If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

No matter how well you apply your makeup, how perfect it is for your skin type and tone, without good skincare products, you’ll never really achieve that flawless base. M.A.C. knows that, which is why the iconic brand just rolled out three skincare products — yes, skincare! Hyper Real is “makeup-enhancing” skincare designed to work with your products: Serumizer Skin Balancing Hydration Serum, Skincanvas Balm Moisturizing Cream and Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil.

“As all makeup artists will agree, the secret to the perfect makeup is prepping with the perfect skincare,” says Dominic Skinner, M.A.C. Global Senior Artist in a statement. “The Hyper Real Serumizer creates the smoothest canvas to then apply makeup while delivering the perfect mix of special ingredients to give you the best-looking skin both instantly and over time. As a makeup artist, it really is the ultimate in skincare to wear.”

“I love how all three products provide instant smoothness on their own, but when they are combined together, it’s magical,” added Rumiko Ikeda Harris, M.A.C. Senior Artist, Japan. “For drier skin types or skin that needs an extra boost of soothing hydration, I like to blend Hyper Real SkinCanvas Balm on top of Hyper Real Serumizer.”

If you’re looking for hydrated skin, a strengthened skin barrier and better-looking makeup, these will help. Shop ’em all, below!

MAC.

Hyper Real Fresh Canvas Cleansing Oil

Remove even long-wearing, waterproof and transfer-proof makeup with this gentle cleansing oil. It’s formulated with Japanese Peony extract, tsubaki, jojoba and sunflower seed oils, and vitamin E.

MAC.

Hyper Real SkinCanvas Balm Moisturizing Cream

Strengthen and protect the skin’s moisture barrier with Japanese Peony extract, skin-refining niacinamide, hydrating and plumping hyaluronic acid and restorative ceramides.

MAC.

Hyper Real Serumizer Skin Balancing Hydration Serum

This serum-moisturizer hybrid contains glycolic, lactic, citric and salicylic acids to reduce the appearance of pores, dullness, fine lines and wrinkles.

With the arrival of the new year, it’s time to think about how you’re going to stay motivated with your fitness routine. Looking for a few tips? Well, look no further! Here are five tips to keep you motivated and set yourself up for success this year with your exercise goals:

#1: Set Small Fitness Goals and Keep Track of Them

First, create a list of small goals you want to accomplish over the next year. Then put your list in front of you and set a calendar reminder to check in on them every few weeks. You can use these reminders as a way to celebrate any achievements along the way so that you stay motivated! Example goals could include:

• Making it through an entire Pilates class.
• Walking two miles without stopping.
• Attending your exercise class 2x week for the month.

#2: Find an Exercise Program That FEELS Good for You

The benefits of finding an exercise program that feels good for you are immeasurable. It’s important to find a routine that will help keep you motivated and on track with your goals throughout the year. Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering which fitness plan is right for you:

• Do I enjoy doing this activity?
• How does it make me feel physically?
• Does this feel like a chore?

I find this is probably the biggest secret to success in your exercise program. I know for many of my clients in my Online Pilates classes, they show up each day because of how good Pilates feels in their bodies.

Losing weight and looking good is only part of the reason to exercise. Being able to move with ease, feel more confident, have an improved mindset and the energy to keep up with your active lifestyle – that’s the real goal.

#3: Plan Your Movement Ahead of Time

When you know you have a specific time set aside for exercising, it’s easier to make sure it happens. It helps to plan what kind of workout you’re going to do, but even if you don’t know exactly what will happen, just having a general outline makes it more likely that you’ll follow through.

If your schedule is busy and packed with appointments and commitments, consider finding other times in your day that could be used for exercise: before dinner or when getting up in the morning are both excellent options.

When planning a routine for yourself, try to give yourself some leeway with regard to how long (or short) each session lasts – this will help keep things focused and stay consistent in your workouts. Remember, sometimes less can mean more!

#4: Find an Exercise Format That Suits YOU

During the pandemic, many people were forced to find different ways to exercise, whether that included joining online classes, taking your workouts outside or taking up a new sport such as golf or tennis. What it taught us is that there are many different ways to exercise and to see results.

