Clinique City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25

The weather is beginning to really heat up and I have ordered and started using my first new facial sunscreen of the season, I decided to start off with Clinique this summer and I bet that I will use their sunscreens all throughout the summer months.  I have used Clinique sunscreens for years now and I wanted to try one of the few formulas that I have not yet tried, the City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 25.  I originally used the body version of the City Block sunscreens many years ago and was very pleased with the results of the products, City Block is a line of sun protectants that are designed for daily use and contain anti-oxidants to ward off some of the free radicals that are prevalent in city life.  I drive about a half an hour to and from work each day so I appreciate that extra dose of protection from both the sun and particles that are in the air.

In previous summers, I have used the body version of this product on both my body and my face and had great results from the products.  This summer, I wanted to see what additional benefits I would get from using a product designed only for facial skin.  At minimum, I would get the exact same results but the best case scenario is that I would get even better results for my face from this version of the product.  I have used this product for the past few days and I can yet again state that the Clinique City Block line of sunscreens are just fabulous products.

"A lightweight daily sunscreen that provides UVA/UVB sun protection.  This daily sunscreen provides the face with broad-spectrum sun protection in a sheer formula. Worn alone or as a primer under makeup, its oil-free formulation helps to absorb excess oil and whisk away perspiration. Formulated without chemical sunscreens, it is appropriate for sensitive skins and the eye area.", states the Sephora website when providing a product description.  I was really excited to see that I could use this as a primer since that would eliminate an extra layer of product on my face during the hottest months of the year. 

I apply this product every morning to clean, dry skin and then use a bit of face lotion on top of it (if needed).  I first used a dime-sized amount of this facial sunscreen and did not find it enough to fully cover my whole face and then the next time that I used it, I used a nickel-sized drop and had enough to cover my whole face and then to work the product down into my neck area.  I was a bit surprised to see that this product has a bit of a flesh-toned tint to it, the body formula was the traditional white shade of sunscreen and I was a bit put off until I emailed Sephora and they confirmed that this is the correct color of the product and all was well.  I believe that it has a bit of tint to be best used as a primer instead of just a sunscreen. 

This line of products works well to keep my skin protected, I have never gotten a sunburn when I have used any product from this line and I will keep using then for these benefits.  The primer part of this product is where I wasn't as impressed as I could be, I found this product to be more of a sunscreen than a makeup product, it doesn't absorb or spread as well as a primer and I would never buy this product only to use as a primer.  I use this product with a separate primer, if I don't then my makeup will not spread correctly and doesn't last as long as it normally does with a separate primer. 

I will continue to use this facial sunscreen for the rest of the summer and I bet that I will buy it again next summer, unless Clinique comes out with another facial sunscreen in this line.  I am happy with the results that I get from the SPF 25 for normal use, but I would be interested in finding this same product in a higher SPF for vacation or a day outside. 

photo courtesy of Clinique

Bath and Body Works Malibu Heat Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Sunscreen Lotion

I was browsing the Memorial Day deals on the Bath and Body Works website when I found a Malibu Heat that I had missed the first time around.  It must not have been up on the website because there ios no other way that I would have skipped over this product.  Last summer, I raved and raved about how this company brought out a spray sunscreen in its Signature Coconuts line and I loved the combination of fragrance and sun protection and hoped that the fragrance would get more people to use sunscreen on a regular basis.  It seems that the products must have sold well last year since Malibu Heat is now being released in an SPF 25 sunscreen lotion, I bought the Mango Coconut sunscreen last year and I will be buying the Malibu Heat sunscreen this year.

The Bath and Body Works website has a full product description.  "Our Malibu Heat Broad Spectrum SPF 25 Sunscreen Lotion helps prevent sunburn and if used as directed with other sun protection measures, decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by UVA and UVB rays.  Our exlcusive Malibu Heat is a fresh blend of juicy pineapple, California orange, and creamy coconut milk inspired by hot pink sunsets and twenty-seven miles of beautiful beach."

I love the Malibu Heat scent for the summer and this is the perfect scent for the beach and the any outside occasion in the summer.  I hate wearing perfume to the beach since the direct sunlight can change the fragrance and many fragrances can seem very out of place in the ocean.  This sunscreen gives off a hint of fragrance, enough to be noticed but not enough to be overpowering and annoying to the others around you.  I am glad that Bath and Body Works offered a higher SPF than the traditional SPF 15 that is all over the market, I don't think that this sunscreen has any type of water or sweat resistance so the higher SPF means that it will only need to be reapplied about once every two hours.  I think that the Mango Coconut was an SPF 30 and I wonder why this one is lower but it's not that big of a deal for me. 

