Mama Threads

Summer Necessities: Good Sunscreen

My family and I are visiting sunny Las Vegas, and it has me thinking about sunscreen.  This is a big concern for me because I burn after just a few minutes in the sun.  Besides the fact that skin cancer is dangerous, I also want to hold onto my youthful complexion as long as possible!  This means I am on a constant search for good sunscreen.  A couple of my favorites:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70

I use this sunscreen on my face and chest every day instead of moisturizer during the summer.  It's not too heavy and provides excellent protection from the sun.  It isn't greasy and makeup goes on easily over the top. It's not heavily scented and never seems to make my sensitive skin breakout.

Jason Natural Cosmetics Facial Block SPF 20

My very fair-skinned redheaded sister road tested this for me on the beaches of Puerto Rico and gave it two thumbs up.  She said it was very light weight and went on easily.  The spray bottle made reapplication at the beach very easy.

Kiss My Face Sunspray Lotion SPF 30

Sometimes the tried and true really are the best.  This sunblock contains titanium dioxide and really blocks the rays.  Despite a full day on the beach, my sister didn't turn even a little pink (with multiple applications). Every summer, it seems like companies come out with the latest and greatest to screen out the sun but titanium dioxide has been around a long time and is one of the few things approved by the FDA as a sunscreen.  It's easy on sensitive skin and really does work.  This also has a great spray applicator that makes it easy to apply to the whole body.  Please remember that to actually get the full SPF protection on the side of the bottle, one needs to apply about a shot glass full of lotion to the whole body.  

Finally, check out this article from Paula Begoun, the Cosmetic Cop.  It's a great overview on sunburn prevention.  Like did you know that putting on a moisturizer with SPF 10 with a regular sunblock of SPF 15 does not get you to SPF 25?  Or that SPF's in the 40+ range block the same amount of sun as a 30 but just give you more time in the sun?

Enjoy your summer days in the sun: buy new sunscreen each summer and use liberally!

Must Have: Kiehl's Lip Balm

Every woman has them: Must Haves.  These are the beauty products you can't live without.  I try to keep my list pretty short, but one of my true Must Haves is Kiehl's Lip Balm #1. I have tubes in my big purse (aka diaper bag), going out purse, makeup drawer and next to my bed. Each night, I crawl into bed, grab the small tub next to my bed and apply a little bit of balm as the last thing I do before I fall asleep. It keeps my lips soft and smooth even during the cold, dry winters.  

Buying Tip: If you buy the balm through the Kiehl's website, you can get three complimentary samples of other Kiehl's products.  

Clean Shave: Schick Intuition Razor

Alright.  You got me.  I haven't shaved my legs since fall.  I blame the fact that I rarely get a full five minutes in the shower on any given morning.  However, spring is in the air, and I need to get back on the smooth legs bandwagon.  So...what's a busy mom to do?  Check out the Schick Intuition.  Last summer, when I had a brand new baby, a crazy active preschooler and no sleep, I managed to keep my legs reasonably hair free all summer long with this handy razor.  The Intuition by Schick is a three blade razor that includes a solid bar that lathers and moisturizers so you can skip the extra step involved in shaving cream when you are in a rush. It let me grab the razor and drag it hastily over my legs without having to worry about shaving cream.  

Buying Tip: This one thing that is probably best purchased at your local drugstore to save on shipping charges but can also be found at Drugstore.com (free shipping with first time orders over $25) or Walgreens.com ($5.49 shipping).  I found a great deal on refill blades at ShaveThis.com with free shipping.