Fake, Don't Bake!

If you've been reading my blog for any amount of time, you probably know that I am not a fan of the sun.  I have pale skin, turn bright pink in the sun, and am fearful of nasty things like premature aging and skin cancer.  For me, pale is the new tan, but I know I am in the minority on this opinion.  If I feel pressured into getting a little color, I opt for the fake but subtle approach (I have no interest in looking like a platinum blonde Oompa Loompa!)

If you're like me and want to fake your way to a more sun-kissed look, bronzer is a great option.  I recently received a sample of Bare Minimum Pressed Powder Bronzer from Sonia Kashuk (available for about $10 at Target) and got to work. 

The Sonia Kashuk bronzer has a pretty cool design.  The top is the bronzer--two shades designed to work together to create a natural glow, and underneath is a mirror and brush.  I applied the bronzer to all the places that are typically hit by the sun: my forehead, bridge of my nose, and cheekbones.  The result?  A subtle, lovely glow.  This bronzer is formulated to fight shine and zit causing sebum, so it's perfect for the summer. Well worth the $10 price tag.

If you're looking for some great tips on how to apply bronzer, I highly recommend this article from the LA Times.  It's a step-by-step approach to using bronzer to achieve natural, subtle results.  No Oompa Loompas allowed!

Beauty To Go: Sun Safety

Summertime often means two things: travel and time spent in the sun.  If you're lucky enough to be headed out for a vacation this summer, be sure to be sun safe and wear your sunblock every day.  Yes, you've heard this mantra from me before....yes, you'll hear it again.

Packing for vacation--especially a vacation that requires air travel--can be such a huge hassle.  It's hard enough to remember to pack a toothbrush, let alone staying up to date on what you can and cannot take on board.  The TSA does not care about your beauty or skin care needs! 

No worries: whether you need TSA approved sunscreens for your carry-on or just something small enough to keep your bag light, you have to check out the Weekend Essentials Tote from Supergoop! This bright, convenient and travel-friendly terry-cloth tote is packed with everything you’ll need to stay safe during your end-of-summer retreat:

• SPF 30+ Sunscreen Swipes: Ideal sun protection on the go for both face and body, these paraben-free, water-resistant swipes deliver powerful UV protection. Just throw them in your golf- or beach-bag and go!
  
• SPF 30+ Everyday UV Lotion: A perennial favorite, this lightweight, water-resistant sunscreen lotion mist for face and body is great for all skin types, and now comes in a convenient 3 oz. bottle with a high-output turbo sprayer for a broader range of application! Safe for use on everyone ages 4 months and up, you can feel good about using this for the whole family.
  
• SPF 30+ MintFusion Lip Balm: With an atypically high SPF, this lip balm protects, soothes, and hydrates stressed-out lips with its super-antioxidant and regenerative formulation. The glossy formula adds a great shine over lip color, too!
  
• SPF 30+ UVA/UVB Sunstick: A super easy-to-apply sunscreen stick that protects small spots (especially the eye area, lips, nose, earlobes and hands, not to mention scars) from aging and burning UVA and UVB rays. Purse- and pocket-friendly, it’s incredibly easy to keep yourself sun-safe where ever you go!

Supergoop!’s new Weekend Essentials Tote retails for $39.50 at Sephora.com and Supergoop.com. 

Product Preview: Super Fluid UV Defense

Ok--Memorial Day has come and gone, and summer is (un)officially here! (Though if you live in the Pacific NW, it feels more like fall than spring or summer!) With the warmer, sunnier days, it's really important to start getting your sun protection routine into place.

I recently picked up Kiehl's new Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+ and I can't wait to really give it a try. Before I do (I'll be sure to give you a review soon!), I wanted to give you a preview of this product.

So...what is it? It's an ultra-lightweight, oil-free product that you put on after your moisturizer and before your makeup. It provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It's also waterproof and fragrance free, so it should be long lasting.

According to Kiehl's (and I tend to agree with this statement), 90% of skin aging comes from exposure to the sun, and from damage done by the sun's rays. Dark spots, discoloration, and premature aging are all attributed to unprotected sun exposure.

I like that this product can be applied in the morning and then forgotten about. Who wants to fuss with sunblock when they're wearing a full face of makeup? I also like that it's from Kiehl's since their products are usually very high-quality.

