Part of Athleisure Beauty focuses on great finds that allow you to go from one place to the next in seamless transition. Whether you're leaving home or heading from the gym to cocktails with friends, these pieces are must haves to include in your routine.
PHOTO COURTESY | UnSplash
| MAI COUTURE Blush Papier | SWEAT COSMETICS Skin Balancing Cleansing Wipes | MILK MAKEUP Eye Marker |
See more from the Sept Issue
Photography Courtesy | Dr. Janet Prystowsky
With the summer coming to an end, we're starting to navigate back towards our Pumpkin Latte and favorite boots. Amidst our style and culinary transitions, we begin to think about our skin and how we can protect it to maintain that healthy glow. We chatted with Dr. Janet Prystowsky about this very topic to let you know about what you need to do to be prepared for this season!
ATHLEISURE MAG: How does skin change from the Summer season to the Fall season?
DR. JANET PRYSTOWSKY: Humidity levels change between warm and cold months, so that’s going to impact the kinds of skincare products you need to use. Moving into Fall, it’s time to start up a consistent moisturizing routine to keep your skin hydrated. Otherwise your skin can become dull and dry.
AM: What can be done to ensure that the skin has enough moisture (ie drinking water, certain nutrients one can have within the body)?
DR. JP: Staying well hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet will definitely be reflected in your skin. This is more of a lifestyle tip than a quick tip though. One apple or donut won’t immediately make your skin better or worse.
AM: When showering, what temperature should water be set at for the best way to cleanse the skin without damaging it?
DR. JP: Don’t take hot showers! Hot showers may feel nice and hydrating, but they actually cause evaporation of water from your skin by melting off your own natural moisturizing oils, thereby drying you out. Opt for a warm shower every time. Also, a little soap can go a long way. Using too much soap can wash off your body’s natural, and protective oils. If you use a washcloth, you’re almost certainly rubbing off your body’s natural oils. Try ditching the washcloth, using less soap, or using a gentler soap if you have dry skin issues. I’ve recommended Dove gentle cleansing bars to my patients for years, and recently started working with the brand. If you still have dry skin issues, use a body oil right after you get out of the shower. I’m a fan of body oils with vitamin E.
AM: If you have chapped lips, what is the body telling you and how can we treat as well as eliminate this?
DR. JP: If your lips are chapped, they are probably dry and irritated. If you frequently use lip balms or are constantly licking your lips, stop! You’re only going to make your lips more chapped. Go to your local pharmacy and pick up a small tube of Aquaphor. It’s great for lips and other chapped skin too. Just wipe or blot off the excess if you use too much.
AM: Dry/Ashy skin is always annoying, how can we treat this to ensure that we don't see this?
DR. JP: Use a moisturizer with vitamins and essential oils. There are certain vitamins, like vitamins A and D, that are naturally found in your skin. I like to call them bioidentical vitamins. By providing your skin with those same vitamins, I think you’re giving your skin its best chance to stay hydrated and soft. I made my own moisturizer that you can find on my site. It has three essential oils and three bioidentical vitamins. We just finished a consumer perception study where 100% of the participants said our cream hydrated and nourished their skin.We’re coming out with a complexion cream, cuticle cream, anti aging cream, and after sun cream too if you’d like to try them when they come out as well!
AM: What lotions, balms, salves, etc do you suggest for us to have on hand as we transition into fall?
DR. JP: Besides my moisturizer, I recommend buying a gentle bar cleanser like Dove’s. I also recommend buying a body oil for right after the shower in the morning. Also Aquaphor for your lips. I think skincare should be simple and easy. Less is more.
AM: Lightweight lotions, water based lotions, rich creams - tell us what we need to know about these and how it works within our skincare and when/how they should be used?
DR. JP: Lightweight lotions are for late Spring to early Fall. There’s not much reason to bog down your skin with a heavy cream during the warmest, most humid time of the year. During the late Fall through early Spring, I absolutely recommend a richer cream. We all need something during the Winter that can combat the icy wind and office heaters that take out our skin’s moisture.
AM: Are there certain skin areas that need to be treated differently than other areas ie softer skin (like underarms)?
DR. JP: More often than not you’ll be O.K. treating your skin the same way across the board. If you notice any areas that need a little more tender love and care though, there’s probably a specific way to treat it! Dry cracked feet, itchy scalps, irritated inner thighs, and ashy elbows all can be nuisances, that vary case by case. Consult with your skincare expert, i.e. your dermatologist.
