ATHLEISURE MAG #85 | NYESHA ARRINGTON

In this month’s issue, our cover story is TV Host/Personality and FOX Next Level Chef’s Nyesha Arrington. With Season 2 of Next Level Chef premiering immediately after the Super Bowl, we caught up with Nyesha to talk about identity, her life recipe, storytelling through food and more! Ahead of the GRAMMYs and Apple Music’s Super Bowl Halftime Show with Rihanna, we talk with Celebrity Music Director and bassist Adam Blackstone about his GRAMMY nomination, winning an Emmy for Outstanding Music Direction for last year’s Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show with Eminem, Mary J Blige, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Kendrick Lamar. We talk about how he got into the music industry, his roles as a MD as well as being a bassist, his debut album Legacy and more. Celebrity Fashion Stylist and Designer, Jason Rembert who is known for his work with Issa Rae, Lizzo, Sheryl Lee Ralph chats with us about his partnership and creating a puffer in his collab with Baileys Irish Cream, Awards Season and his upcoming FW23 collection for Aliette. We also catch up with Jazmin Alvarez, founder of Pretty Well Beauty which just opened its brick and mortar location in NYC’s Oculus. We talk about how she took her passion for Clean Beauty from her noted website to having a physical home, the importance of showcasing BIPOC beauty founders in her store as well as how to transition this category into your beauty routines.  

This month’s 9PLAYLIST comes from EDM DJ/Producer trio MEDUZA and EDM/DJ Producer duo HBz. Our 9LIST STORI3S comes from Nyesha Arrington and last month’s cover, WTA US Open 2017 Champion, Sloane Stephens. Our 63MIX ROUTIN3S comes from Trinny London founder, Trinny Woodall. Both our 9LIST STORI3S and 63MIX ROUTIN3S are 3 pages for each person’s spread. This month, we have a special feature that ran last month and is known as NEW YEAR, N3W YOU. It lets our favorite celebs to share THE GOOD things that took place this year, THE ADD for items that they were not able to tackle this year and are focusing on doing for next and THE BUZZ – things that they can share that we can keep our eye out for. This month’s responses comes from Celebrity Event Planner, Mindy Weiss, EDM DJ/Producer OWNBOSS and Celebrity Music Director and bassist Adam Blackstone. 

Our monthly feature, The Art of the Snack shares a must visit to Sweetbriar. This month’s Athleisure List comes from A Tavola and Tsuta Dumbo. As always, we have our monthly roundups of some of our favorite finds.

Read the JAN ISSUE #85.

KING OF THE RING WITH RYAN GARCIA

This month's cover is WBC Interim Lightweight, Ryan Garcia who has held the WBC interim lightweight title. WIth a record of 21-0 and 18 KOs, he is known as having one of the fastest hands in the sport. In addition to making waves in the sport, he shares how he has navigated boxing from training, meeting fans, being signed to Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions, his appearance on Celebrity Family Feud and taking them with him to his fights via his social media. His passion and love for the sport also allows him to diversify his brand between his sponsorships with Gatorade, 1800 Cristalino and Gymshark to name a few. We talk about how he got into the sport, his career and being the Co-Owner and Chief MARLOWE. officer.

ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you start boxing and fall in love with the sport?

RYAN GARCIA: I started boxing at seven years old. I fell in love with it because I was shy as a kid. Boxing gave me confidence inside and outside of the ring.

AM: When did you realize that you wanted to go pro?

RG: I got to the point my life where I had to decide either go for it all or give up on my dreams and I decided to pursue my dreams. It was right around when I turn 17.

AM: You fight in the interim lightweight class, are 21-0 with 18 being by knock out, you’ve held the WBC interim lightweight championship title and are signed with Golden Boy Promotions. What are you looking forward to for upcoming fights?

RG: I’m looking forward to the big fights against top competitors. I’m looking forward to showcasing that I am the best fighter in the world of my division.

AM: You’re trained by Eddy Reynoso. What is a typical day like for you in terms of training and staying ready for your next match – can you walk us through what training with him is like and what you do?

RG: We stay in shape by going on morning runs, eating healthy, sparring, strength and conditioning, and reviewing fight tapes.

AM: Is there a difference between your working out/training when there isn’t a fight coming up versus when you’re in preparation for an upcoming one?

RG: Big-time when I’m not training for fight my workouts are much lighter and I like to do things that are fun for me like playing video games or playing poker. When I’m getting ready for a fight it’s completely different. It’s like a switch is turned on and I’m completely focused and locked in. I don’t know anything else that’s going on it’s just tunnel vision and I’m super hyper focused on that fight.

AM: For those who want to workout like a boxer, what workouts do you do that we should incorporate into our daily/weekly routines?

RG: I think that the cardio element in boxing is super important for people; things like hitting the Mitts or hitting the Fierce reflex bag would be great for non-boxers to do to get in shape because it will really tone up your arms and help your cardio.

AM: Nutrition is essential to optimize what you do in the ring. What do you eat when you’re in training mode and what foods do you like to splurge on to treat yourself?

RG: In the past I did not optimize my nutrition but now I really understand the importance of eating right. I work with my chef to make sure that I’m eating the right foods especially during training things; like lean proteins fish chicken etc., rice, and vegetables are typically staples. Ultimately it’s about finding what works for your body and sometimes that means not eating. I found that when I skip breakfast in the mornings I tend to work out better.

I would say my one guilty pleasure is McDonald’s. Two cheeseburgers with a large fries and a large soda.

AM: After a fight, what do you to unwind?

RG: I’ll have a couple shots to celebrate with 1800 Cristalino tequila and then right after look to take my family on a nice little vacation where we can all relax and unwind.

AM: Who are 3 people that have been mentors to you in the sport?

RG: Manny Pacquiao and Canelo have been mentors that I look up to within the sport. There are also boxers who I like to watch like Roy Jones Junior, Floyd Mayweather, Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson.

AM: You have a large and engaged digital footprint, how important is using social media in terms of reaching out to your fans and letting people know about you inside and outside of the ring?

RG: I think it’s very important. Social media allows me to connect more intimately with my fans. Because of Covid, I haven’t been able to see a lot of my fans in person or do meet and greets so this really helps us to keep connected and engaged with one another. I love my fans. I want to stay connected with them and keep them updated and this is the best way to do it.

