Doc’s Skincare Product Review- Sunscreen and Chamois Cream

It’s possible I have the most sensitive skin on the planet.

And living in Florida where it’s hot and sunny year round, that can be more than a bit of a challenge.  Sunscreen is absolutely crucial, but nearly every brand I’ve ever used causes my skin to break out in either adolescent acne, or a rash that can range from looking like bug bites all the way to chicken pox.

See?  This was the result of a bad sunscreen experience about a year back.

Another “fun” side effect of having such sensitive skin is that products that are designed to prevent chaffage can also cause a rash or irritation that causes my bum to look more like a baboon’s than a normal human.

In fact, my husband has dubbed the effect “hyena ass.”  I’m not posting a picture of that, you’ll need to use your imagination.  It’s bad.

So when I interviewed Coner Mullervy for Trail and Tarmac and he mentioned Doc’s SkinCare chamois cream as being his absolute favorite, I decided to do a bit of research.

From Doc’s website:

At Doc’s Skincare, we’re committed to making the highest quality and longest lasting natural skincare products for serious athletes who demand the most from their bodies.

They just developed their latest product, a SPF 30 sunscreen, and are well known for their natural Chamois Cream,  that can also be used to prevent chaffage on other parts of your body.

Naturally, I had to try both.  Here’s what I thought.

Doc’s Natural Sunscreen

The Claim:  Broad spectrum UVA & UVB protection with safe minerals

Decrease your risk of sun damage, skin cancer and premature aging with the all natural minerals.  Doc’s Natural Sunscreen safely and effectively blocks damaging UVA & UVB using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.  Decrease your exposure to bizarre and harmful chemicals found in store brands.

What I Thought:

This stuff is absolutely incredible.  It’s a spreadable formula (rather than a lot of the sprayable ones on the market), that’s very liquid-y and absorbs easily.  The sunscreen is fragrance free, and the consistency makes it easy to apply, see where you’ve applied.  It blends quickly and doesn’t leave any sticky, oily, or crunchy residue.

I’ve used this nearly a dozen times now, on everything from short 30 minute runs to 3 hour rides.  Most recently I wore it this past weekend during a half marathon where I was outside for a total of 5 hours without applying (not recommended).

Not only have I not sunburned even once, but my skin has remained pimple free and not irritated in the least.

The best part?  This isn’t one of those sunscreens that makes sweat pour off of you into your eyes and then burns like hell.

I’m a sweaty girl no matter what, but this stuff stays put and definitely does the job.

Doc’s Natural Chamois Cream

The Claim:  Naturally formulated chamois cream with tea tree oil

Longer lasting, natural protection against chafing. No toxic chemicals that penetrate your skin. No petroleum-products to clog your pores and eat up your padded cycling shorts. Just safe, natural & proven ingredients to protect your butt and enhance your performance. Doc’s Natural Chamois Cream with tea tree oil is the chamois cream alternative with over 95% all-natural ingredients.  And this stuff is guaranteed!

What I Thought:

I’ll admit, once I opened this bad boy up, I was skeptical.  One of the ingredients is natural tea tree oil, which smells a little medicinal and ever so slightly like a really mild Vick’s Vapo Rub, and I couldn’t really imagine rubbing that all over my lady bits.

But hey, I’ll try anything once, so on a particularly hot ride last weekend I slathered up and set out for 45 miles in the 90 degree heat.

The formula of this cream is just that, creamy.  It reminds me of a whipped shea butter type product, only not oily at all.  It was just slightly tingly, but not unpleasant, and the sensation went away almost immediately.

45 sweaty miles later I peeled off my favorite spandex tri shorts and inspected the goods.

First thing I noticed right off the bat, my bottom wasn’t nearly as red as it usually gets.  While I could still see where my saddle had been positioned, I wasn’t dealing with baboon butt right off the bat.

Where I REALLY noticed the difference though, was over the next few days.  Typically following a long ride I can expect some serious irritation on the nether bits that will sometimes even blossom into a bit of a rash complete with clogged pores.  After use Doc’s Chamois Cream, nothing.  My skin looked normal!

Not quite ready to shout their praises just yet, I’ve it three more times since, on rides both long and short with similar results.  The addition of this cream made for really comfortable riding conditions, and have kept my nether region in tip top shape from a chafing perspective.