AM: What are your thoughts on Skin Masks - how often should they be done and what are your thoughts on foot masks that peel layers of your skin off days after applying the booties?
DR. JP: I don’t recommend skin masks. I’m not convinced that they are any more efficient than other moisturizers at rehydrating skin. I especially do not recommend DIY face masks. It’s difficult to know how fresh your ingredients are and how your skin may react. Allergic reactions are common! I wouldn’t recommend using foot masks that peel layers of your skin. If you’re interested in chemical peels, I recommend consulting a dermatologist. While there are over-the-counter products that are considered safe, it’s always best to have a trained professional take the helm when skin peeling chemicals are involved.
AM: How can we maintain glowing fall skin?
DR JP: Establish a solid moisturizing and cleansing routine. Cleanse just enough to feel clean in the morning and wipe off your makeup at night. Aggressive cleansing with hot water is an easy way to strip away your natural oils and dry your skin out, and dry skin isn’t as healthy as hydrated skin. Other than that, keep your skin well hydrated with moisturizers.
See more from Sept Issue.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Anthony
Anthony Sosnick has been a leader in Men's Grooming for well over a decade, with his namesake, Anthony. We took a moment to talk with this beauty guru and musician as National Men's Grooming Day takes place on August 19th.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When you launched the brand Anthony 16 years ago, you were a pioneer as well as a trendsetter in the industry, now you have the core line as well as sub-brands under it - what was your background in the industry and tell us about each line and how it is differentiated?
ANTHONY SOSNICK: I had zero background in this industry, however I had a strong desire and passion to create super high quality grooming products for men and women. You don't always need to have a background in something as passion can increase the learning curve significantly.
Anthony is our core brand. It is the first line we created and is geared toward men's grooming needs. Having said that, women are also frequent users of the products - hence our tagline, "Developed for Men. Borrowed by Women." Anthony is a premium brand with good-for-you ingredients that is sold in prestige stores and used by anyone from the discerning grooming-conscious person to the everyday man or woman looking for superior skincare.
Shaveworks is our first foray into the women's side of the sink. Each product is considered a "hero" product that is specifically targeted to pre and post-grooming needs for women. It is made with some of the finest ingredients to solve waxing and shaving woes.
Action is our masstige line of grooming products for men. The brand consists of all the daily essentials that a man would use to properly groom himself while keeping his budget in mind.
Finally, Emily & Tony is a collaboration with an old friend who is a renowned sex therapist. The line has three aromatherapy and massage candles that can be used to spice up your home...and your love life.
AM: What sets Anthony apart from other men's skincare and cosmetic brands in the market?
AS: Anthony is one of the only brands that has a founder who leads the creative development and overall brand vision of its products.
AM: What is the primary goal that Anthony looks to accomplish when making its assortment?
AS: What's most important is making sure we develop innovative, high-quality products that meet the needs of our customer. We have been developing products for many years now and have a very good understanding of the market but it is also important for us to listen to our customers, while we take into consideration our own methodical and strategic research to bring to the consumer the best in class grooming products.
AM: Anthony is in a number of locations around the world, will it have its own independent stores in the future?
AS: We have no plans to do this at this time. We feel it is more important to support our retail partners and develop our e-commerce websites.
AM: Are there any launches coming out this fall that we can look forward too?
AS: We recently launched an amazing exfoliating cleansing bar that can be used as a shaving soap, body exfoliator, and facial cleanser. The product is fantastic as it does not leave the skin dry or dehydrated, but well-nourished.
AM: What is your favorite product within your lines?
AS: That's a question I get asked often. I would have to say the ones I use most often are the
Invigorating Rush Hair + Body Wash, Glycolic Facial Cleanser, No Sweat Body Defense, An-
thony Anti-Wrinkle Glycolic Peptide Serum, and, of course, our sunscreen for the face.
AM: What is a core ingredient that you believe is necessary for men to have within this line that is in Anthony products?
AS: We have dozens of key ingredients throughout the line. The one that is used most often may seem boring, but at the right level and in the right formula, is very effective. Aloe Vera is an exceptional ingredient for healing and soothing the skin and is especially good to be used in a wide range of men's skincare products.
AM: Are there ingredients that you would like to use that have yet to be included within Anthony products?
