Tag: Fitness

3 Moves To Get YOUR ABS Bikini-Ready

Published on by Lee1 Comment

If you’re anything like me, then you already have way too many bikinis lined up on your shopping wishlist for the new season. With swimsuit weather around the corner comes the pressure to kick your fitness plan into high gear. While a toned body doesn’t appear overnight, there are exercises you can do to quickly tighten and define your core so you can feel your best once bikini season arrives.

Here are tips for how to get your abs ready for summer + my favorite bikinis from IconSwim that compliments the curves.

Before I continue, I do want to say this post was written ahead of time and I purchased these gorgeous bikinis when it was on sale. So no I did not get the price wrong. IconSwim always have a sale going, so don’t be discouraged. Scroll down to read!

Raised-Leg Crunches

Tones: Lower and middle abs

How To: Lie flat on your back and raise your legs, bending your knees to form a 90-degree angle. Place your hands behind your head and slowly crunch straight forward, pulsing your upper body toward your knees. Remember to keep your back flat, chin up, and try to get your shoulder blades off the ground for each crunch.

Reps: 3 sets of 30

Jackknife Push-Ups

Tones: Arms, core, and legs

How To: On a BOSU ball, position your arms shoulder-width apart and do a push-up. As you power up, pop your feet open, and then bring them back together as you go back down. The ball requires you to engage your core muscles while you complete this move, making it great for strength training.

Reps: 3 sets of 30 seconds

Bicycle Crunches

Tones: Middle and upper abs

How To: Lie on the floor and place your legs at a 90-degree angle with your arms behind your head. Keep your shoulders high and your lower back squeezed against the mat. Pump your legs back and forth in a bicycle motion, with your shoulders off the ground. We suggest crunching left and right, touching your elbow to your opposite knee to engage your obliques (a.k.a. love handles).

Reps: 3 sets of 30 seconds

ICONSWIM BIKINI FAVES:

Drippin’ Bikini-Blue,$16

Blue top featuring the word, Drippin in yellow with matching bottoms

Stripe Me Down Bikini-Black,$16

Black, long sleeve, cropped top featuring a white trim design with matching vertically, striped high waist bottoms. 

You Had Me At Aloha Bikini-Blue,$16

Blue top with matching bottoms featuring a cutout design.

Stripe Where I Belong Bikini-Black,$16

Multicolor neon cropped top with a thick stripe design featuring matching bottoms with a thick waistband and color trim

You Had Me At Aloha Bikini-Floral,$16

Multicolor, floral print top with matching bottoms featuring a cutout design.

Sea Level Bikini-Orange,$16

Orange top featuring purple straps with matching high-waist bottoms

Surfin Bikini-Floral Print,$16

Floral print cropped top with matching high waist bottoms. Bottoms feature a cutout and mesh paneling. 

Running Game Monokini-Red/Orange, $16

Redish orange colormonokini featuring a front keyhole cut out with an added strap.

In A Bind Bikini-Orange,$16

Orange short sleeve, cropped top featuring a front knotted style with matching thin strap, cheeky bottoms. 

Two-Faced Monokini-Orange,$16

Multicolor one-piece featuring keyhole cutout designs in the front and back.

All In All Bikini- Neon Yellow,$16

Bright neon yellow top featuring left side gold zipper. Bottoms feature gold zipper down left hip and high waist fit.

Now You Sea Me Bikini-Print,$16

 Multicolor print top featuring matching bottoms with a criss-cross cut out design.

Living The Simple Life Set-Orange,$20

Catch A Break Hikini-Neon Yellow,$26

Yellow bikini top with matching high waisted, high cut bottoms. Paired with a yellow, half sleeve mesh top.

I will definitely be buying more swimsuits from IconSwim! The quality and prices are amazing plus the sizes range from xsmall-2x. Hopefully Rona decides to give us our Summer back so I can actually go to the beach or on a yacht somewhere that is beautiful and secluded. Unlike others, I have been staying inside making sure I don’t gain anymore weight and planning my next mini trip that no one is going to know about sssshhhhh.