My ONLY caution- if you are someone who saves your… ahem… bits, defiantly don’t apply it right after shaving.

That pleasant tingle?  Kind of a raging furnace if you happened to cut yourself and give yourself razor burn.

Otherwise, two thumbs up on this product!  I’ve also started using it on hot spots on the bottom of my feet, and under the strap for my heart rate monitor (typical areas that chafe a bit for me), and have had great results.

So moral of the story, if you’ve never tried Chamois Cream, TRY THIS ONE.  Chances are, you’ll love it!

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So readers, now it’s your turn.  Do you suffer from hyena ass?  What sorts of products do you use to help with chafing?  Favorite brand of sunscreen?  Respond in the comments!

 

March Birchbox Review

Like most months, March’s Birchbox totally didn’t disappoint.  In fact, I can easily say this has been one of my favorite boxes so far.  Everything included was useable, wearable, and I even found a new absolute FAVORITE make up removing towelette that will be going in my gym bag.

Check out the details on what I received this months, and my reviews below.

Cargo Swimmables Water Resistant Blush

I’m in the sun A LOT, so I have to admit, blush isn’t usually on my list of things I make a point to put on every day.  That said, this sample in Los Cabos was peachy, shimmery and pretty, and was totally calling my name.  One try, and I’m hooked.  It’s instantly become a step in my daily make up routine.  And what’s more, this stuff is seriously water proof.  After a nasty sweat session at the gym I could still see the shimmer on my cheeks (not that they needed any added flush!)  Loved this product, and will be totally buying the full sized once the generous sample runs out.

Yes to Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Wipes

I always ALWAYS have my gym bag stocked with some sort of make up removing facial wipe.  My sensitive, fair skin makes it a little tricky to find one that doesn’t have ingredients that irritate me, but these soothing hypoallergenic wipes are AMAZING!  I even used them on the really cranky skin around my eyes without any burning or irritation.  These are my new go-to fav.  Love.

Model Co. Party Proof Lipstick

Next, I got to sample one of those Model Co Party Proof lipsticks in a really neutral pinky/brown shade.  While the shade was really close to my natural lip color, and didn’t do much to enhance my overall look, I did really love the texture.  This lipstick is designed to have a really nice matte finish, and was super wearable.  While it did come off on my drink straw, the color stayed put for hours, well beyond when I would need to reapply with other brands.  In a fun, bright color, I would give this two thumbs up.

Beauty Protector Protect and Oil

Confession, I typically HATE hair oils.  My hair is wavy and I have TONS of it, making most people call it thick, but actually my hair is very fine.  Because of this oils tend to make it look really weighted down and heavy, and even sometimes greasy.

But in the spirit of sampling, I gave this product a try and was really impressed.  It’s thick, like really really thick.  I’ve found some hair oils in the past to have a consistency more like baby oil, and this is more like rubber cement (in a good way).  It allowed me to get just a tiny amount on my palm, spread it evenly, and work it through my hair.

Since my original use (on damp hair before a blow dry), I’ve also used it as a finisher on dry hair to run over the top to smooth away flyaways and add shine.  For both uses it was really great stuff.  I’m excited to give it a try on a high humidity day and see if I can notice the difference.

Mereadesso Tinted All in One Moisturizer

I love a good tinted moisturizer, and this one from Mereadesso gives you a whole list of reasons to be impressed.  This baby does everything.  It’s designed to be your moisturizer, serum, primer, and eye cream, as well as foundation all in one formula.  It goes on smooth, was really blendable, and left a really pretty finish.  It was more full coverage than a traditional tinted moisturizer, and I actually skipped my powder all together after using it. My only complaint is that the sample was tiny, so I only really got one good use and it wasn’t on a day I was particularly active or sweaty, so I can’t really comment on it’s ability to last.

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That was it for my box this month, how about yours?  Do you subscribe to Birchbox or another beauty box?  What do you think?  Be sure to let me know in the comments, or link me to your review!

February Birchbox Review

One of my favorite days out of every month is the day my Birchbox comes in the mail.  For those not in the know, Birchbox is a monthly beauty box subscription service that delivers at least 5 product samples to your door monthly for only $10 per month.

I’ll be honest in that I don’t usually love everything that comes in my box, but for only $10 if I find at least one item that tickles my fancy, I’m a happy camper.

