that all those that are interested can learn how to maintain their hair.

The first amateur stylist to attend Quarancuts was Grammy-winning singer, Tony-winning actor and renowned style icon Billy Porter, who was enlisted to cut his husband Adam Smith's hair.

With 30 years in the industry, Xavier's work has appeared in an array of magazines, styled Broadway shows including Hairspray, The Boy from Oz, The Vagina Monologues and Metamorphosis. He is known for designing the "Coop", a hairstyle that was popularized by CNN's Anderson Cooper and created the army of Eminem lookalikes for the MTV Video Music Awards.

In opening his salon, he continued to evolve the industry by being the first in the nation to offer scalp micropigmentation (SMP), the fastest growing and least invasive answer to baldness.

It's not surprising that as we stay at home to flatten the curve that Barba found a way to maintain grooming needs. "Without a doubt, these are hard times, but not all is lost. Quarancuts puts us closer together. We created this program to not only make us feel great over our appearance, but to also have fun. We will certainly have some good laughs during our sessions." Graduates of this program, will receive a virtual diploma from the Quarancuts Virtual Hair School.

Digital and social content for the Quarancuts Virtual Hair School will be broadcast across social media on Facebook, YouTube and Instagram, as well as on Barba’s website.

BARBA

235 West 19th Street

NY, NY 10011 212.675. 2010

www.barbamgb.com

IG @barbamgb

Read the April Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure List | Barba Men’s Grooming Boutique Quarancuts in mag.

AS WE WFH, TREAMENTS THAT WILL LEAVE SKIN HEALTHY AND GLOWING

As we all continue to naviagate working from home and staying in to continue to #flattenthecurve, we need to make sure that we have a number of spa days as we certainly deserve it. We’re sharing some great tips from mother daughter duo Kariné and Mariam Kazarian, estheticians and co-founders of Kariné Kazarian Luxury Skincare in New York City, share their tips for the most sublime at-home treatment that will leave skin healthy and glowing.

Karine’s Pro Tip #1: Think Twice About Using Hot Water

As the temperature outside is still brisk, you might want to slip into a hot shower. But, never use hot water on your face! In fact, I don’t wash my face in the shower. Heat destroys the natural protective barrier of the epidermis, removes natural oils on the skin’s surface, and strips skin of its moisture. It can even damage eyelash extensions. Instead, I recommend cleansing the face with Biologique Recherche Lait VIP O2. Emulsify with small circular movements and rinse off with tepid water to prevent drying out skin.

Mariam’s Pro Tip #2: Invigorate and Awaken with Cold Therapy   

To elevate your at-home treatment, glide Biologique Recherche’s Cryo Sticks on the face, cheekbones, under the chin, under the ears, under and over the eyes, and in the neck area. The sticks promote lymphatic drainage, which moves built-up fluids, toxins, and other stagnant waste into the body’s drainage system. Alternate between upward motions and static pulses on pressure points. It is really important not to crease the skin downwards or tug, which can lead to fine lines.

Place your Cryo Sticks in an ice bath for at least 30 minutes before use or keep in the refrigerator (which I always do.) This allows for the sticks to stock maximum thermal energy. The burst of cold not only feels amazing and immediately lowers skin’s temperature, it causes a “goose bump” phenomenon which stimulates the nerve cells and has a firming, sculpting, and lifting effect.

Another way to take your treatment to the next level is to use the Cryo Sticks with a sheet mask or eye patches, like the Biologique Recherche Patchs Défatigants. The cold components of the mask and sticks calm the skin while the increased blood flow helps achieve a gorgeous glow. If you do not have the Cryo Sticks, I recommend simply using ice wrapped in gauze over the Patchs Défatigants.

Remember – don’t let any product go to waste! If there’s still moisture on the sheet mask, rub it on your hands or body.