AS: At this time we feel very confident that we are using the right ingredients for the products we make. Having said that, we will start to use more advanced ingredients such as peptides and anti-aging complexes as we begin to develop new products.
AM: When you are not running your grooming business, how do you decompress in terms of fitness, enjoying meals out, etc?
AS: I am an avid runner and enjoy bike riding along the Hudson River in New York City. When time allows, there's nothing I enjoy more than traveling to Malibu and chilling out at the beach or hiking in the mountains.
AM: We know that you are a fan of music and you play the guitar, tell us about Guitar Mash and how this came about?
AS: A very close friend introduced me to Rebecca Weller who had the idea for this amazing concept. The first day we met she explained what she wanted to do and I was in. Guitar Mash is an amazing organization that gets a wide variety of people together for the purpose of jamming, hanging out and sharing musical ideas in a variety of settings.
AM: Tell us more about your involvement in giving back as we know you support a number of causes/charities.
AS: I've always thought it was important to be philanthropic since the inception of the brand. My father passed away from cancer before the products even hit the shelves so it was important for me to give back, not only in his honor, but also to support the fight against prostate cancer as the brand was initially developed for men.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | UnSplash
The right look starts with some of our must have cosmetics that give you a great glow. This month, we're focused on Laura Mercier's Face Illuminator which gives you an amazing sunkissed look. Allow your skin to stay breatheable with Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics' OCC Tint: Tinted Moisturizer. Finally, it's always about the eyes and Jane Iredale's Smooth Affair Eyes, eyeshadows in an array of colors.
Read more from the Aug Issue.
Images courtesy of Lela Rose
Next month, Fashion Month begins right here in NYC and continues to roll on to global destinations that showcase SS17 within a number of locations. Whether you're a model hitting the runway, sitting front row, part of the creative team, or enjoying online - it's essential to be skin and health ready! Dermatologist Dr Dendy Engelman and Nutritionist Brooke Alpert share how you can be ready for fashion's biggest season.
BePrepared
Fashion Week is all about preparation. Brooke recommends a hearty breakfast to kick-start the day and stave off temptation mid-day to reach for unhealthy snacks. Try oatmeal to maintain blood sugar levels and feel satisfied all morning, and fruit to fight fatigue and stress. Don’t forget to pack snacks for in between shows! Brooke is partial to almonds, dried fruit, jerky and squeeze pouches. “The almonds and jerky have protein to help satisfy, and the fruit and squeeze pouches will keep your energy levels up while running from show to show.”
Dr. Dendy wants your skin to glow and withstand the stress Fashion Week Brings. Her first secret: the Oxylight facial. “What’s nice about a facial is that it is customizable to treat many skin concerns,” says Dr. Engelman. Oxylight facial is a comprehensive skin rejuvenation treatment using light therapy for anti-aging and discoloration, increases collagen production and firming with galvanic currents, oxygenates the skin while destroying harmful bacteria as a side benefit for active skin. “I also like to have my clients use a brightening mask or a sleeping mask the night to maximize absorption before each day so the skin as further insurance for a camera ready appearance.” Dendy recommends DERM iNSTITUTE’s Cellular Brightening Bio-Crystal Mask - 4 packs or Nerium International AD Night Cream.
Stay on your Game
When travelling all day, you are at the mercy of what your hectic schedule brings. Brooke always carries a water bottle to remind her to stay hydrated throughout the day. "Water is essential for feeling your best and keeping headaches away.” “I like to add a scoop of Reserveage Collagen Replenish Powder for an extra beauty boost. It’s tasteless and odorless, you don’t even realize it’s in there,” says Alpert. “Collagen is a good source of protein to keep hunger at bay too.”
We don’t realize all the germs and bacteria that get on our skin and face. When opening doors, touching invitations, even using our computers—we transfer germs to our face. This can cause breakouts and irritations. “I love cleansing and hydrating mists that can be easily sprayed to refresh throughout the day—even over makeup,” says Dr. Dendy. (LUMIONskin Oxygen Mist Plus HOCL) “And of course, using protective sunscreen!” (Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart SPF 50).
-- Psst. Don’t forget your charger—you know your snapchat will kill your battery life—and a good playlist for between shows or while you are perusing online.
You survived Fashion Week, now what?
Time to put all those makeup and fashion trends to the test and hit the streets. Staying healthy can be hard when you’re dining and cocktailing, debuting the newest trends. Brooke likes her clients to do regular weigh-ins. “This will prevent over indulging and bring mind-body awareness.” When out, take a quick run-through of what is offered. “Pick what actually looks good and worth eating, planning will help with any regretful bites.”