AM: You are the co-owner of MARLOWE. Can you tell us about the brand and what your role of Chief MARLOWE. Officer entails?

RG: MARLOWE. provides men with high quality, easy-to-use, perfectly formulated skin care and grooming products without all the fuss and high price tags. We believe that life is complicated enough, looking good and feeling amazing shouldn’t have to be. As the Chief MARLOWE. Officer, I am excited to be the face of the brand and to help spearhead the digital marketing content strategy along with my content partners Liquid Light. I have been very involved in the entire process from the second I came onto the brand. Everything you see on the packaging for my signature SKU's is all me -- from the exact gold color we used, the thickness of the carton and the overall design. I have so many creative ideas - this partnership was beyond a great fit.

AM: How important is your skincare routine to you?

RG: I have always had an up and down relationship with my skin. During training, I get right into it at the gym with hours of sweating - it can take a toll on my skin causing some breakouts. Also, during training I am constantly taking multiple showers a day, burning through so much product.

When I first discovered MARLOWE., I was so impressed by the effectiveness of each product and the affordability. I wanted to make sure the product was affordable to my fans and following so they could enjoy the products just as much as I do.

AM: Why did you want to be involved with this brand and what can we expect to see from you and the brand as we go into the holiday season and into 2022?

RG: The quality of MARLOWE. products is what attracted me to the brand right away. The No. 102 Body Scrub Soap Bar was by far the greatest soap I’ve ever used and it's a true experience. I found that to be true with almost all of their products. The No. 102 bar is the only soap tough enough to get me clean after a hard training session! I liked them so much I knew I had to be a part of the brand in a bigger way as co-owner & now Chief MARLOWE. Officer. We have a lot in store coming down the pipeline - stay tuned for some greatness. As for Holiday, we have some cool virtual bundles launching on marloweskin.com in December including all my faves in one exclusive bundle! This is perfect for those who want to give a gift with 1 click - perfect for any guy on your list.

AM: What are your 3 go-to products that you enjoy using from MARLOWE. that we should think about using?

RG: By far, my favorite product is the No. 102 Body Scrub Bar. It is a true experience and has become my solution for getting clean after training and working out super hard. I also love using the No. 171 Classic Pomade for my hair and the No. 002 Extra Moisturizing Body Lotion for my dry skin. I am taking so many showers after working out multiple times a day while I train and it can take a toll on my skin. The 002 lotion gives me the replenished hydration I need.

AM: From a fashion perspective, how would you define your personal style?

RG: I like to stay classy and gentlemen like it’s important to add a little nuance to your style and some uniqueness that’s you. So I like to stay classy but for me add a little edge, maybe wear an oversized T-shirt, or add a little bit of jewelry that really pops.

AM: When you’re not in the ring or working on other projects, how do you take time for yourself?

RG: I’ll take the time to study other things that interest me, things that I’m passionate about, because ultimately that’s what keeps the fire going. Whether it’s a business passion like MARLOWE., or learning about Poker strategy, or playing tennis.

IG @KingRyan

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | MARLOWE.

Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see King of the Ring with Ryan Garcia in mag.

9LIST

Read the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag #56 and see 9LIST in mag.

9LIST

Read the April Issue of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST in mag.

9LIST

Read the Feb #50 Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST in mag.

THE 9LIST

Read the August issue of Athleisure Mag and see The 9List in mag.

THE NINE LIST

Read the May Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Nine List in mag.

ATHLEISURE KITCHEN WITH GAIL SIMMONS

Earlier this month, we had the honor of sitting down with one of our culinary faves at NYC's The Kitchen Table in NoLita with Gail Simmons. In addition to her role at Food & Wine Magazine, she is also known as a judge on BRAVO's Top Chef. We talked with Gail about her journey in food journalism, the importance of working throughout the food industry to gain invaluable knowledge of professional kitchens, Top Chef history, food diversity, how she maintains calm when planning for guest arrivals for food celebrations, key ingredients in her kitchen this Spring, where we can find her shopping in Brooklyn and more!

ATHLEISURE MAG: So tell us about your background and how you came to work in food journalism?

GAIL SIMMONS: It’s sort of a long story and I have always started with a love for food. I graduated from college and didn’t know what I wanted to do with my career and everyone else seemed to know what they wanted to do with their degree out of college. All I knew was that I loved to cook and I loved to write. But back then, that wasn’t necessarily a one plus one equals two situation. People were just starting to cover the food world. The term food media back then just meant writing for a handful of magazines or a couple pages of newspapers and there wasn’t the kinds of opportunities that they are now. But I knew that cooking was my passion and so I got a job first as an intern in a magazine and as an Editorial Assistant in a newspaper as sort of a lifestyle food and travel section. I realized that in working everyday around all of these different subjects that food is really what I am more interested in. Then I was given this really great piece of advice that anyone can write as you can practice on your own and that’s what you have editors for, but if you want to differentiate yourself and really make a mark in the food world then you really need to understand the professional kitchen and learn to cook.

So I picked up, packed up and moved to NYC and went to culinary school and from there I worked in a few really tough, but incredible professional kitchens as a line cook and always with an agenda that I wanted to write about it and knowing that I never wanted to be a chef in a kitchen full time. When the time was right and I had a lot of experience and felt that I really understood how to cook well properly with a good foundation, I moved back into writing first with Vogue Magazine as an Assistant to the Food Writer and then for a chef doing events, marketing and PR all sort of learning around the events of the restaurant industry in every different aspect of what it takes to work in the food industry. About 15 years ago, I landed at Food and Wine Magazine and I’ve sort of been there ever since.

AM: That is a journey and what was the moment while you were on this food journalism track that you realized that you wanted to enhance your brand and make that jump into TV as well?

GS: I didn’t actually. I never ever consciously thought, I want to enhance my brand as a personality – the word brand, was never in my language or in my purview. I never thought about going on to television it was always about writing and publishing for me back then – 14 years ago. I did a little bit of food television in my early days on behalf of Food & Wine because often morning shows would need someone to talk about recipes, wine trends from the magazine or what we were doing for our spring issue ,so I was the one that would often go on because I had the cooking and marketing background to go on and be able to do cooking demos and to talk with the anchors and the hosts. So that sort of became what I did for the magazine and about a year into my job at Food & Wine, BRAVO came to Food & Wine with this idea of a reality show about the lives of professional chefs and they wanted to call it Top Chef and they wanted to partner with Food & Wine to teach them about the world of food and cooking and in exchange, they would put one of their editors on the judges panel and so they screen tested me and asked me to do it and I have been doing it ever since. I never meant to do it, I never sought it out, but we also certainly never knew that it was going to be a hit show and that it would last this long. We’re going into our 17th season and it doesn’t seem like it is going to be slowing down.

