RunCute :: final post
Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 12:06 AM Here at RunCute, we have: A) Gone the distance. B) Reached the end of the road. C) Crossed the finish line.
However you’d like to say it, this article simultaneously serves as the one-year anniversary of our blog’s launch… as well as its completion. I feel so blessed to have shared the RunCute experience with my wonderful readers, and hope that you have enjoyed our posts.
And what an experience it was! RunCute - a mix of industry posts and personal thoughts - was a big first, despite years of writing for clients and traditional publications. Come to think of it, there have been a lot of RunCute “firsts” this year. Many of you finished your first marathons, half marathons or 10ks; together, we put to the test what seemed like countless shoes, tanks, tops, shorts, hydration solutions and beauty products; and last but certainly not least, during all of this, you gals (and guys) tolerated the somewhat sporadic consistency of my blog posts while I experienced two additional “firsts.” After commuting back and forth between Utah and Los Angeles, last June I decided to take a leap of confidence and moved full-time to the City of Angels, an entirely different world than the relatively quiet ski resort that I called home. Shortly thereafter, I stress-fractured my leg and had to figure out what to do while completely out of commission and living in an unforgiving new city. After a few laughable bumps in the road, everything turned out quite positively; now that I am no longer training for races, I have gained a significant amount of writing time each week and am able to volunteer more frequently than ever before.
Nonetheless, I owe you all a sincere “THANK YOU!” for your patience and unfailing support. My family and friends deserve a spectacular round of hugs for their collective input and enthusiasm, and I would also like to express my gratitude to one person in particular, who believed in my writing and helped me bring the lofty idea of RunCute to fruition one sunny weekend here in LA last March.
As you read our last article – a compilation of my top 10 favorite running-related beauty and style tips – please join me in a toast to running, the activity that brought us together, and also to new beginnings.
Until next time… Run happy, run healthy, RUNCUTE!!
Xoxo
<3 K
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The RunCute Top 10: Our Favorite Running-Related Beauty and Style Tips
1. Roses are red, violets are blue, your gear shouldn't stink, and neither should you.
When your running shoes and winter hats/gloves aren't in use, keep them dry and free of unsavory smells in two simple steps. First, if they're wet, place them near a heater overnight. Note that I said near, not on or touching. Second, once dry, store them in a cool, equally dry place with dryer sheets tucked inside. This will keep mildew at bay, infuse them with a subtly fresh scent and provide a remedy for static-y hair during the cold winter months.
2. Drink water - and LOTS of it!
Drinking water not only helps your performance as a runner, but also keeps your skin clear and glowing, your lips and hair soft, and your nails healthy. Cheers - here's to downing at least eight cups per day!
3. Invest in some stunna shades... for your skin.
Sunscreen is a must for outdoor runners, no matter what time of year. Better still, however, is a tinted moisturizer that boasts an equally-high SPF rating. Why? Not only will you reap the long-term benefits of protecting your body's largest organ, but the tint will also help to diminish exercise-induced redness and splotches, and keep you looking fabulous for race photos... or for when you happen to bump into that cute guy who lives in your building ;).
4. ... and speaking of shades, protect those peepers while running outside!
Eyes are delicate and require the utmost protection when running in the sun for any length of time. The most convenient way to keep your peepers pretty and damage-free is to wear sunglasses, a hat or visor while outdoors. Hats are probably my favorite choice, as they also protect the scalp, but sometimes it's too hot for full-noggin coverage.
Bonus style tip: For those who choose to wear visors, behold... the "visor bump-it!"* This nifty little trick will keep your poufy bun voluminous and looking maaahhhvelooous while you're pounding the pavement. *Since we're not using a real BumpIt, I can't capitalize the name. Or copyright it. Just sayin'!
Directions: Gently grab your ponytail in one hand and fold the ends into a cute, messy bunch. Push the entire bun upward and then quickly tuck the bottom section (which should be mostly ends) into your visor's adjustable strap. The strap will support the ponytail and help to maintain volume, as you won't have the gravitating weight of a bouncing thwack of hair pulling it downward. Ta-daaaaa!
5. Workout-proof mascara = your new best friend
[A reprint of one of our most popular articles]
Product Review: Best Workout Mascaras
It is 5:30am and your alarm is bleeping at a fever pitch, threatening to deafen you from several feet away on your nightstand.
Uuuuughhh... really? You ask yourself. Must I go to the gym this morning?
If you're anything like me, you proceed to spend the next two-point-five minutes dramatically sighing and flip-flopping over in bed, kicking the sheets and debating the merits of going to the gym vs. remaining warm and cozily snuggled beneath the covers for another few hours.
And, if you're anything like me, the gym will always win.
Unfortunately, the powers that be don't necessarily care that you deserve sainthood for working out at such an ungodly hour. Nay, they're tsk-tsking and chuckling about the fact that you should have gone to bed at 8:30 last night, not midnight... and guess what? Your bleary eyes and messy hair attest to their patronizing wisdom. Grr.