HOW ARE YOU GETTING READY FOR THE SUMMERTIME? Comment Below!

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NATURYLBYNBK EDIT

Published on by Lee4 Comments

Not to sound melodramatic, but when I mysteriously misplaced my favorite pair NATURYL BY NBK leggings and bodysuit last year, I felt a small piece of myself die. That’s because when you find a pair of comfy, flattering everyday wear that makes you look like you go to one or two Pilates classes a week more than you do, you hold on for dear life.

As an editor, I have strong feelings about which pieces are the most flattering workout leggings on the market: In such a saturated athleisure scene, you can trust that these fashion pieces are mad comfortable, will last year years without stretching out, and (importantly) make you look like you have lower abs, long lean legs, and the ass of an angel.

I have to admit I haven’t shopped from NATURYL BY NBK since 2018 but from what I remember I was a happy gal. The only thing I will say is I do hope more designs come out.

Keep scrolling to discover my faves to wear in the house that is comfortable, stretchy, soft, and stylish.

1. NATURYL BOOTY SHORTS($35)

ONE SIZE FITS MOST. UNLINED. FABRIC IS SHEER.

THE ULTIMATE SEAMLESS NYLON/SPANDEX MINI SHORT.
UNBELIEVABLE SOFT AND STRETCHY, THESE SHORTS ARE THE PERFECT WARDROBE STAPLE.
SMOOTHS CELLULITE, GENTLY HUGS CURVES WHILE FEELING LIGHT AS AIR.

AMAZING FABRIC! Can’t say enough about it!!! Wearing this 24/7. Will get more but wish there was a black set! Sorry, I prefer everything all black but I’m fine with the DENIM color.

2. NATURYL BASIC ONESIE($49)

Available in sizes XS to L.

THE ULTIMATE BASIC ONE PIECE JUMPSUIT is perfect for layering in the cold months, or wear alone to the gym & yoga. Ultra soft, breathable and form fitting without being constricting.

3. NATURYL PLUS SIZE BASIC LEGGING($37)

NOT LINED. NOT COMPRESSION. SEMI-SHEER. One Size PLUS SIZE

THE NATURYL BASICS COLLECTION is the perfect basic seamless leggings. Comfy and semi-sheer, perfect for lounging or yoga. Smooths and contours while feeling like you’re wearing nothing.

4. NATURYL BIKER SHORTS($35)

ONE SIZE FITS MOST. UNLINED. FABRIC IS SHEER.

These tights are incredible. I looooove my biker shorts and top! They’re super soft, comfortable, and very cute. Can’t wait to order more from Naturyl! If you love to exercise, you need to add these to your closet ASAP.

THE ULTIMATE SEAMLESS NYLON/SPANDEX BIKE SHORT. UNBELIEVABLY SOFT AND STRETCHY, THESE SHORTS ARE THE PERFECT WARDROBE STAPLE. SMOOTHS CELLULITE, GENTLY HUGS CURVES WHILE FEELING LIGHT AS AIR.

5. NATURYL LOUNGE LEGGINGS($49)

FIT 1: XS-M. FIT 2: M-L

Good quality and fit like a dream. They are also so comfy it’s ridiculous- I don’t want to take the leggings off.

HIGH WAIST, COTTON BLEND, STRETCHY & SUPPORTIVE LEGGINGS FOR LOUNGING OR ACTIVITY.

None of the leggings on this list will do you wrong. Happy quarantining!

