THE EIGHT BEST

Read more from the May Issue and see The Eight Best in mag.

THE CONDITION OF CONDITIONING

Conditioners can impact how our hair holds a style as well as its overall health and appearance. With so many feeling confused by the options of this product, do you leave it in or rinse it out, and which kinds are best to use? We connected again with Maya Smith to answer these questions. She is an International Master of Natural Curls and founder of The Doux®, a haircare line created specifically for naturally curly hair which includes The Fresh Rinse® conditioner.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What are the benefits of a conditioner?

MAYA SMITH: Conditioners help protect the hair from dryness and breakage by coating the hair shaft to help it retain moisture and softness. People tend to use it mainly for the added benefit of detangling hair however, it’s important to choose a conditioner that won’t weigh your hair down.

AM: What are the benefits of a rinse? 

MS: A rinse, unlike a conditioner, does not coat the cuticle of the hair. A rinse has a much thinner consistency and is in actuality a detangler.

AM: Do I use a leave-in conditioner or a conditioning rinse?

MS: You can use both if your hair is dry, course, or color treated, however, fine hair or hair that tends to be porous should stick to conditioner only.

AM: Should everyone with curly or kinky hair use a conditioner?

MS: Yes. Conditioners help maintain the hair’s elasticity, or its ability to stretch and expand without breaking, which is essential for curly hair.

AM: Do I use a leave-in conditioner or a conditioning rinse?

MS: You can use both if your hair is dry, course, or color treated, however, fine hair or hair that tends to be porous should stick to conditioner only.

AM: How long do I leave in a conditioning rinse?

MS: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Every formula is different, so you want to be sure to use the product as directed to avoid under or over-conditioning. You can always leave it in a bit longer or switch to another conditioner specifically for the result you want to achieve.

AM: What’s the best water temperature to use when rinsing it?

MS: I prefer luke-warm to cool water, because it helps the cuticle of the hair close during the rinse, which makes the hair shiny and sleek.

AM: How much conditioner should be used for every inch of hair?

MS: It depends on the density, or thickness of the hair. Again, follow the manufacturer’s directions on how much to apply. Many suggest the amount of a quarter however if hair is thinner or really thick you may need more or less.

AM: What are some ingredients that can weigh hair down?

MS: Oils and certain types of silicones can weigh hair down. However, some formulas include these ingredients intentionally, because of the smoothing effect that they create on the hair. This is why it’s important not to leave it in too long and to make sure to get it all out unless it’s a leave-in conditioner.

AM: What ingredients should be avoided?

MS: I’m not a fan of petroleum jelly, or mineral oil. There’s a lot of controversy surrounding silicone, but what most people don’t know is that silicones get a really bad rap because they’re commonly associated with silicones found in products that aren’t made for your hair. Cosmetic-grade silicones like dimethicone actually creates slip, protects the hair from breakage, and helps the hair shaft retain moisture during the styling process.

AM: What about conditioners for color-treated hair?

MS: Some ingredients can break down artificial pigment in the hair, causing it to fade, look dull, or turn brassy. Make sure that the label says that the product is color-safe. You certainly want to switch to products formulated for color-treated hair.

AM: Can I dilute a regular conditioner with water and use it as a detangler?

MS: You can, however, I recommend opting for a product that was intended to be a leave-in conditioner. This will help you avoid unnecessary build-up. Some people like to put a leave in conditioner mixed with water in a spray bottle and add it to their beach bag. After swimming they spray it in to make hair easier to comb through.

AM: What are some mistakes people make when using a leave in or a rise out conditioner?

MS: It's worth noting that over-conditioning is the most common mistake, because too much coating on the hair can cause dryness, brittleness, and ultimately breakage. Make sure you’re not leaving a conditioner in longer than 3 minutes unless the manufacturer instructs you to do so.

Read more from the May Issue and see The Condition of Conditioning in mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | BROWN DIAMONDS

We've been a fan of colored diamonds for a number of years and it is interesting to see the trends within the hues that have begun to go mainstream. We sat down with Jason Quick, Registered Jeweler and Laboratory Director, of American Gem Society Laboratories to find out about Brown Diamonds and how they are becoming popular on red carpets, with celebrities and making their way to retail stores as well.

ATHLEISURE MAG: What are brown diamonds?