Karine’s Pro Tip #3: Don’t Forget About Your Lips

Lips need extra attention as the skin is much thinner and does not retain as much moisture as the rest of your body. Prevent chapped, dry, and flaky lips with Biologique Recherche BioKiss, which is rich in sunflower, raspberry seed oil extract, and vitamin E. This rich formula works to nourish and repair the sensitive skin on the lips, and is a super luxurious finishing touch to any at-home facial.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

HOW TO REMOVE GEL NAIL POLISH WITHOUT STRIPPING YOUR NAILS

PHOTO CREDIT | Buudkaanaa

As we all figure out what week and day it is, we have all been thinking about some of our routines that we have not been able to enjoy such as getting our hair done, manicures and brows! Prior to COVID-19, we made and kept our appointments and many of us moved from having polish manicures to gel to ensure that our tips were always on point. We all have our different gel flows whether you go every 2 weeks or 3 weeks. As we all navigate COVID-19, many of us started seeing our gels taking a turn for the worst and we had to tackle removing it and upkeeping our nails. Somehow, we’ve all realized that the removal process isn’t the easiest and we’re missing enjoying a glass of bubble while at Paintbox while this is getting done.

We have some tips on how you remove gel nail polish without stripping your nails! First off, even when the polish begins to peel, don’t continue to pull it back. When you peel it, you’re actually stripping your nail bed of the upper layer and encouraging the nail to break. Instead, you’ll need some simple tools that include: acetone, cotton, aluminum foil, an orange wood stick, nail file, buffer and cuticle oil. Start with taking your file and swipe it over your topcoat which also includes the gel color. If it starts to hurt you, then you need to stop as you don’t want to over file. You want to make sure that you are beginning to open up the polish a bit.

Apply cuticle oil to each nail to make sure that your nails still have moisture on them as you continue each of the steps. When you’re ready to remove the gel, you need to soak the cotton in the acetone and place it over your nail. Wrap the aluminum foil over your tip so that the acetone doesn’t dry. If you feel that your foil may not stay closed, we suggest gel nail polish remover clips that will keep it firmly around you nail. You should keep this on for 10-15 minutes. When you remove the aluminum you will see that the gel will start to loosen. We suggest doing it one nail at a time. If you open one and see that the gel hasn’t start to flake or move back, put the aluminum back on.

If the nail is ready, take the orange wood and gently push the gel off in the same direction the gel was applied. Don’t take the stick and push it into your nail bed as you will dig into it and ruin your nail. Make sure that you buff your nails to remove any polish that might not have come off from just the acetone. When your nails are done, moisturize your hands as acetone can be very drying. This part of the removal can take 30-40 mins so we suggest having a refreshing drink of your choice nearby especially if it is your first time.

If you feel that your nails are a little weaker or not as fabulous as you’re used to seeing them, apply a nail hardener and then apply coconut oil, jojoba or cuticle oil into cuticles.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

AS WE NAVIGATE COVID-19 WITH MASKS

As many of us will be incorporating masks into our day to day lives, here’s how we can ensure that hey stay clean as well as don’t create chafing on our faces.

AVOID CHAFING FROM YOUR MASK

Face masks are useful but they can also be irritating. Touching your face while adjusting your mask can lead to the spread of germs. Body Glide is known for the original anti-chafe, anti-blister balm that protects the skin from chafing by creating an invisible barrier on the skin. Body Glide does not leave any grease or mess. In response to pain and irritation from medical personnel, Body Glide has released the Face Glide. Protecting your face and ears from irritation and chafing. Ideal for anyone wearing masks to stay safe and healthy.

FACE GLIDE

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KEEP YOUR MASK CLEAN

With the shortage of face masks, it’s important to keep them clean for the next time you go out. No detergent is proven to eliminate this virus, but the CDC recommends safer-choice products that contain hydrogen peroxide as it has disinfectant properties. Powerizer Complete is a revolutionary USDA BioPreferred all-in-one plant and mineral-based home cleaner that contains sodium percarbonate that when mixed with water turns into hydrogen peroxide. Made without using additives, toxins, phosphates, dyes or fillers, Powerizer Complete is the perfect source for properly cleaning makeshift face masks. You just have to add water to activate and it will clean anything in your way.

POWERIZER COMPLETE

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KEEP GERMS OFF YOUR MASK

To make sure germs from the mask don’t reach other parts of the home, protect your immune system and surrounding surface areas of the home with an air purifier. The Better Air Biotica800 is an air purifier that works to eliminate bacteria pathogens & viruses in the most delicate areas and objects in your house. Give your immune system that much-needed extra boost by adding to your life the only Air Purifier using Probiotics that increase immune function and fight-off pathogens and diseases before they happen.

