This post is dedicated to all of my fellow gym junkies, sweaty fashionistas, and ladies who lift.

Under Armour has launched the What’s Beautiful 3.0 program and community, which has set out to completely redefine what it means to be a female athlete. We are entering an era where female strength is being exalted, praised and even celebrated, instead of being denied and shunned. That alone is reason to celebrate, ladies! Under Armour knows this, and has created the What’s Beautiful program for US. What’s Beautiful encourages us all to share what motivates our fitness exploits, set our own unique goals, build teams of likeminded women, and surpass all of our preconceived notions and expectations, TOGETHER.

What’s Beautiful also offers up not only an opportunity to win prizes for participating- with the main prize for the ten most epic journeys being a trip to Under Armour’s Camp Sweat to train with the best- but also gives women a sense of community and belonging, too. I mean, what can be more affirming than others who share your passion, who are on your team, literally.

I’ve chronicled my own journey to my own fittest self both here, and on my fitness blog, which is why it will come as no surprise that this campaign is very near and dear to my own heart. Even in present day, I still hear disparaging remarks made about strong women, which is why it is so refreshing to hear that Under Armour is celebrating US in this way.

My ultimate goal 2 years ago was to lose weight, but in the past two years, fitness has become so much more to me. It is my outlet, my passion, and my love. With each fitness endeavor I pursue, I not only become stronger, but I also fall deeper and harder in love. I am not afraid to sweat, I am not afraid to lift heavy weights, and I am not afraid of any new challenges thrown my way. That is what fitness has done for me. Yes, I did lose weight in the process, but I have earned a new body, and gained a new outlook on life, too. Never in a million years did I ever think I would get up on a stage in an itty bitty bikini, and yet here I am, competing on the regular! My team is all about female bodybuilding. Won’t you join my team?

For more information, and to participate in Under Armour’s What’s Beautiful program, be sure to visit the Under Armour page, today.

Under Armour #WhatsBeautiful 3.0 is a post from: Krasey Beauty

For those not following on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (please do, wontcha?!), I just competed in my second NPC competition, a National Qualifier! Thanks to the keen guidance of my coaches and team, this girl placed second in her class (a HUGE improvement from show!), and took home 2 new pieces of hardware in the process!

Once more, I want to call attention to those beauty rockstars that helped see me through, because I am a beauty blogger and beauty (and now fitness and competing) are in my blood.

Urban Decay Setting Sprays, specifically De-Slick, kept my full face of makeup in place and not shiny, even under hot stage lights. This was heaven-sent, especially wearing the thicker cream foundations required for the look.

Simple Skincare Wipes, for there ability to wipe the grime off, quickly. Water is scarce backstage, and when touchups are necessary, sometimes you have to erase and start over.

Temptu Concealer Wheel: When painting one’s face many colors, one needs many shades of concealer. The creamy concealing goodness of this wheel by Temptu cannot be beat.

NARS Mexican Rose Velvet Gloss Pencil

I cannot praise this color enough. Everyone wanted to know which color I was rocking on my lips, and while I was willing to share the name, I totally wasn’t willing to share my signature shade.

In addition to competing, I shot with my good friend over at Derek Jones Photography. Here are some of my favorites from the shoot!

So talk to me, blogosphere. Tell me what’s new!

Random Acts of Photography, Bikini Beauty Prep and a Krasey Fit Update! is a post from: Krasey Beauty

When it comes to this business of working out, suffice it to say that being a bombshell means that I spend not one, not two, but oftentimes three hours of my life a day at my beloved gym. In order to keep me on track, on point, and engaged in “bombshell beast mode” the entire time, I employ the use of music to keep me going. As such, the delivery vessel (usually headphones) is not only a gym bag staple, but an absolute necessity. Enter a pair of earbuds that are literally rocking my music world. Say hello to Koss Flexfit Earbuds for Women.

As part of a Fitfluential campaign, yours truly had the opportunity to test these brand new additions to the Koss lineup, designed specifically for our smaller ear canals. Besides being incredibly eye-catching in its neon glory, these headphones are light as a feather, fit snugly into the ear canal, and produce the most incredible sound. Having a tiny head, my problem with standard earbuds is the lack of a tight fit- something that is crucial when going at it in the gym for hours on end. I don’t know about you, but nothing irks me more than my earbuds falling out in the middle of an intense sprint session.

As you see above, I put these earbuds through the rigors of intense cardio sprinting, weight training, and one bombshell stage posing practice session. Throughout it all, not only did they deliver amazing sound that kept the background out and music in, but they did not budge one bit. Through sweat, and even hanging upside down, my flexfits stayed with me- something no other earbud has ever done. As in never ever.