I know many of my Pilates members found me online during the pandemic and have grown to love online Pilates classes.

Why?

For many it helps take away the excuses. When the class is in your living room you can just roll out your mat and get moving. No need to worry about finding a parking spot, dealing with rain or snow, having to get to class early to get your favourite spot or deal with overcrowded classes. You can even work out in your pajamas!

Plus, you have more flexibility with your exercise program when it is online. You can choose to do as much or as little as you want – a nice bonus depending on how your day is going.

If you are struggling to find an exercise format that works for you, I would encourage you to try several and see what sticks. Exercise can look very different to everyone.

#5: Reward Yourself

Our brains are not wired to exercise, they are wired to preserve energy so that we will survive. All those excuses to not work out make sense now, right? Luckily, you are not alone. When this happens, it is helpful to encourage yourself to move with rewards.

For example:

Reward yourself for a week of exercise. Whether it’s with a long bubble bath or an episode of your favorite show, treat yourself after completing a week of exercising.

We ALL miss the odd workouts but what’s important is to not stop.

Here is my number one motivational tip and it’s a simple formula:

• Complete a workout = a reward
• Miss a workout = no reward
• The next workout = double reward

This trains you to stay consistent and rewards you for not missing two workouts in a row.

I hope these tips have been helpful to you in your journey towards a healthier, happier you. Remember that it’s not about reaching an end goal; it’s about the journey and how you feel along the way! If you are looking for a routine to help get you started, I have created a Standing Pilates Workout to Improve your Balance, Strength and Coordination below:

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What is your favourite exercise program? Did the pandemic change the way you workout? What does your weekly exercise routine look like? Please comment below – it might inspire others to get moving!

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

Everyone who knows me knows I religiously stick to highlighting my hair a couple of times a year. After a decade of going blonde (plus regularly relying on hair tools), I’d say my strands are nothing if not resilient; despite everything I throw at them, they quickly bounce back. That said, a recent bleach job left my hair brittle and with more breakage than normal—cue the panic. 

There is always a risk of damage when bleaching your hair, which is why it’s incredibly important to have a slew of nourishing hair care products at the ready. As Los Angeles based colorist, Linet K, previously shared with StyleCaster, both a bond builder and a violet-hued formula should be on that list. While one will maintain the dye job effortlessly (I swear by Function of Beauty’s purple line) the other helps revive stressed-out locks in a pinch. 

Luckily, I already had the perfect bond builder on hand: Coco & Eve’s Bond Building Pre-Shampoo Treatment. Described by the brand as “the savior of coloured and chemically treated hair,” the formula is a godsend for repairing and restructuring weakened locks. Its micro 3D bond building technology (a combination of three structural bonds, disulphide, ionic and hydrogen) encourages stronger, healthier strands and is clinically proven to reduce breakage by 85 percent with use. 

Coco & Eve

I apply a generous amount from roots to ends 20 minutes prior to hopping in the shower, and the results truly are instantaneous. After my recent bleach session, I could barely get my hair brush through the bottom layers of my hair without seeing pieces fall to the ground, but after a few applications of the Bond Building Pre-Shampoo Treatment, I started to notice significant changes on frayed ends. 

The treatment takes under 30 minutes out of your week yet brings days of reinvigorated softness and shine. The bottle has also lasted me through at least five uses so far and still has product remaining, which means for just $25, you’re really getting the most bang for your buck.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, STYLECASTER may receive an affiliate commission.

This just in — we’ve got a new trending color to watch out for in the year 2023 and it’s anything but boring. Pantone has just released their Color of the Year, an annual prediction predicting what shade we will most likely spot on everything from fashion to home decor and it’s official – 2023 is all about the color Viva Magenta.

Viva Magenta, as described by Pantone is “powerful and empowering. It is an animated red that encourages experimentation and self-expression without restraint; an electrifying, boundary-less shade that is manifestly ‘out there’ and is a stand-out statement.”

The color is supposed to represent empowerment and self-expression without restraint. It’s powerful and bright, showing us our own strength and fearlessness. The vibrant color can also be the perfect shade to incorporate into your beauty routine this year.

