At two years old, my mother introduced me to roller-skating and it has been something special that we share together ever since. Growing up, our ritual was to go skating every Friday night at "The Rink" on 87th on Chicago's South Side.
I'm considered a JB skater, which is a Chicago-style of skating. The term originates from the Godfather of Soul James Brown. Growing up, I roller-skated to James Brown music, JB tracks (also known as skate remixes), hip-hop, rock & roll, funk, house and R&B. Throughout college, I started traveling for roller-skating events which is the highlight of my skate-life. I get to wear dope outfits with my friends, thrive off of the crowd's energy, and skate all night until my legs are sore. Even though I've done so many great things with roller-skating, like class projects, performances, and videos, there is still nothing like going back home to Chicago and skating to a combination of old-school and new school music.
What some people might not realize is that roller-skating is a great workout and is partially a huge reason why I've been able to maintain my weight. It keeps my energy flowing and it's my magical getaway. The roller-skating rink not only serves as a space where you can get a full body workout but you can also become a part of a community as well. I can't go in depth about all aspects of roller-skating but here are a few reasons you should consider picking up some skates yourself.
It's a vibe year-round.
Whether you're looking for a fun way to soak up some sun, a girls' night out, date night or quality time with family, there is always a skate session available. Roller-skating is affordable and could be your next cool idea to switch-up the scenery and your routine. You can roller-skate indoors at your local rink or in the park during the summer. If you are looking for a recreational sport that allows you to clear your mind, listen to good music, and fitness, skating is for you. You can plan your next girls' trip by visiting the skategroove.com website for more details for upcoming roller-skating events.
It's a full body workout.
Courtesy of writer Sydney Blaylock
Not only is roller-skating a fun activity but it is also a good full body workout. Roller-skating helps with the reduction of body fat and calories. Skating can improve your balance, coordination and strengthen your leg muscles. It's one of the many sports that works out your entire body from head to toe. Skating helps with your heart rate which is a good method for getting healthy. If you're a beginner, there are skate lessons and workout sessions that you can attend. Skating overall is just a cute and fun way to stay in shape internally and externally. Let's strengthen your core and have a good time while doing it!
It pours back into the community.
One of the best parts about being a part of the roller-skating culture is the community outreach. The black skating community celebrates together and supports each other in many ways. There have been roller-skating events that have derived from supporting causes such as breast cancer, autism, fighting against police brutality, and keeping skating rinks open in black urban areas. Unfortunately, roller-skating rinks are closing around the world and the black urban communities are suffering from the lack of recreational sports. So support your local skating rink, get yourself a full body workout and rejuvenate your soul through music.
It's a stress-reliever.
Courtesy of writer Sydney Blaylock
Once you enter the skating rink, you leave all comparisons, expectations, and judgments at the door. It is a space for you to have fun, challenge yourself, and let things go. There are no age, sex, or body limitations.The social dynamics within the rink is also good for your mood and mental health. Skating makes you happy while helping you reduce your stress levels. Tune into your inner balance and get ya' roll on!
Featured image by Tenor
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However, it wouldn't be a Saweetie video without humor. Throughout the video, she shared hilarious stories from her childhood, including using lip liner instead of an eyebrow pencil to fill in her eyebrows.
Check out the rapper's ASMR makeup tutorial for InStyle below.
Lips
Screenshot/ InStyle YouTube
Saweetie reveals that she likes to start with the lips and draws her lip pencil over her cupid's bow for a rounder appearance.
Highlighter
Screenshot/ InStyle YouTube
She takes the highlighter and dabs it on the side of her finger first before applying it to her face. "Take it slow," she says.
Contour
Screenshot/ InStyle YouTube
Next, she uses the Z palette to contour her face. "I like to mix a dark brown. This, with a hint of blush," she says. She proceeds to "tap, tap, tap" the brush all over her face.
Bronzer Over Foundation
Screenshot/ InStyle YouTube
"I'd rather do bronzer than foundation 'cause once that flash hit your face, you gotta be able to really identify the features," she explains.
"If I don't have no contour, I'm gonna be looking like a blow up doll."
Eyebrows
Screenshot/ InStyle YouTube
Saweetie is very serious when it comes to the brows. "We don't like a blocky brow, trust me I used to be that girl. Matter of fact, I used to do my eyebrows with lip liner and nobody told me about it," she reveals.
She shares that it took her watching a makeup tutorial to realize that eyebrow pencils even existed.
Setting Spray
Screenshot/ InStyle YouTube
She ends her tutorial with the Saweetie-approved setting spray from Benefit Pore-fessional.
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