Annabelle Testa has always had a strong passion for fitness and motivating others to be their best. And over the past several years, Testa taught and took classes at Pure Barre Kildeer. Her fitness passion culminated in July 2020 when she became co-owner of Pure Barre South Barrington. After graduating from Barrington High School, Testa has since lived in the surrounding suburbs and when she’s not at the studio, Testa spends as much time as possible outdoors hiking, golfing, and boating. Her son Maxwell, 16, and daughter, Sophia, 18, both have heavy social schedules, so Testa looks forward to quality time together when they travel as a family.

Mantra? Carpe Diem! You never know what tomorrow will bring so make life happen and I’m #celebratinglife every day Best grooming tip? Body oil. I have a concoction I whip up of essential oils, a couple drops of Sol bronzer, and moisturizer. I apply all over and it keeps skin hydrated and glowing Guilty pleasure? Masking. I put masks on anytime of the day. My favorites are Biologique Recherche Masque Vivant, smells horrible but works miracles and Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening and Exfoliating mask Favorite Food? Stone Crab claws! Runner up would be sushi and fried ice cream for dessert Music you love? I have such a wide palette for music. ’70s is close to my heart, can’t go without old school hip hop, and chill house music always transports my soul Best advice ever given to you? Not everyone is going to like you, and that’s ok Best advice you have given? Be true to yourself, not what you think others want you to be Earliest memory? Napping and snuggling kitties. I grew up with cats and always remember having one by my side When I wake up? Pure Barre of course. It’s truly an amazing workout and community! Before bed? Drink lots of water and I always take my vitamins before bed so they absorb while I sleep. I cannot live without Laneige lip mask What’s on my bookshelf? I’m more of a magazine girl so travel magazines—Condé Nast, National Geographic Traveler, Departures, and Sunset are a few of my favorites Can’t live without? A spritz of Chanel Chance Eau Fraiche Love to escape to? Michigan. I have a second home in Union Pier (outside New Buffalo) and have been going there for 40 years. It is such a beautiful thing when you can be so close and so far. You have our breathtaking Lake Michigan, dunes, boating, and forests. Summer and winter are equally gorgeous and relaxing. Advice you would give your younger self? Try it all! You don’t know until you try so never hold back out of fear

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Sporty! I’m mostly running around in workout clothes which makes up about 50 percent of my wardrobe Can’t leave the house without? Lip gloss. I missed it so much during Covid. Transportation? Mercedes GLE350 you had me at the dashboard baby! Feels like a luxury spaceship. Place to eat? Weekday breakfast Honey Berry, weekend brunch outdoors at Saddle Room, Hampton Social, or Port Edwards. Happy hours at Neoteca. Francesca’s Famiglia, Shakou, Bistro Wasabi in Algonquin, and Mockingbird in West Dundee. Best thing about the country? Room to roam and breathe! I love the outdoors and really maximize all the preserves in our area Worst thing about country? Suburban traffic and lack of variety The perfect day? Start the day with latte on my veranda, take a trail walk with my kids and dog “Biggie Smalls,” run to a Pure Barre class, meet friends for quick brunch, afternoon golf with my boyfriend, then come home relax and cook dinner, finish with a bonfire.

WHEN IN TOWN

Style is? Simply sexy. I try not to overthink my outfits. I enjoy getting dolled up for the city. Heels are a must Can’t leave the house without? Lipstick, I love a pop of color and how it can transform your look Transportation? Uber. It’s easy, convenient, and fast Driving Music? On my way downtown definitely deep house music, I typically pull music from YouTube with tropical visuals for the vibe Place to eat? Aba’s, Steak 48, Gibsons, and 3 Arts Club Café Shop? Aritzia on Rush Best thing about our town? Beautiful Lake Michigan, the people, and the food Worst thing about our city? Traffic on Lakeshore Drive and Michigan Avenue A perfect day? Waking up in a room at Viceroy Hotel, grabbing a latte and walking the streets. Hitting a boutique fitness studio, enjoying a spa afternoon at Aire bath house, relaxing back at the hotel, and heading out for dinner and live music at Bassment