April 2016 Favorites!

I love trying out and reviewing products, and I also love sharing my favorite things with you.  I have decided to start sharing my monthly favorites so you can get a taste of what I am loving for the time being.  

With that, let's get started with the month of April!

Dancewear:

Gaynor Minden Mesh Backseam Tights:  I want perfection in my tights.  They must be bright peach-pink, mesh, backseamed, resilient, comfortable, and have large convertible openings that free my heels.  Before discovering these Gaynor tights, I was torn between Capezio #18 mesh faux-backseam tights and Body Wrappers A45 mesh backseam tights.  I found the Capezios very strong and resilient (they never lost their stretch), but the Body Wrappers had better color  and larger converts.  The Gaynor Minden Mesh Backseam Tights combine the best of Capezio and Body Wrappers' designs.  The Gaynor tights are bright peach pink and very stretchy and silky feeling.  They also have a low-rise knit-in waistband and large converts that fully free the heels (I don't like tights on my heels when I wear pointe shoes; it tends to make the shoes slip off my heels).  The only small cons about the Gaynor tights are the price (they run about $19 a pair on discount dance, which is more than Capezio and Body Wrappers styles) and the visible weave texture.  The mesh texture of these tights is a very visible, and it can produce a very subtle leopard-like print effect when viewed up close.  It's definitely not visible from any distance larger than about 6 feet.  I am definitely willing to pay a few more dollars and ignore the weave texture because overall these tights are awesome! (Available on discountdance.com or directly from Gaynor Minden on dancer.com)

Body Wrappers Boys'/Men's Professional Long Dance Shorts:  These shorts are marketed toward male dancers, but they are perfect for dancers of any gender.  The shorts are pretty long and made of thick, soft spandex (like cycling shorts), so they are very modest.  Both male and female dancers can wear them over or instead of tights.  I love putting on these shorts over a leo and tights to upgrade my outfit between ballet and modern classes.  They are also perfect for wearing to and from the studio to cover up my dancewear.  (Available on discountdance.com)

Streetwear:

Lou and Grey Featherweight Modal Tee (from Ann Taylor Loft):  This tee shirt is so soft!  The slightly-sheer top comes in several colors, and the style is appropriate for almost anything.   It can be worn over a leotard or bra top for dance class, paired with a camisole for school, or dressed up with a skirt and jewelry.  The short-sleeved style is perfect for warm weather (or hot studios); the lightweight fabric doesn't retain heat at all.  The brand typically brings out new colors, patterns, and sleeve lengths each season, so be on the lookout for different versions of this tee all year round. (Available from loft.com)

Skincare:

First Aid Beauty Instant Oatmeal Mask:  If your face gets red or you tend to get a rash from heat and exertion, you may want to check out this soothing mask from First Aid Beauty.  FAB is committed to using all non-irritating ingredients, so it's great for all skin types.  The mask has a thick emollient texture with some real oat chunks, so it spreads easily across the face, neck, and any other areas that get irritated.   It dries within 10  minutes and can be left on for any length of time (the package recommends about 10 minutes, but it's gentle enough to be left on overnight).    After rinsing, you will notice reduced redness and softer skin.  As an added bonus, this mask smells just like oatmeal cookie dough! (Available from sephora.com)

Makeup:

Clinique Almost Powder SPF 15: Whether you're looking for a foundation to wear every day or something just for the stage, this powder is awesome.  The coverage can be sheer to medium depending on how you apply it.  This powder is surprisingly long-wearing, and it does not transfer much.  I highly recommend it for dancers of all ages.  (If you are looking for a light-coverage foundation to put on a child for a show, this is an excellent option.  It's a little on the pricier side, but there are literally no cons to discuss.) Clinique products are formulated for sensitive skin (no fragrance or super harsh ingredients), so this powder does not irritate.  The sponge that comes with the compact can be used to apply heavier coverage (good for stage), or a small amount on a powder brush can be used to mattify another foundation.  (Available from sephora.com or at cosmetics counters at most department stores.)

Food:

Clif Bars Apricot Flavor:  If you like eating fruit for a snack but find it doesn't provide enough energy for class, you need to try this bar.  Clif Bars have a decent amount of protein (9g in this flavor) and contain complex carbs that digest slowly and keep you energized without weighing you down.  The apricot flavor contains real dried apricots and dates, so it is super sweet and yummy!  (Available at most grocery and health food stores.)