Review: ZO Skin Health Oclipse Smart Tone Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Oclipse Smart Tone Broad Spectrum Sunscreen  SPF 50

Even though all of us have different types of skin, we all share the same concern of caring for it the best we can.  Besides trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet,  we turn to skin care products to protect and hydrate.

Some people may think that they are immune from sun damage. A while back, I was flying and sat across from a woman with such deeply tanned skin reminding me of baked ham against her gold lame blouse.  She was not exceptionally old, but by the texture of her crispy looking skin, I can only imagine what she looks like now. After that trip, I made it a mission never to skip wearing SPF every time I step outdoors because the condition of that woman's abused skin still haunts me.

This cutting-edge sunscreen is unique in formulation as well as its sheer, skin-matching tint that has a BB cream like texture.   The product has won the approval of the Skin Cancer Foundation for effectiveness for UVA/UVB photostable sun protection since it is a 12-hour time release antioxidant complex.

Oclipse Smart Tone Sunscreen uses fractioned melanin, which further enhances its power. This ingredient defends the skin against damaging high-energy (HEV) light that causes premature aging and redness.  The other active ingredients include avobenzone (3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), and octocrylrne (10%). It also has vitamin C to help skin from darkening.  

Like all sunscreens, you need to apply this in advance before sun exposure.  This one recommends using about a dime size amount at least 15 minutes of going outdoors. The gentle product has a creamy consistency and goes on as a pale milky white but soon adapts to your own individual skin color, which was interesting since it works for all skin tones.  It sinks into the skin fairly fast and has moisturizing softness instead of that greasy, sunscreen feel that often accompany this type of product.  

I do like how ZO Skin Health Oclipse Smart Tone Broad Spectrum Sunscreen works. However, it is rather pricey.  The tube sells for $70 for 1.5 fl. oz.  Do visit the company’s website and check it out.

Some Calming Relief for Sunburn You May Want to Keep Handy With These DIY Remedies!

Enjoying the sun is great, but you can't say the same thing of sunburn.  

Summer is when you should be having fun–-not suffering with sunburn.  Hopefully, you won’t find yourself in this predicament.  If you do, then  I wanted to share some additional home remedies that can help take your pain away.

Some time in the water does wonders to ease pain.  Therefore, you might want to try soaking in cool bath water with two cups of apple cider vinegar.  The vinegar can restore the skin’s pH level and help it heal.

Oatmeal can also come to your skin’s rescue for sunburn or relieving the itch of poison ivy.  In fact, you can use it in two ways.  Try adding one-half cup of oatmeal (not instant) to a tub of cool bath water and soaking. Skip drying off with a towel.  Instead, air drying is better for your body when you are in this condition. 

To save yourself from a messy tub, you could also take a thin material like gauze or muslin and cut a square large enough to accommodate  that one-half cup of oatmeal, securing it with a tie.  Let it float in the cool bath water about ten minutes first before you emerge and soak.  You can also use that oatmeal pouch to place very gently over the areas for further help in calming the skin.

Lavender essential oil is something else that you may have on hand or want to look into due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.  This is one of the only essential oils that you can safely apply to your skin without the need of a carrier oil to dilute it.  Take a cool bath first and then try about three or four drops of the lavender essential oil on a wet cotton wash cloth.  Hold it tenderly over the afflicted areas helps cool as well as spur the healing process into action. 

Another sunburn remedy is derived from a comfrey root.  Of course, you are not going to feel like digging up something from your herb garden or do you want to. You only want to use this ingredient in a cream and not if your sunburn has blistered and is open. However, this ingredient may be in one of your current skin care creams so do check. Comfrey roots have allotonin that can aid the inflammation while also stimulating the wounded cells to regenerate.

Read my two earlier posts for more DIY sunburn remedies that also truly lessen the pain!  

Lip Colors You Might Want to Stick With If Your Face Gets Sunburned!

You might not have planned to spend time in the sun, but  it helps to know how to live with that  red complexion once it happens.

If you find yourself landing up with a red face from too much time in the sun or you have a ruddy complexion, you want to avoid using any red shade of lip color that could call more attention to the problem. Instead, you need to rethink your lip color shades with tones that would best distract from that extra redness. 

Soft pinks and nudes will counteract the red color best!

I hope that you don’t get sunburned, but there is always a chance like accidentally falling asleep in the sun or simply forgetting or reapplying the sunscreen that could get you in this predicament.  Therefore, I thought you should be aware of this tip because it really does help to make your beautiful red face more presentable.

Do You Know How to Layer Your SPF Products Properly to Safeguard Your Complexion?