AM: We love your authenticity and in doing the research to chat with you, it was amazing to see how many areas of this industry that you have touched to immerse yourself in this space. Clearly this is why you can speak about so many aspects of it due to your knowledge.

GS: For me, everything I did up until now, and what I continue to do, feeds into my experience and my knowledge. I don’t think that I could have ever gotten the job on television had I not done all of those things. I think that being able to speak to the real life of professional kitchens, which is what our show is about – we want to speak fairly and honestly in a constructive way and understand the work that chefs do. I think that you need to have a working knowledge of that to come across to your audience not only as authentic, but in a way that the audience of a show can identify with you because the audience can’t taste the food. You really become the taste buds for your viewers and I think that all of the work that I have done and before leading up to Top Chef helped prepare me.

AM: What led to you creating cookbooks and what is that process like for you when you’re making them?

GS: I think that these days, cookbooks for me was a very natural offshoot for everything that I do and finding a place where all of my favorite recipes could live that shaped me and make me who I am and recipes that I have learned and brought home from my travels that have become staples in my household and I wanted to just share those with everybody because I am asked for them so often. It was a great opportunity to put them in one place.

The process was rigorous. It took me 2 years to write my most recent book. 2 years is sort of par for the course and sometimes it can take many, many more. From conception to publication, so it was an all encompassing process. It was so much work in every aspect – testing, developing, testing, rewriting the recipes, editing etc. Writing all the head notes, the introduction, making sure that they are accurate having someone else retest for that accuracy. I really wanted to make sure that every recipe in the book not only sounded delicious, but was absolutely attainable for everyone to make at home.

AM: That’s intense. Going back to Top Chef, we have had the pleasure of interviewing Chef Brooke Williamson and Chef Richard Blais previously in Athleisure Mag as well as on Athleisure Studio’s podcast network show – Athleisure Kitchen. What is it like for you as a judge to be on Top Chef? What is the process like for you and how do you get yourself prepared for those moments that are taking place?

GS: I mean we have been making this show for so long that we have gotten it down to a science. It’s a great process though as we have a great crew that has worked with us for so many years and everyone really understands what every episode takes. So we’re a pretty fine tuned machine. I would say that the most important part of what I do is balancing - being constructive and fair with the challenge that is being presented every episode and making sure that I am speaking to that challenge and what all the different chefs that are doing. The great thing about the show is that we travel to a different city every single season so I always do a little research about the place because the location is going to inform so much about the cooking, the ingredients and the history. You know, the history of Charleston is going to be different then the history of Boston which is going to be very different than the history of Kentucky or California. I think it really plays a role and is what differentiates our show from all others.

AM: It’s also so inclusive to food diversity from a geographical standpoint. This season’s Top Chef was in Kentucky and one of our Co-Founders is from Indiana and many of the recipes that were made this season were also indicative of areas she grew up in and which allows audiences to connect from that standpoint as well.

GS: Exactly there is a lot of food overlap and that is what makes our show so fun. You don’t have to be a great cook to identify with loving food or understanding the history of this country. Food plays such a great role in that and in our families in the way that we eat, the way that we go out, the way that we celebrate and we try to stay true to the locations that we go to.

AM: How would you define, your style of cooking?

GS: I think my cooking is spontaneous and changes with a season. I’m a mom and I think my food has changed a lot since I became a mother. I want flavor and I want it to be healthy and easy to make because I don’t want to give people recipes that will take them 3 days in the kitchen and I certainly don’t have time to dedicate that. So my style really calls from all of my travel experience and my childhood which has a lot of influences. People always ask me, “what’s your favorite thing to cook?” I never have one favorite thing, it always depends on the time of year, where I traveled to last, the ingredients that I am most excited about and then ways that I go about organizing them and being the most efficient in the kitchen to get the most flavor by doing the least to the great quality of food that I have.

AM: Because you have done so much in the food industry, are there other projects that you would love to be a part of that you have yet to tackle – but would want to?

GS: I think there are so many things. There is so much travel that I want to do and I think that giving back to the community that helped me for so long is really important to me and there are so many ways to do that right now. Cooking is such a life skill, so not only does it nourish people, but it teaches people to translate that skill into a job anywhere where they are. Certainly, there are so many things where food applies to our lives, whether it’s politics or math and science. Teaching my child to cook, you become some conscious of that and so just teaching is always in the background for me, whether it’s through books or in television championing my industry, and giving back to my community through all of these different channels is always top of mind and there are always more things to be done.

AM: With Spring being here finally as we see the leaves on the trees – there are so many Spring holidays coming up and reasons to just come together just because. What are some trends taking place in the kitchen that we can incorporate right now into our dishes just to change things up?

GS: I think that Spring is just the most exciting moment in the year because we have all just been in hibernation for so long and I got real cozy with lots of soups and stews over the winter but I am ready for bright new ingredients. I am really excited about bringing all of those fresh herbs, fresh flavors, different fruits and vegetables into my diet that I haven’t been able to get all winter long. But I also want to be efficient with what I am cooking and because there are holidays in the Spring where you are cooking for a crowd often of all ages with family and friends with Easter and Passover – you really want to optimize your time in the kitchen. My entertaining strategies are always about finding recipes that you can be organized with and prepare as much as possible with in advance, so that when guests do arrive you’re just doing the minimal to get food on the table so that you can spend time with them.

AM: People come by unexpectedly sometimes. What do you suggest that we should always have in our fridges so that we can ensure that we are always ready as sometimes you never know when Auntie May comes by!

