I (sniff, sniff) am not preparing to go “back to school”.  But those who are should should be on the hunt for a lip treatment with SPF, like the latest from NARS. 

NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment has caused quite the stir in Hollywood!  But aside from its status as a beauty staple among the glitterati, there are some practical reasons for co-eds to select this product.  1)  It’s available in a variety of shades, from dark to pale.  2)  It imparts a natural look, perfect for day wear.  3)  It has an SPF 15, to help protect your pucker from the sun while you’re attending all of those Fall football games.  4)  The added Vitamin E helps to keep lips moist and healthy.

I had the opportunity to sample two shades of NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment:  Aurore and Greta.  Both are gorgeous neutral shades that are universally flattering.  In fact, I’m still not sure which I prefer… they’re both so gorgeous!

Swatch above:  Greta on Left, Aurore on Right

Swatch above:  Aurore.  A peachy/pink fleshtone shade.

Swatch above:  Greta.  A pale tan fleshtone shade.

Retail price is $25.

Click HERE to buy it from Sephora.com

Click HERE to buy it from Beauty.com

The author of Raging Rouge received press samples for purposes of this makeup review / product review. For more information on sample policies, please click HERE to read my full disclosure statement.

Readers, today I have a special treat for you!  Dr. Amy Wechsler–a New York Dermatologist and author of The Mind-Beauty Connection–offers some sage advice on sun protection.  Words to live by!

Did You Know…
-          Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US
-          Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer, combined
-          One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
-          More than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the US each year
 
Skin cancer is on the rise due to everything from the invention of tanning beds to global warming, which has depleted the upper atmosphere’s protective ozone layer. Fortunately there are ways you can protect yourself:
 
Always seek shade. It reduces UV by 50 to 95 percent. Avoidance is your number-one tactic, especially between ten in the morning and four in the afternoon, and near reflective surfaces (sand, water, snow). Even when it’s overcast, 80 percent of UV rays zips through the clouds. (In fact, you should even wear sunscreen when sitting in a window seat on a plane)
 
Cover your body. You’re thinking, who in their right mind wears a lot of clothes by the pool? Or on a hike? Be creative. At the beach, when you’re not in the water, wrap a beach towel around your lower half, put on a tee shirt and wear a wide-brimmed hat. For sports, invest in a few pieces of lightweight clothing especially made with an ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF. A UPF of 50 means only one-fifth of the sun’s rays pass through it. Or use a laundry product with TinosorbFD to increase the UPF of your clothes; it will last through repeated washings.
 
Think one teaspoon, two shot glasses. Slather on sunscreen…apply one teaspoon’s worth of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher (which filters out 97 percent of UVB rays) on the face and at least three ounces, two shot glasses full, on the body. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and contains at least 9 percent invisible zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, such as Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen. Anthelios XL 50 Fluide Extreme (made by La Roche-Posay) is another good one for the face.
 
Sunscreen Tips:
-          Apply sunscreen indoors, about thirty minutes before you go out in the sun
-          Ignore promises of “all-day protection” and “water resistant”; they are not reliable. Reapply all sunscreens at least every two to three hours and right after sweating or swimming
-          There’s an expiration date on sunscreens. Check it and toss old ones
-          Don’t store sunscreens in the glove compartment of your car – heat degrades them
-          Don’t forget to protect the lips, hands and ears. Those are common areas for skin cancer that people forget about
 
Screening. Be proactive about scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist if you’ve never been to one, and be diligent about regular, once yearly checkups to have a complete body exam. It’s also important to screen for funny, changing spots or moles at home.
 
ABCs to identification:
-          Asymmetry – half of the spot doesn’t match or look like the other half
-          Borders that are irregular – ragged, notched, or blurred around the edges
-          Color changes – say, from tan to black or red to blueish
-          Diameter – anything larger than a pencil eraser (6 millimeters) should be scrutinized, in addition to anything that’s started growing.

*When in doubt, get it checked out

To schedule a visit with Dr. Wechsler, click HERE to head to her website.

This UVSunSense bracelet review is a repost from last summer… but I wanted to remind you about this ingenious way to protect your skin from the sun’s rays!

UVSunSense is a one-time-use bracelet that is worn to detect your level of UV exposure. Remember when you were a kid, and your Mom would chase you down with the sunblock every couple of hours? Well, now the wristband will remind you instead!

Here’s how it works… Apply the wristband first. Then apply your sunscreen (only works with sunscreens of SPF15 +). Apply your sunscreen as you usually do, but also apply it over the band as well. When the wristband is exposed to sunlight, it will turn a blue-purple shade to indicate that is has been activated. When the band is no longer blue, it’s time to reapply sunscreen on yourself, and the band! If ever any part of the band turns a yellow-orange, it is recommended that you cover-up, or get out of the sun to prevent a burn. Brilliant stuff!

