Active wear 101: How to choose your workout gear

 There’s no doubt that exercise is good for us, both physically and mentally. Whether it is running, walking, pumping iron, Zumba, yoga or anything else, keeping fit has a plethora of benefits for your physical and mental health. But did you know that wearing the right fitness clothes is the difference between a good workout and a bad one, including how you feel after you’re done? Besides how functional active wear is, it also contributes to how confident and good you feel about yourself, giving you that extra motivation on days when you’d rather sit on your couch than get a workout in.

So elevate your workout by investing in the right workout clothes by following these simple-to-follow tips.

Tips for picking the best workout clothes:

• Fit is the most important: The correct fit is the first thing you should look out for in your active wear. At the end of the day, what matters is getting a good workout, and regardless of how good a garment looks, if the fit is wrong, it will only hinder your exercise routine. Too tight means it will constrict your movement and too loose means it will get in your way while you try to move. So you want to go for outfits that feel the most comfortable. When you try them on, move around – sit, squat, walk around and see how it feels.

• Fabric quality: As you will be moving around and sweating in your active wear, fabric quality will make a difference. Bad material causes chafing and skin irritation. Look for high-quality fabrics that are lightweight, comfortable and super stretchable.

• Activity: Have you noticed how there are many types of the same garment available? For example, if you’re looking for workout pants, you may find sweatpants, joggers, yoga pants, running tights and even compression pants. The same goes for most gym wear for women and gym wear for men. This is because different activities require different types of clothing to give us the best exercise experience. So don’t forget to look for clothing that reflects the activity you are choosing them for.

• Location matters: Are you working out indoors or outdoors? Is it hot or cold? Breezy or still? The weather and location of your workout will matter a lot when picking your workout outfits. Make sure to layer up for the colder weather if needed. 

• Consider your innerwear: Seamless underwear and sports bras are ideal for exercising. Seamless panties or boy shorts in a soft cotton material won’t cut into your skin and keep you comfortable through your routine, while sports bras will provide the support your breasts need due to the movement. Sports bras also reduce your risk of injury.

• Breathability: From spandex to cotton, there are many different fabrics used for active wear and athleisure wear alike. Working out causes the body to sweat – the body’s natural response to try to cool itself down, which is good because it means you’re pushing yourself. But having your clothes drenched in sweat halfway through your workout will change your body temperature and make you uncomfortable. This is where breathable fabrics that are light, moisture-wicking and odour-controlling come into the picture. They dry quickly and help regulate your body temperature so you can focus on your exercises.

• Main features: Unlike everyday clothes, active wear boosts your performance, helping you push yourself while you exercise, which is why they are made with extra features. This includes compression, stretchability, thermal insulation, waterproofing, durability and even UV resistance. Be sure to read the label carefully and find exactly what is suitable for your exercise regime to get the most out of it.

Now that you have an idea of what to look for when buying workout clothes, here are some staples every fitness enthusiast would want in their wardrobe.

Active wear essentials you need

Elasticated leggings

These leggings focus on stretchability. Their skin-hugging silhouette and stretchiness make them a versatile pair you could use for everything from a run in the park to a gentle session of yoga at home. The full length also makes them ideal for colder weather. Kappa’s leggings go a step further by giving you that extra oomph of style!

Tracksuit

This two-piece outfit is the epitome of comfort. You can wear it while lounging at home or when you go for a light walk outdoors. Tracksuits are also used to keep your body warm post-workout, so your body cools down slowly and naturally, so you can avoid muscle cramps or injury.

Latin Quarters’ pink tracksuit in a soft furry finish is what you need, especially in the winter months. It also doubles up as stylish athleisure wear!

Puffer jacket

Known for its lightweightedness, water-resistance and warmth, puffer jackets provide all the weatherproofing you need if you work out outdoors or if the weather is unpredictable. The yellow jacket from Puma, with its mock collar and full sleeves, lets you show off your sportswear style too!

Sports bra

As mentioned above, sports bras are essential as part of gym wear for women. They provide additional support, reduce breast pain and help avoid any discomfort while exercising. The colour-blocked bra from Triumph with a zip on the front is easy-to-wear and does the job nicely.

Sports shorts

On warmer days, you can always turn to sports shorts that will keep you cooler while giving you the freedom you need to exercise. Kappa’s sports shorts in various colours have an elasticated waistband for added comfort.