GS: Yes and there’s nothing to eat – it’s true! I mean I think with a few simple ingredients, whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, there are ways to use them so that you’re picking ingredients that are versatile. A few products that I love are having lots of fresh herbs in my fridge and lots of citrus as they can be added to lots of things from pasta to cottage cheese. They can be turned into so many things in so many different ways. Or even eggs that they can go on top of. I love keeping good quality dairy products as they are always in my fridge. As I said, herbs and citrus, cheese, eggs, and then as much fresh ingredients as possible. So if you have salad greens or you have a few key bowls of berries, you can make 100 different things. Breakfast for example, is a time where I feel that people run out of ideas. There are a ton of things going on in the morning or if you’re entertaining in the morning there is a lot you have to do so quickly. If you have people over for brunch for Easter for example, if you can think a little ahead of time – you can make a really beautiful statement with minimal work. One thing that I always advocate is big batch cooking. I love making granola for example and I make it a week in advance in a big batch that I can eat throughout the week and I can have it as my go-to to put on top of things in the morning. Or just eat it as a handful to grab and go as a snack. When you have granola and some fresh berries, granola in the fridge and cottage cheese, then there you have the perfect protein packed, versatile and easy breakfast parfait that looks great and beautiful for everyone.

AM: When you are planning for 8-10 people that you know are coming for a dinner party, people get overwhelmed with the idea of tackling this – what do you do?

GS: I always make sure that I make my list and be organized. I can never underestimate how important that, is especially when you have guests arriving. Try not to do too many things and remember that you can ask for help. I think that people forget to do that. If I’m having people over, I want to think 2 days out about what I can do and then 1 day out, what I can do. Sometimes that feels daunting – no one has 3 days to make a meal, but I’m not talking about major cooking. Just marinating your meat in the morning so that 8 hours later when you cook it, it has all that flavor that is already done. That’s just 20 minutes in the morning and then you’re ready to cook as soon as guests arrive and it’s the same when you’re making your dressings in advance if you’re making a salad. I love making bowls – grain bowls for example, so doing things like making the dressing in advance, washing the lettuce, if I’m using quinoa or another grain like that – cooking it in advance really takes 15 minutes and then it’s cooled and ready to go and it’s in your fridge and all you’re doing is really assembly.

AM: What are 3 ingredients that you always have in your kitchen that are really good for versatile dishes?

GS: I would say that right now it’s fresh herbs, lemons because I use every part of the lemon from the juice to the zest and Hood Cottage Cheese because I feel it is the most versatile dairy product that I have that everyone loves and you can do so many things with it.

AM: Do you have some recipes for those of us that are busy and running around that are easy to satisfy and easy to make as well?

GS: One recipe that is my go to because it’s great for lunch, it’s great for a snack and it can feed a crowd and it’s easy to batch it up for 10 people or to just have a personal bowl of when I need something that is healthy and really satisfying – I make a really delicious Mango Avocado Salsa. Lots of lemons, lots of lime juice and lime zest and fresh cilantro tossed with fresh mango and avocado and I put it on a base of Hood Cottage Cheese with Black Pepper in a bowl. My little trick is I always make a little well in the center of the cottage cheese using the back of my spoon and I pile all the salsa right in the middle so that when you’re dipping you’re getting a little of both and you’re not searching for one ingredient or the other. I find that it’s a great after school snack for my kids, it’s a great appetizer for a dinner party or the perfect quick lunch for me on the go and it really doesn’t require many ingredients.

I talked with you about the grain bowl which is another one to make in advance and then the granola that I make all the time for breakfast for parfaits. Because if you have some fresh wash berries in the fridge, you can have your granola that you made before and all you have to do is layer it on together.

AM: Are there other ways that cottage cheese can be used beyond what someone would think is their “traditional” use?

GS: I think that cottage cheese is having this renaissance moment because people are rediscovering it from their childhood. First of all, it’s packed with protein which is a bonus, it can be used the same way that you use other dairy products. I love it in smoothies, I can use it in place of ricotta for pasta and lasagna. My kids love it and my little baby loves it for breakfast in the morning. It has texture and a rich creaminess and it's a great item to have around.

AM: You’re based here in NYC, where can we find you working out, grabbing a meal/cocktail and shopping?

GS: In NY the options are endless and I live in Brooklyn – I love my neighborhood. It’s a quiet treelined neighborhood in Brooklyn. There’s a lot of great places to eat nowadays. I’m really obsessed with eating at a lot of places with fresh little small plates and a glass of wine so there’s a great wine bar close to me called June that I love and another wine bar with great food called Frank’s Wine Bar. When I’m in downtown NY, where we are today in NoLita – I love eating at a little Middle Eastern spot that has really fresh fast casual food called In the Dez, it’s delicious and right up the street. That’s where you can see me grabbing food.

Working out - now that the nice weather is out, I can pick up running again. I love running, but I don’t like running indoors so winter is kind of out for me and I take a break from running. But I live near the Brooklyn Promenade so running from my house to the Brooklyn Bridge is sort of my go to run when the weather is nice. If not, then I’m a spinner so you can catch me at SoulCycle.

And shopping – what kind of shopping?

AM: Well whatever, whether it’s for clothes or food – it’s so open!

GS: I mean, that’s a tough one! Shopping – I’m shopping for lots of things all the time! Let’s see, I love Veronica Beard for clothes, she’s a great designer that I wear a lot from these days. For food, what I love about my Brooklyn neighborhood is that it’s so old school in that instead of going to big huge grocery stores, there are small shops so I have my local butcher that I love, there is an amazing Middle Eastern store that I get all of my spices and things like pita and fresh bread and things like that. I’m at the regular grocery store buying all of my pantry items too.

AM: Your makeup is always great and you have great skin. As someone who travels a lot, what are 3 skincare products that you use?

GS: I have really dry skin so traveling definitely takes a toll. But I am also someone that doesn’t use 50 products a day because I’m someone that has to get up and go and I am always in a rush. So 3 products that I love my under eye I believe in helping as much as possible because tired is real. I’m a big fan of Drunk Elephant Vitamin C under eye cream that I use all of the time. There is a really beautiful store here in NYC and there is another in Boston and in a few other locations possible in DC, and It’s called Follain that has the most non toxic products from body to face to make up and hair products that are not only good for the planet, but with ingredients that are pure and all natural – so I use a lot of their products. I love Naturopathica skin care. I use a bunch of their products – I love their Daily Moisturizer and there’s this Body Balm that I absolutely love OSEA. They carry it at Follain so I get it there, but I initially got it as a gift and I’m obsessed with it. I love the smell, it’s rich and luxurious and really a great natural and beautiful skincare product for your whole body.

