spf Tag Archives

Alba Botanica-for when summer finally decides to arrive in Ontario!

Written by meredith / News / May 28, 2017

I received these products for review.

I feel like I’m going through some type of cruel Mother Nature deja vu.  Last year around this time, my parents were preparing to visit me for the very first time since I moved here and I was looking forward to some fairly decent (and sunny) weather.  What ended up happening was cold, rainy days and even a brief period of snow.  Fast forward to today-here I sit, looking out the window with my winter boots still sitting by the door.  My gosh-it’s MAY-the greenery that confidently pushed out of the ground is now shivering and trying to withstand the wind.

Nevertheless, warmer days are to come-so why not be prepared?  Fair skinned or not, the sun’s rays are NO JOKE.  Alba Botanica has got your largest organ (your skin) covered with two new (and one not-so-new) sun care products.

alba BOTANICA SPORT Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 50+

This new sunscreen gives maximum broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection at SPF 50+.  It’s emollient and moisturizing, eco-friendly and air-powered with no chemical propellants .  This 100% vegetarian formula is water-resistant, perfect for exercise and sports.  MSRP  $16.99 CAD

 

alba BOTANICA KIDS Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 50+ 

This sunscreen absorbs quickly and is gentle on kids’ skin.  As with the SPORT spray, this broad spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen is eco-friendly, air-powered and free of chemical propellants.  and water resistant.  MSRP $16.99 CAD

 

The alba BOTANICA Facial Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40 isn’t new-but my #protip is DO NOT FORGET YOUR FACE THIS SUMMER.

This gentle & effective broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection is fast absorbing and won’t clog pores. Botanicals, like Aloe Vera, Ginseng, Lavender, and Calendula, hydrate and nourish delicate facial skin. MSRP $9.99 CAD

So let’s all put our most positive thoughts together and collectively bring on the warm & sunny days! Don’t forget your SPF!

 

*alba BOTANICA does not use animal products or by-products of animal killing and does not test on animals.  Products are formulated without: parabens, phthalates, artificial colors, propylene glycol, aluminum, mineral oil, petrolatum, oxybenzone, PABA, nano-particles, DEA, MEA, TEA, PEGs, PEG derivatives, ethoxylated ingredients, GMO’s 

Find alba BOTANICA

on the web

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My Morning Skincare Routine – for my best skin ever!

Written by meredith / Featured, News / March 07, 2017

So you’ve been asking about my morning skincare routine. And asking. It’s time for me to deliver. So here’s what I use on my skin in the MORNING. Now. I can’t lie. The evening is when the real magic happens in terms of products. Or maybe not. I think there are equal parts of pixie dust in both the morning and the evening.

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The Best BB Creams for Dry Skin – My Picks

Written by meredith / Best, Featured, News / March 04, 2017

Surprisingly enough I get a LOT of requests about my recommendations as to what is the best BB creams for dry skin. My skin is combination-oily meaning I have an oily t-zone and ‘normal’ skin on my chin, cheeks, and forehead. But I constantly get asked about BB creams for dry skin so I thought I’d mention some. These are products I have tried-some of them worked for me even though I have oily skin and some were definitely for people with dry skin. Read below for my top recommendations for BB cream for dry skin.  Let me know if you have tried any of these or have additional suggestions.

The Best BB Creams for Dry Skin

Looking for a BB cream you can find everywhere? Try Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector Bb Cream, Normal To Dry Skin

This cream’s lightweight, comfortable texture blends perfectly into skin for a sheer flawless finish. This multi-benefit product boasts 5 results with every application: renewed radiance, brightened complexion, evened skin and blurred imperfections, 24 hour hydration, and broad spectrum SPF 15 sunscreen protection against the harmful effects of the sun.

Love South Korean BB creams? Try It’S SKIN Babyface BB Cream #1 Moisture This medium coverage cream leaves skin feeling hydrated and silky smooth. It does an amazing job concealing uneven skin tone and has a brightening effect.

 

High end gal? Try Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35

Wear alone, or under your favorite foundation to create a smooth canvas. It’s tinted formula evens out skin for a flawless finish, while the SPF 35 guards against UVA/UVB rays.

Looking for something with a bit more oomph? Try Nature Bound BB Cream

This product contains moisturizers to sooth dry patches, and vitamin E to improve moisture retention so your skin remains soft all day long. This Beauty Balm has a proprietary mixture of fruit extracts and antioxidants to create a skin care solution that works.

Having fun in the sun with Vichy!!!

Written by meredith / News / June 17, 2014

*I received this product for review*

I have worn sunscreen faithfully since 2008. Pre 2008-I was slathering myself in overpriced accelator lotion and had 3 pairs of tanning bed goggles in my car.  I’ve smartened up since then and protected myself with a decent amount of SPF.

Canadians have wised up along with me-or so says Vichy:

“80% of Canadians use sun protection which is an increase of 10% from 2008 and the majority of Canadians use a minimum SPF of 30.  50% of Canadians are living with sensitive skin.”

