shefinds» Sun Protection

SPF Hand Creams Are My Newest I’m-Almost-30 Obsession

SheFindsSuzelle — Mon, 25 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

With each passing day, I’m just a little closer to 30. And while I’m not dreading the big birthday, I’m noticing the small ways that I’m turning into my mother. The latest are my hands— they’re looking more like hers every day, with wrinkles and freckles and veins. In a vain attempt to slow time’s passing, all my hand lotion has to have SPF, like these:

HissyFit’s Handy Work ($39) is a luxurious SPF 30 hand cream that has soothing aloe and vitamin e, and smells of orangey mint. Between fighting age spots and smelling amazingly good, this is one of my new favorites.

Sephora’s BODY Nourishing Hand Cream ($15) has anti-UVA and UVB filters giving it an SPF 10 protection as well as moisturizing shea butter and sweet almond oil. In other words, the formula soothes, protects and moisturizes all at once.

Rich Girl Hand Cream SPF 25 ($24) doesn’t come with a big price tag, but it does have a long list of UVA/UVB filters and moisturizing oils that work to firm skin and fight the signs of aging. The mild floral scent is fresh too.

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Get Sun Smart and Save Your Skin from Sizzling

SheFindsErin — Sun, 17 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

What: UV SunSense wristbands

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, beach volleyball or lakefront bike ride that I'll miss a sunscreen application and turn red as a lobster. Sunburn is a consequence that's painful and unsightly in the short run and downright dangerous in the long run, but luckily the advent of the UV SunSense wristband makes sunburn easier than ever to prevent.

The last time I knew I was in for some fun in the sun, 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 reapplication. And when it turned yellow-orange, that was my signal that my skin's time in the sun should be up for the day.

The bands are completely inconspicuous, smaller than nightclub wristbands and without all the fussy clasps. It's a subtle, smart accessory that allows me to take my mind off sunscreen and get it back in that heated volleyball game.

Price: $6 for a pack of seven

Get Yours: Amazon.com

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Get Sun Smart and Save Your Skin from Sizzling

SheFindsErin — Sun, 17 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

What: UV SunSense wristbands

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, beach volleyball or lakefront bike ride that I’ll miss a sunscreen application and turn red as a lobster. Sunburn is a consequence that’s painful and unsightly in the short run and downright dangerous in the long run, but luckily the advent of the UV SunSense wristband makes sunburn easier than ever to prevent.

The bands are completely inconspicuous, smaller than nightclub wristbands and without all the fussy clasps. It’s a subtle, smart accessory that allows me to take my mind off sunscreen and get it back in that heated volleyball game.

Price: $6 for a pack of seven

Get Yours: Amazon.com

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Women Who Test Beauty Products All Day Tell You Which Ones Are The Best

Rebekah — Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

This week on Better.tv, we’re talking about the winners of the CEW beauty awards – a group of products that were chosen as the best and brightest by over 4,000 beauty insiders.

The competition separates products into “mass” (findable at a drugstore) and “prestige” (more expensive). Below, the winners from three very seasonally relevant categories.

Bath and Body Treatment

In the Mass category, Avon Anew Professional Stretch Mark Smoother ($17) took the prize with its exclusive stretch-mark-reducing technology.

The Prestige product, Ojon Rare Harvest Tawaka “The Ball” ($55), is a body polish (in ball form) with the same amount of antioxidants as 2,834 lbs of blueberries, which is a lot of antioxidants/blueberries.

Hair Care, Style & Coloring

Avon’s Advance Techniques Grey Root Touch-Up ($6), the Mass winner, is a mascara-like wand you can use to touch up greys between colorings – perfect and perfectly priced if you’re pinching beauty pennies.
The CEW’s Prestige hair pick, Living Proof No Frizz cream ($30), is a good antidote to the styling woes brought on by summer humidity.

Sun

Before you head to the beach, it might be a good idea to pick up a can of Aveeno Continuous Protection Active Sunblock Spray SPF 70 ($10), voted best Mass sun product – it’s stronger sun protection than most, and the spray can makes application easy.