AM: You’re very busy. How do you take time for yourself to just recharge and disconnect?

GS: It’s a hard thing to do and it requires actual carve out time on the calendar for sure. Working out and clearing my brain is really important. I have to force myself to do it, but for me, it’s not about losing weight as obviously staying healthy is important. It’s about clearing my head and destressing because I know I will feel better at the end of the day if I can. I love that I live in NYC and I don’t have a car and that I can walk everywhere as I find that therapeutic. Cooking is also something that lets me relax at the end of the day. There is nothing that I like more than anything at the end of the day, relaxing with friends where I can sit around the table and I can cook for them and destress and really connect with the people that I love the most and that to me is taking a great time for myself. Once or twice a year, I like a really good massage and date night with my husband is also nice every once in awhile! We forget to do it, but when we do it’s always important.

IG @GailSimmonsEats

You can hear this interview with Gail Simmons May 3rd on our show, Athleisure Kitchen, which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast shows.

Read Athleisure Mag’s April Issue and see Athleisure Kitchen with Gail Simmons in mag.

THE HOTTEST TRENDS IN SKINCARE FOR 2019. SHOULD YOU USE THEM OR LOSE THEM?

Each year brings with it fashion trends, decorating trends, and beauty trends.

The latter covers everything from nails, haircare, makeup and skincare. With the ubiquity of social media, beauty users now can pick up popular trends from anywhere across the world and follow them. Skincare is the biggest segment in the beauty industry with global sales that hover around $130 billion in 2019. There is so much for consumers to digest and decide on. We turned to Dr. Manish Shah, a Denver Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and skin care expert. He takes a microscope to some of the hottest trends in 2019 to give you insight into what’s worth your hard- earned dollars.

CBD In Skincare

Much like it did in 2018, CBD is taking off in the new year. In fact, CBD (short for cannabidiol) has no plans of easing up its reign on the skin-care world in 2019. As a case in point, there are at least two MAJOR skin care brands that now include CBD in their skincare, not to mention the indie companies who have created CBD skincare. Dr. Shah’s take: “As far as it being good for skin, it acts as both an anti-inflammatory agent and an oil reduction agent. Theoretically, its addition to skin care products, especially those tasked to fight acne and other inflammatory skin conditions, is probably legitimate. It is also a good antioxidant that can help protect against free radical damage to skin cells. CBD can be made from hemp which helps skincare companies get around the federal ban on marijuana. Side effects of unregulated use include: Nausea, fatigue and irritability. CBD can increase the level in your blood of the blood thinner coumadin, and it can raise levels of certain other medications in your blood by the exact same mechanism that grapefruit juice does.”

Microneedle Patches

Some beauty editors and bloggers swear by pimple patches. According to experts, those patches are about to get even more advanced by way of a ton of tiny microneedles (or "microstructures").The logic is that you can out put a smaller amount of acne-fighting ingredients into these tiny little cones and apply it to the skin, it's a better, more effective delivery system.

Here's how they are purported to work: The small band-aid-like sticker has spikes coated with hyaluronic acid that are thinner than a hair follicle. Through these teeny painless pricks in the skin, the patch drives the active ingredients deep in to the skin. Dr. Shah’s take:

“There is plenty of good medical literature on the validity of these small patches that are impregnated with various chemicals. The patch gets worn and the needles (either metallic or made out of absorbable polymer) penetrate the skin delivering the chemical treatment. Their design takes advantage of the concept of transcutaneous delivery of drugs. Patches can be custom made to fit various areas of the face and deliver anti-aging or other chemicals while a patient sleeps. The efficiency of delivery is better through the tiny skin punctures than if you only put the chemical directly on the intact skin. In theory, aesthetic practitioners can make custom topical treatments and place them on the patches to deliver customized at home skin treatments for their patients.”

Is a Cryotherapy Facial Is the Best Way to Brighter, Tighter Skin?

Cryotherapy has gained popularity in recent years with spa treatments exposing clients to subzero temperatures to help relieve pain and improve their health. This wellness treatment has recently undergone another adaptation with the cryotherapy facial treatment. The Cryo Facial is a cryogenic treatment that is performed by what is considered a "cryo probe," which beams vaporized liquid nitrogen across the forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. Different from the cryotherapy chambers that can be used for pain relief, the facial targets helping the face look younger. Dr. Shah’s take: “This may be more suspect. There isn't a great deal of study-based evidence that cryotherapy facials actually do what they claim. Typically, cryotherapy uses extremely cold liquid nitrogen to freeze exposed skin cells to kill them, like a wart. The facials use the same liquid nitrogen as a spray, but the aesthetician doesn't stay in one area too long to avoid frostbite to the skin. Some level of cold injury occurs, probably to a very superficial level of the skin, so there may be some exfoliation. But there are safer ways to get exfoliation without risking frostbite or hyperpigmentation.”

ANTI-POLLUTION SKIN CARE

Your skin is exposed to environmental aggressors on a regular basis. Although unseen, these pollutants can wreak havoc on your skin by breaking down collagen and elastin, the fibers that give skin its bounce. To help reduce these unwanted side effects, anti-pollution skin care products are continuing to gain favorability among consumers. Just as SPF is now de rigor in skin care, this seems to be the case with anti-pollution ingredient. Dr. Shah’s take: “I think that this is a new name for old tech. In brief, our skin is exposed to environmental contaminants that create inflammatory conditions. These conditions lead to build up of free radicals in the skin. The ingredients in antipollution skin care are basically strong antioxidants that protect against the free radicals. But the skin is assaulted by more than chemicals. It experiences dehydration, UV exposure, temperature changes, etc. True antipollution skincare should guard against all this. Typical protective and reparative ingredients include vitamin E, vitamin C, retinoids, hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, vitamin B3, and bisabolol.” 

 Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | GET YOUR SWIMWEAR READY

We know that some of our readers may be battling the remnants of snow, while others have enjoyed amazing weather. No matter where you're based, we're thinking one thing - swimwear. Pretty soon, all of us will be able to rock our favorite suits and with so many days of summer coming on the horizon - we had to talk with Monica Hansen of Monica Hansen Beachwear. This swimwear model, Miss Norway 1997, reality show star and host launched a line that has been a cult favorite and opened FUNKSHION's Miami Swim show last year. We talked with her about her passion for swimwear, how she goes about creating her collection, her upcoming show for Miami Swim and where we can find her hanging in Las Vegas where she is based!