I'll let you know what I think of this soon. In the meantime, if you're interested in trying Super Fluid UV Defense, you can pick it up at your local Kiehl's or online for $32.

Boys of Summer

Summer means dealing with hot, humid weather...and that makes our skin and hair behave in strange ways, not to mention the fact that we have to wear SPF to keep sun damage from taking over. Well, women aren't alone when it comes to needing special products for summer skin care. Don't forget about the men in your life! They could certainly benefit from some of these products from ZIRH.

ZIRH Skin Nutrition offers the essentials for summer grooming – from rejuvenating shower and body products to moisturizers and lip balms with SPF, ZIRH has you covered from head to toe!

Show Face
Cleansing your skin is one of the first steps in any skincare regimen and ZIRH makes the experience a refreshing one with Clean, an alpha hydroxy face wash that cleanses skin without stripping it of necessary oils. For a deeper clean, Scrub is a gentle, aloe based exfoliator that works to remove surface dead skin cells to reveal newer, younger looking skin. Lastly, Refresh is an invigorating astringent that not only tones and cools skin but helps to reduce excess sebum.

Protect Skin With SPF
Protecting skin from the sun’s harmful rays is necessary for protecting a healthy complexion. ZIRH facial moisturizer Defend is light for everyday use and suitable for sensitive skin types. Defend contains an SPF 15 while also helping to maintain skin’s natural elasticity. For the ultimate lip protection with SPF 15, ZIRH Lip Balm is made with beeswax and natural oils to maintain a hydrated pout. Available in four flavors: Vanilla, Black Cherry, Peppermint and Unscented.

The Ultimate Shower Gear
Summer days require the need for a revitalizing shower and ZIRH has the perfect gear. ZIRH Warrior Shower Gel Collection features five gels based on ancient warriors – each offering a sexy, yet masculine scent. Try Julius Caesar – this blends citrus notes with sweet almond fruit extract.

The ZIRH Cocktail Bar Collection can make any shower a happy hour. A classic body bar with a fun twist! Each bar is formulated after a signature cocktail – whether he fancies a Long Island Iced Tea or a Sake Bomb, his skin will feel detoxified and nourished. The light scents and vibrant colors make the perfect summer body pairing.

Don't Forget: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Here are a few more tidbits for Skin Cancer Awareness Month:

Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is partnering with the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) for the month of May in honor of National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Dermelect will donate the May net sales of its two best-selling products, SPF 20 Facial Armour and Age-Def Eye Cream with SPF 15, to the MRF. These SPF products are great because they protect against the sun while also targeting wrinkle reduction and signs of aging.

The SPF 20 Facial Armour sells for $42 and the Age-Def Eye Cream with SPF sells for $36. Both products protect against UV sun damage and free radicals and are available for purchase at www.dermelect.com.

ABOUT MELANOMA
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes. In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, more than 62,000 Americans were expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2008, resulting in an estimated 8,400 deaths (approximately one every hour). Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults age 25 to 29 and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults age 15 to 29.

ABOUT DERMELECT
Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is a forerunner when it comes to easy-to-understand, multi-tasking cosmeceutical skincare, developed with the most effective and innovative ingredients on the market. With a refreshingly realistic beauty philosophy, Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is the must-have brand if you want to treat your skin with the latest product innovations that provide actual results. Availability of Dermelect treatments includes high-end apothecaries, specialty retailers, department stores, medispas, and pharmacies. Dermelect is distributed in over 12 countries globally and is also available online at www.dermelect.com.

ABOUT MELANOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s Web site is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org.

BECOME A MELANOMA MESSENGER
If you want to do more to fight melanoma, head over to MRF's Melanoma Messenger page. The MRF Melanoma Messengers program is a national network of volunteers that help educate, build awareness, and raise money for melanoma research in their local communities. As a MRF Melanoma Messenger, you can bring the national voice of the MRF to into your local community. Check it out--get involved!

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Blasts from the Past

Don't Let This Happen To You!

I know I sound like I'm harping on all of you about this, but May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. I've said it a million times and I'll say it again: Be safe in the sun and always use protection. If you don't think skin cancer will happen to you, then consider the fact that sun exposure will age you. If you want to avoid wrinkles or blotchy discoloration, limit your sun exposure. It's that easy.