READ MORE:

High-Waisted Leggings That Can Withstand Any Workout

Published on by Lee3 Comments

Does anyone else remember the show Kyle XY? It aired on what used to be ABC Family channel (now it’s Freeform) and followed the life of an teenage inhuman boy who didn’t have a belly button. I bring this up because when I look for workout clothes, I constantly have Kyle XY in mind because I don’t want anyone to see my belly button. If you can see my belly button, you can see my lower stomach, which is one of my least favorite areas of my body. I train hard three to six days per week. I try to eat clean, I do have my moments especially at work. My goal is a flatter tummy! There are more important things in life, like French fries and cookies, and I’m not willing to skimp on those small pleasures. So in order to feel like my most confident and fittest self, I rely on my best friend—my high-waisted leggings.

If you don’t love your stomach area and you don’t own high-waisted leggings, I’m here to hit you with the truth. They are, without a doubt, the best thing to happen to the athleisure world since the sports bra. A good pair of high-waisted leggings not only hides your lower stomach, but it also pulls you, lifts your butt, and stays up throughout your most difficult and active workouts. I wanted to take my love for this article of clothing to the next level and try to find the pieces that check all the aforementioned boxes. I tried high-waisted leggings from 11 popular athleisure brands and, I promise, these are the best of the best.

1. GYMSHARK

GYMSHARK WOMENS SCULPT LEGGINGS ($50.00 USD)

These are hands-down a favorite for BEAUTYLEEBAR readers and for myself for a number of reasons. One, they’re comfortable and supportive with moisture-wicking and sculpting fabric. Two, the elastic waistband never slips and even has a handy built-in pocket. And three, it’s a great quality pair of leggings at an even better price point. It sculpts the body perfectly and is super soft on the skin!

2. SWEATY BETTY

Zero Gravity Run Leggings

Sweaty Betty Zero Gravity Run Leggings ($93.00 $135.00)

This UK activewear brand is a force to be reckoned with. Its high-waisted bum-sculpting leggings do exactly what they say they will. Thanks to their flattering and practical design and their discreet drawstring at the waistband, I will continue to trust these leggings through my most difficult and fast-paced workouts.

3. ATHLETA

Lightning Stash Pocket Tight in SuperSonic

Athleta Lightning Stash Pocket 7/8 Tight in SuperSonic ($89)

You know a pair of high-waisted tights are going to be good when they have a drawstring, a lightweight feel, AND pockets. These tights are perfect because it SuperSonic fabric is sleek with supportive compression while still flattering the booty.

4. FP MOVEMENT

FP Movement High-Rise 7/8 Length Good Karma Leggings

FP Movement High-Rise 7/8 Length Good Karma Leggings ($78)

These leggings are incredibly light. They feel like you’re wearing next to nothing. I was worried they would move around during my workout because, in my experience, lighter leggings don’t always stay close to the body during fast movements. I was so wrong. These stayed up and barely moved during my workout. I was constantly worried and kept touching them and checking to make sure they were staying in place because I felt like I wasn’t even wearing leggings, but they really did stay up.

5. NIKE

Nike Nike Victory Women's Training Tights

Nike Nike Victory Women’s Training Tights ($60)

These leggings are soft and comfortable, yet sculpted at the same time. They’re also extremely stretchy, so they’re good for yoga and barre.

6. VARLEY

Black

Varley Sutton Legging ($106)

I thought the perfect high-waisted leggings didn’t exist—and then I tried these. This brand might be new to the activewear world, but don’t get it twisted—its products will quickly replace all your tried-and-true favorite athleisure pieces. The pieces are lightweight, the seams aren’t heavy, and the waistband survived through squats, burpees, and deadlifts. The fabric feels like buttery velvet against your skin, and these leggings keep your body cool and dry during super-sweaty workouts. If I could live in these leggings I would.

7. ALALA

Captain Ankle Tight

Alala Captain Ankle Tight ($110)

These leggings have a special space in my closet. Alala leggings don’t come cheap, but they’re worth every penny. The thick waistband makes you feel secure, and the fashion-forward design features are absolutely perfect. This particular pair of leggings lasted through every type of movement that I threw its way. If you love to work out and find yourself looking for an item to splurge on, give yourself the gift of a pair of Alala leggings.

