“The invisible first coat” is how we like to describe the benefit of wearing a mascara primer. The Smashbox Layer Lash Primer packs in lash-loving ingredients to condition lashes while also helping to build a base our favorite mascara can really stick to. Apply as you would a regular mascara and immediately follow with your favorite mascara. Look-at-me lashes are yours for the wearing. $16, sephora.com
You slather on your SPF everyday thinking you’re doing what Martha Stewart would classify as “A Good Thing”; you’re protecting your skin, right? Wrong. You may think your sunscreen is doing its job, but the bad news is, it might not be working as hard as you think - and could even be bad for your skin.
According to a study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG, ewg.org), 3 out of 5 name-brand sunscreens “either don’t protect skin from sun damage or contain hazardous chemicals — or both.”
It turns out the FDA doesn’t require UVA filters (to block the progression of skin cancer and aging) in sunscreens, and most manufacturers have never included them, or provided little protection from them, in their formulations. The alarming fact is most sunscreens only protect from UVB, or sunburn radiation, even though a growing number of studies show that UVA rays (which penetrate the skin more deeply) are more harmful. Hazardous chemicals, such as oxybenzone, are also not recommended to protect skin from the sun as it has been known to lead to allergic reactions, cell damage, disruption of the hormone system, and allowing for other harmful chemicals to penetrate into the skin. Based on this EWG study, here are three popular sunscreen you may reconsider using:
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, SPF 30
While this sunscreen provides a high UVB protection factor, the UVA protection is on the moderate side. In addition, this formula contains Oxybezone as one of its main skin-protecting ingredients, thus making it a possible health hazard.
Coppertone ultraGuard Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30
The higher SPF is appealing, as is the water-resistant formulation. This too, however, has a low UVA protection factor, contains oxybenzone and fragrance ingredients that my cause skin irritation or sever allergic reactions.
Jason Naturals Cosmetics Sunbrellas: Complete Sunblock, SPF 26
Aside from its low SPF, this “natural” sunscreen contains oxybenzone and provides moderate protection from UVA and UVB radiation. On the positive side, it does contain zinc and titanium, two recommended ingredients for sun-protection.
EWG recommends the following three sunscreens based on their study:
Soleo Organics Sunscreen Organic Chemical-Free Sunscreen, SPF 30+
This water-restiant formula contains 22% zinc-oxide and highly protects from UVA and UVB rays. It moisturizes skin with grapeseed and sunflower oils, and is suitable for babies, children and adults alike. $24, futurenatural.com
Mexitan Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
No need to worry when using this highly-rated sunscreen. Hypoallergenic and eco-friendly, you’ll find 22.5% zinc-oxide and 6% titanium dioxide as its main ingredients. $19.95, mexitan.com
This sunscreen is highly recommended for providing a truly high UVA/UVB protection. You can enjoy it knowing that it also contains certified organic extra virgin olive and jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and wild African Shea butter. $15.99, amazon.com
See the entire list of sunscreens here.
By the end of the year, it will be easier to know which sunscreens give you the most protection; the FDA will be requiring an additional “star rating system” to be added to the normal SPF number on packaging. Ranking sunscreens from 1 to 4 stars, these ratings will be based on two tests that determine the effectiveness of a sunscreen’s UVA protection. These tests are similar to the SPF test that is used to determine the effectiveness of UVB protection.
Summer is the season to show off healthy, glowing skin. We recommend Suki’s Delicate Hydrating Oil to be used over your entire body after bathing or as an enriching bath oil to enhance skin’s luminosity and hydration. Nourishing benefits from grapeseed, sunflower and apricot kernel oils, while extracts of chamomile, lavender and comfrey aid in soothing and calming the skin. Suitable for all skin types. $24, beautorium.com
Laura Mercier Creme Cheek Color Pot is a new blush duo that combines a creamy cheek color with a soft-focus loose cheek powder. The effect is natural and understated, yet gives skin a luminous and glowing look. We are coveting this travel-friendly pot for the mere fact that it will save space in our makeup bags while offering quick touch-ups on-the-go. Available in two shades. Limited edition. $34, nordstrom.com
We know that there is a financial crisis going on. We know that we’re all on some sort of budget. We know that we should be looking for the best products that cost the least amount of money— but we can’t always do that. We have to splurge at least once and awhile. And it has been awhile! Read on to find out about our favorite products that are slightly more than budget-friendly.
La Mer The Treatment Powder Foundation SPF 15
When we found out La Mer was making a powder foundation, we could hardly contain out excitement. We know the pice tag is steep, but beautiful results always come from La Mer. As always, the brand uses their own exclusive Radiant Ferment to add visible clarity and brightness to skin, making us look, for lack of a better word, amazing. Ideal for natural, long-lasting coverage or for touch-ups over your favorite, not-so-expensive foundation. $95, saks.com
ExfoliKate® Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
If treatments at Kate Somerville’s Melrose clinic are geographically inconvenient, we highly recommend investing in this exfoliating treatment. This signature formula works using the power of fruit enzymes to clarify skin, delivering visible results after just one enjoyable application. We love that it keeps our skin clear, removes the dead cells that make us look older, and lets us pamper ourselves a couple of times a week, like Hollywood royalty. Ideal for all skin types, except sensitive skin. from $85, sephora.com
Yves Saint Laurent ‘Rouge Volupté’ Lipstick
Looking at the packaging alone, who wouldn’t want to pull this out of her purse? We love the light, dewy texture that treats our lips with nutrient-rich ingredients, while providing a vibrant color to suit our mood. The metallic tube is adorned with a very practical ring to reveal the shade house inside, and a mirror on the bottom for easy touch-ups any time of the day. $34, nordstrom.com
Chanel Soleil De Tan
We could easily get a comparable shades of this palette at a drugstore, but let’s face it, this splurge-worthy item is much more affordable than the brand’s handbags or any one item of clothing form the collection. This palette houses 4 gorgeous tones that we like to wear on our eyes for a more awake appearance, or on our cheeks to give our skin a “kissed by the sun” look. Blend them together or wear alone to create your own subtle luminance. Limited Edition. $65, nordstrom.com
Borghese Fango Brillante Mud
This luxurious treatment uses vitamin and mineral-rich extracts to even out skin’s tone, while soothing and refining skin to help remove dead skin cells and erase the effects of environmental damage. We love that it leaves both the skin on our body and on our face nourished and hydrated, leaving us with a beautiful, radiant glow. $61, bloomingdales.com
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