December 09, 2019 at 04:30AM by CWC I love the holidays. Aside from my birthday (week), the period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve is basically my personal brand. The fact that it’s an entire month dedicated to spreading kindness, spending time with your favorite people, and wearing sparkly everything means it really is the most wonderful time of the year to me (as any of my co-workers can attest). But as much as I enjoy the social elements of the season, one thing I am not a fan of is in-person shopping. Online shopping? Sure. I have a close relationship with my doorman because I get everything—from shampoo to healthy groceries—delivered to my apartment. Shopping in crowded stores? No thank you. That’s why I was so thrilled when I discovered the wardrobe treasure that is this versatile-yet-statement-making skirt from Target. I saw my whole holiday season unfolding before my eyes: Nearly a dozen different parties, multiple outfit changes, and blessedly only one stress-free shopping trip (online, of course). Here’s how I made it work, Project Runway style. Scroll down to see how I turned one skirt into three holiday party outfits (with lots more possibilities). The office party The dress code at the Well+Good office spans from business casual to athleisure (#blessed), so for our holiday shindig I wanted to pull together something that complemented the chill vibe, with a classed-up twist—because it is a party, after all. I went for a winter whites look with my newly beloved accordion-pleated skirt,
Month: December 2019
How I reclaimed ‘cooking for one’ as an act of empowerment
December 09, 2019 at 12:00AM by CWC It’s been well-established on the internet that I am a single person who is slowly losing faith in love but trying to “stay positive” and “make better choices” and “not date any more bartenders or DJs.” While I’m generally finding empowerment in being self-partnered (yes, even at the holidays) and am the first to admit that I am prone to hyperbole, the fact remains that there are times when being single is hard. For me, there is something that feels automatically depressing about cooking for one. Beyond the essential function of providing our bodies sustenance, cooking is generally considered to be a way to connect with other people. When I cook, however, I know I’m going to spend all this time making a meal and then eat it in about two minutes while sitting on my couch by myself, staring blankly at the television as an episode of Parks and Rec that I’ve seen eight times plays and I decide if I want to respond to an ex’s “WYD” text. Regardless of how delicious the meal was or how much I may have enjoyed eating it, my solo cooking adventures just felt like another reminder that I don’t have someone to share meals and conversation with at home. I was tired of feeling this way about cooking for one, so I called up Amy Cirbus, PhD, a New York-based Talkspace therapist, to figure out some ways to reframe the situation. “Think about what
If you’ve been foam rolling, here’s why you should try “rocking”
December 08, 2019 at 10:00PM by CWC Move over, foam rollers—TRX just launched a “rocker,” and it’s coming for your sore muscles. TRX Training, the fitness brand you know for suspension traps that hang in practically every gym and workout studio, has created a TRX Rocker ($50) to help with recovery. At first glance, it looks like a foam roller, but it’s actually tear shaped, and each of the panels have different-sized ridges. The idea is that each one works at a different intensity level so that you can make your recovery sesh a little more customized and targeted for your needs, whether you need to amp things up a notch or pull back. Since it isn’t perfectly round, the tube actually rocks, which makes it feel weird at first if you’re used to foam rollers. “The Rocker’s design was conceived as a way to simplify myofascial massage for users at all different levels of fitness,” says Randy Hetrick, TRX founder, explaining that the tool uses pressure on soft tissue to “release tension, enhance blood flow, and reduce stiffness from sore muscles.” Unlike the roundness of foam rollers, the geometric design gives you the option to switch up intensity, which Hetrick says adds a technique similar to acupressure for “more focused protocols and improved results.” Compared to a foam roller, using the rocking method feels like a much more hardcore and targeted way to melt muscle soreness. “Traditional foam rollers have a limited ability to modulate pressure and get into smaller
Get ready for this week’s cosmic journey to take you from confusion to clarity within 7 days
