Table of contents for October 2021 in Shape

GO A LITTLE WRIST WILD West meets tech in these new Cactus Watch Bands from Keva ($68, kevastyle.com) for the Apple Watch. The vegan leather is such a luxe—and durable—dupe for the real thing that you’d never guess its origins as a leaf from the prickly pear cactus. Click here to shop these products! Feel the Flower Power We can’t take our eyes off the just-released Adidas x Marimekko activewear collection ($40 and up, adidas.com), which pairs performance fabric with the signature poppy print—in an edgier shade—that the latter label made famous. From swim to gym, tennis to errands, you’ll find pieces to cover your every move. Only which to choose? A TIMELY AND SHINY ARMOR Alloi’s Vanguard Copper iPhone case ($45) and AirPod case ($24, getalloi.com) are about protecting…

Autumn always feels like a fresh start, but this season in particular is a whopper. Not only did we experience a hot and active summer, but we’re also getting back to busy schedules and responsibilities. Even if you’re mentally managing (and welcoming) these shifts, your skin is left dealing with a lot all at once. And a constellation of factors can create the perfect environment for unexpected redness, breakouts, sensitivity, and irritation, dermatologists say. We talked to three experts to find out what’s going on, plus the routine for this transitional time to help your skin stay calm so you can carry on. The Stress Factor You already know that stress sabotages healthy skin. What you might not realize is that even if you don’t feel as stressed as you…

1 GIVE A FALL VIBE Gather a big bunch of seasonal blooms, and put them in a vase. “I love birch for its color and character, but any branches will be beautiful,” Grochowski says. Or cluster florals in rich pinks, burnt orange, burgundy, deep yellow, or red accented with dry leaves, and place them by your bed or on a coffee table or a mantel. “These small touches keep us grounded and connected to the outdoors while we’re cozy inside,” she says. 2 IGNITE YOUR SENSES “I love the feeling that candles bring to a room,” Grochowski says. “Choose a scent that’s comforting to you, and it will spark fond memories and even a physical relaxation response. When you activate the senses, it can make us pause and feel grateful…

BE UNIQUE NEAL SCHULTZ, M.D. Dermatologist DENDY E. ENGELMAN, M.D. Dermatologist MONA GOHARA, M.D. Dermatologist ELIZABETH K. HALE, M.D. Dermatologist MICHELLE HENRY, M.D.Dermatologist MELISSA KANCHANAPOOMI LEVIN, M.D. Dermatologist ELLEN MARMUR, M.D. Dermatologist RON ROBINSON Cosmetic chemist GITA BASS Makeup artist PORSCHE COOPER Makeup artist NUNZIO SAVIANO Hairstylist BE STRONG + WELL JEN WIDERSTROM Consulting Shape fitness director, trainer, life coach ADAM ROSANTE Strength and nutrition coach NICOLE KEITH, PH.D. President of the American College of Sports Medicine CEDRIC X. BRYANT, PH.D. President of the American Council on Exercise JORDAN METZL, M.D. Sports medicine physician MICHELE OLSON, PH.D. Clinical professor of sport science SHAUN T Celebrity trainer ALEX SILVER-FAGAN Nike Master Trainer HARLEY PASTERNAK Celebrity trainer JAY WRIGHT Fitness expert, studio owner CARRIE PAGLIANO Clinical specialist in orthopedics CHRISTINE CARTER,…

The Best of Makeup Powder Just a light dusting soaks up postworkout sweat and excess shine, leaving your skin selfie ready. KEY Iconic Product has remained a favorite for over 10 years. Sustainable Product has recycled or reusable packaging or upcycled ingredients or is carbon neutral. 1 CONCEALER CoverGirl Outlast Extreme Wear Con-cealer ($10, drugstores) blends seamlessly and then “lasts all day without budging or rubbing off—even after a steady workout.” 2 WATERPROOF MASCARA Dior Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Waterproof Mascara ($30, sephora.com) gives stubbornly straight lashes a long-lasting curl and “makes me look and feel energized while I teach— and I don’t have to worry about crazy streaks afterward,” fitness trainer Mindy Lai says. 3 FOUNDATION Perfect for busy, active days, Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint ($30, sephora.com)…

CONSIDERING A SPIN before bedtime? You can have your HIIT and deep sleep too—as long as you wrap up at least an hour before lights out. A recent analysis of studies on evening exercise and sleep at the Institute of Human Movement Sciences and Sport in Zurich, Switzerland, concluded that most evening exercisers slept a little better than those who did no workout. Indeed, another study in Experimental Physiology found that 30 minutes of HIIT between 7 and 9 p.m. increased power output better than morning sessions. Bottom line: Get your sweat on whenever it suits you. And turn the page for the latest reflective gear for twilight warriors and three all-new Shape Studio workout videos to give you options galore. Light It Up These fall pieces provide pops of…

