Beauty

June 25, 2014

Getting in Shape for Summer (and Beyond): SWERVE Fitness

[The one and only SWERVE Fitness Studio!]

Sometimes it’s not the time that you have, but rather what you do with it, that is most important. I’ve gone to the gym on my own, and only holding myself accountable, have easily left without hardly breaking a sweat or feeling like I just kicked my own butt. It’s been my goal to get in shape, and I mean really get in shape, but sometimes I’m so tired or lethargic that I don’t get much done on the gym floor.

Last week, I took in a complimentary class at SWERVE Fitness in the Flatiron District, and at only 12 minutes in, I was challenging myself harder than I ever had before, furiously peddling to the beat of some sweet jams the instructor was pumping out over the stereo system while keeping an eye on the fluctuating bars on the team screen.

SWERVE’s motto is “together, we ride,” and emphasizes achieving one’s best together, hence, the set up of the class is broken out into three teams with the scores from each set being averaged and displayed on a board in the studio. It certainly takes the pressure off as an individual, and shifts one to strive to reach great stats for your team instead. As soon as class ends, your individual scores are emailed to you. Although mine weren’t nearly as high as I would have liked, for my first time at SWERVE and not spinning in a class or biking on the pavement in a few years, it could have been much worse.

[The entrance to SWERVE Fitness; a view of the juice bar!]

I also loved the positive vibe of the class; people were there to WORK, but the instructor kept fun and light-hearted, motivating and guiding through the interval training movements and the pace, yet not being anywhere near a drill sergeant in the process. There was also a nice mix of both women and men, with a tangible sense of comradeship from people who clearly were work colleagues, friends, or new acquainted through SWERVE.

Classes and packages are super easy to sign up for and manage (when you buy your first ride for $30, the second one is free), and at least for me, committing to a package and scheduling in advance keeps me consistent with attendance and also best improves my strength and performance. Speaking of signing up: isn’t a super fresh fruit smoothie a great way to conclude a great workout? SWERVE’s co-founder Eric served one up for me after my workout, and you can sign up for one of the delicious options before class, and lo and behold, it will be waiting for you when you are done; great idea, right? I think SWERVE’s covered all of the bases; now it’s your turn to grab the handlebars and go for a ride!

SWERVE Fitness is located at 30 West 18th Street (between 5th and 6th Avenues) in New York City, with classes starting as early as 5:15am and as late as 7:30pm. Check out the website for more information, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

June 17, 2014

Beauty Tuesday: Staying Sun Damage-Free with SPF 40-70!

by Julia DiNardo


	
			[Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscren SPF 45, $11.45, albabotanica.com]

			
			[Neova® Active Broad Spectrum SPF 43 Sunscreen, $46, Neova.com]

			
			[Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen, SPF 70, $10.19, Drugstore.com]

			
			[Clinique Sun Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sunscreen Targeted Protection Stick, $21, Clinique.com]

			
			[Dermalogica Protection 50 Sport SPF 50, $32, Dermalogica.com]

			
			[VMV Hypoallerenics Sport 70, $40, vmvhypoallergenics.com]

			
			[Kiss My Face ol Sport with Any Angle Air Powered Spray SPF 50, $12.75, KissMyFace.com]

			
			[ Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick Sunscreen SPF 15, $19.50, ElizabethArden.com]

			
			[EOS Lemon Drop Lip Balm Sphere with SPF 15 , $2.99, Target.com]

			
			[Block Island Organics  Natural Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40, $27.99, blockislandorganics.com]

			
			[Sun Bum SPF 30 Banana Lip Balm, $3.99, TrusttheBum.com]

			
			[Protect your lips too! Try Carmex Ultra Hydratingh Moisture Plus Lip Balm, SPF 15, Limited edition; $299, CVS.com]

			
			[Andin case you still get burnt...have some natural aloe vera on hand or an "after sun" product to soothe your skin, such as the Dermalogica After Sun Repair, $32, Dermalogica.com]

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I recently spent a long weekend traipsing all over the Lone Star State, visiting my cousin and friends, and man, does that sun really beat down on you there! I certainly came back a little redder and more freckly than when I left, which was certainly a good reminder that it’s time to have the SPFs in order for the summer.

No matter where you live or vacation this summer, there’s a chance that you’ll need some sun block, and if you are fair like me or just want some added protection, the higher the SPF, the better! Take a look at my top picks above, which range from products good for face and body to lips, distributed via creams or sprays, and available at both specialty and mass food and drug stores in a variety of price points. As you’ll notice, for face and body the SPF doesn’t dip below 40, while for the lips 15-30 seems to be the average as an ample amount of coverage that brands offer. Have a TERRIFIC summer, and don’t forget to toss those old, sun-exposed SPF products that you’ve had from seasons past, as the chances are that they’ve lost some or all of their efficacy by now.

