Stretch Your Way to a Happier You

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There’s one thing missing from your self-care routine – a good stretch!

A surprising fact about stretching is that it can improve your mood and mental health.

How? By triggering the release of endorphins, those natural “feel-good” chemicals, which help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. This is an important part of self-care because chronic stress can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. 

Benefits You Can’t Miss

It’s the one thing that we never seem to have time for (that extra 10-15 minutes before and after a workout), but with so many great wellness benefits, we should never skip the stretch. Stretching improves flexibility, increases blood flow to muscles, and can expand your range of motion. Regular stretching can also reduce muscle stiffness and soreness, and prevent injury.

From Stress to Stretch

Consistency is the key. Add stretching to your regular self care routine to help reduce stress and improve overall performance. Women should try to stretch at least two to three times a week, but daily stretching is ideal. Each stretching session should focus on all major muscle groups. Hold each stretch for about 15-30 seconds and repeat 2-4 times. 

Conveniently Healthy 

The good news is that it’s easier than ever to add a few good stretches to your self care routine. Popular spots like Stretch Lab, Stretch Zone, and Stretch*d have locations in Georgia, New York, and California. You can purchase drop in classes or invest in your health with a membership. Try one or try them all. 

What’s most important is that you stay So Health and Well!

Need more tips on stretching? Check out these sites:

Self Magazine

Women’s Health Magazine

Top 3 Summer Nail Trends to Spice Up the Season

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Photo via Michael Isakowitz
Photo via Brenda Godinez

Whether you’re lounging by the pool, strolling on the beach, or attending a backyard barbecue, having your nails perfectly manicured adds a bit of flair to your look. Nail art designs can reflect your authentic style and personality. And it’s even more fun when they complement your favorite summer outfits!

Spice up the season with these sizzling summer nail trends:

Photo via Chandra Oh

Green Nails 

It’s the color of a lime and the color of an avocado, but you wouldn’t believe it’s one of the hottest nail colors of the summer. The color green is fav on instagram and is all over the internet. It’s the perfect match for summer colors like teal, purple, pink, and blue. If you’re looking to complement your wardrobe with a unique hue that stands out, green is the way to go! 

Photo via Mario Lupan

Chrome 

No, not google chrome. Search “chrome nails” and you’re one click away from summer glam. Set off the party, cookout, or family gathering with nails that sparkle and shine. To get this look nail technicians use a chrome powder on top of a base color to get a metallic look. This shade works best with bright colors like pink, purple, blue, yellow, and orange. 

Photo via Jodene Isakowitz

Pastel Tips

Give your french tips new life with this hot new nail trend. Instead of white tips, try pastel french tip nails. This look is super delicate and dainty. Use one color for each fingertip or express yourself with a different color on each tip. Add a few flowers, hearts, and rhinestones to your design, or keep it simple and classy with an oval tip. According to Vogue, shorter nails work with this look too. Georgia Day says, “If your nails are on the shorter side you can still achieve a similar effect: just ask your tech for ultra slim tips in a color that’s only a shade or two lighter than your base.” 

Photo via Daiga Ellaby

These nails are stylish and chic, adding a touch of charm to your summer days. It’s all about showing your personal style and relishing in the colorful trends of the season. 

Looking for more summer nail trends? Check out these links:

The Prettiest Summer Nail Designs for 2024 –StyleMeetsStory.com

9 Essential Summer 2024 Nail Trends – Vogue.com

29 Chrome Nail Designs – Byrdie.com

The Ultimate Summer Makeup and Beauty Haul 

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Have you checked the weather lately? 

I’m certain that there is a glitch. 

The forecast says 110 degrees of beauty, glam, and lavishness! 

This summer has been notably steamy, but despite the heat, you can be as stunning as ever with these beauty and makeup picks. There’s still time to grab the products that make you happy and upgrade your mood from “It’s way too hot” to “I’m WAY too hot!”

Here’s a roundup of must-have items for your summer makeup and beauty haul.

No Sweat, Darling

Surely, you wouldn’t be seen sweating out your makeup at the weekend cookout or comedy show. The right foundation at the wrong time is a no-no. A lightweight foundation or tinted moisturizer (with SPF of course) can give you some coverage without smothering your skin. You’ll also want to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. IT Cosmetics Iconic CC+ Cream is a top pick, giving you full coverage, SPF 50 sunscreen, and goodies like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and vitamin E for anti-aging. 

Price Range: $22.00 – $47.00

Leave the Bake Behind 

The “baking” makeup look is gorgeous, but not in this heat! A powder foundation and blush can cake up and look unnatural in the summer. A nice cream blush will blend seamlessly into the skin and give you a fresh, dewy glow. Glossier Cloud Paint is sheer, buildable, and available in a wide range of shades.  Whether you’re looking for bronze or blush, you’ll get the perfect look for summer sunsets and outdoor gatherings. 

Price Range: $14.95 – $22.00

Smile Brightly

These days there are many options to choose from when it comes to lavish lips, but never underestimate the beauty of classic lipstick. Summer is the perfect time to experiment with bold, bright lip colors. A vibrant coral or a poppy red can instantly enhance your summer look. If you’re looking for a long-lasting color for pool parties or beach outings, check out Fenty Beauty’s Stunna Lip Paint. It comes in several shades – uncensored, unbutton, uncuffed, unveiled, unblocked, unattached, and underdawg – names that are just as memorable as the times to come. 