If it’s a self-tan you’re after, Clarins Delicious Self-Tanning Cream ($42) is a good bet with cocoa butter, cocoa bean, and a rich chocolate scent.

You can see a list of all the winners on the CEW website.

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The Five Things That Got Me Through Five Days At Disney

Rebekah — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Hanes took a bunch of us bloggers down to Disney as part of the Hanes Comfort Crew (which I’m sure you know all about if you follow me on Twitter), and while it was an absolutely great time from start to finish, it was definitely a challenge to pack for.

A Disney World trip is seriously out of my fashion comfort zone: no cabs to save my feet from too-high heels, and some serious heat and humidity.

Here are the products that kept me going from Thursday to Tuesday. If the pictures aren’t enough, you can see me talking about some of them at MomGenerations.

1. Boob-eez ($12)
After choosing six summer-y dresses for the trip and realizing none of them were bra-friendly, I was super relieved to remember the pair of Boob-eez in my top drawer: the sticky-backed silicone circles stay on all day, and you can use them multiple times.

2. DV by Dolce Vita Damsel sandals ($69)
Before the trip, I searched everywhere for the right flat neutral sandal, and happily settled on these. I walked all over the World (Showcase) in them, and came away with nary a blister. For $69!

3. Hanes men’s undershirt ($16 for 3) and men’s trunks ($12 for 4)
Being a member of the Comfort Crew meant Hanes goodies in my hotel room every night, and since the friend I towed along left early, I stole his stuff, too. And proceeded to wear it to bed for the rest of the trip. Ridiculously comfortable.

4. Giorgio Armani Face Fabric SPF 12 ($45)
Already my favorite foundation, I put this makeup's SPF to the test last week, and it held up: no sunburn on my relatively pale (shade 2) face.

5. Kipling leather shoulder bag ($198)
This bag has a comfortable, wide fabric strap, which you can replace with a longer one to make the bag a cross-body.

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Always Lose Your Sunglasses? Why Not Just Stick Them To Your Face

SheFindsArden — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

A bizarre trend recently popped up in Azumi & David’s spring line: disposable sunglasses. They come on a thick roll of tape (similar to that used to secure a UPS package), and are simple enough to use. Simply peel, and stick… to your face.

It's one thing to use tape in the office, and we’ll even secure clothes with it, but there’s something about pasting glasses to my face that just doesn’t seem right. Initial concerns include loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, and maybe even a layer of skin. And then there’s the issue of looking like I'm perpetually emerging from intensive eye surgery. If frequent loss of your shades is the concern, may we suggest some less expensive alternatives that will leave your dignity intact?

If it's full coverage you seek, these Octagon glasses ($24) will do the trick. For a more retro feel, both these Horse Aviators ($18) and Two Tone glasses ($18) will let you play around with different looks for under $20.

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It’s A New Year, Get A New Makeup Bag Already

SheFindsBecky — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

January is the perfect time to ditch the old stuff and revamp with some fresh new goodies. In addition to the thrill that comes with pre-spring cleaning (and the eye infection you'll save yourself from tossing that ancient mascara), it's a great way to glam up your look, no gym membership, diet or new wardrobe necessary.

Get the Smashbox Best of Smashbox Rapture Kit ( $19) and get three must-have basics and a screaming good deal. You'll get a mini Fusion Soft Lights shimmering powder in Dusk (neutrals), a mini Lip Enhancing Gloss in Aura (pink-ish) and a Travel Size Bionic Mascara in Jet Black.

To add some drama, try MAC's Slimshine Lipstick ($14.50). It's moisturizing and sheer, but with beautiful, lasting color. I'm partial to the shade Urgent!, a pinky-red with excellent day-to-night potential.

Get glowing lids and cheeks with The Balm Hot Mama ($18), a pinky-peach multi-use powder that is paraben, sulfate, and phthalate-free.

Moisture, SPF 20, and skin-evening color in one simple step, Cosmedicine Honest Face Skin Tint and Treatment ($35) is one of the best tinted moisturizers I've tried. Serious bonus points for having a high SPF and still going on smooth and sheer.