Here are links to a few posts I've done in the past about Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Take a moment to check them out:

• If you prefer to have a "healthy" glow, click here for pointers on how to fake and bake like a pro.
• Don't forget to cover up easy to miss parts of your body when applying sunscreen. Click here for more from my May 2008 post (sorry...the giveaway mentioned in that post is no longer running!)
• Is sunblock safe to use? Click here to find out.
• The sun shines year round, so don't think of sun safety as only a summertime concern. Click here for more.
• Screen yourself for troublesome moles or sun spots in the privacy of your home. Here's info on how to do this yourself.
• Be a smart sunscreen consumer. Click here for tips.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Always Use Protection!

It's easy to say that you should use some sort of protection when you're out in the sun, but do you really know what you should be using? Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for the warmer, sunnier months ahead:

• Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens. These products contain ingredients that block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
  
• Reapply sunscreen frequently; at least every two hours.
• Remember: sunscreens can contain a number of chemicals. If you are sensitive or allergic to chemicals, physical sunscreens/blocks or chemical-free sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, which reflect UVA and UVB.
• When in doubt, wear SPF 15 or higher. Look for products with the AAD Seal of Recognition.
  
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face.
• Don't forget to take care of your eyes. Wear dark sunglasses when outside to avoid getting lines around your eyes and to slow the development of cataracts.
• Wear protective clothing. Companies like L.L.Bean now offer shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, etc. that have fabrics that are treated to provide SPF protection.
• Get Vitamin D from food, not from sun.
• Peak sun hours are between 10 am and 4 pm--even when it's cloudy.
  
• Do not go to tanning salons. Ever. I don't care what you're reason is...just stay away.

Remember: there is no such thing as safe UV rays and that healthy sunny tan isn't healthy at all. Over time, it will result in skin damage, accelerated signs of aging, and potentially melanoma or other serious skin issues.

Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Get Shady at Ricky's

If you read my blog, you should know that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month...and many companies are honoring the month by offering new products and great deals.

Here's one deal to check out: Ricky's NYC is offering 20% off any Shady Day product purchased on their website using coupon code LOVESHADY. If you're lucky enough to live in NYC, head over to a Ricky's where they're offering free a Shady Day Sunscreen Stick with any Shady Day purchase.

Also, a portion of proceeds from sales of Shady Day Protect Your Pout will go to support Aim at Melanoma Foundation, an international organization that provides comprehensive melanoma resources for patients, caregivers, and physicians.

Shady Day products were created by two health conscious moms with the help of a top dermatologist. The products provide easy to use, effective sun protection. Check out their SPF30 wipes, lip balm with sunblock, and many other awesome products.

Beauty Product of the Week: UV Defense Regenerating Lotion

What is it? Olay's new Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 50 Moisturizer "combines powerful UVA/UVB (SPF 50) sunscreen with our exclusive Peptide + B3 complex and Olay moisture to help protect from damaging UV rays while moisturizing and regenerating skin's appearance. The result? Younger looking skin without drastic measures. Instantly the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is softened and skin's appearance will be beautifully regenerated." Available this month wherever Olay products are sold for $29.99. (Note: the product shown above is their SPF 15 version...the SPF 50 version I'm writing about looks the same, but has an orange box in the right hand corner that says SPF 50.)

What did you think? You've heard it a lot from me and you're going to continue to hear it: to keep your skin protected from the sun and looking its best, always wear a sunscreen...every day, no matter what. I don't know about the rest of you, but I need to use a moisturizer everyday. Having such a high SPF level mixed in with my moisturizer makes my life easy: not only will my skin be hydrated, but I'll also get my daily SPF protection.

This Olay product makes my skin feel nourished, just like other Olay products I've used in the past. This one also has a very light fragrance that smells clean and very girly. Oddly, it doesn't bother me...and I normally don't like scented products. My face feels smooth and healthy, not greasy in the least.

The final verdict? This product has the highest SPF protection of all the Olay products out there. I love getting both sun protection and moisturized skin with one product. Olay has yet to let me down, and I'm glad to see this high level of SPF protection is hitting the market...just in time for summer!

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and that means that along with my normal beauty posts, I'll be scattering plenty of information about skin cancer prevention and detection this month. Yup, it's time for me to piss off the tanning industry and to frustrate sun-worshipers across the globe.