Price Range: $19.00 – $29.00

Extreme Heat Warning

In this weather, the right setting spray is essential. No summer makeup haul is complete without the perfect finish. After you’ve added your primer, foundation, blush, and eyeshadow you can use a setting spray to add a burst of hydration and stop the smudge on those long summer days. It’s a step you don’t want to skip. Urban Decay All Nighter Ultra Glow Setting Spray is fade-proof and summer-approved. The line uses temperature control technology to keep you cool for up to 16 hours. 

Price Range: $11.94 – $36.00

With these essentials in your summer beauty arsenal, you’ll be ready to face the ozone with glamor and style. Remember, the best summer beauty look is one that makes you feel just as hot and steamy as the weather. Swap out those old pods and grab something lightweight, sweat-proof, and long-lasting.

Need more summer makeup ideas?

Check out these articles:

The 12 Best Summer Makeup Tips Ever

The 14 New Makeup Products You Need For Summer

7 Best Summer 2024 Makeup Trends, According to Experts

Fourth of July Makeup Looks

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This year, fireworks shouldn’t be the only thing sparkling on the Fourth of July. Why not celebrate the holiday with a festive shimmering eyeshadow look? According to the #makeupaholics, these are the best metallic shadows for this memorable special occasion. 

Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eyeshadow

Intense pigmentation and a long-lasting formula make this eyeshadow a top pick for the patriotic look. It’s a liquid eyeshadow that will glide on smoothly and accentuate your eyes. The award-winning, lightweight glitter eyeshadow comes in a wide range of colors like “Diamond Dust” and “Kitten Karma.” Just wave the magic applicator wand and add a sparkling touch to any eye makeup.

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow

Make the moment memorable with iridescent sparkle and 3-D metallics. This vegan eyeshadow will instantly elevate your Fourth of July look! Intensify your makeup with “Cosmic”, a sheer, sparkling white hue that can be layered over other colors or worn alone for a more subtle look, or “Space Cowboy”, a sparkling champagne hue. The best part is that this formula lasts up to 16 hours.

NYX Professional Makeup Glitter Goals Liquid Eyeshadow

With its wide range of colors and staying power, NYX is perfect for creating a vibrant, glittery look without breaking the bank. The liquid eyeshadow is blendable and rich, making it easy to wear solo or on top of a powdered shadow for a more glamorous look. Shades like “Polaris” and “Metropolitan” will create a photo-ready patriotic makeup look with just the right pop of color.

Huda Beauty Matte & Metal Melted Shadows

These dual-ended shadows feature a glittery metallic shade on one end and a matte shade on the other, allowing you to create a variety of stunning looks. The seamless matte formula lasts for up to 12 hours. It’s smudge-proof, lightweight, and buildable. Colors like “Hot Sauce & Cherry Soda” and “Faux Fur & Bamboo Hoops” are the perfect shimmering shades for an illuminating Fourth of July snapshot.

No matter which shadow you prefer, a little shimmer will surely make your July 4th makeup look shine as brightly as the fireworks in the sky.

Summer Wedding Makeup Tips

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Somebody’s getting married!

Well one thing is for sure. 

It’s the summertime and someone you know is probably going to be jumping the broom. Whether you’re the bride to be, a bridesmaid, or a special guest, you’ve got to be looking your best. Makeup and beauty captures the essence of that special day. Here are some ways you can achieve the perfect wedding look and make your makeup as memorable as the moment! 

No Dilly Dallying

Prioritize skincare now! Start a consistent skincare routine so that you’ll have a healthy, glowing complexion on the bid day. If you cleanse, tone, moisturize, and exfoliate now, you’ll have a smooth canvas for your makeup application. Why not book a facial a few weeks before the wedding to rejuvenate and nourish your skin?

At First Sight 

You’ve heard the saying – The eyes are the windows to the soul. On your wedding day, you’ll want them to sparkle and captivate. Define your brows using a brow pencil or powder that matches your hair color. Choose eyeshadows that match your wedding colors and theme. Soft, neutral tones are popular, but feel free to experiment with color. Make your look more dramatic with eyelashes or bold mascara! 

Smooches 

The perfect wedding day kiss is about more than lipstick (and if you’re not the bride you’ll still want to have soft, kissable lips). You can start by exfoliating your lips regularly with a lip scrub. Then hydrate them with lip balm like Dior Lip Glow or Glossier Balm Dotcom. Classic nude shades, romantic pinks, or bold reds can all create stunning looks. 

Blush and Glow

The right blush can really put the icing on the cake. Take your wedding day look to another level with a sassy or natural shade that suits your skin tone. Highlighter can also make the moment magical. Add an ethereal glow to your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow. 

Practice Makes Pretty

Your wedding day is a time to celebrate love, joy, and the beginning of a new chapter. Don’t wait until the last minute to master your wedding day makeup look. Practice and practice again to make sure that you’re comfortable and confident. Try different products, techniques, and colors. And make sure you test the lighting to see how it’ll turn out on your pictures. 

Prioritize skincare, try it on in advance, and choose products that will withstand the test of time and tears of happiness. With the right makeup you can create a lasting impression no matter who is walking down the aisle.