This month had some keepers, one that I pretty much immediately threw away, and one that I immediately ordered.  Always a good thing when you love a product so much you need to have it in your arsenal RIGHT NOW!

Check out my unboxing below.

Juice Beauty® Blemish Clearing Cleanser

Back in October, Birchbox sent me a sample of Vasanti’s Brighten Up cleanser and I completely fell in love.  I’ve been using it since, so it would take a pretty darn impressive product to get me to switch.

This cleanser by Juice Beauty was a nice alternative to the exfoliation of the Vasanti product I use daily.  It’s a gel-based formula, so for lack of a better way to describe it, it’s slimy and thick.  It coated my skin well, but didn’t produce any lather, which was as expected.

It was gentle enough for every day use, and left my skin feeling clean, but not dry.

All in all, I liked the product, but not well enough to change from what I’m currently using.

theBalm® cosmetics Read My Lips™ Lip Gloss in BAM! Rose Pink

It’s no secret that I LOVE lipgloss, so I’m always excited to see one in my box.  This formula by the Balm is awesome!  It’s thick and creamy, and in their BAM! Pink color it had the perfect amount of pink without being overpowering.  It also has a kind of delicate floral note to it, making it smell yummy and feel fresh on my lips without being totally overpowering.

Seeeeeee?

Juicy Couture Hollywood Royal

I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it again, I’m a total fragrance snob.  Truth be told, for every 20 fragrances I sample, I probably only like 1 of them.  And if a product doesn’t smell good, I don’t care how awesome it is, I won’t use it.

That’s one of the things I love about Birchbox.  When I set my preferences I indicated that I want to receive a lot of fragrance samples.  Because I don’t mind getting things I won’t use, and throwing them away, it’s a great way for me to try samples without having to invest a bunch of money into finding one that works for me.

This sample, from Juicy, was actually a pleasant surprise.  It has a few of my favorites, gardenia and jasmine, combined with pear, apple and vanilla and is kind of lovely and fresh.  I would actually wear this regularly, probably in the summer during the evenings as it has that kind of vibe.

Dr. Scheller Calendula Hand Balm

On the opposite end of the spectrum, this product, for me, was an epic fail.  It smells like scented tampons.  Yeah, I know that’s gross, but it does.  It has that totally engineered “lady” fragrance that I feel like is in every feminine product, and it literally makes me gag.

I was really sad too, as the sample was huge and it would have made for a great gym bag product, but because of the scent I couldn’t even bring myself to try it.  Sorry gang, no actual product review here.

The Big Winner: amika Nourishing Mask

The big winner from my box this month was… drumroll please… amika!

In truth it isn’t all that surprising as I’ve sampled a few of their products so far, and to date, have purchased every single one of them in a full size.  This Nourishing Mask is no exception.

It is thick and creamy, smells like heaven, coated my hair and stayed in place for the 2-3 minute recommended treatment time.

To give it a true test, once I was done with my shower I went ahead and blew out my curly hair without using any additional product and was shocked to realize I didn’t even need my flat iron.

My hair was super shiny, laid nicely, and even the Florida humidity didn’t get frizzy.

This treatment is a total keeper, and I ordered the full sized right away.  I’ll be adding this in as a one-per-week spa day for my long hair.

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Readers, do you subscribe to any monthly boxes?  Which ones?  If you love them be sure to leave a referral link below so I can check it out!

The Fitness Games- App Review

There’s nothing like a little extra motivation when you’re gearing up for a lifting session, a hard run, or a bike ride.  If you’re a bit competitive like me, working out with a group is always a great way to go to push yourself just a bit harder.  The Fitness Games has taken that same sprit of competition and developed an app to help you push harder, go farther, and track your progress while doing it!

The app is available for iPhone and and Android, and has a slew of cool features.

You can challenge anyone, anywhere to a workout and the app will let you know who was the victor.  You can post selfies, videos, and progress to have a real time social media stream of accomplishments from you and your other competitors.

I downloaded the app on Friday and have already given in a try.  Not only is it super user friendly, it actually incorporates different workout types into the mix.  You can choose from Strength, Cardiovascular, Full Body or Cross Training challenges, and it links to Facebook to make it easy to find friends and connect with people through the app.