JASON QUICK: Brown diamonds occur naturally when the conditions in the earth are just right. These earth-toned diamonds are available in an endless assortment of colors from deep, rich hues to delicately soft. They have a range of accent colors including pink, red, orange, yellow, and green. There is a brown diamond for all tastes!

AM: Are brown diamonds also known as chocolate diamonds?

JQ: “Chocolate Diamond” is actually registered to Le Vian, a company that is a member of the American Gem Society. To learn more about their diamonds, please visit their website.

AM: Why have the red carpets and interest started to lean towards this stone?

JQ: Colored diamonds, in general, have gained in popularity in the past several years. Celebrities - from J. Lo to Rihanna (editors note: she wore Le Vian earrings and necklace at the 2018 Grammys) - each have their own reason for sporting a colored diamond. For starters, colored diamonds are regarded as ‘different’ while still maintaining an undeniable elegance. For some, a colored diamond may be icing on the cake for a specific look or style. We’re finding that the warmth, richness and uniqueness of colored diamonds appeals to jewelry lovers… famous or not.

AM: Why would someone opt for this diamond versus traditional ones?

JQ: Personal taste is a big factor. Brown diamonds exhibit a wide range of accents, hues and tones that give the diamond an interesting and unique appeal. Essentially, jewelry buyers purchase brown diamonds because they are beautiful.

AM: What is AGS and what is your role in the diamond industry as well as to educating consumers?

JQ: The American Gem Society (AGS) is the country's preeminent jewelry trade organization dedicated to consumer protection. Since 1934, we’ve been making it easier and safer to buy jewelry of any kind. We help protect consumers by providing continuing education to our member jewelers, who must also adhere to our code of ethics. We provide credentials for jewelers who undergo our rigorous educational requirements, and must recertify their credentials annually.

AGS Laboratories is a nonprofit diamond grading laboratory created by the American Gem Society. In 1996, AGS created AGS Laboratories because they saw a need in the diamond industry for a diamond grading lab that shared their mission of consumer protection and a high-standard of business ethics.

Our Find a Jeweler search helps jewelry buyers easily connect with AGS jewelers in their area.

AM: What is the Color Diamond Document?

JQ: The Colored Diamond Document gives clear, concise language, describing the many dimensions of the diamond’s color. The Colored Diamond Document presents the technical aspects and nuances of fancy colored diamond grading with content and graphics that are easy to understand—as well as easy to communicate—to the jewelry buyer. The AGS Laboratories Colored Diamond Document combines visual language with an intuitive design to communicate the qualities of a diamond consistent with how people perceive color—with not only their eyes, but their emotions.

AM: What are you seeing as a trend within color diamonds as we continue into 2018 and step into 2019?

JQ: Though colorless diamonds continue to reign supreme as a traditional symbol of love and even glamour or status, colored diamonds continue to gain in popularity. They are seen as a departure from tradition for jewelry lovers who want to express their personality. Brown diamonds, in particular, are seen as an accessible entry point to fancy colored diamonds. Because of their neutral color, they are great for accessorizing with any outfit. AGS members are using brown diamonds quite often in fine
fashion jewelry. It looks great with yellow and rose gold, as it turns any piece of jewelry into a study in rich warmth.

AM: Are there diamond cuts that brown diamonds really look best in?

JQ: Unlike colorless diamonds, which are cut for brilliance, brown diamonds are cut to show off their color, which means they are beautiful in any shape. Each diamond crystal is unique, and is
cut to show off the richness or accent colors of the diamond.

AM: What should our readers look out for when they are purchasing this diamond to ensure that they are getting their best diamond?

JQ: Consumers should trust their eye and buy what they love. Buying a brown diamond with an AGS Laboratories Colored Diamond Document can help a jewelry buyer better understand and appreciate the nuances of their diamond. In general, we recommend buying diamonds with grading reports from independent third-party laboratory. However, know your lab. AGS Laboratories was created to protect the consumer, while many labs were created as a service to the jewelry trade.

AM: Please let us know anything else that we have not covered, but that you would like to share with our audience.

JQ: When buying something as rare and precious as a diamond, it’s important to shop with a jeweler you trust and to ask for a diamond grading lab report from a third-party laboratory who will give you an objective opinion. Visit americangemsociety.org for more information.