Sports crop top

Sometimes a crop top is better than a longer one as it stays out of the way and doesn’t restrict movement in any way. Try Puma’s black V-neck crop top for style and versatility.

Joggers

As the name suggests, joggers are great for jogging or a light run. The soft material is comfortable to wear for long periods and increases mobility. They are also super stylish for when you want an athleisure wear look. Kappa’s drawstring sports joggers strike the right balance of both.

Sports t-shirt

Perfect to be paired with shorts, tights or joggers, sports t-shirts are lightweight and moisture-wicking. Kappa’s got a fabulous range of t-shirts, like this orange typographic print t-shirt.

Sport jacket

For days when a puffer jacket is too much, a sports jacket like this lilac purple one from Kappa will keep you warm. You can also use it to keep yourself warm after your workout.

Full-length tights

These pink tights from Kappa are made for gentle exercises like yoga or stretching. The soft cotton blend fabric will feel like it’s one with your skin.

Winter vs. summer skincare: What to know

 What’s the one cardinal rule of skincare? Don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Nailing the proper skincare routine can be a tricky process, especially if you have sensitive or combination skin. And once you have a regular routine in place, you should take care to tweak it seasonally, just as you would with your wardrobe. Drying winters are very different from humid summers, and your routine should reflect these changes in weather. Here is what you should know about changing your regular skincare products…

Cleanser

When the weather goes from scorching hot to freezing cold, one of the first things you should consider changing is your cleanser. Cleansing your face twice a day gives you the opportunity to infuse it with much-need hydration. Winter air is much drier, causing dryness of the skin, too, unlike summer air, which is humid with far more moisture. So while summer cleansers tend to be lightweight and gel-based, winter cleansers should be creamier. This will deeply hydrate and protect your skin.

Serum

Facial serums have a variety of benefits, from boosting hydration to treating acne. While in summer, you may turn to serums that protect against UV light and brighten your complexion, wintertime calls for extra hydration. There are a few serums that do this better than the rest, namely, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the best serums to help your skin lock in moisture. This keeps the skin cells and tissue lubricated and moist, exactly what you need during the drying winters. On the other hand, vitamin C is known to strengthen the skin’s barrier, reducing water loss. You will get a plethora of other benefits from vitamin C serums, including a reduction in dark spots and hyperpigmentation, improvement in skin tone and texture and a brightened complexion.

Moisturizer

Summer skin care routines will have a significantly different moisturiser than winter ones. During summer, your skin is more hydrated and produces more oil, keeping it moist. Winter has the opposite effect, meaning you should use heavier creams than you do in summer. Heavier creams in summer, along with excessive sweating, would only clog pores and lead to acne and breakouts. But in winter, these same creams will deeply hydrate and nourish your skin for much longer than lighter lotions.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must-have for all seasons regardless of how you change skincare during the year. It’s a common misconception that you don’t need sunscreen in winter, but this is not true. Despite the sun being hidden by clouds and feeling milder, harmful UV rays reach your skin just as much during the cold weather. So whenever you step outdoors, remember to apply a generous amount of sunscreen on your body to protect it from the sun.

The only thing to note here is that a few applications of sunscreen would be necessary through the day in summers since you sweat a lot, while that’s not the case in winter.

Exfoliator

The last winter skincare tip to follow is regular exfoliation. The skin constantly generates new cells and dead cells collect on the skin over time, leading to dry, flaky skin. This problem is exacerbated in winter due to the dry weather, making exfoliation all the more important.

Exfoliating the skin every week will slough off dead cells, giving your skin a chance to renew itself. Doing so will also infuse your skin with much-needed nutrients and hydration too.

Winter vs. summer skincare: What to know - CircleMag

Winter vs. summer skincare: What to know - CircleMag 

What’s the one cardinal rule of skincare? Don’t follow a one-size-fits-all approach. Nailing the proper skincare routine can be a tricky process, especially if you have sensitive or combination skin. And once you have a regular routine in place, you should take care to tweak it seasonally, just as you would with your wardrobe. Drying winters are very different from humid summers, and your routine should reflect these changes in weather. Here is what you should know about changing your regular skincare products…

Cleanser

When the weather goes from scorching hot to freezing cold, one of the first things you should consider changing is your cleanser. Cleansing your face twice a day gives you the opportunity to infuse it with much-need hydration. Winter air is much drier, causing dryness of the skin, too, unlike summer air, which is humid with far more moisture. So while summer cleansers tend to be lightweight and gel-based, winter cleansers should be creamier. This will deeply hydrate and protect your skin.

