I’m thrilled to be over on the Neiman Marcus Beauty Cue this month! I am chatting all about safe sun care. Make sure to subscribe and read this month’s issue here.
Tag: sunscreen
Brand Spotlight: Supergoop!
Supergoop just does it right. On the search for a good, clean and well made sunscreen? Look no further. These guys really do everything they can to make it right. Primarily, their UV protector meets the highest and most advanced European and Australian standards for suncare. Then their formulas are clinically approved for all skin types – even infants and sensitive skin.
Supergoop‘s UV protection comes in every form you could ask for. For me, my beloved sprays. Also, pumps, sticks, lotions and towelettes. And they are all enviromentally friendly, water-resistant and free of fragrances, synthetic dyes, and sulfates. Sold yet? I’ve been trying out three of Supergoop‘s latest and greatest… here are the details:
First, not wanting to mess around with sub-par protection, I’ve been reaching for the Sunscreen Mist With Vitamin C Broad Spectrum SPF 50. It has been giving me reliable and complete, not to mention easy to apply, protection lately. I’m usually sensitive to chemical sunscreens (aka Avobenzone), but this mist keeps my skin happy with 35% less alcohol than other sprays. The anti-oxidant rich formula is amazingly nourishing but without being oily. Vitamin C works longer term to improve the look of skin’s texture. The citrus scent keeps it light, but pleasant.
Supergoop! makes a fabulous lip balm in both mint and acai flavors. I can’t quit reaching for my tube of AcaiFusion’ Lip Balm SPF 30. I can rest assured at the pool that my lips get the sun protection they need with this stuff – the high UV-protection is fairly unique for lip products. In addition, the formula has the super berry acai to work as an anti-oxidant and repair damage. Shea butter hydrates. Lastly, vitamins E and C protect from free radicals and renew cells.
And naturally how could I not check out one of the hottest products to hit the beauty scene: CC Creams. Supergoop came out with their version recently and it is already a favorite. Supergoop! ‘Daily Correct’ CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35 is powered by the physical sunscreens my sensitive skin loves, but without any white cast. I can use this as my foundation – it has a fairly substantial coverage. I’ve been wearing the light/medium and it is virtually a perfect match. Light-difussing mica helps disguise lines and wrinkles.
All Supergoop! products are vegan, hypoallergenic, gluten-free, and cruelty-free.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil GIVEAWAY
Ever since I tried out the L’Oréal Paris Sublime Suncreen last summer, I have been singing its praises. I love the scent and sheen it gives my skin while still packing a super powered protection. This summer, they have introduced a new form of sunscreen, the high SPF oil sprays. Gone are the days where a sunscreen oil only provided at max a SPF 4.
This oil version features the same photostable UV filter system and powerful antioxidants as the original Sublime Sun lotions. But contains nourishing argan oil, shea oil, grapeseed oil and sunflower oil. It comes in SPF 15, 30 and a whopping 50+. I’ve been wearing the 50+ at the pool lately and love the beachy scent and hydration it provides for my skin. The formulas also offer a patent-pending polymer technology for improved water resistance.
I’m not the only one bonkers over Sublime. Ashley Tisdale was spotted using L’Oréal Paris Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil while laying out by the pool this week in Laguna Beach, CA.
And a note… a look good/feel good moment: L’Oréal Paris has partnered with the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) on a three year research grant and will also be donating $1 for every SPF product sold to the MRA throughout the summer.
Now for the juicy part! I’ve teamed up with L’Oreal to give away Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil to three lucky winners. Enter using the widget below. (US Only) Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil SPF 15 ($9.99), SPF 30 & 50+ ($10.99) is available here.
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
Neutrogena Suncare Tips & a GIVEAWAY
There are loads of sunscreen tips and tricks floating around this time of year. But with the rise of skin cancers, particularly among younger women, I believe this is such a great message to be echoing. The fun part for me is so many of these sunscreens have become a pleasure to use. And you can’t go wrong with drugstore budget standout, Neutrogena.
Of particular interest for Neutrogena, the FDA now requires stipulation for a new test to be run in order to claim broad-spectrum protection on sunscreen products. Cathy Salerno, Vice President of R&D, Global Skin Care Product Development at Johnson & Johnson highlights that “Neutrogena spent years researching and developing and patenting a technology that provides photo stable protection over time.” Takeaway number one, you can count on Neutrogena for broad-specturm UVA and UVB thanks to their Helioplex technology.
So, what else do we need to know to play safe in the sun? Dr. Doris Day addresses three myths that I am embarrassed to hear repeated all too frequently:
Myth #1: 50 minutes a day of sunlight a day is necessary for vitamin D
“This is one of the biggest myths I have heard. Incidental sun exposure is plenty for most people. If you think you are vitamin D deficient, get a blood test. There are fat-soluble vitamins available, which you do not need to take every day. Thus, vitamin D is not an excuse to get a tan and certainly not an excuse to go to a tanning bed.”
Myth #2: A base tan is necessary before vacation, or spending a lot of time in the sun.
“Does anybody still believe this? There’s no such thing as a base tan, it’s just one more excuse to have a tan. If you don’t want to get sunburn on vacation, use your sun protection and be sun smart.”
Myth #3: Most of your sun damage has occurred by the age of 18.
“No matter your age or how much exposure you’ve had, every exposure you get at any age is cumulative and damaging to the skin. Your skin has the ability to repair no matter how old you are. If you start today just by using sunscreen alone, all of those other expensive products that we are spending so much money on will work so much better. It is never too late to start protecting your skin.”
