Finding the time, patience or even the knowledge to get all dolled up and keep my makeup fresh and glam isn’t really my thing. It’s not that I don’t like looking like I have my life together and care about my appearance, but some gals were blessed with a steady hand for eyeliner and the line and your girl here wasn’t.
You may recall about a year ago I got microblading here in Houston. I went to Ashley at Beautopia Skin Studio (she recently moved to a darling new office in the Heights) and loved the result. But, like a lot of things, maintenance and upkeep is pretty important with beauty procedures like microblading. Spoiler alert: I didn’t really take care of my new brows.
When I went in for a touch-up this time, Ashley did two things: 1. She strongly reminded me some tips for taking care of my microbladed eyebrows (see tips below) and 2. She did a power combo of shading + microblading.
To be honest, I wasn’t really sure what the difference was, so she helped me out there too (which is solid info to know if you’re considering microblading or shading).
The Difference Between Microblading and Shading:
The short version I’ve learned is this: microblading creates a more natural look and shading is a more drawn-on look (perfect for people who almost always wear makeup, which is not me).
Microblading is a manual technique that creates fine 3D hair strokes in the skin to fill in sparse areas (to help with spotty eyebrows, too thin, etc.) This look is great for those that wear little to no makeup and can typically last 12-18 months depending on lifestyle and skin type (see tips below).
Shading is a technique that creates a powder-like appearance and is similar to filling in with makeup. This look can be more defined, yet still very natural once it is fully healed. Great for all skin types and can last 18-24 months.
Tips for Longer-Lasting Microblading and Shading:
– Once completely healed, (2-4 weeks) always apply a layer of SPF 30-50 directly on/in your eyebrows – Keep acne/anti-aging products away from the brows
– Products that contain exfoliating agents WILL fade the eyebrows
– If you get facials, microdermabrasions, chemical peels or laser treatments, tell your technician to avoid those areas (tell him/her your brows are tattooed on)
– If using retin-a, retinol or tretinoin, stay two finger lengths away from the brows as it causes exfoliation and will fade the eyebrows
– If your eyebrow tattoo feels dry or looks dull, use castor oil to help hydrate, which also helps potential increase in hair growth (tip: do this at night as it’s oily and will cause major shine)
Tips like these and Ashley’s in-depth process for microblading are just a few reasons she’s the best microblading in Houston. Let me remind you – you’re literally getting a tattoo on your face, so going to the best should be your only option. She’s incredibly detailed and knowledgable; not just microblading, but in facials and other beauty treatments in general, ensuring she does the best work for your skin type (because we are all so different!), helping create a plan of action to keep them lasting longer.
If you do visit her for a consultation, be sure to tell her Jayme from The Blonde Side sent you!
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/IMG_0884.jpg1280720Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2018-05-24 10:45:072018-06-04 18:28:54Beauty Treatment: Microblading and Shading in Houston
Houston’s original premium cycling studio rides into new downtown digs
With temperatures already well into sweltering summertime numbers, the popular and next-generation indoor cycling studio RYDE has rolled into downtown at the perfect time for locals looking for a premium, air-conditioned spin studio.
The new RYDE location is the only dedicated indoor cycling studio in the downtown central business district. The street-front contemporary studio is located on the corner of Milam and Rusk, and is a visually appealing, not to mention functional, addition to the area. It was designed by Rottet Studio (the firm that just completed a recent project at nearby Hotel Alessandra), and is located in the historic Esperson Building. Houstonians are already lining up for a sweat session with the brand’s highly-skilled instructors, who are known for blasting out orders alongside exhilarating and heart-pumping beats.
The studio boasts top-of-the-line fitness equipment, meticulously sequenced workouts with the bumping beats, carefully curated luxury bath products and Dyson hair dryers, and even branded collar stays for men.
As with RYDE River Oaks, RYDE Downtown will feature a 45-minute, full-body workout designed to challenge the body and relax the mind. Those new to indoor cycling should check out RYDE 101 introductory sessions focusing on the basics and proper form, and then try more advanced classes.
RYDE boasts Schwinn Carbon Blue bikes and a proprietary myRYDE performance tracking and workout analysis system, for tracking results. Cyclists’ performance data is collected from their bike every few milliseconds and delivered in a private email after class, specifically tailored to their age, gender, and weight. And to kick start some friendly competition, there are online leaderboards.