She is smiling because she applied her SPF products correctly and  went a step further with her parasol to safeguard that pretty face from the effects of damaging sun!

We only get one face.  Thus, it is our duty to take care of it the best way that we can.  This means layering our SPF products like moisturizers and cosmetics so they count if we want to preserve the youth and health of our skin. Therefore, it is important to understand how to properly use those various sun protection factor products.

SPF products don’t accumulate in the amount of protection just because you are using several different products with various SPF levels.  For example, if you apply a moisturizer with SPF 15 before your foundation with SPF 18 does not give you SPF 33 protection–-only SPF 18.  

If you are looking for more SPF protection, you need to turn to a product with a higher SPF.  Just remember, an SPF number only indicates how long you can safely stay in the sun.  The number has nothing to do with the strength of protection.

Review + Swatches: Behold the Unfolding Beauty of L’Occitane en Provence’s Pivoine Flora Fragrance/Body Care and Sublime Line Collection!

Disclaimer: This post is based on a free product provided by a company as a press sample so that I may offer my own opinion, which may be the same or differ from yours.

Discover the magic of  the peony flower with L'Occitane's new Pivoine Collection.

L’Occitane en Provence expanded their bewitching Pivoine Flora (Peony) Fragrance and Body Care line with an official launch on May 11, 2015 and will now include peony-based skin care and cosmetics with their Pivoine Sublime products. 

The scent of their Pivoine Eau de Toilette is something exquisite for how fresh and green this fragrance fully showcases the sweet floral beauty of the peony. Read my review to feel how its notes of black currant, bergamot, pink pepper, peony, freesia, white sandalwood, musk and peach work so perfectly together.  

I had reviewed other Pivoine Body Care products like the Pivoine Flora Beauty Cream and the Shimmering Oil, but I never got to try the Bath Gel until it recently arrived with the products for this review.  I do warn you that when you get into the tub with the Pivoine Flora Shower Gel ($20), then you will not want to get out. The scent is so intoxicating that you will keep on lingering until others pound on the door of the bathroom to check if you have, indeed, drowned. This should tell you how long you may be tempted enjoying those captivated scented bubbles that leave skin hydrated and delicately scented, making the ideal base for that Pivoine Flora Eau de Toilette ($55).

What if I told you that L’Occitane managed to harvest even more beauty out of that flower with their new line of Sublime skin care and cosmetics?   I received a few of those new products for this review as well.

L'Occitane's Pivoine Sublime CC Cream (left) and Perfecting Cream (right).

These products utilize peony extract with their specially developed Perfecting Peony Complex along with mineral-based pigments and pearlizers, hyaluronic acid, chestnut extract and natural powders. 

I got the Pivoine Sublime CC Cream ($34) in Light.  This is a white, hydrating cream base that develops its color once on the skin.  I wasn’t sure how much coverage it would provide, but it smoothed and radiated such a lovely, natural glow that it distracted the eye from fine lines and wrinkles. With the way this can brighten and illuminate, you can wear it under your makeup or just alone and it will perk up a dull complexion beautifully!

Another joy to use was the Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Cream ($42).  With my allergies, my complexion is extra sensitive at this time of year.  However, I am happy to report I had no problem with any irritation because it left quite a comforting feel that felt silky and nicely moisturized when I stroked my face.  

 Here are two of L'Occitane's new Pivoine Sublime Lip Balms.  Rose Plum  is one the left and Rose Nude is on the right.

My lips were not neglected either.  I got to test out two of the new Pivoine Sublime Lip Balms ($16) in Rose Nude ( sheer glowing, soft pink)  and Rose Plum (deeper pink-plum).   This product quenches dry lips with soothing hydration and a sheerer wash of color.  It does have a slight peony scent as well.

I swatched the Pivoine Sublime Lip Balms for you.  The Rose Nude is on the left and the Rose Plum is on the right.

There is also a Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Essence ($48) and a Perfecting Mist ($24) in the line, which sound worth checking out.  Do visit L’Occitane and browse the new Pivoine products because they are quite nice!

Review: IT Cosmetics NEW Limited Edition CC+ Bronzer SPF 50+

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

IT Cosmetics Limited Edition CC+ Bronzer SPF 50+

The transition from Winter to Spring left most of us with paler complexions.  To solve that problem especially with my light coloring, I turn to bronzers for gradually warming up my complexion.  When I heard those beauty innovators at IT Cosmetics developed another anti-aging bronzer with their new Limited Edition CC+ Bronzer SPF 50+, I knew this IT girl had to try it.