Skin cancer is serious business. Consider these facts from the Skin Cancer Foundation:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.
• Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer; about one million of the cases diagnosed annually are basal cell carcinomas. Basal cell carcinomas are rarely fatal, but can be highly disfiguring.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths.
• Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two major forms of non-melanoma skin cancer. Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have either skin cancer at least once.
• In 2004, the total direct cost associated with the treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers was more than $1 billion.
• About 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• Up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be talking to you about prevention, detection, and other ways to avoid adding to the skin cancer statistic. I'll also be highlighting several products/companies that are working to stop skin cancer numbers from rising.

Until then, head over to Sephora to check out their Sun Safety Kit. Sephora is teaming up with the Skin Cancer Foundation to offer this product once again this year. This kit is extraordinarily popular, so be sure to get yours now before it sells out. It's chock full of everything you need to be safe in the sun. You'll be getting products totally $110 for only $22.50 AND 100% of the profits for this product will be going to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Nice!

Bustin' Out!

I was flipping through the May issue of Allure and came across one of their little snippets of information about something near and dear to our hearts: cleavage.

According to Allure, a study was done by a university in Wisconsin to see, as their study was titled, "Does Cleavage Work at Work?". And their answer to this question: "essentially--but not entirely--no."

In the study, men and women viewed four videos of a saleswoman pitching a phony allergy medication. The spokeswomen was either showing off cleavage or completely buttoned up, and she was hyping a product that was either "clearly effective or decidedly weak."

According to the findings in the study, showing off cleavage had no effect on her pitch of the product. Men in the study found that "using cleavage is effective when selling a weak product but counterproductive when selling a strong product."

Hmmm....very interesting!

Whether or not showing cleavage gives us more or less credibility, I'm sure we all show off our girls from time to time. And, if you're like most of us, the skin around your cleavage and neckline might need a little help to look it's best.

Because the skin on our decolletage is thin--much like the skin on the backs of our hands--it is more prone to showing the signs of aging and sun damage. So what can you do to keep your cleavage looking great?

• Avoid the sun! If you go out during the day and have any amount of skin showing, be sure to wear a strong sunblock, one that contains antioxidants to get the most out of your protection. Be sure to reapply your sunblock regularly--the longer you're out under the sun, the greater the risk of damage.
• Don't go to a tanning booth. Ever. I know many people who go, thinking they're getting their much needed Vitamin D. And in getting their "healthy" dose of D, they're also destroying their skin. Why pay to age yourself? The best bet is to stay away.
• Try a microdermabrasion. This will remove all the nasty dead skin cells that dull your skin. Do an at-home microderm treatment regularly (a few times a week) to get your decolletage glowing.
• Seek professional help. A dermatologist can analyze how much sun damage has been done to your skin, and may be able to prescribe Retin-A...a strong, proven anti-ager. They may also recommend a treatment like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to remove brown spots, or fix blotchy skin.

Now, strap on your favorite push-up and show the world what you've got!

Ask Lydia: Festival/Camping Makeup

Lydia,

I was wondering if you had any recommendations for how to stay pretty while camping. I just bought my tickets for the Sasquatch Music Festival, where I'll be forced to stay in a tent/not shower/feel gross for a few days. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Simone

Hi Simone!

First, have fun at Sasquatch! I live near Seattle and have thought about going over to the Gorge to check out Sasquatch, but the prospect of being outside, camping...with all those people, sort of turns me off. I am not a camper. camping for me means staying in a B&B with a shared bathroom.

Anyway, if I were going to a multi-day music festival...or if I were actually camping...there are a few things I would take with me in order to keep looking cute. You don't want to be bogged down with products, but you do want to take care of your skin and use products that will do double duty. For me, my makeup essentials are good looking skin, a quick coat of black mascara, and a hint of color on my lips. When camping or at a festival, you don't want to do your full face, so leave your eyeliner, eye shadow, blush, concealer, etc. at home.

Here's my must have list of your situation--if anyone has anything to add, please leave a comment!

TO KEEP CLEAN:

• Boots Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes...or something similar. These wipes are great. They don't require any water or rinsing, and they make your skin feel perfectly clean. These are available from Target, but there are many other brands out there. They're a great way to wash your face with minimal effort (and no running water!)
• Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo: You can use this on days when you don't have time to wash, or when you don't have access to water or a blow dryer. It will make your hair feel and smell good, even if you're hanging out in the elements.

