Aging, sadly, isn’t always gradual. About a year ago, I woke up one morning with a very noticeable–and very permanent–fine line on my forehead. Today, there are several, and they are ever more pronounced!
But if Mother Nature is going to be such a bitch, why not play hardball? One of my recent weapons in the war on aging is The SPF UV Protecting Fluid by the brainiacs at La Mer.
Introduced for Spring 2009, La Mer’s SPF 30 UV Protecting Fluid is the ultimate multi-tasker! Not only does it shield your skin from the sun, preventing sun damage and future aging… The SPF 30 Protecting Fluid also provides light moisturizing benefits ideal for any skin-type, and a light-refracting technology that makes skin appear more luminous!
Perhaps my favorite aspect of La Mer’s formula is how fast it absorbs into the skin, leaving an almost powdery finish. It’s excellent for use under makeup!
Retail price of a 1.4 oz. bottle is $65. Click HERE to check it out at La Mer.
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.
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
During a scorching hot day, I slathered my son with a waterproof SPF 50 that my husband and I both used. Hours later, my son developed a rash on his cheeks that lasted for days.
The solution for protecting the skin of sensitive skinned babies and toddlers is California Baby’s SPF30 Sunscreen. The active ingredient titanium dioxide protects baby’s skin and all natural ingredients selected for the most sensitive of skin will keep baby’s dermis from complaining.
My son has used the scented and unscented versions of this product, with great success!
A 2.9 oz. tube retails for $17.99 on the California Baby website. Or, click HERE to buy California Baby at drugstore.com
Designed specifically for color-treated hair, this incredible serum boasts instant results (something many products can’t claim). Squeeze a tiny amount of Frederic Fekkai Technician Glaze into your palms, and distribute evenly through dry hair.
Immediately after application, you’ll notice instant shine and softness. But, what you can’t see still helps you! This glaze also protects hair from the harsh UV Rays that can hasten color fade (you don’t want those gorgeous new caramel highlights looking brassy, do you?)
Perhaps the most incredible thing about this product is the price. Frederic Fekkai Technician Glaze retails for only $20. The competition generally retails for a similar price, but you’ll usually only get 1-2 oz. of product! Since only a really small amount is needed (even for very long hair), you can expect this huge 4.2 oz. bottle to easily last a year even with daily use.
Read more about Frederic Fekkai Technician Glaze on the Fekkai website, or buy Frederic Fekkai Technician Glaze at: Sephora.com
, Beauty.com
or Nordstrom.com
.
Be sure to check out the brand new Fekkai summer hair collection, for more sun protecting options! The Summer Hair collection includes: Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Beach Waves
, Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Sunshine Shield Spray
, Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Wash & Wear
and Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Zero-Humidity Frizz Control
.
An ironic side-effect of beauty blogging is that on some days I leave the house with my makeup looking less than perfect. I review many great products on this blog, but occasionally am let down by some products. Generally I don’t write about many of them… I’m simply not inspired to spend time writing about sub-standard product. But this one I felt the need to warn about.
I had such great luck last year with Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care Ultra Protection SPF 30, I was excited to sample Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream Ultra Protection SPF 30. I applied this product to clean, dry skin prior to leaving the house for my son’s pre-school. It seemed to absorb well, leaving an invisible layer of protection. But when I applied makeup over it, the foundation was left looking patchy and rough. I looked somewhat like a mummy… and on top of it all, because I was running late, I had no time to start over! I had to attend my son’s pre-school looking like I had applied my makeup in a dark room.
So my warning to you is this… if you’re looking for a sunscreen to wear under makeup, this formula may not be for you! Try to score yourself a sample tube before taking the plunge. Hope you have better luck than I did!
