Dancing Beauty

I’m over 40 (45 now) and I returned to dancing 2 years ago!  I NEVER thought my body could move like it did 25 years ago when I was a pro dancer.  SURPRISE.. muscle memory is an amazing gift!

I started back in the ballroom after a 15 year break (that’s another story).  I tried to remember all my syllabus steps from American style ballroom aka “social” dancing.  AMAZED that this time around I would start competing – strictly for the exercise + JOY of it all.

A few partners, instructors & coaches later THIS HAPPENED!

Click link below for FULL video

“KNOWN” Dance Video

After 6 months of changing coaches and starting International Rumba from scratch, this was just my second time dancing with my AMAZING coach Nikolai Voronovich.

I am on a dancing journey now..  with the goal of competing in International style with Nikolai within the next year!

I invite you follow my journey, share my struggles, injuries and joys.  PLUS, I always have a bag FULL of BEAUTY musts.  I am always ready to help any and all dancers at events with their BEAUTY NEEDS & LASH applications (there will always be behind the scene moments).  I share my story, journey, life lessons & beauty tips/picks with you..

I hope to INSPIRE you, make you LAUGH & ENCOURAGE you to try something on your BUCKET LIST!

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Lesson:  Finding a good “coach” in any sport takes some time.  Once you find someone with the same passion, higher technical skills and a good connection – YOU WILL KNOW IT!  I dance for the pure sport, enjoyment & exercise now.  I want to see how good I can get BUT have fun in the process.

I KNEW I found the right coach & partner when he saw the potential in  me and was able to bring it out!  PLUS the fact that I can laugh WITH him at all my frustrations, mistakes and struggles along the way! (I had NO IDEA who he was before I started dancing with him.. I only figured it out when we began attending events & everyone was stopping him for photos!) So grateful to have found such a pro & well respected coach. (Crazy list of titles right?!?!?)

Beauty Tip:  My BEST pick for performance “body” makeup or summer leg makeup is Sally Hansen airbrush leg makeup.  Once it dries it is water & sweat proof.. I actually usually have it on long after event (even AFTER a shower for 2-3 days).  I apply it with my hands, directly on my legs before I get dressed and it sets very quickly.  5 stars!

Thanks for reading and stopping by.. I will be back next week talking about my love of KT TAPE.

Michelle xo

Are YOU a LAZY SPF applier? (I am)

Confession:  I often forget to apply sunscreen.. eeeekkkkk!

I just walked my dog and remembered, I didn’t apply ANYTHING to my face today.  I think I just burned the back of my neck (smacking my head right now)!  It is my day off but NO EXCUSE!   I work on skin ALL day, I ask everyone if they are using SFP daily, I am starting to see spots on my face more & more from my teenage burns.. WHAT IS MY PROBLEM?  SUN is the quickest way to speed AGING up.. I KNOW THIS.. I preach this.. I believe this!

Let’s keep it simple.  I need to heed my own advice:

1.  Apply your moisturizer to clean skin in the morning.  Allow the product to absorb into your skin, this way your skin is less likely to want to absorb all the sunscreen into your pores, ultimately clogging them.

2. ApplySPF to your face (which I skip) and ALSO to your neck and chest (which I do).  Your neck and chest are the tell tale signs of your age.  They are always forgotten, but always exposed.  Apply to BOTH.

3. (Ladies) As a final step after you have finished doing your make-up, apply a mineral make-up with a fluffy round brush all over your face, neck & chest.  Mineral make-up contains ZINC & Titanium Dioxide which are both natural sunscreens (just like Baby sunscreens).   Applying “powdered” SPF (mineral powders) is a great re-application product throughout your day.  They lay on top of the skin and don’t have a tendency to clog pores from absorption (like some over the counter sunscreens can do).

4.  If you are outside all day, you should re-apply.  It doesn’t last all day long (even 100 SPF) especially after swimming, sweating or working.

That seems easy enough.. why can’t I remember to do it?

Baz Luhrmann said it BEST: “Always Wear Sunscreen!”

