April 27, 2018
You definitely need Coola's scalp sunscreen, get your glow on with Wander Beauty, a healthy diet = healthy skin, the case for fancy toothpaste and NYC's newest wellness destination.
Why you need sunscreen for this oft-neglected spot
Those UV rays are sneaky… We pay a lot of attention to exposed skin when slathering on the SPF, but what about the skin that’s covered up? That includes areas that may be protected by clothing—but for the record, a white tee only offers the equivalent of SPF 5, which isn’t going to do a heck of a lot when you’re at the beach or by the pool. (This is why you should apply sunscreen EVERYWHERE before you get dressed if you’re planning a long day of fun in the sun.)
I’m also going to remind you that there’s skin under your hair—and the scalp is particularly vulnerable to skin cancer. In fact, many irregular lesions are discovered by hair stylists and colorists. If you tend to part your hair in the same place every day, it’s likely that small patch of skin is getting unprotected UV exposure on a regular basis—and that’s where Coola’s new Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30 comes in.
With a precision pump applicator that helps you apply this protective mist directly to your scalp (it’s recommended that you also comb or brush it through the lengths of your hair), it’s a must for anyone spending an extended period of time in the sun. Beyond shielding your sensitive scalp skin, it also shields your strands from damage caused by the sun and helps prevent color fading. Packed with antioxidants, monoi oil and gotu kola extract, it’s also 70% organic and a must for your beach bag this summer.
Because your skin can never be too radiant
One of my favorite things about spring is switching up my makeup—and getting re-acquainted with fresh, glowy skin and brighter, glossier lips. This time of year calls for lighter foundation (or tinted moisturizer or BB cream) and super-radiant skin, and Wander Beauty’s new Catch the Light Highlighter and Glowtion is the perfect way to get it.
Everyone loves getting two products in one, and this double-sided tube includes a liquid illuminator to enhance your all-over glow plus a creamy champagne-colored highlighter for when you want to add a little extra oomph. The liquid can be used under makeup, mixed into your foundation to add a luminous finish, or on its own—and it’s great for your body, too!
More than just makeup, these formulas are infused with good-for-your-skin ingredients like hyaluronic acid, lavender, aloe, safflower oil, ginseng and vitamin E (and no parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance or mineral oil). And at $34 for two glow-enhancers that will take you through spring and summer, what are you waiting for?
Proof that a healthy diet helps prevent wrinkles
In case you didn’t know, I’m a total nerd. Even though staying up on the latest research is necessary for my job, it’s actually one of my favorite parts. I know enough to know that we can’t automatically trust the claims skincare companies may make, so I often hit up Google Scholar to learn more about the science behind ingredients and technologies to help make educated decisions—and share this information with YOU.
I came across a really interesting new Dutch study in this month’s Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, and it confirms what most of us have been told all along: A healthy diet benefits our bodies inside and out. Here are the key takeaways (and a few surprises):
A fruit-dominant diet was linked to less wrinkles.
Consumption of vegetables, antioxidants (especially vitamin C), olive oil, linoleic acid (important for our skin barrier) and fish was associated with fewer wrinkles.
A diet high in red meat, grains, snacks, soft drinks, coffee and alcohol was associated with more wrinkles.
Consumption of fats and sugars led to more wrinkles.
Shockingly, more physical activity was associated with more wrinkles, although this could be due to sun exposure.
But here’s the kicker… A healthy diet was significantly associated with few wrinkles in women—but not men. (The article did not speculate why.) So there you have it… Eat your fish and vegetables, ladies!
Your smile is worth this splurge
After more than four decades on this planet, I’ve managed to only have one cavity (and the one I did get was while I was pregnant so it was totally my son’s fault). I never really second-guessed my Colgate, Crest or other drugstore brand of toothpaste—despite using fancier (read: more expensive) ones that have been sent my way over the years. But then I tried a sample of Marvis, and I can guiltlessly admit that I’ve stepped up my toothpaste game (and I don’t think I’ll ever go back).
I don’t quite remember how or when I received a trio of travel tubes, and I busted out the first one when I went to Mexico last month. Then I took a second with me to New York a week later, and I immediately ordered the Classic Strong Mint from Amazon en route home. Another great thing about Marvis is the range of flavors, which includes jasmine, ginger, cinnamon, licorice, aquatic mint (I’m assuming this is wintergreen-ish), a whitening version and limited-editions that you honestly couldn’t dream up.
Hailing from Italy, you’ve probably seen Marvis in a magazine story about a celebrity or socialite’s must-haves (frankly, because it’s very photogenic). But the good news is you can treat your teeth like an A-lister for less than you’d think. Ringing in at about $10 a tube, it really only costs about a Starbucks-run more than the toothpaste you’re currently using—but you can’t put a price tag on the fancy feeling you get every time you use it. Am I right?
NYC’s newest wellness destination
Not too long ago, private members’ clubs like Soho House and CORE were the go-to gathering spots for the who’s who (and those who can afford the hefty price tag for an opportunity to rub elbows with the who’s who). Sure, these distinguished destinations are still going strong (and I’d never turn down an invite) but there’s a new trend in membership-based hangouts and it’s all about wellness. Case in point: GAIAM Wellness Studio by Rodney Yee.
Perched on the 11th floor of Lord & Taylor on 5th Avenue, rooftop courtyard and all, this educational, training and gathering center is all about creating a health-centric community with events, classes and workshops designed to help you live your best life. From Urban Zen yoga and aromatherapy to “Tarot 101,” “Herbalism 101” and “Creating a Spring Tablescape,” founder and world-renowned yogi Rodney Yee has made sure all the wellness bases are covered.
Decidedly more productive and beneficial than sidling up to a swanky bar, I can’t think of a better way—or place—to hang when you have some free time on your hands. Check it out if you’re in NYC, and your mind and body (and liver) will surely thank you—I can’t wait to pay a visit when I’m there this summer!