Koss Flexfits are a MUST-HAVE for all women who love to get their gym music on. I’ve found my new favorite, and I am never letting it go!

Sublime Sound for Gym Junkies with Koss Flexfits for Women a.k.a #Fit4Life is a post from: Krasey Beauty

Choosing Prescription Sunglasses

If you wear prescription glasses, you may find yourself wondering what to do when you’re outside and need sunglasses. While it might seem like your options are greater with non-prescription sunglasses, that’s not necessarily the case. Whether you’re a fashionista who won’t settle for anything but the latest designer sunglasses, or you play sports and need something to enhance your performance, there are prescription sunglasses to fit a wide variety of lifestyles and tastes.
Everyday prescription sunglasses
Getting prescription sunglasses doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. With today’s lens technology, nearly any prescription can be fit into the pair of designer sunglasses you choose. And with so many fashion designers and brands now featuring their own lines of sunglasses, your options are practically endless. When choosing your pair of everyday, go-to sunnies, you should keep your face shape in mind just as you would with regular glasses. A good rule of thumb is to choose a pair of sunglasses in a shape opposite of your face. So, for example, if you have a square, angular shaped face, go with round sunglasses. Keep size in mind as well, as too large a pair will dwarf a smaller face, while frames that are too small might make your face look larger than it is.

Sports prescription sunglasses

If you’re an athlete or play a lot of recreational sports, investing in a pair of prescription sports sunglasses are a good option for you. Also known as performance sunglasses, they’re designed to be durable, flexible and lightweight, and are made with non-slip materials so they won’t fall off during activity.
Sports sunglasses are also set apart by the unique lens options and visual enhancement properties they contain. There are lens tints best suited for different sports, lighting and environmental conditions For example, amber-tinted sunglasses heighten contrast in partly cloudy and sunny conditions, and are therefore favored by skiers and snowboarders who will be better able to see surface changes on a hill or mountain. Adding anti-glare coating to reduce the sunlight bouncing off surfaces like snow, water or pavement is another useful tool for athletes to add to their prescription sunglasses.

Polarized prescription sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses are another popular option among sports enthusiasts because they also have the ability to reduce reflected glare. Their popularity doesn’t end there, however. People who drive often and combat glare from the windshield, car hood and road surface also favor these specialized specs. They work by using a filter that blocks reflected light that is horizontally polarized — this is the intense, distracting glare that bounces off of surfaces like water and pavement and impairs vision. Polarized prescription sunglasses are great for active individuals with nearly any prescription including bifocals and progressive lenses.

Photochromic lenses

Another option for those who want prescription sunglasses are photochromaic lenses. These specialized lenses transition from clear indoors to darker outdoors automatically. They’re a great convenience for anyone who goes inside and outside frequently as they eliminate the need to swap out regular glasses for sunglasses. You’ll find photochromaic lenses available for just about every prescription type, as well as in a wide variety of lens materials. They do not darken behind the windshield of a car so sunglasses will still be needed for driving.

No matter which type you choose, the most important thing is to be diligent about wearing sunglasses. Not only are they the only sure way to prevent the sun’s harmful rays from damaging your eyes, but choose a pair with polarization and you’ll also reduce squinting which causes wrinkles and crow’s feet. With these added benefits, there’s no reason not to invest in a pair of prescription sunglasses.

Prescription Sunglasses: Learn About Getting Sunglasses with Your Prescription is a post from: Krasey Beauty

The winter is finally over and certainly did its best to set challenges for all skin types. Dryness, cold temperatures and heavy winds had to be dealt with by everyone. Now, summer is here and poses new challenges for the skin. It now has to deal with warmth, heat, humidity, the UV rays as well as pollution and pollen in the air. It seems as if summer is an equally demanding season for all skin types. To help against these challenges, here are some helpful tips for reviving your skin this summer:

Sun protection and reducing oiliness

The two most important issues which need to be emphasized when it comes to summer skin care are sun protection and reducing oiliness.

