Beauty Blog

Summer’s almost here!  Have you trashed your last year’s sunscreen bottles yet?  If not it is time to check the expiration dates on your old tubes.  Experts say that sunscreens have a shelf life of about a year and tend to become less stable over time.  Lately sunscreens have become so sophisticated in their technology and application that fortunately we women don’t have to worry about goopy white residues that make our makeup look kinda funny.  Dermatologists feel that effective sunscreens should have the following minimum characteristics:

1)  Should definitely be broad or full spectrum, that is protect our skin from both UVA and UVB rays that cause skin cancer and premature aging.

2)  Should at least have 4-5% of zincoxide or titanium oxide.

3)  Should at least be SPF 15 though SPF 30 is recommended by most doctors.

Today’s sunscreens are formulated to deliver much more than the above specifications.  Many multitask as moisturizers, anti-aging creams, primers, serums and foundations in addition to offering sun protection saving us both time and money.  They are also designed to go under makeup unlike the sunscreens of our grandmother’ times.  Though SPFs from individual makeup components do not add up directly to give a higher SPF number, they do add up in quantity to give more sun coverage.  When it comes to sunscreen generous amounts and constant reapplications never hurt.

Here are some top performing smart sunscreens that perform more than one role:

1) Neutrogena Healthy Defense SPF 45 Daily Moisturizer: $23.90

In addition to UVA and UVB protection, this moisturizer has an exclusive antioxidant blend with pure Vitamin E, which helps prevent environmental damage.  Moreover it is very non-greasy and light.

2) Kate Somerville Serum Sunscreen SPF 55: $45

This antioxidant rich serum that is paraben and oil free provides UVA/UVB protection and is also water resistant.  So great one for swimmers.

3) Peter Thomas Roth Uber-Dry Sunscreen SPF 30: $22

This is a non-oily and quick absorbing sunscreen that is formulated to leave a shine free finish.  In addition, it is enriched with Vitamins A, C and E to help fight against free radical damage.
4) La Roche Posay - Anthelios XL Tinted Creme SPF 50+: $25.60

This French tinted sun screen offers one of the best protection against UVA/UVB rays and is the top choice for many dermatologists. It contains Mexoryl SX and XL filters which are supposed to be one of the most effective FDA-approved organic filters designed to protect against short UVA rays with high photostability, which is important as it will not degrade as quickly as other sunscreens in the market with sun exposure.  It is also extremely resistant to water and sweat even during excessive outdoor activities and water sports.  Probably one of the more expensive choices out there at around $ 40 for a 50 ml. tube.  But sometimes you get what you pay for.

5)  Eucerin Extra Protective Moisture Lotion SPF 30: $9.00

This oil free, non-irritating gently face and neck 24 hour moisturizer with SPF 30 is one of the best values.  It contains microfine zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that provide broad physical block against UV induced skin damage.
7)  MAC Prep and Prime Face Protect SPF 50: $28

A skin primer with broad spectrum SPF 50 is oil free and light and is specially formulated with oil-absorbing powder to prevent oil breakthrough and give a matte finish.  Also helps guard the skin against discoloration, premature aging and dryness due to sun exposure.  I can personally say that makeup glides beautifully on it.

Find at Smarter.com: Shop for more sunscreen.
Discounts on Neutrogena sunscreen and La Roche Posay sunscreen.

Recently I switched moisturizers. My skin acted a little puzzled at first and now it’s not behaving. Not that it’s throwing a tantrum. It’s just, well, sort of indifferent. I had splurged on a more expensive French line (that will remain nameless) and the cheaper brand that I usually buy at my local drugstore is far superior. So I’m switching back.

What is that moisturizer? Why, it’s Eucerin Coenzyme 10, of course! (Nivea Coenzyme 10 cream is great too). Coenzyme 10 is a powerful antioxidant that protects you from those pesky free radicals. It’s also a compound that is made naturally in the body. The body uses it for cell growth and also to protect cells from damage that could lead to cancer. As you age, your levels of this compound decrease. So it’s beneficial to your skin to apply it. When I used it, I would wake up to smooth, even-toned skin. My sensitive, rosacea-prone skin just drank it up.

I’m also really missing Korres Rose Cream. I adore the smell and it gave my skin an even-ness that I really want back. If you find Korres a bit pricey, then buy the sample kit which includes the serum, the cream and the mask. All for $30 at Sephora.

I also received an email from DHC, a Japanese skin-care line that sells gentle, good-for-you skin products. I just LOVE LOVE LOVE their coenzyme 10 cream. I received a sample of it and literally, overnight, my skin looked phenomenal. Enough so that my boyfriend commented that my skin looked beautiful that morning. So can you believe that they are selling a great travel kit that includes their best selling olive soap, Coenzyme 10 cream, milk, and spray for $24.00? Oh my lord, I whipped out my credit card so fast, that Clint wouldn’t have had anything on me. Get on that, ladies!