Serum

Facial serums have a variety of benefits, from boosting hydration to treating acne. While in summer, you may turn to serums that protect against UV light and brighten your complexion, wintertime calls for extra hydration. There are a few serums that do this better than the rest, namely, hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.

Hyaluronic acid is one of the best serums to help your skin lock in moisture. This keeps the skin cells and tissue lubricated and moist, exactly what you need during the drying winters. On the other hand, vitamin C is known to strengthen the skin’s barrier, reducing water loss. You will get a plethora of other benefits from vitamin C serums, including a reduction in dark spots and hyperpigmentation, improvement in skin tone and texture and a brightened complexion.

Moisturizer

Summer skin care routines will have a significantly different moisturiser than winter ones. During summer, your skin is more hydrated and produces more oil, keeping it moist. Winter has the opposite effect, meaning you should use heavier creams than you do in summer. Heavier creams in summer, along with excessive sweating, would only clog pores and lead to acne and breakouts. But in winter, these same creams will deeply hydrate and nourish your skin for much longer than lighter lotions.

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a must-have for all seasons regardless of how you change skincare during the year. It’s a common misconception that you don’t need sunscreen in winter, but this is not true. Despite the sun being hidden by clouds and feeling milder, harmful UV rays reach your skin just as much during the cold weather. So whenever you step outdoors, remember to apply a generous amount of sunscreen on your body to protect it from the sun.

The only thing to note here is that a few applications of sunscreen would be necessary through the day in summers since you sweat a lot, while that’s not the case in winter.

Exfoliator

The last winter skincare tip to follow is regular exfoliation. The skin constantly generates new cells and dead cells collect on the skin over time, leading to dry, flaky skin. This problem is exacerbated in winter due to the dry weather, making exfoliation all the more important.

Exfoliating the skin every week will slough off dead cells, giving your skin a chance to renew itself. Doing so will also infuse your skin with much-needed nutrients and hydration too.

Winter Outfits for Girls – Comfy & Cute Winter Fashion for Girls

 It’s time to start planning stunning winter outfits for girls now that winter has arrived! Girls should rock layers, accessories, and girls’ winter jackets and coats. Winter is perhaps the best season to be on top of your style because the cooler temperatures allow for fun layering and even more adorable winter clothing for girls.

Let’s explore some of the freshest winter outfits for girls, which she will require for her wardrobe this season. Who said winter clothes for girls have to be uninteresting?

All your winter wardrobe problems are about to be resolved by these winter outfits for girls and girls’ winter wear ideas!

• Look 1

Let’s add some more enthusiasm to your child’s day with an upgraded ensemble. To her casual wardrobe, add this t-shirt with its typographic printed surface, round neckline, blouson hemline, and full sleeves.

For a finished look, pair it with this pair of leggings. Your child can be dressed in comfortable casual attire, including a flower print, an elastic waist, and a stylish design.

With these slippers, which have a V-strap and a patterned surface, you can let your child stroll around in comfort.

• Look 2

Underneath thick woolens, combine comfort and style with these tank tops, which have a printed pattern and a sleeveless silhouette to keep your child comfortable all day. This is a fantastic idea for winter clothes for girls. The sweater has full sleeves and a V-neckline with cable knit designs for a cozy and fashionable look.

Your child will be the centre of attention at any gathering with the right fashion sense and accessories. To enhance her casual wardrobe, add this pair of solid jeans with a button fastening, belt loops, and a full-length design. This pair of jeans is also equipped with a floral belt.

• Look 3

On our list of winter outfits for girls and is this gorgeous look. With this casual textured t-shirt’s fabric, round neckline, and full sleeves, you can add flexibility to your child’s everyday outfit. This girl’s winter jacket has a printed pattern on the surface; it also locks in heat and keeps your child comfortable throughout the day. It has a mock collar and a sleeveless cut. The pair of jeans features patch pockets, an insert, a button closure, and a distressed pattern.