This is a color correcting bronzer full coverage cream that is also loaded with serious skin care ingredients such as hydrolyzed collagen, peptides, vitamins, hyaluronic acid, niacin, algae, and nourishing oils to help anti-aging as well as serving as a physical sunscreen with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. 

This is  what the IT Cosmetics CC+ Bronzer looks like before blending.

Here I applied enough IT Cosmetics CC+ Bronzer so you can better see the degree of richness after layering.

Their Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream is a top favorite of mine with its great texture and beautiful full coverage.  This product has the same wonderful consistency, only this one is a bit sheerer with more of a dewy finish in how it covers, which I really liked with how fair I am to keep that healthy glow more natural. 

The universal shade of Bronze Glow that it comes in captures radiance from the sun quite well with the balance of brown to orange.  However, if you want a darker sort of tan or to keep up as your complexion gains more color, then it is easily arranged by pumping out more of this bronzer and building it up.

Though you can use your fingers to apply, I prefer using a makeup brush for blending and insuring even distribution.  This method always seems to give me a better finish.

I liked this product because bronzers can be tricky to wear for those of us more on the fair side, but the depth of color can be adapted to suit practically all skin tones.  Therefore, I say try IT Cosmetics Limited Edition CC+ Bronzer SPF 50+ ($35) because you nothing to lose but that winter paleness!  You can find at IT Cosmetics, Ulta, and QVC.com.

*Disclaimer:  Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Review: Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil With Meadowfoam SPF 50

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil

Sunscreen is a necessity to protect yourself from skin cancer and premature aging, not just in the summer but all year round. Though a definite must, some of us can be lazy and neglect wearing it as we should since some formulations can feel heavy and make you look greasy. However, I discovered one from Supergoop! called Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil with Meadowfoam Broad Spectrum SPF 50.

This is a wonderful lightweight and water-resistant oil with caring ingredients for the skin that has no parabens, sulfates, or phthalates.  Instead, this sunscreen is also a pampering formula as it defends again potential sun damage with excellent powered tocotrienols for antioxidants, as well as lubricating argan oil and meadowfoam seed.  

What else is appealing is its fresh citrus scent due to the natural essential oil blend of pomegranate, citrus, and calendula that it also contains.

Another thing that I love about it is the convenience of being in spray form.  This is so handy for toting with you to the pool for when you’ll need to reapply after 80 minutes when swimming.

I found that this oil absorbed after a few minutes, leaving my skin silky smooth. What else I can say is this formula didn’t cause me to breakout as some other chemical sunscreens can or irritate me in the least. Furthermore, it did the job without making greasy like I was just basted like a turkey ready for the oven.

Supergoop! Sun-Defying Sunscreen Oil with Medowfoam Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is available in two sizes, 1 fl. oz. ($10) and the 5 oz. ($26) at Supergoop!, QVC, QVC.com, Sephora stores nationwide.  Do check this product out!

Will Beauty Wonders Ever Cease? Review of IT Cosmetics NEW Your Skin But Better CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

 IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream

Are you intrigued by BB creams and love the skin perfecting ability while it gives you the coverage you need?  If so, then get ready for something even more exciting from those beauty miracle workers at IT Cosmetics with their newest must have Your Skin But Better CC+ Color Correcting Full Coverage Cream!

Perhaps, you're confused about the difference between BB creams and CC creams.  Whereas those marvelous BB Creams give you more lighter coverage while concealing and correcting, CC creams take skin beauty to a higher level with better coverage, brightening power, and host of beneficial ingredients to treat your complexion simultaneously.

As you might guess, I couldn't wait to get my hands on IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, especially for summer and my desire to lighten up from the products I normally wear in colder weather.  To know that I could get full coverage that would also help mask any skin problems in a non-chemical physical only sunscreen with  SPF 50 and broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection along with repairing my skin even from dark spots, serving as a primer, moisturizer, age-fighting serum, and brightener was everything I could ask for in a beauty product.

This CC+ Cream comes in five shades in a tube. Since I am light with yellow undertones,  I went with the Light instead of Fair since I don't consider my complexion the palest on the spectrum.  Once I removed the cap, I was surprised at finding an attached pump to dispense this cream.
  
Anyway, I am glad of my choice because it was a nice warm shade for me without being too dark.  Furthermore, it felt lightweight  and yet wonderfully hydrating on my dry skin.  In the process, this smoothed my complexion so exquisitely that my pores hardly showed for an incredible luminous look. 

However, the best part of wearing this through the day was how beautifully it held up without oxidizing or settling into fine lines or wrinkles as foundations can so often do!  

