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Cool, Dry And Protected

I've been running every day in this hot, sticky Los Angeles weather and it is not fun.  The weird, East coast-esque humidity makes it like slogging through thick, swampy air and I'm sweating a crazy amount before I even get up the first hill. Needless to say, I've had to up my already substantial sunscreen game to make sure my pale self doesn't burn, so I decided to pick up Neutrogena's CoolDry Sport Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+.  I love the fact that it's a stick because I layer it over the liquid sunscreen I've already put on my face (told you I was hardcore!) to create what I like to think of as a super-layer of protection.  It smells fresh and much less sunscreen-y than previous stick products I've tried, plus I love that you can get it exactly where you want it.  It's always super easy to throw in your bag and take with you - I've started carrying it all the time, even when I'm not heading to work out, just because you never know when you'll need some sun protection.  It gives me a little peace of mind during the heat of summer.  And I really love the protection it gives - the formula is oil and PABA free and the sportiness of it lets you sweat as much as you need to during your workout (and believe me, lately that is A LOT) without the formula dissolving.  It's pretty damn great and it makes me feel a lot less guilty about being out in the sun this much.  (Even with a baseball hat - I have serious sun phobia!) I even managed to stock up during a buy one, get one 50% off sale at CVS this week, so I can be Sporty for weeks to come. Now, where did I put my bronzer...?  

Ultra Sheer For The Win

I've been hiking a lot lately, which is great for burning calories, not so great for shielding your face from the sun.  Even though I wear a baseball hat and sunglasses, it seems like no matter what I do, my face still gets sun.  So I brought out the big
guns - Neutrogena's UltraSheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen.  I LOVE that it's in stick form - it makes it super portable, plus it's the easiest thing ever to apply.  (I only use it on my face - I still use spray sunscreen on my body so I can reach everywhere).  Its rounded shape lets you glide it all over your face without missing a spot (I usually cover my face at least twice, just to be safe) and it's not at all greasy or oily, so you don't look like you just covered yourself with cooking spray.  (Hey, you never know who you're going to meet on the trails!)  I really love that it's a high SPF too.  I'm so fair that I always like to use the highest one I can, so knowing that I'm covering my face in an SPF 70 just makes me feel better when I'm heading out for an hour and a half in the blazing sun.  The only tiny problem I have with it is that I keep it on my bathroom counter and because it's shaped exactly like deodorant, sometimes when I'm half-asleep in the mornings, I don't pay attention and twice now I've sunscreened under my arms.  (Even for someone as anal about sun protection as me, that's overkill!)  So I think I'm going to start keeping it in my gym bag instead, which should solve that (ridiculous) problem.  But if you're not a zombie in the mornings, this definitely won't be a problem for you.  Stock up and start protecting your skin in style!

Protect Your Skin

You guys, I've been doing something very un-me like - hiking.  I know, I know, I can hardly believe it either!  But it's really good exercise and when it's not super hot out, it's actually kind of enjoyable (I mean, let's not get carried away here, it's nothing I'd do if I wasn't trying to be healthier, but it's a good way to catch up with friends if someone comes with you or a good chance to listen to music if you go alone).  But because it's been so hot in L.A., I've been super careful about covering all my exposed skin with sunscreen before I go because if I didn't, I would be burnt before I even made it up the first hill.  Lately, my sunscreen of choice has been L'Oreal Paris' Sublime Sun Sheer Protect Sunscreen Oil SPF 50+.  (I know, it's a mouthful.  Lots of words in that product name!)

Ashley Tisdale is also a fan, which makes sense because it's awesome.  First of all, it's a spray, which is nice because it's super easy to apply that way.  (I usually rub it in anyway though - I just feel like I get better protection that way). For an oil, it's not very greasy at all, which I very much appreciate because I HATE feeling greasy or oily.  It makes me cringe.  I want to immediately shower whenever I feel greasy, so I could not spend all day with this sunscreen on if it felt like that.  And the protection it gives is awesome. It was 99 degrees out today and I went on a hike (don't ask why - I didn't think it was nearly that hot out when I got ready for it at home and by the time I was outside and realized it, I felt like I was too far in to turn back) and about halfway through, I started to freak out a little because I could feel the sun just attacking my bare arms and I was starting to panic that even with the sunscreen on, I was going to get burnt because my fair skin turns red even in the shade.  But nope!  It's 8 hours later and my skin is as pasty white as ever.  You've gotta love that.  And at around $11, it's a definite bargain compared to some of the much pricier sunscreens out there.  Stock up before the summer!      

And in case you were still on the fence, do it because L'Oreal is putting their money where their mouth is with a commitment to the Melanoma Research Alliance.  For every Sublime Sun product sold in the U.S. through the end of this year, they'll donate $1 to the MRA for the L’Oréal Paris-MRA Team Science Award. (Over the next three years, they'll donate over $750K).  Even more reason to buy!   

