TOTD: Seasonal Products

If you live in an area that have 4 seasons, spring is the time of the year where we need to change our hair, skincare and makeup products to better suit our need. For example, my skin is normal/dry in the winter but normal/oily in the summer. Same with my hair, it gets all frizzy in the summer.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

It has been brought to my attention that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. I will be writing about sun protection products I tried and like.






One of my all time favorite for my face would be Avon Anew Alternative Intensive Age Treatment SPF 25. First off, I like that it is higher than SPF 15 and come in a great pump packaging. I love the texture; it’s very creamy and velvety without being too heavy or hard to blend. In the winter, most of the time, it is moisturizing enough that I don’t need an extra moisturizer (skin is dry/combo). It is not tinted but somehow it gives me a sheer coverage that even out my skin tone. It also contains plant extracts for antioxidant. This product may not be suitable for people with very oily skin. It is available at http://www.avon.com/ for $32/1.7oz.

Those with oilier skin may like Neutrogena Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch SPF 55 with Helioplex. I like that it is non-sticky and give me a matte finish. This is good for hot humid summer days. However, you have to blend well as this can give you a white cast. Neutrogena also comes out with a new Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock SPF 90+ with Helioplex. Wow, that is high. I’ll probably try it out and see how it compares to the Ultra-Sheer Dry Touch.

Sephora is also teaming up with The Skin Cancer Foundation with a Sun Safety Kit. It’s retail for $22.50 ($110 value). 100% of the net proceeds will benefit The Skin Cancer Foundation. Now that is a great reason for shopping =).

This set contains:

• 0.14 oz Murad Essential-C Eye Cream SPF 15


• 0.23 oz DDF Protect and Correct UV Moisturizer SPF 15


• 0.5 oz Jack Black Double Duty Face Moisturizer SPF 20


• 0.25 oz Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Lotion SPF 30


• 1.0 oz Anthony Logistics Facial Moisturizer SPF 15


• 0.1 oz Clarins UV Plus Day Screen High Protection SPF 40


• 0.34 oz Korres Watermelon Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 30


• 0.33 oz Cosmedicine Medi-matte Oil Control Lotion SPF 20


• 0.08 oz Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 55 PA+++


• 0.25 oz Ole Henriksen Herbal Day Cream SPF 15


• 0.4 oz Philosophy Hope in a Jar SPF 20


• 0.25 oz Smashbox Photo Finish UVA/UVB SPF 15


• 0.01 oz Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Well-Rested for Eyes SPF 30

This all-in-one summertime companion comes packaged in an expandable, brightly yellow beach bag made from recycled plastic.




Related post:




Bare Escentuals Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

TOTD: Bridal Makeup

Unless you are up for taking a risk on your wedding day, it is best that you have a trial makeup session. This will help ensure that the artist understand your expectation and a chance for you to decide if you like his/her work.

Another tip is to bring a picture. Your idea of natural or smokey eyes may be different from someone else.

Btw, if anyone knows an outstanding makeup and hair pro from the VA/DC area, let me know. Thanks =)

Bare Escentuals Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

About a month ago, I saw an Ad for the new Bare Escentual Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 but did not pay much attention to it. Last weekend, it was really hot in D.C., about 90 degrees. We were out and about under the sun. After awhile, my skin was getting oily and started to feel sensitive from the sun. My friend whipped out this powder sunscreen and we all started reapplying our sunscreen. This product comes in 3 shades, light, medium, and tan. Retail at $28.

Personally, I think this is a neat and convenience product. When applied, it is quite transparent. Meaning, it won’t alter the color of your makeup if you have any on. Actually, I could not feel that I was wearing anything. I would not use this as the only source of sunscreen as I can not tell if it will give adequate sun protection. However, it is a great touch up powder with the added benefit on sunscreen. I know I am supposed to reapply my sunscreen every few hours but when I am already oily and/or sweaty, why would I want to rub sunscreen lotion on top of that? Yuck! So, I guess I’ll pick this up for the summer.

EARTH DAY

Last Sunday, when I went to Home Depot, they were giving out free energy efficient light bulbs in honor of Earth Day. I have to give Home Depot kudos for doing that. Ok, so I know this have nothing to do with beauty but hey, it is important! Beside, pollution can do damage to our skin, if you want to look at it that way.

Anyway, I just want to remind everyone that the small steps we take each day can add up. And if every one of us does our small part, the world will be a better place. We can all do things such as (and they are pretty painless):

Recycle, recycle, recycle!

Use reusable bag when you do your grocery shopping

Change your regular light bulbs to one more energy efficient

Turn off the light when you leave a room

Don’t take too long of a shower

Carpool

Avoid chemical household cleaner

This is just a quick list; feel free to add more if you like.