As a final awesome touch there is an option to upgrade to a paid version of the app and access workouts on your phone.

If you’re looking for a fun new fitness app, I really recommend checking out The Fitness Games and giving it a try!

**Disclaimer- I am being paid to review this new app.  That said, the review and opinions are all my own and are in no way influenced by the company.**

Product Review- Tide Sport with Febreeze

It’s no secret that I work out.  A lot.  I brag about that here all the time.  What I don’t usually throw out there is that I SWEAT.  And I’m not talking normal person at the gym sweat.  We’re talking I usually look like I went swimming by the time I’m done with my workout sweat.

About a month ago I realized that my usual laundry tricks just weren’t cutting it for getting the stank out of my gym clothes.  Especially my socks and any moisture-wicking fabric (like what all of my capris, sports bras and most of my tanks are made out of) were really holding odors.  I used to swear by white vinegar or Oxyclean, but they just weren’t touching it anymore.

I went in search of something that might help, and was thrilled to find an option at my local supermarket.  Tide Sport with Febreeze!

Genius in a bottle!

The verdict?  This is GOOD STUFF.  To begin, it costs the same as other versions of Tide, which is a nice difference from some of the specialty detergents I had seen online.  I didn’t want to have to spend twice as much to wash my gym socks.

Additionally, the product smells great.  It has a fresh scent without being florally or overwhelming.

And finally, it works great on the funk.  I’ll throw it out there that it doesn’t have any whitening properties, so on socks and whatnot you’ll want to use Oxyclean or bleach (whichever you prefer) for brightening.  But as far as odor elimination goes, I’ve found this product to be 100% effective.  Even on my super stinky workouts (say bike rides outside in 100 degree heat), or extra stinky circumstances (soaking wet gym clothes that sat in my bag in my 100+ degree car ALL DAY) the odors were eliminated.

So this former fat kid gives Tide Sport five stars.  Give it a try and let me know what you think!

And feel free to recommend your fabric fixes as well!  I’m always looking for ways to de-funk!

**Please note- this is just my two cents.  It’s not a product endorsement.  I didn’t get paid to do this, I just know I have stinky friends who might benefit too!**

Have you tried Fabletics yet?

I’m a sucker for great workout clothes.   Actually sucker is probably not a strong enough word, I’m a complete workout apparel whore.  Seeing as I’m at the box daily and doing workouts on top of those sessions, I go through a lot of spandex in a given week.  I’m always looking for brands that are both high quality and affordable, and as I’ve reviewed here before, Fabletics has some great stuff.

Almost as enticing as the great style, selection and quality of their products are the awesome price point AND rewards program they have.

For around $50 you can get a complete outfit, including 2-3 pieces.  First time buyers also get a 50% off discount, so really you can’t lose trying it out for just $25.

Additionally, you earn rewards points for every piece you purchase and review, and at 1000 points (which doesn’t take long if you love this stuff like I do!) you get a free outfit.

In fact, I JUST received this beauty today in the mail for FREEEEEEE (no shipping, no tax, nothing), because I had earned enough points!

 

Ready to give it a try?  Check it out at Fabletics (my referral link, another great way to earn points), and let me know if you have any questions!  At this point I own 6 pairs of capris, pants and shorts, 4 sports bras and 6 different tops from them.  Generally they fit very true to the sizes on their size charts, are great quality, and exactly as described.

Give it a shot and let me know what you think.

Product Review: Fabletics

I am always on the lookout for new, high quality, fashionable fitness gear.  That said, I also HATE to shop.  I would 100% rather order online and be done with it than brave the crowds at the stores, especially during the holidays.

Lately, the number of companies that offer a monthly subscription for around $50 that will ship you fabulous finds that have been matched to your personality profile based on a quiz is really growing.  I probably get an email a day from folks trying to sell me jewelry, shoes, lingerie or fitness apparel.

Admittedly, I’ve tried several of them.  Some with great results, some sub-par and were cancelled quickly.

Most recently, I decided to give Fabletics a try.  Once their promotions flooded my facebook newsfeed, advertising 50% off my first outfit giving me a complete, high-quality head to toe fitness look for only $25, I couldn’t resist.

At first glance, the website is pretty standard.  As a first time visitor you create a username and password, take a quick quiz indicating your activity, style and size preferences, and then are taken to a page with several outfits that the site feels fit your style.

