Category: ‘skin’

What: Prescriptives All-Weather Friend ($26.50)

Why: I used to flock towards the sun in the summer like a moth to a massive, fiery flame – whether it was shining down on me at the beach or in the form of fluorescent lights inside a New Jersey tanning bed. It didn’t matter; a tan was totally hot. But now, past the age of 25, that same tan makes me look wrinkly, or will in a few short years. Therefore, my new best bud from July through August is Prescriptives’ All-Weather Friend, which provides a hefty dose of SPF 40 and manages to make my skin look insanely good.

I even slather it on at night. Just in case that reading lamp has the potential to give me crow’s feet.

Get Yours: nordstrom.com

Browse more beauty options in our guides to acne treatments, lip balms, and favorite mascaras.

What: Bikini Zone Creme ($7.50)

Why: We shave it. Wax it. Tweeze it. Even laser it. The skin that suffers the most abuse on a woman’s body is definitely the bikini area. Unfortunately, this little patch of skin also happens to be the most sensitive. So what’s a beach-bound girl to do when those nasty little red bumps show up? Luckily, a little preventative care and one cheap drugstore product are all you need to stay in skimpy string bikinis all summer long.

First, a quick review of the stuff you should already know (but probably neglect oh so occasionally). If you’re shaving, never use a dull razor. Do use some kind of shaving cream or gel, and remember to exfoliate. And use moisturizer daily- bikini skin is still skin!

And finally- use Bikini Zone. This drugstore product is a lifesaver when you need to look your best on the beach. I apply it daily after shaving or showering to ensure the only thing I have to worry about on the beach is my tan.

Get Yours: drugstore.com

Shop our guides to summer beauty, summer fashion, and flattering swimsuits.

What: Dermalogica Precleanse cleansing oil, $33

Why: Like dissolves like, people. Oil + oil, apparently, = no more oil. Use dry hands to massage this faintly citrus-y formula over your face, then do it with wet hands, then rinse.

It even removed my mascara. And not in the half-assed dark-specks-under-your-eyes way most cleansers do. I’m talking really removed, no makeup remover once-over afterwards.

You’re supposed to use regular cleanser afterwards – which I do – but in my personal opinion, this stuff could stand on its own.

Get Yours: amazon.com

Okay, this one’s not the newest trick in the book.  Word on the street is that Gwyneth was shelling out $185 for an ounce of snake venom cream a while back.  We’re intrigued nonetheless.

Snake venom will, allegedly, do wonders to prevent and cure wrinkles.  It also has the cache of being strange and difficult to come by, but not as hard to get a hold of as, we learned, snail dribble cream.  Yeah, you heard that right.

Elicina Skin Renewal Cream ($24) is one of the more popular (we use the word with reservations) snail secretion creams out there.  The snails used are Chilean – the product was created after Chilean snail farmers found their skin got very smooth from handling snails bred for export to France (as food.)

However, if you’re scared of snakes in any form, or would simply prefer your snails in the form of escargot with a little butter and garlic, check out Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($18.50).  Retinol does wonders to correct lines and signs of aging, and the high SPF will help prevent further damage.

What: Bliss Best of Skintentions Daily Moisturizer , $35

Why: Let’s start with the name— I heart it and it makes me feel good about taking care of my skin. Add the fact that it came recommended by a friend and that it protects my skin while moisturizing, and you understand why I’m basically obsessed.

Bliss’ moisturizer is rich but not too thick and heavy for the humid summer weather, which is a huge plus when the temperature rises in July.

The citrus scent is a bit strong, but that’s a small price to pay for such an amazing product.

Get Yours: sephora.com

This might be the most alternative trend we’ve ever come across. Kids in Tokyo are getting their faces (or other body parts, but the face is the most interesting, apparently) injected with saline solution in order to create crazy, artsy shapes. We have no idea where you get this procedure in the U.S., but we hope the answer is nowhere.

If you’ve somehow engaged in this trend and now need to smooth back out, or merely want to keep your skin taut in the first place, we like DDF Doctor’s Dermatologic Formula Advanced Firming Cream.  This is serious, scientific stuff that’s a whole lot safer than Botox.

What: The FaceTrainer by no!no!, $200

Why: If you want the muscles in your body to look their best, you exercise them, right? The idea behind the FaceTrainer is the same. The inside of the mask has a tight, rubbery texture that provides resistance when you try to move your facial muscles.

Ok ok, so the idea of actually wearing this thing is fairly ridiculous.  My first thought was that this reminds me of an old Ally McBeal episode where Ally’s assistant invents the “Face Bra” to much ridicule. My second thought involved flashes of Hannibal Lecter.

Which brings us to the real question- does it work? I’m tempted to say yes. While I’m a bit outside the target age-range for this product, the day after I used it I definitely noticed that my face felt weirdly sore in places I didn’t even know could get sore, so I would definitely tell anyone considering a face life to try this this first. At least for a good laugh.

Get Yours: hsn.com

What: UV SunSense wristbands, $6 for 7

Why: When I know I’ll be spending a day in the sun, I try to take extra care of my fair skin. But, inevitably, I’ll get so caught up in my barbecuing or beach volleyball that I’ll miss a sunscreen application and turn as red as a lobster. Luckily, the advent of the UV SunSense wristband makes sunburn easier than ever to prevent.

I slipped on a flesh-colored wristband before lathering up with SPF 30 (the bracelet gets doused in sunscreen, too), then watched as the band turned blue when exposed to the UV rays in sunlight. Once the band faded back to its original color, I knew it was time for a sunscreen re-application.

It’s a subtle, smart accessory that allows me to take my mind off sunscreen and get it back in that heated volleyball game.

Get Yours: amazon.com