• Look 4

Giving your child a new wardrobe can make them excited for a new day. Add this textured top with full sleeves, an off-shoulder neckline, and a textured surface to her casual wardrobe. By putting this blouse and pair of jeans together with lace-up shoes, you can create a stunning ensemble.

This A-line skirt has a straightforward pattern, a zip closure, and pockets for all-day comfort. This warm, comfy bomber girls winter jacket will up your child’s winter game. It has a printed design, a zipper closing, full sleeves, and a ribbed hemline.

• Look 5

This round-necked, short-sleeved t-shirt with tie-dye patterns and graphics of Batgirl is a favourite in every wardrobe. These full-length joggers will keep your little child in style.

It flaunts a bold graphic on the surface, an elastic waistline, and a drawstring closure to provide a snug fit. This girl’s winter jacket, which features a tie-dye surface, a zip closure, full sleeves, and a hooded neckline, will enhance your child’s relaxed style.

Girls may stay warm and fashionable in the winter in a number of ways. They can stay toasty all season long by layering their attire and accessorizing their looks. Winter is a perfect time to try out new wardrobe colors and styles. What are your go-to winter outfits?

Monsoon skincare: How to keep that glow

 While the monsoon brings a new season with cooler weather and cosy rainy evenings, it also brings with it a lot of skin and hair problems. The change from hot, dry days to humid, wet ones can cause your skin to become oily, sticky and clogged. But don’t lose hope! You can still keep that glow by adjusting your skincare routine to include these monsoon skin care tips that everyone should follow…

Best monsoon skin care tips

1. Rinse your face regularly

The first thing you may notice about your skin in monsoon is that it feels sticky and oily and looks shinier because of this. The higher humidity causes us to sweat more which leads to blocked pores, meaning inflamed skin and breakouts. This is why monsoon skincare routines are so essential. Let your skin breathe naturally by rinsing your face a few times during the day to remove sweat and dirt build-up. As always, using a cleanser twice a day is a must.

2. Add a toner to your routine

High humidity also opens the pores and increases the production of sebum, bringing us to our second monsoon skin care tip that everyone should follow. Toners work by tightening and closing the skin’s pores and maintaining its natural pH balance. Following the CTM routine – Cleansing, Toning, Moisturising – will keep your skin clear and free from acne. Start by washing your face with a cleanser, put a few drops of the toner on a cotton pad and gently wipe your face with it. Once it has dried, apply a generous amount of moisturiser as the final step.

3. Don’t skip the sunscreen

Although you may not be able to see the sun through the cloud cover in monsoon, sunscreen remains a big part of any monsoon skincare routine for all types. The sun’s UV rays can still reach you and have a detrimental effect on your skin. You can easily protect your delicate skin by applying a coin-sized dollop of sunscreen on your face and any other exposed parts of your body before leaving your house.

4. Try serums for breakouts

Those with oily skin can especially benefit from facial serums during the monsoon season. Oily, greasy skin only gets worse due to the high level of humidity. Facial serums are the perfect way to infuse your skin with some much-needed nutrients and hydration. Serums with Vitamin C and Salicylic Acid as ingredients are also helpful in reducing acne, inflammation, dark spots, pigmentation and uneven skin tone and texture.

5. Wear minimal makeup

Makeup is one of the culprits of clogged pores, and so is monsoon. Putting the two together can be a recipe for disaster. The best thing for your skin is allowing it to breathe. So when it comes to makeup, no makeup during this season is the ideal way to go, but since that may not always be an option, opt for minimal makeup. Apart from choosing waterproof makeup that won’t wash away because of the rain or sweat, you should also look for lightweight, water-based formulas over heavy, oil-based ones.

6. Exfoliate once a week

One of the monsoon skincare tips for glowing skin we swear by is exfoliation! Sweaty and sticky skin causes dust, dirt and grime to remain on the face. Oil also builds up and clogs the pores even further. You can avoid this by putting on a sheet mask or applying a facial scrub at least once a week. It sloughs off dead skin cells, removes all the build-up, flushes out the toxins and also infuses your skin with essential nutrients and vitamins.