All the new makeup trends can be fun to try, but make sure you are using products that are nontoxic. “I look for products free of parabens, fragrance, gluten, mineral oil and talc,” says Dr. Dendy. These products are safe for even the most sensitive skin. So whether you are covering dark circles (Nerium International Age-Defying Serum) from a late night or testing out the newest runway look, you are protecting your face while looking fabulous. Brands like Cover FX don’t have harmful ingredients and are safe for all skin types.
Read more from the Aug Issue.
Some of the best beauty products come from the sea. Nonesuch Skincare uses seaweed from Maine which is packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants that promote healthy skin.
Read more from the Aug Issue.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | iStock Photo
There is always a lot of buzz around lips to ensure that they are kissable, full, and have the bombshell qualities of Brigitte Bardot and Sophia Loren. Classic beauties are not alone! Many modern muses share their selfies with the perfect pout. Here's how you can get yours!
Dr. John Zannis is a board certified plastic surgeon in New Bern, North Carolina. We found out how to get the perfect pout and why more than ever lips are a facial focal point. Women can achieve the look whether looking at ways to create enhanced looks with lipsticks, fillers, contouring, or lip plumping. Dr Zannis has tips that can assist.
People see celebrities on Instagram and think they’ll just get lip injections too. “The more that celebrities admit to having lip injections and the more attention this particular procedure receives in the media, the more accessible it becomes.” He adds, “The danger is, that the procedure is complicated. Not just anyone can do a lip augmentation artfully and naturally,” explains Dr. Zannis.
There are ways to work with what you have. Dr. Zannis explains that the key is to strive for facial symmetry. “If you use lip liners, glosses and other cosmetics to create a fuller look consider your other features and natural lip shape.”
4 Tips for Luscious Lips
1. Use matte liquid lipstick: Liquid lipstick is popular because it’s easy! It goes on like a lip-gloss but dries matte on your lips like a lipstick and is nearly impossible to smear or take off without makeup remover. Liquid lipstick ideal for creating a bombshell look for a night out or special occasion where you want lipstick to stay put for a long time.
You can use it to make your lips appear fuller, shapely and defined, depending on what your “perfect look” entails. Try one of the best-reviewed brands like LA Splash Cosmetics or Kat Von D.
2. Go for lip fillers: Dr. Zannis explains that lip fillers are a great option if you want to alter the shape and volume of your lips semi-permanently. "They mostly contain hyaluronic acid, which can be injected safely in multiple sessions. The amount is easy to control by a skilled cosmetic surgeon, which allows you to achieve your goal gradually. The effects last around six months, at which point you may do another round of injections.” Achieving a natural look is the goal and that over-filled cartoon mouths look distorted.
3. Try some cool contouring techniques: Contouring is another awesome makeup trick to achieve a fuller look. It involves using lighter and darker shades of makeup to play up your features and give you a more defined, chiseled look. The great part is you probably have all you need in your makeup bag already. There are plenty lip-contouring tutorials on YouTube for free.
4. Use a lip plumper: Lip plumpers are great in that they are easy to use, non-invasive, work fast and are affordable. They’re typically infused with lip tingling ingredients like cinnamon, pepper and peppermint which leads to an instant, yet slight swelling.
Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme is a popular choice among make-up artists and beauty industry pros. When used both morning and night the difference is noticeable fast! Clearly there are many options to achieve your “perfect” pout. Experiment!
Read more from the Aug Issue.
PHOTO CREDIT | Subotinna Anna
Brown Sugar is not just for a sweet treat to add to some of your favorite dishes! It's also a great element to add to your skincare to maintain soft skin as it's a great exfoliant and moisturizing element for athleisure beauty.
The Wedgewood Hotel & Spa in Vancouver, Canada is known for a number of spa treatments including their decadent Epicurien Experience which includes a Cinnamon Brown Sugar Body Scrub, Epicurien Advanced Customized Facial, and the Wedgewood Signature Customized Massage
One of our favorite sugar scrubs for the body comes from Fresh. Their Brown Sugar Body Polish is the perfect way to ensure that skin is gently exfoliated, while enjoying the pleasant scent of this tried and true product.
