We get it – no one wants to be
told that they should wear compression stockings. Traditionally, medical
compression socks have been thick, yellow-toned and uncomfortable. But, that’s
not the case anymore!

Compression sock manufacturers have made huge strides over the last decade in quality and style. They’ve released tons of new styles, fabrics and patterns that feel great and will match any outfit.

Plus, these socks and stockings
are packed with real, scientifically-backed health benefits – so why are we
fighting them? Wearing compression socks can reduce aches and pains in your
legs, improve circulation, prevent swelling and varicose veins and decrease
recovery time after exercise. 

What
Exactly Are Compression Stockings? 

Compression socks are specially knit knee-high socks that apply graduated pressure to the ankle and leg to improve circulation in your legs. The pressure is greatest at the ankle and decreases up the leg.

Compression thigh highs, pantyhose
and leggings work the same way, but have compression that goes all the way up
to the thigh.

Why
Do I Need Them?

Our venous system is working very
hard to move blood from our heart to our toes and back to our heart again. Some
days, we’re moving around enough that our leg muscles flex and act as pumps to
help push the blood back up our legs.

Unfortunately, a lot of us are not
moving around as much as we should be. Sitting or standing for long periods of
time causes blood to pool in our ankles. And, as we age, our circulatory system
tends to need more help and support. That’s where compression stockings can
give you that extra boost in circulation!

What
Are the Possible Medical Benefits? What Can These Socks Do for Me?

Not only can compression socks improve our comfort, but, they may also have medical benefits. Of course, each person’s body is unique, so, it makes sense to check with your doctor regarding the possible benefits of compression socks for you.

That said, here are a few
of the potential benefits:

• Enhance circulation which energizes legs and reduces the feeling of heaviness 
• Prevent swelling in the ankle and calves
• Treat and prevent spider and varicose veins
• Improve athletic performance – whether you’re walking, golfing or on the tennis court
• Reduce muscle soreness after physical activities 

How
Do I Choose a Compression Level?

If you haven’t worn compression
before, we suggest starting off with a 15-20 mmHg level sock. This is the
standard level for travel, as well as for anyone who sits or stands for a
majority of the day.

There are stronger compression
levels, but we suggest speaking with a doctor before trying those.

Looking for great deals on compression socks? Check out our friends at Brightlife Direct.

How
Do I Pick a Compression Sock Size?

Most compression socks and
stockings are sized by measurement of your ankle, calf and leg length. This
might seem like a pain, but using measurements ensures that you’re getting
exactly the right amount of pressure on your leg.

You will find some socks that are
sized by shoe size – which is much easier to select – but you might not find
the fit as comfortable.

Let’s
Get Down to Fashion. What Fabrics and Styles Are Available?

Nearly everything you can imagine! You really just have to think through how you’ll be wearing them. If you usually wear sheer stockings, there are many options available to you in nearly every skin tone under the sun.

If you’re more of a standard black sock fan – you can get those in cotton, wool, microfiber or more. If you’re planning to go for a jog, there are sporty socks with padded soles that will go great with all of your sneakers. And, if you want some pattern in your life – there are tons of options available from argyle to stripes to sheer floral!

There are even options with an open toe, which means you can wear your open toe shoes and flip flops while still supporting your legs!

Margaret
Manning’s Take

“I’ve had challenges with
circulation issues for many years. Varicose veins, spider veins and occasional
tingling have all become my new ‘normal.’ In addition, after sitting at my desk
for hours, I often experienced that ‘kneedles and pins’ sensation.

Wearing Brightlife Direct’s compression socks made all the difference. I started with the 15-20 mmHg level sock and found it very comfortable and unobtrusive. I tried the Allegro Essential Sheer Support Knee Highs with Open Toe in Nude. Not only did it slide on easily but at the end of the day, my legs felt energized and relaxed. The open toe made them so very comfortable and they helped enormously with my swollen ankles!

I find it amazing that
such a small addition to my wardrobe could make so much difference. Plus, they
look surprisingly good!”

Have you ever tried compression
socks? What was your experience? What do you think that the main benefits are
for women our age of wearing compression socks? Let’s have a chat!

