Tag Archives: Clarins

The Best Sunscreen of 2016

July 18, 2016

Sunscreen has gotten so good, guys. If you’re still struggling with chalky and hard to blend, then you’re in luck. We’ve got mucho options. I read an article at the start of “sunscreen season” awhile back and it basically said that human error is one of the main reasons it doesn’t work (assuming you have a formula that isn’t old or expired). Basically, we miss a lot of spots. The aerosols are especially guilty of a shotty application. I am not a big fan of the sprays anyway because I don’t like to breathe in the particles. In a pinch, I’ll coat my feet but generally steer clear.

Let’s break down the best, low-to-luxe.

Under $15

I got in the habit of buying Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby when I was visiting Miami (both times last year) and I had to pick up SPF at the Publix on the way to the beach. This admittedly can leave a white-ish cast if you don’t blend well. It is really effective, though, so it’s a go to for all over body on beach days. If applying at home, I’ll mix in with a little coconut oil or body lotion to help it spread easier. As a rule, that is the best way to ensure your sunscreen feels and looks the most natural on your limbs. // Sun Bum Clear Zinc Oxide caught my eye at Ulta and it is legit. This tub is a whopping SPF 50 and has aloe and vitamin E so is very easy to blend in. Love that it’s under $10. // One of my go-to facial SPF moisturizers is Aveeno Positively Radiant SPF 30. I like that it doubles as a moisturizer and has some built-in radiance.

Splurge-ish $$

I discovered Clarins UV Plus Tinted in the heart of winter and fully appreciate its magical powers now that its melt your face off weather. It’s one of those formulas you need to shake to activate since it’s so lightweight. The tint has incredible coverage so it can double as makeup. Perfect for bare face days. // You can’t help but be drawn to the Tarteguard 30 bottle and it just gets better once you use. The formula has Tarte’s signature maracuja (passion fruit) oil and blends smoothly on your face and feels good under makeup. // If we’re so bad at applying sunscreen, surely Beautycounter Protect Stick is a saving grace. It’s ultra tote-able in your bag and perfect for swiping on the areas you never do: ears, toes, lips and an extra layer on your forehead when you’re standing square in the sun.

I’m so fancy $$$

Sun ages skin, yes, but pollution is the real enemy and it’s invisble! Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart has a high SPF 50 and also a special DNA Enzyme Complex to strengthen skin. Pollution is everywhere but city slickers, you need a little more help. I love how sheer this but it does have a slight tint that doesn’t show up on skin but helps it blend more into all skin tones. After I finish this tube, I will be restocking. // I got the Kari Gran Three Sixty Five in my July BeautyHeroes box—the best “beauty in a box” subscription service I’ve ever tried. This isn’t like any other sunscreen I’ve used. It’s filled with oils so it blends into skin and leaves behind a little slick. I love it blended with makeup for a dewy finish. It makes skin look really healthy and also helps strengthen skin while you wear. // If I’m splurging on SPF – which the last of this luxe trip definitely is – it needs to do more than just block sun. Tatcha Pore Perfecting Sunscreen helps tighten pores and improve uneven skin tone. The formula is like liquid silk – no, really, has silk extract in there – and is meant to be worn as a makeup primer. Any makeup you put on top of this looks better than if you skipped the step.

What are you using these days? Tell me everything.

Golden Girl

May 13, 2014

Bring on the faux sun, because the real stuff is freaking me out. I’m still out there getting sunnied but find I can’t really enjoy those Summer Shandys if I’m not properly suited up with my SPF armor. Mother’s Day was a glorious 80 degrees and within minutes of being outside, I knew something was about to go down. I borrowed my niece’s hat, a heavy layer of sunscreen and watched as my arms turned a lovely shade of brown within a half hour. All I could think was I’m so glad that isn’t happening on my face…and for good measure applied more sunscreen. Neurotic? Absolutely. In need of some color on my face? Oh, you know it.

Getting self-tanner right on the face is easier than the body – less ground to cover – but usually has the same pain points. I went to a Clarins event back in the polar vortex days and heard about their new Golden Glow Booster. It’s a totally new concept in self-tanning. Mix three drops into your moisturizer – day or night (or both you wild child!) – and a natural tan develops within 12 hours. Repeat for a few days and the results get even better. Within a few weeks of daily use, it maintains that natural hue versus getting all Jersey Shore. This one is a keeper!

note: sample received

Sun Protection…Because it’s Necessary, Guys

May 5, 2014

It’s not just Cinco de Mayo, no, it’s also Melanoma Monday. While I always cringe at the cutesy-ness of the moniker, it’s actually a big deal. The fact that I can’t open a magazine in May or turn on the news without seeing something about skin cancer means that the word is definitely out. So if you haven’t heard, wear sunscreen! And wear a lot…Neutrogena told me that we tend to under-apply by about 75%. I’m one of the rare few who gets excited by SPF. I think of it not as an obligation but another exciting beauty category. Every year, the formulas get better. And, with every year, I’m more concerned about sun damage. I’m battling a fine line on my forehead at the moment…shit’s getting real. Here’s a few pretty picks with MM in mind.

I cannot wait to try this sheer formula from Drunk Elephant, a natural option with skin care ingredients. // Skinceuticals Eye Defense is a tinted sunscreen for your eye area. It’s a whopping SPF 50 and acts as a primer for concealer (if you need it at all). // Clarins SPF 30 Oil can be used on hair or body. The spray helps reach those areas you always forget about, like your feet, knees, back of your neck and ears. // AHAVA SPF 15 Hand Cream also helps to undo previous sun damage to your hands. I love that it feels like a normal hand lotion and not sunscreen. It lives at my desk so I don’t forget to reapply throughout the day. // The more sunscreen you use, the more bronzer you need. How pretty is this Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Powder compact? // This Old Navy Embroidered Cover Up deserves a spot in my summer wardrobe. // Need to get thee to Target to check out this striped floppy hat. Don’t beach without one.

Pearly Picks

April 7, 2014

This weekend was all sorts of emotional. That Badgers game. The series finale of How I Met Your Mother. I was able to avoid all spoilers this week but knew there was outrage. I get it now, though I’m still totally conflicted on how I feel about it. This interview helps. I chose this week’s pretty picks in part because pearls make me happy and because I can’t stop thinking about this necklace. Or this ring. Those two pieces are exactly how I want to wear pearl jewelry right now…with just a little bit of edge.

Here’s my other pearly picks!

The BaubleBar pearl collar is out of stock (sadly!) but this Anthropologie version is just as good. // I love the Jouer Lip Enhancer formula and this pearly nude hue is so perfect. Makes for very kissable lips! // Crushed pearl acts as a skin conditioner in Tatcha’s Rice Enzyme Powder. Water activates the formula and turns it into a super rich and exfoliating cleanser. // The highlighter of ALL highlighters…revealed to be the secret to the J.Crew model glow. // I went to a Clarins spring beauty event a few weeks ago and have been mixing this base in with my tinted moisturizer for a little glow since. // NARS does neutral eyeshadow so well and this opalescent pink is especially pretty and brightening.