Wednesday 4 March 2020

An Ode to Swimwear: The Best Swimsuits to Make You Feel Comfortable and Confident in Your Body

An Ode to Swimwear: The Best Swimsuits to Make You Feel Comfortable and Confident in Your Body

No matter your body type, choosing a swimsuit is an intimidating task; these tips will help you navigate the choppy waters of the swimwear aisle.

An Ode to Swimwear: The Best Swimsuits to Make You Feel Comfortable and Confident in Your Body

An Ode to Swimwear: Our delightful, daring, discouraging, doubtful, demeaning, altogether baffling relationship with the “swimsuit.” I equate swimwear to a first date – it’s pretty to look at, amazing to daydream about, but when the time comes actually to do the darn thing and wear it… it can be intimidating, humbling, and an all-together letdown. But just as a first date must happen to have a second one, whether we like it or not, a swimsuit must be purchased if we are heading to the beach.

I feel like we’re so hard on our bodies to begin with, throw in a beach vacation, and the self-criticism can dial-up to a ten fast. We live in a society where photo apps and airbrushing has taken the place of a true “candid,” making it hard for us to have realistic expectations when it comes to our own bodies. Trust me – the models also wish their bodies looked like they do on the magazine covers, and no one’s posting an unedited bikini pic these days. Add the beautiful, but sometimes challenging things that come with aging, childbirth, etc. and it can feel like we’re undergoing an all day, every day physical assault. As far as swimwear goes, the positive to our current culture is that we have been gifted oodles of talented designers who have come up with, what feels like, millions of different choices for millions of different bodies and preferences. From cuts to colors to designs – we have options, ladies. So, let’s talk through a few styles that can take you from the kids’ pool to the beach to the (gasp) adult-only cabana, and feeling great all day long.

No matter your body type, choosing a swimsuit is an intimidating task; these tips will help you navigate the choppy waters of the swimwear aisle.

As I have gotten older, I have subconsciously gravitated toward a one-piece. I am not sure whether it’s a comfort thing or the fact I am always chasing my little boy around the pool, but I have more of those lined up in my swimsuit drawer than tiny sassy bikinis these days. No longer the “Ugly Mom Suit” it used to be, a one-piece works for all body types in a classy and chic way. I love the high-cut suits that will show off your curves and effortlessly elongate your legs (yessss). The benefit of a smaller chest – you can choose a one-piece that has a lower cut top or even some kind of zip-up front. Want to show off your arms and back? Find a one-piece with a lower cut back, cap sleeve, or even halter top. The options are endless, and the styles are fun.

Ok, so I lied. I have several bikinis too. It is very seldom that I wear them. Still, I have a pretty amazing collection varying from Alessandra Rich black sequin string bikini to a sporty, practical Dolce & Gabbana tank and boy short to a stretchy, solid-colored Hunza G two-piece. For me, bikinis have set themselves up as my go-to for specific occasions. If I want a little more coverage, but still want some sun on a family trip, I tend toward the more conservative bikini. If I am on a vacay with my husband and feeling a little more daring, I will pull out something I may not normally wear to the kid pool, and yes, that may mean a smaller “Brazilian” cut bottom or a triangle top. I have learned over time that every bikini is not meant for me – but trying on and playing with styles is half (okay, maybe a third) of the fun!

You’ll want to try on several styles to see what feels the best for you, but here are a few general pointers:

The Best Swimsuits for Petite Women

Petite figures and those of us with little to no hips can work a boy short or thicker sided bottom really well. 

I equate swimwear to a first date - it's pretty to look at, amazing to daydream about, but when the time comes actually to do the darn thing and wear it… it can be intimidating, humbling, and an all-together letdown. But just as a first date must happen to have a second one, whether we like it or not, a swimsuit must be purchased if we are heading to the beach.

The Best Swimsuits for Extra Coverage

If you want to cover your hips and stomach, trend toward a suit with higher cut bottoms that can give coverage where needed. 