Although Brown Sugar is a natural ingredient for exfoliating products, it can appear in body wash as well. Archipelago Botanicals offers this shower companion which, is nourishing for the skin.
Your lips are put through a lot and need to be pampered. Sara Happ's lip scrub is an essential that includes Brown Sugar and leaves them soft and ready for your gloss of choice.
See more from the July Issue
PHOTO COURTESY | Emirates Airlines
When you have long flights, comfort is key. In addition to the amenities that are provided on board for your Business Class or First Class flight, we have some must haves that you should include on your next trip to stay balanced, refreshed, and ready to hit the ground running when you arrive to your next destination for business or pleasure.
Increase your chances of a great flight by taking care of under your eyes with BioRepublic's Lost Baggage. It's always good to have on hand ithin your travel kit and is a quick and easy way for a mini spa in flight.
We never travel without a package of wipes and no matter how comfortable the flight, Ban's Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths do exactly what the name suggests. It's a great way to stay fresh, cool down and it leaves your skin with a smooth powder finish which is another way to ensure that you look destination ready.
Before touching down, a quick touchup is a quick way to showcase a natural glow. TreStique has an innovative beauty system that has magnetic pencils that allow you to either create multiple looks with the same tool or they simply make it easier to access. We suggest this Bronzer Stick, which is great whether you're highlighting or contouring.
See more from the July Issue
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Kelley Quan
Last month we popped by a beauty event and got up and close and personal with celebrity makeup artist, Kelley Quan, who is also the founder of the Pocket Spa - a must have beauty device that keeps you refreshed and cool that's great from pre-makeup, makeup, and after you take it all off.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Tell us about your background as a makeup artist.
KELLEY QUAN: My beginnings as a pro artist were not your typical journey as I started as a painter and as fate would have it, makeup found me rather than the other way around! That said, once I saw the capacity for what was possible to create on a body, well, there was no going back to canvas for me!
I have been a makeup artist now for 20-plus years working mainly in the fashion and beauty, and advertising areas and still love everything about the industry. To be able to travel the world and work on some of the most beautiful people on our planet has been a true gift. It's also so gratifying to work with other creatives and be part of a team. The business is all about collaborative efforts and I love how we can come together to produce images that are really dynamic.
As an artist, I have always been known as a “skin” girl, meaning that while I use loads of foundations, powders, primers etc.. I want the skin to look like I didn’t - “that she just woke up that way” perfection. There is an inner glow and sheen the skin has when it’s in peak condition, it is so unmistakably gorgeous and I aim to achieve this with every single job. There are so many ways to produce this, and depending on my subject I’ll switch up the application and products that help me achieve the look I’m after.
All of what I do as an artist has an emotional connection. Essentially, my mission is to get my subject to shift the perception she has of herself. It’s an incredible feeling when she can see what I see, and feels all the more beautiful because of it. I have found over the years that when I can get my models to feel an inner beauty, that it makes everything that I do on the outside even more impactful. Think of it as a Mind, Body, Spirit makeup application!
AM: With all the time that you spend on set, how did that assist in creating the Pocket Spa?
KQ: One of the things I have done since the beginning of my career was to use mineral waters or floral mists as a prep for the skin. It was effective before any makeup was applied, but you had to be very careful if used afterwards. It could destroy all the hard work I’d put into the makeup application in one spritz! I tried to find a fine mister or atomizer that would allow me to hydrate the skin, but just wasn't anything that was fine enough. It got me thinking about what I wanted and what technology was available that would help me to create the right vapor-mist. After many trial and errors, the first Pocket Spa was born. From the beginning, I knew that this was a much more effective way to hydrate and the extra benefit of helping maintain the makeup was just icing on the cake! All of my subjects were very receptive to all the experimentation with various prototypes and were critical to the development of the final product you see today. I thank them all for all the zany test drives they have had to endure!
AM: Tell us about the Pocket Spa and why it's essential within our beauty and daily routine?
KQ: The Pocket Spa is a compact, refillable and rechargeable personal humidifier that uses nano-technology to turn plain water into a moisturizing-mist of tiny water droplets that are small enough to penetrate deeper levels of the skin and replace moisture that is constantly being leached from skin by natural and environmental factors such as soaps, detergents, dry air, heating systems, air-conditioning, air travel and UV from the sun. I think it's an essential part of a beauty routine because it instantly delivers much-needed hydration to the skin where it needs it most, not just to the surface and helps to maintain the skin’s overall quality.
