fave products // cosmedix elite revive & renew boosting serum & alt-a rejuvenating moisturizer

I love clean skincare and usually gravitate towards those types of products since they jive well with sensitive skin. Not to mention they tend to be cruelty-free with no nasty ingredients. But I can’t lie and say that I sometimes don’t miss the effectiveness of medical grade skincare. Medical grade skincare tends to have a higher concentration of active ingredients in the products, and also has clinical research that backs up the claims of the reported benefits. It’s not always easy to find a brand that that is both clean and medical grade, which is why I’m thrilled to have discovered Cosmedix! All Cosmedix products exclude parabens, petrolatum, mineral oil, PEGs, sodium lauryl sulfate, hydroquinone, glycolic acid, formaldehyde donors and artificial dyes & fragrances. Not to mention they’re cruelty free as well! In addition, Cosmedix was founded by skilled aestheticians and nurse practitioners using strict formulation standards, superior innovation, and skin-loving ingredients. The higher concentration of active ingredients in their formulas really work their magic, and are even better when paired with professional treatments from their spa partners. Best of both worlds!

Cosmedix recently launched a line of Elite products, which were previously only available in spas with certified aestheticians, so I was very excited to add these high performing formulas to my routine. The Cosmedix Elite Revive & Renew Renewal Boosting Serum is an anti-aging powerhouse that works to fight the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and dull, lackluster skin. Three plant-derived growth factors (think age-defying botanicals like Japanese orchid stem cell extract) deeply condition the skin, helping to rejuvenate and hydrate, while leaving you with a glowing, radiant complexion. They also help protect your skin from environmental stressors like pollution, which is so clutch as well. After incorporating this serum into my routine the last several weeks, I’ve noticed my complexion looking more firm, vibrant, and healthy. Love a refreshed look, especially as we head into summer!

I’ve been following up the serum with the Cosmedix Elite Alt-A Daily Rejuvenating Moisturizer. I was excited to learn that this super hydrating but gentle moisturizer is formulated with a plant-based retinol alternative called bakuchiol. Since I’ve essentially been pregnant and/or breastfeeding for the majority of the last five years, retinol has been out of the question, which is quite the bummer! Known for it’s highly effective anti-aging benefits, retinol is a popular skincare choice for many people my age. However, it can be quite irritating for some, and since it’s also a no-no while nursing, I’ve had to search for alternatives. Bakuchiol works just like retinol does to reduce the appearance of fine lines & wrinkles and promote a more even skin tone & texture, but without the irritation and sensitivity. Talk about packing a gentle but powerful punch! I’ve been loving the velvety smooth texture of this moisturizer, and can definitely notice my skin looking brighter and feeling much softer and more hydrated with continued use.

The Elite products don’t come cheap, but I can truly say they are worth the money. Regardless, you should check out some of the other Cosmedix Bestsellers as well- so many great products to be had (hello Harmonize Microbiome Boosting Moisturizer!). Noticeable results are what I’m after- like all of us I imagine- and I can safely say that Cosmedix delivers!

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

get fit with britt // pregnancy seat

Welcome back to Get Fit with Britt! I'm going to be posting some demos of my fave exercises taught at my new local barre studio, Bar Method Silver Lake, with the help of their awesome instructors. The Bar Method is a fast, effective, and most importantly, safe way to change your body, and follows a technique that's high-intensity, but low impact to protect your joints! Thanks to barre classes, I have been able to build long, lean (not bulky!) muscles while tapering everything in & lifting it up! For this series, we will pick a particular move, explain the focus area and correct form, then demonstrate it so you can practice at home! That way, if/when you come to the studio yourself, you'll be rocking the moves & way ahead of the game ;) These exercises are also a great way to get fit on-the-go! I find myself regularly using barre exercises during my hotel room workouts. Additionally, you can get the outfit I'm wearing at the Bar Method Silver Lake studio, so definitely go by if you're looking for some fun, new workout gear! Come & join me, get that healthy & strong body you've always wanted- come Get Fit with Britt!

Today's exercise focuses on the glutes, both the side of your seat (gluteus medius) and back of your seat (gluteus maximus). First, for your outer seat, we will do a modification of arabesque. By staying in a more diagonal position while pregnant, you’re able to keep the pressure out of you’re lower back, yet still target your tush with slow, targeted movements of the leg. Keep your hip turned out slightly to keep the focus of the work in your gluteus medius. For the back of your seat and hamstring, we will do a modification of foldover. Once again, we still stay in a more diagonal position to keep any extra strain out of the back. The small, subtle movements really target your seat, helping to lift and tone throughout, and adding nice definition to your glutes! Don’t forget to keep your hips tucked under! For both diagonal in a turned out position (modification for arabesque) and diagonal in a parallel position (modification for foldover), do about 40-60 lifts, or approximately 2.5 minutes on each side.

PS- Here’s a link to the Bar Method blog for some extra prenatal barre tips!

*I am not a trainer or health professional, so please consult one if you feel you're doing something wrong or could potentially injure yourself.

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support! 

get fit with britt // pregnancy abs

Welcome back to Get Fit with Britt! I'm going to be posting some demos of my fave exercises taught at my new local barre studio, Bar Method Silver Lake, with the help of their awesome instructors. The Bar Method is a fast, effective, and most importantly, safe way to change your body, and follows a technique that's high-intensity, but low impact to protect your joints! Thanks to barre classes, I have been able to build long, lean (not bulky!) muscles while tapering everything in & lifting it up! For this series, we will pick a particular move, explain the focus area and correct form, then demonstrate it so you can practice at home! That way, if/when you come to the studio yourself, you'll be rocking the moves & way ahead of the game ;) These exercises are also a great way to get fit on-the-go! I find myself regularly using barre exercises during my hotel room workouts. Additionally, you can get the outfit I'm wearing at the Bar Method Silver Lake studio, so definitely go by if you're looking for some fun, new workout gear! Come & join me, get that healthy & strong body you've always wanted- come Get Fit with Britt!

Today's exercise focuses on abs, specifically that abdominal exercises that are pregnancy safe! It’s important to keep a strong core during pregnancy, as this can help in labor and delivery, as well as quicken your recovery time. However, some positions aren’t safe for you or baby as your bump grows. This is a modification for low curl with your feet down. By adding 3-4 risers (or use something like this, or even a few pillows) for extra support, you’re really able to take the pressure off of your lower back. Be sure to keep your abs pulled in (navel to spine!) and hips tucked under, and most importantly- don’t forget to breathe! Even if you don’t take the challenge options (arms forward and curling forward), as long as you’re breathing, this exercise is super effective. Deep breaths help me keep focused, and allow me to really target my deep core! Do three sets of twenty exhales either holding on, extending your arms forward, or adding a small curl to match your breath.

PS- Here’s a link to the Bar Method blog for some extra prenatal barre tips!

*I am not a trainer or health professional, so please consult one if you feel you're doing something wrong or could potentially injure yourself.

 * This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, it won’t cost you a penny more, but I’ll earn a small commission. This allows me to continue to generate content for you, and helps keep the site up and running. Thanks for your support!