Drinking the CrossFit kool-aid

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

It happens from time to time that I need to mix up my workout routine. The reason for this recent “revamp” is that my husband and I are moving to the ‘burbs. That’s right, after 9 years in Boston for me, it’s time to ‘settle down’ up on the South Shore of MA. With the relocation comes the need to find a new place to work out.

my boys at the beach near our new house

my boys at the beach near our new house

With some hesitation, I entered the doors of CrossFit Bare Cove (in Hingham, MA) last week. I had tried CF once before (this CF will remain nameless, it was in the city) and was literally scared out the door. My friend Robyn and I were offered a free trial class and essentially got our butts whooped. This gym gave off the vibe that – if you didn’t work out here, you’re not in shape…and the trial class felt like the way of proving that. We tried that one time and never went back. #scaredstraight #straightoutthedoor

So, needless to say, I didn’t go into CrossFit Bare Cove with an open mind…

Day 1 – the vibe at CF Bare Cove is different. I signed up for the On Ramp course which consists of 5 intro classes for $50 (reasonable, I think). You’re not thrown into the actual CF classes.* On Ramp is focused on refreshing your understanding of the basics – especially form. At first, I fancied myself ‘too advanced’ for the On Ramp class but admittedly, I’ve benefited greatly by slowing down and reminding myself of good form and truly learning the core CF moves and fundamentals. At the end of each On Ramp class there is a ‘mini’ work out. One day, for example: we did 5 rounds of 10 push presses and 50 single jump ropes for time. Although technically an abbreviated work out, your heart rate is high, sweat is dripping by the end, and you realize a good work out can be squeezed out of 10-15 minutes. #efficiency

*The first Saturday, I was able to participate in an actual class. We started with a group warm up that consisted of a relay-type race using weighted medicine balls. After the warm up (that felt like a real work out, frankly) we moved into the actual work out (“WOD”). There were about 6 lines total, 4 people per line, and we did another relay work out. This one consisted of 3 stations: 10 kettlebell swings (weight based on your preference/ability – but the heavier the better), 25 sit ups, and a rope climb = 1 round. You couldn’t start a station until the person in front of you completed their set. The goal was to complete as many rounds in 30 minutes. I was pushed to the max in this work out. I somehow got myself into the line with a couple of the trainers so our pace was fast. I struggled with the rope climb but tried to hustle through the other stations. There were times I felt guilty that I was slowing the group down but I pushed ahead. I didn’t have time to whine to myself! There was a lot of encouragement among the team that kept everyone motivated. In the end, each team wrote their collective rounds on a white board and it was clear the team I was on tallied the most rounds. It wasn’t a big to-do…more so provided some perspective and certainly feeds into the competitive spirit that CF fosters. Before leaving on Saturday, I was adamant on ‘figuring out’ the rope climb. One of the trainers, Ali, even lent me her shoes thinking that the CrossFit Nano shoes that have a rubberized grip on the outside might help my feet grip the rope better. The shoes certainly helped and I got almost half way up the rope. But seriously, she lent me her shoes – she let me put my sweaty feet in em’. So nice. I left the gym exhausted but pretty damn satisfied with myself. Following this work out, I experienced the worst soreness over the next 3 days. Areas of my body were sore that haven’t been in years like my upper back and back of my thighs. Getting out of bed hurt. But, it actually made me happy! #results #tonethewiggle

my first official CrossFit pic! Just try to find my lil head

my first official CrossFit pic! Just try to find my lil head

I finished out On Ramp at the end of last week. I decided to sign up for a 12 month membership that’s around $189 a month/unlimited classes. Not cheap. CF is notoriously pricey. But, I’ve always felt that – investments in your health are worth it. Although I might have to pull back in other areas (e.g. no daily Starbucks!). As of now, I’m aiming to go 3x during the week and 1x on the weekend.

It’s true what they say about working out…it’s not just physical. It’s mental. It’s spiritual. It gives you another outlet for energy and to derive strength. When I’ve been at the gym, I’ve felt empowered and in control. It takes my mind off of work and day to day stresses (that I often obsess over) and keeps me in the present. It’s also helping me think differently about how I talk to myself. I tend to get the ‘I can’ts’ but this work out pushes you and frankly, I find myself having to push the ‘I can’ts’ aside and just keep trucking.

So yea, I never thought I’d be a CrossFitter. But I am really impressed with the community, Mike, the owner of CF Bare Cove (and also CF SciCo!) has built. My body might be tired but my mind and spirit is feeling really good. I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

Have you tried or do you do CF? What do you think?
Let me know if you have any questions for me if you’re considering trying CF for the 1st time!