There are a ton of benefits to using it daily— After cleansing and moisturizing: the Pocket Spa is a more effective way to hydrate and not only adds moisture deeper into the epidermis but also helps skincare to perform even better. For a daily routine, I recommend using the Pocket Spa in the morning, during the day and in the evening. There isn’t such a thing as over use because the device only uses water to use it whenever your skin is crying out for some attention!
AM: In addition to being able to use water, tell us about the fragrances that you created that can also be used and will there be additions?
KQ: In addition to using plain water, I also recommend using my Aquasol ™ waters which were specifically created for use in the Pocket Spa. Each are small batch distilled and chemical and oil free. Re:Fresh is a bright, fresh fragrant water. It stimulates the skin and wakens it up, preparing it for a skincare/makeup application. Ingredients are: Hydrosol of Organic Melissa for inflammation and calming as well as antibacterial qualities, Lime to address congestive and anti-inflammatory issues and organic Rosemary improves mood, helps to clear the mind, and relieves stress and is also has anti natural antibacterial qualities.
Re:Generate is a heady blend of ingredients that are super regenerators which prepares the skin for replenishment during the sleep hours and encourages a general calm as well. Ingredients are: Hydrosol of Rose, Neroli, Frankincense, and Melissa. This combination will not only assist in reducing inflammation and promote health tissue and cell regeneration, it will calm and relax you as well which is why I recommend it for evening use or when you need to reduce stress. The combination of each of these ingredients was carefully crafted to promote a deep sense of calm, while also promoting regeneration of the skin.
AM: Do you see more devices being included within the Pocket Spa?
KQ: I have plans to expand the line of product to include a few more beauty devices to target cleansing and also a broad market version of the Pocket Spa.
AM: Where can we get the Pocket Spa and do you have any dream locations/sites that you would like to see the Pocket Spa on?
KQ: Currently, the Pocket Spa is available at AHALife, Open Sky, Nigel’s Beauty Emporium in Los Angeles and Blur Beauty in Toronto, Canada. I am in the midst of a distribution deal for North America and the UAE. I would LOVE to be in Sephora of course, especially in their new brand discovery area, but I also love Blue Mercury stores as well. I have a special spot for New London Pharmacy too as I am a New Yorker and over the years as an artist have bought some of my favorite brands from this little apothecary. It would be fantastic to be part of that family!
AM: What are the benefits of using Pocket Spa?
KQ: There are several advantages of using the Pocket Spa. First of all, while I have talked about it mainly as beauty device, it is also an amazing product to use for dry eyes or sinuses - even the hair. The micro vapor soothes those delicate areas to add instant hydration and relief. In addition to this, the Pocket Spa is a great traveling companion. It will help to keep your skin in great condition even at 30,000 feet. And don’t be surprised if your seat mate asks you to borrow it!
AM: Please share anything else that you would like us to know about you and/or the Pocket Spa?
KQ: As an artist, I have always taken great care to understand each of my clients needs. For every product I develop, I consider the consumer and have a singular mission in mind. It is to have highly effective products that create a memorable user experience. Whether it be from my hand crafted vegan beauty brushes , or the Aquasol, or the Pocket Spa, each work toward the goal of helping my clients look and feel amazing with ease.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Cora Life
Many of us don't think of our feminine care products unless it's that time of the month or you're in the midst of purchasing them. In the past, we have purchased a number of pink, blue and white boxes and quickly store them in whatever cubbies only to reach out for them when needed. There was no thought given to its aesthetic nature, how one can give a tampon at work (clutch) without feeling awkward, or simply being able to have it packaged better when sitting on your vanity (in a clean and minimal refillable box).
The fact is that on average, women spend nearly 40 years of their life menstruating (that breaks out to seven years cumulatively) , we use over 10,000 tampons, and 90% of them contain materials that are harmful to our bodies. The need to ensure that care and attention is given to all of our bodies and not just what you see on the outside is an essential!
We sat down with Molly Hayward, co-founder of Cora which is revolutionizing feminine care products that not only allow us to customize them for our needs and to purchase them within a subscription; moreover, they assist girls and women in third world countries as well.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we can get to the packaging of Cora, we were struck how a woman is truly able to customize her membership and quantity - how did this take place?