UV Sun Sense wristbands are sold in packages of 7. Prices vary by retailer, but it’s generally less than $7 per pack. Click HERE to check them out at UVSunSense.com, and to find a retailer!

Many beauty-lovers swear by the advice of now-famous “Cosmetics Cop” Paula Begoun.  When she reviews her favorite beauty products, women everywhere fall silent to listen!

Just in time for the summer, here are some tips from Paula Begoun  

Your Personal SPF:  Determining Your Number
by Paula Begoun, The Cosmetics Cop

The Basics
Sun protection is an everyday must for anyone concerned with keeping their skin in top shape (and that includes avoiding wrinkles, brown discolorations, building collagen, keeping skin firm, and even preventing skin cancer). SPF 15 is the minimum rating to look for and greater is better for some skin colors and conditions; all sunscreens must be liberally applied; and UVA protection is critical.

UVA protection depends on the active ingredients in the product you are using so be sure one or more of these active ingredients are included: avobenzone (sometimes listed as butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane), titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, Mexoryl (ecamsule) or, outside the U.S., Tinosorb.

Decisions, Decisions
There are several important factors that influence how you choose and should apply a sunscreen:

• How long you are going to be in the sun or sitting next to a window (UVA radiation, the sun’s most damaging rays, come through windows). The longer you are going to be in the sun or exposed to UVA radiation via windows the higher the SPF number you need to look for.
• Are you willing to apply your chosen sunscreen liberally? No matter what SPF rating you choose, you have to apply it liberally. If you aren’t applying it liberally always go for a higher number to assure you are getting as much sunscreen ingredients on your skin as possible.
• Will you be swimming or perspiring heavily? If so, go for sunscreens labeled water resistant or very water resistant. Be sure to reapply as directed, especially after toweling off.

You’ll also want to take into consideration your skin type and whether or not you’ll be wearing makeup.

• Those with normal to dry skin should use sunscreens in a lotion or cream base.
• Those with oily or combination skin should go for sunscreens formulated in a lightweight lotion with a matte finish, a liquid, or an alcohol-free gel base. Many spray-on sunscreens are excellent for oily skin.
• If you’re going to be wearing foundation, you can choose a foundation with sunscreen and pair it with a moisturizer with sunscreen and a pressed powder with sunscreen!

What’s Your Rating?
Your ideal SPF number is a multiplication figure based on your skin color and the SPF number on the product.

Identify Your Skin Color:

• Level 1 skin is very fair and often freckled. It burns easily within about 20 minutes of direct sun exposure and never tans. This is common for people with blue eyes and blonde or red hair.
• Level 2 skin is fair to light and often burns with about 30 minutes of direct sun exposure. Tanning may occur but is minimal. This is common in people with blue, green, or hazel eyes and red, blonde, or light brown hair.
• Level 3 skin is light to medium or olive and sometime burns with about 40 minutes of direct sun exposure. Tanning is possible, but typically sunburn happens first. This level can apply to those of any hair or eye color.
• Level 4 skin is medium to tan skin that rarely burns but can turn pink in about 60 to 90 minutes of direct sun exposure yet often tans easily. This is commong for people with dark hair and eyes.
• Level 5 skin is brown to dark brown skin that very rarely burns and tans easily in about two hours of sun exposure. Those with dark hair and eyes and of Middle Eastern or African-American descent are usually at this level.
• Level 6 skin is black skin that never burns and always tans, though a tan is usually not apparent due to depth of natural skin color.

REGARDLESS OF YOUR SKIN COLOR AND HOW EASILY YOU TAN, WRINKLES, SKIN DISCOLORATIONS, AND SKIN CANCERS ARE PRIMARILY CAUSED BY UNPROTECTED SUN EXPOSURE!

Next, Do the Math:
Your Level of Sunburn Risk x by the SPF Rating = Safe Sun Exposure for Your Skin Color

The SPF number is a rating that determines how long you can stay in the sun without burning when you wear that product without needing to reapply it. It does not indicate quality of protection, just length of time. Here’s how to do the math. If you have:

Level 1 skin (very fair): That means you usually get a burn in about 15 to 20 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin’s response to various SPF ratings works like this:

• SPF 15 x 20 minutes = 300 minutes (5 hours) of protection
• SPF 30 x 20 minutes = 600 minutes (10 hours) of protection
• SPF 45 x 20 minutes = 900 minutes (15 hours) of protection

Level 2 skin (fair to light): That means you usually get a burn in about 30 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin’s response to various SPF ratings works like this:

• SPF 15 x 30 minutes = 450 minutes (7.5 hours) of protection
• SPF 30 x 30 minutes = 900 minutes (15 hours) of protection
• SPF 45 x 30 minutes = 1,350 minutes (22.5 hours) of protection