December 08, 2019 at 08:00PM by CWC This week begins with a massive call for patience from the universe. But, not to worry—it’ll pay off. Confusion sets in with a set of planetary squares Starting on Sunday—when the sun in Sagittarius squares Neptune, while Jupiter in Capricorn squares Chiron in Aries—you can expect for things to feel extra confusing. As if you were driving in heavy fog, your impulse may be impulse may be to turn on your high light beams. But in this cosmic case of blurriness, taking an aggressive approach to rectify a lack of clarity will only make things less clear. Now’s not the time to press forward for answers, but instead, sit in the lack of knowing, and allow what needs to unfold to take its course. Yes, that can feel scary, but remember that there’s nothing you can to “force” a solution right now. Instead, take a step back and recommit to self care. Need help? Try using this mantra: “Everything is unfolding exactly as it must. I am guided and protected.” Then, Mercury in Sagittarius provides clarity Come Monday, when the quintessential messenger Mercury moves into bold and blunt Sagittarius, you may feel a burst of clarity hit you. Mercury just finished its long transit in Scorpio due to its retrograde, and the hardest degrees of this journey were the ones just cleared, at the tail end of that sign. In light of this, you’d be wise to take a moment to acclimate to
8 skin-care Sephora best sellers you can snag for $15 or less
December 08, 2019 at 04:00PM by CWC Black Friday and Cyber Monday may be over, but my urge to splurge remains. It’s like the flood gates—or, more accurately, vault doors–have been opened and nothing can re-contain them. Lately, I’m clicking on every Instagram ad, opening every retailer email, and just generally ruining my prospects for ending 2019 on a responsible fiscal note. It’s a problem.Fortunately, I somehow landed me on the Sephora best sellers page, where I was surprised to find a number of affordable skincare superheroes for $15 of less. Though I’m likely to snag a few for myself—my skin is not exactly thriving through the holiday stress—more altruistic individuals might want to consider them as stocking stuffers or otherwise assorted holiday gifts. Starring prominently among these selections are cult-beloved clean beauty brands like The Inkey List and The Ordinary, both of whom make serums to die (er, live?) for. Several products from the Sephora Collection also fit the bill as bestsellers that won’t break the bank, including a butt mask that screams White Elephant exchange if ever a product did. Sorry (not sorry) for bringing these gems to your attention, but irresponsible spending loves company—or something like that. Happy between-holiday hunting! Check out these skin-care Sephora best sellers for $15 or less Photo: The Inkey List 1. The Inkey List Retinol Anti-Aging Serum, $10 The fountain of youth isn’t yet available for purchase, so this clean serum will have to serve as a stand-in. Retinol, its star active
How to keep your feet warm, according to a podiatrist
December 08, 2019 at 02:00PM by CWC Technically, winter doesn’t arrive until December 21. But let’s be real—it’s already in full-force. And with the freezing temps and snowy days comes a constant battle to keep your feet warm. If you struggle with keeping your feet warm, you can do a handful of different things to ensure your toes stay cozy until it’s time to bust out your favorite pair of sandals again. I don’t know about you, but going to bed with icy digits every night that scare you awake every five minutes is no way to live. With a few swaps, some upgrades, and a little help from technology, these are the best ways to fight off agonizingly cold feet. How to keep your feet warm like a pro 1. Invest in super-warm boots Don’t skimp out on getting quality winter boots. While the warmest options might not be as cute as your black booties, they’re key in keeping your feet cozy. Miguel Cunha, DPM, New York City-based podiatrist and founder of Gotham Footcare, says to make sure your boots and shoes have a thick sole, like Kamik Women’s Momentum Snow Boot ($90), which has more than 1,900 ratings and 4.4/5 stars. They’re waterproof, are insulated, and can keep your feet warm in freezing temps. For even better results, Dr. Cunha says you can also add an insole to keep your feet further from the ground. “More heat is lost from your feet simply by standing on cold surfaces
I’m a derm, and you should be washing your neck—not just your face
December 08, 2019 at 12:00PM by CWC You’re religious about washing your face: gentle cleanser, lukewarm water, twice a day. But a solid skincare routine should involve washing your neck, too. Washing your neck outside the shower isn’t a thing for many people, and derms want to change that ASAP. I mean, think about all the makeup that gets down there—even if it’s just fallout from all your powders. “Many women use makeup on their necks to blend with the rest of their face. Because the neck has oil glands just like the rest of the face, it’s also subject to breakouts,” says Gretchen Frieling, MD, a Boston-based triple board-certified dermatopathologist. When you don’t wash your neck, breakouts are the least of your problems. “When people don’t cleanse their neck, they tend to get ‘dark neck,’” Dr. Frieling says. Aka dermatitis neglecta, a condition where things like makeup, sweat, dirt, and bacteria build up on your neck, causing the skin to become a shade or two darker than your face. To keep your neck skin just as healthy as your face, make sure you’re sticking to a proper skincare routine that benefits both. How to wash your neck like a pro To make sure you’re properly washing your neck, steal this skincare routine straight from Dr. Frieling. step 1: Cleanse Cleanse your neck with a cleansing milk or gentle cleanser a few times a week to make sure there’s no skin or dirt build-up. You can also use a gentle