7. Lather on the lotion

Lastly, it’s not just your face that is in need of nourishment and hydration. Your whole body can look dry and dull if you ignore it long enough. So make sure to apply a generous layer of body lotion as soon as you step out of the shower. Pro tip: apply a little extra on your knees, elbows, hands and feet.https://www.circlemag.in/monsoon-skin-care-tips-for-glowing-skin/

10 SPF makeup products you need for sun protection

 Summer or not, sun protection is a must all year round. Although most people think that the sun only affects you in the summer months, the fact is that harsh UV rays emitted from the sun can penetrate through clouds and fog and still reach you even when the sky is overcast. This is why broad-spectrum coverage is essential when stepping out of the house. While you still need to apply sunscreen under your makeup, using SPF makeup products may help you get additional protection for your delicate skin. Scroll down to read about 10 makeup products with sun protection that deserve a spot in your beauty regimen…

1. Lakmé Sun Expert SPF 50 Sunscreen

Look no further if you’re hunting for the best sunscreen for face. Said to block up to 97% of harmful sun rays, it has broad-spectrum protection and SPF 50 PA+++. The formula is also lightweight and non-greasy, so you can generously apply it to your face without worrying about how your skin will look or feel. It’s no wonder this sunscreen from Lakme is called Sun Expert!

2. Lakmé Absolute Argan Oil Serum Foundation

Infused with Argan Oil, which is well-known for its skincare benefits, this foundation from Lakme gives you medium coverage and comes with a smooth texture that easily blends into the skin. The foundation covers blemishes and evens out skin tone, while the argan oil moisturises the skin to keep it soft and supple. It comes with SPF 45 to protect against the sun.

Also Read: Beauty Products with SPF for Summer

3. Yves Rocher Hydra Vegetal SPF20 Protective Moisturizing Cream

If you want a two-in-one action beauty product for your daily beauty routine, this moisturising cream from Yves Rocher is the way to go. Enriched with edulis plant extracts, it hydrates the skin for up to 8 hours and protects it from external environmental factors. The SPF 20 cream also protects from UV rays, making it one of the best sun protection creams for face.

4. Chambor Extreme Matte Long-Wear Foundation

When it comes to foundations, Chambor has a great collection that is ideal for all skin types. This foundation, made specifically for oily to combination skin types, will glide effortlessly over your skin, covering dark spots and pigmentation. The matte-finish product will also moisturise and nourish the skin. It also has SPF 8 to protect from the sun – it is one of the best SPF sunscreen creams for oily skin!

5. SUGAR Grand Finale Setting Mist

Infused with active sunscreen ingredients that give protection from UVA and UVB rays, the SPF 30 setting mist from SUGAR will refresh and hydrate your skin with a single spritz. It also comes with homosalate that absorbs UVB rays and menthol lactate and ginger root extracts that soothe the skin. The formula is lightweight and non-sticky.

6. Faces Canada Weightless Stay Matte Compact

This powder compact from Faces Canada pairs perfectly with your foundation. It evens out the skin’s texture and tone, effortlessly covering imperfections. Made with SPF 20 PA+++, it protects from UVA and UVB rays. This all-round makeup product is also formulated with vitamin E and shea butter that deeply hydrates and nourishes the skin from within for a soft, youthful glow.

7. Colorbar SPF 60 Foundation

Everything you could be looking for in a foundation is power-packed into this one from Colorbar. The full coverage foundation covers the skin nicely for a flawless appearance, while the SPF 60 provides intense protection from harmful sun rays.

8. SUGAR Goddess Of Flawless SPF30+ BB Cream

If you prefer BB creams over the heavier foundations, then this is the one you should pick. SUGAR’s Goddess OF Flawless range brings to the table the perfect BB cream for a “no-makeup” makeup look. The ultra-lightweight formula with a soft mousse texture creates a light layer on your skin that covers up any flaws, while the SPF 30+ shields your delicate skin from the sun.

9. Colorbar Hydra White Night Cream

Made with Colorbar’s patented Illumeskin WhiteningTM Complex, this unique night cream blocks melanin production, stimulates the body’s collagen production, and protects from UV rays with SPF 15. It revives and rejuvenates the skin by repairing pollution and sun damage that occurs throughout the day.

10. Lakmé Lip Love Chapstick

Don’t forget your lips when looking for SPF makeup products! They need protection from sun damage as much as the rest of your face does. Lakme takes care of this problem nicely with their Lip Love range of chapsticks that come in seven shades. They have SPF 15 and moisturise the lips for up to 22 hours.

https://www.circlemag.in/10-spf-makeup-products-you-need-for-sun-protection/