Developed alongside plastic surgeons for high-performance skin care with the benefits of color-correcting makeup, this CC+ Cream does deliver with a bounty of anti-aging peptides, niacin, algae, vitamins A, C, E, B, and Hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed collagen, antioxidants, exotic natural botanical and extracts such as vitamin C, licorice root, avocado, grapefruit, lime and lemon peel oils. 

I can't tell you how fabulous this product is, but if you want real help in beautifying your skin and looking younger if you some wrinkles to deal with especially, then I recommend IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream strongly.

The 1.08 fl. oz. size tube of IT CosmeticsYour Skin But Better CC+ Cream  retails for $38.  However, you can buy on QVC now for $34.68.

Simplify Summer Beauty: Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream With Broad Spectrum SPF 40 (Medium) Review

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

If you ask me, I think one of the most amazing products you can put on your face is a BB Cream.  Such a multi-tasking product can hydrate, conceal, protect, and serve as makeup to saves you time, but also is a great choice to add to your summer beauty ritual.

Thanks to iFabbo, I had the opportunity to try Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40 in Medium.  

The first thing you will notice is how this citrus scented product will even out your skin tone and do wonders to improve the texture of your complexion.  It does come out a bit thick so you only need a little to do your face.  The feel of this cream is lightweight against your skin with reliable light to nearly medium coverage, depending on how much you apply.

This cream needs a few minutes to adjust once on your skin before you notice how it adapts to match your coloring.  Being light but not fair, I had concerns about what the medium shade would look like; however, this suited my coloring without any problems.  In fact, I think light would have been too pale for me.  Therefore, I suggest you may want one shade darker than normal in this line.

With their peptides, vitamin C, plant stem cells, and SPF 40 broad spectrum sun protection, this BB Cream really did benefit my skin from anti-aging because it didn't seem to settle into any creases, insured the face protection from sun damage being a sunblock, and gave me a better-looking complexion the more I used it. 

As far as staying power, I thought this cream held up nicely without turning greasy either.  The gorgeous soft matte finish won't disappoint you.

Unlike a tinted moisturizer, I also want to point out that  this BB Cream is wonderfully pigmented.  Some people may feel they need more coverage if they have lots of skin issues and apply their foundation on top, but I thought the coverage smoothed and perfected my complexion just fine alone.  I intend on replacing my normal foundation with this one for summer. 

The 1.5 oz. Hydroxatone Anti-Aging BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 40 retails for $39 at ULTA.  If you haven't tried a BB Cream yet, you definitely need to look into one.  I honestly believe you'll love what this can do for you!

Review: Avon Bug Guard Essentials Line of Products

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Avon Bug Guard Essentials Products

Though summer is great for having fun in the sun, it also means you're exposed to disease carrying insects as well as those harmful rays if you don't take precautions.  Thanks to Avon Products, you can still enjoy the outdoors with their wonderful Bug Guard Essentials that I was sent that combine sunscreen and repellant or just repellant to safeguard you and your family.

This collection includes Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Insect Repellent in Gentle Breeze with SPF 30 Sunscreen.  This has a pretty smell in a water resistent formula that has the skin friendly ingredients of Vitamin E and aloe.  

Another product I was sent was their Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Insect Repellent with SPF 30 Sunscreen in Cool 'n Fabulous with Disappearing Color.  This variety was also water resistant and moisturizing.

The Avon Skin-So-Soft Anti-Itch Spray is a must to keep on hand.  I already was attacked with giant welts once I finished gardening the other day.  Luckily, I remembered I had this product on hand to review so once I finished bathing, I sprayed some on that nagging itch.  It does help help keep that itch at bay!

For those that need just an insect repellant, Avon does have several options.  The Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Insect Repellent is strong enough to protect against both mosquitoes and deer ticks.

Then again, you might prefer the convenient Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Instect Repellent Towelettes with Vitamin E and aloe to wipe over your exposed areas like arms and legs.

In addition to the Skin-So-Soft Anti-Itch Spray, I think my favorite choice was the Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Insect Repellent in Gentle Breeze with the SPF 30 Sunscreen for spending a minimum of time outdoors for something like a cookout.

For long walks in the through wooded areas like parks, I thought the Bug Guard Plus Picaridin Insect Repellent Towelettes were excellent and handy to keep in the car.  

Whether you prefer to combine your protection or use it alone or layer it, these products from Avon can help save your skin!  For more information, go to Avon's website and check out the Bug Guard Essentials line.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  No money was exchanged.  All I received were free products to facilitate this review.*