I feel like we're so hard our bodies to begin with, throw in a beach vacation, and the self-criticism can dial-up to a ten fast. We live in a society where photo apps and airbrushing has taken the place of a true "candid," making it hard for us to have realistic expectations when it comes to our own bodies. Trust me – the models also wish their bodies looked like they do on the magazine covers, and no one's posting an unedited bikini pic these days.

The Best Swimsuits for a Smaller Chest

Smaller chest? Try a more exciting cut top or a suit with some padding that can take you away from looking too young. 

Trust me – the models also wish their bodies looked like they do on the magazine covers, and no one's posting an unedited bikini pic these days.

The Best Swimsuits to Show It All Off

If you are well endowed in the chest area, you can be free as a bird with your choices, but I’d recommend looking for coverage and lift in styles you love.

No longer the "Ugly Mom Suit" it used to be, a one-piece works for all body types in a classy and chic way.

Shop the Post

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to products and brands I love.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on stumbleupon
Share on reddit
Share on tumblr
Share on pinterest


from Chic Meets West https://ift.tt/2Tzc6lw Krista Glover Facebook Profile Krista Glover Facebook Page Krista Glover Twitter Krista Glover Twitter Hastag Krista Glover Instagram Account Krista Glover YouTube Krista Glover LinkedIn Profile Krista Glover Pinterest Profile Krista Glover Medium Profile Krista Glover Crunchbase Krista Glover Behance Krista Glover Spotify Krista Glover Soundcloud Krista Glover Introduction Krista Glover Spreaker Krista Glover Fourquare Krista Glover About.me Krista Glover Blogspot Blog Krista Glover Wordpress Blog Krista Glover Tumblr Blog

Thursday 27 February 2020

Daily Sunscreen Tips: Most Effective Application, Best Non-Greasy, and Unscented Products

Daily Sunscreen Tips: Most Effective Application, Best Non-Greasy, and Unscented Products

Here Comes the Sun…Screen Whether for daily wear, or pool time, sunscreen is the key ingredient to keeping your skin looking and feeling young.

Daily Sunscreen Tips: Most Effective Application, Best Non-Greasy, and Unscented Products

It drives me crazy when people talk on and on about skincare, but don’t mention sunscreen. I mean, you just have to take one look at me to see I have very fair skin and would be a lobster in the sun without it. But also, sunscreen should be the first step, every day, in your skincare routine because it’s the number one thing that will keep your skin looking younger, longer. You know what they say about an ounce of prevention… With summer coming up (I swear you guys, it is…soon), I’m putting together my list of favorite sunscreens and sunscreen tips. Share this with a younger friend – the earlier you start with a consistent sunscreen routine, the better your skin will look for years and years to come.

Sunscreen Tips for Daily Wear:

Application: When to layer

I recommend adding sunscreen after your skincare prep (serums, moisturizers, etc.), but before your makeup. Put sunscreen on any exposed areas – face, chest, arms, backs of hands (don’t forget the backs of hands they show age so fast!).

Daily sunscreen tips for the most effective application and best non-greasy, unscented sun protection products.
Here Comes the Sun…Screen Whether for daily wear, or pool time, sunscreen is the key ingredient to keeping your skin looking and feeling young.

Know your SPF

This stands for sun protection factor. I could toss out a bunch of numbers and percentages here, but the basic thing you need to know is to use SPF 30 or above.

Know your UVA

These three little letters are everything. Sun damage doesn’t just happen when the sun is shining on your beautiful face. UV rays are present anytime the sun is up – even if it’s not hot or shining directly on you. So don’t skip the sunscreen on a cloudy or even rainy day.

Sunscreen Tips for Your Beach and Pool Days:

Here Comes the Sun…screen: Sunscreen Tips for Daily Wear
Sunscreen Tips for Your Beach and Pool Days

Application: Prep time

Put on sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you go into the sun.