I applaud any effort that helps people use sunscreen more, this product makes it both easy and very fun to use any time that I will be outside.  I am actually tempted to buy a few bottles of this so that I have it to use all summer long!

photo courtesty of Bath and Body Works

Beach Week Day 6 - Bath and Body Works True Blue Spa Suncare Products

Beach Week is beginning to come to an end and I wanted to back to some sun protection and sunless tanner products.  I first started using Bath and Body Works tanners in college and I am happy to report that they have come a long way since I first bought one in 2004.  In the newly repackaged True Blue Spa line, this company has released both suncreen and tanner options and I purchased them all to try out and see how they work.  I love that I can go to one store and quickly pick up a whole batch of products that I need to both get ready for the beach and to take to the beach.  For Beach Week, I decided to try a well-rounded selection of products to hit every single beach need that I possess.  To begin with, a new body sunscreen and then two new types of self-tanners and to finish it you, a new moisturizer that is targeted toward prolonging a tan.

The first item that I chose to buy from this line is the Cooling Sunscreen Mist SPF 30.  This is a new product that just came out in May.  I have already written about the product like this that came out with the Coconuts line and how effective it was.  I decided on purchasing this product along with the Coconut Mango sunscreen since this one has a very light citrus fragrance and came be used without it interfering with any other fragrance.  "Who wouldn't wear a sunscreen when it feels this good to put on?  This SPF 30 sunscreen is a cool, refreshing mist that's ridiculously easy to apply, which means that hard-to-reach backs will be neglected no more and tops of feet will tingle with delight."  This product works just as a traditional sunscreen does, I apply it 20 minutes before sun exposure and wait until it dries until I get fully dressed again.  This sunscreen is not a waterproof formula so I do recommend applying it affter getting out of the ocean or pool.  I also recommend reapplying it every two hours in order to get the maximum benefits from the product.  The active ingredients in this product are: Homosalate (15%), Octinoxate (7.5%), Octisalate (5%), and Oxybenzone (6%); all of which are used to protect skin from the sun's harmful rays.  This is great product and is so easy to apply that it is almost impossible to use it wrong.  The cooling aspect of it leaves a bit of tingle on the skin which is a relief on the very hot days of the summer.  The neutral fragrance of this product makes it very easy for anyone to use and won't offend even the most sensitive noses.

The second product that I bought is one of their self-tanners, the line contains both a gradual formula and the traditional self tanners.  Gradual formauls are the type of tanners that I rarely use, I have so many body products in my collection that I rarely use the same product more than two days in a row and therefore I prefer to use a traditional tanner once every few days.  The Moisturizing Gradual Tanner is a aloe vera based hydrator spiked with a bit of DHA to give a natural looking tan after several uses.  "Everyone knows the best tans come to those who wait.  Use our Moisturizing Gradual Tanner - Glow & Steady today, notice a gradual, natural darkening as the days go by.  Aloe Vera is know to calm and moisturize.  Isn't multi-tasking beautiful?"  My favorite aspect of this product is actually the hydration benefits, this gradual tanner left my skin so soft and smooth that I actually wanted to use it more than once or twice in a row.  Most experts recommend using gradual tanners for a minimum of five days in a row in order to build the tan up, the back of teh package on this one states that it should be used four days in a row.  After the first and second days, my skin looked exactly the same color-wise.  It took up to four days to get a noticeable glow and then on the fifth day, the tan really began to develop.  After the fifth application, I began using this product everyother dya just to maintain my tan.  This product didn't give me a deep tan and I would only recommend it for ladies that are pale skinned, if you already have a medium or deeper tone, then this product will not produce enough pigment to make any type of change in your skin.  I did like this product however it doesn't really change my view on gradual tanners but if this is the route that you prefer then I recommend this tanner.