PHOTOS COURTESY | PG 37 CBS + PG 39 Omi Privé

Read moe from the May Issue and see Something You Should Know | Brown Diamonds in mag.

HOLDING COURT WITH LALA KENT

| MAVI JEANS Tank | MCM Skirt | MARC NEW YORK Jacket |

Readers of this magazine know that we love Reality shows and BRAVO is a personal favorite of our Co-Founder and Style Director. Any show that involves the Real Housewives franchise and their spin-offs is always a winner in our studio. Lala Kent is a fan favorite on Vanderpump Rules which showcases the lives of hostesses, servers, bartenders and DJs that work at SUR with Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ Lisa Vanderpump. In addition to watching this self assured hostess, Lala has a passion for music and this past season we see her perform, and she has also launched a beauty line which we included in a number of looks within her editorial.

From the time Lala came to our set for this shoot, we realized that she is just as stunning, witty and as personable as she is on the show. This girl’s girl talks about how she became a part of this show, where we can find her in LA and more about her beauty line, Give Them Lala. Of course we had a great time incorporating some must have summer looks that are chic with a twist!

ATHLEISURE MAG: We've been fans of yours since you first appeared on Vanderpump Rules. What were you doing prior to this show and how did you end up connecting with the show and what was the audition process like?

LALA KENT: Before the show, I was going on casting, auditions, and fit modeling was paying my bills. Vanderpump Rules came to me when I was eating at Sur. Lisa saw how I interacted with some of the people that worked there and offered me a job as a hostess. With that came a position on the show!

| TITIKA ACTIVE COUTURE Sport Bra | YEAR OF OURS Football Leggings |

AM: Throughout the seasons that you have been on, we have seen you join the cast, feel out the cast, make bonds, adjust and in this past season it seems like you really came into your own - how has being on the show allowed you to grow and what are you proud of after all these seasons?

LK: Being on the show has been amazing. I think being able to look back and reflect on my actions has helped tremendously. I’ve been able to see when I stand up for myself and when I’m acting like a fool! Everyone that is part of the show has brought a lot to my life and continues to help me evolve.

AM: Can we assume that you will be back for another season?

LK: Yes! I will be Giving Them Lala for another season.

AM: You and Lisa have such a great relationship and seems like the ultimate mentor and life coach rolled into one - what is it about Lisa that makes you comfortable to hear her feedback and to take her advice?

LK: Lisa has such a kind heart and offers such motherly love and advice. That, on top of seeing that she is a successful woman, you can’t help but go “I need to listen to her because she’s got it figured out”.

AM: We know that Stassi is a fan of the goat cheese balls at SUR. What are you fave dishes and/or cocktails that you enjoy there?

LK: Oooh I love the goat cheese balls too! They are insane. I also love Joe’s pasta and the Penne Sicilienne...and the dumpling. The sauce is epic.

AM: This season we actually see you perform! How long have you been interested in music, what were the elements that came together to make you embrace performing and what can we expect next within this portion of your career?

LK: I grew up in the arts. From choir to plays to musicals, I was just obsessed with it all. Once you leave high school and it’s no longer something you have the luxury of just doing everyday, you slowly lose the confidence you worked so hard for. James really reminded me of my roots and what I love to do. From here, I just hope to keep making music. It is extremely therapeutic for me.

AM: Tell us about BOY - what inspired you to make this song, how is it doing and what's the next single? When does your album drop?

LK: My song BOY just hit number 1 on iTunes in the Electronic genre. That is amazing to me. I was inspired by how it was so EDM but also trap. It gave me creative freedom to think of myself in a different setting, which was very “club”. That’s out of the box for me. I have another single out called “4 U” on iTunes and Spotify. It is a completely different feel than “BOY”. We also just finished recording a song called “What’s it For”. That will be out within the month. As far as an album goes... my schedule is crazy. I think an EP is going to be my next venture. I can’t wait.

| YANDY Swimsuit | GRACE ELEYAE Turban | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Necklace + Ring | SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL Necklace | SWEETGREEN Salad |

AM: We're living in a time of women taking things to the next level and creating a strong community of support - this season you were embracing this belief and really rallying the cast as a whole and especially the woman on the show to do the same. How important is women's empowerment?

