How to Treat Sunburn

The skin on my arms is peeling from a recent sunburn.  I have like a dozen bottles of sunscreen (okay, a little exaggeration) and I am always reminding people to put on sunscreen, yet I got burned, how ironic.  What happened was, we were at the beach and I was busy putting on sunscreen for my daughter.  It is so hard, toddler does not like to sit still and what not, so next thing you know, I completely forgot to put some on my arms. The bad thing about sunburn is that by the time I realize, it is too late.  Anyway, it prompt me to write this post, what to do if you got burn.

1.  Once you realize you are getting burn (skin turning pink or feeling uncomfortable), immediately get out of the sun so you don't get burn even more.  If you can't get out of the sun immediately, another option is putting on protective clothing and hat.  You are also probably dehydrated as well, make sure you get plenty of fluid.



 2.  Cool down the inflammation with cool wet towel.

3.  Sooth your skin with aloe vera.  I know not everyone have an aloe vera plant laying around so the next best thing is a moisturizing cream or lotion.  I'd recommend Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion because it contains oatmeal which is great for soothing and protect your skin.

4.  I personally have not try this myself but according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, you can take ibuprofen or Advil to relieve swelling and redness.


Enjoy the rest of your summer and hopefully you won't need treatment for sunburn :)



image source

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.

LaVanila The Healthy Baby Block SPF40 Review

Price: $20 for 2 oz, available at Sephora.com

Pros: Almost identical to the regular LaVanila sunscreen, yet green tea is higher on the ingredient in this Baby version (which I prefer) and it is cheaper too. Green tea has been known to not only calm down irritated skin but help protect your skin from sensitivity to the sun. Aside from loving the ingredients, I also love the consistency and texture. It is not too thick, not too thin, not too greasy or matte, just a happy medium in texture and sheen. It is also a bit hydrating as well.

Cons: I cannot wear this sunscreen on its own as it does leave a noticeably white cast on my NC20 skin tone. I have to wear base makeup on top otherwise I’ll look like a Geisha (okay, not that bad but still…).

Overall: Perhaps I would have given this sunscreen a perfect score if it were not for the white cast because I think this would be perfect for outdoor or the beach. I like the option to wear my sunscreen alone, with a bit of concealer for trouble spots. I don’t want to layer too much when I am just running errand or outdoor on a hot sunny day.

Rating: 4/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Meaningful Beauty Cindy Crawford Review

Meaningful Beauty is a skincare line that is collaborated between former super model Cindy Crawford and French Dr. Jean-Louis Sebagh that started over 10 years ago. Their website talks about using the latest breakthrough technology but nowhere does it say what this latest breakthrough technology really is. The good news is there is a 60 days guarantee and the price is affordable, you can get a 5-piece kit plus 3 bonuses that contains both day and night essentials for only $39.95. I was sent two samples and they are:

Lifting Eye Crème-Advanced Formula

I have been using this eye cream for over 4 weeks now. I like the packaging; it’s in a squeeze tube, easy to dispense and is hygienic. Do note that it is only .25oz versus the standard .5oz eye cream jar. It is calls a lifting eye cream but I don’t think it actually lift anything. What I do notice is that I tend to wake with puffiness on my left eye (only one eye, weird, I know) and if I use this cream the night before, there is less puffiness the next morning. Or if my eye is puffy, I apply this cream in the morning and the puffiness subsides within 15 minutes. This is what I adore about this eye cream.

Skin Brightening Décolleté and Neck Treatment SPF 15

This is a chemical sunscreen for your neck and chest area. It is moisturizing, easy to spread and absorb. I personally prefer SPF 30 or higher. Other than the low SPF level, there is nothing negative about this product but I also feel like there is nothing outstanding either.

Skin Brightening Neck and Decollete Treatment SPF 15

Last comment I like to make is that I prefer if the company market their products where you can purchase them either individually or as part of a kit. Currently you can only purchase a bundle kit so if you like or only want to try an item or two; you have to purchase the whole kit to do so. Fortunately, the kit itself is very reasonably price and they also offer free shipping.

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences.

Current Winter Skincare Routine

My current skin condition is normal to dry with hormonal breakout from pregnancy for the past 2 months. It is not too bad, about 3-4 small whiteheads around my T-zone area.

Night Routine:
- St. Ives Green Tea Cleanser
- Kiehl’s Washing Milk Cleanser (I use this as a makeup remover, first step of double cleansing or on days when I want to take a break from the St. Ives cleanser)
- Sana Collagen Toner
- Arcona Gentle Solution (2-3 times a week)
- DHC Acerola Serum (on nights that I don’t use the Arcona Gentle Solution)
- Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer
- Perricone MD Vitamin C Ester Eye Serum
- Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford Lift Eye Cream

I am also still using - Dermalogica Clean Start Bedtime for Breakouts to the Rescue as spot treatment if needed.