TO KEEP PROTECTED:

• MD Skincare Powerful Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Pads: these are awesome! Sure, this is an expensive product ($42!), but they're easy to apply and even easier to pack. Plus they provide a high level of sun protection, and that's essential at outdoor festivals or when camping.
• Some sorty of bug spray. Many people swear by Avon's Skin So Soft, but I use the ultra-toxic stuff that contains DEET, like Deep Woods Off. Use what you like, but be sure to take something with you!
  

TO STAY CUTE:

• Alba Terra Tints Natural Tinted Lip Balm, SPF 18...or something similar. These tinted lip balms will refresh your lips with their minty scent/flavor, and they'll give your lips protection from the sun...all while adding moisture and color to your lips. I love double duty products, and this is one of my favorites!
• Any sort of tinted moisturizer containing SPF, like Olay Complete Plus Ultra-Rich Tinted Moisturizer. Again, this is a double duty product--your skin will get much needed moisture, and you'll quickly even out your skin tone.
• Your favorite waterproof mascara (I like Great Lash by Maybelline). Mascara will give your eyes just enough pop with minimal time. Go for a waterproof product so it won't smudge...and don't worry about getting it off--the Boots 4 in 1 wipe can handle it!

There you go, Simone! Don't forget to stay hydrated and be sure to wear your sunglasses. Have fun watching Animal Collective, NIN, and Jane's Addiction at the Gorge!

My Three Sunblocks

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you no doubt know that I am not a sun worshiper. Hell, when it comes to the sun and my skin tone, I am downright vampiric! I am extremely fair skinned, have blonde hair and blue eyes...add to that an irrational fear of skin cancer, and you'll understand why I don't go running out to tanning beds. And why I am, most likely, Vitamin D deficient.

Anyway...being a heliophobe (the Lydia term for a super pale goth girl), I wear sunblock every day of my life. I thought I'd share my favorite sunblocks that I've been using this summer.

Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15: $11.00 (approx); available at drugstores
Why I like it: This provides sun coverage and moisturizing all in one cream. It is a bit thick, but it goes on easily. Plus it has almost no scent so it won't interfere with perfumes or other fragrances. I put it on when I get out of the shower and can breath a bit easier knowing that I have at least some protection for the day.
What I'd change: Not much--maybe just increase the SPF to 30 or higher.
Best for: Limited sun exposure; everyday use (don't use on your face--it's too greasy!)

MD Skincare Powerful Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Pads: $42; available at Sephora and department stores
Why I like it: These are so convenient and are a snap to use. They're like moist towelettes that provide a nice layer of sun protection. They're so simple to use I can even get my hubby to use them without too much complaint.
What I'd change: The price. Convenience never comes cheap.
Best for: Stashing in your bag for use when you didn't expect to be in the sun.

Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffery Dover Sun Effects SPF 45 Active Sunscreen Continuous Spray: $12.99; available at CVS
Why I like it: It sprays on quickly, providing coverage without getting your hands all gunked up with lotion. It smells good and feels cool on the skin...a nice bonus in the summer!
What I'd change: I'd cut down the drying time just a bit, but it's so easy to use that I'll forgive it.
Best for: A day at the beach! I used this on my recent vacation and maintained my ultra-white complexion.

No matter what you use, be sure to use an SPF product daily. The sun does all sorts of wonderful things, but I, for one, am paranoid about a potential burn.

Beauty-Full Beach Basics

I am heading off for a week at the beach for some much needed down time. While the beach I'm going to (in the Pacific Northwest) is going to be rather chilly compared to the beaches back east, I'll still be lathering on the sunblock.

If you're hitting the beaches this summer, you'll want to enjoy it without the burn! Avoid looking like a red lobster and protect your skin with Sephora’s latest hydrating sunscreens, face lotions and after-sun moisturizers. Embrace the surf and turf with these SPF saviors:

• Sephora Body Intense Moisturizing Bronzing Lotion ($18) – Get bronzing and glowing the safe way with this nourishing hydrator!
  
• Cosmedicine Global Health Face UVA/UVB SPF 30 Sunscreen ($40) – This waterless, antioxidant rich sunscreen delivers broad spectrum protection that won’t run in extreme heat or irritate skin.
  
• Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 30 ($19) – Don’t pout! Protect your luscious lips as you lounge with this ultra-moisturizing balm.
  
• Oscar Blandi Capri Sun-Shield Spray ($20) – This spray uses UV inhibitors to protect your hair color from fading, while adding moisture, shine, and suppleness to counteract the drying effects of the sun and chlorine.
  