While you are spreading sunshine throughout your day, also remember to apply sunscreen. (I need to copy and paste that to my bathroom mirror ASAP).  It’s the easiest way to slow the “beauty” aging process.

Need another reason?  My aunt died because of skin cancer.. read her story here.

A Giggle-fest Inspired by Aromas

Who would think aromatherapy could make you loopy?  Well it can, and it did.. during my first series of Aromatherapy & Herbal workshops last month and not only did everyone leave inspired, educated & relaxed.. we were all giddy & goofy.

I use a variety of essential oils (I’m not brand specific) and I wanted to inspire the guests to start the year off right with intention and wellness. We started by writing down our word of the year and circling it in words of how we wanted to feel (or the opposite of what we didn’t like about last year).  Then I helped each guest choose 3 oils that have an infinity for those intentions.

I also added a hidden oil for the guest according to what I thought would supercharge the synergy of the blend. (this is always my favorite part)

We drank herbal tea, talked about incorporating herbs into recipes & diet and specifically one great “go to” for eliminating stress throughout our days. (More on “why” you should carry Rescue Remedy daily).

As we began to make our roller blends I use my aromatherapy education, certification, favorite reference books and 80% of my intuition. (My blending methods are unique, I’ll share more on that later). All of a sudden we are smelling oils, creating blends and people start dropping things, spilling things, knocking things over (I’m a totally non-A type personality.. hello artist.. so no worries) and we all just start laughing. We laughed off and on for the last 20 mins.

“Laughter is the BEST medicine!”

As everyone was leaving with goodie bags & blends in hand they were so much lighter than when they arrived and I swear I could heard their laughter as the walked to their cars.

Do you use aromatherapy regularly? The last Saturday of each month I will be holding workshops to help you navigate your aromatic journey, share my education for using oils safely & some of my favorite oils, herbs & teas.

Seating is always limited.. you can purchase a ticket for my next workshop here:

Or if you are not local you can purchase your own custom “Soul” Blend here and we will create one together and I will ship it directly to you ($25 + free shipping).

Let me know your funniest experience with aromatherapy.. Just because it’s good for you doesn’t mean it can’t be FUN!

It’s A New Year.. What Makes YOU Fierce?

It’s a new year and one of my favorite words is FIERCE!  It ignites my passion.. my desire to be strong.. my wish to be fearless.. my ambition to persevere and my goals of being unforgettable!

A year ago in February, my Grama passed away.  We were very close & I loved her with all my heart.  She was one of my most special people: my cheerleader, my mom, my voice of reason, my greatest sounding board and LOVED to watch me dance!  While I was back East for her funeral I stumbled upon a ballroom dance studio I had NO IDEA existed a few blocks from my home in LA.  I contacted them while in NJ (I swear Grama sent me to them) and the rest is history.. I fell back in love with dancing because of the owners Katie & Erick (below) and the wonderful instructors (the events & other students are just a bonus).

I started dancing at 10 yrs old.  I taught, performed & competed all throughout school.  I turned professional at the age of 19 and continued my career until 26.  I taught ballroom at a Fred Astaire studio from 22-24 yrs old.  I lived my dream of being a dancer and performing professionally all over the country.  But I hadn’t ballroom danced in about 15 years (even just for fun).

Dancing has ALWAYS been my heart, my love, my joy, my passion.

When I retired I couldn’t figure out how to enjoy it for fun.. so I gave it up.

Last February I walked into the studio (shaking & heart pounding – thinking WHAT AM I DOING? I can’t do this anymore!) I was greeted by one of the sweetest guys I have ever had the pleasure of meeting (or dancing with) and I haven’t stopped smiling yet!   In a year I have lost 25 pounds.. bought a dozen glittering gowns.. danced & sung more songs then I can remember, laughed uncontrollably (while dancing), felt like a princess (more than once) and entered my first EVER competition in December.