8. LULULEMON

Image result for lululemon's Align Pant Super High-Rise 28" Velvet

Lululemon Align Pant Super High-Rise 28″
Velvet ($89.00$118.00 USD)

I’m no stranger to Lululemon leggings. Prior to completing this experiment, its Fast & Free Tights ($128) were my favorite high-waisted leggings of all time. I considered buying multiple pairs, but my bank account suggested otherwise. This new high-waisted tight has pockets and a drawstring to make sure that the tights are just as high at the end of the workout as they were at the beginning. I’ll definitely be wearing this style on repeat.

9. FABLETICS

Trinity High-Waisted Utility Legging - Quarry Grey/Haze Grey

Trinity High-Waisted Utility Legging

There are a lot of things I love about Fabletics. I love that the brand uses real fitness influencers to be the models for its website. I love that it designs pieces with the hardest workouts in mind. They’re the best-selling leggings on the site, and they deserve that honor.They don’t move. The slimming design pulls you in and keeps you secure no matter how intense your workout is. Fabletics is a FREE sign up site that customize to your needs and wants.

New, revolutionary Motion365 is their most versatile fabric, designed to give you all the sculpting benefits of high compression with maximum breathability. This state-of-the-art fabric is crafted from resilient nylon that wicks away sweat and enables full range of motion—whether you’re at boot camp or barre class.

10. PRANA

prAna Faro 7/8 Legging ($89)

I’m no stranger to prAna leggings. Prior to completing this experiment, its Momento 7/8 Legging ($79) were my favorite mid-rise leggings of all time. This new high-waisted tight has pockets and a drawstring to make sure that the tights are just as high at the end of the workout as they were at the beginning. I’ll definitely be wearing this style on repeat. I am a fan of their leggings, bags and etc! I have worked with this brand before and I am still a fan after all these years.

This women’s style is made with a blend of Chakara®, their most compressive performance fabric yet, and offers moisture-wicking properties, UPF 50+ sun safety, and a strong, grounding feeling against the skin.

Then prAna added extra support by creating a high-rise fit, a hidden key pocket in the waistband, and a COOLMAX® triangle gusset. And last (but certainly not least), included charming eyehole embroidery that wraps around the ankle and runs up the length of the leg.

After all of my thorough research and testing, I can confidently say that you can’t go wrong with any of these leggings. No matter what kind of workout you enjoy, these will make you look and feel your absolute best. So next time you’re feeling like buying yourself a little something special, feel free to add one of these to your cart.

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Ultimate Pre & Post-Workout Skincare Routine For Glowing Skin

Published on by Lee1 Comment

As you know, rule number one of working out is to take off your makeup! Doing this alone is a great to start ensuring your skin looks better, not worse, at the end of a workout. But when it comes to working out we don’t often think about our skincare routine, but treating your skin properly before and after your workout will make a huge difference to your skin. When you exercise, your body temperature increases and more often than not, you sweat – a lot – and that makes your pores dilate, making it even easier for makeup and bacteria to make its way in and block your pores.

So, we’re here to share the ultimate skincare routine for before and after your workout to ensure your skin brings its a-game every time. We’ve even discovered some workout skincare products that are giving us incredible results while we exercise – now that’s multitasking at its best!

Pre-Workout Skincare Routine

Step 1: Wash your Face

…Not with makeup wipes!!

A.M.: If you’ve just woken up or you’re not wearing makeup, do a quick wipe with micellar water on a cotton pad or splash your face with a little water. It’s important that your skin is clean, so if you feel like your skin needs it, do a gentle cleanse with a milk or gel cleanser.

workout skincare

P.M.: Double cleanse to remove all your makeup! We love to use the Face Halo, because all you have to do is wet it, and the tiny little fibers will lift off makeup and dirt, so it’s super easy to use on-the-go. To finish, we love to use the Foreo Luna 3 cleansing device with a gel cleanser to remove every last trace of makeup – the T-sonic pulsations and soft silicone bristles help clean extra deep into pores, which is exactly what you need before a workout!