• Clinque After-Sun Rescue Balm ($18.50) – Too much fun in the sun? Repair and restore overexposed skin with this cool and refreshing treatment.

Visit your local Sephora or go online to get your sun essentials. Sephora always has us covered!

Be A Summer Beauty Expert, Part 2

As I mentioned yesterday, the June edition of Women's Health magazine is chock-full of hints on how to become a summer beauty expert this season. Here are some more hints from the mag:

Beating the Sun Head-to-Toe

• Scalp: Anyone who knows the agony of a fried hair part will appreciate the nongreasy Shiseido Sun Protection Stick Foundation SPF 35. Swipe the sheer protection anywhere you tend to neglect. $24, macys.com
  
• Lips: Since lips don't contain much melanin, they're super-vulnerable to sun damage. That's why we love Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15. It's like Ray-Bans for your mouth.$14, clinique.com
  
• Chest: The coolest solution to a soggy bra: a thin layer of DriOff gel. It'll stop sweat so those puppies stay high and dry. $23 for two 1.32 oz tubes, hillderm.com
  
• Legs: When the sun and wind suck your skin dry, replenish it with Olay Body Quench Mousse, a moisturizer in foam form packed with hydrating glycerin and antioxidant-rich green tea. $8 for 7.1 oz, drugstore.com
  
• Face: No more makeup cakeup! The Body Shop Flawless Skin Protecting Foundation has a nearly invisible cream-to-powder formula plus the benefit of SPF 25. $25, thebodyshop.com
  
• Shoulders: Looking a little pink? We won't say "I told you so" (even though we sort of just did). Kiss My Face After Sun Aloe Soother contains cooling aloe gel to stop the sting. $6 for 4 oz, kissmyface.com
  
• Feet: The downside to spending a day in flip-flops: the grime that gets on your soles. Wipe away the nastiness with Earth Therapeutics Clean + Cool Foot Wipes. $6 for 15 wipes, earththerapeutics.com
  
• Heels: Make sure strappy sandals don't rub your feet the wrong way: Dr. Scholl's for Her Miracle Shield balm prevents friction that causes blisters. $6, drugstore.com

One more tip from Women's Health: If you're trying to figure out the perfect swimsuit for your body, visit their bikini and swimsuit finder by clicking here.

Be A Summer Beauty Expert, Part 1

With summer right around the corner, we have to take extra steps to protect our skin and hair to stay looking fresh and fabulous throughout the whole season! The June issue of Women’s Health, on newsstands now, gives you tips and products to keep you protected and looking great head-to-toe and helps you decode the labels on the bottles you use every day. Pick up your own copy of Women's Health, or keep reading this blog entry for great consumer information. With the help of Women's Health, we'll all be summer beauty experts in no time!

Label-Conscious: Make sense of the fine print on your sunscreen tube

• Chemical Sunscreens-Ingredients like benzophenones, salicylates, snd cinnamates form a protective film to absorb UV rays before they penetrate the skin’s surface.
• Physical Sunscreens-These work by reflecting the sun’s UV rays. Look for zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Photoaging-Skin damage caused by sun exposure—like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and the leathery texture seen on folks playing shuffleboard in Boca Raton.
• SPF (Sun Protection Factor)-The number that tells you how much longer a sunscreen will keep you from burning than no protection at all. Say you normally turn pink after 1 0 minutes without sun block. SPF 15 would shield you 15 times as long as that—or for 150 minutes—before you start to burn.
• UVA-Ultraviolet rays that penetrate deep into the skin and cause photoaging and skin cancer.
• UVB-Rays that affect the outer layer of skin. Shorter than UVAs, they’re responsible for sunburns and contribute to skin cancer. Star Rating-A new sunscreen-labeling system the FDA has in the works. Stars on labels will indicate the level (1 = lowest, 4 = highest) of UVA protection offered.
• Water-resistant-Sunscreen whose SPF remains effective after 40 minutes of immersion. “Very water- resistant” sunscreens remain effective after 80 minutes in water
• Waterproof-No sunscreen is waterpoof; the FDA has suggested removing this term from labels.
  