June 13, 2014

Fashion Pulse Flash: New from Maybelline, Garnier, Clinique, more

by Julia DiNardo

I tested a TON of beauty products this week, so here’s a flash of what’s new, good, and a must for summer and fall 2014!

I’m having a blast with Garnier this week, and wanted to share the brand’s new products, available for purchase starting this summer! The Garnier Fructis Style De-Constructed Texture Tease Dry Touch Finish Spray (available in July for $4.29) utilizes micro-mineral powder for 24 hour grip and texture that goes on clear, sans any stickiness or residue. It’s the perfect style in a bottle for those of us (okay, all of us!) who lead busy lives and only have about 30 seconds to style our hair! Also from Garnier is the Color Styler (available in August for $7.99), considered “Intense Wash Out Color” that comes in five vibrant shades that you may want to experiment with over the weekend or for a special occasion but not fully commit to! The shades include Blue Burst, Pink Pop, Red Temptation, Bronze Attitude and Purple Mania, and are water-based pigments that last just 2-3 shampoos so that you can have a little fun without fully committing to attach-getting color !

I was so thrilled that I got to play with the newest from Maybelline this week (coming out in July) in a master class lead by the new global makeup artist for the brand, Yadim.

About the new products:

Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream- Gel Shadow Leathers Collection ($6.99 each) is THE new collection to try, comprised of five incredibly perfect, saturated shades, while Color Show goes extra sparkly with the Veils and Jewels Nail Effects line of nail lacquer in 10 glitzy and glam options ($3.99 each), and Baby Lips get a dose of great color and shine in its Crystal collection of six shimmer-infused shades ($4.49 each). The Eye Studio Master line now has a Master Kajal line of four saturated hues ($7.99 each), and the concept of foundation is re-worked with this ultra sheer, easily blendable Dream Wonder Fluid Touch Foundation formula with a lovely tear drop applicator (available in 12 shades, $10.99 each). Last, I’m already pretty obsessed with the Nudes Palette, 12 great eye shadow colors that provide a variety of textures from matte to shimmery for a natural or enhanced look ($11.99). All in all, this summer is chock full of fabulous beauty products from Maybelline that you certainly won’t be able to resist!

June 10, 2014

Beauty Tuesday: Zetoon Olive Oil Soap

by Julia DiNardo

[Two size options of 100% olive oil soaps from Zeetoon]

In a world in which we’ve been bombarded with innovation in beauty products with a dizzying array of new formulations and chemicals, sometimes getting back to basics via natural ingredients concocted into centuries old, tried and true recipes is all your body really needs to look and feel great.

As an Italian gal who can’t get enough of olive oil beauty products, I’ve tried everything from hand and body soap to face oil, hair serums and even DIY’ed lipstick remover with a dab of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) from my kitchen, you can say that I know a thing or two about the amazing beauty and health benefits of using this fabulous, antioxidant-rich fruit.

A brand that is certainly doing it right in this category is Michele Shamiyeh, founder of Zeetoon soap (which means “olive” in Arabic), who was inspired by the traditional soap makers found in Lebanon. After she researched, tested out, and scoured the Mediterranean for the best options, Ms. Shamiyeh brought forth a 100% olive oil soap that is hard bar, thanks to a process that extracts the glycerin after curing the soap in small batches to make a sturdy, solid bar that will endure through dozens of uses as well as provide ultra moisturizing properties. As a result of her efforts, these first pressed extra virgin Lebanese olive oil soaps are easy to find in the USA and use, great for everything from the body to the face, appropriate for all skin types, even sensitive ones, and even safe for children.

The handmade soaps are fairly traded and come in a tightly edited variety of five Zeetoon soaps in two shapes (square or a rectangular bar) that include a select amount of scented extracts and oils. I tested out several of them this week, loving that the essence of rose found in the rose bar contains properties can treat skin concerns such as broken capillaries and eczema, while Zeetoon’s honey bar goes on smooth, with a clear layer that not only extra hydrates, but makes a great protective barrier for shaving.

Used in your shower or set on a soap dish in your guest bathroom, Zeetoon bars are sure to be put to good use time and time again, thanks to the ancient formulas that will have your body thanking you for all the natural goodness you’ll be receiving!

See Zeetoon.com for scent, size, and pricing options (approx. $7.58-$8.66 per soap).