From there though, they get fancy.  There are at least 50 outfit “packages” available.  Some with two pieces (top and bottom) and some with as many as four, including nice extras like sports bras, scarves, leg warmers and so on.  You can purchase the outfit for a flat price, and as a first time shopper take 50% off the entire order.

If you don’t like any of their endless outfit combinations, you can also choose individual pieces and will get 50% off your first piece.  To save the most money, I highly recommend the outfit option, as the bottoms typically run around the cost of an entire outfit when not pre-paired.

From there, each month you have a chance to purchase an outfit.  Your matches are sent to you on the 1^st of the month, and you have until the 10^th to decide whether to buy, or skip a month.

I’m on month three and waiting for my December shipment as we speak.  It should be here by the end of the week and I’m beyond excited!

At this point, I’ve received two full outfits, both of which I LOVE!  I will review the individual pieces below, but if you don’t want to read further, I’ll sum it up by saying I HIGHLY recommend this brand.  The quality is extremely good, and for the price you can’t beat it.

Remember, they are offering 50% off first outfits, and if you get there thru this link, I will get an incentive for having sent you.  “Members” get their own link, and every new person who signs up and takes advantage of the offer gets the referring member 200 points.  1000 points is a new outfit, so there’s all kinds of ways to get a great deal with this company.

Asaro Legging- Black

I don’t normally do a long pant, but I loved the top paired with these and the reviews online were really favorable.  I am SO glad I went with this purchase.  These are really really high quality.  They were marked as “moderate” compression, and I agree with that.  They are very soft, very stretchy, and fit more loosely in the lower leg than I anticipated.  They have what I would call a medium rise, coming just below my belly button.

I followed their size chart, and as I am pretty much a size 12 exactly I ordered the XL and they fit perfectly.  The wide waistband on the pants eliminates any muffin top effect.

They are a tiny bit long on me (I’m 5’6”), but because they are so narrow at the ankle it just creates a kind of fun bunched effect.

Love these pants.  The quality is similar too if not the same as what I’ve found with Lululemon and Athleta at a fraction of the price.

Lima Capri- Black

As I’m a capri girl at heart, in month two I went with this option and am even more impressed than I was with the leggings.  These are marked as maximum compression, and while I don’t consider them to be comparable with a true compression product, they are noticeably tighter and have less give than the legging (in a good way).

Like the legging, they fit to a tee, have a moderate rise, and are made a very high quality moisture-wicking fabric.  I was pleased with how “heavy” the capris felt, and yet how moisture wicking the material was in practice.  I can see these lasting for a very long time, and can say nothing but good things about them.

Utopia Tank- Heather Gray

I am in LOVE with this top.  I want it in every color.  Except maybe the pepto bismol pink… but to each their own.

This was one that looked cute online, but the photo’s can’t do the quality or fit of this piece justice.  The fabric is this great blend, that somehow manages to have a little meat on it, but also be extremely lightweight and wicking.  It is a super flattering cut, offering lots of support up top with the thick straps, built in bra, and criss cross back, and then flaring out nicely to be really fashionable at the same time.

I’m a D cup, and was able to remove the padded cups and wear this for a low impact workout without any additional bra.  When I wear it to Crossfit or for any sort of running or jumping however, I would wear a bra underneath for extra support.

The top had some nice extra touches as well, including a side pocket that was perfect iphone size, allowing for easy storage during a gym session.

Leon Tank- Mint/Cerulean

Another winner from Fabletics, but for different reasons than the Utopia tank.  This tank is made from super soft, breathable, fitted material.  Usually, I wouldn’t like something this tight, but again the thickness and quality of the fabric did wonders to smooth out my tummy imperfections and fit perfectly.  I love this top both for working out, and for hanging out because it’s just so darn comfortable.  The wide tank style straps make it easy to pair any sports bra with it.

 

**Please note, this is not a paid review.  These opinions are all my own and I won’t be compensated in any way for them, outside of the “rewards points” should you purchase an outfit.**

Product Review: VS Track Pant

Sexy staple Victoria’s Secret has recently launched (re-launched?) their fitness line, VSX.  As a fitness junkie always in search of my new favorite brand or items, I ordered several pieces from them before the marketing for the new line truly began.