Morning Routine:
- Wash face with water
- Sana Collagen Toner
- DHC Acerola Serum
- Meaningful Beauty by Cindy Crawford Lift Eye Cream
- Bliss Youth As You Know It Sunscreen

I tried Bliss Youth as You Know It Sunscreen back during the summer and it was too heavy. I thought it would be better during winter when my skin is drier. However, I find that it is still too greasy. I am still in search for a moisturizing sunscreen that is hydrating and also at least SPF 30 for winter.

Do you have any skincare products that you love? I would love to hear your recommendation.

Dr. Jart+ Premium Beauty Balm SPF 45 PA+++ Review and Swatches

Dr. Jart Premium Beauty Balm is a triple function beauty balm that brightens skin, has anti-aging properties, and provides natural coverage.

Price: $39 for 40ml/1.4oz. Available at Sephora.com

Pros: Good packaging is always a plus and I appreciate the easy to use pump.  It also contains high SPF level and PA+++. A little fact about sunscreen rating, PA is normally seen in Asian brands. PA is a rating system for sun protection from UVA that is based on Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) and SPF measure protection of from UVB rays. There are three levels of PA:

-PA+ some level of UVA protection

-PA++ moderate level of UVA protection

-PA+++ good level of UVA protection

As mentioned above, it contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as sunscreen. It also contains Arbutin which brightens akin and evens out skintone. Coverage is light to medium therefore no foundation is needed.

Cons: It has a pinkish gray undertone that does not match with my yellow undertone. I can see two different tones between my face and neck. This is better suited for someone with pink undertone. In addition, the advertise antioxidant bio-peptides are at the very end of the ingredients list, which is probably not enough to make a difference in your skin.

Overall: It is made for normal, combination, and sensitive skin types. Color wise, this best suit someone with light to medium, pink undertone skin. I think most people will appreciate the lightweight mineral sunscreen, decent coverage, natural finish, and the inclusion of Arbutin for brightening.

Rating: 4/5

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences.

Bliss Youth as We Know It Moisturizer SPF 30 Review

Price: $79 for 1.7oz

Pros: First off, thumbs up on the packaging, it comes in an airtight opaque pump. The packaging is convenience, hygienic, and protects antioxidants. It has high level of active, sunscreen ingredients. If you add them all up, about 25% of the ingredients are active. Being a chemical sunscreen, it also means it is colorless, will not leave a white cast. Also, those with dry skin will appreciate the light yet rich, moisturizing properties.

Cons: It is pricey. I think using expensive sunscreen can be dangerous if the high price make you skim on the amount of product you use.

Overall: I would recommend this for people with normal to dry skin, in cooler climate. If you have oily skin, this is not for you. Even though it is lightweight in texture, it is also hydrating and rich. My skin is combination right now and it is currently hot and humid in D.C. I find that this sunscreen make me shinier than usual. Thus, I am saving this for winter when it will be more appreciated and love, perhaps a higher rating as well.

Rating: 3/5

Disclosure: This review contains sample sent for consideration. The review is base on my honest personal opinions and experiences.

FDA's New Law for Sunscreen Manufacturers

Everyday, there are more and more awareness on the important of proper sun protection. Base on an article from InStyle, the FDA just issued new guidelines for the sunscreen labeling, designed to give us more information about its effectiveness, the L.A. Times reports. The changes are expected to take place by next summer. In the meantime, here are six things you need to know:

1. Time to toss the SPF 75! Sunscreens will no longer be able to carry an SPF value higher than 50, and the highest category will now be 50+. Studies found that sunscreens with an SPF higher than 50 don’t actually provide greater protection.

2. For the first time, sunscreen labels will be allowed to claim that the products protect against skin cancer and wrinkles.

3. Sunscreens may be labeled “broad spectrum” if they block UVB radiation and a percentage of UVA radiation. UVB causes sunburns, while both UVA and UVB can lead to skin cancer and early skin aging.

To read the full article, please visit InStyle.

TOTD: How to avoid white cast in photo?

I do love Casper, he's just adorable...but, I don't necessarily want to look like him.

It’s summer and there will be many outdoor events, including outdoor wedding. So, how do you stay protected while still looking your best in photo? I have heard the recommendation to forgo sunblock so many times because it will give a white cast on photo. Well, I just want to confirm that this only true if you wear physical sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium oxide. However, if you wear chemical sunscreen, you are safe from the white cast. So, stay protected and still look beautiful!

Sunscreen Showdown!!!

Clinique Face Cream spf 50 ($17.50/1.7oz)
I like the bright yellow packaging and the high spf level. It has a nice creamy texture that blends and absorb easily. It’s not greasy but does leave a bit of a sheen. I have used this a handful of time and have nothing negative to say about it. It is great for beach and a day of outdoor activities but a little too heavy for everyday use.

Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector Spf 20 ($42.50/1.7oz)
This is very cosmetically elegant in my opinion. It is best suited for dry skin because it is lightweight yet moisturizing. Absorb quicky and foundation applies beautifully on top. However, I think it is too expensive for a sunscreen and that the spf level is not high enough for me. I do not use this everyday so I can’t comment on how it performs as a skin brightener.

Goodskin All Calm spf 25 ($14/1.7oz)
It is tinted, very light beige. Wow, so white on me, no matter how much I rub it in and I am light skin to begin with. It is also hard to spread. Next!

Sunscience Organic Daily Wear spf 30
I had high hope for this and want to love it since it is organic. Unfortunately, again, such obvious white cast. There are days where I don’t wear makeup and not wanting to look like a Geisha, you know.

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Sun Damage Spf 28 ($12/2.5oz)
Not listed as an active ingredient but titanium dioxide is pretty high up in the ingredient list. It has a nice texture, probably due to its silicon base, which allows makeup to comfortable glide over. I am on the fence about where I stand with silicon. Horrible packaging, the pump on my bottle does not work. It sometime peel when you apply foundation on top if you apply the sunscreen generously or it does not dry completely. Since it does feel very nice on and under makeup, it is worth a try to see if it works for you.

Eucerine Sensitive Skin spf 30 ($9/4oz)
I like that this is cheap because you are supposed to apply sunscreen liberally and I do tend to skim a little bit when it is expensive. It is a physical sunscreen that claims not to leave a white cast due to micro nano technology. However, it makes my face looks whiter even under tinted moisturizer. Most suitable for normal/combo skin type, drier skin will need an extra layer of moisturizer underneath. I am not too crazy about it under makeup as it does not have a slippery surface for foundation to glide over like the Garnier sunscreen.

Are you loving your sunscreen? Do share!

Disclosure: The product(s) being review is purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

New Origins A Perfect World SPF25 with White Tea

Description: This super-charged, antioxidant moisturizer with White Tea, Maritime Pine and UVA/UVB sunscreens surrounds skin in a protective bubble to help delay the appearance of premature aging signs. In a test that simulated ground ozone pollution, we demonstrated 76% less environmental damage*.

*Based on an in vitro study of simulated ozone using our antioxidant blend measuring oxidative damage.

I do not own this sunscreen but I did test the sample at the store so I guess this is a brief initial impression review. My initial reaction was that I like this a lot! There is no ghostly white cast. The texture is very elegant and it feels more like a cream than a sunscreen. Goes on non greasy but leaves a nice subtle glow, which I personally prefer over matte finish. The only down side is that this would be much better package in an airtight pump for both sanitation and preservative reasons. Also, the price could be lower too.

Price: $38.50 for an 1.7oz jar

In What Order Should You Apply Your Sunscreen?

Prevention against skin cancer and aging takes diligent. I always thought that you are safe as long as you do not suntan and always apply your sunscreen before sun exposure. It was until recently when I heard on dermTV from dermatologist Neil Schultz that you need to apply sunscreen before moisturizer. According to Dr. Schultz, sunscreen has to be the first thing you apply to your skin for the active ingredients to bind to your skin and do their work. Simple enough? However, I think most of us have the habit of applying our moisturizer, then sunscreen on top. If you are one of those people, you have to remember to reverse your habit.

What if you also apply toner and serum in the morning? Dr. Schultz believes you can apply toner before sunscreen but serum is only to be use at night. I can live with that, as I don’t normally use serum in the morning anyway. However, I think there are women out there that would not want to give up on their morning serum regimen. I did more research about the topic. According to a pharmacy website from Canada, it is not necessary to apply sunscreen first. It is about applying products in the order of their consistency. This totally makes sense to me and it is a practice I have been doing for years anyway. Let’s say your serum is in a liquid or light milky texture. If you apply the serum on top of your cream sunscreen, I doubt your serum will get a chance to absorb properly.

In essence, my two cents is that it will simplify things if you find a moisturizer that also contains sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher. If you must use additional moisturizer, it would be on top of your sunscreen. Also, if you use toner and serum in the morning then you would follow your cleansing with toner, serum, then sunscreen, in the order of your product consistency, from lightest to heaviest.

Related Post:
Avon and Neutrogena Sunscreen Review

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

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.

Tip of the Day: Don't forget your sunglasses!

Last “tip of the day”, I wrote about the importance of protecting your lips from sun damage. I’ll now extend on that topic. There are two categories of factors that cause our skin to age (wrinkles), intrinsic and extrinsic. Extrinsic are external factors such as sun damage, pollution, and facial expressions.

The skin around our eye are delicate and thinner than any other parts of our body. Every time we squints and smiles, that contribute to fine lines and crow feet around our eyes. Though, I would not recommend give up smiling. Wearing lenses that is made to block UVA/UVB, especially the kind that wrap around your eyes will leave you one less thing to worry about.