The second self tanner that I tried is a traditional formula and actually ended up being on my short list of favorite tanning products. This product is named the Bronzing Self-Tanning Lotion and the performance of it is so much nicer than the original products that I first bought from this company.  The first self-tanner that I used in 2004 had little to no color, was harder to apply, and never seemed to dry.  I am happy to report that this product is a far cry from those.  "Strike gold right at home.  This luxurious sunless tanning lotion is a real treasure that will give you a perfect tan, thanks to a touch of instant sheer color that lets you see where you've applied it."  This formula contains Vitamin E to both hydrate the skin and to help the color last on the skin.  This formula is simply wonderful, everything from the texture to the color that it turns my skin.  The texture may be described as a lotion but it is a light gel that applied very easily, sinks right into the skin, and dries within less than five minutes.  Bronzer is in this product so I get a hint of tint in order to help me apply this and so far I haven't had any major errors with this product.  I first applied this product two days in a row to grow my color and then I apply it every three days to maintain this color.  This is in my listed of favorite tanners and I prefer this formula since I can apply it once and see results.  Personally I don't always get to plan my beach visits so I need a formula that can get me results really quickly.

The last product that I bought from Bath and Body Works is a hydrator that is made to extend the life of either a real or fake tan.  The After Sun Moisturizer contains Aloe Vera to help soothe and hydrate tanned skin.  "Once you achieve the perfect tan, you'll of course want to keep your pale, pasty friends jealous as long as possible.  However sun exposure can cause dry skin and cause free radicals to age and damage skin.  Our special after sun formula contains antioxidant Vitamins C and E to help combat free radicals and soothing, moisturizing Aloe Vera to calm."  This hydrator is another one that has more of a gel texture than a lotion.  It smells like sweet oranges and limes and the scent was first reason that I was attracted to this product.  This product has been out under different names in the True Blue Spa collection for years now and I first bought it back in college and have repurchased many times since.  It helps to extend the life of sunless tan, I have never tried it on a real tan (since I have never had one in the whole time that I have owned this product).  This is great product to use when it is hot out since it sinks in quickly and doesn't make your skin greasy.  I would just be over the moon if Bath and Body Works made a body wash in this same line with Aloe Vera in it too.

So now I have shown you guys some products to use at the beach, some more to get ready for the beach, and one to recover your skin from the beach.  Beach Week is drawing to a close and the Fourth of July is drawing nearer so it's time to beginning a vacation tanning regime!

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

Beach Week Day 2 - Lancaster Sun Care Face Cream SPF 30

Yesterday, we looked at the best-selling self tanner spawned from the South of France and today we are looking at the sunscreen company that is holds the record for current best-selling sunscreens in Europe.  Lancaster makes both sunscreens and self-tanners and I have bought and rebought both of these products.  Today we are going to look more at the suncare since that is the area of products that I prefer from this company.  This line isn't seen as much in the United States as I think that it should be and now is even harder to find since some of the retailers no longer carry it.  I first bought these products from Bath and Body Works when the flagship stores were in existence.  My only hopes now are to order the products from Beauty.com.

Since I know that not everyone is familiar with this line, I had added a quick write up of the line from the Beauty.com website.  "60 years of innovation.  Time after time, during six decades of pioneering cosmetics technology, Lancaster 'got there first' with big breakthroughs in anti-aging skin care and sun care thanks to non-stop research, development, and cutting-edge knowledge.  Lancaster began its passionate success story in 1971 and as an Anti-Age Expert has unique technology to ensure double defense line protection in all its products.  Since then, the fabulous Lancaster tan has become a legend - adding to the unique reputation the brand enjoys worldwide.  Today Lancaster, with over 500 patents pending worldwide, remains a key player in the skin and sun care field."

I had to pick one product to focus on in their huge skin and sun care collection and I decided to focus on my favorite facial sunscreen in the line.  I know many people that don't consistently wear facial sunscreen since it doesn't always work with their makeup or might break them out.  I am one of those people who must wear a high SPF every single day and foundation or face cream with an SPF of 15 or less doesn't do it for me. 

My top choice from this collection is the High Protection Age-Defying Cream SPF 30 for Face.  This sunscreen is recommended for skin that is highly sensitive to sunburn.  In the South of France, it is sunny and warm most of the year so top quality sun protection is important to all those who live and vacation there.  "This rich, yet non-oily, face cream provides: Protection against the sun's UVA rays and a high level of UVB protection against sunburn during sun exposure; Protection against the visible signs of premature aging with Lancaster's exclusive RPF complex that neutralizes free radicals; Hydration thanks to special ingredients that protect skin from dehydration, dryness, and flaking.  A unique calming complex soothes and comforts the skin."  This sunscreen is water-resistant, non pore clogging, dermatologist tested, and RPF tested.  RPF is exclusive to Lancaster, it is complex that neutralizes free radicals and will further protection skin from signs of aging associated with free radical damage. 