Why do so many people struggle with sleep? In the U.S., the No. 1 reason for sleepiness is simple: We don’t get enough sleep. Most of us need seven to nine hours a night. But we tend to minimize its importance. There’s this mentality of, I’ll sleep when I’m dead. That’s not great. As a sleep doctor, sometimes the hardest part is getting people to understand that the problem is they’re not allocating enough time for sleep and the answer isn’t a medication to keep them awake. The answer is to get more sleep. Shift your mindset to realize that it’s not a waste of time—your body is doing important things while you’re sleeping. Prioritize sleep—it’s essential to your health. It affects every organ system. How exactly do z’s…

For a great day, start with a morning routine that stacks the deck in your favor. “We want to use the strongest tools that work the fastest to help set our brain to a motivated and productive mode first thing,” says Wendy Suzuki, Ph.D., a neuroscientist and the author of Good Anxiety: Harnessing the Power of the Most Misunderstood Emotion. Creating a wake-up practice can also help you tap into the benefits of ritual: Research finds that people who perform repeated behaviors that have meaning attached to them feel more in control and can better cope with anxiety and stress. Try these science-backed strategies (pick the ones that are most doable for you) to build the perfect mindset to fuel your next 12 hours. LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE…

You’ve heard of probiotics and prebiotics. Now researchers are looking at postbiotics: beneficial bioactive compounds that may play a role in preventing inflammation and supporting the immune system, studies find. Eating the right foods can help create postbiotics and boost our wellness. “More and more, we’re understanding the importance of our diet for promoting a healthy lifestyle,” says Laura Frado, M.D., a gastroenterologist in New York. “We can’t control our genetic risk factors, but healthy eating choices can give us a leg up.” Here’s everything you need to know about postbiotics—and how to tap their power. MIGHTY BUT MYSTERIOUS Postbiotics are active players in our microbiome, which lives within the gut and is made up of trillions of different microorganisms, Dr. Frado says. “We’re just starting to understand the relationship…

Spiced Beets & Brussels Sprouts With Crispy Chicken Thighs & Mojo Sauce START TO FINISH: 45 MIN. SERVES: 4 FOR THE CHICKEN & VEGETABLES 3 medium beets (1 lb.), peeled, halved, and cut into ½-in. wedges2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil1¼ tsp. ground cuminKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper¾ lb. brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved4 chicken thighs (about 1½ lb.)2 navel oranges, peel and pith removed, sliced crosswise into thin fans½ cup toasted walnuts, chopped FOR THE MOJO SAUCE 4 large garlic cloves, choppedKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil⅓ cup fresh orange juice⅓ cup fresh lime juice½ cup packed finely chopped parsley½ tsp. dried oregano 1 Make the vegetables: Preheat the oven to 425° with a rack in the upper third. On half of a…

The ultimate power move: self-compassion Mental health, mindfulness, and self-compassion were the overtones of the past summer, and I’m so behind it all. When we produced our feature “How Self-Compassion Can Transform You” (page 104), I was enchanted by the scientific proof (proof!) that being kind to yourself improves health. But the story also aligns with high-profile news stories of an impressive, and growing, list of athletes, women mostly, who have publicly prioritized their mental health over medals, money, and more time in the spotlight. Naomi Osaka said no to the French Open–mandated media obligations, choosing instead to protect her energy and focus. Most notably, Simone Biles sent shock waves through the Olympics when she stepped away from the competition after suffering a disorienting affliction known as the twisties,…

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Clean has become the big buzzword in beauty in the last few years. There are great reasons to use clean products—we’ll get to those—but the term might make you think that they’re the opposite of “dirty” versions. In truth, traditional hair products can be safe too. Another thing to note is that there’s no clear definition of clean beauty. What’s allowed is always changing in this self-regulating industry without rules. “But the basic requirements that most clean hair brands stick to is that they don’t use parabens, sulfates [SLS and SLES], phthalates, formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasers, DEA [an ethanolamine compound], triclosan, and ethoxylated ingredients [like PPG and PEG]. These ingredients have some research that shows potential irritation, safety, or environmental concerns,” says Debra Lin, Ph.D., a cosmetic chemist and the…

1. RISOTTO-ED This method works best with short and starchy varieties like farro, barley, and arborio rice, Berens says. As the starch releases, it thickens the liquid and the grains tenderize. To do: Toast grains in oil. Add wine (optional), and cook until evaporated. Stirring constantly, add a ladleful of hot broth or water. After the liquid has been almost fully absorbed, add another ladleful. Continue until grains are tender. Try this dish: Stir a creamy cheese like ricotta or mascarpone (or use grated cheddar) and arugula into a risotto made from barley. Top with apple slices sautéed with ginger. 2. STEWED Stewing intensifies the flavor of the grains as well as all the other ingredients, Berens says. To do: Sauté aromatics (onion, garlic, and herbs like thyme or sage),…

I never would have imagined that nine months after a bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, I would be running 13 miles on the rugged trails in Las Catalinas, Costa Rica, this summer. I was a runner before diagnosis, and I knew the only way to get through the emotional toll of breast cancer was to get back out there. TRUSTING MY INSTINCTS My cancer went undetected by screenings and tests. The lump that I discovered on my own turned out to be malignant. This is why self-tests and advocating for yourself are critical. BABY STEPS I wasn’t about to sit around and let cancer break me. I put one foot in front of the other—at first walking when I was able to, then fast walking, jogging, and running. MORE THAN…