Thank you to our friends at Brightlife Direct for sponsoring this article. For great prices on compression socks, please check out their website.

The Coronavirus has changed all our lives. Whether this means canceling a trip, traveling less, working from home, or not visiting family members, its effect is profound and wide-ranging. I’m writing this from Spain, where we are on lockdown.

Being Positive

A positive mental attitude is vital at this
time. Here are some of the ways that I like to think these days:

• By staying at
  home and not traveling, I am not only protecting myself, but I am protecting
  other people.
• I am grateful for
  my health.
• Spending a lot of
  time at home is a change but gives me time to do things I always wanted.

That last point – doing things that you don’t
normally have time for – is really worth thinking about. When you turn a
negative into a positive, then you take control. Rather than be a victim of
some misfortune, you can find ways to make some part of this a good thing.

What’s Worked for Me

I am in Spain at the moment and the lockdown
means that we can leave the house to buy groceries, go to the pharmacy, or get
medical care. We can also walk the dog but are encouraged to keep that to a
minimum.

The army patrol the streets and if you are
walking with someone, they will ask you to stay one meter apart. The rest of
the time, we are inside. Here’s what has worked for me during that time:

Doing Exercise at the Same Time Each Day

Any type of movement, even a few stretches,
counts toward exercise. But when there is a set time to move, then I actually
do what I have planned. Afterwards, I always feel a little better.

Making Mealtimes the Center of the Day

I often eat to fit my day, but now I really
look forward to preparing food, sitting with the people in my house, and
stretching out the experience. Think how the French treat meals – that’s what
I’m going for.

Spending at Least 30 Minutes a Day on Self-Improvement

I speak French but, sharing a house with
French people, I have a great chance to improve my language, so I study my
French grammar and vocabulary for at least 30 minutes a day. I also play guitar
and have some pieces I’m working hard to learn.

Why Self-Improvement Can Be Vital

Most of us, retired or not, have worked in a
job where we are run off our feet – and the day passes so quickly. Some might
have worked in a job where there wasn’t much to do – for example, a shop with
few customers – and the day took forever to pass.

Obviously, if we are to be stuck indoors, we
would like our days to pass quickly. Therefore, we need to be active, we need
to be disciplined, and we would ideally spend some time learning something or
working on something we wish to improve.

I am a guitar teacher, and when I connect via
Skype to give lessons these days, my students are delighted to have their
lesson. When I speak to them now, I finish the call by setting them a “mission”
for next week. Something that would be truly satisfying to master – yet quite a
challenge.

I know that after the call if you were to say
to one of these students, “Hey, you’re going to be playing a lot of guitar this
week because of the lockdown,” they would probably reply with, “Yeah, and I
can’t wait.”

Think About Other People

I get a great feeling when we end our lesson
calls with a mission for the week ahead. I think it’s important for each of us that
we help frame the upcoming months as a challenge to improve each and every day.

Maybe there is someone you know who would bury
themselves in a project if you gave them a little inspiration and encouragement.

We all have something we put off “until we
have more time.” This could be learning a musical instrument, getting fit, reading a certain book, or
learning a language. Wisely using your time to improve yourself or learn something
new is now more important than ever.

How do you stay positive in the current
situation? Have planning and schedules worked to improve your daily routine?
What activities or projects have you picked up that you don’t normally have
time for? Please share your experiences with our community.

If the past couple of weeks have taught us anything, it’s that we’re lucky to have so many things at our fingertips. Things like takeout when we’re too tired to cook, yoga classes for when we need to zen out and the many beauty treatments that bring out our inner Beyoncé at a moment’s notice. In the grand scheme of things, doing something as simple as going a couple weeks without a dye job is hardly brave. However, as I begin to settle into my WFH aesthetic, seeing celebs with grown-out roots is actually kind of inspiring, whether it’s by force or choice (because dark roots are an actual trend, too).

It’s a reminder that one, giving your hair a break isn’t that big of a deal. Two, it sheds light on other treatments that are actually useful right now, like nonstop masking to combat dryness (and boredom). Lastly, if nothing else takes you out of your funk, consider it a badge of honor for doing the right thing and staying inside. Plus, the dark roots, light strands vibe is definitely cute. Need proof? Here are just a handful of famous beauties embracing their natural roots with plenty of selfies to show for it.