There are five active ingredients in this sunscreen that form a barrier against the harmful rays of the sun.  It contains Avobenzone (3%), Octinoxate (7.5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (2%), and Oxybenzone (3%).  These ingredients combine to form a potent protectant from the sun's harmful rays.  If it works in the South of France, then I knew that it would work in Pennsylvania and help to protect my skin.

I used this product every morning on bare skin.  I have found that sunscreen is best applied to a bare face.  When applied before anything else, it bonds to the skin better and isn't diluted down by any other type of product on the face.  I have never suffered any type of burn when using this product and it worked really well when I used it at the beach several summers ago.  I have used this sunscreen both on its own and under makeup and have never had a problem with it either way.  It didn't break my skin out and I was afraid that it would change the texture of my makeup (since the last thing that I want during warm weather is to add yet another layer of product to my face) however, I had no problems using this under face cream and both liquid and powder foundation.  It didn't clump or cause my makeup to wear strange.  I was very happy with this product and found that this is a great choice for someone with combination to dry skin.

Lancaster creates top quality sun products and is unique in the face that they also put the RPF complex in their products so that they provide both sun protection and skin enhancing qualities.  I have found that most facial care products do one or the other well and the other factor is substandard.  This is one of the few sunscreens that I can wear to the beach or pool by itself and not feel that I am cheating my skin out of vital care.  The free radical protection is found in the face sunscreens but not as much in the body so I do recommend using both a body and a separate face formula to reap the top benefits from this line of products.

photo courtesy of Beauty.com

Lippmann Collection Rich Girl Hand Cream

It has been said that a lady's hand reveal more about her than any other part of her body.  If you remember back to Gone With the Wind, Rhett saw through Scarlett's facade of richness as soon as he looked at her hands and saw how beat up they were.  The skin on the tops of our hands is among the thinnest on any area of our body and it often the most affected by the sun and the damage that it causes.  Many first impressions come in the form of a handshake and therefore a good hand cream is something that everyone should be in the habit of using daily.  Personally, I usually alternate between at least two different hand creams, one for the day and one for the evening.  My night hand cream is currently the Super Rich Hand Cream from Bath and Body Works and my day hand cream is this one from Lippmann Collection.

We all know that I love Lippmann Collection polishes and it was only a matter of time before I began trying out their whole line of products.  I bought this hand cream several weeks ago at Nordstrom, after being given a small sample a few months before.  I was intially attracted to this product for two major reasons.  The first reason was that it was a product from Lippmann Collection and the second is that it contains an SPF of 25.  The last thing that I can afford is to have age spots and visible sun damage on my hands since my skin is so pale to begin with.

The Lippmann Collection website states, "Your hands are the first reveal your age.  Keep them guessing with this award-winning hand cream that is formulated with shea butter, avocado, and jojoba oil for unparalleled hydration.  A botanical brightening complex to help even skin tone and a broad-spectrum sunscreen also lend a hand.  Apply a dime size, and then throughly massage into the hands and cuticles.  Intensely hydrating formula works instantly to moisturize and soften.  SPF 25 provides UVA and UVB protection.  Botanical brightening complex even skin pigmentation without irritation.  Cyclomethicone locks in moisture for continued comfort and hydration."

There is just so much to love with this product!  Of course, I love the sun protection since I need any help that I can get in that area with my skintone.  The scent is a very light floral that doesn't compete with any perfume that I wear and doesn't offend anyone that comes into contact with me. This hand cream is very rich and hydrating, mostly thanks to the Shea Butter in the formula.  You only need a little dab of this ceram to completely cover your hands, a dine size might even be a bit too much depending on how dry your hands are.  The first time that I used the product, I put on way too much and it didn't sink in nearly as well as I would have liked.  Less is more with this hand cream formula.   I don't really have any complaints about this product at all, which is pretty new for me.

The SPF is a nice added protection however you must continue to apply the product everytime after you wash your hands.  You must remember how often you use your wands during the day and then wash them or wioe them off.  Everytime that you do that, some of the sunscreen comes off.  So this is a product that you can't just put on once and forget about, like any other sun protection item, you do need to be diligent about repapplying.  Other than having to remember that the SPF is only as good as the way it is applied, I think that this is fabulous hand cream and one that every woman should try.

photo courtesy of Lippmann Collection

Bath and Body Works Signature Coconuts Cooling Body Mist with SPF 30

As I stated in my last post about the entire Signature Coconuts line, I wanted to do an additional post about one of the new products that came out with this collection, the Cooling Body Mist with SPF 30.  The first time that this product was released was with this collection and I am so hoping that this product will come out in other fragrances in their collection.  As I have already stated earlier, May is Melanoma Awareness Month and this product is another easy and fun way to get some additional sun protection.  And I am all for lovely smelling sun care products since I bet they will make people more likely to buy and actually wear them on a regular basis.  I bought this product the first day that Bath and Body Works had it out on the shelves.