Of the pieces I invested in, my absolute favorite by FAR is the VS Sport Track Pant.  At $74.50 these are a more expensive piece than what I would typically be interested in, but at the time I was really looking for something I could wear after my bike or swim workouts that would be loose, breathy, lightweight and super comfortable.  These pants met every one of those criteria and far exceed my expectations.  I could not be happier with this purchase and may buy a second pair as I anticipate I will get that much use out of them.

Function:

These pants are extremely lightweight and breathable, with a thick and heavier drawstring waistband.  The material almost feels like satin, but instead is a moisture wicking blend that simply feels sensational on your skin.

They include zippered pockets, making them perfect to throw on after a workout and carry keys, phone and money.  Not only are they perfect post workout, but they could easily be comfortable for yoga, or for running errands on the weekend.

Personally, I never exercise in pants and therefore would not do so in these, but with their breathability and loose stretchy fit, they would be great for most any workout.

Fashion and Fit:

These pants are very flattering.  In addition to the loose flowy fit, they feature a slight ruching on the leg to give them some fun detail.  As I mentioned above, they have a thick waistband made out of a traditional spandex/cotton blend with a drawstring, allowing for both comfort and a great fit.

These pants were true to size based on the size chart provided on the VS website.  I ordered the large and found them to be roomy, though a little fitted in my thighs as I’ve got some meat down there.  I appreciated the super flattering waistband and the just below my belly button rise as they were slimming and comfortable.

In terms of length, they hit perfectly at the tops of my shoes and don’t drag on the ground at all.  I am 5’6″ so a bit on the tall, so if you’re petite you may want to take this into consideration.

Summary:

This super lightweight pant is the perfect compliment to your fitness wardrobe.  For me, it works well as a pre or post- swim/cycle pant and is very comfortable to throw on over these types of clothing.  I believe this pant to be very versatile and could be used for cardio or yoga if you like wearing pants for those activities.

The VS website is easy to use, and delivery was as expected based on the shipping option I selected.  There were several options available for views of the product, helpful product reviews, and a very accurate size chart.

I am extremely pleased with this purchase and would recommend it to anyone looking for this type of product.

**Please note- this product review is simply my personal opinion of this product. I am in no way affiliated with Victoria’s Secret, nor am I receiving any compensation for publishing this information.

Product Review: Athleta Printed Bare to Run Knicker

I am always hesitant to order clothing online when I don’t yet own anything from the brand or have a store where I can inspect the pieces for quality and sizing.  That said, the Athleta brand has a great reputation for quality and has been said to rival that of Lululemon, so I decided to give it a go and purchase these capri’s that I’ve had my eye on for a few months now.

At $64 the Athleta Printed Bare to Run Knicker are pricier than what I would typically spend on athletic clothing, but I can enthusiastically say that they are worth the investment.

Source: Athleta at http://www.athleta.gap.com

Function:

These capris are a mid weight fabric infused with some of the best moisture wicking that I’ve ever experienced.  They are soft to the touch, and although they are in a fabulous pattern with a gray background, they didn’t show sweat during a particularly brutal Crossfit workout.

The mix of poly spandex made them breathable, movable and functional for a variety of movement.  The back zippered pocket was the perfect size for storage of a key or even an iphone, so these would transition great into something you would wear for an individual workout as well.

Fashion and Fit:

Obviously, these are cute as heck!  Printed workout leggings and capris are very “in” at the moment, and with the fun pattern in simple gray and black they pair well with any top.  I wore mine with a teal racer back tank for a fun pop of color.

These pants were very true to size based on the size chart provided on Athleta’s website.  I am a solid size 12 on the bottom and found the size Large to be fitted perfectly based on my measurments.  The rise on the waist was just to my belly button, and I appreciated the thick waistband with a thick piece of elastic in it which prevented any digging into my skin or “lopover disease” around my mid-section.

Summary:

If you’re in the market for a high quality capri that can be worn for a variety of activites ranging from Yoga to running to Crossfit, these are a great investment.

The online website is easy to use, and delivery was as expected based on the shipping option I selected.

I am extremely pleased with this purchase and would not only recommend this product to a friend (obviously), but may buy a second pair in black in the very near future.

**Please note- this product review is simply my personal opinion of this product. I am in no way affiliated with Athleta, nor am I receiving any compensation for publishing this information.