ATHLEISURE MAG: Prior to creating your swim line, tell us about what you are up to previously as we know you modeled and were Miss Norway 1997!

MONICA HANSEN: I started modeling when I was 14, so it was a long time. I started out as a model and I used to do a lot of swimwear modeling, everything from runway to then getting into TV, hosting, some reality shows. Some people when they want to become models, they want to do it so that they can become famous or to become an actress – for me I was really into fashion photography and things behind the camera as opposed to being in front of the camera haha! Believe it or not, I am actually camera shy! I can’t take selfies unless I’m really drunk. I’m fine when it is a professional camera or it’s in my mind that I am going to be on TV to host, I’m fine and I’m on it. But when a friend or someone close to me wants to take a family or a group picture, I become shy and I just can’t do it – but I made a living doing it this way! It’s always been out of my comfort zone. When I’m modeling, I’m thinking that I creating art – professional work and so I know that it makes sense that I will be a part of this art. It’s really strange, I don’t know why I am like that, but it’s just the way that it has always been for me!

My passion is that I really do love photography and I do love art! I love creating and I have always been a business woman – even when I was modeling, in order to get work, you have to manage yourself like a business as there is a lot of marketing. Many people think that just because you have an agent, you’re set – but you really have to take charge to put yourself out there. Since I have always been an artist at heart, creating bathing suits was a natural transition for me from a design standpoint as well as other parts of this business. I really do enjoy doing this even more then modeling!

AM: What was the moment that you told yourself that you were going to create your own swim line?

MH: I guess that I always wanted to – it was just a matter of time. The timing was right because I was starting to get some recognition in my home country because I did a lot of TV and I thought, I should probably get some product out there. Previously, I had done a lot of swimwear and had worked for a line that is very well known now and one time the owner told me that she didn’t have a sales rep, but that she knew that I had worked with her for so long that I knew the line by heart. She had an emergency as she had buyers coming and didn’t have the sales rep so I ended up being the sales rep and I got to see all of the numbers and I was like, “I’m in the wrong business!”

I started with swimwear not because it’s the easiest – it’s actually complicated. You have to understand the bodies, the fit and the stretch and how it changes with different cuts of fabric with your patterns. I never went to design school, but I make all of the paper patterns myself.

AM: Really!

MH: Yeah because I can draw and I had a mentor that would help me and a designer girlfriend of mine. She taught me how to do the paper patterns, I was able to pick it up and now I am able to do them myself. I do the whole collection myself, I run the business myself as well! We’re a small business so I’m the CEO, but I still manage everyone as well as doing the designing. It’s a lot, but with swimwear, it’s cheaper production in general although all of my fabrics are 100% Italian and I wanted to create something that I could produce and not have to worry about a larger production where I would have to worry about investors. Hopefully we will expand into more beachwear, but right now we’re focused on swimwear.

AM: Who would you say is the Monica Hansen Beachwear girl?

MH: It’s interesting because our target market is that we are trendy so we focus on a younger girl, but believe it or not, we have a 95 year old woman wearing our line and sending me pictures! It used to be that you could say that a number of swimwear designers were focused on younger generations, but now I feel like more people are wearing it and it’s more acceptable to wear it out even outside of the beach. I mean we had Christie Brinkley just wear it in Sports Illustrated and she was just in my bathing suit and she looked amazing! I would say that any confident woman that is all ages. What I did with my swimwear is that we have a lot of mix and match so I have like 7 bottoms that can go with a top. So the good thing about that is that you can buy 2 tops with 2 or 3 bottoms and every time you pair them together, it looks like a different suit. Also, everybody’s body is different. I purposely did it like that because sometimes you will go somewhere and say I love the top, but I don’t love the bottom with it – and that happens with every woman! Were all so different and we cater to everyone. I have suits for everybody in every shape. Some of our suits are a little more sexy and more revealing, but I feel that every woman in any shape wants to feel sexy and hot no matter what you are. Regardless of your shape, you’re not saying, “I want to wear this big diaper.”

AM: That is what has drawn us to your line the versatility, recognizing that that there are a number of shapes out there and the quality construction and fabrication!

MH: When I first started, I began with small, medium and large. Now, we have XS and XL and actually, the grading is a lot tighter. I made them as opposed to a whole size up – doing a half size up.! Because when you do 3 sizes, you’re missing the in-between and the grading becomes a bigger gap. So when you add the XS and XL, you’re bridging the gap where someone would say that it is a little too small or a little too big. Because of the fabrics that have stretch, you’re even luckier due to the 4 way stretch which makes it fit just right.

I used to have 100s of bathing suits and yet I would only wear 2 that were my favorite. They were the most comfortable, they didn’t have metals on them, etc. So when I design, I think of something that’s classic, great style and colors that go well with the skin tone. It’s also about having fabrics that feel good because you don’t want something that feels tight sitting on top of you and that makes marks. I’m trying to focus on fabrics that give you that hold and stretch but when you wear it, it doesn’t feel like you have anything on. My focus was keeping it fashionable and also being inspired by the 90s as I love that time period because it’s kind of my generation also! These suits are a higher cut because it gives women a longer look and it compliments every woman’s body. It’s more of a minimalist approach.

AM: We couldn’t agree more. When we looked through your Instagram, we know you have a number of the 90s supermodels on your page. But even when you don’t see them, the suits do give off the 90s “It Girl” vibe which is so classic and timeless juxtaposed against the Bardot elements of the line. It’s fun and has core pieces that you can truly wear over and over.

MH: Absolutely, I mean think about leopard that is a classic print that someone can wear as it will always come back and never fade. All of my colors are custom made and I’m very particular. When I first got into this because I didn’t go to fashion school or anything, I would look at these suits that just came with these stock colors and I would look at this bright orange and say, “Oh my God how do you wear this?” As it’s something that my grandmother would wear.” What sets us a part is that even though everyone can copy and try to do the same thing, people will copy you and that is part of what happens when something becomes part of the trend they make similar items. There is no copyright unless you make a print. It’s a compliment when I have seen some of the big brands copy us – it means that you’re in fashion and it will become trendy and there is a market for what you make.

