June is a bit of an odd month for my dance schedule. The season ended in late May, so June is a collection of ballet, modern, and pas de deux classes scribbled on the calendar without rhyme or reason. Here are the products I've been using to get me through the chaos...
I've taken more modern classes in the last month than I took in all of winter and spring. I also had a two-week stretch where I took only modern, so my dance wardrobe got a bit of a change-up. I love these tanks from Lululemon because they fit my torso tightly and don't ride up during floorwork. They fit almost as closely as leotards. I enjoy that these tanks come in a variety of colors and patterns (check e-Bay for awesome discontinued prints) so my outfits have a lot more pizzaz than just basic black. Available from lululemon.com or secondhand on sites like ebay.com
I've recently had a bit of a shift in body shape. With the help of Jess at The Whole Dancer and Tanya at Anti-Bunhead Fitness, I'm much more athletic-shaped these days. While building muscle feels fantastic, it means some of my clothes no longer fit. I'm learning just how challenging it is to find professional-looking clothing that fits an athletic yet still petite body. These pants from Barbell are a godsend. The trousers are cut to accommodate a slim waist, wider hips and butt, and muscular thighs and calves, yet still taper neatly at the ankle. They are perfect for me. In women's sizes, they come as small as a size 24 (standard size 0), so while the brand is more geared toward weightlifters and bodybuilders, it's actually perfect for fit dancers as well. The chino trousers come in a variety of colors, and there are jeans options as well. Barbell has a pretty high price point, but if you have as much difficulty finding good pants as I do, they are completely worth it. Available from barbellapparel.com
Tons of modern dance class means tons of floorwork, which means a certain amount of face-to-floor contact. I have very sensitive skin, and any amount of time with my face pressed into a dusty floor or into another dancer's skin leaves me with some redness or heat rash. This serum really helps take care of irritation, and it keeps it from getting worse the next time I'm doing x-rolls across the floor. The texture of the serum is really more of a cream, so I like to use it as a light moisturizer as the last step of my nighttime skincare routine. FAB is a great brand with limited ingredients and nothing irritating, so this product is a sure hit for all skin types. Find it at sephora.com
Ok, ok, I know, I chose a super-luxury product... But I love it that much. I'm not into luxury designer brand clothing or makeup for the most part because I believe other brands provide products that are the same or better quality for a lower price. However, I think a closet of Loft and Hollister can be accented nicely with a Coach handbag and a collection of Bare Minerals makeup is perfectly accompanied by a designer lipstick and perfume. I don't believe in going overboard with designer-everything, but I think occasional indulgence is great. That's why I bought this lipstick. It's something between lipstick and tinted balm, a bit like Clinique Chubby Sticks, but more vibrant and longer lasting. I also love the luxurious packaging; it's exactly what I'd expect from such a nice brand. In the summer when I'm even less likely to wear foundation or eye shadow, just a touch of lipstick makes me feel put together and dressed up for work and dance functions. Find it at sephora.com
If you hate doing dishes, this product is for you. I've always found it a huge pain to clean the blender after making a shake or smoothie, especially when I just used it for mixing protein powder or peanut butter into a glass of milk. This product mixes ingredients through a much easier method. Just add everything into the bottle, make sure the wire ball is in place, put on the lid, shake vigorously, and enjoy. It even mixes peanut butter and flaxseed meal! While the blender bottle does not work for liquefying solids like fruit, it 's the perfect solution for protein powders and other ingredients that don't dissolve when stirred. I love to mix almond milk, vanilla protein powder, unsweetened cocoa, peanut butter, and flaxseed meal for a quick breakfast or snack after a workout. The blender bottle comes in a variety of colors and sizes. I got mine from iherb.com
Dancewear:
Lululemon Cool Racerback Tank
I've taken more modern classes in the last month than I took in all of winter and spring. I also had a two-week stretch where I took only modern, so my dance wardrobe got a bit of a change-up. I love these tanks from Lululemon because they fit my torso tightly and don't ride up during floorwork. They fit almost as closely as leotards. I enjoy that these tanks come in a variety of colors and patterns (check e-Bay for awesome discontinued prints) so my outfits have a lot more pizzaz than just basic black. Available from lululemon.com or secondhand on sites like ebay.com
Streetwear:
Barbell Apparel Athletic Chino Pants
I've recently had a bit of a shift in body shape. With the help of Jess at The Whole Dancer and Tanya at Anti-Bunhead Fitness, I'm much more athletic-shaped these days. While building muscle feels fantastic, it means some of my clothes no longer fit. I'm learning just how challenging it is to find professional-looking clothing that fits an athletic yet still petite body. These pants from Barbell are a godsend. The trousers are cut to accommodate a slim waist, wider hips and butt, and muscular thighs and calves, yet still taper neatly at the ankle. They are perfect for me. In women's sizes, they come as small as a size 24 (standard size 0), so while the brand is more geared toward weightlifters and bodybuilders, it's actually perfect for fit dancers as well. The chino trousers come in a variety of colors, and there are jeans options as well. Barbell has a pretty high price point, but if you have as much difficulty finding good pants as I do, they are completely worth it. Available from barbellapparel.com
Skincare:
First Aid Beauty Anti-Redness Serum
Tons of modern dance class means tons of floorwork, which means a certain amount of face-to-floor contact. I have very sensitive skin, and any amount of time with my face pressed into a dusty floor or into another dancer's skin leaves me with some redness or heat rash. This serum really helps take care of irritation, and it keeps it from getting worse the next time I'm doing x-rolls across the floor. The texture of the serum is really more of a cream, so I like to use it as a light moisturizer as the last step of my nighttime skincare routine. FAB is a great brand with limited ingredients and nothing irritating, so this product is a sure hit for all skin types. Find it at sephora.com
Makeup:
Dior Addict Lip Glow in Berry
Ok, ok, I know, I chose a super-luxury product... But I love it that much. I'm not into luxury designer brand clothing or makeup for the most part because I believe other brands provide products that are the same or better quality for a lower price. However, I think a closet of Loft and Hollister can be accented nicely with a Coach handbag and a collection of Bare Minerals makeup is perfectly accompanied by a designer lipstick and perfume. I don't believe in going overboard with designer-everything, but I think occasional indulgence is great. That's why I bought this lipstick. It's something between lipstick and tinted balm, a bit like Clinique Chubby Sticks, but more vibrant and longer lasting. I also love the luxurious packaging; it's exactly what I'd expect from such a nice brand. In the summer when I'm even less likely to wear foundation or eye shadow, just a touch of lipstick makes me feel put together and dressed up for work and dance functions. Find it at sephora.com
Food:
Blender Bottle
If you hate doing dishes, this product is for you. I've always found it a huge pain to clean the blender after making a shake or smoothie, especially when I just used it for mixing protein powder or peanut butter into a glass of milk. This product mixes ingredients through a much easier method. Just add everything into the bottle, make sure the wire ball is in place, put on the lid, shake vigorously, and enjoy. It even mixes peanut butter and flaxseed meal! While the blender bottle does not work for liquefying solids like fruit, it 's the perfect solution for protein powders and other ingredients that don't dissolve when stirred. I love to mix almond milk, vanilla protein powder, unsweetened cocoa, peanut butter, and flaxseed meal for a quick breakfast or snack after a workout. The blender bottle comes in a variety of colors and sizes. I got mine from iherb.com
Wow! Your new focus is evident. Thanks for expanding your picks.
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