Hayley Silbert – City Insight Magazine

Summer Beauty Trends

Hayley Silbert — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Memorial Day has passed so that means it’s officially summer! Time to put away those cozy sweaters and bulky boots and bring out the bikinis, sun dresses, and shorts. But clothing isn’t the only part of your look to update as the seasons change. A new season means new trends in beauty and hair too so here is a roundup of this summer’s beauty trends.

Pops of Color

Color is in this season. While we all love some bronze or a smokey eye, pops of color are making big waves and can elevate your typical date night look in a really fun and creative way! There are tons of ways to incorporate more color into your makeup look; from bright and bold shadows to a neon lip, or even just a colored eyeliner. You can go as subtle or as bold as you want with this trend so don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative!

Underpainting

Meet the latest makeup hack that is taking over social media! Underpainting is a contour technique popularized by makeup artist, Mary Phillips, that subtly sculpts your face using cream contour and highlight BEFORE putting on your foundation. This technique utilizes the same concept as your basic contouring but just switches up the order of application to create a flawless, natural look. There are tons of tik tok tutorials that show you how to properly underpaint and avoid any mistakes that take away from this simple technique!

Bold Lips

Sun-kissed is going to have a whole new meaning this summer. Say goodbye to nude lips and bring on the bold! Whether you’re rocking a dramatic red or some black lip liner, it’s all about the lips this season. Cherry lips are becoming especially popular for an easy summer look; paired with some bronzed skin and you’re ready for date night, a trip to the beach, or a Zoom meeting. It’s the perfect color for every occasion. If you’re new to makeup or just looking for a refresh, here’s a guide from RMS beauty to find the perfect shade for you!

All that shimmers

The sun won’t be the only thing shining this summer. Sparkles are all the rage and what better season to bring on some glitter than summer? Whether you’re going to a music festival, lounging by the pool, or attending a BBQ, some shimmer is always a good idea. You can go subtle for a sun-kissed glow or throw on some glitter to really stand out this summer. One of my favorite ways to add some sparkle is using a liquid eyeshadow. This one from ELF Cosmetics comes in 6 gorgeous shades, applies super easily, is vegan and cruelty-free, and doesn’t break the bank!

Barbiecore

Pink, pink, and more pink! With the Barbie movie coming out in late July, Tik Tok is going crazy for this fun and girly makeup trend. We’ve seen celebrities like Nicki Minaj throwing on hot pink, glitter, and latex for years but now Barbiecore is enjoyed by all. The bright pinks and sparkles pair perfectly well with other trends we’re seeing this summer so have fun and explore some new makeup looks!

Simple Ways to Get in Exercise Without Stepping Foot Into a Gym

Hayley Silbert — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 13:00:00 +0000

It’s no argument that exercise is an important part of living a healthy life. But lifting weights in a gym or going to fitness classes isn’t for everybody. Whether it’s about time, enjoyment, or cost, sometimes we just don’t want to engage in traditional exercise, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t dozens of other ways to move our bodies. Here is a list of 5 simple ways you can add movement to your daily life without stepping foot into a gym.

Park far from stores to get in extra steps.

It sounds silly but when you’re grocery shopping or running errands, instead of looking for the closest parking spot, park at the end of the lot. Over time, these extra steps add up and you may find yourself getting an extra 1000 steps a day without even trying to fit in an extra walk.

Buy exercise bands for easy at home workouts

If you want to workout but don’t want to invest hundreds of dollars into fancy equipment or just don’t have the room for it, buy some bands! Resistance bands are an excellent, and underutilized, way to train. They are super versatile, with just a couple of different strength bands needed to train every muscle in unique ways. Also they take up very little space so whether you live in a 5 bedroom home in suburbia or a studio apartment in the bustling city, you can still have your own at-home ‘gym’. Plus bands are not nearly as taxing on the body as weights so you can recover faster and more frequently!

At home yoga practice

Yoga isn’t just stretching! You can develop a great amount of strength, mobility, and stability from practicing yoga. It is also a moving meditation, making it great for anyone needing a bit more calm in their life. Like bands, it requires little space or equipment (just a mat and some blocks if you want) and there are thousands of free classes online for yogis of any level. I love Ali Kamenova on Youtube or if you want to invest a bit more into your practice, Bananablondieyoga or Omstars has full classes, mini lessons, meditations, and more.

Make it a fun activity with friends, family, and SOs

Don’t be afraid to ask your loved ones to go on this fitness journey with you. Instead of going on the traditional dinner and a movie date, try rock climbing or pickleball one day. You may find a new hobby you love and even meet some new friends you can continue to build skills with. If neither of those sound fun to you, try hiking. All Trails is a great app that lists hiking trails in all areas of the world plus it even gives ratings, levels of difficulty, and duration! But even if those activities sound too much for you, try just asking your roommate, friend, SO, or anyone you enjoy being around to accompany you on an after dinner walk. You’ll get in some movement, aid your digestion, and develop deeper connections with your loved ones.

Invest in a standing or treadmill desk

This one may be a bit more expensive depending on what you choose but it could be great for those working at home or find themselves sitting at a computer all day. Most standing desks are fairly cheap and easy to set up. They allow users to stretch their legs and get a little extra movement during the course of their day. Treadmill desks are a bit pricier but another great option for those wanting to get in extra steps while working all day. Many treadmill desks vary in speed and incline so you can switch it up throughout the day and experiment to find what feels best for you! This is also a great idea for those who don’t have the time to schedule workouts into their daily lives. You can work and workout at once! Here is an article on the most highly rated treadmill desks!