We’ve gone ahead and made a list of magenta-toned beauty products that you can easily work into your look like bold blush, lip colors, and even a nail polish or two. Keep reading to learn how you can rock the it girl color of 2023.

RELATED: 10 Must-Try Beauty Products Inspired By Fall’s Biggest Trends

Courtesy of Stila Cosmetics.

Stila Cosmetics Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick

I don’t know about you, but something about 2023 makeup trends has me thinking dopamine dressing, but for your face. This color is sure to look great on anyone.

Are
you winter-weary and in need of a revival for your spirit and your soul? Or
maybe you have a mild case of the letdown we sometimes experience after
Christmas?

So
much activity, socializing, and busyness in the month of December and then,
suddenly, not much to look forward to except cold days and lots of snow
shoveling (at least in the part of the world where I live).

In
my younger years, I loved winter and as an avid skier, welcomed lots and lots
of snow. But as a solo woman in her mid-60s, I could do without all of that
now. And yet, I still need activity and something to look forward to in any
season.

In
fact, having something to look forward to is generally regarded as one of the
keys to happiness. Improved mental health is a side effect!

The Joy of Anticipation

One
of the things that revives my spirit and fills me with joyful anticipation any
time of the year is a one-day excursion.

Budget-friendly
and priceworthy, professionally organized short trips provide opportunities for
me to learn more about my surrounding communities and visit sites that I might
not take in on my own.

John
Steinberg said, “People don’t take trips; trips take people,” and I couldn’t
agree more. Even little trips can transport us to another world, open our eyes
to new perspectives, and take us away from the mundane that lies in too much
routine.

I
am fortunate enough to live in a city with a top-rated bus touring company
which provides fantastic trips all around the world, but also offers one-day
getaways.

For
a very reasonable price, they provide transportation, a savoury hot meal, and
entrance fees to whatever we are viewing that day. The tour guides are always
knowledgeable, engaging, and even humorous.

What
better way to spend a day out than with like-minded, interesting folks (mostly
seniors but also some young people). I love to go with a close friend as it
gives us time to chat on the bus without having to concentrate on driving.

If
none of my friends is available to join me, I go by myself. I always end up
talking to the most interesting people and have made some new friends along the
way. The benefits of short bus excursions are numerous:

• Everything is planned out for
  you.
• No worries about fighting
  traffic or finding parking. Totally relaxing!
• No flight delays or lengthy
  lineups at Customs.
• Lots of fun!
• Sleep in your own bed at night!

Something for Everyone

The
possibilities are endless. You can take in seasonal festivals like a Cranberry Festival
or Maple Syrup Festival. Like to shop? There are trips to Outlet Malls and Home
Shows.

Enjoy
the arts? Take a trip to see a play or visit a museum or even botanical
gardens. Or how about some gambling with a trip to the casino? Some of my
favourite excursions are to lakeside resorts where a boat cruise is usually
included with lunch on board.

My
next trip will be a Mystery Tour – the destination is a surprise. It’s called a
Winter Warmup tour. I can hardly wait!

A few summers ago, I went to the Elvis Festival and watched very talented Elvis impersonators on street stages. In between, I walked around the lakeshore and had a wonderful lunch by myself at a patio café.

On
the return trip, I met a woman from my home town. We remain close friends to
this day. Don’t be afraid to go alone, because you never know who you might
meet!

It
took a while for me to get comfortable going on these little trips by myself. However,
going alone forces me to be more outgoing and initiate conversations, thereby
stepping out of my comfort zone.

And
getting out of our comfort zones can provide healthy benefits to the brain, creating
new neural pathways as the brain registers these ‘new activities’.

In addition to the joyful anticipation that short trips provide, there is the savouring and reflecting upon new memories afterwards. Photographs, even selfies, are encouraged.

Not
every day is Christmas and not every day is special. Too many ordinary days can
lead to boredom, a lack of joy, and even fatigue. So, it’s crucial to plan
activities that revive our spirits and nurture our souls.

Try
celebrating life by treating yourself to a one-day excursion. The benefits will
last longer than just a day!

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What kinds of activities help you to restore your energy and revive
your spirit? What suggestions do you have for one-day excursions, especially if
there are no bus touring companies where you live? Please share your
experiences with the adventurous ladies in our community!