Decoding your shampoo label

• Water: Usually the first item on a shampoo label, water is the base that keeps the other ingredients flowing. It accounts for up to 80 percent of what's in the bottle.
• Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate/Ammonium Laureth Sulfate/Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: These surfactants--basically, a fancy word for detergents--are the muscles that do all the cleaning.
• Cocamide DEA, MEA, or TEA/Cocamidopropyl Betaine: These milder foaming detergents are added to create suds. But they also moisturize and thicken the formula so the shampoo is easier to pour.
• Sodium Citrate: This buffering agent keeps the shampoo at the proper pH level (slightly acidic) as you wash. OK, now in plain English: SC allows dirt and oil to wash off and helps cuticles (the overlapping scales on each strand) lie flat so hair looks smooth and shiny.
• Glycol Distearate/Stearate: These waxes are kind of like hunky Swedish masseurs: primarily there for look and feel. They're what give the formula a pearly sheen and allow it to flow easily from the bottle.
• Polyquaternium/Quaternium :These softening compounds--also found in some fabric softeners--thicken shampoos and condition hair.
• Dimethicone/Cyclomethicone: Silicone oils that coat and smooth down the cuticles to add thickness, reduce static, and provide shine. Oh, yeah: They also make comb-outs easier. If you have coarse, curly, or damaged hair, make sure your shampoo contains one of these conditioning ingredients.
• Panthenol: A form of vitamin B, this hard-working humectant (that's a substance that helps hair attract and retain moisture) works inside and out: It penetrates the hair cuticle to plump it up and coats it for added shine.
• Cetyl/Oleyl/Stearyl Alcohol: Seeing the word alcohol may set off an alarm (Drying! Bad!). Not to worry: These are hydrating alcohols that attach themselves to the outside of the hair shaft and act as lubricants. Result: Combs effortlessly glide through hair.
• Nut Oils/Shea Butter: These are super-rich natural moisturizers found in hydrating shampoos that coat cuticles so water stays locked inside.
• Ascorbic Acid/Citric Acid: Natural acids derived from vitamin C that smooth cuticles and add shine.
• Octyl Salicylate/PABA: Sunscreens added to protect your scalp and hair from nasty, chaos-causing UV rays--so your color lasts longer (yay!).

Myth vs. Fact: Experts spill the dirty little secrets behind the most common shampoo “truths” "You need lather to know it's really working."

• MYTH: The more foam a shampoo produces, the cleaner your hair's getting, right? Not exactly. You may love working up a good head on your head, but those suds are mostly created for psychological effect (Oooh, it's cleaning!). Foaming occurs when surfactant molecules in the shampoo mix with air and create tons of tiny bubbles. Ideally, your head should have only enough lather to lubricate the hair and scalp, so a quarter-size blob of shampoo will usually do the trick.

• MYTH: You should use a clarifying formula to get rid of buildup. PARTLY FACT Unless you're using heavy-duty styling products, like pomade, mousse, or gel, regular shampooing prevents styling-product residue from collecting on your hair. If you do need a clarifier, don't use it more than once a week. These detergent-heavy cleansers, which do such a great job of removing buildup, will also do a great job of damaging the hair cuticle.

• MYTH: Washing every day can be bad for your hair. MOSTLY MYTH "Daily washing is safe and healthy," says Mort Westman, the cosmetics chemist. If you have oily hair, it's fine to suds up every day--but even oily types should use a gentle formula (translation: one with moisturizing ingredients, like silicones, shea butter, or panthenol). People with coarse or dry hair might want to be more conservative and wash every other day, says L'Oréal's Youssef. No matter what kind of hair you have, as long as you stay away from harsh formulas that strip natural oils and treat your strands with conditioner, regular shampooing won't do any harm.
  

• MYTH: For best results, follow with a conditioner. FACT No, this isn't a scam to sell you two products. Chemists can pack only so many ingredients into each bottle. And a shampoo can't clean properly and deposit enough conditioner to moisturize your locks. Using a separate conditioner will coat strands with ingredients that hydrate and protect. BTW: If your hair's super-oily, apply the thick stuff only from the ears to the ends.
  

• MYTH: After a while, your hair gets used to your shampoo. That's why you need to switch to a new brand occasionally. MYTH Honestly, where do people come up with this stuff? Let cosmetics chemist Westman set the record straight: "Hair is dead, period. So it can't 'get used to' anything. It's just your perception of how your hair responds to a new formula." So if you love your brand, there's no reason to switch.