BETTERAIR US 

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KEEP SKIN THAT TOUCHES THE MASK CLEAN

Whether you’re putting on or taking off the face mask, don’t forget to wash your hands. As helpful as soap bars can be, soaps that strip your hands dry do not benefit the situation. Peet Bros. Palm Free soap bars are the best for frequent handwashing as they are made with good stuff like shea butter, olive oil and hemp and no fillers like a palm that suck the environment and your skin.

PEET BROS PALM FREE  

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

WHEN HOPE BRIDGES BEAUTY & MENTAL HEALTH

Earlier this year, we found ourselves at the launch of new scents by Hope Fragrances at BG Restaurant at Bergdorf Goodman. We had the opportunity to find out about this brand, how they use their platform to also educate and raise funds for depression and the power of scent. We took a few moments to chat with its founder of Hope Fragrances as well as founder of Hope for Depression Research Foundation, Audrey Gruss.

ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to launching your own firm Hope Fragrance, can you tell us how you got into the perfume industry, where you worked and what fragrances you created?

AUDREY GRUSS: I was Director of Advertising and Creatives Services Worldwide at Elizabeth Arden in its hay day when they launched the Chloe fragrance. I learned so much about the details of a fragrance launch at that time. Handling advertising for the other Elizabeth Arden fragrances was a challenge when you have to adapt basic creatives for 55 countries and all their specific needs. It was a virtual job in diplomacy.

AM: What is it about working in this portion of the beauty industry that you enjoy working in?

AG: Creating a fragrance from scratch is one of the most interesting things anyone in the artistic arena can do! It was a joy to work with one of the top “noses” at Firmenich, Honorine Blanc, to create the Hope Fragrances. My vision and hers totally coincided and it was a dream process. There is nothing like working with a consummate professional and getting the results you want. I also find it fascinating to work with the retail executives at BG because they have so much knowledge of the industry at their fingertips and their guidance is so important.

AM: What was the moment when you decided that you wanted to create your own brand?

AG: I created the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) in 2006 and about 12 years into the neuroscience research process, I wanted to have a tool to reach more consumer by raising awareness about depression. The research process is extremely long and detailed and the scientific papers do not get much consumer visibility. I thought that creating a fragrance brand would get us consumer visibility on a fast-track. My mother Hope loved fragrance and always surrounded herself with white flowers and white floral fragrances and so I used that as an inspiration to create the Hope Fragrance Collection.

AM: We loved hearing you talk about your brand and some of the thought behind it. For our readers, can you tell us about how you came up with the name for the brand?

AG: The brand is named after my mother Hope who was one of the most creative people I knew. Was inspiration. She also struggled with depression and that is why we give 100% of the profits from Hope Fragrance sales directly to depression research.

AM: Where are your fragrances currently available?

AG: Bergdorf Goodman NYC and HopeFragrances.com

AM: Are there other scents that we should keep an eye out for that you may be launching this year?

AG: We are so excited that we will be launching in May 2020 at Bergdorf Goodman a new Hope Night Parfum, a warm, sensuous and romantic perfume that will be in a magnificent crystal bottle designed by packaging designer Marc Rosen.

AM: What are 3 go-to ingredients that you enjoy including in a number of your fragrances?

AG: All 3 fragrances have a base of white flowers, which were so beloved by my mother Hope. The pure essences are so beautiful that they have an uplifting feeling. The original Hope is a magnificent fusion of the 4 white essences. Hope Sport has a base of tuberose and lily of the valley, and green citrus note. Hope Night has some beautiful oriental notes on a bed of white flowers.

AM: As someone who I’m sure travels frequently, what are 3 items in your carry on that you enjoy traveling with in order to make the experience more enjoyable?

AG: There are 3 things I can think of. I always carry a small portable umbrella and found one at Burberry that is just the right size. I carry a clip-on ponytail that creates the fun easy hairdo in the worst weather anywhere and everywhere. I wouldn’t travel anywhere without my Hope purse spray. At 0.05 ounces I can carry in my purse on a plane, or put into an evening bag, and I always have my favorite fragrance to give me that uplifting feeling.

