Beach Essentials

Can you believe it, we are almost half way through summer already.  Have you been to the beach this year yet? We are going in 2 weeks, I am excited as this will be my daughter first time to the beach.  She LOVES water, I think she'll have a blast.  Anyway, it got me thinking, what are your beauty essential for a beach trip?

1.  Obviously, Sunscreen!
I'll pack Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 38 and Clarins Sunscreen for Eyes Wrinkle Control Cream SPF 30 for my face (full review on both products here).  As for the little one, I'll pack Lavanila Healthy Baby Block Spf40.  I have not find my HG body sunscreen yet...do you have one you'd recommend?

2.  Antioxidant. 
Research have shown that topical antioxidants can help skin from sun damage.  If you have sensitive skin, Origins Dr. Andrew Weil Mega Mushroom Skin Relief is design to help sooth irritation and minimize redness.  It has proven to be quite effective for me.  I also favor DHC Acerola 100 Serum in keeping my skin balance and even tone.

3.  Light Makeup
The last thing I want is wearing heavy makeup in the heat.  Lately, I am really loving The Balm Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Light.  It matches my skin tone perfectly and diffuse redness and even things out nicely for me.  I'll even say it is my best tinted moisturizer so far.  Review and swatches coming up.

4.  Tame that Frizz
Salt water and the humidity make my hair both dry and frizzy.  I am currently using DHC After Bath Hair Treatment Oil Type.  It is oil base but it is really light.  It makes my hair a bit shinier, softer, and less frizz yet so light, it does not feel like I am wearing any hair product.

That is all folks, I am trying to pack light.  Well, of course, there will be a few makeup items.  Also will be bringing my ipad so I can play Tiny Sheep.  I am quite addicted to Tiny Sheep, it is a farming game, where you take care of these cute tiny sheep.

Well, I would love to hear what are some of your essentials.


Disclaimer:  I purchased all the items mentioned except for Origins serum.

research showing that topically applied antioxidants can help protect from sun damage - See more at: http://www.paulaschoice-eu.com/learn/uvauvb-sun-protection-antioxidants/#sthash.rxjkUILR.dpufRes

research showing that topically applied antioxidants can help protect from sun damage - See more at: http://www.paulaschoice-eu.com/learn/uvauvb-sun-protection-antioxidants/#sthash.rxjkUILR.dpuf

My Favorite Sunscreen

I have been spending more time outdoor now that the weather is warmer.  I am fair skin and a couple years ago, I had a skin cancer scare so I get really nervous about skin damage during the summer.  I want something that is reliable, perform well under makeup, absolutely no peeling or roll off, and a texture that I enjoy applying so I will do it everyday, religiously.

For face, I absolutely love Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 38 and let me tell you why.  I went islands hoping for 2 weeks few years ago, I used this for my face and for 2 full weeks of out in the sun, swam in sea water, I did not get a single burn.  Granted, I did get slightly darker and a few freckles but that is expected especially when you are swimming in salt water.  Another thing I like about this is that there is no white case from the zinc (9.8%) and it is neither matte or greasy, the finish is very natural.  I never have a problem with this under my makeup.  Also, for over 2 years, I am not bore of it yet and still love it, says something.

(This is the version I owned but I believe they have new packaging, which is yellow tube instead of white)

Another sunscreen I would recommend is Clarins Sunscreen for Eyes Wrinkle Control Cream SPF 30 for the eyes.  Certain sunscreen would migrate throughout the day and sting my eyes.  I want something I can wear close to my eyes, even my eye lids and this one from Clarins allow me to do that.  It is very mild, never once bother my sensitive eyes.  I also like it runny, easy to spread and absorb texture, there is no need to rub it in which is bad for your delicate eye areas.  Also, the "slight" white cast help with my dark circle so I actually like it.

