The Pros and Cons of SPF Makeup for Your Complexion

This attentive beauty took no chances with her complexion.

We subject our skin to damaging rays from the sun every time we leave our homes.  This is why it is so important to start with protecting our face with proper sun protection at an early age.  After all, the sooner we start, the less accumulated damage we can expect to experience later in life for a more youthful appearance.  Yet, is wearing SPF makeup alone enough to keep the skin safe?

The Method of Application May Hinder the SPF Benefit of Makeup

Though as helpful as SPF infused makeup may be or how high that SPF formula contains, you still may not be as protected as you think.  The reason is you may not be putting on enough of that SPF foundation or makeup if you tend to only apply it to certain spots on your face.  

You also need to think about how evenly you applied that SPF makeup.  If you used a brush, sponge or fingers, how well did you layer?  Are you confident your strokes were uniform to distribute the makeup adequately enough or more possibly in other areas?

Makeup Fades Away During the Day That Could Fail to Give You Ample SPF Protection

Since makeup rests on the top layer of the skin, it fades away quicker through the day, which alters that protection.  This does not mean that SPF makeup isn’t valuable to preserving your beauty, it just means you might want to always start first with a layer of a chemical sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

For more about using SPF and your makeup, you might want to read my earlier post.

Are You Sure That You’re Really Doing All You Can to Protect Your Skin From the Sun?

This beauty goes a step further to protect her skin from the sun by wearing a hat.

Despite all the advanced formulas of sunscreen and higher grades of protection that cover UVA and UVB light that we use, why is it the skin cancer in America seems to be on the rise?  The reasons are many from our obsession with how great a deep tan looks to just simply using our sunscreens in the wrong way.  

For instance, how many of us just open the bottle, tube or spray on what we believe is enough to sufficiently coat the skin when we are in reality leaving our skin vulnerable? One ounce or half a shot glass is what is recommended, but who takes a shot glass with them when you need to reapply somewhere?  You can compare that to a generous quarter size dollop of sunscreen lotion per each body part that needs to be rubbed in thoroughly.  Sprays need enough to make sure that the liquid is gleaming once you finish rubbing. If you prefer a stick, you need to go over each body part using a back and forth motion at least twice to keep your skin safe.

How to Get the Most Protection From Your Sunscreen If You Intend to Stay Safe!

This beauty feels good that she is properly prepared to keep safe in the sun.

Having practically a full bottle of last year’s sunscreen around does not mean that you should use it this year.  Sunscreens expire even though the formula may seem the same consistency as the last time that you applied it.  If you intend to safeguard yourself from the damaging effects of the sun, then replace it.

Before you plan on spending much time outdoors in direct sunlight, be sure to properly lube yourself up at least a half hour before.  The recommended amount that you should be going for is about an ounce of it.  An easy way to calculate this is pouring some water into a measuring cup will help you approximate the amount needed.  

By all means, do not leave your sunscreen in your hot car,  some patio table or next to you when you go to the beach, etc. where the sun can beat down on it.  Doing this will only break down the formula as you gently cook it through that powerful heat.  Instead, keep it in a cooler, insulated bag or styrofoam container with some ice packs to guard that formula so that it can keep you safe!  

No, ice packs on hand?  Try improvising.  You can always make your own by saving a clean bottle or jar then filling half way with water to freeze.  Peanut butter jars are great to pack in your insulated bag or cooler to keep food as well as that sunscreen in good shape.  

Review: Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35

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

Tatcha made a beautiful presentation in how their product arrived for this review.

It’s common knowledge that the sun is your skin’s number one enemy when it comes to anti-aging and leaving you vulnerable to skin cancer.  Unless you’re protected and wearing some form of sunscreen every day, then you could be inviting trouble.

With Tatcha’s recently launched new Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35, your complexion is in good hands with how this facial formula can help beautify skin's texture and act as your makeup primer while also safeguarding from those damaging wrinkle causing UVA and UVB rays.  

Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35

The consistency of this product was creamy and thick.  When I applied, this sunscreen went wonderfully into my skin without feeling heavy or looking greasy as many others can often leave a face. In the past, I have had trouble with some sunscreens irritating my skin, but this product that was free of mineral oil, aminobenzoic acid, homosalate, oxybenzone or octinoxate, was also very gentle.   Instead, my skin felt more moisturized and toned from the look of my smaller pores.  

I never tried any Tatcha products until this one, but I really liked it.  Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35 is ($68) at the company’s website and made an ideal introduction to their products.  Do your face a favor and try it!    

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.

A Wise Sunscreen Choice for Those Highly Allergic to Hair Dyes

If you happen to experience a lot of reactions from different brands of hair coloring products, then the safest bet would be a PABA-free sunscreen.   