Physical Fusion UV Defense

I have decided if I was to ever play football (really hilarious if you know me and my inability to handle anything even remotely active) I would insist my position on the field be Physical Fusion UV Defense.  I feel like it sounds like an awesome role as part of the defensive line (my husband is laughing so hard at me right now but, yet, is impressed I even knew there was a defensive line).  Anyway, when I first checked out Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 lotion by Skinceuticals I thought it'd be funny as a football position.  Then I tried the stuff and think it's better suited to be a superhero!  I love, love, love this product so much.  It provides high broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection in an ultra-sheer, mattifying fluid!  It has a slight color which actually becomes translucent on skin to just make your natural skin look amazing.  I was shocked at how non-chalky it is and how smooth it feels on skin without any weird sunscreen-y odor.  It's paraben-free, non-comedogenic and really feels fantastic on.  It contains Z-Cote which is a microfine zinc oxide who provides broad-spectrum protection against burning UVB and aging UVA rays.  The perfect sunscreen for the face, if you ask me.  Then again, if you ask me anything, you get made-up football terms. 

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Skinceuticals

L'Oreal's New Sunscreen Is Sublime

So yeah, when I was in Spain two weeks ago, I did a really stupid thing that goes against everything I normally do and wound up paying for it.  The first day I was there, I sat outside at the pool without sunscreen on and totally burned my legs.  And even stupider, I only burned them on one side of each leg because I forgot to shift positions because I was so into the copy of Heat magazine I was reading.  (It's a British weekly I picked up at the airport and it was like the mean version of People.  It was kind of awesome.  I must pursue an international subscription).   They were the only part of my body that I put in the sun (because while I was excited to be on vacation, I was also too lazy to go up to my room and get sunscreen and I'm not a complete idiot) but now they're peeling and I'm annoyed at myself because I know better.  Looking at my peelng legs though just reminded me how much I'm loving a new sunscreen that I've been using for my face.  L'Oreal's Sublime Sun Face Lotion SPF 50 is part of L'Oreal's new sun care releases for summer and I'm really digging it.  I think it's really hard to find a good sunscreen for the face, but this one's fulfilling all my requirements.  It's thin, so it blends in easily without leaving a white tint behind to make me look like I'm wearing Kabuki makeup, it doesn't have a gross smell (it has a light, fresh scent), it has a high SPF so I can wear it during the day in Los Angeles and also use it those few times I lay out in the sun, and it doesn't cost a lot (around $11 or so).  Plus, I really like the packaging. The pointed tip lets you squeeze out only the small amount you need so you don't waste any of it.  Granted, that's not as important as it would be with a much more expensive product, but still.  It's my money!  I want to keep as much of it as possible!  I'm really glad I found this right before the weather heats up in Los Angeles because now I know that my face won't ever burn and peel and look as ridiculous as my legs do right now.  I was not smart.

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with L'Oreal 

Supergoop on Amazon.com!

I love, love, love Supergoop!  The name is hilarious and the products are amazing.  Full-protection from the sun but without any goopy stickiness.  It sinks right in and is fragrance-free so even those of us with sensitive skin can use without irritation.  I actually picked up the travel swipes at Sephora (seriously adorable for travel) and then I read about this which is fantastic!  Now on Amazon.com you can pick up the TSA-approved Supergoop! SPF 30+ Weekend Away Essentials Set for only $39.50 (if you have Amazon Prime it's free shipping - yippee!)  This is a definite must-have for summer travel!

TRAVEL KIT INCLUDES:

 

1. 4 sunscreen swipes: individually packaged for easy travel convenience. Paraben-free, water-resistant swipes deliver powerful UV protection for the face and body

 

1. 3-ounce SPF 30 refillable spray: everyday UV lotion spray light weight, water-resistant sunscreen lotion mist for face and body that is ideal for all skin types

 

1. SPF 30 mint fusion lip balm: protects, soothes, and hydrates sun-kissed lips

 

1. SPF 30 Sunstick: easy to apply. Protects small spots often overlooked including the eye area, lips, nose, earlobes and hands from burning UVA/UVB rays

Supergoop!