What I have noticed is that when you have custom colors it makes it harder to do that as you’re mixing colors. It’s about the tones of the suit. We try to get colors that work on every skin tone as well.

AM: We can appreciate this because you have a gold tone on your website and it’s not brassy or more of an ancient, tone it’s just a great gold hue that we can see whether you’re fair, caramel complexion or olive in tone – it will work for you.

MH: I’m particular, I custom make every color except for black and white. Everything is made in Italy and I am proud of the fact that everything is Italian made! We have that stamp that says that we are 100% Italian made because from start to finish that is what we did. It wasn’t initially the plan to go that way, but when I started sourcing I consistently kept picking Italian fabrics. Our prices are in keeping with our competitors pricing but the difference is that when you buy their suits it’s not these quality fabrics manufactured in Italy, but our pricing is the same. I wanted to have quality.

AM: When you’re creating each season, what is this process like for you when you’re seeking inspiration and what is this process like for you when you’re deciding on your styles and cuts?

MH: Well that is the difficult thing. You have to be almost two years ahead when you’re designing. Because I have been in the fashion industry for so long and I was so tuned into it by looking at the editorials, photography, models and more – you can’t really go to school for that. It’s all about going into cycles were certain things are trendy and the predictions are difficult because it can be a bit hit or miss. All year around I pay attention to all of these factors and I see where the trend is going. The process is constant. I take tearsheets, screenshots and more and I have them in a folder where I put them together and label what that inspiration is. Then I start sourcing the fabrics. Right about now, the vendors have their 2020 selections available, so I sit down to then design. The process is that I get the idea and I do the sketches, the flat drawings and the paper patterns. Of course, the paper patterns – when they come in, there is a lot of back and forth between Italy which means a lot of late nights. There are a lot of video calls and more. It goes back and forth and then we get the final product – some works and some doesn’t. It’s a lot easier now because I have my classics that I do season to season and I can change the fabrics/colors or the trend idea. I also do runway pieces as well to have a little difference and we build them around the core collection. It’s a long process and it’s a difficult one. Being creative is not logical – when you’re creative, you can’t just always do it on demand. Some days you’re more that way and other times you’re not. So when you are pressured by time and a deadline, it’s not easy. Creating for yourself is great because you know what you like, but there are more elements involved when it’s for a range of women so it’s like being locked in a box and still being creative!

AM: Will Monica Hansen Beachwear be heading to Miami Swim this year?

MH: YES! We opened their Fashion Week last year and that was the first year to do a big show with the FUNKSHION platform. It was a big show and we had 30 models along with a full house. It was amazing we has Sports Illustrated, Elle Magazine. It was overwhelming and a lot of pressure because we knew that some people didn’t know who we were as we’re still a growing brand. People had heard enough that they were curious. More then just opening Miami Swim it was also my first show to do. I wanted it to be a big brand and I learned a lot from last year and we will do it even bigger this year!

There are a lot of brands that don’t have to do the fashion shows but where we are, we’re in that phase where we need to do that. We do 3 big events there that include the stores, the influencers, and it’s becoming such a big deal with that show and it’s like the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and it cost a fortune too!

AM: How would you describe your line for 2019?

MH: Definitely 90s influenced, retro and the main piece of our line is called Bardot. The reason that we called it that is because we did that shoot in St Tropez and our model looked like her! That particular suit that she is wearing is actually from the 70s and so it’s a little like a spin off of that, but is inspired by that time. We have the animal print, there are colors that are more earthy tones and a bit of a safari/military aesthetic because we have the olive green. The summer/spring will still have the leopard which started last summer and trended into the winter so it will be there through the summer.

AM: So when you’re sitting poolside or at the beach, what are your 3 must hav3s that you love having?

MH: Obviously one of my bathing suits that I have made! There is a sunscreen that I like with a doctor friend of mine, Dr. Garth Fisher MD – Doc Block, that it’s the only medical sunscreen that you can actually wear makeup over and it’s healthy for the skin. It is clinically approved and I swear by it! I also bring a spray bottle with water and I like to bring virgin coconut oil for my hair. Coconut is also a natural sunscreen and is really good for you! I’m a huge fan of natural products and hydration.

AM: So you’re based in Vegas, we’d love to know where you enjoy going out for a meal/cocktail, where we could find you working out and of course where you like to shop!

MH: Oh boy! So I do Mega Pilates and it’s not like your grandma’s pilates. It’s called Mega Pilates and it has a reformer and it’s called Studio Remixx. It’s one of the toughest things that you can do and I have done everything because I’m a fitness fanatic. I do that 4 times a week. My favorite place to go out to for dining is Estiatorio Milos at the Cosmopolitan Hotel. I love the Apex Social Club at the Palms Casino Resort – which is more loungey. I love to shop at the Fashion Show Mall, but I also like the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace as they have the high end shops like La Perla! It’s always so packed with people but it’s one of the most beautiful malls.

PHOTOS COURTESY | Monica Hansen

IG @MonicaHansenBeachwear

Read the March Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | Get Your Swimwear Ready in mag.

STYLE FILES | OUTERWEAR

Read more from the Oct Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Style Files | Outerwear in mag.

YOUR BODY JUST GOT A CHRISTMAS GIFT EARLY!

We happened to be on our IG feed and saw Sol De Janeiro’s most excited video! We have been fans of all the products for years and we religiously use their Bum Bum Cream which makes your skin feel so soft, has a bit of shimmer and of course, the smell is amazing with the mixture of Cupuacu, Acai and Coconut Oil. We’re obsessed with the scents of Pistachio and Salted Caramel which just a yummie combination.

The large Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream that we have come to love has just gotten better with their newest size and limited edition - dropping today, you can get the supersize version for $75 which is 500/ml. It’s kind of like Christmas coming early and your skin will thank you for it!

THE PICK ME UP

Read more from the Aug Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag.

ATHLEISURE BEAUTY | YOUR DAY TO NIGHT MUST HAVES

Read more from the Aug issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure Beauty | Your Day to Night Must Haves in mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | NAVIGATING FIRST CLASS

This month we chatted with the Cabin Crew of Emirates Airlines to find out some tips to keep in mind from packing to being active onboard. Their tips are worth noting when flying first class domestically and internationally.