I’m sure you already know this but just in case you didn’t….it is important to protect your skin ALL year long.  UVA rays are consistent throughout the year.  Sunrays can travel through clouds and are reflected in high amounts by snow and water, causing exposure to the same rays twice.

UVA Rays are Aging Rays that penetrate deeply into the skin and can travel through glass. Long UVAs are also responsible for greyish skin, irregular texture and unwanted wrinkles and spots.

UVB Rays are Burning Rays responsible for ‘tans’ and sunburns. They make up 5% of UV rays.

So remember when I said I wear my SPF daily?  Check THIS out:

Did you know that SPF only measures the UVB protection and not the UVA?

Vichy Capital Soleil contains the #1 filter recommended by dermatologists. It’s called Mexoryl XL-SX with Parsol 1789 and Octocrylene (a photostabilizer), ensuring broad spectrum protection from UVB rays AND UVA rays. 

Capital-Soleil-Brume-Invisible-FPS-30_390x315

Why use Vichy?

-Suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin

-Contains Vichy Thermal Spa Water: fortifies, soothes, and regenerates the skin

-Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free

-Paraben-free

-Non-Comedogenic

-Quick drying and light textures

-Leaves no residue on skin

-Hydrates and protects against dehydration from sun exposure

Keep your skin safe, hydrated and beautiful!

Vichy Capital Soleil retails for $29.95 CAD and can be found in many mass market retail stores!

Caryl Baker Visage-Bare Beauty summer 2012!

Written by meredith / News / June 19, 2012

With the summer practically upon our doorstep, choosing a summer look can be challenging.  One of my big ‘stumbling blocks’ is making sure that what I wear on my face is complementary.  Caryl Baker Visage has launched a limited edition collection of cosmetics.  These colors are sure to catch your eye and are inspired by three nature color ‘stories’:

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I’m gonna soak up the sun……(safely) with Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration!

Written by meredith / News / May 30, 2012

Oh summer is here!  The patio chairs are outside and people are indulging in fruity after work cocktails and tapas/Hors d’oeuvres. Weekends are for the cottage and straight up lounging!

There’s nothing like being outside in the summer…..but if you’re a fair skinned gal like me, it’s all about the right protection.  Since the Canadian Dermatology Association recommends applying sunscreen every 2 hours, why not use a product that you actually WANT to apply and has added benefits?

Hawaiian tropic is unveiling several *new* products this summer!

Let’s take a look at the products:

Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration sunscreen is the first and only sunscreen with hydrating ribbons for continuous moisture! It is infused with silk protein and shea butter.  The sunscreen is waterproof, light and non greasy and smells delicious! Silk Hydration is available in SPF 10, 30, & 50 and offers UVA AND UVB sun protection!

SPF 10 suggested retail $9.99 CAD

SPF 30&50 suggested retail $10.99 CAD

Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect Sunscreen SPF 30 with mica minerals enhances your skin tone while providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection!

SPF 30 suggested retail $10.99 CAD

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 85 Sunscreen is a photostable lotion that provides UVA and UVB protection.  It offers a lightweight feel, is waterproof AND oil free!

SPF 85 suggested retail $11.99 CAD

I knew that I liked using these products already so I ventured out into my network to find some ‘testers.’  Here are their thoughts on Hawaiian Tropic Sunscreen products.

The beauty: Liz

The product:  Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect SPF 30 over the holiday weekend at the cottage!

Her Thoughts:

“Hawaiian Tropics Shimmer Effect sunscreen is great! It gives me that shiny beachy look that makes me feel like I am glowing!  The only downside is that the sparkles get everywhere!”

*I have to agree about the shimmer/sparkles-but since I am in love with shimmer, I don’t consider it a downside.  However, my other half seems to be annoyed that the shimmer is on his recently stained wooden patio chairs.  Personally, I think it enhances the chairs 😉

 

The Guinea Pig:  Brandon

The product:  Hawaiian Tropic SPF 85 Sunscreen Lotion and sunning on the condo balcony!

His Thoughts:

“This product is great because it’s light-not thick or sticky.  I like that it’s oil free and doesn’t have that sunscreen smell.”

 

The fairest:  Me!

The product: Hawaiian Tropic SPF 30 Silk Hydration- daily user because I have to function in the city!

My Thoughts:

“Since the first application of this, I have been using it as a lotion.  I apply it after my shower in the morning and take it with me to reapply-especially if I plan on being outside at all during the day.  The texture is great-it’s not that typical sticky, thick sunscreen.  This applies like a lotion and smells like the beach!  This product has made its way into my daily rotation!”

 

Applying sunscreen isn’t a chore-it’s a necessity!  Why not use a product that applies like a lotion and offers protection against UVA/UVB? Take care of your skin-it’s the largest organ you have!

What’s your sunscreen routine?

Find Hawaiian tropic:

web

 

*products sent for consideration/review.  Opinions are my own (and my testers have their own opinions too).