I’ve been testing out the Neutrogena suncare line for a couple weeks… here are some thoughts:
- Neutrogena Beach Defense™ Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 70 has everything that you could ask for in a “at the beach all day” sunscreen. Not to mention it smells like pina coladas – yum!
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer® Body Mist Sunscreen is a pleasure to use. The spray dries clear and without a hint of greasiness. I particularly love this for getting hard to reach areas. Just remember with sprays to totally coat the area you are protecting.
- Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45+ might be designed with kids in mind, but I love this when you are in for a marathon swim session. It gets so hot here in the summer, we often spend the whole day in the lake or pool. Love this for quick reapplication even if you are wet.
- Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 55 is perfect for those with acne-prone skin. Dr. Doris Day points out “sun exposure can actually make inflammation worse in people who are prone to acne. Thus, it is important to protect your sensitive skin with sunscreen.”
- Neutrogena Age Shield™ Face Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum is for those of us chasing the dream of youthful skin. This formula works beautifully under makeup and provides extreme protection.
- Neutrogena MicroMist® Airbrush Sunless Tan dries fast, gives great color and is a breeze to apply. I love the continuous spray for hard to reach areas and even application.
Also, take note: for any Neutrogena product with SPF purchased from May through July, the company will donate one to a family in need. More info here!
Want a chance to enter to win your own gift basket full of Neutrogena suncare products? Talk about stocking up for summer! Enter using the widget below. Good luck! (US Only)
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE MAY HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
Favorite SPF Lotions for the Face
If you aren’t already getting your mug nice and protected every morning, now is the time to start. SPF is crucial and (along with retinoids) the only thing proven to prevent aging. Here are my current top five for both under makeup and for a day at the pool:
Hampton Sun SPF15 Super Hydrating Face Cream manages to be lightweight and super nourishing. The Calendula soothes my redness-prone skin while Canadian Willow Bark calms. I love how it quickly absorbs and is powered with gentle zinc oxide. Fragrance and oil free.
CeraVe SPF Sunscreen Stick is relatively new to the market, but you should be able to find this in your drugstore. Perfect for on the go, this stick is also powered with the gentle physical-only sunscreens. The formula finishes dry with no greasy residue.
Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Anti-Aging Sunscreen has long been a favorite (initially reviewed here). It is the trifecta, offering hydration, UV protection and anti-aging benefits. The unique formula keeps the sunscreen in a “reservoir” on the skin, maximizing effectiveness.
Neutrogena Clear Face Break-Out Free Liquid-Lotion Sunblock SPF 55 gives you superior sun protection without clogging pores. The water-light texture is weightless, letting skin breathe. At the same time, it is water-resistant, oil-free and fragrance-free. Not only does it look great under makeup, but also works for those days when outdoor activites call for a feather-weight SPF.
ZO Skin Health ‘Oclipse’ Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30 is the ultimate sunscreen for under a full face of makeup. This stuff has a silky texture with nude coloring. It has no coverage but avoids that nasty white cast. Not only does it have broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection but it blocks natural melanin – BONUS!
Amazing At-Home Blowout From Eva NYC
It is with my pleasure to introduce you to Eva NYC hair. I am a smitten kitten over this affordable and edgy brand out of New York. After test driving some of their collection, I am happy to report, across the board, I am so impressed with the tools and products. So much so that I just can’t quit using the hairdryer and volumizer for my weekend and everyday blow out with these guys:
Eva NYC Up All Night Volumizing Spray was suggested to me when I lamented flat locks on twitter. While I have finally perfected the round brush blowout, my hair can end up on the flat side. The formula is rice derived to add texture and lift. Plus a bonus: it acts as a heat protectant and can revitilaize day old hair. Plus it smells fabulous.
Eva NYC Almighty Pro-Lite Ionic Dryer was never going to be a replacement for this guy…. I thought. But after I gave this affordable dryer a shot, I was immediately sold on its featherweight design. I get great heat from the high setting and it also offers two speeds (I’m always on hottest and fastest – go figure!). There is a cool-blast feature to set your style.
Some other favorites:
With my new found love of product, a shampoo that goes after build up is even more important. Eva NYC Clean it Up Shampoo leaves my hair clean, but still bouncy and soft. Like the conditioner below, this shampoo smells like a very subtle baby powder with a hint of vanilla.
Eva NYC Soften Up Conditioner came recommended from my fellow blogger (and friend) of OpinionNothing.com (check out this beauty site stat if you haven’t already). Who doesn’t want touchably soft hair? This conditioner helps me get there with Argan Oil and Kereavis Protein just like the Clean It Up Shampoo. Argan Oil feeds hair with vitamins and nutrients, while Kereavis Protein gives hair renewed vitality and strength.
Eva NYC 100 Percent Ceramic Straightener was one tool I was reluctant to try. I’ve shied away from flat irons, thinking they make my hair even more flat. Wrong. Used at the ends of my hair, or in an upward direction, this flat iron make my hair insanely shiny and sleek.
Cruelty-free
AN EDITORIAL SAMPLE WAS PROVIDED BY THE COMPANY AND EVALUATED TO DETERMINE OUR OPINION OF THE PRODUCT IN THIS POST. PLEASE SEE THE DISCLOSURES PAGE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING OUR POLICIES FOR USING EDITORIAL SAMPLES.