“Serum cycling” can help you use multiple active skin-care ingredients with less irritation
December 08, 2019 at 12:00AM by CWC If your skin is temperamental and likes to flare up with a dramatic outbreak of redness or irritation, serum cycling may be your new flex. What is it, you ask? The idea is that if you alternate the active serum that you’re using each night, your skin will have an easier time working with the powerhouse ingredients, so you’ll get the effect you’re looking for without any negative side effects that might come with overusing a single ingredient. “Rotating serums is helpful when using ones that can be slightly irritating, such as chemical exfoliators like salicylic acid,” says Robert Anolik, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. Though he recommends using retinol nightly, it’s “perfect for rotation” if yours is irritating to your skin (you’ll know because it will feel extra dry and might even get a bit red and itchy). If you find yourself dealing with this, rotate in calming ingredients to help mitigate irritation. “Alternating serums is a good idea, especially if you have sensitive skin,” echoes Shirley Chi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “You still want to use a retinol because it’s going to promote collagen production, but you can use it three times a week and alternate with something else like hyaluronic acid on the others.” It’s also a smart skin-care practice if you’ve got dry skin (which might as well be everyone this winter season). Looking for the best serums to use at night in your cycling regimen? Keep scrolling for
The 5 foods a gastroenterologist always, always keeps in the fridge
December 07, 2019 at 10:00PM by CWC Gut health is all the rage these days, and for good reason: eating foods with good bacterian helps to balance your gut’s microbiome—the digestive tract’s ecosystem comprising of trillions of live bacteria that interact with virtually every cell—boasts benefits that extend well beyond digestion. According to research from the British Medical Journal, diversifying your gut microbiota can play a role in weight management, and help ward off the likes of type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and more. Most recently, three independent studies have even found that certain gut bacteria species may improve the efficacy of anti-cancer drugs. It’s like, what can’t a balanced gut do? Need a refresher on gut health? Watch this: [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpAjl3cFn6A] While no single food can alter your gut flora or even eliminate your risk of disease, Dr. Niket Sonpal, M.D., an NYC-based internist and gastroenterologist, stocks his fridge with the following foods to optimize gut and overall health. Foods with good bacteria, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins for gut health 1. Yogurt If you’ve been toying with the idea of embarking on the Activia challenge, let this be your inspo to take the leap. “Live yogurt is an excellent source of so-called friendly bacteria, also known as probiotics,” says Dr. Sonpal. To maximize your yogurt’s health benefits, he recommends adding your own fresh fruit (instead of opting for sugary fruit-on-the-bottom types), as well as avoiding sugar-free or full-fat versions. 2. Miso You don’t need
This sheer black lipstick can transform *any* shade into the perfect wintery hue
December 07, 2019 at 09:00PM by CWC I know I promised to tone it down with fancy goth sh–t after I asked for that velvet Victorian mourning hat for Christmas in 2018, that deluxe Cure double record in 2016, and like…17 years’ worth of Nightmare Before Christmas merch before that. But, dear Santa, please believe me when I say that I absolutely need the Lipstick Queen Black Lace Rabbit ($24) lipstick, or I will never be the exquisite midnight princess that I am meant to be. Black Lace Rabbit isn’t just the chicest name for a tube of lipstick ever. It’s a sheer black color with gold—gold!—sparkly flecks in it, which evokes a serious Stevie Nicks aesthetic, first of all. Worn solo, if you dare to be so bold, the hue makes your lips look as though they’re wearing black nylon stockings. Sure, not everyone can be convinced of the idea that a smoky gray-pink pout is chic, but to each their own. But what makes the Black Lace Rabbit shade particularly special is its transformative powers against any lipstick. This shade is actually meant for layering—so, as the temperatures drop and that reddish-coral you got for the summer looks clownish against your winter pallor, a swipe of Black Lace Rabbit morphs it into a deep berry hue that’ll be a big hit at your next holiday party. Santa, you know how very important it is to really Show Up to a holiday party. You want to have options. Really, this multitasking