Tag: sunscreen

Six Favorite Sunscreens and Tanners

Time for another appearance on Great Day Green Country! This morning, I’m highlighting favorite sunscreens and tanners in honor of Springtime. I know the official first day is in March, but there is something about it finally being April that makes me ready to soak up some sun. First, a couple notes about sunscreen:

FDA is now prohibiting the use of ultra-high SPF numbers on packaging. You don’t need to seek out shockingly high SPF factors like 100 – they don’t do anything more than SPF 50. Look for SPF 20 and higher (50 for the most sun intense days) and make sure to reapply very frequently.
Sunscreen sprays haven’t been thoroughly tested – if you decide to use them make sure you liberally spray completely covering skin and let them soak in (don’t rub).
For the best sun protection look for zinc or titanium oxide. My sensitive skin tends to do better with these “physical blockers” and they are the more proven sun protection ingredients.

Now on for my favorites:

ZO Skin Health ‘Oclipse’ Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30

I do my best to wear sunscreen every single day, but this stuff makes you want to wear it. The primer/sunscreen hybrid features natural melanin to reflect those nasty pigment causing rays. The silky formula works perfectly under makeup. (Tulsa folks: you can also purchase these products from Gabriel Horn at Dr. Manduano’s office).

Kate Somerville Body Glow Sunscreen SPF20

Kate always does it right – this SPF has the prettiest golden pearls that improve the look of skin while hiding imperfections. SolarX Complex blocks UVA and UVB rays while antioxidants like rosemary extract work to improve skin inside out. Mango butter hydrates and Caffeine improves tone and contours.

Cle de Peau Beaute UV Protection Cream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+

A truly luxurious sunscreen, the price point on this one can be shocking. But I’ve had my tube for quite a while and cherish every drop. The silky and creamy sunscreen prevents photo aging. It uniquely contains thyme and turmeric extracts to prevent DNA damage to cells that cause wrinkle formation. I love this under makeup, but it also has a luminous finish on its own – perfect for looking good at the pool.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+

For the sports buffs, this sunscreen is a champion for extreme outdoor protection. This formula soaks seamlessly into skin and has great high value SPF. It is very water-resistant so less need to stop and reapply if you are in the middle of a race (or just a marathon pool session). It is also perspiration-resistant and sand-proof.

Brush On Block BOB Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen

This novel formula provides invisible, natural sun protection in powder form, avoiding that whole greasy issue. I love this for traveling because you don’t have to deal with that pesky 3 ounce liquid rule. It also is fabulous for children or men with thinning hair.

Xen-Tan Luminous Gold Gel Sparkle Weekly Medium Self-Tan

I just won’t shut up about this fabulous self-tanner so I am going to mention it again. This clear, silky formula leaves the prettiest bronze shade. I sense no odor and the iridescent golden shimmer gives instant gratification. It is also so valuable when you can’t pass the drying time with dark clothes – feel free to wear while or light colors without fear.

And a note for those who are looking for something at the drugstore: I am a huge fan of the L’Oreal Sublime product line. They smell great, look good and are easy to use.

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.

Brush on Block

Brush on Block is water and sweat resistant SPF 30 that you apply via a self-dispensing fluffy brush. The formula contains broad-spectrum physical sunscreen – in other words, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide – which I find to be gentler on my sensitive skin. Mineral powder is also preferable for those with acne-prone skin, preventing break-outs and clogged pores that lotion or spray SPFs can cause.

While it looks like there isn’t much product, this should last 3-4 months with regular use. I’ve been using it for the past couple weeks and haven’t put a dent in it. You can wear this under makeup, but I actually like the translucent finish this gives over my makeup. And you avoid the whole greasy situation that can wreak beauty havoc. I love being able to sweep it on hard to protect areas like around my nose and on my ears.

There are lots of beneficial ingredients in there too. Green Tea Leaf Extract is a natural antioxidant while Safflower Seed Oil is an emollient that moisturizes and protects the skin and both Chamomile Extract and Honeysuckle help prevent skin inflammation and irritation.

And moms: this is safe for kiddos over 6 months old. It might even be easier to use than lotion and sprays, not to mention a breeze to travel with.

Brush on Block is part of the Susan Posnick family. Susan Posnick, former celebrity makeup artist, developed a makeup line that focuses on substantial sun protection. I am already a huge fan of her COLORDUO Lip Pencil. Get your Brush on Block at www.brushonblock.com.

Belle Belle on the Web

I’m thrilled to be part of Safe Sun Stories on the Bergdorf Goodman blog today! Check out my review of SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid by La Mer right here. We are coming up on Melanoma awareness month and summer weather is just around the corner. Don’t forget to stock up on Sunscreen. This La Mer fluid is dreamy to use and works great under makeup!

I’m also guest blogging over at The Bolder the Better, rounding up Spring Trends. Amy is a fabulous fashionista in Austin and is making quite the splash with her new blog. She’s a master mixologist of prints and just plain lovely. For more details on bold lips, full brows, metallic lids and colorful nails, check it out here!

Friday Finds

This week I was reunited with some old favorites and discovered new gems. Here’s a taste of some of the highlights in honor of the weekend.

1. Butter London – Limited Edition 3 Free Lacquer in Bluey (in lamplight looks like a holiday evergreen)

2. W3LL People Cosmetics (more to come on them in the near future – local Austin company)

3. Honeybee Gardens Truly Natural Mascara (a natural mascara that actually works for $10.99)

4. Solar Rx Cosmetic Moisturizer Sunblock (uses simple natural ingredients to get maximum physical protection)

Kiehl’s Since 1851 Ultimate UV Shield SPF 50

I kinda feel like I found the sunscreen holy grail. I just stumbled upon it running errands. And it was just too monumental not to share immediately. It is powerful, lightweight, effective sunscreen. Bonus points for Kiehl’s always pleasant packaging so it looks great on your vanity.

The formula is oil free, but it is so lightweight, those with drier skin can layer with moisturizer. The sunscreen doesn’t cake on the skin – the smooth, thin layer of SPF is the perfect canvas for makeup. And this is broad-based. That means is blocks more of those suckers that will lead to premature aging, freckles, dark spots and skin cancer. I hope you are as excited as I am. You can find it at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.