Application: Don't skimp

Layer it on, girl! Sunscreen should be about ½ teaspoon for your face (not just a tiny dot like so many of us do), ½ teaspoon for your neck and chest, and about two tablespoons for the rest of your body. Use your judgment, but load it on. It’s worth it.

Application: Don't be a one-hit-wonder

Re-apply every 2 hours. Please, and thank you.

Best non-greasy, unscented sun protection products

My Favorite Sunscreens:

For everyday use, I love light, non-smelly, and silky sunscreens. I know a lot of you avoid daily layered sunscreen because it doesn’t feel great on your skin and beauty brands know this, too, which is why they’ve stepped up their formulations. 

Many tinted moisturizers even have sunscreen in them now, which is great (but shouldn’t be your only source of sunscreen). One favorite is La Mer’s Luminous Lifting Cushion Foundation with 20+ SPF. 

For daily use, I love this one by Clarins. You put it on over your moisturizer but before your makeup. So easy, and Clarins never disappoints. 

I’m a huge fan of Supergoop. I saw the founder of Supergoop speak at Create & Cultivate in NYC last year, and she was saying that she spotted a hole in the sunscreen market for a product that not only worked really well but also felt amazing on your skin. Keep their Glow Stick handy – it’s the best for quick applications. They have one just for your hands (keep it in your bag at all times). And for a day at the pool or beach, their mousse is so easy to apply. 

Happy sun protection, ladies! xx 

Shop the Post

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to products and brands I love.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on stumbleupon
Share on reddit
Share on tumblr
Share on pinterest


from Chic Meets West https://ift.tt/2T5FAbR Krista Glover Facebook Profile Krista Glover Facebook Page Krista Glover Twitter Krista Glover Twitter Hastag Krista Glover Instagram Account Krista Glover YouTube Krista Glover LinkedIn Profile Krista Glover Pinterest Profile Krista Glover Medium Profile Krista Glover Crunchbase Krista Glover Behance Krista Glover Spotify Krista Glover Soundcloud Krista Glover Introduction Krista Glover Spreaker Krista Glover Fourquare Krista Glover About.me Krista Glover Blogspot Blog Krista Glover Wordpress Blog Krista Glover Tumblr Blog

Tuesday 25 February 2020

3 Effective Micro-Fitness Moves You Can Do Throughout the Day

3 Effective Micro-Fitness Moves You Can Do Throughout the Day

A little goes a long way with these mini-workouts that keep your body active even when you're sitting (or standing) still.

Look, you have to do a few "real" workouts each week to get and stay in shape – that's for sure. But in-between sessions, you can keep your body feeling engaged and alive and show it some appreciation by adding in micro-fitness.

Who loves a quick fix? *slowly raises hand* If you’re anything like me, life feels so busy 100% of the time. And as much as I wish I could do less of everything with more time, it feels like the opposite every. single. day. Between running our household, organizing travel, carting the kids around, and trying to maintain some level of self-care…whoa. 

So, one thing I’ve been weaving into my life is “micro” successes. No time for an hour-long phone call with my best friend? I’ll take 10 mins while I wait in the carpool lane. No time to do a full home facial? Pop on some super-hydrating eye patches. These days I’m all about small wins adding up to big results. 

Who loves a quick fix?

Fitness definitely falls into this bucket. As much as I’d love to do an hour of dedicated fitness each day…yeah, right. I’m lucky if I grab a shower some days, so expecting to get in a workout is laughable. But fitness is important to me. Not because of how I look, but because of how it makes me feel. When I’m physically active, I sleep better, have more energy, my head is clearer, and let’s just face it – I’m a kinder human. Knowing daily dedicated workouts just aren’t realistic right now, I’ve started weaving micro-fitness into my days. Add these micro exercises to your daily routine and notice how much better your body and mind begin to feel.