Fake and Bake

Here's the dilemma: You want a pretty summer tan, but you don't want to lie out in the sun or go to a tanning bed. What's a girl to do? Try using a sunless self tanning lotion!

Many people have been apprehensive to use these at home tanners because they used to look so orange. To make things worse, they can be tricky to apply and using them incorrectly may make you look blotchy or stripy.

Here are some things to consider when using a sunless tanner:

1. Buy the right product. There are so many on the market and they all come in different shades. Make sure you get the product that's right for your skin tone.
2. The most important step of this whole process: EXFOLIATE! Even if you think you have the smoothest, softest skin on the planet, dead skin cells and dry patches will make for a blotchy end result. In the shower, use a textured washcloth or bath mitt and buff your skin in a circular motion with light pressure. Don't be too rough on your skin!
3. Make sure your skin is completely dry and free of any moisturizers.
4. Protect your hands. Since you're using your hands to apply the tanner, you may want to wear rubber gloves so they don't get overly saturated. If you don't have gloves, be sure to wash your hands every couple of minutes.
5. Work quickly in a circular motion. Avoid areas like your knees or elbows--they'll soak up the product differently than the rest of your skin and will end up looking splotchy. Give your hands a final wash.
   
6. Tan your hands. Using a cotton ball, lightly apply tanner to the tops of your hands. You don't need to worry about the palms of your hands or the spaces between your fingers.
   
7. Give yourself time to "develop." Allow at least 30 minutes for your tanner to dry and do not get dressed during this time. After 30 minutes put on an old robe or something old and loose that you don't care about--your color could come off on to the fabric. After a full hour, it's okay to get dressed. In that time, avoid getting dressed.
8. Don't reapply right away. Give yourself some time to see how the color looks before you reapply your tanner. When you do reapply, follow these steps.

Here are some fixes to common self tanning mistakes:

1. If you have splotches or stripes: exfoliate the area thoroughly and then reapply the tanner.
2. To remove self tanner: sprinkle some baking soda onto a damp cloth and exfoliate the area that has the excess tanner. If this doesn't work, try Flavours Freedom Sunless Eraser--it's designed to remove tanning lotion within 4 hours of application.
   

If using a self tanner is too much work for you, you may want to consider a self tanning moisturizer like Jergen's Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer. There are a lot of these on the market and I have used them in the past. They go on just like a normal body moisturizer but build up over time to give you a subtle tan without all the hassle. Plus they're easy to get (available at all drugstores) and don't break the bank!

Always Use Protection!

I'm a very fair skinned blonde with blue eyes. To say the sun is my foe is to put it mildly. Because of my coloring and background, I have to be very careful in the sun. I've never been one for tanning: I'd rather be swimming if I'm at the beach, and I can think of nothing worse than spending time and money in a tanning booth.

I'm not afraid of the pain of a sunburn...I'm more concerned with things like wrinkles, premature aging, and skin cancer. I don't want to go down that road, and I don't want any of you to have to deal with the negative effects of the sun either. So...I'm telling you all: make sure you wear your sunscreen every day. Don't leave home without it.

Between now and June (while supplies last) the good folks over at Sephora are selling their Sun Safety Kit. The kit contains $85 worth of goodies but will only set you back $25. And to make things better, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Skin Cancer Foundation. The kit contains 11 travel-sized summer skincare products.

For your $25, here's what you get: 0.05 oz Korres Natural Products Watermelon Sunscreen Face Cream SPF 30, a 0.25 oz Peter Thomas Roth Max Sheer All Day Defense Moisture Lotion SPF 30, a 1 oz DDF Daily Protective Moisturizer SPF 15, a 0.35 oz Cosmedicine Medi-Matte Oil Control Lotion SPF 20, a 0.17 oz Juice Beauty Green Apple Moisturizer SPF 15, a 1 oz Murad Firming Bronzer SPF 15, a 0.08 oz Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 PA + + +, six single-use packs of MD Skincare Powerful Sun Protection Pads SPF 30, a 0.17 oz Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream Ultra Protection SPF 30, a 0.25 oz Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF 15, and a 0.098 oz Tarte 24/7 Lip Sheer SPF 15 in "Thursday", all in a limited-edition Sephora pouch.

Head over to Sephora to buy this kit today! Pick one up for yourself and buy one for your mom--Mother's Day IS coming up and what better way to say "I Love You" than by helping to guard her from skin cancer? Again, quantities are limited, so get shopping today!