Beauty and Barbells: Meet Tiffani D. Carter
Carter, in her CrossFit era.
Anyone who has worked in beauty media or public relations likely knows Tiffani D. Carter. She has represented some of the best brands and experts in the biz. I’ve known her for most of my 20+-year career in beauty editorial, and I was recently pleased to find her here on Long Island. Carter moved to LI to serve as chief marketing officer for Danessa Myricks Beauty, a line of innovative, multi-functional beauty products designed to work on all skin tones, created by celebrity makeup artist (and Long Islander!) Danessa Myricks. (Check out my reel from her recent editor event.)
Carter is not only a powerhouse in the beauty world but also a force in the gym. She’s a certified spin instructor and makes fitness a non-negotiable part of her busy day. Her fitness content always inspires me, so I wanted to know more about her routine and how she balances her nonstop career in beauty and that all-important “me” time.
Check out our chat below!
KBD: How did you get into fitness?
TC: Fitness has always been a part of my life — from being a dancer when I was seven to becoming a high school cheerleader to teaching hip-hop dance at Steps in NYC in my early twenties. Generally, I like to move my body, so anything involving movement has always been essential. About 10 years ago, I got my certification to teach indoor cycling, which I do part-time when possible. (If any Long Island spots are looking for new instructors, let me know!) I’ve taught at BYKLYN in Park Slope, Brooklyn, for a few years, and my class was always jam-packed and tons of FUN.
KBD: What is your current routine like?
TC: No days off! I have to move every day. For the last eight years, I have been in love with weightlifting and CrossFit. If it involves a barbell, I’m in! I lift weights at JayFit Training Studio in Glen Head twice a week, hop on my Peloton bike at least twice a week, and do my own thing in the gym or outside the other days. I like to lift heavy. Complex movements like power cleans and snatches or deadlifts and bench presses are my faves. I love to push myself.
KBD: How do you find the balance between your career and fitness?
TC: For me, fitness is non-negotiable. I wake up and work out, period. Fitness has the power to strengthen the mind as well. It is therapeutic and mentally balancing for me. When working out, I am focused and committed to that time — the phone is down, and the mind is clear. Endorphins reduce stress hormones (such as cortisol) and can be powerful mood elevators. For me, it’s also about the breath and the body-mind connection that brings me joy!
KBD: Favorite muscle group to work out?
TC: Oh, full body for sure! I love to have definition in my shoulders and biceps — sculpted is sexy. But most movements I like require full-body effort.
KBD: You recently returned from a cross-country tour for Danessa Myrick’s latest launch, the Groundwork: Defining Neutrals Palette. How do you stay consistent with exercise while traveling?
TC: When I travel, it’s still the same — wake up and work out. I’m fortunate to have colleagues who also share a love of morning fitness, so we usually work out together. My suitcase is always marked ‘heavy’ because I have sneakers and multiple sets of workout gear that take up the most space!
Follow Tiffani’s beauty and fitness content @tiffani_d_carter on Instagram.