MOLLY HAYWARD: That was something that I was very adamant about when I was first talking with the brand. You have to be customizable. You go on Lola – they have a standard 18 pack and when you’re talking about a subscription that is coming every month or 3 months or whatever it may be, this is one product where one size definitely does not fit all. Every woman is totally different and the customization piece is really important. Sometimes I wish we could allow women to do so even further, but what we offer now seems to adequately serve almost everyone. We almost never have women reaching out to request 8 instead of 6. We’ve broken it down to categories that pretty much cover everyone.
AM: Are there going to be extensions of this brand?
MH: We know that we can’t fully serve women without expanding our product offerings – it’s a given. The rationale for offering tampons as our initial product is just because when it comes to organic and the health element, that is the product that you are most directly exposing yourself to any chemicals, synthetics, etc. We felt that if there is one that should be organic – it should be the tampon and the one that women should switch from. We also want to be a full service one stop shop when it comes to women and their periods. We realize the need for a line extension in the not too distant future.
AM: Would you ever have curated boxes by celebrities/personalities?
MH: A: We haven’t really thought of any collaborations in terms of additional brands and products. We think of collaborations and products in terms of the components in our signature kit – clutch and box. There are definite opportunities for us to partner with creatives and other individuals to do one off takeovers. I think it would be really cool.
AM: In terms of packaging, did you have to go through all of the color assortments before selecting the black and white one?
MH: We went through a whole gamut of design inspirations. We created 6 or 7 moodboards of directions that we could go. Really the first step was just pulling together brands and design and everything across the spectrum of the lifestyle of our woman our target consumer. We pulled everything we could from color design, to products, fashion, makeup to where she vacations and what kind of car she drives and we really kind of created 7 different themes. Then we narrowed it down from there. We thought long and hard about the vision that embodied what we wanted to convey. The simplification, clean, simple and in certain ways basic – more mature feeling that we feel is a part of our value proposition. This identity captured all those things. It was very deliberate and really an intensive process and to see which one spoke to what we are trying to represent as a brand.
AM: Is Cora doing in-person events, Fashion Week plan etc?
MH: We are doing a few things right now. We don’t have anything solid at this point in terms of Fashion Week although we have talked with some people who have expressed an interest in having our presence there. As far as in person – we have a few things coming up. Most notably, is a couple of collaborations we’re doing with colleges and universities (this will be a growing list). We’ll be on campus with Vasser College as well as Stanford University in the fall providing Cora products in all the women’s public bathrooms on campus. This is a direct interaction with our customer. We are building out some events around that in the fall. It includes me coming to do a speaking event and then rallying the campus around those. We do have a campaign we are working on as well with a non-profit here in the US in order to provide menstrual products to women in homeless shelters here in the US. We’re working with them on a campaign to help them raise awareness and to provide Cora products for them to distribute. We'll have an event for that campaign in late Aug as well. We’re primarily digital at the moment.
Also worth noting, we are also present in Jessica Biel’s restaurant, Oh Fudge in West Hollywood. We stock their women’s rooms with products as an amenity. That’s been a really cool spot for us. She posted on her IG over the summer and she is actually a customer who reached out to us and loved what we were doing and asked if we would stock her bathrooms. That has been a very cool project to work on with her.
AM: How does Cora assist women around the world in underdeveloped countries?
MH: We have partnered with organizations in India that support adolescent girls education and produce an innovative, affordable, and biodegradable brand of high-quality sanitary pads, They are produced in small women owned and operated mini factories that can be set up in villages and slums. The mini factories create jobs for women and a sustainable, affordable, local source of biodegradable pads for all girls and women in the community.
Cora purchases pads from the mini factories, generating revenue for them, and then provides those at no cost to girls in local schools who otherwise couldn't afford them and would stay home during their periods.
Imported sanitary pads in developing countries are inaccessible or are too expensive for most women and girls. Gender inequality is reinforced as women are forced to stay home from school and work for days each month. In rural India, one in four adolescent girls drop out of school after their menstruating because of the inadequate menstrual protection like sanitary pads. Those who stay in school are absent about five days each month. Among girls that are given pads, the dropout rate goes down by 90%.
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PHOTO COURTESY | UnSplash
Our vanity has become a miniature spa of sorts with devices that make our zen space. The must haves in our beauty rituals list include Clairsonic's Mia Fit to ensure that your face is smooth and cleansed, me Clear for zapping pesky acne and the BrushPearl which automated a necessary part of your routine by cleaning your favorite brushes.
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