Last thing – sharing my (current) fave song for #fitspiration– vids a bit sexual #enjoy

#Iwokeuplikethis No really…I swear I did. Get the “no makeup look” recipe here!

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

Cruising through Instagram – I see lovely pics of people…bright-eyed and bushy-tailed…captioned with: #Iwokeuplikethis #nofilter. A piece of me cringes. Wait? Really? I look in the mirror…raccoon eyes and blotchiness stare back. I wake up like THIS?

Well, here is the reality…most people…most of the time…wake up less than picture perfect. The magic of lighting, filters, and “just the right amount of makeup” come into play when most of em’ claim #Iwokeuplikethis.

I’m not a hater. I am just calling it what it is. For sanity sake. I appreciate good lighting and good angles. But let me tell ya…99.9% of the time in a picture, I have some type of makeup on. And so do most people. Especially celebrities on Instagram. That’s keeping it real.

So…if you’re wondering…How? How does one get that “I just woke up like this” look? Which is the barely-there but covered-up-just-right look. Below is my recipe. I promise you…using the right shades/tones (that match your complexion) of concealer/foundation/bronzer, you too can look fresh-faced. Like you didn’t even try (but you kinda did).

After you wash, tone, and moisturize (because a clean canvas is the first thing you need for a fresh face)

2) Apply an under eye brightener. Most of us need a little highlight under the eye. Something to cover up the shadow or hollowness. I came across this By Terry Touche Veloutee highlighting concealer brush at Barney’s. I use shade Porcelian. I have many favorites in this category – but I like this for “everyday” because it’s not as heavy as a typical concealer and the pen applicator makes it a quick fix (and portable, for re-application)

By Terry Touche Veloutee highlighting concealer brush. Click pic to learn more or buy product 

3) Mix your foundation and daily SPF (my favorite SPF = eltaMD) and apply with a round foundation brush. I use less product when I use a round foundation brush and I’m able to spread it around evenly and thoroughly. Cover your face and blend down to your neck

I am a big fan of Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk foundation. I use shade #2. It’s light weight but it provides the right amount of coverage. It leaves a dewy effect that is key for the natural look

Click here for foundation –> GIORGIO ARMANI Luminous Silk Foundation 5.75-30ml/1oz.

Love this foundation

Love this foundation (product link above)

One of my fave foundation brushes = this one by Bobbi Brown. Click pic to learn more or buy product 

4) Using a blush or bronzer brush – lightly sweep bronzer along jawline, apples of cheeks, along forehead line, and down your nose. The idea is to highlight the places where the sun naturally hits most. This will also give you a bit of dimension. Keep your product and strokes light to avoid unnatural lines. You can always buff with another, clean brush

Loving this bronzer by Guerlian called Terracotta Joli Teint Powder Duo. I use color 01.  It comes in 4 different shades so you can pick the right match for your skin tone

Bronzer by Guerlian. Click pic to learn more or buy product 

5) Apply eyeliner in a light, dotting motion to upper and lower lash lines. This tends to give me a more “awakened” look. Avoid dragging the liner or pressing hard – goal is to apply only a little product to make the eyes pop a bit. I love Kevyn Aucoin Beauty ‘The Pencil Primatif’ Pencil Eyeliner in Basic Brown

Kevyn Aucoin eye pencil ❤ Click pic to learn more or buy product 

6) Grab a mascara and put a couple coats on your top lashes. Mascara is an excellent “make me look awake” staple. A purse favorite is Kevyn Aucoin’s Beauty “The Mascara Volume” mascara in Rich Pitch Black

Kevyn Aucoin volume mascara. Click pic to learn more or buy product 

7) Last but not least, apply a neutral color to your lips. A good neutral lip tone is Lipstick Queen’s Velvet Rope lipstick in Star System with Queen Bee lip treatment on top (which has a pretty honey shimmer). You want this subtle pop of color so that your lips don’t blend with your face, which can wash you out

my fave lipstick line, Lipstick Queen; this is the Velvet Rope line and color is Star System. Click pic to learn more or buy product 

this product is so fun. either alone or on top of another color. Lipstick Queen’s Queen Bee treatment leaves a bronze shimmer. Click pic to learn more or buy product 

And you’re done. The irony is – if you’ve applied it correctly, you won’t look done up but you’ll look put together and natural…some might question if you’re even wearing make up (in a good way). It’s the “I woke up like this” look that has em’ all fooled.

