Whether it’s that hip-squaring Warrior, a stand-up-straight Mountain pose or just your serene state of mind, yoga has a way of making you feel skinny, strong, and beautiful, no matter how many extra helpings of fettucini alfredo you had the night before. But in the middle of class, as your teacher heads over to adjust your shoulder stand, you cringe as he reaches for (the horror!) your dry, flaky, unpedicured feet. Sure, he barely flinches, and has probably seen much worse, but to help you avoid beauty buzzkills like this, here are some maintenance tips to leave you looking and feeling great.
Feet
When you are doubled over in a forward bend, you should be saluting the sun, not your gnarly toenails and dry skin. When you don’t have the luxury of a pre-class mani-pedi, slather on some of Pangea Organics Hand and Body Lotion ($16.99). It’s not greasy, so it won’t leave you slip sliding all over your mat, and aromatherapeutic, with long-lasting scents like French Chamomile with Sweet Orange and Lavender or Egyptian Basil and Mint that stick through even the longest Vinyasa class. Also, to give your toes a splash of color, try Chi Ceramic Nail Lacquer ($7.95) (yes, that’s Chi of hair straightener fame). Their Nano Silver formula kills over 650 forms of bacteria and fungus, and their 56 shades, available at salon retailers, are long-lasting and non-toxic. (Check your labels, some brands of nail polish still include DBP, formaldehyde, and tolune, which have all been linked to cancer and birth defects.)
Face
Sure, you can pitch your blush in favor of the more natural post-flow glow, but what about your skincare products? To keep your skin clear and smooth without loading up your pores with chemical ingredients, try Derma e’s natural line of facial products that are pumped with vitamins, botanicals, and antioxidants. For day-to-day maintenance, the Pycnogenol Facial Cleanser ($17.50), Pycnogenol Facial Toner ($17.50) and Anti-aging Moisturizing Complex ($19.50), available at Whole Foods and Vitamin Shoppe, are gentle and softening. Also, because a headstand can only do so much for the bags that pop up under sleepless eyes, look out for Ester C Firming Eye Crème ($17.50), which will be released Spring 2007.
Body
Yoga pants are simple in design, but judging from the aesthetic magic a good pair can work, you’d think your favorite pair was custom-made by a tailor who moonlights as a NASA engineer. Puma’s holiday line includes some flattering options such as the Mahanuala Mind-Body Pants ($55) with a ribbed roll-down waistline, good for hiding a protruding tummy, and the Mahanuala ¾ Length Convertible Pants ($50), with drawcord leg openings, good for shorter legs.
