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Den of Zen: Beauty Tips from Yoga Gurus

Like the rest of the planet, we’re vowing to do more yoga this year. But we didn’t have to max out our class passes to notice that the purveyors of the practice always look effortlessly gorgeous, even when they're contorted in the most complicated poses. We just had to know how they get those enviable glows, so we asked some of our favorite yoga teachers to tell us how they keep themselves looking radiant on and off the mat.
So, take a cleansing breath, grab some kombucha, and get the 411 on what keeps these limber ladies looking their best during sun salutations and beyond.
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Leah Matthews, private instructor and trainer at Equinox
Yoga style: Vinyasa, but she's Jivamukti certified.
Rejuvenation secret: Let the "om" linger.
“After I do any kind of movement at my job, I steam. I find it’s a way to release my muscles and tension at a higher level. I meditate while I’m in there.”

"When I teach out of my home, I usually make tea for my students. I really like to use a blooming tea with a clear teapot; it’s a nice way to take a moment to be together at the end of class."

Easy Exotic by Padma Lakshmi Blooming Jasmine Green Tea, $9.95, available at HSN.

“I like to spritz on rosewater after practice. They’re all pretty much the same…you don't have to buy the most expensive one to reap the benefits. Heritage is good, but every brand I've gotten over the years has been just as enjoyable.”

Heritage Rosewater, $8.79, available at Drugstore.com.

“After I’ve had a really good practice at home, I’ll use this body wash. It seals the feeling in for me and smells amazing — really clean. I use their lotion to work on people during Thai massage."


Ahava Mineral Botanic Hibiscus & Fig Velvet Cream Wash, $22, available at Ahava.

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Chrissy Carter, YogaWorks instructor
Yoga style: A blend of Iyengar and Ashtanga
Rejuvenation secret: A mix of all-out luxe and affordable musts.
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“For facials, I go to The Goddess of Skin; she actually has a huge clientele of yoga teachers in New York and L.A. Not only is my skin being pampered and healed when I lie on her table, but I also walk out of that room feeling like a million dollars. I’m going to be buried with her Bonafide Scrub.”

Dayle Breault Goddess of Skin Bonafide Scrub, $40, available at Goddess of Skin.

"Rodin makes a body oil that I absolutely adore. I have really sensitive skin, and her body oil is really luxurious."

Rodin Olio Lusso Body Oil, $95, available at Rodin.

“My feet absolutely have to look good and if I’m going to splurge on a pedicure, I go all out. I go to Sweet Lily on West Broadway. You go in there and sit on these big, cushy, lush lounge chairs and they bring buckets of water over. I get the color Carmen, which is the perfect red.”

Zoya Nail Polish in Carmen, $8, available at Zoya.

“If I’m feeling really overwhelmed or stressed out, I’ll dab a few drops of lavender essential oil on my wrists and then rub them together and take a few deep breaths. Lavender is extremely calming, but it smells so divine that people come up to me all the time and ask, ‘Oh my god, what perfume is that?’”


L'Occitane> Lavender Essential Oil, $18, available at L'Occitane.

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"I swear my hair looks better after I spray dry shampoo in it than it does when I walk out of the shower. I have fine hair, so to have that kind of body, it looks great."

Klorane Extra Gentle Dry Shampoo With Oat Extract, $15.95, available at Folica.

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Erin Jacques, Exhale national yoga director
Yoga style: Vinyasa, although she teaches every class.
Rejuvenation secret: Get hands on.

“My favorite indulgence is the Thai Stretching Therapy at Exhale. Every part of the body is stretched, compressed and massaged releasing tension in the muscles and bringing circulation throughout.”

Exhale Thai Stretching Therapy, $109 for 60 minutes, available at Exhale.

"I really feel reflexology is so important and something I try to do regularly, especially since I’m on my feet all day. I go to Carnegie Nails, which is right around the corner from me."

“Exhale just came out with Coolsabi, which is a cooling muscle balm. It’s not as strong as Tiger Balm and it’s not thick or greasy. I’ll put it on my lower back and on my pulse points to relieve sore muscles.”

Exhale Coolsabi Cooling Muscle Balm, $45, available at Exhale.

“I love Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer. I keep it cold in the refrigerator and I put it underneath my eyes. It has a cooling effect."


Kiehl's Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer, $18.50, available at Kiehl's.

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