IG @HopeFragrances

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see When Hope Bridges Beauty and Mental Health in mag.

ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

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ALOE BEAUTY

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9LIST STORI3S | RAE ANN SILVA

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ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

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PINEAPPLE BEAUTY

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THE PICK ME UP

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ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

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CBD BEAUTY

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FEEL YOUNG AND LOOK YOUNG, EVEN AS YOU AGE

As we age, one of our main goals is to remain looking young. The feeling of youthful exuberance keeps us feeling attractive, and ready to take on the world, even if we do not lose those ravishing good looks or zest for life later in our age.

Being able to truly feel our best is often a result of how our body feels, and how it looks. Some might call it vain, but that is not the case. Why would we not want to look our very best, at any age? 

There are many ways to feel and look young throughout the years, and here are some of the very best ways to get the most out of our age.

Yoga

De-stressing is one of the best ways to look and feel young. One of the biggest factors for aging is stress. Yoga provides an excellent amount of relaxation to help counteract the stress of daily life. It is an excellent practice to keep your body stretched, which relaxes the muscles, and your mind sharp with mediation. There is a good reason why many people swear by yoga as a way to stay healthy, and one of the benefits is that it can make your body feel young, and give you benefits to keep your looks from aging too.

Facial treatments

The face is one of the greatest indicators of age. The amount of muscle it takes to smile, frown, or cry, changes the look and elasticity of the skin on the face. You cannot avoid these physical reactions, and you should not try to anyways. The best part of growing with age is experiencing all the laughs and cries that come with it. What you can do is treat your face and keep it looking young. 

Removing sagging skin and wrinkles are two of the best ways to reduce the look of aging in the face, and these can be done in a number of ways. Good creams and facial products can help your skin look great at any age, and using Estriol to help sagging skin is a good, natural alternative that should give you some peace of mind and save you some money on expensive spa days. Many creams and facial products use natural ingredients like estrogen/hormones or fruit extracts, so they are full of naturally made chemicals.

Drink plenty of water

One of the simplest tricks to feeling and looking younger is to drink your fair share of water. The recommended amount is 8 cups a day, and a lot of people overthink how much water they can really drink during a daily period. When you break it down, 8 cups is usually just two full water bottles a day. Knowing this, you can deduce that this is easily accomplishable, even if you have a busy schedule. Water keeps the internal organs happy and running smoothly, maintains the moisture needed for the skin, and keeps you clean and flushed out in your digestive system. It really is that simple.

Get plenty of sleep

Drinking plenty of water is easy enough, and so should getting the proper amount of sleep. Sleep is vital to your appearance as you age. Not only does it keep your body relaxed, and removes those baggy, dark circles under your eyes, but it is just as important for your health too. Getting the right amount of sleep depends on your daily routine. The more active you are, the more sleep you should try to get, if you are not hitting the gym excessively. Then you should dial back on the 8 hours of sleep rule of thumb. Oversleeping can be really bad for your health, because you will wake up feeling groggy and unprepared for the day. Set a daily alarm and stick to a healthy sleep pattern.

Exercise daily

Speaking of the gym, you need at least a minimum amount of exercise daily. This does not mean you have to get in 2 hours of intense cardio, but even just doing some at-home body weight exercises can do wonders for you. Exercising the body keeps your appearance firm and healthy. Plus, committing just 15 minutes a day is easy enough and free at home!

Feeling young and looking young at any age is nowhere near impossible. With some hard work through exercise, and a little dedication to your skin care routine, you can get the benefit of looking and feeling good that will stand the test of time, and make you the envy of anyone you meet.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

TREATMENTS FOR ACNE THAT WORKS

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles are filled with large amounts of oil and dead skin cells. In fact, suffering from acne does not just affect a person’s self-esteem and self-image, but it can also be an indicator that you need to make certain changes to your lifestyle. It is your body urging you to take better care of your health. There are different acne treatments out there. Some of them you might have tried with little to no results. This is mostly due to the fact that you do not fully understand what type of acne you have and, thus, are unable to identify the best way to deal with it.