“Three years ago this month, we unveiled our River Oaks area flagship and a concept built around providing unrivaled ambience, technology and community,” said co-founder Andrew Pappas in a statement. “With RYDE Downtown, we’re further refining our brand while adding a much needed fitness component to the CBD’s retail landscape, targeting both the daytime workforce and rapidly expanding residential and weekend populations.”
This article originally ran in the City Life section of CultureMap Houston. Click here to see the original article.
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/275270_original.jpg9001200Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2018-05-20 10:45:312018-06-04 18:29:13RYDE Now in Downtown Houston
If you have commitment issues or FOMO when it comes to finding that perfect place to sweat, burn, tone, and tighten, be sure to check out these hot spots that promise a sweat-inducing workout and deliver results, all while letting you give them a trial run.
With 14 studios in Houston and six more set to open this year, this 60-minute high-intensity interval-based workout is equal parts cardio and strength training, incorporating treadmills, rowing machines, and a strength floor with free weights, TRX straps and abdominal equipment. Designed for all fitness levels, clients wear a heart-rate monitor during class striving to keep their heart rates in the target zones throughout the class.
First class: Free
Pricing: Membership and package options range from $7/session for unlimited monthly training to $28 for a drop-in session
SWEAT stands for Specialized Weight Endurance Athletic Training, with 1000 representing the number of calories burned in a groundbreaking full-body one-hour workout. SWEAT 1000 integrates components of interval training, functional training, core stability work, athletic, and agility training into a dynamic, action-packed class that is different every single time. The studio is outfitted with high-end equipment including world-class FreeMotion Incline Trainers, which are capable of an incline up to 30 degrees. The fitness regimen is intense enough for the most extreme fitness enthusiasts with enough variance to cater to beginners.
Offering 30-minute HIIT/ Quick Fit classes utilizing a variety of dumbbells, kettle bells, running, rowing, and more in a typical boot camp style, these workouts are indoors, allowing for year-round classes. EaDo Fitness offers a beginner’s fundamental class, CrossFit classes and also yoga and commits itself to providing a supportive and exciting experience for all members – whether first timers or veterans.
These 50-minute fusion reformer classes will, without out a doubt, kick your butt (and get it in shape while doing so)! The skilled and energetic instructors at Defy will lead you through a sweat inducing routine combining elements of both classical and high intensity Pilates. The best part: workout while jamming out to super fun tunes in an intimate environment.
This all-encompassing facility offers a wide range of classes including circuit training, weight lifting, agility, yoga, barre, kick-boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, sand fit, hill fit, kids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, kids wrestling, kids yoga. Also offered are soccer and volleyball leagues included in the monthly membership fee.
9Round includes everything you need: a full-body workout that’s fast, effective and fun, personal trainers to help you along the way and expert nutritional guidance that’s based on the latest exercise and nutritional science. Perfect for people seeking a unique and flexible environment, the kickboxing themed fitness program incorporates functional, interval, cardiovascular, and circuit training regimens. The best part: no class times – just drop in when you can and get to work for half an hour.
HIP Fitness (High Intensity Pilates) offers a 45-minute workout that works out every muscle in your body using the Megaformer. Exercises are heart-pumping, muscle burning and there is no stopping until your body is shaking. Classes are limited to 10 clients at a time to guarantee every client the attention he or she deserves. HIP Fitness offers a total-body program that combines cardio, strength training and Pilates to burn up to 700 calories in each session. Workouts are intense, low impact, and efficient. Strengthen, tighten, tone and elongate your body quickly and safely through 100s of different exercises.
First class: Mention CultureMap and first class is free
One of the newest and most beautiful gyms in River Oaks now offers more than 70 classes a week — everything from ATC and Metcon to yoga and Pilates with a bit of cycling in between. Cycling variations include Rhythm Ride, a 45-minute indoor studio style cycling experience (think party meets workout) and Performance Ride, a 45-minute indoor cycling ride where HIIT training with climbs, drills and intervals meeting incredible tunes.
First class: Mention CultureMap and first class is free
Led by former MLS player Michael Chabala, SPHERE is a soccer-inspired fitness class designed to connect people on and off the field while using a ball to do more than just score goals. The two most popular classes are SPHERE – the signature non-stop soccer-inspired fitness class designed for all skill levels from beginners to pros that takes place at local parks and indoor soccer venues around Houston and POWA — 30-minutes of interval cardio treadmill routines and sideline strength training that uses the ball to shred your fitness goal and is an exclusive class only offered at the Four Seasons.