I am FIERCE!  I am having the time of my life.. inspiring others to dare to try something new.. sharing my joy, reminding others talent SHOULD be shared and hoping to become awesome in TANGO (my worst dance, in my mind) by this years end.  I am  not giving up!  I have over done it and injured myself multiple times last year.  But I’ve kept going. I can’t remember as much as I would like to or as quickly as I used to, BUT I AM FIERCE.  I feel good.  I’m graceful.  I’m happy.  I’m taking chances.  I’m NOT giving up!

What is it that you would LOVE to try this year?  What lights a spark in your heart? What do you do and no matter how hard you try, you can’t stop smiling (this is a problem for my TANGO).  Do that!  Try that!  If it scares you a little, it means there is a WONDERFUL treasure awaiting you on the other side.. it’s wrapped in a gorgeous package with a tag on it with YOUR name.. “YOU ARE FIERCE“.. It’s just waiting to be opened.. discovered.. shared.. and ONLY YOU can unwrap it!

Remember, DON’T let anyone or anything STOP you.. especially when you soul is whispering to you.. listen to it!  It’s usually IMPORTANT.

Please share your adventures & journey with me!  I can’t wait to hear what makes YOU FIERCE!(because you are)

Power picks 4 Confidence (my SuperPowers)

What are you special accessories that make you feel extra special? That activate your Super Powers?

Bright Lip, Heels, & Polished Nails are my “go tos” whenever I have to present, make a speech or represent an organization (or have a “put my foot down” meeting).

I think it goes back to my dancing days.  I was tall and cast as a showgirl alot.. I always felt so elegant on stage with my sparkles, makeup & heels.

I taught ballroom for 8 hours (a day) in heels and dancing in NYC in the 1990s was all Broadway style heels (minimum 2 inches).  Plus you NEVER showed up at an audition without lipstick!

There is something about the way heels elongate my stride, posture & confidence.  But add a bright lip, especially on days where I’m feeling a bit tired and BAM!

Here’s my story from a few weeks ago.. (via Periscope: michellebouse)

 

I would love to hear your secret picks to activate your SuperPowers!  (don’t worry I won’t tell) 😉

 

New Year, Let’s get real!

There is nothing like browsing gorgeous pictures online or in magazines, especially during award season. I want. I wish. I wonder. Sigh..

Having a makeup artist, hairstylist, great lighting and photoshop editors makes EVERYONE look great – trust me, I KNOW. At the start or end of my day, I don’t even come close to seeing a semblance in my mirror. Do you?

I hate to be Debbie Downer, but those people in the photos aren’t recognizable in their mirror at home after the event – once everything is off.  Good news: They are just as normal as you and I – only they have a BEAUTY TRIBE.

So it’s a new year.. I want to help you with real beauty concerns, questions & frustrations.  I want to give you real solutions, hope and inspiration!  So let’s GET REAL! Who’s with me?

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Here is your first Beauty “TO DO” for 2016.. schedule in #MeTime this year & regularly!  Whatever you have to do; add it to your calendar, phone, schedule an alarm or  stratigically place sticky notes – DO IT & be consistent!  Here’s list to help start you off.

I will be back with more TO DOs for YOU and your perfectly, perfect (and annoying) imperfections!  Together we will GET REAL and feel more BEAUTIFUL by the end of 2016..  Cheers!!!  ~Michelle

Vitamin C is good 4 You

And your skin. Are you using it?

Anti-oxidants protect skin from future sun damage as well as repairing cells of past damage (those darn free radicals). Let me say that again, Vitamin C helps the skin repair itself!

It helps stimulate the production of collagen and elastin which slows down with age – hence the wrinkles.

Internal consumption is extremely good for skin as well. Buffered Vitamin C has always been recommended as a good choice for better body absorption.  Vitamin C is water soluble so you if it’s not absorbed by the body, it leaves.  We need to replenish daily because look at all the health benefits..

3 of my favorites are:

Dr. Spiller Vitamin C Line (serum, day & night cream)

Rodan + Fields Reverse Line (vitamin c & retinol combo) and the Sunscreen is the most hydrating I’ve ever used!