For a touch of glam on the go, I stash everything away in a new Tory Burch Medium Cosmetics Case ($57). Looks amazing, and it's cheaper than a new purse!

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Beauty Find: Sunscreen for Your Hair

Courtney — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

What: Redken UV Rescue Shimmering Defense Daily Care Protective Lotion

Why: Most adults are well versed in the dangers of too much sun. As a result, we’re careful about our exposure slathering on sunscreen whenever we head outdoors and protecting our sensitive lips with SPF lipstick. But, after all that protection, what about your hair?

Usually exposed to the elements and put under lots of stress from hair dryers, styling products and chemicals, there’s no reason you shouldn’t help out those tresses as well. Luckily, Redken has stepped up to the plate with their Rescue Shimmering Defense. This leave-in product uses mica to guard your hair against drying elements, while the UV filter helps deflect the rays. It even contains vitamin C to restore shine and vitality. Best of all, there’s no heavy sunscreen smell.

Price: $12.95

Get It Now: Amazon.com

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Solution: Protect The Places You Forget While Basking In The Sun

SheFindsSuzelle — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 00:00:00 +0000

If you’re like me, it’s easy to remember to put sunscreen on your face, under the straps of your swimsuit, and on the tops of your hands. But what I don’t remember to do is protect my lips, my new manicure, or my salon-done highlights… and as any stylist can tell you, the sun’s rays can turn nail polishes opaque and discolor highlights in just one afternoon.

So to ensure you’re looking good when you come in from being by the pool all day… use these protecting products:

Philip Kingsley Swimcap ($42): A special UV filter helps to extend the life of color treated hair and guards against discoloration and dryness from sun, chlorine, salt, water, and wind while conditioning your hair. Simply apply to dampened hair and work through evenly before going outside.

Essie Non-Yellowing Top Coat ($8): Think of it as sunscreen for your mani. UV absorbers keep clear coats from yellowing in the sun and keeps your nail polish looking salon-glossy.

UVA & UVB Blocking Lip Balms: I have two new favorites… and here are both. Beyond Coastal’s SPF 15 all-natural lip balm ($5) goes on smooth and moisturizes while protecting my lips. Beauty Cosmedics Protective balm ($12) blocks out harmful rays and provides a natural, pinkish tint that is perfect for post-pool drinks.

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Solution: Melasma Is Not Attractive, Not Fun, But Also Not Impossible To Get Rid Of

SheFindsBecky — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Last fall I spent a month in rural Africa. Loaded up with antibiotics (for malaria prevention), I was told to stay out of the sun. Right.

By the time I came home, the combination of antibiotics and direct sunlight made my faint freckles morph into gnarly brown blotches, also known as melasma. Common among pregnant women, it can also come from birth control pills or the combination of some topical antioxidants or antibiotics and sunlight. But whether it's the flip side of your pregnant glow or it's the result of too many days at the beach, it's definitely not hot.

Below are some safe, effective products that will treat your skin and get you back on track.

Best Skin Care Regimen: I love Murad's Essential-C Regimen ($163). It started toning down the blotches quickly, and it includes sunscreen.

Best Spot Treatment: DermaDoctor Immaculate Correction Hydroquinone-Free Skin Brightener ($62) has alpha-hydroxy acids, so it does double duty on fine lines and wrinkles.

Best Mask: If you don't want to change your skin care routine or add another step, Mario Badescu's Whitening Mask ($24) can be used 2-3 times a week. Instead of alpha-hydroxy acids, it uses natural ingredients like kojic acid, licorice, and mulberry so it's safe to use on skin with acne.

Best Sunscreen: I know you're sick of the SPF lecture—I am, too—but if you're prone to this kind of skin condition, sunscreen is really really a must, and the stuff in your foundation or tinted moisturizer probably isn't cutting it. ZO Skin Health Oclipse Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30 ($85) feels more 'primer' than 'sunscreen', so I don't mind wearing it.

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