First class: Mention CultureMap and first class is free
Pricing: SPHERE: $15/class, $100 monthly or $200 for 3 months unlimited; POWA: $20/class, workout includes complimentary valet, use of steam room, shower, pool and hot tub at Four Seasons Hotel Houston
Not free, but check out these first-timer deals and get ready to sweat:
This next generation indoor cycling experience embodies the essence of invigorating fitness, unparalleled service and maximum burn in a luxurious boutique environment. RYDE is well known in Houston for its exhilarating music and highly skilled and energetic instructors.
If you didn’t know dancing can burn some major calories, meet Dance House Fitness (DHF), which offers some of the most exhilarating and Instagram-worthy stories in a fitness environment. DHF offers 60 and 90-minute classes like dance cardio, choreography, lower body activated, interval training, yoga and more. No dance experience necessary — just positive vibes and a willingness to #werk (or #twerk).
Try this 45-minute indoor cycling class that features high-intensity cardio, muscle-sculpting strength training, and rhythm-based choreography. Created to make fitness fun, inspirational, and community-driven, SoulCycle’s classes are designed to transform both bodies and minds. The combination of world-class instructors, dark candlelit spaces, and high-energy music along with a full-body cardio workout fuels riders to move together in unison to create what they dub the “energy of the pack.”
First class: Texas locations are offering a buy one get one class (two for $30)
RacePace offers interval-based group running classes led by certified running coaches catered to runners of all abilities. The calorie-torching classes are comprised of a variety of speed and hill intervals to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of your training. Regardless of your experience or ability, clients can benefit from the instruction, support and energy that the RacePace coaches and fellow RacePacers provide. Whether you’re a first-time runner or an Olympic miler, this is a good spot to work on your running and fitness goals.
Recently featured on TLC’s My 600-Pound Life, ROW is a high-intensity, interval training studio in West U. Hosting more than 60 classes a week for all fitness levels, classes incorporate the rowing machine (the “erg”), where you’ll be on and off the erg throughout class. All Body is their signature class, which they suggest new clients take first to get a feel for the workout.
First class: 30 Days for $49
—
*Pricing above reflects new clients only and varies by studio/location.
This article originally ran in the City Life section of CultureMap Houston. Click here to see the original article.
If you follow me on social media or have ever met me in real life, you know that I am obsessed with Lionel Richie. Seriously, it’s almost an unhealthy obsession.
When I went to Vegas earlier this month, my timing was perfect and I was able to catch Lionel Richie’s “All the Hits” tour during his residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. The show takes place at Zappos Theater, which showcases other resident headliners Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull and Backstreet Boys. Trust me – it’s a fun and intimate atmosphere.
Known for his mega-hits such as “Endless Love,” “Lady,” “Truly,” “All Night Long,” “Penny Lover,” “Stuck on You,” “Hello,” “Say You, Say Me,” “Dancing on the Ceiling,” and one of the most important pop songs in history, “We Are the World,” and his song catalog also includes early work with The Commodores, penning smashes such as “Three Times a Lady,” “Still,” and “Easy.”
Seriously – how can you not be obsessed with this man and these hits?
As a travel writer, I get a lot of people asking about Vegas; where to stay, tips for balling on a budget, the best pool parties, etc. A top tip for Vegas (although I do have many) is to see a show. It’s part of the Vegas vibe. It’s a must. I’ve seen many shows, and catching a residency from a famed artist like Lionel Richie is seriously at the top of my list. (If you’re asking for other shows to see, I cannot say enough good things about Absinthe.)
If you’re in Vegas (or looking for an excuse to book a trip) August 15 – October 20, be sure to look into tickets for this iconic show.
Here are the dates he’s scheduled to perform in August and October later this year:
Aug. 2018: 15, 17, 18, 21, 24, 25, 28
Oct. 2018: 3, 5, 6, 10, 12, 13, 17, 19, 20
How a man of his age (he is 68!!) can move around stage like that and perform so many hit songs is beyond me. Lionel Richie is like a human Red Bull and I want all his secrets.
What shows have y’all seen in Vegas or what artists or celebs do you have an unhealthy obsession with? Let me know in the comments below and let’s chat!
https://theblondeside.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/DMT_3882.jpg9921500Jaymehttps://theblondeside.com//wp-content/uploads/2018/06/1526998321020-300x192.pngJayme2018-05-01 10:50:292018-06-04 18:21:38Lionel Richie in Las Vegas