Vegan Food Guide: The Big Island of Hawaii

Hayley Silbert — Tue, 23 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Hawaii is known for its pretty beaches, epic surf, and local dishes like spam musubi and loco moco, but it is also a haven for plant-based eaters. Gone are the days of going to a restaurant and being stuck with a boring salad. The Big Island has a vast array of cafes, grocery stores, and restaurants to satisfy any plant-based craving.

While some of the restaurants mentioned are not entirely vegan, they do offer a wide variety of options for those who prefer a plant-based meal.

Best Casual/Fast Food → Herbivores

Who said fast food has to be unhealthy and full of meat and cheese? This laid-back eatery has an awesome menu offering a unique selection of plant-based versions of your favorite comfort foods. The chickpea ‘tuna’ salad served with a side of Hawaiian purple sweet potatoes is a refreshing meal that is packed with protein so you will feel satiated and energized to go on a hike or ride ATVs around the island. If you want something a bit heartier, the BBQ Jackfruit sandwich is the way to go. This pulled pork inspired sandwich will satisfy even the most staunch meat eater.

Best Acai → Basik Acai

When in Hawaii, you MUST eat some açaí. Whether it’s a post beach-day snack or breakfast before a busy day of adventuring, açaí is super refreshing and full of nutrients to fuel your body. Plus, it is super tasty and very customizable to your taste preferences. I recommend getting the Puna bowl. Spirulina and hemp seeds add a protein boost and the tart açaí is complimented perfectly with the sweet banana, berries, and honey. I also recommend adding passion fruit on top when they have it available for a tangy kick!

Best Fancy/Upscale Dining → Huggo’s

If you want to get dressed up and watch the sunset as you dine, look no further than Huggo’s. Although their specialty is fresh-caught seafood, they offer tofu as a substitute for many of their fish entrees, making for a delectable and satisfying vegan dinner. If tofu isn’t your fancy, they also offer a yummy pasta dish loaded with veggies in an olive oil sauce.

Best Drinks → Lava Lava Beach Club

While Hawaii is known for its Mai Tais, if you want to try some other cocktails, I highly recommend checking out Lava Lava Beach Club in Waikoloa. Not only is this restaurant situated right on the beach making for the perfect backdrop as you sip and savor, they also have an extensive cocktail menu and a few vegan food options. If you want the full experience, order any cocktail in a souvenir bamboo or coconut cup.

Best Dessert → Sweet Journey Soft Serve

Of course, I can’t forget about dessert. If you want something sweet after dinner or just an afternoon treat, you must go to Sweet Journey Soft Serve located in downtown Kona. Whether you eat dairy or not, Sweet Journey’s macadamia-nut based ice cream will satisfy your sweet tooth. Order one of their creations or customize your own unique sundae using any combo of their four core flavors and an abundance of delicious toppings, vegan treats, and drizzles.

Summer 2023 Swimwear Picks

Hayley Silbert — Mon, 15 May 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Summer is right around the corner and if you’re anything like me, that means you will soon be adopting a new daily uniform of denim shorts, a baseball cap, Birkenstock sandals, and of course, a bikini. I am a swimsuit enthusiast and have tried my fair share of brands over the years and what I have gathered is that most brands either deliver in the looks department, but have zero (0) support and fall apart within two (2) wears or are sturdy but don’t make you feel empowered and sexy. It has been a mission of mine to scour the Internet for the best swimsuit brands and I think I have found my top 5 brands that will make you feel confident, as you strut the beach this summer.

Knight Swim

Founded by Fitness and Lifestyle Youtuber, Gabby Scheyen in 2017, this woman owned and run swimwear line is all about making sustainable suits for people of all shapes and sizes. Their buttery soft fabric and innovative styles will make you feel like ‘that girl’ whether you’re snapping a pic for Instagram, tanning poolside, or partying it up. With sizes ranging from xs-2xl, Knight offers pieces with a variety of coverages so every customer can find a piece that makes them feel confident. They also use models in a variety of sizes to show the world that every body is a bikini body.

Knight is a launch-based company with their latest drop having been on May 8th 2023. There are still many suits in stock but be on the lookout for more launches later this summer.

Top picks: Pamela Top and Winona Bottom

The dainty triangle top fits so comfortably and compliments women with a variety of chest sizes while the bottoms offer slightly more coverage than other styles, while still having that naked feel.

Kulani Kinis

Australia-based swim and apparel company, Kulani Kinis was created after a failed attempt at ordering luxury swimwear online for a trip to Hawaii. The founders understand that quality should not come at such a high price and now create fun and vibrant swimwear that won’t break the bank. Offering bold prints that scream summer, Kulani Kinis is the place to shop for any upcoming trip or beach party. They also sell men’s suits, cover ups, sarongs, and a variety of accessories so customers can create a full look. Their sizes range from xs-3xl, making them the most inclusive of the bunch.

Top picks: Bralette Bikini Top and Y Cheeky Bikini Bottom (ribbed material)

The shape of these two pieces together is perfect for tanning and the ribbed material adds extra thickness so you still feel protected and secure.

Blackbough Swim

Another sustainably sourced swim and apparel company, Blackbough Swim offers suits in a variety of patterns, styles, and colors. Their latest drop is inspired by spring florals but there is so much more to explore on their site. Ranging in sizes from xs-2xl and offering coverages from ‘tease’ to ‘modest’ and even adjustable ones, Blackbough Swim covers all the bases and will surely have a suit that’s right for you.

Top picks: Fiona Underwire Top and Maui Classic Tease Bottoms

This top offers great support for my girls with bigger girls while still being super flattering on smaller chest girls like myself. It is so comfortable and the wire doesn’t dig in. The Maui bottoms are perfect for adding some cheekiness to your beach look while ensuring your front is fully covered and secure. Both styles come in a wide range of colors and fun prints too!