Personal trainer and fitness instructor Rachel Nicks is absolutely stunning. Flashing a brilliantly white smile enhanced by her flawless, glowing complexion, she offers words of encouragement to her students in her Barre class at BFX Studios in NYC. The lithe beauty has been a lead Barre instructor at the studio since its opening in October 2014.
But there’s more to Nicks than just her looks! She not only has a degree from Juilliard, but also has certifications in Hatha yoga, Barre, TRX, pre-natal and postpartum. Oh, and she’s a certified doula. Is there anything this woman can’t do!?
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Now, she is one of the finalists in the Women’s Health The Next Fitness Star competition and is currently gracing the cover of Women’s Health! Check out the up-and-coming fitness star’s profile for some of her killer workouts and be sure to cast your vote before August 3rd (you can vote every day until then)!
With her crazy schedule and heavy-duty workouts, we were dying to find out the secrets to her always-pristine appearance and chill demeanor! So we chatted with her and got the inside scoop on her beauty rituals.
YouBeauty: You have such gorgeous skin! What’s your secret?
Rachel Nicks: Pratima Skincare is the only line I use. It is an Ayurvedic all natural skincare line. I use the Pitta product line because my dosha is pitta. I use the Pitta Herbal Cleanser, Rose Water Spray, Pitta Essential Oil, Botanical Moisture Cream, 30 SPF, and Saffron EYE Ghee.
YB: What is your morning routine?
RN: I am usually up and at ’em by 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning. 7:00am is sleeping in for me. I hop out of bed and my poodle Zia follows me around while I get ready. She’s the best – she makes getting up a lot easier. I start my day off with a large glass of water and take my herbs and vitamins from Pratima. I take B12, SAM-e, and herbs for my joints and muscles. I take a quick shower, get dressed, grab snacks and head to teach. I usually teach an average of 2 to 5 classes in a day. I try to fill my days so that I can come home and unwind and cook a yummy dinner and spend time with my love and my dog.
YB: How do you keep your face and hair looking fresh?
RN: I sweat for a living, so sometimes I get little mild inflammation on my skin, which is a reminder to stay consistent with my masks. I started a consistent skincare routine in middle school. I always make sure I wash and moisturize morning and night. And I use a Pratima Lavender Clay facial mask 1-2 times a week to get rid of impurities.
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When it comes to my hair, I only use natural products. I love coconut oil! I put coconut oil on my hair throughout the week to keep it moisturized. I wash and condition with Curls shampoo and conditioner. Then I apply Curly Whip by Hair Rules while I’m in the shower and use my fingers to comb it through. Then I follow that with the best product ever – Blueberry Bliss by Curls!
I love, love, love Korean Spas. They believe, and I agree, that sweating is extremely beneficial for not only our skin but the health of our bodies. It releases toxins and calms the mind.
YB: What are your go-to hair looks when you work out?
RN: I’ve been loving putting my hair in a loose high pony tail and letting my curls be free. It’s a great way to keep the curls out of my face but still let my hair be out.
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When my hair is straight, I wash with Curls shampoo and conditioner, apply a leave-in conditioner, blow dry and then flat iron. I style it in a top knot or high pony tail.
YB: What are the top products that you always keep in your gym bag?
RN: Facial wipes, Weleda deodorant spray (all natural), bobby pins, eyeliner, mascara and lipgloss. And clean panties!
YB: What product could you not live your life without?
RN: Blueberry Bliss Curl Control Jelly!
YB: What’s your nightly beauty ritual?
RN: Shower and moisturize my body and hair with coconut oil. Wash my face with Pratima and moisturize. I also pin my hair up and wrap it in a silk scarf to lock in moisture. I try to take baths with Epsom salt at least once a week.
YB: Do you have any strange beauty habits?
RN: Not sure if it is strange, but I am addicted to coconut oil. I rub it all over!
YB: Do you have any beauty tricks that you’d like to share with our readers?
RN: Keep it simple. Natural beauty Wins. Let your beauty shine.
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YB: What’s the ultimate beauty rule you live by?
RN: I always wash and moisturize my skin and protect with SPF, and I use natural products for my skin and hair as much as I can.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