Price:  Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 38 - $32 for 2 oz;  Clarins Sunscreen for Eyes Wrinkle Control Cream SPF 30 - $28 for .7 oz

Overall Rating:  5 out of 5 for Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 38;  4.5 out of 5 for Clarins Sunscreen for Eyes Wrinkle Control Cream SPF 30 because I think it is quite pricey for such a tiny bottle.


Disclosure: The products being review was purchased by me.

Amala Detoxifying Body Polish and Soothing Lip Salve Review

Today, I would like to introduce you to Amala, a German, 100% natural origin skincare brand.  Their products are free of synthetic ingredients, petrochemicals, parabens, and genetically modified ingredients.  Amala is also committed to longstanding fair-trade partnerships with farmers around the world and their packaging is made out of recycled materials.

I have the chance to try out Amala Detoxifying Body Polish, which is a gel-based body scrub infused with sea salt and antioxidant plant actives. I used this tonight to exfoliate my feet and gosh, it smells so good.  It has that refreshing peppermint and something else (perhaps myrtle?) scent that just wake you up.  This body polish is gel based that foam up a bit when you rub and it is so finely mill that I say you can even use it on your face.  I find that you don't need to use as much product compare to other scrub because it lathers up pretty nicely.  It is easy to rinse off and does not irritate my sensitive skin.  Afterward, I am left with soft skin that smell good.

(it lathers up as you rub it in)

The next product I am using is Desert Fig Soothing Lip Salve, a nourishing blend of organic Desert Fig Seed, Marula Seed and Shea Butter that moisturizes lip with a subtle sheen.  Did you know that the average woman swallow pounds of lip products in her lifetime?  The fact that almost every ingredients in this lip salve is from organic farming make me feel worry free.  I use it twice a day and it does a good job keeping my lips soft and moisturize.

 

Price:  Detoxifying Body Polish - $26 for 1.7 oz

            Soothing Lip Salve - $18

Overall Rating:  4.5 out of 5 for both

Disclosure:  The products being review was sent for consideration.

Affordable Color Women Short from Uniglo

As you know, you can now order from Uniglo online.  I recently ordered a pair of Uniglo women chino short  and I want to share it with you because I think they have a nice selection of color, it is well made, nice fit.  Price is $19.90.  I got blue, but it is more of a turquoise to me.  For reference, I order a size 4, which fit perfectly; I am 5'3", 125lbs, normally wear a 4 at Old Navy, a 6 at LOFT and AE.

 Color:  Blue

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me.

TOTW: Tumeric Heal Young Scars

Where I came from, Vietnam, we rub fresh tumeric onto our skin to help heal scar.  It works.  When I had chicken pox, my mom rub it all over my body and I came out with only one small scar.  That is great consider how I had no self control with the scratching.  I don't have any other childhood scar even though I did fall a lot.  You can find tumeric at most Asian super market.

Warning:  this thing will stain your cloth and possibly your skin as well, do not use it in the morning when you are planning to go out.

Create Your Own Stia Lip Glaze Trio @ Ulta

I am a fan of Stila Lip Glaze and right now, exclusively at Ulta, they allow you to customize your own trio.  There are 16 shades available, pick 3 for $15 or $8 individually.  If you order online, there is 6 additional "online only" shades available.

Nicole by OPI Drying Drop Review and Comparison

Ever since I discovered OPI Drip Dry, I have never do my nails without it.  It shaved off half an hour of waiting for my nails to dry and in the mean time, probably chip it somehow.  Lately I have found something even better!  Nicole by OPI Drying Drop!  They are both made by OPI with the exact same ingredients, so why better?  The price!  The original OPI Drip Dry is $11.50 for 9ml, whereas the Nicole by OPI Drying Drops is $7.99 for 15ml (available at Ulta).  Not only is it cheaper, you get a bigger bottle.  Yay!

For more information on these guys, check out my original review.

TOTW: Clarifying Shampoo

Wash your hair with a clarifying shampoo once a week or every other week to remove build up.  By the way, my favorite is the anti residue shampoo from Neutrogena.  I always find that it gives my root a lift afterward.