Kelly Ripa

Instagram.com/kellyripa.

The TV host put herself on “root watch” weeks ago and decided to embrace her grays.

Katy Perry

Source: Instagram

Go to the second slide and prepare to be mesmerized by the pregnant singer’s glowy AF skin and dark roots.

Tamera Mowry

Source: Instagram

The actress and TV host is letting her gray hairs fly.

Kevin Hart

Source: Instagram

Thanks to social distancing, we get to see the comedian in all of his salt-and-pepper glory.

Dua Lipa

Source: Instagram

The singer has been slaying in platinum blonde hair and black roots since the start of 2020.

Camilla Belle

Source: Instagram

Are those black roots we see peeking just above dark red strands?

Margot Robbie

Source: Instagram

Dark roots are nothing new for this beauty, who donned this look throughout the 2020 award season.

Hailey Bieber

Source: Instagram

The slicked back look truly elevates the model’s dark roots.

Beyoncé

Source: Instagram

Is there a look this woman can’t pull off (dark roots included)? We think not.

Reese Witherspoon

Source: Instagram

A blonde beauty who isn’t afraid to go to the dark side.

Sarah Silverman

Source: Instagram

These grays are definitely on point.

Teddi Mellencamp

Source: Instagram

The reality star used this pic to jumpstart the #hotmessrootandnailchallenge.

Bebe Rexha

Source: Instagram

Behold, the power of accessories.

Cynthia Erivo

Source: Instagram

The singer and actress normally keeps her hair silver, but appears to be giving it a break as she stays inside.

Zoey Deutch

Source: Instagram

She’s got this.

Lady Gaga

Source: Instagram

When Mother Monster says stay in, we listen.

Lindsay Hubbard’s Green Graphic Tee on Instagram

Summer House Instagram Fashion 2020

With everyone and their mother talking about the self-isolation saving grace that is Netflix’s Tiger King, I think it’s safe to say that big cats are definitely having a moment right now. As is Carole Baskin Lindsay Hubbard quarantining here in her apartment in a cute green graphic tee, whose super affordable price tag definitely won’t kill your savings account or husband.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Daydreamer Tee on Sale

Click Here to Shop Additional Stock

Photo & Info: @LindsHubbs

Originally posted at: Lindsay Hubbard’s Green Graphic Tee

While your roots aren’t the most important thing to worry about during self-distancing and working from home, it’s possible a little gray hair coming in is starting to drive you crazy. Don’t worry. We’ve rounded up the best gray root cover-up that will give you a little update for a Zoom meeting, Bumble video date or just because it makes you feel better. There are both temporary fixes and more semi-permanent ones with natural-looking color for all hair shades and types.

All you have to do is apply the powder using the brush or applicator right onto your hair. Make sure you part your hair where you usually do and just literally color over your grays. It can also camouflage dark re-growth on lightened or highlighted hair. You can also pull your hair up and apply the product along your hairline. Give the formula about three minutes to dry and blend it out with a brush. Don’t stress about gray hair that’s far back towards your crown that can be tough to access. If you don’t see them, chances are no one is noticing them either.

Not sure what color to choose? Always go a little darker than you think. The worst thing that happens is you get a trendy shadow root vibe. Most products come in six or seven color options, from platinum to black. Since gray hair shows up the strongest on darker hair, it’s easier to cover. When you’re ready to shampoo, the color will come right out. Shop our favorite options, below.

dpHUE.

dpHUE Root Touch-Up Kit

Color Wow.

Color Wow Root Cover-Up

Garnier.

Garnier Express Retouch Gray Hair Concealer

Buy: Garnier Express Retouch Gray Hair Concealer $9.99

Madison Reed.

Madison Reed Root Reboot Color Activator

L’Oreal Paris.

L’Oreal Magic Root Precision Temporary Gray Concealer

Rita Hazan.

Rita Hazan Touch-Up Stick

Our mission at STYLECASTER is to bring style to the people, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.