Level 3 skin (light to medium/olive): That means you usually get a burn in about 40 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin’s response to various SPF ratings works like this:

• SPF 15 x 40 minutes = 600 minutes (10 hours) of protection
• SPF 30 x 40 minutes = 1,200 minutes (20 hours) of protection
• SPF 45 x 40 minutes = 1,800 minutes (30 hours) of protection

Level 4 skin (medium to tan): That means you usually get a burn in about 60 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin’s response to various SPF ratings works like this:

• SPF 15 x 60 minutes = 900 minutes (15 hours) of protection
• SPF 30 x 60 minutes = 1,800 minutes (30 hours) of protection
• SPF 45 x 60 minutes = 2,700 minutes (45 hours) of protection

Level 5 and Level 6 skin (brown to dark brown or black): That means you usually get a burn in about 120 minutes (2 hours) of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin’s response to various SPF ratings works like this:

• SPF 15 x 120 minutes = 1.800 minutes (*30 hours) of protection
• SPF 30 x 120 minutes = 3,600 minutes (60 hours) of protection
• SPF 45 x 120 minutes = 5,400 minutes (90 hours) of protection

*Note that level 5 and 6 skin should do just fine with a well-formulated sunscreen rated SPF 15. However, liberal applications is still important. If you do not think you’ll be applying the sunscreen as liberally as you should, consider a sunscreen rated SPF 30.

For more articles by Paula Begoun, visit her website CosmeticsCop.com.

Here's a post about a product I love so much, I use it season after season!

After reading an article on MSN, I realized my sun protection regimen was incomplete.  Did you know that some gloss can actually accelerate sun damage to your lips?  (Click HERE to check it out).  The easy path toward prevention is to simply select a gloss or lipstick with an SPF… like tarte 24/7 Lip Sheer with SPF 15 protection! 

This fantastic little balm is small enough to tuck into a pocket for reapplication on the run.  With shades perfect for Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall, you'll never need to leave lips unprotected.  The combination of both physical and chemical sunscreens means lips are protected the second you apply (no need to apply a half-hour prior to exposure)!

tarte 24/7 gloss retails for $14.  Click HERE to buy tarte 24/7 lip sheer at tarte online.

or Click here to buy Tarte 24/7 Lip Sheer SPF 15 Summer Fling SPF 15 at Sephora.com.

or Click HERE to buy Tarte 24/7 Lip Sheer SPF 15 at Beauty.com.

I know how confusing it can be to select a good sunscreen.  That's why I'm thrilled to be posting this advice from Dr. David Bank, the author of Beautiful Skin — Every Woman's Guide to Looking Her Best at Any Age.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR SUNSCREEN:
DR. DAVID BANK HELPS YOU READ BETWEEN THE TANNING LINES
 
Sunscreen labels can be overwhelming between the letters on the packaging (UVA and UVB), the various SPF numbers, and labels touting “long lasting,” “water resistant” and “waterproof.” Fortunately Dr. David E. Bank, founder and director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic and Laser Surgery and author of Beautiful Skin – Every Woman’s Guide to Looking Her Best at Any Age, breaks down the confusing terms to help you read between the lines and find the most protective product that’s right for your skin. 
 
WATCH YOUR RAYS
UVA RAYS (Ultraviolet- A): UVA are long and highly penetrable rays that can damage your skin even through glass windows. 
UVB RAYS (Ultraviolet B): These short solar waves are hotter and stronger than UVA.  Since UVB rays are more intense they are the main culprit behind sunburn and surface skin cancer.
BOTTOM LINE: “It is imperative that you protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays,” explains Dr. Bank.  Look for products labeled “broad spectrum” which indicates it shields against both.  Look for following ingredients: Avobenzone, Helioplex, Mexoryl, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide.
 
PICKING A SPF
SPF (Sun Protection Factor):  SPF measures the length of time a product protects against skin reddening compared to how long the skin takes to redden without protection. For example, someone who would burn after 5 minutes in the sun would expect to burn after 50 minutes if protected by a sunscreen with SPF 10.
SPF 15: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends at least SPF15, which blocks 93% of UVB.
SPF 30 and Higher: SPFs higher than 30 block 97% and are advisable for sun-sensitive individuals, skin cancer patients, and people at high risk of developing skin cancer.
BOTTOM LINE: Dr. Bank suggests using at least an SPF 15 even if you have a darker complexion.  Since it take 30 minutes for sunscreen to absorb into the skin, remember to apply your sunscreen at least a half hour before being exposed to the sun.
 
OIL INTAKE
OIL-FREE: Oil-free sunscreen is non-comedegenic so it doesn’t block pores.  Dr. Bank suggests using it on your face or other acne prone areas such as your chest or back.  
BOTTOM LINE: Whether you use an oil-based or oil-free sunscreen you will still get the same protection.   Your own personal preference for consistency should be the deciding factor.
 
