Day: October 6, 2019

October 06, 2019 at 11:00PM by CWC With the days growing shorter and shorter in the northern hemisphere (and consequently longer in the southern hemisphere), this time of year teaches us that the earth’s rotation on its tilted axis and the elliptical circumference around the sun has a direct impact on our mood, well-being, and life. The dramatic difference in length of day and changes in weather ask for rhythmic adaptation. In addition to asking us to shift what we eat, our morning and evening rituals, and our exercise, it also asks us to make adjustments in our relationships. So, as you dive into this second week of October, take stock and ask yourself: How can I adjust my rhythm to beat in accordance with naturally occurring environmental shifts? And, how can I take time to nourish my connection with myself and those I most love? Of course, as if by design, the cosmos push you toward change and adaptation. Beginning Sunday, October 6, the sun at 13 degrees of Libra squares the nodes of fate, making a 90-degree angle with the north and south nodes. The north and south node, respectively, represent the future we desire to move toward and the habitual patterns from the past that keep us stuck. The sun, on the other hand, represents our vitality. With the sun forming a cardinal T-square with the nodes on Sunday, we find ourselves at the crux of an evolutionary moment: Will we move toward our highest destiny, or

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October 06, 2019 at 10:00PM by CWC When I was in high school, I belonged to a dance team led by a teacher who required us to wear a teal-and-orange eyeshadow combination—yes, teal and orange— for every performance. Since that early trauma, I’ve more or less avoided the entire eyeshadow category, opting instead for a simple liner look that’s probably as dated now as the ’80s-style shadow imposed on my by my teacher… but I digress. In any case, I recently impulse purchased a liquid shadow, my first shadow in many, many, many years, simply because it seemed easy to apply for someone as out of practice as I, and because it bore no resemblance whatsoever to the cake-y lid adornments of my tacky youth. Liquid shadows are trending, probably not so much for the latter reason as for the former; namely, that they can be applied quickly and without precision and still look bomb. “Formulas are becoming bolder, smudge-proof, more colorful and, best of all, they’re so easy to apply,” says makeup artist Neil Scibelli. Anything I can apply without a mirror is a win for me, and while makeup artist Jeannie Vincent would likely not advise trying to put it on with nary a glance at your reflection, she tells me liquid shadows are a great way to get a fast sweep of color without needing a brush. (Many come with applicators, Scibelli adds, but you can use your fingers.) “If you want a more detailed or structured application, use

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October 06, 2019 at 08:00PM by CWC Despite several seasons of Gilmore Girls suggesting otherwise, it’s a truth universally known in the wellness world that coffee dependency is No Good (particularly for anxiety). Which I will say is a big issue for those of us who are decidedly not morning people. What’s a coffee alternative that will keep us from wanting to punch our co-worker in the face when she pipes up with “Happy Tuesday!” at 9 a.m.? If you’re looking to ditch coffee (or drink less of it) and still have energy to face the day, dietitians tell me that the most important thing you can do for yourself is make sure that you’re powering through those morning hours with breakfast in your belly.  “Eating breakfast everyday is a huge factor in boosting energy, focus, alertness, and productivity in the mornings,” says Brigitte Zeitlin, RD, and owner of BZ Nutrition in New York City. “Skipping brekkie usually leads to sluggish feelings later on that contribute to food and sugar cravings, irritability, and overeating later in the day.” So make sure that you keep your stomach full, and start off right with one of the following energy-boosting coffee alternatives. 1. Make your latte a matcha Matcha is the personal morning go-to of Zeitlin—if you’re looking for a coffee alternative, this is your best bet. You can play it really straight as tea by brewing it in hot water, or you can have it latte style with unsweetened almond milk (or whatever

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October 06, 2019 at 06:00PM by CWC I use my fingers to apply (my often mis-matched) foundation. I’m not all that embarrassed about, but a better option for application is, of course, a foundation brush, which can help you control coverage—from sheer to full—and, you know, prevent you from looking like the joker. (Number of times my best friend has blended my jawline while we’re out and about? Infinity.) Since I aspire to be the type of high-functioning person who owns foundation brushes, I figured it might be prudent to ask the experts what, exactly, I should be looking for in such a purchase. After all, they aren’t necessary cheap. “Brushes can be an investment, but they’re so worth it,” makeup artist Neil Scibelli assures me. To apply foundation, he uses a beauty blender in combination with a foundation brush. “I like synthetic foundation brushes that are typically fuller, so theres not risk of the bristles clumping together and leaving a streaking effect on your skin,” he says. “I have a lot of double-sided concealer/foundation brushes, which are really convenient when you want to have a smaller end for around the nose or around the eyes.” Makeup artist Jeannie Vincent, meanwhile, says the type of brush you choose should really depend on the type of coverage you want. Below, she shares her recommendations, and offers a reminder for brush care as well. “Something to note about foundation brushes (generally) is that you really want to clean them after every use,

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