A little goes a long way with these mini-workouts that keep your body active even when you're sitting (or standing) still.
By incorporating these three micro-workouts into your daily routine, you can keep both your energy and mood in peak condition.
But fitness is important to me. Not because of how I look, but because of how it makes me feel. When I'm physically active, I sleep better, have more energy, my head is clearer, and let's just face it – I'm a kinder human. Knowing daily dedicated workouts just aren't realistic right now, I've started...

Micro-Fitness Workout #1
Just Walk

If you live in a city like New York or London, you naturally walk quite a lot. I, however, live in a “driving city.” We drive everywhere here – even if it’s just from one parking lot to the parking lot next door… So as much as possible, I intentionally add walking into my days. I park far from the entrance to the store. I leave my car in one parking lot and walk to the other; I walk to a neighbor’s house. It sounds simple, but if you look at your days and realize how much you drive when you could walk, you’ll see lots of opportunities to get a few steps in.

These days I'm all about small wins adding up to big results.

Micro-Fitness Workout #2
Flex-and-Squeeze

Okay this one sounds a little strange, but hear me out. Standing still in the kitchen? Do some calf raises. Sitting in a chair? Squeeze your thighs together and hold, then release. Repeat. Anytime you’re sitting, standing, or even walking, you can find a muscle to focus on and squeeze…release…squeeze. This isn’t about building muscle, but about keeping your body awake and bringing mindfulness to your muscles. 

3 Micro-Fitness Moves You Can Do Throughout the Day
A little goes a long way with these mini-workouts that keep your body active. And who doesn't love a quick fix?
By incorporating these workouts into your daily routine, you can keep both your energy and mood in peak condition.
These days I'm all about small wins adding up to big results. A little goes a long way with these mini-workouts that keep your body active even when you're sitting (or standing) still.

Micro-Fitness Workout #3
Lunges and Pushups

If I could only ever do two moves, they would be lunges and pushups. They’re super-efficient and hit a lot of muscle groups at once. Anytime I can do ten lunges or ten pushups (not in public, let’s not get crazy), I do. Pushups on the floor are aggressive, so I’m talking about doing them against the kitchen or bathroom counter. Lunge down your home hallway as you go from one end to the other. You won’t get sweaty. You will appreciate feeling your muscles move and heart beating. 

Look, you have to do a few “real” workouts each week to get and stay in shape – that’s for sure. But in-between sessions, you can keep your body feeling engaged and alive and show it some appreciation by adding in micro-fitness. Think of each step, push up, squeeze-and-release and lunge as a tiny hug you give your body. Also, doing these little things will subconsciously remind you that you love movement and probably encourage you to get in that extra “real” workout each week. 

Fitness hasn’t always been easy for me. Here’s my story about fitness after 30 and how I embraced my body, my energy, and my wellness. 

Micro-workouts are short workouts that last less than 10 minutes.

Yes! A little goes a long way. When I’m physically active, I sleep better, have more energy, my head is clearer, and let’s just face it – I’m a kinder human. Knowing daily dedicated workouts just aren’t realistic right now, adding in these little exercises throughout my day keeps my mind and body alert.

Two moves that are super-efficient, effective, and hit a lot of muscle groups are lunges and pushups. If I could only ever do two moves, they would be lunges and pushups.

Shop the Post

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to products and brands I love.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on linkedin
Share on stumbleupon
Share on reddit
Share on tumblr
Share on pinterest


from Chic Meets West https://ift.tt/2SWLcVI Krista Glover Facebook Profile Krista Glover Facebook Page Krista Glover Twitter Krista Glover Twitter Hastag Krista Glover Instagram Account Krista Glover YouTube Krista Glover LinkedIn Profile Krista Glover Pinterest Profile Krista Glover Medium Profile Krista Glover Crunchbase Krista Glover Behance Krista Glover Spotify Krista Glover Soundcloud Krista Glover Introduction Krista Glover Spreaker Krista Glover Fourquare Krista Glover About.me Krista Glover Blogspot Blog Krista Glover Wordpress Blog Krista Glover Tumblr Blog