POPSUGAR Play/Ground Festival Recap

Iskra Lawrence

On June 9th and 10th, I attended the very first POPSUGAR Play/Ground at Pier 94. The two-day festival included captivating panels from Mindy Kaling, Kate Hudson, Tiffany Haddish, Yara Shahidi, Arriana Huffington, Cleo Wade, Iskra Lawrence and more. Attendees also enjoyed workout classes from Kayla Itsines, Body by Simone, and barre3, brand activations from Freeform, Victoria's Secret, Nordstrom, Kohl's and a large shopping bazaar. 

Since I spent the majority of my time meeting with brands and participating in brand activations, I missed out on seeing the panels. I made sure not to miss Gabrielle Bernstein's talk, since she is my favorite motivational, spiritual and inspirational speaker.

Check out my two-day festival experience. I really hope POPSUGAR hosts this event next year! 

Photo credit: Astrid Stawiarz, Getty Images

The adult size ball pit was so much fun! It was filled with 208,000 balls and included eight rainbow colored slides.

Both days kicked off with a Kayla Itsines workout. It was jam packed! You have to get there extra early to secure a spot!

UR Bath & Body products are handmade by women who are transitioning out of homelessness and domestic abuse situations. The product line includes bath bombs, soaps, sugar scrubs, bubble sands and shower steamers. I love how the soaps and some bath bombs (available at Bloomingdale's) are embellished with florals and herbs. 

FOREO hosted DIY Express Facials, offering 90, 150 and 210 second facials utilizing a combination of four of their devices: LUNA mini 2, ESPADA, UFO (recently launched in January) and IRIS. 

I chose to go with the 210 second facial, using the LUNA mini 2, UFO and IRIS. My skin was immediately refreshed! 

FOREO ISSA play toothbrush combines Sonic Pulse Technology with a silicone /polymer brush. I have sensitive gums so the soft bristles/brush is perfect for me, and I don't have to worry about brushing too hard. 

This was my first introduction to Asian skincare brand Skin Inc. and enjoyed an amazing facial utilizing the Optimizer Voyage Tri-Light. My skin was glowing all day!  

Right after my facial, I got to try Skin Inc.'s Facial In A Flash Mask Series, where you can combine different top and bottom masks together and leave on for 20 minutes. For the top half of my mask, Get Glowin Platinum Mask for Brightening & Radiance was applied, and for the bottom half Lines Be-Gone Rose Gold Mask for Anti-Aging & Lifting was used. The end result --- radiant skin!

I was introduced to Monat's haircare line, including their Refinish Control Hairspray, which doubles as a makeup setting spray! 

I was shocked at how good Wendy's new Berry Burst Chicken Salad is for summer! It's under 500 calories too! Guests were treated to a free salad + drink during both days of the event.

Nordstrom Wellbeauty Shop welcomed guests with complimentary hairstyling and makeovers

The Nordstrom Misting Bar was such a refreshing experience. They even made you your favorite mist samples. My favorites were Tata Harper's Hydrating Facial Essence, Kiehl's Cactus Flower & "Tibetan Ginseng" Hydrating Mist, and Herbivore Jasmine Green Tea Jasmine Water Balancing Toner.

S'well + glotrition

Nordstrom Flower Wall

New WELL WITHIN plant-based, clean and sustainable nutritional supplements that promote skin health.

WELL WITHIN Planted in Beauty skincare line, available at Neiman Marcus

Vooray bags - perfect for the gym and travel, available at Nordstrom

goldno.8 leather trapezoid clutch

goldno.8 customizable reversible nylon bags

K-Deer activewear donates a portion of proceeds from their Signature Stripe collection to selected charities. High waisted, full coverage leggings with UPF 50+

Adidas Ultraboost Parley Shoes

For every 0.62 miles that you run, $1 will go to Parley for the Oceans charity and prevent 11 plastic bottles from entering the ocean. Download the Runtastic app and run through July 8th to participate!

Tarte provided makeovers with the Shape Tape contour concealer

Beauty by POPSUGAR makeup

Pine-Apple-Rita

Alala

Splendid Studio activewear

Huda Beauty 

On Sunday, I stopped by Huda Beauty for an eyemakeup touchup with lashes

Guests who stopped by Victoria's Secret received a bra fitting and picked a card to win a locker prize from Victoria Sport (leggings, socks or t-shirt)

Kohl's activation included a "Price is Right" spin to win $10, $20, $50, $100 or $200 Kohl's Cash

Words with Friends complimentary manicures with Spa Chicks On-The-Go

Pinkie Swear previewed the new Party Powder, along with Clip Paint and Clip Gloss

Otter Box previewed the new iPhone X cases exclusively available at Target. Letters were painted on each case so guests could spell out words along the Otter Box wall. 

Freeform provided complimentary makeovers and hair styling, plus a photo area

I ended my POPSUGAR Play/Ground experience with Gabrielle Bernstein's talk, The Universe Has Your Back, teaching you how to transform your fear into faith in order to live a divinely guided life. Gabby guides you to clear away all the blocks to your attracting power, retrain your thoughts and energy, and attract exactly what you want into your life. 

- Kim Weling