• Sweat and a high level of humidity in the air can be draining for the surface of the skin. Too much moisture may lead to clogged pores resulting in pimples and blackheads, and it can leave the skin looking greasy. To avoid greasy and shiny-looking skin, try cleaning your skin with a deep cleanser removing sebum in the evening. In the morning, use a decent powder to prevent and take away any shininess.
• The sun is essential for life on earth and also for the human body to synthesize vitamin D, essential for the absorption of calcium and phosphate. It can, however, also pose some serious risks to the human body. Due to the increasing damage to ozone layer, the sun can penetrate the earth more directly with its ultraviolet rays. In order to avoid sunburn and its possible aftereffects, creams and lotions put on the exposed body parts such as the face, neck and hands should include a sun blocker or at least an UV-filter. In order to hit two birds with one stone, try using a non-greasy SPF sun protection for the face.
• Finally, try using a bb cream to cover any existing irritations or redness. It can help to dry out the spots and to revive the skin. Of course, everyone’s skin is different and so different products will suit different skin types differently, in terms of care. For that reason, taking a look across the wide range of products from Schrammek is a great idea.
• Aside from all these skin care tips, you shouldn’t forget to also care for the body from the inside. A healthy nutrition can also improve the skin surface very much. Eating more fruits and nuts, and less chocolate and sugar, as well as drinking plenty of water are the first steps towards a better-looking skin.

How to prepare the skin for summer is a post from: Krasey Beauty

This My Funny Valentine post is all about nails, glitter, and cats!

Phyrra asks: do you know the Fitzpatrick Scale? Find out why it matters!

If you’re looking for the perfect, long-wearing summer gloss, then don’t miss Rae’s review of a gorgeous, peachy pink with six hour wear over at theNotice!

In this edition of BBLL, MM puts the much-hyped Rodin Olio Lusso to the test. Will it pass with flying colors or leave her wanting more?

Love new makeup brands? Sophie from Makeup Wonderland does too! See what she thought about FM Cosmetics!

Want Ciate’s Chalkboard Manicure look but don’t have the set? Musicalhouses shows you how to DIY your own chalkboard manicure!

polish insomniac may suck at nail art, but even she can handle these nail tattoos!

Want soft lips? Check out Jenn from spiced beauty’s secret weapon.

Prime Beauty gets the perfect bronze goddess look with the new Buxom Hot Escapes Bronzers — they even smell like the beach!

What products are you loving lately? Pammy Blogs Beauty shares her Spring Favorite Beauty Products!

Jude reviews collagen shots at Love, Lust, and Fairy Dust — a nightly drink from the fountain of youth!

Gouldylox Reviews thinks the new Moxie Lip Collection from bareMinerals is pretty gorgeous and packed with pigment. Which is your favorite?

What’s not to love about a sheer lipstick, especially when it’s by Bobbi Brown? Come admire Beauty Crazed’s Bobbi Brown Sheer Lip Color swatches and fall in sheer love!

Did you find the new Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove disappointing? Hop over to Handmade Reviews to read her Cleaning Glove review and dupes post.

Beauty Blog Link Love is a post from: Krasey Beauty

When it comes to charity initiatives, I can’t help  but urge all of you, my awesome readers, to get involved in the cause. This time, I’d like to call all of your attention to the MoonWalk marathon- an overnight powerwalk marathon presented by Empire BlueCross BlueShield. In this, an estimated 8,000 participants will have a chance to powerwalk through a brightly lit NYC at night. The MoonWalk will begin with a participant opening ceremony celebration at Randall’s Island, and commence with individuals walking through the city’s most iconic landmarks, lit up brightly at night.

The MoonWalk NYC hopes to raise $2 million dollars in one night, most of which is to be granted to the Memorial Sloan-Ketting Cancer Center to help support the Breast Examination Center in Harlem, one of the first free screening facilities for breast cancer in the country where 80% of patients are uninsured but guaranteed support and guidance.

If you would like to participate in this awesome initiative, and I highly suggest that you do, be sure to visit  the event website, today! Available options are the Half Moon (13.1 miles), and the Full Moon (26.3 miles).

Join The #MoonWalkNYC is a post from: Krasey Beauty

Musicalhouses tries out a summer staple (yellow nail polish), and thinks she just might like it!

Phyrra brings you all of the new Silk Naturals Chromatics Cream Eye Colors. Will you fall in love with them?

There’s makeup bases, and then there’s makeup bases. Don’t miss theNotice’s review of the super-cool shu uemura POREraser & Brightening Mousses — these are definitely the latter!

Jude reviews the WrinkleMD Eye Hyaluronic Filler Patch System. Is this really the No-Needle alternative to Botox and fillers?

Bun Bun Makeup Tips wonders why it took her so long to finally try, review, and swatch the awesome Maybelline Color Tattoo Eyeshadows!

Check out the beauty products that Krasey Beauty used for her first bodybuilding competition!