PABA can create a cross reaction when it meets up with a common ingredient in a lot of permanent hair dyes to cause those sensitive individuals needless grief.  There are so many wonderful PABA-free sunscreen formulations on the market that you don’t have to risk it.

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!

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.*

Beauty Forte Mineral Sunscreen and Mineral Whitening Review + Giveaway!--Ends June 4, 2012

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

Beauty Forte Mineral Sunscreen and Mineral Whitening

When I was approached to review Beauty Forte's Mineral Sunscreen and Mineral Whitening, I was not hesitant because I believe in taking precautions when it comes to the sun to prevent skin cancer and dark, shriveled skin like a prune.  The idea of avoiding chemicals always appeals to me if I can do the same thing in a healthier way. 

Instead of any lotion or spray, this company's products come in a powder form with an attached sponge.  This is a fantastic idea to look fresher and yet with a bit of coloring compared to other forms.  Their line is waterproof so you need not worry about melting away that protection because they do adhere nicely when outside for a few hours.  Furthermore, these sunscreens are hypo-allergenic without any talc, parabens, oils, phthalates, preservatives, synthetic colorants, petroleum byproduct or any artificial additives or unnecessary fillers that often come in commercial sunscreens to cause sensitive individuals a problem.

I found their Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 30 gave my face a beautiful appearance once I got it out of the jar with velvety coverage with the vitamins E and A enriched formula that matched my skin tone perfectly.   I was happy with the look and didn't have to wear makeup except for some gloss.  And yet, I was outdoor ready with natural sunscreen defense with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.  It was wonderful being protected without any greasiness or caking when I tested going shopping.

The Mineral Whitening in Light has SPF 25.  This form of their sunscreen gives your complexion a light sheen as it coats to your skin and hides imperfections in the process.  Your face gains a beam of softness from this form of their pearly powder sunscreen.  This product stayed on nicely as well when I tried it on another day while running errands.

Both Beauty Forte's sunscreens were gentle and perfect for the amount of time I was in the sun.  The only criticism I have is with their containers to get the product out.  Before attempting to apply their sunscreens, you need to remove the inner seal and then give it brisk shaking and some hard taps.  The powder can be a little stubborn to get out, but you need to keep working at it. 

However, I did run into a problem with Mineral Whitening.  Regardless of how I kept working at it, the powder would not filter through the holes to the sponge.  The solution I had was to get a clean makeup brush and dust  on from the bottom of the container, which worked nicely.

For protection and beautiful coverage without harmful chemicals, I think you can't go wrong. Do check their website for these products. 

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

Thanks to Beauty Forte, one lucky Nuts 4 Stuff reader in the continental United States wins both the Beauty Forte 8.5 g. Natural Mineral Sunscreen and a 4 g. Mineral Whitening Light for a total value of ($68

Both Are Mandatory to Enter:

1. You must follow me on Google Friends Connect before any of your entries will count.  If you already follow, then INCLUDE your ***EMAIL*** with name in a comment!

2. Go to Beauty Forte and tell me something else you learned from their site in another comment.


Extra Entries:

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Tweet Protect & Beautify! #Win #BeautyForte #MineralSunscreens #Giveaway @Nuts4Stuff http://bit.ly/LbbNH5  Ends 6/04 (can be done daily)--1 extra entry per day in another comment

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Leave a separate comment for each entry.  Be sure you include your email address inside your comment so I can contact you if you win.   This giveaway is only open to residents of the continental United States. No PO Boxes just USA-based street addresses.

***Any entries that contain a link or website address for redirecting readers to your site to sell your products will be deleted when found.  I am giving you a chance to win, not advertise for free.*** Do follow the rules because I check entries.   Be alert that if you attempt to enter using multiple identities will be grounds for disqualification. 

This giveaway ends June 4, 2012 at 12 PM Eastern Standard Time. The winner will need to respond to my email with name and shipping address within 48-hours or another winner will be picked.  

Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF100+ 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.**

Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF100+

You can never be too cautious when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun.  Skin cancer is on the rise.  Therefore, your best option is to act defensively and make it a habit to use a broad spectrum sunblock that blocks both the damaging uva and uvb rays like Neutrogena's UltraSheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ with helioplex.

This formula is waterproof and sweatproof while being oil free and non-comedogenic, which helps keep your skin clear from the possibility of breakouts.

Furthermore, this particular product has the American Cancer Society seal that provides a consumer with an extra bit of assurance that this sunblock meets this rigid guidelines for sun safety.

This sunblock comes in a 3.0 tube for about $10-12 depending where you shop.  I noticed the smell is pleasant and the creamy consistency is just right without being too runny or thick for spreading. 

Best of all, I liked that it left skin feeling cleaner than some sunscreens that I had used previously without that greasy or stickiness that comes with the territory.  

In my opinion, Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 100+ is one of the top contenders for sun protection!