Okay, seriously, who wouldn't want a tube of something called Dr. T's Supergoop!  Not only does this line of suncare products have a completely awesome name (the exclamation point really makes it for me) all the products in the line are so great, you'll be instantly hooked.  The Everyday UV Lotion is a light spray which boasts a 30 spf.  I usually don't use sprays because I feel as though it's hard to see where I'm putting the stuff, but Supergoop has converted me.  The spray nozzle evenly distributes by actually "gooping" out the sunscreen rather than spraying a fine mist (so I like that I can see where I'm rubbing it in.).  I love that this spray doesn't smell too sunscreen-y and is so light I hardly knew I had it on me!  Supergoop also has a lip balm (actually, two lip balms if you want to get all technical - Acaifusion and Mintfusion) which are equally as fantastic as the daily spray.  The lip balm is extremely moisturizing, contains shea butter which gives it a lovely smell and also boasts spf 30 protection.  A definitely must-have for everyone because even if you're not a sun worshipper you should definitely be protecting your delicate lips (plus, who doesn't love some minty, hydrating goodness). The balms actually are a lot like Jack Black's Intensive Lip Therapy (which I'm a huge fan of) but Supergoop is cheaper and might have a slight leg up for me.  All Supergoop products are free of parabens and are clinically tested.  Check out all of their great products at www.supergoop.com.  Doesn't Supergoop sound like a pop-80's band that would've guest starred on Kids Incorporated?!

Note:  Samples of the items were sent to me by a PR representative working with Dr. T's Supergoop!   

Healthy SPF

I have become obsessed with Lavanila sunblock collection for kids so I am so excited to announce they have just released a collection for adults!  The Healthy SPF collection is 100% natural and contains no harsh ingredients so your skin will be very happy you chose this stuff.  I can't even tell you how wonderful their products really are.  The Body Sunscreen (SPF 30) melts into the skin quickly, smells fresh and is not sticky at all (I am serious - you don't even have to wipe off your hands because this sunscreen actually feels like a lotion).  The equally amazing Lip Screen (also SPF 30) has become my go-to for lip sunscreen.  I carry it everywhere with me and went out and bought a bunch to give to my mom and other moms on mother's day (see, I share when I get excited about something).  The lip screen comes in a flat disc so it's not bulky in the purse (thankfully).  I highly recommend Lavanila suncare, especially if you have sensitive skin (heck, if you have really sensitive skin I would buy the baby block which my son has been wearing since he was a little guy).  Lavanila - you are a hero to all us pale people.

Note: A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Lavanila. 

Coola's New Mineral Face Tint

I have to say that I love the idea of face tints but I am generally not impressed with how they look and feel on my face.  I guess I always think that my skin complexion is good enough without a foundation but, honestly, it's not and thus why the face tints never work on me (still too much redness peeks through).  When I heard that my absolute favorite suncare brand, Coola, had released a new Mineral Face Tint, I couldn't not give it a go.  First of all if you have never used anything by Coola you are missing out.  Their sunscreens are amazingly moisturizing, smell delicious (cucumber, rose) and use certified organic ingredients (also, their products never contain Paba, Paraben, Petroleum or Phthalate which is fantastic).  The Rose Essence Mineral Face Tint is really amazing - it covers all my redness and evens out my skintone which is a first for me from a tint!  It contains SPF20, smells like rose and contains rose extract which helps to soften the skin.  I love how this stuff feels on my face and adore how well it blends in!  While this tint would be great for sensitive skin, it would not work on all skintones because it only comes in one shade.  So, any of you tan ladies may, unfortunately, be out of luck with this one.  Paler people unite!

Note:  A sample of this product was sent to me by a PR representative working with Coola

Coola

As I grow older, I have found that I am afraid of more things than I used to be - deep water, bosses, mortgage payments - but the biggest one is skin cancer.  As a teen, I would put on SPF 10, get burned until I blistered and peeled, and then would do it again.  Now I'm much wiser, and because I am sadly the poster child for the disease (pale skin, previous burns) I am extra careful to wear sun protection every single day.  I usually smell like a big bottle of sunscreen, but I am happy to report I will smell like sunscreen no more.  Coola, a new organic suncare line, has come out with the most fantastic line of sunscreens I’ve ever used.  While you can get “unscented,” I prefer the scented versions which smell wonderful.  My favorites are the Cucumber for the face and the Mango Sport for the body.  The Cucumber for the face has an SPF of 30, goes on clear (no white residue), and really truly smells like cucumber.  It is hypoallergenic, non-irritating and PABA-free.  I wear it over my moisturizer and am amazed at how fast it sinks in, leaving no sunscreen scent and no sticky residue at all.  The Mango Sport is equally magnificent, it leaves no white residue, but boasts a higher SPF of 45 and is also ultra water resistant (perfect for people who actually swim in the blazing sun which you will never catch me doing).  Aside from putting out wonderful sunscreen products, Coola also donates a portion of all its sales to skin cancer research.  I love this company so much I might even be tempted to take up beach volleyball to take full advantage of the Sport Sunscreen.  Eh, seems like too much effort.

Photos courtesy of Coola