That's me with my #Iwokeuplikethis "no makeup" look

That’s me with my #Iwokeuplikethis “no makeup” look…and really good lighting 😉

there it is - all together. The treasure chest

there it is – all together. The treasure chest

Happy Sunday! xoxo

makeup routine staple – rain or shine

/ BethonBeauty / 1 Comment

Over the past year, I’ve worked something {new} and {permanent} into my makeup routine. Now – when people ask me: ‘what can’t you live without in your makeup routine?’ Rather than saying under-eye cover or mascara, I go right to this product.

What is it?

A strong SPF.

No, not the SPF 15 that’s pre-mixed in a foundation. That’s not enough. After a lot of research, SPF 30+ everyday is the way to go.

What do I use?
SPF 41 tinted broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen
By elta MD

IMG_2131

The elta MD mineral sunscreen. 1 dollop of that on my foundation brush + 1 dollop of my mineral foundation and I am good-to-go.

Is it heavy?
No. And it mixes EASILY with your regular foundation or apply before your mineral powder. Sometimes, I even wear it by itself.

The elta MD sunscreen is good for even ‘extra’ sensitive and post-procedure skin.

How do I use?
I squeeze (a little less than) a dime size amount on my foundation brush and then squeeze my liquid mineral makeup on the brush too…and I apply the mixture to my face and neck. It blends perfectly.

it’s easy and now a staple in my makeup routine.

When it comes to helping prevent the signs of aging the #1 thing you should do is use a sunscreen everydamnday. Rain or shine. Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. I wasn’t always good about this. But as someone who loves lotions/serums and fun products, this is one product that absolutely needs to be worked in if I truly want to take care of my skin. I love this sunscreen by elta MD because it doesn’t mess with my makeup and works seamlessly into my routine.

If you’re interested in purchasing: I grabbed mine at Bella Sante Spa in Boston OR click link or pic below:

Eltamd UV Physical SPF 41, 85-Gram

Happy Hump Day!

xoxo

‘notha day another product

/ BethonBeauty / Leave a comment

This actually started as a video blog (vlog!)…but then it didn’t. I’m still mastering the magic of talking to my computer screen and not carrying on for 25+ minutes. I decided to spare ya’ll the long winded-ness and just write up this recommendation.

1. Listen to Fleetwood Mac. Not because it has anything to do with skincare or this post BUT because it has everything to do with relaxation, which is good for your face. AmIRight? So turn on Fleetwood Mac (on Spotify, my preferred streaming platform!) and jam. And just in case you don’t have Spotify – here’s a link to YouTube to watch “Gypsy,” one of the best ever songs. This video features Stevie circa 1980-something. Fabulous, beautiful, hippy, soul. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRx3tUEzdp4

Stevie <3

Stevie ❤

2. Consider something new for your skincare regimen. Back in the Fall, I posted (HERE) about a wonderful cream cleanser by REN. I still love it. BUT, since then, I’ve come across another product and I haven’t put it down.

What is it?

It’s actually an oil cleanser. It’s by TATCHA

06c383de-47cf-4f41-883f-a3162ef81114_tatcha_logo

Tatcha is “Geisha Inspired Skincare from Japan”

What exactly does that mean? (other than some creative marketing!)

Essentially, founder, Victoria Tsai, was inspired after a trip to Japan to start a skincare line inspired by Eastern practices. She was aiming for simplicity. Below is a link to a WSJ article on Victoria & her company.

  • A little more info on Tatcha and it’s founder, Victoria – here

Tatcha is considered a cult brand. Carried at some of the higher end dept stores (e.g. Barney’s) and recently picked up by Sephora.com. I had seen the line a few times before I decided to give it a whirl. What caught my eye was the gorgeous cream and purple packaging. This product line has stellar packaging, that’s for sure. But packaging alone won’t do it for me.

When (and what) did I decide to try? 

During a recent business trip, I came across the Tatcha line at a hotel spa in California. After some researching on my phone, I decided to try what’s considered one of Tatcha’s bestsellers – the Pure: One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil.

Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

Beautiful, functional packaging is just part of it

Beautiful, functional packaging is just part of it

What I like:

Minimal ingredients. And formulated without: Mineral Oil, Synthetic Colors, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates. I was warned that some people are bothered by the fragrance so I proceeded with caution. Thankfully, I find the fragrance light and quite pleasant and not something that irritates my skin or eyes.

The One Step Camellia Oil is touted as a great make up remover and skin cleanser without leaving your skin dried out or with an oily film which some oil based cleansers can do.