Step 2: Actives That Work

Just because you’re working out, doesn’t mean your skin shouldn’t get a little love. We love to use lightweight, hydrating and protective formulas while we work out, like a vitamin C serum, or an antioxidant-rich gel moisturizer to protect our skin from free radicals that attack during exercise. Avoid anything to rich and heavy, which could feel uncomfortable when you sweat.

Without a doubt, one of our most exciting new discoveries is Face Gym’s Training Sticks, $49, aka heat-activated skincare that gets to work while you do! Since we’ve discovered these, we literally haven’t worked out without them, and we love how they warm up on your skin while you work out, slowly releasing potent actives that penetrate deeper as your skin’s metabolism is accelerated. The controlled delivery system also helps improve your complexion for up to six hours post-workout (even after cleansing).

The Training Sticks are so quick and easy to use – literally just swipe onto your forehead, cheeks, chin, and temples – and we love the different options: Spirulina for lifting and firming, Activated Charcoal for detoxing, and Brazilian Pink Clay for brightening. You can also buy all three in mini version, plus a hydrating Multivitamin stick for $75 – so you can multi-mask to target different issues. The charcoal formula leaves our skin feeling super soft and bright post-workout, and we love that these fight against damaging free-radicals, which are rife during exercise.

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3. Protect

If you’re working out outside in the sun or going for a hike, SPF is essential. We recommend a mineral sunscreen, which means when you sweat your eyes shouldn’t sting (chemical SPFs often sting the eyes). Check out one of my fave mineral sunscreen here.

Finally, don’t forget a little lip balm to keep your lips moist and to prevent cracking. And always tie your hair up to avoid hair and hair products mingling with your skin.

Post-Workout Skincare Routine

Step 1: Cleanse

We know after working out you often have places to be, but it’s so important to wash your face post-workout as soon as possible. If you’ve washed your skin before your work out (we really hope you did), use a gentle water-based cleanser to get rid of sweat and bacteria. We love the Holi Frog Superior Omega Nutritive Gel Wash, $36, which is pH-balanced and deeply cleans the skin while nourishing it with omega fatty acids, probiotics, and antioxidants to replenish the skin. It also has natural antibacterial properties to help prevent breakouts and clogged pores, without stripping your skin.

Finish your cleanse by splashing your face with cool water, which helps to tighten the pores and shrink blood vessels, which will help to reduce redness more quickly.

Step 2: Hydrate

First things first, drink plenty of water to hydrate your body and skin – the best hydration comes from within! Then use plenty of hydrating ingredients on your skin. Start with a toner that’s soothing and calming, so look for ingredients like chamomile and aloe or opt for hydrating milky formulas. We love the Pixi Rose Tonic, $18, which helps to reduce redness and calm the skin while balancing your skin’s pH levels. Follow with a lightweight serum or hyaluronic acid, like the Sarah Chapman Intense Hydrating Booster Moisture Serum, $98, which is formulated with Bioecolia and Beta Glucan to activate the skin’s natural defenses against bacteria and irritants, plus hyaluronic acid and soothing rose water. We love how fluid this serum is and how easily it melts into the skin to instantly hydrate and repair the skin after the stress of working out.

Step 3: Lock it in

Now your skin is well hydrated, lock it all in with a moisturizer. We prefer to steer clear of thicker formulas post-workout (save that for nighttime), instead, stick to gel-like or lightweight moisturizers like the Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer, $52, which helps to reduce redness (great for after a workout), tighten pores, and balance your skin.

Now enjoy that glow-up and feel proud of yourself for working out and showing your skin some love at the same time.

Still looking for the perfect fitness essentials? Look no farther check out GIFT GUIDE: AMAZING FITNESS ESSENTIALS. WHAT DO MY HELLO BEAUTIES THINK?