Bath and Body Works describes the product in the following description.  "Our scented, easy-to-apply Signature Collections Coconuts Cooling Mist with SPF 30 refreshes summer skin while it protects.  Apply 15 - 20 minutes before sun exposure.  Hold mist about 4 inches from skin; apply evenly and liberally and enjoy a luscious burst of creamy coconut and exotic mango.  Do not spray into face; mist hand and apply to face.  Reapply after swimming, excessive perspiration or towel drying."

We all know that I love the Coconut Mango fragrance and will be using the body products all summer.  I have been playing with my bottle of this product for the past day or two and since it is raining, I haven't been able to take it for a full test drive.  The instrutions on the use of this product are the typical sunblock use instructions so I don't doubt that went used correctly, it will protect skin from the harmful rays of the sun.  I will love using this product at the beach since I often feel weird without some type of fragrance on but don't want to wear a heavy perfume to the beach. 

With the growing incidence of melanoma and other skin cancers, I am really hoping that a company that can make sun protection fun and a product that people actually want to wear will be helpful in educating the public and getting more people to consistently wear sun protection.  This product is very easy to apply and dries very quickly.  This product has a nozzle that allows a wide spray and  it helps to evenly cover all of your skin, making sure that you don't miss any areas.  It dries very quickly and doesn't feel tacky on the skin.  This product contains more of the chemical sun protection ingredients, not my preferred type of sunscreen but it still works quite well for me.  I really can't rave enough about how easy this product is to use and I really think that anyone can use this product and help save their skin.

photo courtesy of Bath and Body Works

Melanoma Awareness Month - Tips To Detect and Prevent

In addition to May being my birthday month and national wedding shopping month, it is also Melanoma Awareness Month.  This is the best time of the year to get into some great sun protection routines since we are going right into Memorial Day weekend and then into the next three months of sun and beaches.  I have received some general facts on melanoma and tips of the preventation and early detection of this cancer.

"While the incidence of common cancers is falling, the incidence of melanoma continues to rise at a rate faster than any of the seven most common cancers.  In fact, 1 in 55 people will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime.  However, the survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early with an incredible 99%."  Dr. Brandt goes on to state that, "Early detection is crucial when it comes to melanoma.  Prevention is best, but being proactive about self-examination and dermatologist visits can literally be the difference between life and death."  Knowing these somber facts, we all want to start good sun habits this month and continue all summer and well past Labor Day.

Here are some tips from Dr. Brant about how to inspect for melanoma...

- Throughly inspect every inch of skin, using mirrors to help you get a clear view of tough-to-see places.
- Don't overlook areas like lips, between fingers and toes, under nails, palms and soles of feet - these spots can be just as susceptible.
- Use a blow dryer to throughly inspect your scalp - skin that gets a lot of sun and can be tough to protect.
- Women should be sure to lift breasts to inspect the underside - you can still get melanoma on areas the sun doesn't reach.
- Ask someone close to you to help you with your cheek - the more eyes, the better.
- Be sure to use the "ABCD" guide to assess freckles and moles: Be on the lookout for Asymmetry, uneven Borders, uneven Color, or large Diameters.
- If you're concerned about discoloration or growth, don't hestitate to see your dermalogist!  It could be one of the best of the best decisions of your life.
- Finally, preventation is the best cure - be sure to wear sunscreen everyday, rain or shine.  Brandt's UV SPF 30 High Protection Face Sunscreen provides superior protection against UVA/UVB rays while decreasing pigmentation caused by UV exposure to prevent photo-aging.

UV SPF 30 High Protection Face - Formulated to provide advanced broad spectrum UVA (PA+++) protection against UVB rays (SPF 30).  Dr. Brandt advanced sun care helps decrease pigmentation induced by UV exposure; preventing photo-aging.  Designed with dry-touch technology to absorb quickly, leaving the skin smooth and soft with a shine-free finish.  Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. Water resistant for up to 80 minutes."