Almost looks like water. Has a thicker-than-water consistency

Almost looks like water. Has a thicker-than-water consistency

At $48 a pop – it’s not cheap. However, it comes in a convenient 5 oz pump container. You only need 2-3 pumps per wash. I’ve had mine for over a month and it’s still more than hallway full.

Super convenient pump packaging. Helps control how much product you use and makes for easy traveling

Super convenient pump packaging. Helps control how much product you use and makes for easy traveling

It truly removes my make up and makes my skin feels clean – but not that tight, squeaky dry clean (that’s not good!). I take 2-3 pumps and massage all over my face and neck and use a wet/warm (not hot!) wash cloth to remove the product and make up/”days dirt.”

Add a little water and it turns milky in texture which makes it easy to wash off (and no residue!)

Add a little water and it turns milky in texture which makes it easy to wash off (and no residue!)

I’ve been researching other products in the Tatcha line but I’m apprehensive to try. This oil cleanser is truly the stand out of the line, in my opinion. It’s a luxurious product that does what it claims. 

If you’re in the market for a new cleanser for the winter months, why not give this one a whirl.

If interested – click the pic below to shop it:

stevie-nicks-pic

One last Stevie pic ❤

The product you NEED in your skincare routine

/ BethonBeauty / 2 Comments

Yes, I write about products all the time. So many options. BUT recently I started using something new…and you know what?

It’s not expensive, at all

It’s not exotic (aka hard to find)

You’ve heard of it before

It’s so simple, you prob won’t believe how great it is

I started using it after I ran out of a VERY overpriced serum. And I saw better results with this < $15 product than that $135 serum. It’s true – price ain’t nothing but a number.

Krystina, one of the (awesome!!) medical estheticians at Belle Sante Spa in Boston, MA –  suggested I try this product on my face instead of coconut oil. As a medical esthetician, Krystina, is a believer in science for skincare but she also promotes the benefits of natural skincare methods. This was one product she suggested as an easy and very beneficial add to any skincare routine.

Soooo, What is it?

  • JOJOBA OIL
  • The oil is derived from the Jojoba seed; although we call it an “oil” it’s actually a liquid wax
  • Want to know how to pronounce it properly? It’s one of life’s great mysteries – click here. I still can’t say it without laughing.
My favorite brand of Jojoba. Found at Whole Foods. This bottle will last forever

My favorite brand of Jojoba. Found at Whole Foods. This bottle will last forever

What type should you get? 

  • 100% pure jojoba (organic and/or pesticide-free); it has a light golden color. Some say it has a light nutty smell. The kind I use doesn’t smell like much at all – which I like

Why is it great?

  • Anti-inflammatory properties, helps to heal irritated skin (think: eczema, psoriasis, sunburns)
  • Anti-aging agent due to moisturizing & hydrating properties (without being too greasy)
  • Smaller molecular structure than coconut oil so it sinks into skin better. This was a BIG selling point for me. Coconut oil is great for hair and body – but jojoba oil is better suited for your face/neck
  • Anti-bacterial properties – given this, it helps fight acne and blemishes. I have not had a pimple since using this
  • Helps regulate production of sebum – which can help counter excess oil production, clogged pores etc.

When do I use it?

  • Every damn day. Day and night.
  • After I wash and tone – I apply this before my Skinceuticals Vitamin B serum. Then, I let it sit and then apply serum & moisturizer on top
  • It sinks it well but if there is excess for some reason – I blot with a tissue

How much do I use?

  • 2-3 drops or so for my entire face and neck
This is a few drops. It's far less greasy than coconut oil and absorbs much better - which is great esp if you use under moisturizer and make up

This is a few drops. It’s far less greasy than coconut oil and absorbs much better – which is great esp if you use under moisturizer and make up

Probably the most riveting video you’ll ever watch. I want you to see the texture of it and how it sinks in. I used only a couple drops for my hand – but you can see how well it spreads and sinks in. Side note: be gentle rubbing into your skin especially your face (for some reason, my application looks a little rough in this vid). See below:

Where can you get it?

    • I got mine at Whole Foods. I started with a baby sizes bottle and then upgraded to the 8oz size (pictured above). I like this brand: The JoJoba Company 
    • Random tip: when I want to travel with it – I squeeze some into a ziplock bag and double bag it.
    • You can also buy here:

Click here to buy —> Hobacare Jojoba Oil 8.45oz oil

I kid you not, this is an amazing product. For all the random creams and fancy serums I’ve tried – this is skincare simplicity at its best and it works.

There are other uses for jojoba that you can read about – including: eye make up remover, hair/moisturizing treatment, it is also a great carrier oil for massage!

Have you treated jojoba oil before?