Showing posts with label sunscreen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sunscreen. Show all posts

Four Reason Why you Need to Add Sunscreen to your Daily Routine

Growing up, the LAST thing on my mind when the sun would shine on my skin was sunscreen. I never felt the need to use it because I believed my dark skin was resilient to sunburn and it simply wasn’t a priority. This couldn’t be farther from the truth and it left my skin vulnerable to the sun’s harmful rays for so many years. If you’re anything like I was, you should seriously consider using sunscreen and making it a habit to wear on a daily basis, no matter what your skin tone is. 



When it comes to health, my motto is better safe than sorry and I definitely don’t want my black cracking from the sun! 

Made in Canada: Introducing Alba Botanica

With vacay on my mind (I'm planning two major ones within 3 months) I'm already thinking of sunscreens. I'm lucky that a lovely Alba Botanica package showed up at my door. I won't lie, I've never heard of the brand before. Through research, I found out some really amazing things about Alba Botanica. 

Their products are:
  • Natural- Enhanced with naturally sourced botanical extracts 
  • Around since 1976
  • 100% Vegetarian 
  • Parabens-free

The keyword I keep on getting from these Alba Botanica sunscreens are: Emollient. Meaning: Softening and good for your skin. To be honest, that is the first time- I've ever seen those words to describe a sunscreen. This formula is like a milk lotion. So a few squeezes of the tube is all you need to fully lather your whole body. If your struggling to find out how much to really use on your body- google the "shot glass" method.

A few other notables: Alba Botanica provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 40 protection, Dermatologist Tested, hypo-allergenic and water resistant up to 80 minutes.

The biggest pro for me was the spray!
I have no answer why but I'm a sucker for anything spray lotion. It's just easier on my life. On vacay, just spray it all over the areas exposed to the sun and then pass it over to your significant other! Super easy.

Available at: Well.ca, Whole Food & London Drugs.

Must Have: L'OREAL PARIS Sublime Sun Silky Sheer Face Lotion SPF 50+

My stash right now is insane.. Sometimes I miss out on some gems/don't get to them in time. My regular facial moisturizer got misplaced- so I had to try something new. Some of you may think I'm being over dramatic but it was a life-changing skincare decision. Let me start off by saying that you should be wearing sunscreen daily no matter what your skin tone is. I usually go with about SPF 15 but I'm always looking for something better.

During my frantic rush to get ready one morning for work, I found a stash of sun products that were sent to me by L'Oreal Paris: Sublime Sun Silky Sheer Face Lotion SPF 50+ ($9.99 CAN).

Being a deeper skin tone SPF can sometimes show up white and streaky on me. It's definitely something that you can handle on vacation but not something that I can handle for every day use. The product comes and a slim orange bottle that is small enough to fit into your make up bag.

The formula is fluid and not thick like usual facial sunscreens  I use. The most important thing for me is that by the end of the day it doesn't leave me oily nor does it clog pores because the ultra-light texture is designed for your face.

Check out the L'OREAL PARIS Sublime Sun line:



Why you need it:
  • Oil-free
  • Non-greasy
  • Water resistant 
  • Won’t clog pores
Swatch:



Sunscreen tips + Coppertone picks

I'm in the last minute stages of planning my vacation. The week is set but I still don't know where I want to go! I'm just ready to pack and get out of North America. Caribbean beach life will be mine... (even if it's just for 7 days.) One thing I know that I will have in abundance well be sunscreen.

I got some great tips from Coppertone which will help you on your beach vacay!

When is the best time to apply sunscreen?
• Apply 15 to 30 minutes before exposure
• Use at least 30 ml of sunscreen to protect an average-size body
• Cover all exposed areas. Don’t forget ears, nose, the top of feet and the back of knees!

Do I have to reapply after going for a swim?
Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, especially after swimming, vigorous activity, sweating or using a towel.

What is the shelf-life of sunscreen?
An expiry date will be indicated on the back of Coppertone products. Consumers should check the date before using a sun care product.

Here are my top three Coppertone picks
Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen ($11.99 CAN)
Broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays

  • Waterproof upon application and after 80 minutes of activity in the water or sweating
  • Hypoallergenic, non-greasy, paraben free
  • Won’t run into eyes and sting - bonds to skin on contact
  • Sprays at any angle for quick and even application

Coppertone Oil Free Mousse Sunscreen ($11.99 CAN)
​Broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays
  • Waterproof upon application and after 80 minutes of activity in the water and sweating
  • Hypoallergenic, paraben free and fragrance free
  • This luxurious mousse is enriched with rich moisturizers that keep the skin soft and supple

Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Lotion ($11.99 CAN)
Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60 provides effective broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
  • Bonds to skin on contact and won't run into eyes and sting
  • Waterproof
  • Sweatproof
  • Won't affect grip, so athletes can practice their favourite sport with confidence
  • Waterproof upon application and retains SPF after 80 minutes of activity in the water or sweating
  • PABA and paraben free

MUST HAVE: Hawaiian Tropic® Sunscreen Lotions

I'm going on a vacation for my birthday! I'm excited.

One of the most important things to bring with me will be sunscreen. As a WOC I am still prone to sunburns and skin cancer. For the past three weeks, I have been trying out brands to bring with me.

I am looking for a brand that has a few things:
  • Pleasant scent
  • High SPF
  • Light weight
The Hawaiian Tropic® does it. 
Plus they have something for everyone!

Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect SPF 30
Uses mica mineral shimmer to highlight skin tone, allowing you to look your best while keeping your skin safe from the sun.
This one is the most glamorous of the bunch. Did you know that gold shimmer is the perfect way to hide skin imperfections! Try it on your stretch marks and scars.

Hawaiian Tropic® Silk Hydration™ Sunscreen Lotion
The unique hydrating ribbons replenish moisture for up to 12 hours, allowing you to pamper your skin while providing protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
If you find sunscreen dries out your skin, try this one!
 The moisturizing swirls really helped my legs from not drying out through out the day.
I should add that the hydrating ribbons are infused with silk protein and shea butter.

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 85 Sunscreen Lotion
To ensure maximum protection from the sun’s intense rays, this surprisingly lightweight sunscreen provides photostable UVA and UVB protection while seducing senses with its signature tropical fragrance.
I'm bringing this one for sure because it's light weight, waterproof and grease free. 
A little bit goes a LONG way.

***
 I'm happy that these have that signature Hawaiian Tropic® coconut fragrance.
Prices range from $9.99 to $11.99 CDN.

Do you wear sunscreen daily?