Which means that it's time to unleash your most epic, morning-defeating weapon: mascara!
Here are my two favorite mascaras, and the reasons that I so adore them.
"The Natural" - best for everyday wear and mild-to-moderate workouts
Suncoat Products Sugar-Based "Natural" Mascara in Black
I became familiar with Suncoat Products while living in Canada, where the company originates. Boasting a truly diverse and highly marketable product line, Suncoat employs sugar- or water-based technology in most items, which replaces the cancerous petroleum-based substances that litter our current mass-produced cosmetic offerings.
While I am planning to do a follow-up article specifically on Suncoat as a company, tonight I am going to sing the praises of their natural, sugar-based, vegan mascara.
Both photos courtesy of www.suncoatproducts.com.
This particular mascara is not waterproof, but it wears well. And, honestly, if you're not crying, sweating or swimming, you shouldn't wear waterproof anyway. It's harsh on your lashes, regardless of specific "natural" formulations.
I highly recommend Suncoat mascara for day-to-day wear, or for mild-to-moderate (i.e. low-sweat) workouts.
It is free of PVP (polyvinyl pyrrolidone polymer), acrylic copolymer, VA (vinyl acetate) polymer, in addition to fragrance, parabens, alcohol and glycol. What does this mean? You're a heckuva lot less likely to end up with cancer from wearing this mascara over the years. Also, it is biodegradable and vegan, so the Earth and our furry friends will thank you.
The "Heavy Hitter" - best for rainy-day running, sweaty workouts and swimming
Vincent Longo Vibrant Eye Waterproof Mascara
Vincent Longo's Vibrant Eye Waterproof Mascara ranks better than most others in terms of overall toxicity. Indeed, on the EWG Skin Deep cosmetic rating scale of 0-10, it scores a "3," which is deemed at the low end of "moderate risk."
That seems fine to me, as I rarely wear waterproof.
What I love about Vincent Longo's mascara is that a) it is truly waterproof, so I needn't worry about "accidents," and b) it comes in a wide spectrum of eye-color-accentuating hues, all of which are quite flattering.
So for those of you who are searching for a relatively safe, run-friendly waterproof mascara, I'd suggest this before anything from the local drugstore!
Both photos courtesy of www.vincentlongo.com.
And now, of course, for my favorite mascara application tips:
- I never adhere to a specific number of coats, per se. More like, I wiggle the wand up my lashes and apply as much as I deem necessary for the given occasion, which has the added bonus of breaking up any clumps that may form. It's the best way to truly coat your lashes and not end up looking like Spiderwoman.
- If you're planning on swiping your lower lashes with mascara, gently tuck a thin piece of tissue underneath while applying. This prevents your natural skin oils and foundation from mixing with the mascara, which tends to cause smudging.
- Always, always, ALWAYS remove your makeup before going to bed - especially eye products! Failure to do so may result in a nasty infection, not to mention an assuredly haggard "morning after" look -- mmm hmm, your honey'll love that!
6. When in doubt, always wear black.
Black is magic when it comes to apparel; universally flattering and visually slimming, it is ideal for both hot weather and cold. How so, you ask? Well, in hot weather, black masks sweat stains, whereas vibrant colors tend to showcase your toil for the world to see. In cold weather, black keeps our "girls" from...uh... publicly exhibiting how cold they really are, if you catch my drift!
7. Golden gams... show off some skin with confidence!
Good legs require upkeep. First, spend the money on a good razor; quality is absolutely worth it. Up until a couple of years ago, I actually used guys’ razors because they were the only ones that had four blades. Thankfully, certain companies eventually realized that ladies would like a close shave too, thankyouverymuch, and we now have quad-blade razors. Next, moisturize. Can’t say that enough. Chalky legs are a bad look on anyone. The best time to apply moisturizer is immediately after a warm shower, as your pores are open and more will be absorbed. Finally, enhance your natural skin tone with a subtle golden glow – and I don’t mean hitting the spray tan. Go to your local drugstore and find some lotion that contains a tad of shimmer (my favorite is made by Jergen’s), then use it to top off your moisturizer. Go get ‘em, ladies ;)!!
8. Panty lines do not belong in 2012.
Girl, if you're wearing tight spandex shorts or pants, or even loose-fitting, light-colored bottoms, please do us all a favor and invest in some thongs. A handful of companies even make comfy, workout-specific versions nowadays! Panty lines are a considerable fashion misdemeanor; no matter how gorgeous you may be, or how cute your itsy-bitsy-teeny-weeny short shorts, visible panty lines will cause people to avert their eyes in embarrassment... or worse, point and snicker.
9. Dialed style: tuck those cords!
Nothing spells “n-o-v-i-c-e” like distracting, jangly MP3 cords swinging around in the breeze. Polish your look by winding the cords and earbuds up under/through your shirt, and then tuck excess cord length into the side of your shorts or capris.
10. Remember to always have fun and smile... happiness is a good look on EVERYONE :)