This sunscreen is meets my qualifications for being 30 or over and absorbing quickly and easily.  I received a sample of this product from a PR company and I am very impressed with it so far.  It applies easily and absorbs quickly without feeling sticky to the touch.  It is easy for me to use foundation over this product without any caking.  It doesn't dry my skin out and hasn't irritated it at all so far.  This product also comes in a tinted version too that can be used in place of foundation for light coverage. 

I am hoping that I have touched at least one person with this detection and prevention tips.  I really recommend that you do a full self check and then head out to buy a good sunscreen before the upcoming holiday weekend.  Even though it wasn't mentioned as one of Dr. Brandt's tips, I still believe that one of tje easiest ways to not being tempted by the allure of the sun is to have a bottle tan.  Being a light-skinned, light-eye Irish lassie, I couldn't live without sunless tanner every summer.  I can be fine with my pale skin all fall and winter and even cherish my porcelain complexion.  But as soon as the warm weather hits, I get very self-consious about being in a bikini and even a sundress in general.  Being tan already allows me to not be interested in getting any type of tan from the sun.

photo courtesy of Dr. Brandt

Smart Girls Who Surf Suncare Products

As I mentioned earlier this week, this is a beach weekend at the Jersey shore (GLT anyone?!) and I need sun protection products that are going to stand up to the elements. I am not the girl that just lays on her towel when I go the beach. I'm the girl that is in and out of the water and who is always running around and playing in the sand. So I heavy duty suncare and Smart Girls Who Surf is right up my alley. Now, I cannot surf but have always wanted to go to Southern California and learn so this line also allows me to pretend that I am California girl (cue the Katy Perry music).

Smart Girls Who Surf is a natural skincare line based out of Laguna Beach and they pride themsleves on using natural and organic products that will not hurt the environment. A unique aspect of this line is that they are aware that anything that is on your skin when you go swimming will end up in the ocean so they strive to make products that do no harm the fragile ocean environment and ecosystem. Man, I need to move to Southern California...

The first product that I want from this company is the After Sun Soothing Lotion. As I said the other day, my skin always feels dry after I get in from outside and I need products that can help correct this issue. "Hydrate and nourish your overexposed, dry skin. Smart Girls Who Surf hydrating body lotion will revitalize your overexposed dry skin after a long day at the beach or pool. Specially enriched with organic aloe, green tea extract, and anti-oxidants (vitamins A, B5, and C), this all natural formula will leave your skin feeling hydrated and nourished. You will once again have healthy skin! This is the best lotion for dry skin. Paraben free. Water resistant and sweat resistant. Hypo-allergenic for face and body. Perfect for sensitive skin. Light kiwi scent". I need to add this to my collection. I am also wondering if after sun lotions will help my fake tan since I feel like the DHA in some formula drys my skin out. Time to experiment...

The next item that I need from this company in order to no become a lobster at the beach is the SPF 30 Chemical Free Sunblock. Chemical free means that it shouldn't irritate my skin and that I will actually want to use it. "Our Smart Girls Who Surf Chemical Free SPF 30+ Sunscreen has broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is formulated with Zinc Oxide (5%) and titanium dioxide (7%) and fortified with green tea extract, provitamin B5, C, and vitamin E. This sunscreen is sweat resistant, water resistant, won't sting your eyes and is chemical free and paraben free. This is the best sunscreen for your body and it is environmentally friendly!"

I have never even thought about the products that I swear on my skin getting into the ocean and about the effect that they might have on it. I need to try these out and get away from my chemical sunscreens. So I am going to take a chance and order them and hope they are as amazing as they sound!

photo courtesy of Smart Girls Who Surf

California Baby Suncare Products

I know that I have been looking ahead to fall and am enmeshed in the fall makeup collections. However, that doesn't mean that I can ignore the fact that I still need my sun protection to perform to the standards required in the height of summer. Last weekend, I spent the whole afternoon in the sun at the Phillies games, this weekend I might be going down the shore. Sunscreen is not my favorite product to use since one that is too strong will really irritate my skin. Therefore, I decided to try a different approach this time. The California Baby company makes skin and suncare that is perfect for a baby's skin, so my will be safe in the hands of these products. Their products are natural and environmentally friendly.

The first product that I am considering is the Aloe Vera Cream. I didn't get burned last weekend at the game but my skin always feels very dry after being in the sun and I wanted something that would hydrate and soothe it. This can be used on either the body or face. "Nature's first aid! Botanically based, this light and fluffy non-greasy cream contains 100% Aloe Vera infused with herbs and essential oils known for their soothing and healing properties. Recommended for eczema, rosacea, and other skin sensitivities. Ultra hydration...aids dry, irritated, or parched skin. Use to heal, soothe, and repair stretch marks, scars, sunburned, or just shaved or waxed skin. Use it as a great year-round moisturizing lotion for all ages...newborn and up." I need this product for my body and face! I am especially excited to try it post waxing, last time I went to the salon, I didn't get my usual stylist and my eyebrows were red and irritated for a day after the wax.