LK: I’ve always been a girl’s girl. I know that women get the job done and that there is nothing more powerful than a gang of females. We all have our differences- for me it’s about embracing one another and realizing we are stronger together than we are apart. This is an outlook that’s evolved as I get older. The things that used to make me insecure or second guess myself, are suddenly things I’m thankful for.

AM: We knew you were stunning, you came to set this way and then of course, we created amazing looks for you - so it was not a surprise to us that you have a cosmetic line coming out. Tell us me about the line from the thought behind it, what is currently available, what will be available down the line and where we can get it!

LK: #Give Them Lala Beauty has grown so much in such a short period of time. I started with only 6 lip colors and now have over 50 products. For lips we now have mattes, glosses, and liquid lipsticks. We also expanded into highlighters, eye shadow, eyeliner, and are still growing! My brand is my baby and she is growing up so beautifully. I’m extremely proud.

AM: We were sad to hear about your father passing last month and we remember that your mom was with us on set - how important is it for you to ensure that in addition to all of the amazing opportunities that you have enjoyed that you also spend time with family for the balance that we all need?

LK: Family will always come first. That’s how it has always been and it will always be. If an opportunity comes my way that is meant to be, it will never take away from my family time.

AM: What are 3 skincare products that you swear by?

LK: My Clarisonic, Lancer Skin Polish, Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizer, and let’s add one more... I die for Desert Essence Original Face Wash. Pair that with your Clarisonic and all your skin dreams will come true.

AM: Since you're in LA, where is your favorite place to eat and grab drinks, where do you workout and what's your studio of choice to work out?

LK: Oooh, this is tough. Obviously, I love me some Sur. I love Mr. Chow, but I’m always a sucker for the Polo Lounge. I go crazy for caviar. I have a gym where I live. It’s got great equipment and everyone is familiar with everyone- we all know each other’s routine so no one is ever fighting or waiting over a machine.

| LEANNE MARSHALL Gown | SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL Necklace + Ring | VIRGINS, SAINTS + ANGELS Crown | ISABELLA ROSE Bikini Bottom Reversed |

AM: You have a great body, what are 3 workouts that you do that keep you looking summer ready?

LK: I owe the bod to my trainer, Jenna Willis. She is amazing. I love my food and I love my drink. Somehow she puts together routines that kick my butt into great shape even with my undisciplined diet. I love my sumo squats, side planks help my tummy get firm, and the rowing machine is a great warm-up!

AM: How do you give of your time or give back from a philanthropic standpoint?

LK: My family and I are very into animals. My mom works for the humane society. I contribute my time and money to the Humane Society of Utah. I’m also an advocate for our whales- I’ve teamed up with PETA for Empty The Tanks. That is the cause I am most passionate about.

AM: Feel free to tell us anything that you haven't been able to or would like us to know!

LK: I have a really hard time walking in heels unless I’m slightly drunk.

Read more from the May Issue and see Holding Court with Lala Kent in mag.

HOW TO DRESS | FOR MDW IN YOUR CABANA

Read more from the May Issue and see How To Dress | For MDW in Your Cabana in mag.

#TRIBEGOALS

Read more from the May Issue and see #TribeGoals in mag.

NY WOMEN IN FILM & TELEVISION HOST 19TH ANNUAL DESIGNING WOMEN AWARDS

Earlier this week we headed to Stage 48 for New York Women in Film & Television (NYWIFT) for their 19th Annual Designing Women Awards which was co-produced by Variety Magazine with sponsorship by Netflix. This event honored  advocates for equality in the moving image industry and supports women in every stage of their careers and was attended by actors, producers, directors, writers, fashion industry leaders and designers. The night was aimed towards celebrating distinguished makeup artists, hair stylists and costume designers that work tirelessly to create the characters on screen in film, television and digital media.

PHOTO COURTESY | John Dallas Phelps

Actors Christine Ebersole and Maggie Gyllenhaal presented hair stylist Anita Lausevic with a Designing Women Award, along with a special video tribute from Mark Feuerstein.

Costume Designer Dana Covarrubias received her award from actor Jamie Lee, with Lena Waithe sending her well-wishes via video.

Actor Nia Long celebrated makeup artist Martha Melendez, along with Elizabeth McGovern chiming in via video.

Debra Monk presented Variety’s Ensemble Award to the acclaimed Amazon series Mozart in the Jungle for its makeup, hair and costume design teams.

PHOTO COURTESY | John Dallas Phelps