March 23, 2018
Solidcore kicked my ass (and abs), a tool that helps prevent mascara mistakes, why you should try rose-gold eyeliner, Supergoop! sunscreen that won't mess up your makeup and Marc Jacobs' new mascara.
This workout will kick your a**
After realizing that I’ve been covering more diet, fitness and health, I’m happy to announce the addition of a “Wellness” section here on IBB—because treating your body well inside and out is an integral part of beauty. If you’re a regular reader you probably know that I’ve somehow become the “workout girl” over the past few months, and although I’m committed to Pilates, I’m always open to trying something new. A few weeks ago that something was Solidcore, and OMG, I think the post-class soreness JUST subsided.
First, Michelle Obama takes classes regularly in D.C. (which is probably enough to make you keep reading), so this explains her amazing arms. Second, this class is no f-ing joke. I checked out the Boca Raton studio and immediately noticed how friendly (and young) the staff was. The space itself is rather Spartan, yet well-appointed with retail, water (for purchase) and a fully stocked bathroom so you can put yourself back together after your workout if need be.
When I walked into the actual studio, the first thing I though was that the machines look somewhat like torture devices (and they are). Like a Pilates reformer on steroids, they feature a platform at both ends and a resistance-driven mat in the middle. There are also springs with handles, pulleys with handles and hand weights within reach.
The goal of this high-intensity, low-impact, ab-centric class is working your muscles to the point of failure. Yes, failure. This is achieved through slow movements that all incorporate a plank, squat or lunge. The instructor did a demo for us newbies because there are specific moves throughout the class which you likely have never done before. Then the lights went down, the music cranked up and we started the 50-minute class with a 5-minute (or so) plank series. And this was the WARM-UP. From there, the class crushed my legs with lunges and squats, kicked my ass with leg lifts using the springs, and jacked up my arms with the pulleys. Oh, I nearly blocked out the oblique series that had my elbows on the mat and legs twisted to the side to pull the carriage in and out. Though the movements are slow, the class is super-fast-paced, and the instructor gives you a countdown to the next move so you can get into position.
I (barely) walked out of there feeling great and like Jell-O. The next day, however, I was feeling muscles that I never even knew existed—and that’s a good thing. I’m not sure if my body has become so accustomed to Pilates that I only get sore on occasion, but Solidcore was an amazing way to take my workout to a new level. I haven’t been back (yet), but I definitely will take another class when I need a good ass-kicking.
In addition to studios in Boca Raton and Miami, Solidcore is expanding in a big way, so click here to find a location near you!
Mascara mistakes are a thing of the past
How many times have you applied your eyeshadow and had rogue mascara ruin your handiwork? Sometimes a Q-Tip can erase the mistake, but other instances require a do-over—and no one wants to deal with that. Prevention is key in this scenario, and Flutterby is just the tool you need.
Unlike other shields that only protect the under-eye area from shadow fall-out and mascara migration, this thick plastic guard can be used to prevent mascara mistakes on both the top and bottom lashes. Its curved design lets you get right up to your lashline so you can apply mascara directly to the roots (which makes your lashes look thicker), and the handle has ridges to ensure a solid grip. It’s also easy to wash so it will last a heck of a lot longer than your tube of mascara.
So if you have an unsteady hand or sub-par mascara application skills, Flutterby is for you!
You can totally pull off this unexpected eyeliner
It’s safe to say my eyeliner collection is comprised primarily of black and brown, although I have been known to reach for the navy from time to time. My one wild card is a peacock blue/green that I bust out on rare occasion—and that's pretty much it. I hardly ever give a second glance to other shades, so I wasn’t all that keen on Pixi Beauty’s “RoseGlow” Silky Eye Pen when I received it for review a few months ago—but since trying it I’ve totally changed my tune.
I’m a huge fan of these eyeliners because they glide on so easily, and the water- and smudge-proof color stays put while giving you ample time for blending before it sets. Though initially outside of my comfort zone, this metallic hue is more taupe than pink, which makes for a neutral with dash of pizzazz. It’s plays nicely with a light shimmery shadow and adds dimension to just about any smoky eye—and you can even use it liberally on its own as a eyeshadow pencil (so long as you blend it up toward the crease). I also like using it on the inner corners of my eyes for an extra bit of sparkle—so you can see how versatile it is.
Price-wise it’s on-point as well, and definitely worth checking out the next time you’re at Target—if it’s in stock, that is. If not, snatch one (or two) up online and don’t stress about not seeing it in person first. I assure you it’s a great buy that you’ll definitely put to use in one way or another!
A protective finishing touch for your makeup
Newsflash: That SPF you apply in the morning is probably ineffective by the time you pop out of the office for lunch. Yep, you need to reapply your sunscreen to maintain its protection, especially if you spend a decent amount of time outside. This poses a bit of an issue when wearing makeup, right?
With Supergoop’s 100% Mineral Invincible Setting Powder SPF 45, you officially have no excuse for not topping off your SPF throughout the day—but I’m getting ahead of myself. This zinc oxide-based powder is actually designed to set your makeup immediately after you apply it (but it’s truly fantastic on its own as well). The sweat-resistant formula (Hello, summer!) keeps shine at bay, and it’s formulated with hydrating olive glycerides and ceramides to prevent skin dryness. The brush and powder come in one convenient, mess-free package that you can easily toss in your bag—and a light dusting reboots your sun protection without disturbing your makeup.
Supergoop recently launched this year-round must-have in four new shades—Translucent, Light, Medium and Deep. Seriously, don’t leave home without it, because you never know when you might have an impromptu al fresco date (or find yourself facing the sun at your kid’s baseball game).
Finally, a mascara that gets those hard-to-reach lashes in one swipe
Sometimes I impress myself with my contortion skills, especially when it comes to getting my hand and wrist into an angle that allows my mascara wand to reach my innermost or outermost lashes—and I’m sure I’m not the only one who faces this challenge on a regular basis. I’ve definitely tried my fair share of mascaras with thin wands, thick wands, fluffy wands, bristle-y wands and bristle-less wands, and none of them have ever really solved this problem. Then I tried Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara and the search is over.
The key to even mascara coverage across the entire lashline is the brush shape. As you can see, Marc Jacobs' brush is wider on the ends and thinner in the middle, which compensates for the natural curve of your eyelid without overloading middle lashes with product. No joke, just two or three swipes is all it takes to get longer, thicker, more defined, perfectly separated lashes. And the formula doesn’t suck (at all) either. It doesn’t smudge or flake and it’s relatively easy to wash off with regular cleanser and water.
So if you struggle with getting an even coat of mascara on every last lash, Marc Jacobs made a little something for you!