The second item that I really want from this company is a sunblock stick. It often seems that no matter how well I put on my sunscreen, I always miss a few tiny areas. Like the top of my ears and right around my forehead. Then I get really strange looking burned patches that look horrid. The product that would suit me well for this purpose is the No Fragrance SPF 30 Sunblock Stick. "Pop this convenient PABA-free, non-chemical, fragrance-free sunblock stick into your pocket, purse, or diaper bag. The whole fmaily will love this easy-to-use stick that gives those "hot spots" a boost of extra protection. Our non-chemical sunblock stick employs a highly micronized, non-whitening titanium dioxide that scatters and reflects dangerous UV rays, offering UVA-UVB broad-spectrum protection. Non-staining formula. It glides on smoothly for easy application. May be used in combination with our SPF 30+ sunscreen lotions."

These products can easily be found at Whole Foods and Target year round. I will be heading out to my local Target before I hit up the beach this weekend.

photo courtesy of California Baby

Freeze 24/7 Ice Shield Facial Cleanser

Freeze 24/7 is a company that is most known for it's anti-aging skin creams and the instant gratification that they are able to provide. Their skin creams are among the best selling products at Bendels and Saks and have attracted a near ravenous cult-like following. However, this company didn't really have many porducts designed to prevent signs of aging, their technology was targeted to products that only have treat the current signs of aging. But, given the time, this company has managed to release a cleanser that is the first of its kind, just as their skin creams were several years ago. This product is called Ice Shield Facial Cleanser with SPF 15 and happens to be a favorite of mine. I first tried this product out two summers ago and haven't looked back since.

This product is the first-ever face wash to contain an added SPF and has been recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective form of sun protection. One major reason that this product is effective is that it is very easy to use in the morning and is not an extra step that could be forgotten or passed over when hurrying. And we all know that the easier a product is to use, the more likely that it is will be used consistently and correctly.

Freeze 24/7 describes the product as follows, "A world's first in preventative anti-aging skincare. By simply washing your face, Ice Shield provides protection against harmful UVA/UVB rays, one of the leading causes of skin aging. This super-charged SPF cleanser protects, hydrates, and clarifies your complexion while infusing skin with essential anti-oxidants. Easy to apply, rinses off like an ordinary cleanser, and doesn't leave a greasy residue like a traditional sunscreen. What better way to feel protected from everyday incidental sun exposure. Skin is clean, refreshed, and always protected...all day, every day, winter, spring, summer, and fall".

A couple key ingredients...

Aquea SPF Technology - shields away impurities and hamrful effects of UVA/UVB rays.

Avobenzone - a key sunscreen active ingredient and recognized by the FDA as an effective UVA filter.

White Willow Extract - natural source of salicylic acid for gentle skin clarification.

White Tea Extract - natural source of anti-oxidant for added UV protection.

Coconut Extract - natural source of emollient for superior skin hydration.

Panthenol - nourishes and smoothes the skin.

Silk Amino Acids - conditions the skin.

Tocopheryl Acetate - helps to fight against free radicals.

This product is very creamy and still manages to rinse cleanly. It has a light, unoffensive fragrance that is uni-sex and shouldn't bother even those who are most affected by fragrances.

The key to this product is that the SPF stays on the skin based on charged ions that attract the SPF ingredients but do not attract the rest of the ingredients in the cleanser. This is a fantastic idea and a great product however as stated by the company, this product is meant for incidental sun exposure. Like walking to the subway. Or sitting in an office with a window in it. It is not recommended for prolonged time spent in the sun (like at a beach for the whole day). If that is the scenerio, than a much higher SPF is recommended.

photo courtesy of Freeze 24/7

Bliss Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer

Everyone that has not been living under a rock for the past 10 years knows that sun protection is important. Most people that are looking for sun portection are concerned with the SPF number, or the Sun Protection Factor. Also, the whole beauty industry is aware that a good sunscreen will protect against both kinds of the damaging sun rays.