Here are some tips, as well as acne treatments, that work wonders.

1. Identify your acne

The very first step to treating acne is identifying what type of acne you have. Different types of acne have different causes and thus need to be treated differently.

a.    Hormonal acne

Hormonal acne comes around at a certain time of the month when your hormones are fluctuating. You can identify hormonal acne by the fact that it is usually a sprinkling of zits around the bottom half of your face seemingly appearing out of nowhere.

b.    Whiteheads and blackheads

Both of these acne types are a result of clogged pores. You might be wondering what exactly clogs your pores and the answer to that is the oil your face secretes. The difference is that whiteheads have thin film covering the oil while blackheads occur in larger pores which allow the trapped oil to oxidize and have that black color

c.    Inflammatory acne

Everyone is familiar with this kind of acne. Whether it is a large pimple with pus trapped inside or smaller pimples that are inflamed and painful, this type of acne is caused by bacteria on the face.

d.    Cystic acne

Cystic acne is mainly caused due to genetic or oil gland issues and cannot be treated with the usual acne treatments such as antibiotics or gels.

2. Medicines used

After understanding the different kinds of acne, you can take the necessary steps to treat your case. Most of these cases of acne can be treated using simple over-the-counter topical creams and lotions that contain certain active ingredients. Usually, an effective treatment will include retinoid, which comes in the form of gels, creams, and lotions. You will also find a range of antibiotics to treat inflammatory acne which is, as mentioned above, the result of bacteria. Salicylic acid, which is found in a range of grains and comes in liquid form that you can apply topically to the area you have acne in one to two times a day for the desired results. In fact, some medicines include a couple of these substances at the same time to rid you of acne as quickly as possible.

3. Alternative methods

After identifying what kind of acne you have, you might be surprised to find out that the medication listed above won’t have satisfactory results. You do not have to lose hope though, because there are some alternative methods to get rid of your acne once and for all.

a.    Supplements

Taking supplements to get rid of acne is one of the most popular alternative methods used by people. This is because taking alternative supplements that contain vitamins, such as vitamins A, C, and D, is quite beneficial for your skin. Not only will they help with any acne on your body, but they will also regulate your body’s functions and give you stronger immunity to help fight off any bacteria and viruses.

b.    Laser therapy

Laser therapy is another method that people use to get rid of both acne and acne scars that are left over from past breakouts. It can be quite expensive, however, to go for sessions regularly so people usually choose to undergo laser therapy as a last resort.

c.    Dieting

Believe it or not, dieting can help you with acne. Acne can sometimes be caused by an excess of oil secretions which is a result of eating junk food regularly. Limiting your intake of unhealthy food and allergens, such as berries and chocolate, will have a serious effect on acne-prone skin

4. Home treatments

If you do not want to use medication, you can also try home treatments that have a noticeable success rate.

a.    Apple cider vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, like most kinds of vinegar, has antibacterial properties, so applying a generous amount of inflammatory acne will kill bacteria and make the pimples go down at a faster rate.

b.    Natural masks

One of the most popular masks to make at home is a honey and cinnamon mask. Both of these ingredients, which most people readily have at home, are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidants. This means that they work wonders on your skin after a couple of applications.

c.    Tea tree oil

Although more on the expensive side, tea tree oil is a natural remedy that works well to give your skin a luminous and smooth look.

d.    Green tea

Green tea can be used on your skin in two ways. You can first brew the tea and leave it to reach room temperature. Then you can apply it onto your skin using a spray bottle. You can use the leaves to make a green tea and honey mask to calm down any inflammation and get rid of acne-causing bacteria.

e.    Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is found in many face creams and lotions already, but you can use its pure form on your skin just like green tea to decrease inflammation.

These are some of the best ways to deal with any type of acne you might have. Do not be afraid to experiment with different natural treatments and supplements at the same time to ensure that you are free from any acne that you might be suffering from. No matter what, rest assured that using these treatments will ensure that your face remains acne-free for a very long time to come if used regularly.

Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

LAST MINUTE GUIDE 2019

ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

Read the Dec Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure Beauty in mag.