WATER PROOF 
WATER PROOF: For a product to be waterproof according to the FDA’s definition, it must maintain its SPF level for 80 minutes after water exposure.
WATER RESISTANT: A water resistant product maintains its SPF level for 40 minutes after water exposure.
BOTTOM LINE:  By definition both products will give you protection in the water but Dr. Bank states that it never hurts to reapply sunscreen every 1-2 hours if you’re out in the sun sweating or in and out water.

For more information, check out Dr. Bank's website at www.thecenterforderm.com.

You're about to read a post covering one of the coolest Summertime sun-protection products!  It will quite literally save your hide.

UVSunSense is a one-time-use bracelet that is worn to detect your level of UV exposure.  Remember when you were a kid, and your Mom would chase you down with the sunblock every couple of hours?  Well, now the wristband will remind you instead!

Here's how it works…  Apply the wristband first.  Then apply your sunscreen (only works with sunscreens of SPF15 +).  Apply your sunscreen as you usually do, but also apply it over the band as well.  When the wristband is exposed to sunlight, it will turn a blue-purple shade to indicate that is has been activated.  When the band is no longer blue, it's time to reapply sunscreen on yourself, and the band!  If ever any part of the band turns a yellow-orange, it is recommended that you cover-up, or get out of the sun to prevent a burn.  Brilliant stuff!

UV Sun Sense wristbands are sold in packages of 7.  Prices vary by retailer, but it's generally less than $7 per pack.  Click HERE to check them out at UVSunSense.com, and to find a retailer!

Yes readers, it's that time of year!  Sephora's Sun Safety kit is back in stores.  This year's version has a retail value of $110 ($23 more than last year's kit).  The kit includes deluxe samples of 13 (yes–thirteen) different sunscreens for you to sample before buying for the season.  The samples are tucked into a golden backpack made from recycled materials.

100% of the net profit from sales of this product will be donated to The Skin Cancer Foundation.  This kit sells out fast, so grab one (or many) while you can!

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

When you're checking out, be sure to enter one of the promo codes below, for a free gift.

Click HERE to buy Sephora Brand Sephora Sun Safety Kit

Get a FREE DuWop Prime Venom sample with any online order. Enter code DUWOP at checkout.

FREE Smashbox Photofinish Primer sample with any online order. Enter code PRIMER at checkout.

Originally published last year, this review of Peter Thomas Roth’s Instant Mineral SPF 30 powder deserves a second look!  This product has earned a permanent place in my routine. 

Every morning, I apply sunscreen to my face prior to makeup application.

But here’s the catch…. sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours for it to provide the protection your skin needs– even more frequently if you’re swimming or physically active.  With summer in full swing, there are endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy the summer sun. 

Have you ever successfully reapplied sunscreen over your foundation and powder?  Of course not.  No one has!  It creates a hideous mess.  Another option would be to wash your makeup off and reapply, but that is WAY too time consuming.

Peter Thomas Roth has introduced Instant Mineral SPF 30.  This talc-free UVA/UVB protection is in the form of a completely translucent powder, and can be dusted over a made-up face for SPF 30 protection with a perfect matte finish.  The tube is perfectly portable and application is easy.  The mineral powder is contained in brush handle and dispenses through the brush.

The retractable brush makes it easy to replace the cap without bending and deforming the bristles.  This innovative product is a must have for the summer, and has earned a permanent spot in my beauty routine.

There are those among us who absolutely, positively, will NOT use a physical sunblock.  There are so many reasons to make this choice.  Perhaps you hate that it’s a bit more difficult to massage into the skin.  Perhaps you simply don’t need coverage impervious to water-sports, or prefer a sunscreen that allows you to get a little color in the summer.

For my readers in search of a 100% chemical sunscreen, I must recommend Dr. Murad’s Oil-Free Sunblock. 

An SPF 30, this sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure.  You’ll be amazed at the lightening speed with which this sunscreen absorbs into the skin.  When it does, it barely feels like you’re even wearing sunscreen.  This sunscreen wears like a light moisturizer, making it an ideal choice to wear when you’re headed to the office instead of the beach.

In true Murad fashion, this sunscreen doesn’t just shield from the damaging UVA/UVB rays of the sun!  Other than providing broad spectrum protection, Murad Oil-Free Sunblock also hydrates dry skin, and is packed with pure pomegranate extract for it’s antioxidant qualities.  Yay, Dr. Murad!

Retail price is $30 for a 1.7 fl. oz. tube.

Click HERE to buy this sunscreen directly from the Murad website.

Click HERE to purchase Murad Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30 from Sephora.com

Click HERE to purchase Murad Age-Proof Suncare Oil-Free Sunblock SPF 30 from Beauty.com