However, what most people don't know is that the sunscreen rating system that is in use in the United States only measures the skin burning UVB rays. So a sunscreen that is dubbed as effective is really only effective at screening out the UVB rays. The level of protection for UVA rays is not measured so with an SPF of 30, an individual will be protected against UVB rays for 30x longer but the user doesn't know if the UVA ray protection is effective for 30x longer or if the minimum of the UVA blockers are in the suncreen. The UVA rays are not burning your skin but they are actively aging skin and breaking down skin proteins.

This system for determining sun protection effectiveness is only used in the United States. In Japan, sunscreens are rated for the amount of protection that they provide against both types of sun rays. This system is called the PA rating and it is able to rate UVA rays along with the current system of rating UVB rays.

Wish you were in Japan? Well so do I. Since I can't fly around the world just to purchase sunscreen I have to shut up and deal. Right? Wrong! Bliss has just released the first sun product in the United States that was tested using the PA system and can assure the user of protection from both types of the sun's rays. This product is called Best of Skintentions and it is described as a "daily moisturizer that offers SPF 15 PA++ UVA/UVB Sun Protection for all skin types".

Here is some more information about this product from Sephora, "Bliss Best of Skintentions is a moisturizer on a mission to provide beautifully, healthy skin - today, tommorrow, and beyond. Invest in your complexion with this formula's powerful sun and antioxidant protection, essential illuminating phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids that work together to keep your skin safe and smooth".

Three thoughts - I like this system that measures the UVA rays, I am so glad that the United States still operates in the Victorian era with sun protection and that other major countries are far ahead of us, and I hope this product comes out with a higher SPF.

photo courtesy of Sephora

"Youth Movement" August 2008 Allure

The August issue of Allure contains an article in it entitled “Youth Movement”. The general gist of this article is that signs of aging can occur a lot sooner than what doctors and the beauty industry have always thought. The focus of this article is to tell women how to ward off and how to help to treat these signs without having to resort to the plastic surgeon.

The article starts by talking about photoaging and how 80% of the signs of aging are caused by UV exposure. I loved reading this because I am obsessed with covering myself in SPF 30 every single day and many people think I am crazy for it. It is really nice to be proved right for once.

The part of this article that I found to be the most interesting was the part about lines that form around the mouth. These lines seem to impossible to prevent since they occur when talking, drinking through straws, and the area is hard to consistently keep covered with SPF. The part that really made me think was about drinking through straws. I was at restaurant last night with a friend and I was served a drink with a straw in it and I realized how hard this would be to get around. However, one thing I can control is consistently exfoliating this area and applying moisturizer to it.

The second part of this article that really caught my interest is the section on dull skin. This talks about how when the early 30s are reached, skin will begin to lose its radiance and cell turnover is slowed and the skin then begins to appear dull, dry, and patchy. I never realized that by using a mechanical scrub on my face, I might actually not be helping it as much as I thought I was. The article states that people rarely ever can exfoliate their face evenly with a scrub of this type. The article recommends the use of an AHA peal to evenly exfoliate all areas of the face. I have only used AHAs once in my life and I only used that product once a week. I am intrigued about the Juice Beauty product that this article recommends for sensitive skin.

I feel like this article could scare some people into running right to plastic surgeon to prevent signs of aging. However, this article gives a very simple option on how to help prevent the signs of aging…wear an SPF 30 every single day!

Pale Skin - The New Summer Beauty?

The trends of the past few summers have had one large common thread, perfectly bronzed skin. with the dangers of the sun and tanning beds, this has left people who care about the future of their skin only one alternative, time consuming and rather smelly self tanners. I have been using these products for several years now. The first and second summers that i used them, i truly went wild for this bronzed look and "tanned" almost everyday.

However, self tanners are really beginning to lose their appeal to me. I have actually only "tanned" a handful of times so far this summer.

The July issue of Allure contained an article entitled "Pale Force" discussing ladies who have pale skin and how the bronzed look is no longer the only choice for summer skin. With the increased knowledge that the world has about the dangers of tanning, it really isn't even seen as all that attractive anymore.

This article shows that bright, summery shades actually may look better against a porcelain complexion than a deeply bronzed one. There are three looks that allure set forth, the last of which I utterly adore. it is peachy version of the smoky eye. I have used peachy eye shadows for about a year now and have realized that I have yet to find a better looking pale shade for my blue eyes. The peachy shades of this look are soft, beautiful, and fantastic for any pale skinned female.

Will this trend last? I really have no answer to this question. It seemed that we are coming into a more enlightened age about tanning and its ill effects and hopefully beauty will get intelligent and follow.