Avalon Organics Vitamin C renewal (lip balm)

So whether it’s finding a skincare line with Vitamin C, throwing an orange slice into your tea/water, munching on C based veggies (bell pepper, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, collard greens, tomatoes) or supplementing your diet with buffered C (especially during cold & flu season) – start rev-ing UP your anti-aging routine today.

Your skin & body will THANK YOU!

Fall M/U trend #2. Flushed cheeks

Flushed cheeks… what comes to your mind?

For me I think of a blushing bride, a chilly afternoon, a brisk, fall walk, a pilates class or a happy approachable person. Color “coming from within” that’s the goal of this look. Not that you’re embarrassed, doll-like or injured but when you’re flushed, good circulation, a beautiful glow & healthy.

Sometimes the benefit of a bright cheek allows for a quick swipe of mascara (I also like to swipe the blush along my brow bone for the illusion of a natural eyeshadow application) and that is all.  Natural beauty.  The flushed cheek is usually using a PINK/MAUVE or PEACH tone color.. not Bronzer. Watch my quick video on powder application tips:

Gels and tints/stains are also a great option but take a bit more practice.  Powder is easy to blend and wipe off.. a stain is not.  Cream blush and a tint are a great way to layer color.  I use my fingers to apply a swipe of a cream or a gel on the “apples” area of my cheeks and then follow with a light layer of powder color on top.  Blending is always the key!  Remember if you don’t like it, wipe it off and start again.

My Product Picks:

1. Tarte “Natural” cheek stain
2. Nars “Orgasm” Blush
3. Cinema Secrets “Natural” blush
4. NYX blush
5. Naked Illuminating Shimmer 
6. Smashbox soft lights shimmer

Application Tips: 

1. Tap off the end of your applicator before applying to eliminate any “splotches” of too much color at the first point of contact on skin.

2. Use the end of a sponge (“the butt”) to the blend edges of your blush application as well as to remove excess product.

3. Keep color within the triangle of your cheek and do not apply too far down under your cheekbone.  This is where it starts looking like you were punched in the cheek.

4. Take a selfie and see how it looks. Then add a swipe of a light shimmer powder across the top of both cheekbones to finish the look with a little glow. (Alittle goes a long way.)

5. Not working for you? Use the temporary tried and true methods: pinch your cheeks & exercise!

Stop by each week In September for tips on how to incorporate the 5 Fall Runway Trends into your every day look.

Chocolate & Eyelashes

I love both… as most women do.  Everyone has different taste and likes different types of both.  Then enter the love/hate relationships:  I love/hate fiber mascara & I love/hate sugar.

Maybe I am NOT the best judge of fiber mascara because I create natural, perfect lashes daily with lash extensions.  I work as a makeup artist who specialized in natural beauty.. but then again I am originally from NJ where more is always better!

I love the natural application of fiber mascara.  It works amazingly!  But I believe it needs to be washed off daily (call me crazy) and should never be applied to lash extensions (unless you want to break off lashes).

I love chocolate, I would love to eat it every day.  Heck, I wish I could walk around with a drip of it in my arm all day (you know the world would be a better place.. especially once a month 😉 ).  But I don’t like the weight it puts on my body eating it every day.  Or the lows it gives me after a binge of sweets (and the belly ache).

So here’s the issue.. I am horrified when I see spidery pictures of any type of lashes and any chocolate sundae picture make me crave one for days (especially from Serendipty3 in Vegas – my fav Instagram follow).  I believe we are all entitled to our options and thank goodness everyone is different or we would be in a crazy episode of the Twilight Zone where everyone looks the same (Season 5 Episode 17)!

This is the “How to” for spidery lash application:

This is the “How to” for natural fiber lash application:

Please share your thoughts with me on which look you prefer and why.  And which type of chocolate is your favorite? I can agree to disagree. 🙂

Grown-up Girl’s “to do list”

 

 

Sometimes lists are good and worth sharing..