This Month's Obsession: Laura Mercier Face Primer

As your dance students and pros transition from practice to performances, you’re feeling prideful and so are they. You’ve taught them the dance skills they need to stand out on the dance floor, and now it’s time to show them how to make their makeup pop too! Introduce your performers to this month’s favorite beauty pick - the new Laura Mercier Face Primer in Radiance. 

Primer is the secret weapon for achieving flawless skin and making your makeup last. It preps the skin for makeup, fills in pores and fine lines, and creates a smooth base that makeup can adhere to.  With this beauty must-have, your performers can say good-bye to their makeup slipping and sliding as they sweat their way through their dance routine.

Laura Mercier created the beauty industry’s first ever makeup primer and just recently reinvented her popular primer and made the newest version which adds luminosity and radiance to skin. This lightweight, creamy vitamin-rich gel not only makes your skin glow, but also acts as a buffer to outside elements and holds your foundation in place for hours. 

Not sure how to apply primer? Here are step by step instructions:

Step 1: Apply primer onto your face the same way you would apply your moisturizer. Be sure to apply all areas as evenly as possible, but it’s okay to use a little extra in places where your makeup tends to wear off quickly, such as in the T-zone area.

Step 2: Apply your foundation and concealer as you normally would. Notice that the colors of your makeup look so much better!

Note: There are also primers designed for eyelids which make your eye shadow last all day and night and help you get the most out of even the cheapest eye shadows.

Use this secret weapon to help your students achieve the ultimate makeup look before the next event or special occasion. Now people won’t just recognize Fred Astaire dancers for their suave moves, but for their flawless, long-lasting makeup as well!

Are the "Healthy" Foods You're Eating REALLY Healthy?

Reduced-fat peanut butter: Reduced-fat peanut butter has nearly as many calories as the full fat version plus added sugars, more sodium and partially hydrogenated oils which are the unhealthy fats that raise cholesterol. So basically, when you’re making this substitution you’re really trading heart-healthy fats for empty carbs and sugars. One tablespoon of reduced-fat peanut butter is 95 calories, has 6g of fat and 110mg of sodium. Instead, opt for an all-natural peanut butter like Smucker’s Natural Creamy Peanut Butter which has no salt and is 105 calories and 8g of fat.

Granola: Granola is loaded with carbs and high in calories. It usually also contains high amounts of added sugars and oil. Instead, choose a whole grain cereal which tends to be a great source of healthy fats, fiber and protein.

Flavored oatmeal: Flavored instant oatmeal can be high in sugar and sodium causing you to eat empty calories that provide no nutritional benefits. Swap flavored oatmeal for whole rolled or steel cut oats which don’t contain added salt or sugars and contain the same amount of fiver and protein. Add some fresh fruit or honey for extra flavor.

Bars: Many energy, fiber and protein bars are just glorified candy bars. Save yourself some sugar and calories and substitute these for an apple or a spoon of peanut butter instead. You’ll get your protein fix without bursting out of your skinny jeans. 

If you need a quick meal replacement while on-the-go you can make your own protein shake. However, be very cautious about protein shakes that you can buy at smoothie stores or gyms. Instead, carry your own supply of protein powder in a powder dispenser like EasyGo Dispenser so you can quickly make a shake no matter where you are. The EasyGo Dispenser allows you to carry a days’ worth of protein powder and easily dispenses into any water bottle or shaker cup so you can make a mess-free shake for a snack or meal replacement.

Multigrain bread: Whole wheat bread has more essential nutrients and dietary fiber than multigrain bread. Unless your multigrain bread is made with whole grains you might as well be eating white bread!