GET PACKING

Keep a Goodie Bag

No matter where you're headed, there are essentials you will always need. While airlines offer great onboard amenities, keep a ziploc bag at the ready and simply replenish the small bottles as needed. They suggest the recently updated The Urban Travellers collection, which is comprised of different pouches in a variety of sizes, styles and colors.

Assemble a Capsule Collection

Create outfits and pieces that are easily coordinated to create different looks. Think basics: black pants, white jeans, neutral t-shirts, jean jacket. Wear your bulkiest items on the plane to free up space in your luggage and keep you warm during travel.

Don't Forget Statement Jewelry

Bring a pair of statement earrings and bangles to add that pop of color.

Roll or Lay Flat?

The great debate! Roll your clothes to maximize space, or lay them flat to minimize creases. Fill suitcase gaps with socks, belts, intimates and hair tools to create a flat surface before laying down clothing.

Prepare for the Plane  

Your brain and body will always thank you for a carefully constructed carry-on.

The Emirates' Cabin Crew recommends a few hydrating tools (lip balm, body lotion and moisture spray) to keep you feeling fresh while you're flying the friendly skies.

STAY ACTIVE ONBOARD

The crew suggests a few exercises that you can do while you're traveling so that you can stay loose.

Feet Circling

Circle your feet at the ankles.

>> 20 times each foot.

Bottom Lifts

Lift one buttock off the seat, tightening the muscles on that side. Hold to the count of 5.

>> Repeat each side 5 times.

Knee Presses

Press the knees and thighs together and tighten buttock muscles. Hold to the count of 5.

>> Repeat 5 times.

Foot Presses

Lift heels and press toes into the floor, then lift your toes and press heels into the floor.

>> Do this 10 times for each foot.

Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | Navigating First Class in mag.

WATER BEAUTY

Read more from the July Issue and see Water Beauty in mag.

SOMETHING YOU SHOULD KNOW | THE 411 ON READING ETHICAL BEAUTY LABELS

Choosing beauty products is tricky enough without having to translate all the ingredients and scientific lingo on product labels. But knowing what we put on our bodies (hello, rose gold highlighter) is just as important as knowing what we put in them, so we recruited beauty expert, founder and CEO of Gabriel Cosmetics, Inc. Gabriel De Santino to school us on some label-reading basics.

When it comes to understanding beauty ingredient labels, knowledge is definitely power. Even though it takes up your precious time to learn how to decipher everything that’s listed on your favorite product, in the end your skin (and your body!) will be better for it. Not only will you be able to confirm that the product you’re using is free of harmful add-ins, but you’ll also be able to better understand how it stacks up to others on the market. Plus, you’ll be certain that you’re choosing earth conscious and ethical items—how extra woke of you.

Want to ensure that the products you’re spending your hard-earned cash on are cruelty-free and made with clean ingredients? When perusing the aisles of your favorite store, the easiest way to spot a cruelty-free brand is through one of three certifications that appear right on the packaging—Leaping Bunny, PETA’s cruelty-free logo, and the Choose Cruelty-Free logo.

Familiarize yourself with these symbols and it will make shopping a breeze. If you’re filling up your cart online with time to kill, take a few minutes to check out each of the certification sites mentioned above for a list of cruelty-free brands so you can purchase from companies with like-minded val ues that you can trust. And always remember—if you see an ingredient listed that you can’t pronounce, Google it! Sometimes a complex-sounding word is a totally harmless additive, and sometimes it's as dirty as dirty gets.

Other tips to keep in mind: the higher up on the ingredient list something is = the higher the concentration, paraben-free is always the way to be, and the term “fragrance” can be used to mask unclean ingredients so be wary of brands that use it.

It’s also important to note that just because a product is formulated vegan that doesn’t mean it’s cruelty-free and vice versa. Vegan beauty products are made without animal ingredients or by-products, while cruelty-free refers to products and ingredients that aren't tested on animals --- however, this doesn't necessarily means the products are vegan. Why choose makeup and skincare (like our own Gabriel Cosmetics) that's vegan and cruelty-free? The answer is simple—they advocate healthy living and sustainable practices for both you and the environment.

Congratulations, you’re now significantly more label-savvy and well on the way to living a cleaner and greener life.

---

Gabriel De Santino is the founder and CEO of Gabriel Cosmetics, Inc., a global  natural beauty empire starting in 1992, whose brands include Gabriel, Clean Kids Naturally and ZuZu Luxe.

Gabriel Cosmetic's Inc.'s prestige and diverse brand portfolio was created out of one man's vision of clearly defining natural beauty and being able to provide affordable and accessible vegan beauty products to consumers worldwide. Gabriel Cosmetics Inc. stared with a vision of natural beauty and has evolved with the philosophy of sustainable individual natural beauty while continuing to advocate healthy living.

IG @GabrielCosmetic

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Something You Should Know | The 411 On Reading Ethical Beauty Labels.

ATHLEISURE BEAUTY

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see Athleisure Beauty in mag.

THE EIGHT BEST

Read more from the June Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Eight Best in mag.

5 SUMMER TIPS TO HEALTHY GLOWING SKIN

Your skin should be your top priority and Celebrity Makeup Artist, Claire Doyle shares her top 5 Summer tips to healthy glowing skin! Keep in mind that a number of SPF products that we use are actually toxic and dehydrating to skin and lips.

1.  Cool your skin after a day of fun in the sun with a cool shower or bath to take down inflammation, remove salt water and the toxic chemicals that come with most SPF sunscreens.  

2.  An aloe vera based after sun body gel is great for cooling the skin and taking out the sting of over exposured skin. A fresh aloe vera plant also does the trick!

3.  Drink up!  Keep your body hydrated from the inside out with lots of water to offset those poolside cocktails.  I like to flavor my water with fresh fruit and mint leaves in the warmer months.

4. Keep your body hydrated with a great moisturizer and reapply often to sooth skin and prevent peeling.

5.  Don't forget about your lips!  Apply a moisturizing lip balm to keep lips hydrated post fun in the sun.  I love argan oil-based Moroccan Magic. It feels instantly moisturizing and doesn't feel waxy on the lips. Most people don't realize how de-hydrating SPF skincare and lip care can be. Make sure you apply a heavier layer before bedtime for overnight protection and renewal!