At Musing on Beauty, Mariella discovers a well-kept secret: Laura Mercier Secret Finish. Definitely a secret you want to know!

Addicted to Beauty is in love with these amazing New York-inspired nail art designs. I heart NY!

You don’t need to get all the latest and newest beauty tools. Handmade Reviews reveals the best type of kabuki makeup brush for your budget.

Have you ever written a fan letter expressing your love for a cosmetic? Read tofind out what mascara has Beauty Info Zone excited enough to do this.

Beauty Reflections has swatches and a review of the new Dior Pink Glow Nude Tan Paradise Duo for you!

Gouldylox Reviews loves this new palette from Too Faced. It’s developed by the Pro Artists at Sephora and each color is gorgeous. You won’t want to miss it!

Want sparkly clean brushes in no time? Check out Sophie’s cheap dupe for the Sigma Makeup Cleaning Glove!

Kim has joined the BB cream bandwagon & reviewed the Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Oil-Free B.B. Cream in shade ‘Deep’.

Anita’s loving the new Laura Mercier Illuminating Eye Colours, they’re just perfect for the summer! Check them out over at Pleasureflush!

Jessika from polish insomniac falls in love with yet another stunning polish from butter LONDON.

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed is now a Guerlain girl to the tips of her fingers thanks to the new Guerlain Colour Lacquers – check out her swatches and admire the luxurious shades!

Jenn from Spiced Beauty shows you her favourite lip gloss that costs under $3.00!

Want to take 10 years off your looks? Brighten that smile with the new Oral B Deep Sweep Electric Toothbrush and Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste.Prime Beauty is giving away 5 of them, so hurry and enter now!

Beauty Blog Link Love is a post from: Krasey Beauty

Welcome to the (un)official end of cold, drab, and dark color days, and the start of the spring and summer season. As temperatures rise and the sun gives us more face time, it is high time we consider how our beauty routines changes as the months get warmer. Here, I call to attention specific changes in my beauty routine!

Hair Be Gone!

Tank tops and shorts mean that it’s time to consider hair removal options. Whether you shave, pluck, wax, or epilate, there is no denying that we will all be spending a lot more time removing the offending follicles.

The return of toe-time

Sandal and flip flop season means that your at-home toe-polish job simply won’t do. With the start of spring and summer also comes the start of monthly trips to my local nail salon, to have my little piggies buffed, moisturized, and polished to perfection.

Helloooo, new color palette

Gone are the deep tones of winter, and in their place are light and airy pastels for spring, as well as bright and bold shades for summer. Where I see the change the most is in lip products, as gloss replaces lipstick, and pinks replace deep reds.

And last but not least, hello darker skintone

Spending more time in tanks and shorts inevitably means that more of our skin will be making an appearance in broad daylight. For that reason, safe self-tanning becomes even more important (though of course, safe sun is fashionable year round). My pick is Jergens Natural Glow, which has kept this porcelain princess’ skin toasty these past few months!

So, how does your beauty routine change seasonally?

Jergens makes it easier than ever to glow with the NEW Natural Glow Moisturizers that provides great color, year-round, without the sunless tanner odor.

Share how natural-looking skin color makes you feel for a chance to win $500!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Jergens. The opinions and text are all mine. Official Sweepstakes Rules

Spring & Summer Beauty is a post from: Krasey Beauty

Folks, I’m knee-deep in competition prep mode. As such, I find myself at a point where I need to not only lean my body out, but also diet and train harder. Enter the thermogenic, fat-fighting, energy-boosting XAT 7, from Top Secret Nutrition.

I am fairly new to the thermogenic game, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t know an awesome one when I see it. XAT-7 is a fat burner that tackles weight loss from 7 unique biological mechanisms.

I started my trial run by taking one pill in the morning on an empty stomach, prior to going fast and furious for my morning cardio session. What I found with that small dose was a slight boost of energy, not unlike the effect I get after taking a single scoop of Cardio Igniter. Best of all though, my head felt clearer, and my cravings all but disappeared- a blessing when you really can’t afford to slip up on diet.

After about 3 days, I decided it was time to up the XAT 7 ante, and increase my dose to 2 capsules pre-cardio. That hit the spot alright, as my energy went through the roof, my focus was crystal clear, and hunger all but disappeared. In fact, I notice that I have to set reminders to eat my meals when taking this, because I’m just not hungry, and I’d forget otherwise.

All in all, XAT 7 is another winner from a brand I’ve come to associate with high quality products that just plain work.

Get in on the XAT 7 train, today.

Top Secret Nutrition XAT 7 Review is a post from: Krasey Beauty